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

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a first network element, a second network element, a communication system and a storage medium. The method comprises: sending first information, wherein the first information is used for indicating a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, and the first data flow corresponds to a first QoS flow. By means of the solution of the present disclosure, support for different QoS characteristics of a multiplexed data flow is realized.

Description

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

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

[0002] In communication technologies such as the fifth generation mobile networks (5G), mobile media services, online extended reality (XR), online games, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute an increasing amount of traffic to communication networks.

[0003] Currently, due to the high throughput, low latency, and high reliability requirements of XRM and eXtended Reality and interactive media services, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the quality of service (QoS) characteristics of different service data flows (SDFs) in a service.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network element, a second network element, a communication system, and a storage medium to provide support for different QoS characteristics of multiplexed data streams.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a first network element. The communication method includes: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, and the first data flow corresponds to a first QoS flow.

[0007] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a second network element. The communication method includes: receiving first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, and the first data flow corresponds to a first QoS flow.

[0008] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method is applied to a core network. The core network includes a first network element and a second network element. The communication method includes: the first network element sending first information to the second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, and the first data flow corresponds to a first QoS flow.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, the first data flow corresponding to a first QoS flow.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, the first data flow corresponding to a first QoS flow.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided. The first network element includes: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the first network element, the first network element implements the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided. The second network element includes: one or more processors, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the second network element, the second network element implements the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first network element and a second network element. The first network element is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect. The second network element is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0016] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the communication method according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0017] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a chip or a chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0018] Through the embodiments of the present disclosure, each data stream in the multiplexed data stream can be mapped to a corresponding QoS stream.

[0019] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not constitute limitations on the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG1B is a schematic diagram of an architecture of an implementation of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG1C is a schematic diagram of an architecture of another implementation of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG2B is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG3A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG3B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG4A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG4B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG5 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG6A is an interaction diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG6B is an interaction diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG6C is an interaction diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG7A is a schematic structural diagram of a first network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG7B is a schematic structural diagram of a second network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

[0039] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to a first network element. The communication method includes: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, the first data flow corresponding to a first QoS flow.

[0040] According to the above embodiment, the first information can be used to indicate the first data stream in the multiplexed data stream. Thus, the first information enables identification of the first data stream during traffic detection and routing / mapping of the first data stream to the corresponding first QoS stream. In this way, it is possible to ensure that each data stream in the multiplexed data stream is mapped to the corresponding QoS stream, thereby supporting different QoS characteristics of the multiplexed data stream.

[0041] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first indication information, used to indicate an Internet Protocol (IP) connection carrying the first data stream; second indication information, used to indicate the IP stream carrying the first data stream; third indication information, used to indicate the IP frame carrying the first data stream.

[0042] According to the above embodiment, the first information can be used to indicate one or more of an IP connection, an IP flow, and an IP frame. The first information enables identification of the first data flow at at least one of the three levels of IP connection, IP flow, and IP frame, thereby achieving traffic detection at different granularities.

[0043] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information may include a connection identifier of the IP connection, the second indication information may include a flow identifier of the IP flow, and the third indication information may include a frame type of the IP frame.

[0044] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may further include indication information of the first QoS flow.

[0045] According to the above embodiment, the first information may include, in addition to indicating the first data flow, indication information of the first QoS flow. Thus, the first information may indicate that the first data flow is associated with the first QoS flow. In this way, after the first data flow is identified based on the first information, the first data flow may be mapped to the first QoS flow corresponding to the indication information, thereby achieving traffic mapping for the first data flow.

[0046] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be included in at least one of the following: packet detection rules; traffic detection information.

[0047] According to the above embodiment, the first information can be included in the packet detection rule or the flow detection information. In this way, the first information can be included in different rules or information in different scenarios. This can enhance the applicability of sending the first information.

[0048] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be included in a packet filtering set of packet detection rules.

[0049] According to the above embodiment, the first information can be included in the packet filter set within the packet detection rule. This allows information related to traffic detection and processing of data packets to be integrated, facilitating the acquisition of the first information. Furthermore, by modifying the format of the existing packet filter set, the first information can be sent, ensuring its compatibility with existing specifications.

[0050] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be sent to the second network element through the N4 interface; wherein, the first network element can be used to implement packet data unit (PDU) session management, and the second network element can be used to implement QoS processing.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the sending of the first information can be implemented through one of the following methods: N4 association establishment process; N4 session establishment process; N4 session modification process.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving second information, where the second information is used to indicate QoS information.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: QoS requirements, used to indicate mapping requirements of multiplexed data streams; QoS rules, used to indicate mapping strategies of multiplexed data streams.

[0054] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to a second network element. The communication method includes receiving first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, and the first data flow corresponds to a first QoS flow.

[0055] According to the above embodiment, the first information can be used to indicate the first data flow in the multiplexed data flow. Thus, the first information enables the second network element to identify the first data flow during traffic detection and route / map the first data flow to the corresponding first QoS flow. In this way, it is possible to ensure that each data flow in the multiplexed data flow is mapped to the corresponding QoS flow, thereby supporting different QoS characteristics of the multiplexed data flow.

[0056] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first indication information, used to indicate the IP connection carrying the first data stream; second indication information, used to indicate the IP flow carrying the first data stream; third indication information, used to indicate the IP frame carrying the first data stream.

[0057] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information may include a connection identifier of the IP connection, the second indication information may include a flow identifier of the IP flow, and the third indication information may include a frame type of the IP frame.

[0058] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may further include indication information of the first QoS flow.

[0059] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be included in at least one of the following: packet detection rules; traffic detection information.

[0060] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be included in a packet filtering set of packet detection rules.

[0061] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be received from the first network element through the N4 interface; wherein the first network element is used to implement PDU session management, and the second network element is used to implement QoS processing.

[0062] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the reception of the first information can be implemented through one of the following methods: N4 association establishment process; N4 session establishment process; N4 session modification process.

[0063] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: determining a first data stream from the multiplexed data stream based on the first information; