Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a first core network device receiving a first data packet from an application server, wherein the first data packet comprises first time information; the first core network device determining a first transmission delay on the basis of the first time information, wherein the first transmission delay is a transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server; and the first core network device sending the first transmission delay to a second core network device or a fourth core network device, wherein the first core network device may be a user plane management function network element, and the fourth core network device may be an application function network element.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 12, 2023, with application number 202311705654.X and application name “A Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] In communications systems, transmission latency between user plane function (UPF) network elements and application servicers (ASs) affects service delivery performance. However, prior art lacks a technical solution for determining transmission latency between UPF network elements and ASs, which impacts end-to-end service delivery performance and leads to a poor service experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that can determine the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server, helping to ensure end-to-end service transmission performance. To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] In the first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a first core network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first core network device" in this application can refer to the first core network device itself, or a component in the first core network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first core network device. The following description is based on the example of the execution subject being the first core network device. The method includes:

[0006] The first core network device receives a first data packet from an application server, the first data packet including first time information. The first core network device determines a first transmission delay based on the first time information, where the first transmission delay is a transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. The first core network device sends the first transmission delay to a second core network device or a fourth core network device.

[0007] For example, the first core network device is a user plane management function network element, the second core network device is a session management function network element, and the fourth core network device is an application function network element.

[0008] That is, after receiving the first data packet from the application server, the first core network device can determine the first transmission delay based on the first time information carried in the first data packet. In this way, the first core network device can obtain the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0009] When the first core network device provides the first transmission delay to other core network devices, such as the second core network device, the other core network devices can adjust the quality of service QoS parameters based on the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device and the first transmission delay, such as adjusting parameters such as the packet delay budget (PDB) or the packet set delay budget (PSDB), thereby achieving end-to-end QoS control. That is to say, based on the communication method of the present application, in the process of performing end-to-end QoS guarantee, the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server can be referred to, so as to perform end-to-end service guarantee and improve the end-to-end service experience.

[0010] When the first core network device provides the first transmission delay to another core network device, such as the fourth core network device, this can be understood as enabling external access to the network state through the first core network device. In this way, the fourth core network device can dynamically adjust the application layer based on the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device and the first transmission delay, thereby providing end-to-end service assurance and improving the end-to-end service experience.

[0011] In one possible design, the first transmission delay is used for quality of service QoS parameter adjustment, and the QoS parameters to be adjusted include at least one of the following: a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device, or a data packet aggregate delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device.

[0012] In one possible design, the first transmission delay is used for selecting and rediscovering edge application servers. For example, an edge application server with a lower first transmission delay may be selected, or the first transmission delay is used to trigger the replacement or rediscovery of an edge application server when it is too large.

[0013] In one possible design, the first time information includes: the time when the application server sends the first data packet. The first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the first time information, including: the first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the following two times: the time when the application server sends the first data packet, and the time when the first core network device receives the first data packet.

[0014] In other words, the first transmission delay may refer to a downlink transmission delay from the application server to the first core network device. The first transmission delay is determined based on the sending and receiving times of the first data packet, so that the first core network device knows the downlink transmission delay from the application server to the first core network device.

[0015] In one possible design, before the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server, the method also includes: the first core network device sends a second data packet to the application server, and the second data packet includes the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet.

[0016] The first time information includes: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and the time when the application server receives the second data packet.

[0017] The first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the first time information, including: the first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the following two moments: the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and the moment when the application server receives the second data packet.

[0018] In other words, the first transmission delay may refer to an uplink transmission delay from the first core network device to the application server. The first transmission delay is determined based on the sending and receiving times of the second data packet, so that the first core network device knows the uplink transmission delay from the first core network device to the application server.

[0019] In one possible design, before the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server, the method also includes: the first core network device sends a second data packet to the application server, and the second data packet includes the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet.

[0020] The first time information includes: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, the time when the application server receives the second data packet, and the time when the application server sends the first data packet.

[0021] The first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the first time information, including: the first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the following four moments: the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and the moment when the application server receives the second data packet, and the moment when the application server sends the first data packet, and the moment when the first core network device receives the first data packet.

[0022] That is, the first transmission delay may refer to the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. The first transmission delay is determined based on the sending and receiving times of the first data packet and the sending and receiving times of the second data packet, so that the first core network device knows the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0023] In one possible design, before the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server, the method further includes: the first core network device receiving a third data packet from the terminal device, the third data packet including the time when the terminal device sent the third data packet. The first core network device sends the third data packet to the application server.

[0024] The first time information includes: the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet, and the time when the application server receives the third data packet.

[0025] The first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the first time information, including: when the first data packet and the third data packet include the same time, and the same time is the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet, the first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the following two times: the time when the first core network device sends the third data packet, and the time when the application server receives the third data packet.

[0026] That is, the first transmission delay may refer to an uplink transmission delay from the first core network device to the application server. The first transmission delay is determined based on the sending and receiving times of the third data packet, so that the first core network device knows the uplink transmission delay from the first core network device to the application server.

[0027] In one possible design, the first time information is carried in a Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) header or an RTP extension header of the first data packet. Alternatively, the first time information is carried in a Send Report (SR) field of a Real-time Transport Control Protocol (RTCP) of the first data packet.

[0028] In one possible design, the first time information is carried in a first protocol layer of the first data packet, wherein the first protocol layer is a protocol layer of a tunnel between the first core network device and the application server.

[0029] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first core network device receives first configuration information from the second core network device, and the first configuration information indicates the determination of the first transmission delay, so that the first core network device performs measurement of the first transmission delay, thereby determining the first transmission delay.

[0030] In one possible design, the first configuration information also indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method of the first transmission delay, or a measurement period of the first transmission delay, or a measurement trigger condition of the first transmission delay, or a sending period of the first transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition of the first transmission delay.

[0031] Among them, the measurement method of the first transmission delay can be understood as: determining the first transmission delay based on the first time information carried by the RTP header of the first data packet; or determining the first transmission delay based on the first time information carried by the RTP extended header of the first data packet; or determining the first transmission delay based on the first time information carried by the SR field of RTCP in the first data packet.

[0032] In one possible design, the first configuration information further indicates: an endpoint of the first tunnel and / or a triggering condition for establishing the first tunnel. The first tunnel is a tunnel between the first core network device and the application server.

[0033] The method also includes: the first core network device establishing the first tunnel according to the first configuration information, the first tunnel being used for measuring the first transmission delay, so that the first core network device performs transmission delay measurement through the first tunnel.

[0034] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a first core network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "first core network device" in this application can refer to the first core network device itself, or a component in the first core network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first core network device. The following description is made using the example of the execution subject being the first core network device. The method includes:

[0035] The first core network device receives a first data packet from an application server, the first data packet including second time information. The first core network device determines a second transmission delay based on the second time information, where the second transmission delay is the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server. The first core network device sends the second transmission delay to a second core network device, where the second transmission delay is used to determine the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0036] For example, the first core network device is a user plane management function network element, and the second core network device is a session management function network element.

[0037] That is, after receiving the first data packet from the application server, the first core network device can determine the second transmission delay based on the second time information carried in the first data packet. In this way, the first core network device can obtain the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server.

[0038] In the case where the first core network device provides the second transmission delay to other core network devices, such as the second core network device, the other core network devices can determine the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server based on the second transmission delay, and then adjust the quality of service QoS parameters based on the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server, and the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device, such as adjusting parameters such as the packet delay budget (PDB) or the packet set delay budget (PSDB). That is to say, based on the communication method of the present application, in the process of end-to-end QoS guarantee, the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server can be referred to, so as to perform end-to-end service guarantee and improve the end-to-end service experience.

[0039] In one possible design, the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server is used to adjust the quality of service QoS parameters, and the QoS parameters to be adjusted include at least one of the following: a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device, or a data packet aggregate delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device.

[0040] In one possible design, the first transmission delay is used for edge application server selection, rediscovery, etc. For example, an edge application server with a lower first transmission delay may be selected, or an excessively large first transmission delay may be used to trigger the replacement or rediscovery of an edge application server.

[0041] In one possible design, before the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server, the method further includes: the first core network device receiving a fourth data packet from the terminal device, the fourth data packet including the time when the terminal device sent the fourth data packet. The first core network device sends the fourth data packet to the application server.

[0042] The second time information includes: the time when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet, and the time when the application server receives the fourth data packet.

[0043] The first core network device determines the second transmission delay based on the second time information, including: the first core network device determines the second transmission delay based on the following two moments: the moment when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet, and the moment when the application server receives the fourth data packet.

[0044] That is, the second transmission delay is determined according to the sending time and the receiving time of the fourth data packet, thereby determining the uplink transmission delay from the terminal device to the application server.

[0045] In one possible design, the second time information is carried in a Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) extension header of the first data packet.

[0046] In one possible design, the method also includes: the first core network device receives second configuration information from the second core network device, and the second configuration information indicates the determination of the second transmission delay, so that the first core network device performs the measurement of the second transmission delay, thereby enabling the first core network device to determine the second transmission delay.

[0047] In one possible design, the second configuration information also indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method of the second transmission delay, or a measurement period of the second transmission delay, or a measurement trigger condition of the second transmission delay, or a sending period of the second transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition of the second transmission delay.

[0048] The method for measuring the second transmission delay may be understood as: determining the first transmission delay based on the first time information carried in the RTP extension header of the first data packet.

[0049] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a second core network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "second core network device" in this application can refer to the second core network device itself, or a component in the second core network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second core network device. The following description is made using the example of the execution subject being the second core network device. The method includes:

[0050] The second core network device obtains a first transmission delay, where the first transmission delay is a transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server, and sends the first transmission delay to a third core network device.

[0051] For example, the first core network device is a user plane management function network element, the second core network device is a session management function network element, and the third core network device is a policy control function network element.

[0052] That is, the second core network device can obtain the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0053] When the second core network device provides the first transmission delay to other core network devices, such as the third core network device, the other core network devices can adjust the quality of service (QoS) parameters based on the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device and the first transmission delay, such as adjusting parameters such as the packet delay budget (PDB) or the packet set delay budget (PSDB). That is to say, based on the communication method of the present application, in the process of performing end-to-end QoS guarantee, the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server can be referred to, thereby performing end-to-end service guarantee and improving the end-to-end service experience.

[0054] In one possible design, the method further includes: triggering, by the second core network device, selection or rediscovery of an edge application server based on the first transmission delay. For example, an edge application server with a lower first transmission delay may be selected, or excessive first transmission delay may trigger replacement or rediscovery of an edge application server.

[0055] In one possible design, the second core network device obtains the first transmission delay, including: the second core network device receives the first transmission delay from the first core network device. That is, the second core network device obtains the first transmission delay from the first core network device.

[0056] In one possible design, the second core network device obtains the first transmission delay, including: the second core network device receives the first transmission delay from a fourth core network device. That is, the second core network device obtains the first transmission delay from the fourth core network device. The fourth core network device is an application function network element or a network data analysis function network element.

[0057] In one possible design, the second core network device obtains the first transmission delay, including: the second core network device receives the second transmission delay from the first core network device or the fourth core network device, where the second transmission delay is the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server. The second core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the second transmission delay. For example, the second core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the second transmission delay and a third transmission delay, where the third transmission delay is the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device. The fourth core network device is an application function network element or a network data analysis function network element.

[0058] That is, the second core network device obtains the second transmission delay from the first core network device, and then determines the first transmission delay in combination with the second transmission delay.

[0059] In one possible design, the method also includes: the second core network device obtains adjusted QoS parameters, and the adjusted QoS parameters are determined based on the first transmission delay.

[0060] For example, the adjusted QoS parameters include parameters such as PDB or PSDB, thereby achieving dynamic QoS control.

[0061] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a third core network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "third core network device" in this application can refer to the third core network device itself, or a component in the third core network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third core network device. The following description is based on the example that the execution subject is the third core network device. The method includes:

[0062] The third core network device obtains a first transmission delay, where the first transmission delay is a transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0063] The third core network device adjusts a quality of service (QoS) parameter based on the first transmission delay, and / or the third core network device sends the first transmission delay to a fourth core network device. The QoS parameter includes at least one of the following: a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device; or a data packet aggregate delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device.

[0064] For example, the first core network device is a user plane management function network element, the third core network device is a policy control function network element, and the fourth core network device is an application function network element.

[0065] That is, the third core network device can obtain the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0066] The third core network device adjusts the quality of service (QoS) parameters based on the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device, as well as the first transmission delay, such as adjusting parameters such as the packet delay budget (PDB) or the packet set delay budget (PSDB), thereby achieving end-to-end QoS control. In other words, based on the communication method of the present application, in the process of performing end-to-end QoS assurance, the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server can be referred to, thereby performing end-to-end service assurance and improving the end-to-end service experience.

[0067] When the third core network device provides the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device, the third core network device can open the network status to the outside world. In this way, the fourth core network device can refer to the first transmission delay to perform dynamic application layer adjustments, thereby providing end-to-end service assurance and improving the end-to-end service experience.

[0068] In one possible design, the third core network device obtains the first transmission delay, including: the third core network device receives the first transmission delay from the second core network device.

[0069] For example, the second core network device is a session management function network element.

[0070] That is, the third core network device obtains the first transmission delay from the second core network device.

[0071] In one possible design, the method further includes: the third core network device receiving first indication information from the fourth core network device, the first indication information indicating determination of the first transmission delay. The third core network device determining first policy information based on the first indication information, the first policy information indicating determination of the first transmission delay. The third core network device sending the first policy information to the second core network device.

[0072] That is, the third core network device generates the first policy information based on the first indication information, so as to determine the first transmission delay through the first policy information indication.

[0073] In one possible design, the first policy information further indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method for the first transmission delay, a measurement period for the first transmission delay, a measurement trigger condition for the first transmission delay, a sending period for the first transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition for the first transmission delay. The first transmission delay is measured by the first core network device.

[0074] In one possible design, the first policy information further indicates: an endpoint of the first tunnel and / or a trigger condition for establishing the first tunnel. The first tunnel is a tunnel between the first core network device and the application server, and the first tunnel is used to measure the first transmission delay.

[0075] In one possible design, the third core network device obtains the first transmission delay, including: the third core network device receives a second transmission delay from a second core network device, where the second transmission delay is the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server. The third core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the second transmission delay and a third transmission delay, where the third transmission delay is the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device.

[0076] That is, the first transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. The first transmission delay is determined based on the second transmission delay and the third transmission delay, so that the third core network device knows the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0077] In one possible design, the method further includes: the third core network device receiving first indication information from a fourth core network device, the first indication information indicating determination of the first transmission delay. The third core network device determining second policy information based on the first indication information, the second policy information indicating determination of the third transmission delay. The third core network device sending the second policy information to the second core network device.

[0078] That is, the third core network device generates the second policy information based on the first indication information, so as to determine the third transmission delay through the indication of the second policy information.

[0079] In one possible design, the second strategy information also indicates determining the second transmission delay.

[0080] For example, the fourth core network device may provide the second transmission delay in the first indication information. Conversely, if the fourth core network device does not provide the second transmission delay, the second policy information further indicates determining the second transmission delay.

[0081] In one possible design, the second policy information further indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method for the second transmission delay, a measurement period for the second transmission delay, a measurement trigger condition for the second transmission delay, a sending period for the second transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition for the second transmission delay, wherein the second transmission delay is determined by the first core network device.

[0082] In one possible design, the first indication information further indicates that the first transmission delay is used for the QoS parameter adjustment. The third core network device adjusts the QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay, including: in response to the first indication information, the third core network device adjusts the QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay.

[0083] That is to say, when the first indication information indicates that the first transmission delay is used for the QoS parameter adjustment, the third core network device adjusts the QoS parameters based on the first transmission delay, thereby simplifying the processing complexity on the third core network device side.

[0084] In one possible design, the first indication information further indicates: feeding back the first transmission delay. The third core network device sends the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device, including: in response to the first indication information, the third core network device sends the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device.

[0085] That is to say, only when the first indication information indicates feedback of the first transmission delay, the third core network device sends the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device, thereby realizing the opening of the network status to the outside world.

[0086] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a fourth core network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "fourth core network device" in this application can refer to the fourth core network device itself, or a component in the fourth core network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the fourth core network device. Below, the execution subject is described as an example of the fourth core network device. The method includes:

[0087] The fourth core network device determines first indication information, where the first indication information indicates determining a first transmission delay, where the first transmission delay is a transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. The fourth core network device sends the first indication information to the third core network device.

[0088] For example, the first core network device is a user plane management function network element, the third core network device is a policy control function network element, and the fourth core network device is an application function network element.

[0089] That is to say, the fourth core network device can generate the first indication information and determine the first transmission delay through the indication of the first indication information. When other core network devices, such as the third core network device, obtain the first indication information, different strategies can be generated based on the first indication information to achieve the determination of the first transmission delay. In this way, in the process of end-to-end QoS guarantee, the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server can be referred to, so as to perform end-to-end service guarantee and improve the end-to-end service experience.

[0090] In one possible design, the first transmission delay is used for quality of service QoS parameter adjustment, and the QoS parameters to be adjusted include at least one of the following: a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device, or a data packet aggregate delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device.

[0091] In one possible design, the first indication information also indicates: the first transmission delay is used for the QoS parameter adjustment, so that the third core network device adjusts the QoS parameters based on the first transmission delay, thereby performing end-to-end service guarantee and improving the end-to-end service experience.

[0092] In one possible design, the first indication information further indicates: feeding back the first transmission delay. The method further includes: the fourth core network device receiving the first transmission delay from the first core network device or the third core network device.

[0093] In other words, the fourth core network device can obtain the first transmission delay and realize the openness of the network state. In this way, the fourth core network device can dynamically adjust the application layer based on the first transmission delay, thereby providing end-to-end service assurance and improving the end-to-end service experience.

[0094] In one possible design, the method further includes: triggering, by the fourth core network device, selection or rediscovery of an edge application server based on the first transmission delay. For example, an edge application server with a lower first transmission delay may be selected, or excessive first transmission delay may trigger replacement or rediscovery of the edge application server.

[0095] In one possible design, the first indication information also indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method of the first transmission delay, or a measurement period of the first transmission delay, or a measurement trigger condition of the first transmission delay, or a sending period of the first transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition of the first transmission delay.

[0096] In one possible design, the first indication information further indicates: the endpoint of the first tunnel and / or the triggering condition for establishing the first tunnel. The first tunnel is a tunnel between the first core network device and the application server, and the first tunnel is used to measure the first transmission delay.

[0097] That is, the fourth core network device can generate the first indication information and indicate the endpoint of the first tunnel or the establishment trigger condition through the first indication information. When other core network devices, such as the third core network device, obtain the first indication information, they can generate different policies based on the first indication information to achieve the establishment of the first tunnel.

[0098] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by an application server. Unless otherwise specified, the "application server" in this application can refer to the application server itself, or a component in the application server (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the application server functions. The following description is based on the example of the execution subject being the application server. The method includes:

[0099] The application server determines a first data packet, the first data packet including first time information, the first time information being used to determine a first transmission delay, the first transmission delay being a transmission delay between a first core network device and the application server, and the application server sends the first data packet to the first core network device.

[0100] For example, the first core network device is a user plane management function network element.

[0101] That is, after the application server sends the first data packet to the first core network device, the first core network device can determine the first transmission delay based on the first time information carried in the first data packet. In this way, the first core network device can obtain the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0102] When the first core network device provides the first transmission delay to other core network devices, other core network devices can adjust the quality of service QoS parameters based on the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device and the first transmission delay, thereby realizing end-to-end QoS control, thereby providing end-to-end service assurance and improving end-to-end service experience.

[0103] In one possible design, the first transmission delay is used for quality of service QoS parameter adjustment, and the QoS parameters to be adjusted include at least one of the following: a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device, or a data packet aggregate delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device.

[0104] In one possible design, the first time information includes: the moment when the application server sends the first data packet.

[0105] In this way, the first core network device can determine the first transmission delay based on two moments, namely, the moment when the application server sends the first data packet, and the moment when the first core network device receives the first data packet.

[0106] In one possible design, before the application server determines the first data packet, the method also includes: the application server receives a second data packet from the first core network device, and the second data packet includes the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet.

[0107] The first time information includes: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and the time when the application server receives the second data packet.

[0108] In this way, the first core network device can determine the first transmission delay based on two moments, namely, the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and the moment when the application server receives the second data packet.

[0109] In one possible design, before the application server determines the first data packet, the method also includes: the application server receives a second data packet from the first core network device, and the second data packet includes the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet.

[0110] The first time information includes: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, the time when the application server receives the second data packet, and the time when the application server sends the first data packet.

[0111] In this way, the first core network device can determine the first transmission delay based on four moments, namely, the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet, the moment when the application server receives the second data packet, the moment when the application server sends the first data packet, and the moment when the first core network device receives the first data packet.

[0112] In one possible design, before the application server determines the first data packet, the method further includes: the application server receives a third data packet from the terminal device through the first core network device, and the third data packet includes the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet.

[0113] The first time information includes: the time when the application server receives the third data packet, and the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet.

[0114] In this way, the first core network device can determine the first transmission delay based on two moments, namely, the moment when the first core network device sends the third data packet, and the moment when the application server receives the third data packet.

[0115] In a possible design, the first time information is carried in a real-time transport protocol RTP header or an RTP extension header of the first data packet.

[0116] In one possible design, the first time information is carried in a sending report SR field of a real-time transport control protocol RTCP of the first data packet.

[0117] In one possible design, the first time information is carried in a first protocol layer of the first data packet, wherein the first protocol layer is a protocol layer of a tunnel between the first core network device and the application server.

[0118] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by an application server. Unless otherwise specified, the "application server" in this application can refer to the application server itself, or a component in the application server (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the application server functions. The following description is based on the example of the execution subject being the application server. The method includes:

[0119] The application server determines a first data packet, the first data packet including second time information, the first time information being used to determine a second transmission delay, the second transmission delay being a transmission delay between a terminal device and the application server, and the second transmission delay being used to determine a transmission delay between a first core network device and the application server. The application server sends the first data packet to the first core network device.

[0120] That is, after the application server sends the first data packet to the first core network device, the first core network device can determine the second transmission delay based on the second time information carried in the first data packet. In this way, the first core network device can obtain the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server.

[0121] When the first core network device provides the second transmission delay to other core network devices, the other core network devices can determine the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server based on the second transmission delay, and then adjust the quality of service QoS parameters based on the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device, and the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server to achieve end-to-end QoS control, thereby performing end-to-end service assurance and improving end-to-end service experience.

[0122] In one possible design, the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server is used to adjust the quality of service QoS parameters, and the QoS parameters to be adjusted include at least one of the following: a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device, or a data packet aggregate delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device.

[0123] In one possible design, before the application server determines the first data packet, the method further includes: the application server receives a fourth data packet from the terminal device through the first core network device, and the fourth data packet includes the time when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet.

[0124] The second time information includes: the time when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet, and the time when the application server receives the fourth data packet.

[0125] In this way, the first core network device can determine the second transmission delay based on two moments, namely, the moment when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet, and the moment when the application server receives the fourth data packet.

[0126] In one possible design, the second time information is carried in a Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) extension header of the first data packet.

[0127] In an eighth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a fifth core network device. Unless otherwise specified, the "fifth core network device" in this application can refer to the fifth core network device itself, or a component in the fifth core network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the fifth core network device. The following description is based on the example that the execution subject is the fifth core network device. The method includes:

[0128] The fifth core network device receives a subscription request from a third core network device, the subscription request being used to request an estimated value of a first transmission delay, where the estimated value of the first transmission delay indicates an estimated transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. The fifth core network device obtains a historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, where the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay indicates the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server during a historical period. The fifth core network device determines an estimated value of the first transmission delay based on the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay. The fifth core network device sends the estimated value of the first transmission delay to the third core network device.

[0129] The estimated value of the first transmission delay may be understood as an estimated value of the first transmission delay at the current moment or in a future time period.

[0130] For example, the first core network device is a user plane management function network element, the third core network device is a policy control function network element or a session management network element, and the fifth core network device is a network data analysis function network element.

[0131] That is to say, the fifth core network device can respond to the subscription request and perform data analysis based on the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, so as to obtain the estimated transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server, that is, the estimated value of the first transmission delay.

[0132] When the fifth core network device provides the estimated value of the first transmission delay to other core network devices, such as the third core network device, the third core network device adjusts the quality of service (QoS) parameters based on the estimated value of the first transmission delay, such as adjusting parameters such as the packet delay budget (PDB) or the packet set delay budget (PSDB), thereby achieving end-to-end QoS control. In other words, based on the communication method of the present application, during the end-to-end QoS guarantee process, the estimated value of the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server can be referenced to perform end-to-end service guarantee and improve the end-to-end service experience.

[0133] In one possible design, the fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, including: the fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay from the fourth core network device or the first core network device.

[0134] That is to say, the fifth core network device can obtain the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay from the fourth core network device or the first core network device, thereby providing a basis for data analysis for the fifth core network device.

[0135] In one possible design, the fifth core network device obtains a historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, including: the fifth core network device obtains a historical measurement value of the second transmission delay, where the historical measurement value of the second transmission delay is the transmission delay measured between the terminal device and the application server during the historical period. The fifth core network device obtains a historical measurement value of the third transmission delay, where the historical measurement value of the third transmission delay is the transmission delay measured between the terminal device and the first core network device during the historical period. The fifth core network device determines the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay based on the historical measurement value of the second transmission delay and the historical measurement value of the third transmission delay.

[0136] That is, the first transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. The historical measurement value of the first transmission delay is determined based on the historical measurement value of the second transmission delay and the historical measurement value of the third transmission delay, so that the fifth core network device knows the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server during the historical period.

[0137] In one possible design, the fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the second transmission delay, including: the fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the second transmission delay from the fourth core network device, so that the fifth core network device side determines the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay based on the historical measurement value of the second transmission delay.

[0138] In one possible design, the fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the third transmission delay, including: the fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the third transmission delay from the third core network device, so that the fifth core network device side determines the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay based on the historical measurement value of the third transmission delay.

[0139] In one possible design, the subscription request includes at least one of the following:

[0140] The first item is an identifier of a first terminal device, and the first terminal device transmits data to the application server via the first core network device. In other words, the subscription request is used to subscribe to the estimated value of the first transmission delay for the first terminal device.

[0141] The second item is an identifier of a first terminal device group, each terminal device in the first terminal device group transmits data to the application server via the first core network device. In other words, the subscription request is used to subscribe to the estimated value of the first transmission delay for the first terminal device group.

[0142] The third item is an identifier of the first service, wherein the first transmission delay is the transmission delay of the first service between the first core network device and the application server. In other words, the subscription request is used to subscribe to an estimated value of the first transmission delay for the first service.

[0143] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation methods. The modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0144] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module may be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0145] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a sending module and / or a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation methods.

[0146] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory being coupled, the memory storing program instructions, and when the program instructions stored in the memory are executed by the processor, the communication device executes a method as in any one of the above aspects or any possible design of any one of the aspects.

[0147] In an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction so that the communication device executes the method described in any one of the aspects.

[0148] Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, which may be coupled to the processor, or may exist independently of the processor, for example, the memory and the processor are two independent modules. The memory may be located outside the communication device or inside the communication device.

[0149] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a communication device, the communication device can execute the method described in any one of the aspects.

[0150] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the communication device to execute the method described in any one of the aspects.

[0151] The communication device provided in any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects may be the first core network device in the first or second aspect, or a component in the first core network device, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be the second core network device in the third aspect, or a component in the second core network device, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be the third core network device in the fourth aspect, or a component in the third core network device, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be the fourth core network device in the fifth aspect, or a component in the fourth core network device, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be the application server in the sixth or seventh aspect, or a component in the application server, such as a chip or a chip system; or, the communication device may be the fifth core network device in the eighth aspect, or a component in the fifth core network device, such as a chip or a chip system. Wherein, when the device is a chip system, it may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0152] It can be understood that when the communication device provided in any one of aspects 9 to 13 is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as output information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as input information.

[0153] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any design method in aspects 9 to 13 can refer to the technical effects brought about by different design methods in aspects 1 to 8, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0154] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system used in an embodiment of the present application.

[0155] FIG2 a is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system used in an embodiment of the present application.

[0156] FIG2b is a user plane protocol provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0157] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a QoS guarantee mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0158] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of another QoS guarantee mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0159] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0160] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a header structure of a data packet provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0161] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the header structure of another data packet provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0162] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the header structure of another data packet provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0163] FIG9 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0164] FIG10 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0165] FIG11 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0166] FIG12 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0167] FIG13 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0168] FIG14 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0169] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0170] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0171] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0172] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0173] Throughout this application, the term "system" and "network" are interchangeable. This application presents various aspects, embodiments, or features centered around a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, and the like. It should be understood that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, and the like, and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, and the like discussed in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0174] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as an "example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0175] In the embodiments of the present application, “of”, “corresponding”, “relevant” and “corresponding” may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to express are consistent.

[0176] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0177] The embodiment of the present application can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 1. The communication system can be a communication system that supports fourth generation (4G) access technology, such as long term evolution (LTE) access technology; or, the communication system can also be a communication system that supports fifth generation (5G) access technology, such as new radio (NR) access technology; or, the communication system can also be a communication system that supports multiple wireless technologies, such as a communication system that supports LTE access technology and NR access technology. In addition, the communication system can also be applicable to future-oriented communication technologies.

[0178] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes terminal devices and network devices. The network devices include access network (AN) devices and core network (CN) devices. The access network devices can also be replaced with radio access network (RAN) devices.

[0179] The terminal device accesses the core network via an access network device or a radio access network device. The terminal device includes a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user. Specifically, it includes a device that provides voice to the user, a device that provides data connectivity to the user, or a device that provides both voice and data connectivity to the user. For example, it may include a handheld device with wireless connectivity or a processing device connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device can communicate with the core network via the radio access network, exchange voice or data with the RAN, or exchange voice and data with the RAN. The terminal device may include user equipment (UE), wireless terminal device, mobile terminal device, device-to-device (D2D) terminal device, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) terminal device, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal device, Internet of Things (IoT) terminal device, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, etc. For example, it may include a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), a computer with a mobile terminal device, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, or computer-built-in mobile device, etc. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Also included are limited devices, such as those with low power consumption, limited storage capacity, or limited computing power. Examples include information sensing devices such as barcode scanners, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning systems (GPS), and laser scanners.

[0180] The various terminal devices introduced above, if located on a vehicle (eg, placed in or installed in a vehicle), can be considered as vehicle-mounted terminal devices, which are also called on-board units (OBUs).

[0181] In the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may further include a relay. Alternatively, it can be understood that anything that can communicate data with a base station can be considered a terminal device.

[0182] In the embodiments of the present application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the terminal device may be the terminal device, or may be an apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, which may be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the terminal device is described as an example of a terminal device.

[0183] The access network device can be a device that connects a terminal device to a wireless network. The access network device in the embodiment of the present application may include various forms of base stations, for example, a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a relay station, an access point, a transmitting point (TP), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G communication system, a device that implements base station functions in a communication system evolved after 5G, a mobile switching center, and a device that assumes base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications; it can also be an access network device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, that is, it can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or satellite; it can also be a module or unit that completes part of the functions of a base station, for example, it can be a centralized unit (CU) in a cloud radio access network (C-RAN) system, or it can be a distributed unit (DU). The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the access network device. All or part of the functions of the access network device may also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the access network device refers to the RAN device.

[0184] The different core network devices of the core network are introduced as follows:

[0185] User plane function network element: This element is used for packet routing and forwarding, as well as quality of service (QoS) processing for user plane data. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the user plane function network element may be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane function network element may still be a UPF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0186] Data network (DN) element: A network used to provide data transmission. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the data network can be a DN. In future communication systems, the data network can still be a DN, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0187] Authentication service network element: used for authentication services, generating keys to achieve two-way authentication of terminal devices, and supporting a unified authentication framework. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the authentication service network element can be an authentication server function (AUSF) network element. In future communication systems, the authentication server function network element can still be an AUSF network element, or it can have other names, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0188] Access and mobility management network element: used for mobility management and access management, etc., and can be used to implement other functions of the mobility management entity (MME) in addition to session management, such as lawful interception and access authorization / authentication. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the access and mobility management network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the access and mobility management network element can still be an AMF network element, or it can have other names, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0189] Session management network element: This element is primarily used for session management, allocation and management of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for terminal devices, selection of endpoints for manageable user plane functions, policy control, and charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the session management network element may be a session management function (SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the session management network element may still be an SMF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0190] Service communication function network element: used to provide communication selection between network function (NF) network elements. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the service communication function network element can be a service communication function (SCP) network element. In future communication systems, the service communication function network element can still be an SCP network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0191] The network data analysis function network element is used for network data analysis functions and provides network data collection and analysis services based on technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the network data analysis function network element can be a network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element. In future communication systems, the network data analysis function network element can still be an NWDAF network element, or it can have other names, such as network analysis network element or network analysis function network element, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0192] Network capability exposure function network element: used to provide network customization functions and / or to securely open up services and capabilities provided by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network function to the outside world. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the network capability exposure function network element may be a network capability exposure function (NEF) network element. In future communication systems, the network capability exposure function network element may still be an NEF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0193] Network storage network element: used to maintain real-time information of all network function services in the network. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the network storage network element can be a network repository function (NRF) network element. In future communication systems, the network storage network element can still be an NRF network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0194] Policy control network element: a unified policy framework for guiding network behavior, providing policy rule information for control plane network elements (such as AMF network elements, SMF network elements, etc.). In a 4G communication system, the policy control network element may be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the policy control network element may be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In future communication systems, the policy control network element may still be a PCF network element, or it may have other names, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0195] Data management network element: This element is used to process terminal device identification, access authentication, registration, and mobility management. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In future communication systems, the data management network element can still be a UDM network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0196] Application function network element: used for data routing affected by applications, accessing network open function network elements, and interacting with the policy framework for policy control. As shown in Figure 2a, in a 5G communication system, the application network element can be an application function (AF) network element. In future communication systems, the application network element can still be an AF network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0197] Referring to Figure 2a, a terminal device accesses the 5G network through an (R)AN device. The terminal device communicates with the AMF network element through the N1 interface (N1 for short); the (R)AN device communicates with the AMF network element through the N2 interface (N2 for short); the (R)AN device communicates with the UPF network element through the N3 interface (N3 for short); the SMF network element communicates with the UPF network element through the N4 interface (N4 for short); the UPF network element accesses the DN through the N6 interface (N6 for short); and different UPF network elements communicate with each other through the N9 interface (N9 for short). In the architecture shown in Figure 2a, N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, and N9 represent reference points between related network elements / network functions. (R)AN devices refer to AN devices or RAN devices.

[0198] In addition, the control plane functions such as the AUSF network element, AMF network element, SMF network element, NWDAF network element, NEF network element, NRF network element, PCF network element, UDM network element or AF network element shown in Figure 2a use service-based interfaces for interaction. For example, the service-based interface provided by the AUSF network element to the outside is Nausf; the service-based interface provided by the AMF network element to the outside is Namf; the service-based interface provided by the SMF network element to the outside is Nsmf; the service-based interface provided by the NWDAF network element to the outside is Nnwdaf; the service-based interface provided by the NEF network element to the outside is Nnef; the service-based interface provided by the NRF network element to the outside is Nnrf; the service-based interface provided by the PCF network element to the outside is Npcf; the service-based interface provided by the UDM network element to the outside is Nudm; and the service-based interface provided by the AF network element to the outside is Naf. For relevant function descriptions and interface descriptions, please refer to the 5G system architecture diagram in the 23501 standard, which will not be repeated here.

[0199] Optionally, each of the above-mentioned core network devices can be implemented by a single device, or by multiple devices, or as a functional module within a single device, and this is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. It is understood that the above-mentioned functional modules can be network elements in hardware devices, software functional modules running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functional modules instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0200] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the term "network element" can be replaced with "entity", "device", etc. For example, "AMF network element" can also be written as "AMF entity" or "AMF device", and "SMF network element" can also be written as "SMF entity" or "SMF device", etc. In addition, in some embodiments, for the convenience of description, "XXX network element" is abbreviated as "XXX", for example, "AUSF network element" can also be abbreviated as "AUSF", and "SMF network element" can also be abbreviated as "SMF". In the embodiments of the present application, XXX network element is used as an example for introduction, and a unified explanation is given here, which will not be repeated below.

[0201] FIG2 b shows a user plane protocol model from a terminal device to an application server.

[0202] In this protocol model, from top to bottom, it includes the application layer, transport layer, network layer (also known as IP layer), link layer, and physical (PHY) layer.

[0203] In Figure 2b, the connection for sending and receiving data is located in the transport layer, which is the end-to-end protocol layer from the terminal device to the application server. The relevant protocols of the transport layer include the Quick User Datagram Protocol Internet Connection (QUIC) protocol and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), or the relevant protocols of the transport layer include the UDP protocol, or the relevant protocols of the transport layer include the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), etc.

[0204] It is easy to understand that in some protocol division models, the QUIC protocol is divided into an application layer protocol rather than a transport layer protocol.

[0205] Below the network layer, several different 3GPP network protocol stacks connect from the terminal device to the access network device, and from the access network device to the user plane functional network element. Specifically, the 3GPP network protocol stack between the terminal device and the access device includes the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and lower protocol layers, including the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer. The 3GPP network protocol stack between the access network device and the user plane functional network element includes the general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) layer and lower protocol layers, including the user datagram protocol (UDP) layer / internet protocol (IP) layer, layer 2 (L2), and layer 1 (L1). Among them, access network equipment and user plane functional network elements belong to the 3GPP network.

[0206] The GTP-U layer includes the GTP-U tunnel. The GTP-U tunnel is the connection tunnel between the access network device and the user plane functional network element (such as the 5G-AN device and UPF network element in Figure 2b). Data from / to the terminal device is added to the GTP-U tunnel for transmission. The GTP-U tunnel is PDU-session granular, meaning that for each PDU session, a GTP-U tunnel is established between the access network device and the user plane functional network element.

[0207] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly describes the terms used in the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that these descriptions are only for facilitating understanding of the embodiments of the present application and should not constitute any limitation on the present application.

[0208] 1. Service Data Flow (SDF)

[0209] Typically, the service flow description information can be an SDF template. That is, the service data flow is detected using the SDF template to determine which data belongs to the current SDF. Specifically, the service flow description information can include information such as the IP quintuple or triplet of the service flow, such as the source IP address, source port number, destination IP address, or destination port number.

[0210] 2. Quality of service flow (QoS flow)

[0211] In fifth-generation access technology (5GS) communication systems, when a terminal device has service communication needs, a protocol data unit (PDU) session is established. The QoS flow that carries the service flow in the PDU session is the QoS flow. For example, a PDU session can include one or more QoS flows, each of which is used to carry a service flow.

[0212] Specifically, the terminal device obtains the IP address through PDU session establishment to interact with the external application server to achieve business communication, and 5GS maps the corresponding business data flow to different QoS flows based on business flow description information, such as SDF template, and performs corresponding QoS processing.

[0213] 3. GTP-U tunnel

[0214] During the PDU session establishment process, the connection tunnel between the RAN device and the UPF network element includes a GTP-U tunnel, that is, the data from / sent to the terminal device side is added to the tunnel for transmission. The GTP-U tunnel is PDU session granularity, that is, each PDU session will establish a GTP-U tunnel between the RAN device and the UPF network element.

[0215] 4. QoS flow identifier (QFI)

[0216] QFI is a unique identifier for different QoS flows within a PDU session. A QFI is used to identify a QoS flow in a PDU session.

[0217] 5. Bearer

[0218] A bearer is a wireless connection resource established between a RAN device and a terminal device to represent different service qualities. A bearer between a terminal device and a RAN device can contain multiple QoS flows.

[0219] 6. QoS monitoring

[0220] To assist ultra-low-latency, high-reliability communication (uRLLC) services, 3GPP defines QoS monitoring features to implement packet-level latency measurement. The packet transmission delay between the terminal device and the PDU session anchor (PSA) UPF network element is the result of QoS monitoring. This transmission delay includes the delay between the terminal device and the RAN device on the air interface side and the transmission delay on the N3 link between the RAN device and the UPF network element. For the core network side, the measurement of the uplink packet (or downlink packet) transmission delay between the RAN device and the UPF network element can be performed at different granularities, such as transmission delay measurement based on the granularity of a single QoS flow of a certain terminal device, or transmission delay measurement based on the granularity of a GTP-U tunnel. The specific granularity used depends on the operator's policy, third-party application requests, or policy and charging control (PCC) rules.

[0221] Specifically, taking the QoS flow granularity as an example, the SMF network element activates the uplink (or downlink) transmission delay measurement for a certain QoS flow during the PDU session establishment or PDU session modification process. The SMF network element sends a QoS monitoring request to the RAN device and the UPF network element. The QoS monitoring request includes QoS monitoring parameters. The N3 link data packet delay measurement between the RAN device and the UPF network element is achieved by adding timestamps and QoS monitoring indications in GTP-U. The PSA UPF network element reports the measurement results to the SMF network element based on the QoS monitoring request sent by the SMF network element. Only when the reporting threshold conditions are met will the PSA UPF network element report the measurement results to the SMF network element.

[0222] 7. Openness of online information

[0223] Network information indicates network status. For example, network information includes transmission delay, such as the transmission delay between the terminal device and the UPF network element. Specifically, this can be uplink transmission delay, downlink transmission delay, or uplink and downlink loopback transmission delay. Furthermore, this network information can also refer to network-side congestion information, such as the congestion status between the RAN equipment and the terminal device.

[0224] Open network information can be understood as providing network information to third-party applications.

[0225] In standards research, application-layer awareness of network conditions, or the disclosure of network information to the application side, is a key issue awaiting urgent study. For example, the application layer can perceive network status in real time and adjust parameters accordingly to ensure user experience and maximize network utilization. However, traditional latency measurements (such as the transmission delay between terminal devices and UPF network elements) no longer meet the needs of the application layer. Therefore, exposing more information is a key issue.

[0226] Accordingly, network information can be exposed to third-party applications through the control plane capability exposure interface. For example, it can be exposed to third-party applications directly through the UPF service interface through the NEF network element, or the UPF network element sends network information to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element exposes the network information to third-party applications through the NEF network element.

[0227] It should be pointed out that due to the security risks of RAN equipment itself, network information is generally not directly opened to the outside world by RAN equipment. The RAN equipment is required to first inform the core network equipment, such as the UPF network element, of the monitored network information, which is then opened to the outside world by the UPF network element.

[0228] Alternatively, network information can be exposed to third-party applications via the user plane, for example by adding the network information to a data packet and sending it along the path to the terminal device or application server.

[0229] However, in related technologies, network information measurement and disclosure is limited to 3GPP-specific information, such as latency, transmission rate, and congestion, without considering the QoS of the N6 transmission path. The N6 interface refers to the interface through which the UPF network element accesses the DN (see Figure 2a for details). The N6 transmission path refers to the transmission path between the UPF network element and the application server. The latency of the N6 transmission path can be understood as the transmission delay between the UPF network element and the application server.

[0230] Taking Figure 3 as an example, in end-to-end QoS assurance, most companies only consider the transmission delay between the terminal device and the UPF network element, while ignoring the delay of the N6 transmission path, which affects the end-to-end service experience.

[0231] In summary, how to determine the transmission delay between the UPF network element and the application server is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0232] In view of this, the present application provides the following communication method, which can be applied to the system shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 a .

[0233] A communication method according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a first core network device receiving a first data packet from an application server, the first data packet including first time information; the first core network device determining a first transmission delay based on the first time information, the first transmission delay being the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server; and the first core network device sending the first transmission delay to a second core network device or a fourth core network device.

[0234] Among them, the first time information can be in various forms. For example, the first time information can be: the moment when the application server sends the first data packet. For another example, the first time information includes the following two items of information: the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and the moment when the application server receives the second data packet. For another example, the first time information includes the following three items of information: the moment when the first core network device sends the second data packet, the moment when the application server receives the second data packet, and the moment when the application server sends the first data packet. For another example, the first time information includes the following two items of information: the moment when the terminal device sends the third data packet, and the moment when the application server receives the third data packet. The first time information, the second data packet and the third data packet can be found in the introduction of S507 in detail and will not be elaborated on for now.

[0235] That is, after receiving the first data packet from the application server, the first core network device can determine the first transmission delay based on the first time information carried in the first data packet. In this way, the first core network device can obtain the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0236] In the case where the first core network device provides the first transmission delay to other core network devices (such as the second core network device), the other core network devices can adjust QoS parameters based on the terminal device, the first core network device and the first transmission delay, such as adjusting parameters such as the packet delay budget (PDB) or the packet set delay budget (PSDB). That is to say, as shown in FIG4 , based on the communication method of the present application, in the process of end-to-end QoS guarantee, both the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device and the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server can be referred to, thereby performing end-to-end service guarantee and improving the end-to-end service experience.

[0237] When a first core network device provides a first transmission delay to another core network device, such as a fourth core network device, this can be understood as making the network state publicly accessible through the first core network device. This allows the fourth core network device to dynamically adjust the application layer based on the first transmission delay, thereby ensuring end-to-end service and improving the end-to-end service experience.

[0238] It should be understood that the names of messages between devices or the names of parameters in messages in the following embodiments of the present application are only examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. A unified explanation is given here and no further details are given below.

[0239] The communication method proposed in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to FIG5 . The communication method 500 proposed in the embodiment of the present application includes the following operations:

[0240] S501. Optionally, the fourth core network device determines first indication information.

[0241] The fourth core network device may be an application function network element. Taking a 5G communication system as an example, the fourth core network device is an AF network element.

[0242] The first instruction information is described as follows:

[0243] The first indication information indicates determining a first transmission delay. The first transmission delay is the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. Taking the first core network device as a user plane function network element (e.g., a UPF network element) as an example, the first transmission delay can be understood as the delay of the N6 transmission path, which can be recorded as the N6 delay.

[0244] Optionally, the first transmission delay can be recorded as N6 UL latency, that is, the uplink transmission delay from the first core network device to the application server. Alternatively, the first transmission delay can be recorded as N6 DL latency, that is, the downlink transmission delay from the application server to the first core network device.

[0245] Optionally, the first indication information further indicates that the first transmission delay is used for QoS parameter adjustment. The QoS parameter to be adjusted includes at least one of the following:

[0246] The first item is a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device, such as a PDB, so as to achieve dynamic QoS control at the PDU granularity. Optionally, the PDB can be a UL PDB or a DL PDB.

[0247] The second item is to calculate the delay budget of the data packets between the terminal device and the first core network device, such as PSDB, so as to realize dynamic QoS control at the PDU Set granularity. Optionally, the PSDB can be UL PSDB or DL ​​PSDB.

[0248] In this application, QoS parameter adjustment is performed based on the first transmission delay. Please refer to the introduction of S511 and will not be described in detail for now.

[0249] Optionally, the first indication information further indicates at least one of the following:

[0250] The first item is the measurement method of the first transmission delay.

[0251] For example, the first indication information indicates a measurement method of determining a first transmission delay based on a real-time transport protocol (RTP) header. This can be understood as determining the first transmission delay based on first time information carried in the RTP header of a downlink data packet (e.g., the first data packet described below). For details, see the description of S507 and S508, which are not further described here.

[0252] Alternatively, the measurement method indicated by the first indication information is: determining the first transmission delay based on a feedback report of the real-time transport control protocol (RTCP). It can be understood that the first transmission delay is determined by the first time information carried in the RTCP feedback report in the downlink data packet (such as the first data packet described below). For details, please refer to the introduction of S507 and S508, which will not be described here. Optionally, when the measurement method indicated by the first indication information is based on the RTCP feedback report, the first indication information will also indicate a method for monitoring the uplink RTCP feedback report, such as informing the data type (Packet Type) of the RTCP feedback report.

[0253] Alternatively, the measurement method indicated by the first indication information is: determining the first transmission delay based on the RTP extension header. This can be understood as determining the first transmission delay based on the first time information carried in the RTP extension header of the downlink data packet (such as the first data packet described below).

[0254] For another example, the measurement method indicated by the first indication information is: determining the first transmission delay based on the first tunnel. The first tunnel is a tunnel between the first core network device and the application server, such as the N6 tunnel. This measurement method can be understood as determining the first transmission delay through the first time information carried by the first protocol layer of the downlink data packet (such as the first data packet described below). The first protocol layer is the protocol layer corresponding to the first tunnel. The first indication information will also include information required for establishing the first tunnel, such as the endpoint information of the first tunnel and / or the triggering condition for establishing the first tunnel.

[0255] The second item is the measurement period of the first transmission delay. For example, the measurement period is 10ms.

[0256] The third item is the measurement trigger condition of the first transmission delay.

[0257] The fourth item is the sending period or reporting period of the first transmission delay. For example, the measurement period is 10ms.

[0258] The fifth item is a triggering condition for sending the first transmission delay. For example, if the change in the first transmission delay exceeds a certain threshold, the reporting of the first transmission delay is triggered.

[0259] Optionally, the first indication information further indicates the endpoint of the first tunnel. For example, the first indication information indicates the tunnel endpoint identifier of the first tunnel on the application server side, such as the IP address or tunnel protocol of the application server side. When the first indication information indicates a measurement method for the first delay, and the measurement method is to determine the first transmission delay based on the first tunnel, the first indication information also indicates information required for establishing the first tunnel, namely, the endpoint of the first tunnel. The endpoint of the first tunnel is used for establishing the first tunnel.

[0260] Optionally, the first indication information further indicates the triggering conditions for establishing the first tunnel. For example, the first tunnel is established for the first service flow, i.e., detection of the first service flow triggers the creation of the first tunnel. In this case, the first indication information indicates the service identifier, IP five-tuple identifier, or triplet identifier of the first service flow. When the first indication information indicates the endpoint of the first tunnel, the first indication information also indicates the triggering conditions for establishing the first tunnel.

[0261] Optionally, the first indication information further indicates: feedback of the first transmission delay, such as for indicating that the fourth core network device opens the first transmission delay. Furthermore, the first indication information also includes endpoint information of the fourth core network device, and the endpoint information is used to send the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device. In this case, the communication method of the embodiment of the present application also includes S512 or S513, which will not be described in detail.

[0262] It should be noted that S501 is an optional step. For example, if the fourth core network device triggers the determination of the first transmission delay, the fourth core network device executes S501. For another example, if a core network device other than the fourth core network device triggers the determination of the first transmission delay, the fourth core network device does not execute S501.

[0263] For the fourth core network device, after determining the first indication information, the fourth core network device executes S502:

[0264] S502: Optionally, the fourth core network device sends first indication information to the third core network device. Correspondingly, the third core network device receives the first indication information from the fourth core network device.

[0265] The first indication information can be found in the introduction of S501 and will not be described in detail.

[0266] The third core network device may be a policy control network element. Taking a 5G communication system as an example, the third core network device is a PCF network element.

[0267] Exemplarily, the first indication information is included in an AF request. Specifically, the AF network element may send the first indication information to the PCF network element via the NEF network element.

[0268] It should be noted that S502 is an optional step. For example, the first indication information may be pre-configured on the third core network device side. In this case, S502 is not executed. The pre-configuration is configured by the operator itself or based on negotiation between the operator and the third-party application.

[0269] For the third core network device, after obtaining the first indication information, the third core network device executes S503:

[0270] S503. Optionally, the third core network device determines the first policy information according to the first indication information.

[0271] The first policy information is introduced as follows:

[0272] The first strategy information indicates determining a first transmission delay. For details about the first transmission delay, please refer to the introduction of S501 and will not be described in detail.

[0273] Optionally, the first strategy information also indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method for the first transmission delay, or a measurement period for the first transmission delay, or a measurement trigger condition for the first transmission delay, or a sending period for the first transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition for the first transmission delay. Please refer to the introduction of S501 and will not repeat it here.

[0274] Optionally, the first policy information further indicates: an endpoint of the first tunnel and / or a triggering condition for establishing the first tunnel. Please refer to the introduction of S501 and will not be repeated here.

[0275] Optionally, the first policy information further indicates feedback of the first transmission delay. For example, the first policy information is used to indicate sending the first transmission delay to the third core network device. In this case, the communication method of the embodiment of the present application also includes S509 and S510 to feedback the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device via the third core network device, as shown in S513, which is not further described. Exemplarily, the first policy information is included in the PCC rule.

[0276] It should be noted that S503 is an optional step. For example, the first policy information is pre-configured on the third core network device side. In this case, S503 is not executed. The above pre-configuration is configured by the operator itself or based on the negotiation between the operator and the third-party application.

[0277] For the third core network device, after determining the first policy information, the third core network device executes S504:

[0278] S504: Optionally, the third core network device sends the first policy information to the second core network device. Correspondingly, the second core network device receives the first policy information from the third core network device.

[0279] The first policy information can be found in the introduction of S503 and will not be described in detail.

[0280] The second core network device may be a session management function network element. Taking a 5G communication system as an example, the second core network device is an SMF network element.

[0281] It should be noted that S504 is an optional step. For example, the first policy information is pre-configured on the second core network device side. In this case, S504 is not executed. The above pre-configuration is configured by the operator itself or based on the negotiation between the operator and the third-party application.

[0282] S505. Optionally, the second core network device determines first configuration information according to the first policy information.

[0283] The first configuration information is described as follows:

[0284] The first configuration information indicates determining a first transmission delay.

[0285] Optionally, the first configuration information also indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method for the first transmission delay, or a measurement period for the first transmission delay, or a measurement trigger condition for the first transmission delay, or a sending period for the first transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition for the first transmission delay. Please refer to the introduction of S501 and will not repeat it here.

[0286] Optionally, the first configuration information further indicates: an endpoint of the first tunnel and / or a triggering condition for establishing the first tunnel. Please refer to the introduction of S501 and will not be repeated here.

[0287] Optionally, the first configuration information further indicates: feeding back the first transmission delay, such as indicating reporting the first transmission delay to the second core network device. In this case, the communication method of the embodiment of the present application further includes S509, which will not be described in detail.

[0288] Exemplarily, the first configuration information includes an N6 delay measurement configuration and a packet detection rule (PDR). The N6 delay measurement configuration may include: a first transmission delay measurement method, a first transmission delay measurement period, a first transmission delay measurement trigger condition, a first transmission delay transmission period, and a first transmission delay transmission trigger condition. The PDR is used by the first core network device to determine a service flow to be detected.

[0289] It should be noted that S505 is an optional step. For example, the first configuration information may be pre-configured on the second core network device side. In this case, S505 is not executed. The pre-configuration is configured by the operator itself or based on negotiation between the operator and a third-party application.

[0290] For the second core network device, after determining the first configuration information, the second core network device executes S506:

[0291] S506: The second core network device sends the first configuration information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first configuration information from the second core network device.

[0292] For the first configuration information, please refer to the introduction of S505 and will not be described in detail.

[0293] The first core network device may be a user plane management function network element. Taking a 5G communication system as an example, the first core network device is a UPF network element.

[0294] For the first core network device, the first core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the first configuration information. Specifically, the communication method 500 of the embodiment of the present application further includes the following steps:

[0295] S507: The application server sends a first data packet to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server.

[0296] The first data packet includes first time information.

[0297] Among them, the introduction of the first-time information is as follows:

[0298] Example 1: The first time information may be the time when the application server sends the first data packet, such as T 1-1 .

[0299] It should be noted that, taking the example of the first data packet including media data, the first data packet can also be referred to as a media data packet. The time when the application server sends the first data packet can refer to: the sampling generation time of the above-mentioned media data, that is, the time when the media data packet is encoded and generated. In other words, the time difference between the encoding time of the media data packet and the sending time of the media data packet is negligible. Among them, the sending time of the first data packet (T 1-1 ) can be carried in the RTP layer of the first data packet, exemplarily corresponding to the timestamp information of the RTP layer.

[0300] Example 2: Before S507, the communication method of the present application further includes the following step a:

[0301] In step a, the first core network device sends a second data packet to the application server, and the application server receives the second data packet from the first core network device. The second data packet includes the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet.

[0302] That is, for the application server, the application server receives the second data packet from the first core network device and then sends the first data packet, that is, first executes step a and then executes S507.

[0303] In Example 2, as a possible implementation, the first time information of the first data packet includes the following two pieces of information: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet (such as T 2-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the second data packet (such as T 2-2 ).

[0304] In Example 2, as another possible implementation, the first time information of the first data packet includes the following three items of information: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet (such as T 2-1 ), the time when the application server receives the second data packet (e.g., T 2-2 ), and the time when the application server sends the first data packet (such as T 2-3 ).

[0305] It should be noted that in Example 2, the relationship between the first data packet and the second data packet is described as follows:

[0306] In terms of timing, the application server first receives the second data packet and then sends the first data packet. In this way, for the application server, the first time information (such as the above T 2-1 and T 2-2 , or, the above T 2-1 、T 2-2 and T 2-3) so that the first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the first time information.

[0307] In addition, the first data packet can be a service data packet, such as a service data packet sent by an application server to a terminal device via a first core network device. The second data packet can also be a service data packet, such as a service data packet sent by a terminal device to an application server via a first core network device. The first data packet and the second data packet can belong to data packets of the same service or data packets of different services, and this application does not limit this.

[0308] Alternatively, the second data packet may also be: a data packet transmitted only between the first core network device and the application server, that is, the second data packet is sent by the first core network device to the application server.

[0309] It should be added that, as a possible example, the second data packet further includes indication information X. The indication information X is used to indicate that the first data packet carries the following two pieces of information: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet (such as T 2-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the second data packet (such as T 2-2 In this case, after the application server receives the second data packet, in response to the instruction information X, the application server adds the above two time information (ie, the above T 2-1 and T 2-2 ). In this way, the first data packet sent by the application server carries the above two time information (ie, the above T 2-1 and T 2-2 ).

[0310] Example 3: Before S507, the communication method of the present application further includes: the terminal device sends a third data packet to the application server. Correspondingly, the application server receives the third data packet from the terminal device. Specifically, it includes the following steps b and c:

[0311] In step b, the terminal device sends a third data packet to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the third data packet from the terminal device. The third data packet includes: the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet.

[0312] In step c, the first core network device sends a third data packet to the application server. Correspondingly, the application server receives the third data packet from the first core network device.

[0313] In this case, the application server receives the third data packet from the terminal device and then sends the first data packet, that is, first executes step c and then executes S507. In this case, the first time information of the first data packet includes the following two pieces of information: the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet (e.g., T 3-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the third data packet (such as T 3-2 ).

[0314] It should be noted that in Example 3, the relationship between the first data packet and the third data packet is described as follows:

[0315] In terms of timing, the application server first receives the third data packet and then sends the first data packet. In this way, for the application server, the first time information (such as the above T 3-1 and T 3-2 ) so that the first core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the first time information.

[0316] Alternatively, the first data packet may be a service data packet, such as a service data packet sent by an application server to a terminal device via a first core network device. The third data packet may also be a service data packet, such as a service data packet sent by a terminal device to an application server via the first core network device. The first data packet and the third data packet may be data packets for the same service.

[0317] It should be added that, as a possible example, the third data packet also includes indication information Y. The indication information Y is used to indicate that the first data packet carries the following information: the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet (such as T 3-1 In this case, after the application server receives the third data packet, in response to the instruction information Y, the application server adds the above time information (ie, the above T 3-1 ). In this way, the first data packet sent by the application server carries the above time information (ie the above T 3-1 ).

[0318] Optionally, the first time information is carried in the following location:

[0319] As a possible implementation, for RTP or RTCP, the first time information is carried as follows:

[0320] Mode 1: The first time information is carried in the RTP header of the first data packet.

[0321] Taking FIG. 6 as an example, the first time information is a timestamp, which is carried in the RTP header.

[0322] Mode 2: The first time information is carried in the sender report (SR) field of the RTCP of the first data packet.

[0323] Taking Figure 7 as an example, the first time information is a timestamp, which is carried in the SR field of RTCP. In Figure 7, the PT field, namely the Packet Type field, is used to indicate the specific type of RTCP. When PT = 200, it indicates that the RTCP carries the SR field, namely sender info.

[0324] Mode 3: The first time information is carried in the RTP extension header of the first data packet.

[0325] Taking FIG. 8 as an example, the first time information is a timestamp, which is carried in the RTP extension header.

[0326] As another possible implementation, in the case of establishing the first tunnel, the first time information is carried in the following manner:

[0327] Mode 4: The first time information is carried in the first protocol layer of the first data packet, wherein the first protocol layer is the protocol layer of the tunnel between the first core network device and the application server.

[0328] It should be noted that when the first transmission delay is measured based on the RTP header, the first time information is carried in the RTP header of the first data packet. When the first transmission delay is measured based on the RTCP feedback report, the first time information is carried in the RTCP SR field in the first data packet. When the first transmission delay is measured based on the RTP extended header, the first time information is carried in the RTP extended header of the first data packet. When the first transmission delay is measured based on the first tunnel, the first time information is carried in the first protocol layer of the first data packet.

[0329] It should be noted that when the first transmission delay is measured based on the first tunnel, the first core network device, after receiving the first configuration information, first establishes the first tunnel and then executes S507. The process of establishing the first tunnel can be found in related technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0330] For the first core network device, after receiving the first data packet, the first core network device executes S508:

[0331] S508. The first core network device determines a first transmission delay according to the first time information.

[0332] The first transmission delay is the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. Please refer to the introduction of S501 and will not be repeated here.

[0333] Exemplarily, the implementation process of S508 includes:

[0334] Example 1: The first time information is: the time when the application server sends the first data packet, such as T 1-1 .

[0335] In this case, S508 includes: the first core network device sends the first data packet according to the time (such as T 1-1 ) and the time when the first core network device receives the first data packet (such as denoted as T 1-2 ), determine the first transmission delay.

[0336] For example, the first transmission delay: T = T 1-2 -T 1-1 Wherein, T represents the first transmission delay. 1-1 Indicates the time when the application server sends the first data packet. 1-2 Indicates the moment when the first core network device receives the first data packet.

[0337] Example 2-1, the first time information includes the following two pieces of information: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet (such as T 2-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the second data packet (such as T 2-2 ).

[0338] In this case, S508 includes: the first core network device sends the second data packet according to the time (such as T 2-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the second data packet (such as T 2-2 ), determine the first transmission delay.

[0339] For example, the first transmission delay: T = T 2-2 -T 2-1 Wherein, T represents the first transmission delay. 2-1 Indicates the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet. 2-2 Indicates the time when the application server receives the second data packet.

[0340] Example 2-2, the first time information includes the following three items of information: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet (such as T 2-1 ), the time when the application server receives the second data packet (e.g., T 2-2 ), and the time when the application server sends the first data packet (such as T 2-3 ).

[0341] In this case, S508 includes: the first core network device sends the second data packet according to the time (such as T 2-1 ), the time when the application server receives the second data packet (e.g., T 2-2 ), the time when the application server sends the first data packet (e.g., T 2-3 ), and the time when the first core network device receives the first data packet (such as T 2-4 ), determine the first transmission delay.

[0342] For example, the first transmission delay: T = (T 2-2 -T 2-1 +T 2-4 -T 2-3 ) / 2. Wherein, T represents the first transmission delay. T 2-1 Indicates the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet. 2-2 Indicates the time when the application server receives the second data packet. 2-3 Indicates the time when the application server sends the first data packet. 2-4 Indicates the moment when the first core network device receives the first data packet.

[0343] Example 3: The first time information includes the following two pieces of information: the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet (e.g., T 3-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the third data packet (such as T 3-2 ).

[0344] In this case, S508 includes: when the first data packet and the third data packet include the same time, and the same time is the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet, the first core network device sends the third data packet according to the time (such as T 3-3 ), and the time when the application server receives the third data packet (such as T 3-2 ), determine the first transmission delay.

[0345] The first and third data packets contain the same time, and the same time is the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet. This means that there is an association between the first and third data packets. For example, the first data packet carries the time when the application server receives the third data packet. In this case, the first core network device can determine the first transmission delay based on the time when it sends the third data packet and the time when the application server receives the third data packet carried in the first data packet.

[0346] For example, the first transmission delay: T = T 3-2 -T 3-3Wherein, T represents the first transmission delay. 3-3 Indicates the time when the first core network device sends the third data packet. 3-2 Indicates the time when the application server receives the third data packet. At this time, the first transmission delay can also be the uplink N6 delay.

[0347] It should be understood that in the present application, the first core network device can determine the first transmission delay in combination with the time information carried in multiple data packets. For example, the first core network device performs the first measurement, that is, determines a transmission delay based on the time information carried by a first data packet. Then, the first core network device performs the second measurement, that is, determines the second transmission delay based on the time information carried by the second first data packet. This cycle is repeated N times. Then, the average value (or minimum value, or maximum value) of the transmission delays determined by the N measurements is used as the above-mentioned first transmission delay, and this application does not limit this. N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0348] For the first core network device, after determining the first transmission delay, the first core network device executes S509:

[0349] S509: Optionally, the first core network device sends the first transmission delay to the second core network device. Correspondingly, the second core network device receives the first transmission delay from the first core network device.

[0350] The first transmission delay can be found in the introduction of S508 and will not be described in detail.

[0351] For example, when the first configuration information indicates a sending period of the first transmission delay, the first core network device sends the first transmission delay to the second core network device according to the sending period indicated by the first configuration information.

[0352] For another example, if the first configuration information indicates a trigger condition for sending a first transmission delay, for example, the trigger condition is: performing a "transmission delay reporting" operation when the transmission delay is greater than (or equal to) a first threshold. In this case, if the first transmission delay is greater than (or equal to) the first threshold, the first core network device sends the first transmission delay to the second core network device. Conversely, if the first transmission delay is less than the first threshold, the first core network device does not send the first transmission delay.

[0353] Optionally, the second core network device adjusts the QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay. For example, the QoS parameters to be adjusted include PDB to implement dynamic QoS control at the PDU granularity. For another example, the QoS parameters to be adjusted include PSDB to implement dynamic QoS control at the PDU Set granularity. Or the second core network device triggers edge application server rediscovery or edge application server migration according to the first transmission delay. For example, if the current first transmission delay is too long (i.e., the N6 delay is too long), it means that the link quality between the current application server and the UPF network element is poor. The second core network device can trigger the application side to select a new edge application server or migrate to a new edge application server.

[0354] It should be noted that S509 is an optional step. In S509, the first core network device provides the first transmission delay to the second core network device. In the case that S509 is not executed, as a possible implementation method, the second core network device can also obtain the first transmission delay from the fourth core network device. Among them, the fourth core network device can be an application function network element, such as an AF network element. As another possible implementation method, the second core network device can also obtain the first transmission delay from the fifth core network device. Among them, the fifth core network device can be a network data analysis function network element, such as an NWDAF network element. In other words, in the present application, for the second core network device, the second core network device can obtain the first transmission delay from the first core network device, the fourth core network device or the fifth core network device.

[0355] S510: Optionally, the second core network device sends a first transmission delay to a third core network device. Correspondingly, the third core network device receives the first transmission delay from the second core network device.

[0356] S511. Optionally, the third core network device adjusts QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay.

[0357] For example, the QoS parameters to be adjusted include PDB, so as to implement dynamic QoS control at the PDU granularity.

[0358] For another example, the QoS parameters to be adjusted include PSDB to implement dynamic QoS control at the PDU Set granularity.

[0359] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the first indication information indicates that the first transmission delay is used for QoS parameter adjustment, S511 includes: in response to the first indication information, the third core network device adjusts the QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay to achieve dynamic QoS control of different granularities.

[0360] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the first indication information indicates that the first transmission delay is fed back, the communication method of the present application further includes the following steps:

[0361] For example, for the first core network device, after executing S508, the first core network device executes S512:

[0362] S512: Optionally, the first core network device sends a first transmission delay to the fourth core network device. Correspondingly, the fourth core network device receives the first transmission delay from the first core network device.

[0363] That is, the first core network device feeds back the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device to realize network information opening.

[0364] Optionally, the fourth core network device triggers edge application server rediscovery or edge application server migration based on the first transmission delay. For example, the current first transmission delay is too long (i.e., the N6 delay is too long), which means that the link quality between the current application server and the UPF network element is poor. The fourth core network device can trigger the selection of a new edge application server or migration to a new edge application server.

[0365] For another example, for the third core network device, after executing S510, the third core network device executes S513:

[0366] S513: Optionally, the third core network device sends the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device. Correspondingly, the fourth core network device receives the first transmission delay from the third core network device.

[0367] That is, the third core network device feeds back the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device to realize network information opening.

[0368] Optionally, the fourth core network device triggers edge application server rediscovery or edge application server migration based on the first transmission delay. For example, the current first transmission delay is too long (i.e., the N6 delay is too long), which means that the link quality between the current application server and the UPF network element is poor. The fourth core network device can trigger the selection of a new edge application server or migration to a new edge application server.

[0369] It should be noted that in this application, S512 and S513 are optional steps. Specifically, for example, when the first core network device executes S512, the first core network device may not execute S513. Alternatively, conversely, when the first core network device executes S513, the first core network device may not execute S512. This application does not limit this.

[0370] The specific implementation of the communication method shown in FIG5 will be described in detail below with reference to the example shown in FIG9 .

[0371] FIG9 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The first core network device in FIG5 may be the UPF network element shown in FIG9 , the second core network device in FIG5 may be the SMF network element shown in FIG9 , the third core network device in FIG5 may be the PCF network element shown in FIG9 , the fourth core network device in FIG5 may be the AF network element shown in FIG9 , and the application server in FIG5 may be the AS shown in FIG9 .

[0372] Specifically, in FIG9 , the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0373] S901: Optionally, the AF network element sends an AF request to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the AF request from the AF network element.

[0374] The AF request includes service flow description information (such as SDF) and first indication information.

[0375] The service flow description information is used to indicate the description information of the service flow corresponding to the application, such as IP five-tuple, IP triplet, application identity (APP ID) and other information, to assist the network side in determining that the data packet is the service flow data packet of the corresponding application based on the service flow description information.

[0376] For the first indication information, please refer to the introduction of S501 and will not be described in detail.

[0377] It should be understood that in this application, the implementation process of S901 may include:

[0378] As a possible implementation method, the AF network element is in the trusted domain, and the AF network element sends an AF request to the PCF network element, that is, the AF network element sends the AF request to the PCF network element by calling the service interface of the PCF network element, such as the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization service interface.

[0379] As another possible implementation method, the AF network element is in a non-trusted domain, and the AF network element sends an AF request to the PCF network element through the NEF network element, that is, the AF network element sends the AF request to the NEF network element by calling the service interface of the NEF network element, such as the Nnef_AFSessionWithQoS service interface, and the NEF network element sends the AF request to the PCF network element by calling the service interface of the PCF, such as the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization service interface.

[0380] S902. Optionally, when the terminal device initiates a PDU session establishment process, the terminal device sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request from the terminal device.

[0381] The PDU session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a PDU session.

[0382] S903. Optionally, the AMF network element sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request from the AMF network element.

[0383] For example, the implementation process of S902 and S903 can be found in related technologies and will not be described in detail.

[0384] It should be understood that the above-mentioned PDU session establishment request can also be replaced by: PDU session modification request (PDU Session Modification Request). For example, when the terminal device initiates the PDU session modification process, the terminal device sends a PDU session modification request to the AMF network element. Accordingly, the AMF network element receives the PDU session modification request from the terminal device. The AMF network element sends a PDU session modification request to the SMF network element. Accordingly, the SMF network element receives the PDU session modification request from the AMF network element. Among them, the PDU session modification request is used to request modification of the PDU session, and you can refer to the relevant technology and will not repeat it here.

[0385] S904. Optionally, the PCF network element generates a PCC rule according to the AF request.

[0386] Optionally, the PCF network element generates a PCC rule according to the AF request and / or local configuration.

[0387] The PCC rule includes first policy information. For the first policy information, please refer to the introduction of S503 and will not be described in detail.

[0388] S905. Optionally, the PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the PCC rules from the PCF network element.

[0389] For example, when the terminal device initiates the PDU session establishment process (i.e., executes S902), the SMF network element initiates the session management policy association establishment process (SM Policy Association procedure) and obtains PCC rules from the PCF network element through the SM Policy Association procedure.

[0390] For example, when the terminal device initiates the PDU session modification process, the SMF network element initiates the session management policy association modification process, and obtains the PCC rules from the PCF network element through the session management policy association modification process.

[0391] For example, when the terminal device does not initiate the PDU session establishment and modification process, the PCF network element initiates the session management policy association modification process and sends the PCC rules to the SMF network element through the session management policy association modification process.

[0392] For the SMF network element, after obtaining the PCC rule, the SMF network element executes S906:

[0393] S906. Optionally, the SMF network element determines the first configuration information according to the PCC rule and / or local configuration.

[0394] The first configuration information can be found in the introduction of S505 and will not be described in detail.

[0395] S907. Optionally, the SMF network element sends first configuration information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first configuration information from the SMF network element.

[0396] Exemplarily, the SMF network element sends the first configuration information to the UPF network element through the N4 interface.

[0397] For example, the SMF network element sends the first configuration information to the UPF network element through the N4 Session Establishment process. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first configuration information from the SMF network element through the N4 Session Establishment process.

[0398] For another example, the SMF network element sends the first configuration information to the UPF network element through the N4 Session Modification process. Correspondingly, the UPF network element N4 Session Modification process receives the first configuration information from the SMF network element.

[0399] For the terminal device, AMF network element, SMF network element and UPF network element, S908 is also executed:

[0400] S908. Optionally, when executing the PDU session establishment process, the terminal device, AMF network element, SMF network element and UPF network element execute the remaining steps for PDU Session Establishment process.

[0401] Among them, the PDU Session Establishment process can be found in the relevant 3GPP technical specifications and will not be described in detail.

[0402] It should be understood that when executing the PDU session modification process, the terminal device, AMF network element, SMF network element and UPF network element execute the remaining steps for PDU Session Modification process.

[0403] Among them, the PDU Session Modification process can be found in the relevant 3GPP technical specifications and will not be described in detail.

[0404] Next, the process of determining the first transmission delay is introduced:

[0405] Different determination methods (or measurement methods) are introduced through the following three situations:

[0406] Case 1: The RTP header of the first data packet includes the first time information. In this case, the communication method of the present application further includes the following steps:

[0407] S909a: The application server AS sends a first data packet to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first data packet from the application server AS.

[0408] The RTP header of the first data packet includes first time information, which is the time when the application server AS sends the first data packet. The first time information can be found in the introduction of method 1 in S507 and will not be repeated here.

[0409] S910a. The UPF network element determines a first transmission delay based on the first time information and the reception time of the first data packet.

[0410] The implementation process of S910a can refer to the introduction of S508 and will not be repeated here.

[0411] Case 2: The SR field in the RTCP header of the first data packet includes the first time information. In this case, the communication method of the present application further includes the following steps:

[0412] S909b: The application server AS sends a first data packet to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first data packet from the application server AS.

[0413] The SR field of the RTCP header in the first data packet includes first time information. The first time information is the time when the application server AS sends the first data packet. The first time information can be found in the introduction of method 2 in S507 and will not be repeated here.

[0414] S910b. The UPF network element determines the first transmission delay based on the first time information and the reception time of the first data packet.

[0415] The implementation process of S910b can be found in the introduction of S508 and will not be described in detail here.

[0416] Case 3: The RTP extension header of the first data packet includes the first time information. In this case, the communication method of the present application further includes the following steps:

[0417] S909c: The application server AS sends a first data packet to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first data packet from the application server AS.

[0418] The RTP extended header of the first data packet includes first time information, which is the moment when the application server AS sends the first data packet. The first time information can be found in the introduction of method 3 in S507 and will not be repeated here.

[0419] S910c. The UPF network element determines the first transmission delay based on the first time information and the reception time of the first data packet.

[0420] The implementation process of S910c can be found in the introduction of S508 and will not be described in detail here.

[0421] For the UPF network element, after obtaining the first transmission delay, the UPF network element executes S911:

[0422] S911. Optionally, the UPF network element sends a first transmission delay to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first transmission delay from the UPF network element.

[0423] For example, the UPF network element sends the first transmission delay to the SMF network element based on the first configuration information, or the UPF network element sends the first transmission delay to the SMF network element based on the first configuration information and local configuration. For details, see the introduction of S509 and will not be repeated here.

[0424] For another example, the UPF network element sends the first transmission delay to the SMF network element through the N4 session message.

[0425] Optionally, the SMF network element can adjust the QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay, and there is no need to execute S912-S913.

[0426] S912: Optionally, the SMF network element sends a first transmission delay to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the first transmission delay from the SMF network element.

[0427] The implementation process of S912 can refer to the introduction of S510 and will not be repeated here.

[0428] S913. Optionally, the PCF network element adjusts QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay.

[0429] The implementation process of S913 can be found in the introduction of S511 and will not be described in detail here.

[0430] S914. Optionally, the UPF network element sends the first transmission delay to the AF network element. Accordingly, the AF network element receives the first transmission delay from the UPF network element. Specifically, the UPF network element exposes the first transmission delay through the Nupf_EventExposure service, or exposes the first transmission delay to the AF network element through the NEF network element.

[0431] S915: Optionally, the PCF network element sends a first transmission delay to the AF network element. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the first transmission delay from the PCF network element.

[0432] The specific implementation of the communication method shown in FIG5 will be described in detail below with reference to the example shown in FIG10 .

[0433] Figure 10 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first core network device in Figure 5 may be the UPF network element shown in Figure 10 , the second core network device in Figure 5 may be the SMF network element shown in Figure 10 , the third core network device in Figure 5 may be the PCF network element shown in Figure 10 , the fourth core network device in Figure 5 may be the AF network element shown in Figure 10 , and the application server in Figure 5 may be the AS shown in Figure 10 .

[0434] Specifically, in FIG10 , the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0435] S1001. Optionally, an AF network element sends an AF request to a PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the AF request from the AF network element.

[0436] The AF request includes service flow description information (such as SDF) and first indication information.

[0437] For the service flow description information, please refer to the introduction of S901 and will not be repeated here.

[0438] It should be noted that, in S1001, the first indication information also indicates the endpoint of the first tunnel and / or the triggering condition for establishing the first tunnel. Please refer to the introduction of S501 and no further details will be given.

[0439] S1002. Optionally, when the terminal device initiates a PDU session establishment process, the terminal device sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request from the terminal device.

[0440] The PDU session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a PDU session.

[0441] S1003. Optionally, the AMF network element sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request from the AMF network element.

[0442] S1004. Optionally, the PCF network element generates a PCC rule according to the AF request.

[0443] Optionally, the PCF network element generates a PCC rule according to the AF request and local configuration.

[0444] The PCC rule includes first policy information. For the first policy information, please refer to the introduction of S503 and will not be described in detail.

[0445] It should be noted that, in S1004, the first policy information also indicates the endpoint of the first tunnel and / or the triggering condition for establishing the first tunnel. For details, please refer to the introduction of S503 and will not be repeated here.

[0446] S1005. Optionally, the PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the PCC rules from the PCF network element.

[0447] For the SMF network element, after obtaining the PCC rule, the SMF network element executes S1006:

[0448] S1006. Optionally, the SMF network element determines the first configuration information according to the PCC rule.

[0449] The first configuration information can be found in the introduction of S505 and will not be described in detail.

[0450] It should be noted that, in S1006, the first configuration information also indicates the endpoint of the first tunnel and / or the triggering condition for establishing the first tunnel. For details, please refer to the introduction of S505 and will not be repeated here.

[0451] S1007. Optionally, the SMF network element sends first configuration information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first configuration information from the SMF network element.

[0452] For the terminal device, AMF network element, SMF network element and UPF network element, S1008 is also executed:

[0453] S1008. Optionally, when executing the PDU session establishment process, the terminal device, AMF network element, SMF network element and UPF network element execute the remaining steps for PDU Session Establishment process.

[0454] Among them, the PDU Session Establishment process can be found in the relevant 3GPP technical specifications and will not be described in detail.

[0455] Among them, the implementation process of S1001-S1008 can be found in the introduction of S901-S908 and will not be repeated here.

[0456] S1009. The UPF network element triggers the establishment of the first tunnel.

[0457] Exemplarily, when the first configuration information further indicates a trigger condition for establishing the first tunnel, for example, establishing the first tunnel for the first service flow, that is, detecting the first service flow triggers the creation of the first tunnel. In this case, the first indication information indicates the service identifier, IP five-tuple identifier, or triplet identifier of the first service flow. If the UPF network element detects the service flow of the first service, such as identifying the IP five-tuple identifier or triplet identifier of the service flow, the establishment of the first tunnel is triggered.

[0458] S1010. The UPF network element and the application server AS establish a first tunnel.

[0459] Exemplarily, the first indication information indicates the tunnel endpoint identifier of the first tunnel on the application server side, such as the IP address of the application server side, the tunnel protocol, etc. In this case, the UPF network element and the application server AS establish the first tunnel according to the identifier indicated by the first indication information.

[0460] The implementation process of S1010 can be found in related technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0461] S1011: The UPF network element sends a second data packet to the application server AS. Correspondingly, the application server AS receives the second data packet from the UPF network element.

[0462] The second data packet includes: the time when the UPF network element sends the second data packet, such as the time carried in the first protocol layer of the second data packet, wherein the first protocol layer is the protocol layer corresponding to the first tunnel.

[0463] S1012: The application server AS sends a first data packet to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first data packet from the application server AS.

[0464] Among them, the first time information of the first data packet includes the following two items: the time when the UPF network element sends the second data packet, and the time when the application server AS receives the second data packet.

[0465] Alternatively, the first time information of the first data packet includes the following three items: the moment when the UPF network element sends the second data packet, the moment when the application server AS receives the second data packet, and the moment when the application server AS sends the first data packet.

[0466] The first time information is carried in the first protocol layer of the first data packet.

[0467] S1013. The UPF network element determines the first transmission delay based on the first time information and the reception time of the first data packet.

[0468] The implementation process of S1013 can be found in the introduction of S508 and will not be described in detail here.

[0469] S1014. Optionally, the UPF network element sends a first transmission delay to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first transmission delay from the UPF network element.

[0470] Optionally, the SMF network element adjusts the QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay, and the following S1015-S1016 will not be executed.

[0471] S1015. Optionally, the SMF network element sends a first transmission delay to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the first transmission delay from the SMF network element.

[0472] S1016. Optionally, the PCF network element adjusts QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay.

[0473] The implementation process of S1013 can be found in the introduction of S511 and will not be described in detail here.

[0474] S1017. Optionally, the UPF network element sends a first transmission delay to the AF network element. Accordingly, the AF network element receives the first transmission delay from the UPF network element. Specifically, the UPF network element exposes the first transmission delay through the Nupf_EventExposure service, or exposes the first transmission delay to the AF network element through the NEF network element.

[0475] S1018: Optionally, the PCF network element sends a first transmission delay to the AF network element. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the first transmission delay from the PCF network element.

[0476] Among them, the implementation process of S1014-S1018 can be found in the introduction of S911-S915 and will not be repeated here.

[0477] The communication method of an embodiment of the present application includes: a first core network device receives a first data packet from an application server, the first data packet including second time information; the first core network device determines a second transmission delay based on the second time information, the second transmission delay being the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server; the first core network device sends the second transmission delay to a second core network device, the second transmission delay being used to determine the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0478] That is to say, after the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server, it can determine the second transmission delay based on the second time information carried by the first data packet. In this way, the first core network device can obtain the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server. When the first core network device provides the second transmission delay to other core network devices (such as the second core network device), the other core network devices can determine the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server based on the second transmission delay, and then adjust the QoS parameters based on the transmission delay (i.e., the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server) and the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device, such as adjusting the packet delay budget (PDB) or the packet set delay budget (PSDB) and other parameters. That is to say, based on the communication method of the present application, in the process of end-to-end QoS guarantee, both the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device and the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server can be referred to, thereby performing end-to-end service guarantee and improving the end-to-end service experience.

[0479] It should be understood that the names of messages between devices or the names of parameters in messages in the following embodiments of the present application are only examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. A unified explanation is given here and no further details are given below.

[0480] The communication method proposed in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to FIG11. The communication method 1100 proposed in the embodiment of the present application includes the following operations:

[0481] S1101. Optionally, the fourth core network device determines first indication information.

[0482] Among them, the fourth core network device and the first indication information can be found in the introduction of S501 and will not be repeated here.

[0483] It should be noted that S1101 is an optional step. For example, if the fourth core network device triggers the determination of the first transmission delay, the fourth core network device executes S1101. For another example, if a core network device other than the fourth core network device triggers the determination of the first transmission delay, the fourth core network device does not execute S1101.

[0484] For the fourth core network device, after determining the first indication information, the fourth core network device executes S1102:

[0485] S1102: Optionally, the fourth core network device sends first indication information to the third core network device. Correspondingly, the third core network device receives the first indication information from the fourth core network device.

[0486] Among them, the third core network device can be referred to the introduction of S502 and will not be described in detail.

[0487] It should be noted that S1102 is an optional step. For example, the first indication information may be pre-configured on the third core network device side. In this case, S1102 is not executed. The pre-configuration is configured by the operator itself or based on negotiation between the operator and the third-party application.

[0488] S1103. Optionally, the third core network device determines the second policy information based on the first indication information.

[0489] The second policy information is introduced as follows:

[0490] The second strategy information indicates determining a third transmission delay.

[0491] Optionally, the second policy information further indicates determining a second transmission delay or indicates the second transmission delay. For example, the fourth core network device may provide the second transmission delay in the first indication information. For another example, if the fourth core network device does not provide the second transmission delay, the second policy information is used to indicate determining the second transmission delay.

[0492] Exemplarily, the second policy information includes: an end-to-end delay measurement policy and a QoS measurement policy, wherein the end-to-end delay measurement policy indicates determining the second transmission delay, and the QoS measurement policy indicates determining the third transmission delay.

[0493] In this application, the second transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server, which can be recorded as E2E delay. The second transmission delay can be provided by the fourth core network device via the first indication information. In this case, steps S1105-S1109 do not need to be performed, that is, the second transmission delay does not need to be determined, and the second transmission delay is directly provided by the fourth core network device.

[0494] Optionally, the second transmission delay can be recorded as E2E UL latency, i.e., end-to-end uplink latency, i.e., the uplink transmission delay from the terminal device to the application server. Alternatively, the second transmission delay can be recorded as E2E DL latency, i.e., end-to-end downlink latency, i.e., the downlink transmission delay from the application server to the terminal device.

[0495] In this application, the third transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device. In this case, the third core network device triggers QoS monitoring according to the first indication information and measures the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device.

[0496] The QoS monitoring can be referred to as UL QoS monitoring, i.e., uplink QoS monitoring. In this case, the third transmission delay obtained based on the UL QoS monitoring can be understood as the uplink transmission delay from the terminal device to the first core network device.

[0497] QoS monitoring can be referred to as DL QoS monitoring, i.e., downlink QoS monitoring. In this case, the third transmission delay obtained based on DL QoS monitoring can be understood as the downlink transmission delay from the first core network device to the terminal device.

[0498] Optionally, the third transmission delay is obtained through an existing QoS measurement mechanism.

[0499] Optionally, the second policy information further indicates at least one of the following:

[0500] The first item is the measurement method of the second transmission delay.

[0501] For example, the second policy information indicates a measurement method of determining the second transmission delay based on an RTP extension header. This can be understood as determining the second transmission delay based on the second time information carried in the RTP extension header of the downlink data packet (such as the first data packet described below). For details, see S1107 and S1108, which are not further described here.

[0502] The second item is the measurement period of the second transmission delay. For example, the measurement period is 10ms.

[0503] The third item is the measurement trigger condition of the second transmission delay.

[0504] The fourth item is the sending period or reporting period of the second transmission delay. For example, the measurement period is 10ms.

[0505] The fifth item is a triggering condition for sending the second transmission delay. For example, if the change in the second transmission delay exceeds a certain threshold, the reporting of the second transmission delay is triggered.

[0506] Exemplarily, the second policy information is included in the PCC rule.

[0507] It should be noted that S1103 is an optional step. For example, the second policy information is pre-configured on the third core network device side. In this case, S1103 is not executed. The above pre-configuration is configured by the operator itself or based on the negotiation between the operator and the third-party application.

[0508] For the third core network device, after determining the second policy information, the third core network device executes S1104:

[0509] S1104: Optionally, the third core network device sends second policy information to the second core network device. Correspondingly, the second core network device receives the second policy information from the third core network device.

[0510] Among them, the second core network device can be referred to the introduction of S504 and will not be described in detail.

[0511] It should be noted that S1104 is an optional step. For example, the second policy information is pre-configured on the second core network device side. In this case, S1104 is not executed. The above pre-configuration is configured by the operator itself or based on the negotiation between the operator and the third-party application.

[0512] S1105. Optionally, the second core network device determines second configuration information according to the second policy information.

[0513] The second configuration information is described as follows:

[0514] The second configuration information indicates determining a second transmission delay.

[0515] Optionally, the second configuration information also indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method for the second transmission delay, or a measurement period for the second transmission delay, or a measurement trigger condition for the second transmission delay, or a sending period for the second transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition for the second transmission delay. Please refer to the introduction of S1103 and no further details will be given.

[0516] It should be noted that S1105 is an optional step. For example, the second configuration information may be pre-configured on the second core network device side. In this case, S1105 is not executed. The pre-configuration is configured by the operator itself or based on negotiation between the operator and a third-party application.

[0517] It should be noted that, in this application, the second configuration information further indicates configuration related to the third transmission delay, such as a measurement period and a reporting period. The configuration related to the third transmission delay can be sent to the RAN device and the first core network device via the second core network device. The first core network device then triggers the determination of the third transmission delay.

[0518] The process of determining the third transmission delay is as follows:

[0519] Step 1: The first core network device sends a downlink data packet X to the RAN device. Correspondingly, the RAN device receives the downlink data packet X from the first core network device. The downlink data packet X includes: the timestamp T when the first core network device sends the downlink data packet X. X-1 .

[0520] Step 2: The RAN device determines a fourth transmission delay. The fourth transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the terminal device and the RAN device, and may also be referred to as the transmission delay of the Uu interface. The process of determining the fourth transmission delay can be found in related art and will not be further described.

[0521] Step 3: The RAN device sends an uplink data packet Y to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the uplink data packet Y from the RAN device.

[0522] The uplink data packet Y includes the following three pieces of information: the fourth transmission delay, the timestamp T of the RAN device receiving the downlink data packet X, and the time stamp T of the RAN device receiving the downlink data packet X. X- 2, and the timestamp T of the uplink data packet Y sent by the RAN device Y-1 .

[0523] Step 4: The first core network device determines the time T at which the uplink data packet Y is received. Y-2 .

[0524] Step 5: The first core network device determines a third transmission delay.

[0525] For example, the transmission delay between the RAN device and the first core network device is: T RAN-UPF =T Y-2 -T Y-1 Among them, T RAN-UPF Indicates the transmission delay between the RAN device and the first core network device. Y-2 Indicates the time when the first core network device receives the uplink data packet Y.Y-1 Indicates the time when the RAN device sends uplink data packet Y.

[0526] Alternatively, the transmission delay between the RAN device and the first core network device is: T RAN-UPF =T X-2 -T X-1 Among them, T RAN-UPF Indicates the transmission delay between the RAN device and the first core network device. X-1 Indicates the time when the first core network device sends the downlink data packet X. X-2 Indicates the time when the RAN device receives the downlink data packet X.

[0527] Alternatively, the transmission delay between the RAN device and the first core network device is: T RAN-UPF =(T Y-2 -T Y-1 +T X-2 -T X-1 ) / 2.

[0528] The first core network device determines the third transmission delay based on the fourth transmission delay and the transmission delay between the RAN device and the first core network device.

[0529] The process of determining the third transmission delay can be referred to in related technologies and will not be described in detail. For the second core network device, after determining the second configuration information, the second core network device executes S1106:

[0530] S1106: The second core network device sends second configuration information to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the second configuration information from the second core network device.

[0531] Among them, the second configuration information can be found in the introduction of S1105 and will not be repeated here.

[0532] Among them, the first core network device can be referred to the introduction of S506 and will not be described in detail.

[0533] For the first core network device, the first core network device determines the second transmission delay according to the second configuration information. Specifically, the communication method 1100 of the embodiment of the present application further includes the following steps:

[0534] S1107: The application server sends a first data packet to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server.

[0535] The first data packet includes second time information.

[0536] The second time information is introduced as follows:

[0537] Before S1107, as shown in FIG12 , the communication method of the present application further includes the following steps d and e:

[0538] In step d, the terminal device sends a fourth data packet to the first core network device. Correspondingly, the first core network device receives the fourth data packet from the terminal device.

[0539] The fourth data packet includes: the time when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet.

[0540] In step e, the first core network device sends a fourth data packet to the application server. Correspondingly, the application server receives the fourth data packet from the first core network device.

[0541] That is, for the application server, the application server first receives the fourth data packet from the first core network device, and then sends the first data packet, that is, first executes step e, and then executes S1107. In this case, the second time information of the first data packet includes the following two pieces of information: the time when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet (such as T 4-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the fourth data packet (such as T 4-2 ).

[0542] It should be noted that the relationship between the first data packet and the fourth data packet is described as follows:

[0543] In terms of timing, the application server first receives the fourth data packet and then sends the first data packet. In this way, for the application server, the second time information (such as the above T 4-1 and T 4-2 ), so that the first core network device determines the second transmission delay based on the second time information.

[0544] In addition, the first data packet may be a service data packet, such as a service data packet sent by an application server to a terminal device via a first core network device. The fourth data packet may also be a service data packet, such as a service data packet sent by a terminal device to an application server via the first core network device. The first data packet and the fourth data packet may be data packets for the same service.

[0545] It should be added that, as a possible example, the fourth data packet also includes indication information Z. The indication information Z is used to indicate that the first data packet carries the following two pieces of information: the time when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet (such as T 4-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the fourth data packet (such as T 4-2 In this case, after the application server receives the fourth data packet, in response to the instruction information Z, the application server adds the above two time information (ie, the above T 4-1and T 4-2 ). In this way, the first data packet sent by the application server carries the above two time information (ie, the above T 4-1 and T 4-2 ).

[0546] Optionally, the second time information is carried in the following location:

[0547] The second time information is carried in the RTP header of the first data packet. Alternatively, the second time information is carried in the SR field of the RTCP in the first data packet. Alternatively, the second time information is carried in the RTP extension header of the first data packet. Please refer to the introduction of Figure 8 and will not be repeated here.

[0548] For the first core network device, after receiving the first data packet, the first core network device executes S1108:

[0549] S1108. The first core network device determines a second transmission delay according to the second time information.

[0550] The second transmission delay is the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server, which can be found in the introduction of S1103 and will not be described in detail.

[0551] Exemplarily, the implementation process of S1108 includes:

[0552] The second time information includes the following two pieces of information: the time when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet (e.g., T 4-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the fourth data packet (such as T 4-2 ).

[0553] In this case, S1108 includes: the first core network device sends the fourth data packet according to the time (such as T 4-1 ), and the time when the application server receives the fourth data packet (such as T 4-2 ), determine the second transmission delay, or the uplink end-to-end transmission delay.

[0554] For example, the second transmission delay: T1 = T 4-2 -T 4-1 Wherein, T1 represents the second transmission delay. 4-1 Indicates the time when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet. 4-2 Indicates the time when the application server receives the fourth data packet.

[0555] It should be understood that in the present application, the first core network device can determine the second transmission delay in combination with the time information carried in multiple data packets. For example, the first core network device performs the first measurement, that is, determines a transmission delay based on the time information carried by a first data packet. Then, the first core network device performs the second measurement, that is, determines the second transmission delay based on the time information carried by the second first data packet. This cycle is repeated N times. Then, the average value (or minimum value, or maximum value) of the transmission delays determined by the N measurements is used as the above-mentioned second transmission delay, and this application does not limit this.

[0556] For the first core network device, after determining the second transmission delay, the first core network device executes S1109:

[0557] S1109: Optionally, the first core network device sends a second transmission delay to the second core network device. Correspondingly, the second core network device receives the second transmission delay from the first core network device.

[0558] The second transmission delay can be found in the introduction of S1108 and will not be described in detail here.

[0559] For example, when the second configuration information indicates a sending period of the second transmission delay, the first core network device sends the second transmission delay to the second core network device according to the sending period indicated by the second configuration information.

[0560] For another example, if the second configuration information indicates a trigger condition for sending a second transmission delay, for example, the trigger condition is: transmission delay reporting is performed when the transmission delay is greater than (or equal to) a second threshold. In this case, if the second transmission delay is greater than (or equal to) the second threshold, the first core network device sends the second transmission delay to the second core network device. Conversely, if the second transmission delay is less than the second threshold, the first core network device does not send the second transmission delay.

[0561] It should be noted that S1109 is an optional step. In S1109, the first core network device provides the second transmission delay to the second core network device. In the case that S1109 is not executed, as a possible implementation method, the second core network device can also obtain the second transmission delay from the fourth core network device. Among them, the fourth core network device can be an application function network element, such as an AF network element. As another possible implementation method, the second core network device can also obtain the second transmission delay from the fifth core network device. Among them, the fifth core network device can be a network data analysis function network element, such as an NWDAF network element. In other words, in the present application, for the second core network device, the second core network device can obtain the second transmission delay from the first core network device, the fourth core network device or the fifth core network device.

[0562] For the second core network device, after receiving the second transmission delay, as a possible implementation, the second core network device can execute S1110a and S1110b, as shown in the dotted box where 'Case 1' is located. Alternatively, as another possible implementation, the second core network device can execute S1110c, and the third core network device can execute S1110d, as shown in the dotted box where 'Case 2' is located. S1110a-S1110c are described as follows:

[0563] S1110a. The second core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the second transmission delay.

[0564] The first transmission delay is the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0565] Exemplarily, the second core network device determines the first transmission delay based on the second transmission delay and the third transmission delay. The third transmission delay is the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device, which can be obtained through QoS monitoring. For details, see related technologies and are not described in detail here.

[0566] For example, the first transmission delay is: T = T1 - T2, where T represents the first transmission delay, T1 represents the second transmission delay, and T2 represents the third transmission delay.

[0567] Optionally, the second core network device adjusts the QoS parameters based on the first transmission delay, and the following S1111 will not be executed.

[0568] Optionally, the second core network device selects and rediscovers the edge application server based on the first transmission delay.

[0569] S1110b: The second core network device sends the first transmission delay to the third core network device. Correspondingly, the third core network device receives the first transmission delay from the second core network device.

[0570] S1110c: The second core network device sends the second transmission delay to the third core network device. Correspondingly, the third core network device receives the second transmission delay from the second core network device.

[0571] For the third core network device, after receiving the second transmission delay, as a possible implementation, the third core network device may execute S1110d. S1110d is described as follows:

[0572] S1110d. The third core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the second transmission delay.

[0573] The implementation process of S1110d can refer to the introduction of S1110a and will not be repeated here.

[0574] Alternatively, as another possible implementation, as shown in the dotted box where 'Case 3' is located, the present application further includes the following operations:

[0575] S1110e: The fourth core network device sends the second transmission delay to the third core network device. Correspondingly, the third core network device receives the second transmission delay from the fourth core network device. The fourth core network device can be an application function network element or a data analysis function network element.

[0576] S1110d. The third core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the second transmission delay.

[0577] For the third core network device, the third core network device obtains the first transmission delay through S1110b or S1110d, and then executes S1111:

[0578] S1111. Optionally, the third core network device adjusts QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay.

[0579] The implementation process of S1111 can be found in the introduction of S511 and will not be described in detail here.

[0580] Optionally, in some embodiments, if the first indication information indicates that the first transmission delay is fed back, the communication method of the present application further includes the following steps:

[0581] For example, for the third core network device, after executing S1110b or S1110d, the third core network device executes S1112:

[0582] S1112: Optionally, the third core network device sends the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device. Correspondingly, the fourth core network device receives the first transmission delay from the third core network device.

[0583] That is, the third core network device feeds back the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device to realize network information opening.

[0584] Optionally, the fourth core network device triggers edge application server rediscovery or edge application server migration based on the first transmission delay. For example, the current first transmission delay is too long (i.e., the N6 delay is too long), which means that the link quality between the current application server and the UPF network element is poor. The fourth core network device can trigger the selection of a new edge application server or migration to a new edge application server.

[0585] The specific implementation of the communication method shown in FIG. 11 will be described in detail below in conjunction with the example shown in FIG. 13 .

[0586] Figure 13 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The first core network device in Figure 11 may be the UPF network element shown in Figure 13 , the second core network device in Figure 11 may be the SMF network element shown in Figure 13 , the third core network device in Figure 11 may be the PCF network element shown in Figure 13 , the fourth core network device in Figure 11 may be the AF network element shown in Figure 13 , and the application server in Figure 11 may be the AS shown in Figure 13 .

[0587] Specifically, in FIG13 , the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0588] S1301: Optionally, the AF network element sends an AF request to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the AF request from the AF network element.

[0589] The AF request includes service flow description information (such as SDF) and first indication information.

[0590] For the service flow description information, please refer to the introduction of S901 and will not be repeated here.

[0591] For the first indication information, please refer to the introduction of S1101 and will not be repeated here.

[0592] S1302. Optionally, when the terminal device initiates a PDU session establishment process, the terminal device sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request from the terminal device.

[0593] The PDU session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a PDU session.

[0594] S1303. Optionally, the AMF network element sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request from the AMF network element.

[0595] S1304. Optionally, the PCF network element generates a PCC rule according to the AF request.

[0596] Optionally, the PCF network element generates a PCC rule according to the AF request and / or local configuration.

[0597] The PCC rule includes second policy information. For the second policy information, please refer to the introduction of S1103 and will not be described in detail.

[0598] Among them, the implementation process of S1301-S1304 can refer to the introduction of S901-S904 and will not be repeated here.

[0599] S1305. The PCF network element triggers QoS monitoring.

[0600] Exemplarily, the PCF network element triggers QoS monitoring according to the first indication information. The QoS monitoring process can be referred to in related technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0601] S1306: Optionally, the PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the PCC rules from the PCF network element.

[0602] For the SMF network element, after obtaining the PCC rule, the SMF network element executes S1307:

[0603] S1307. Optionally, the SMF network element determines the second configuration information according to the PCC rule.

[0604] The second configuration information can be found in the introduction of S1105 and will not be described in detail.

[0605] S1308. Optionally, the SMF network element sends the second configuration information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the second configuration information from the SMF network element.

[0606] For the terminal device, AMF network element, SMF network element and UPF network element, S1308 is also executed:

[0607] S1309. Optionally, when executing the PDU session establishment process, the terminal device, AMF network element, SMF network element and UPF network element execute the remaining steps for PDU Session Establishment process.

[0608] Among them, the implementation process of S1306-S1309 can refer to the introduction of S905-S907 and will not be repeated here.

[0609] After the PUD session establishment / modification process is completed, the terminal device sends a fourth data packet to the application server AS. Correspondingly, the application server AS receives the fourth data packet from the terminal device. The fourth data packet includes: the time when the terminal device sent the fourth data packet.

[0610] For the application server AS, after receiving the fourth data packet, the application server AS executes S1310:

[0611] S1310: The application server AS sends a first data packet to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first data packet from the application server AS.

[0612] The first data packet includes second time information, which includes the following two items: the time when the terminal device sends the fourth data packet, and the time when the application server AS receives the fourth data packet. The second time information can be found in the introduction of S1107 and will not be repeated here.

[0613] S1311. The UPF network element determines a second transmission delay based on the second time information.

[0614] The implementation process of S1311 can be found in the introduction of S1108 and will not be described in detail here.

[0615] S1312. Optionally, the UPF network element sends a second transmission delay to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the second transmission delay from the UPF network element.

[0616] For example, the UPF network element sends the second transmission delay to the SMF network element based on the second configuration information, or the UPF network element sends the second transmission delay to the SMF network element based on the second configuration information and local configuration. For details, see the introduction of S1109 and will not be repeated here.

[0617] For another example, the UPF network element sends a second transmission delay to the SMF network element through an N4 session message.

[0618] S1313: Optionally, the SMF network element sends a second transmission delay to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the second transmission delay from the SMF network element.

[0619] The implementation process of S1313 can be found in the introduction of S510 and will not be described in detail here.

[0620] S1314. Optionally, the PCF network element determines the first transmission delay according to the second transmission delay.

[0621] The implementation process of S1314 can be found in the introduction of S1110d and will not be described in detail here.

[0622] S1315. Optionally, the PCF network element adjusts QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay.

[0623] The implementation process of S1315 can be found in the introduction of S511 and will not be described in detail here.

[0624] S1316: Optionally, the PCF network element sends the first transmission delay to the AF network element. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the first transmission delay from the PCF network element.

[0625] The communication method of the embodiment of the present application includes: a fifth core network device receives a subscription request from a third core network device, the subscription request is used to request an estimated value of a first transmission delay, the estimated value of the first transmission delay indicating the estimated transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. The fifth core network device obtains a historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay indicating the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server during a historical period. The fifth core network device determines an estimated value of the first transmission delay based on the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay. The fifth core network device sends the estimated value of the first transmission delay to the third core network device.

[0626] That is to say, the fifth core network device can respond to the subscription request and perform data analysis based on the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, so as to obtain the estimated transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server, that is, the estimated value of the first transmission delay.

[0627] When the fifth core network device provides an estimated value of the first transmission delay to other core network devices, such as the third core network device, the third core network device adjusts the quality of service (QoS) parameters based on the estimated value of the first transmission delay, such as adjusting parameters such as PDB or PSDB, thereby achieving end-to-end QoS control. In other words, based on the communication method of the present application, during the end-to-end QoS assurance process, the estimated value of the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server can be referenced to perform end-to-end service assurance and improve the end-to-end service experience.

[0628] It should be understood that the names of messages between devices or the names of parameters in messages in the following embodiments of the present application are only examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. A unified explanation is given here and no further details are given below.

[0629] The communication method proposed in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to FIG14. The communication method 1400 proposed in the embodiment of the present application includes the following operations:

[0630] S1401: Optionally, a third core network device sends a subscription request to a fifth core network device. Correspondingly, the fifth core network device receives the subscription request from the third core network device.

[0631] The third core network device may be a policy control network element. Taking a 5G communication system as an example, the third core network device is a PCF network element. Alternatively, the third core network device may be a session management network element. Taking a 5G communication system as an example, the third core network device is an SMF network element. The following description uses the third core network device being a PCF network element as an example, which should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0632] The fifth core network device may be a network data analysis function network element. Taking a 5G communication system as an example, the fifth core network device is a NWDAF network element.

[0633] The subscription request is used to request an estimated value of the first transmission delay.

[0634] In this application, the first transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. The estimated value of the first transmission delay refers to the estimated transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server. This can be understood as the estimated transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server at the current time or in the future.

[0635] Optionally, the subscription request also includes at least one of the following:

[0636] The first item is the identifier of the first terminal device. The first terminal device is the terminal device that transmits data between the first core network device and the application server. In this case, the subscription request is used to request a first transmission delay for the first terminal device. This means that during the latency analysis process, the fifth core network device analyzes the first terminal device.

[0637] The second item is the identifier of the first terminal device group. Each terminal device in the first terminal device group transmits data between the first core network device and the application server. In this case, the subscription request is used to request a first transmission delay for the first terminal device group. This means that during the latency analysis process, the fifth core network device analyzes the first terminal device group.

[0638] The third item is the identifier of the first service. The first transmission delay is the transmission delay of the first service between the first core network device and the application server. In this case, the subscription request is used to request the first transmission delay for the first service. It can be understood that during the latency analysis process, the fifth core network device analyzes the first transmission delay of the first service on the first core network device at the granularity of analysis.

[0639] That is, the fifth core network device introduces the N6 latency prediction event. When S1401 is executed, other network elements (such as the third core network device mentioned above) can subscribe to the N6 latency event from the fifth core network device through a subscription request, thereby providing end-to-end service assurance. Alternatively, when S1401 is not executed, a third party can subscribe to the N6 latency event from the fifth core network device through a subscription request, thereby providing end-to-end service assurance.

[0640] For the fifth core network device, the fifth core network device performs the following operations in response to the subscription request:

[0641] S1402. The fifth core network device obtains a historical measurement value of the first transmission delay according to the subscription request.

[0642] The first transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server.

[0643] The historical measurement value of the first transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server in a historical period. The historical period refers to any period earlier than the current time.

[0644] Among them, the first core network device can be a UPF network element, see the introduction in Figure 5 for details, and will not be repeated here.

[0645] As a first possible implementation, the implementation process of S1402 includes:

[0646] The fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay from the fourth core network device. The fourth core network device may be an AF network element, as described in FIG5 , and will not be described in detail.

[0647] Alternatively, the fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay from the first core network device. The first core network device may be a UPF network element, as described in FIG5 , and will not be described in detail.

[0648] As a second possible implementation, the implementation process of S1402 includes:

[0649] First, the fifth core network device obtains a historical measurement value of the second transmission delay and a historical measurement value of the third transmission delay.

[0650] The second transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server. The historical measurement value of the second transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the terminal device and the application server measured during the historical period. For example, the fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the second transmission delay from the fourth core network device (e.g., the AF network element).

[0651] The third transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device. The historical measurement value of the third transmission delay refers to the transmission delay between the terminal device and the first core network device measured during the historical period. For example, the fifth core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the third transmission delay from the third core network device (e.g., PCF network element).

[0652] Then, the fifth core network device determines the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay according to the historical measurement value of the second transmission delay and the historical measurement value of the third transmission delay.

[0653] For example, the first transmission delay is: T = T1 - T2, where T represents the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, T1 represents the historical measurement value of the second transmission delay, and T2 represents the historical measurement value of the third transmission delay.

[0654] As a third possible implementation, the implementation process of S1402 includes:

[0655] For example, the fifth core network device sends the first indication information to the third core network device. Correspondingly, the third core network device receives the first indication information from the fifth core network device. The first indication information is used to indicate the determination of the first transmission delay. Then, the third core network device generates the first policy information based on the first indication information. The third core network device sends the first policy information to the second core network device. The second core network device generates the first configuration information based on the first policy information. The second core network device sends the first configuration information to the first core network device. For the first core network device, the first core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, please refer to the introduction of S501-S508. After the first core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, the first core network device sends the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay to the fifth core network device.

[0656] Alternatively, the fifth core network device generates the first configuration information. The fifth core network device sends the first configuration information to the first core network device. For the first core network device, the first core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay. For details, see S506-S508. After the first core network device obtains the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, the first core network device sends the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay to the fifth core network device.

[0657] For the fifth core network device, after obtaining the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay, the fifth core network device executes S1403:

[0658] S1403. The fifth core network device determines an estimated value of the first transmission delay based on the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay.

[0659] The historical measurement value of the first transmission delay can be found in the introduction of S1402 and will not be described in detail.

[0660] The estimated value of the first transmission delay can be found in the introduction of S1401 and will not be described in detail.

[0661] Exemplarily, the fifth core network device analyzes and processes the historical measurement value of the first transmission delay to obtain an estimated value of the first transmission delay. For the fifth core network device, after obtaining the estimated value of the first transmission delay, the fifth core network device executes S1404:

[0662] S1404: The fifth core network device sends the estimated value of the first transmission delay to the third core network device. Correspondingly, the third core network device receives the estimated value of the first transmission delay from the fifth core network device.

[0663] Exemplarily, the fifth core network device sends the estimated value of the first transmission delay to the third core network device according to the subscription request.

[0664] For example, when the subscription request also includes the identifier of the first terminal device, the fifth core network device sends an estimated value of the first transmission delay to the third core network device, where the estimated value is an estimated value of the first transmission delay for the first terminal device.

[0665] For another example, when the subscription request also includes the identifier of the first terminal device group, the fifth core network device sends an estimated value of the first transmission delay to the third core network device, where the estimated value is an estimated value of the first transmission delay for the first terminal device group.

[0666] For another example, when the subscription request also includes the identifier of the first service, the fifth core network device sends an estimated value of the first transmission delay to the third core network device, where the estimated value is an estimated value of the first transmission delay for the first service.

[0667] For the third core network device, after obtaining the first transmission delay, the third core network device executes S1405:

[0668] S1405. The third core network device adjusts QoS parameters according to the estimated value of the first transmission delay.

[0669] The implementation process of S1405 can be found in the introduction of S511 and will not be described in detail here.

[0670] It is understood that in each of the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by a core network device (such as any of the first to fifth core network devices) may also be implemented by components (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, logic module, or software) that can be used in the core network device. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or the chip system may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0671] It is understandable that, in order to realize the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, 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 the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0672] The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiment. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be pointed out that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0673] 15 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1500. The communication device 1500 includes a processing module 1501 and a transceiver module 1502. The communication device 1500 can be used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned core network device (such as any one of the first to fifth core network devices).

[0674] In some embodiments, the communication device 1500 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 15 ) for storing program instructions and data.

[0675] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1502, which may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to implement a transmitting and / or receiving function. The transceiver module 1502 may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0676] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1502 may include a receiving module and a sending module, which are respectively used to execute the receiving and sending steps performed by the core network device in the above method embodiments, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 1501 may be used to execute the processing steps (such as determination, etc.) performed by the core network device in the above method embodiments, and / or used to support other processes of the technology described herein.

[0677] Among them, all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module and will not be repeated here.

[0678] Optionally, in this application, "the transceiver module receives / sends information" can also be understood as the processing module receiving / sending information via the transceiver module. "The processing module receives / sends information via the transceiver module" can also be understood as the processing module controlling the transceiver module to receive / send information. Alternatively, "the processing module sends information via the transceiver module" can be understood as the processing module outputs information to the transceiver module, which then sends the information; "the processing module receives information via the transceiver module" can be understood as the transceiver module receiving the information and inputting the information to the processing module.

[0679] In the present application, the communication device 1500 may be presented in the form of functional modules divided in an integrated manner. The "module" here may refer to a specific application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0680] In some embodiments, when the communication device 1500 in Figure 15 is a chip or a chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1502 can be implemented through the input and output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 1501 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0681] Since the communication device 1500 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects that can be obtained can refer to the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0682] As a possible product form, the core network device described in the embodiment of the present application (such as any one of the first to fifth core network devices mentioned above) can also be implemented using the following: one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits that can perform the various functions described throughout this application.

[0683] As another possible product form, the core network device described in the embodiment of the present application (such as any one of the first to fifth core network devices mentioned above) can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, refer to Figure 16, which is a structural diagram of a communication device 1600 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1600 includes a processor 1601 and a transceiver 1602. The communication device 1600 can be a core network device (such as any one of the first to fifth core network devices mentioned above), or a chip or module therein. Figure 16 only shows the main components of the communication device 1600. In addition to the processor 1601 and the transceiver 1602, the communication device 1600 may further include a memory 1603, and an input and output device (not shown in the figure).

[0684] Optionally, processor 1601 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, as well as control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. Memory 1603 is primarily used to store software programs and data. Transceiver 1602 may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as a touch screen, display, and keyboard, are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user.

[0685] Optionally, the processor 1601 , the transceiver 1602 , and the memory 1603 may be connected via a communication bus.

[0686] It should be noted that the memory 1603 may exist independently of the processor 1601 or may be integrated with the processor 1601. The memory 1603 may be located within the communication device 1600 or outside the communication device 1600, without limitation.

[0687] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1601 can read the software program in the memory 1603, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 1601 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1601. The processor 1601 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0688] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be provided independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be remotely arranged independent of the communication device.

[0689] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the above-mentioned communication device 1500 may take the form of the communication device 1600 shown in FIG. 16 .

[0690] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing module 1501 in FIG15 can be implemented by the processor 1601 in the communication device 1600 shown in FIG16 calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1603. The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 1502 in FIG15 can be implemented by the transceiver 1602 in the communication device 1600 shown in FIG16.

[0691] As another possible product form, the core network device in this application (such as any of the first to fifth core network devices described above) can adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 17, or include the components shown in Figure 17. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 1700 provided in this application.

[0692] As shown in FIG17 , a communication device 1700 includes at least one processor 1701. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface 1702.

[0693] When the program instructions are executed in the at least one processor 1701, the apparatus 1700 can implement the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs thereof. Alternatively, the processor 1701 implements the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs thereof through logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

[0694] The communication interface 1702 may be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor. Alternatively, the communication interface 1702 may be used for communication between the communication device 1700 and other communication devices, such as exchanging control signaling and / or service data. Exemplarily, the communication interface 1702 may be used to receive signals from devices other than the communication device 1700 and transmit them to the processor 1701, or to send signals from the processor 1701 to other communication devices other than the communication device 1700.

[0695] Optionally, the communication interface 1702 may be a code and / or data read / write interface circuit, or the communication interface 1702 may be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver, or a pin of a chip.

[0696] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may further include at least one memory 1703, which may be used to store required program instructions and / or data.

[0697] It should be noted that the memory 1703 may exist independently of the processor 1701 or may be integrated with the processor 1701. The memory 1703 may be located within the communication device 1700 or outside the communication device 1700, without limitation.

[0698] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may further include a power supply circuit 1704, which may be used to supply power to the processor 1701. The power supply circuit 1704 may be located in the same chip as the processor 1701, or in another chip other than the chip where the processor 1701 is located.

[0699] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may further include a bus 1705 , and various parts of the communication device 1700 may be interconnected via the bus 1705 .

[0700] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the communication device 1500 shown in FIG. 15 may take the form of the communication device 1700 shown in FIG. 17 .

[0701] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing module 1501 in FIG15 can be implemented by the processor 1701 in the communication device 1700 shown in FIG17 calling the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1703. The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 1502 in FIG15 can be implemented by the communication interface 1702 in the communication device 1700 shown in FIG17.

[0702] It should be noted that the structure shown in Figure 17 does not constitute a specific limitation on the core network device (such as any of the first to fifth core network devices described above). For example, in other embodiments of the present application, the core network device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine or split certain components, or arrange the components differently. The components shown in the figure can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0703] Optionally, the processor in the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc.

[0704] Optionally, the memory in the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), or direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0705] Optionally, the power supply circuit described in the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a power supply line, a power supply subsystem, a power management chip, a power consumption management processor, or a power consumption management control circuit.

[0706] In some embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the method in any of the above method embodiments.

[0707] As a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, and the processor may invoke the instructions in the computer program stored in the memory to instruct the communication device to execute any of the above-described method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be located in the communication device.

[0708] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, and the interface circuit is used to receive computer execution instructions (computer execution instructions are stored in a memory, may be read directly from the memory, or may pass through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0709] As another possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface, where the communication interface is used to communicate with a module outside the communication device.

[0710] It can be understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0711] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instruction stored thereon, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0712] The present application also provides a computer program product, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0713] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, for the sake of convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described systems, devices, and units may refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0714] It is understood that the systems, devices, and methods described in this application may also be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interface, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0715] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the objectives of this embodiment as needed.

[0716] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0717] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state drive (SSD)). In the embodiment of the present application, the computer may include the aforementioned device.

[0718] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, in the process of implementing the claimed application, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other changes to the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple situations. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. Certain measures are recorded in different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first core network device receives a first data packet from the application server, where the first data packet includes first time information; The first core network device determines a first transmission delay according to the first time information, where the first transmission delay is a transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server; The first core network device sends the first transmission delay to the second core network device or the fourth core network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first transmission delay is used for adjusting a quality of service QoS parameter, and the QoS parameter to be adjusted includes at least one of the following: a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device; or, The aggregate delay budget of data packets between the terminal device and the first core network device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first time information includes: the time when the application server sends the first data packet; The first core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the first time information, including: The first core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the following two moments: the time when the application server sends the first data packet, and The moment when the first core network device receives the first data packet.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Before the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server, the method further includes: The first core network device sends a second data packet to the application server, where the second data packet includes a time when the first core network device sends the second data packet; The first time information includes: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and the time when the application server receives the second data packet; The first core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the first time information, including: The first core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the following two moments: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and The time when the application server receives the second data packet.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Before the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server, the method further includes: The first core network device sends a second data packet to the application server, where the second data packet includes a time when the first core network device sends the second data packet; The first time information includes: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, the time when the application server receives the second data packet, and the time when the application server sends the first data packet; The first core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the first time information, including: The first core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the following four moments: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and the time when the application server receives the second data packet, and the time when the application server sends the first data packet, and The moment when the first core network device receives the first data packet.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Before the first core network device receives the first data packet from the application server, the method further includes: The first core network device receives a third data packet from the terminal device, where the third data packet includes a time when the terminal device sends the third data packet; The first core network device sends the third data packet to the application server; The first time information includes: the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet, and the time when the application server receives the third data packet; The first core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the first time information, including: In a case where the first data packet and the third data packet include the same time, and the same time is the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet, the first core network device determines the first transmission delay according to the following two times: the time when the first core network device sends the third data packet, and The time when the application server receives the third data packet.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first time information is carried in a real-time transport protocol RTP header or an RTP extension header of the first data packet; or, The first time information is carried in a sending report SR field of a real-time transport control protocol RTCP of the first data packet.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first time information is carried in the first protocol layer of the first data packet; The first protocol layer is the protocol layer of the tunnel between the first core network device and the application server.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first core network device receives first configuration information from the second core network device, where the first configuration information indicates determination of the first transmission delay.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first configuration information also indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method of the first transmission delay, or a measurement period of the first transmission delay, or a measurement trigger condition of the first transmission delay, or a sending period of the first transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition of the first transmission delay.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The first configuration information further indicates: an endpoint of a first tunnel and / or a trigger condition for establishing the first tunnel, the first tunnel being a tunnel between the first core network device and the application server; The method also includes: the first core network device establishing the first tunnel according to the first configuration information, and the first tunnel is used for measuring the first transmission delay.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The second core network device includes a session management function network element; and / or the fourth core network device includes an application function network element.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The third core network device receives a first transmission delay from the second core network device, where the first transmission delay is a transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server; The third core network device adjusts a quality of service QoS parameter according to the first transmission delay, and / or the third core network device sends the first transmission delay to a fourth core network device; The QoS parameter includes at least one of the following: a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device; or, The aggregate delay budget of data packets between the terminal device and the first core network device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: The third core network device receives first indication information from the fourth core network device, where the first indication information indicates determining the first transmission delay; The third core network device determines first policy information according to the first indication information, where the first policy information indicates determining the first transmission delay; The third core network device sends the first policy information to the second core network device.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first policy information further indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method of the first transmission delay, or a measurement period of the first transmission delay, or a measurement triggering condition of the first transmission delay, or a sending period of the first transmission delay, or a sending triggering condition of the first transmission delay; The first transmission delay is determined by the first core network device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The first policy information further indicates: an endpoint of the first tunnel and / or a trigger condition for establishing the first tunnel; The first tunnel is a tunnel between the first core network device and the application server, and the first tunnel is used for measuring the first transmission delay.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that: The first indication information further indicates: the first transmission delay is used for adjusting the QoS parameter; The third core network device performs QoS parameter adjustment according to the first transmission delay, including: In response to the first indication information, the third core network device adjusts the QoS parameters according to the first transmission delay.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that: The first indication information further indicates: feeding back the first transmission delay; The third core network device sending the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device includes: In response to the first indication information, the third core network device sends the first transmission delay to the fourth core network device.

19. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The fourth core network device determines first indication information, where the first indication information indicates determining a first transmission delay, where the first transmission delay is a transmission delay between the first core network device and the application server; The fourth core network device sends the first indication information to the third core network device.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The first transmission delay is used for adjusting a quality of service QoS parameter, and the QoS parameter to be adjusted includes at least one of the following: a data packet delay budget between the terminal device and the first core network device; or, The aggregate delay budget of data packets between the terminal device and the first core network device.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The first indication information further indicates that the first transmission delay is used for adjusting the QoS parameters.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that: The first indication information further indicates: feeding back the first transmission delay; The method also includes: the fourth core network device receiving the first transmission delay from the first core network device or the third core network device.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that: The first indication information also indicates at least one of the following: a measurement method of the first transmission delay, or a measurement period of the first transmission delay, or a measurement trigger condition of the first transmission delay, or a sending period of the first transmission delay, or a sending trigger condition of the first transmission delay.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that: The first indication information further indicates: an endpoint of the first tunnel and / or a triggering condition for establishing the first tunnel; The first tunnel is a tunnel between the first core network device and the application server, and the first tunnel is used for measuring the first transmission delay.

25. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The application server determines a first data packet, where the first data packet includes first time information, where the first time information is used to determine a first transmission delay, where the first transmission delay is a transmission delay between a first core network device and the application server; The application server sends the first data packet to the first core network device.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The first time information includes: the time when the application server sends the first data packet.

27. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that Before the application server determines the first data packet, the method further includes: The application server receives a second data packet from the first core network device, where the second data packet includes a time when the first core network device sends the second data packet; The first time information includes: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, and the time when the application server receives the second data packet; Alternatively, the first time information includes: the time when the first core network device sends the second data packet, the time when the application server receives the second data packet, and the time when the application server sends the first data packet.

28. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that Before the application server determines the first data packet, the method further includes: The application server receives a third data packet from a terminal device through the first core network device, where the third data packet includes a time when the terminal device sends the third data packet; The first time information includes: the time when the terminal device sends the third data packet, and the time when the application server receives the third data packet.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a processor; the processor is used to run a computer program or instructions so that the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-12, or so that the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 13-18, or so that the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 19-24, or so that the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 25-28.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to be executed, or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 18 to be executed, or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 24 to be executed, or the method according to any one of claims 25 to 28 to be executed.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes computer instructions; when part or all of the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 is executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 18 is executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 24 is executed, or the method as described in any one of claims 25 to 28 is executed.

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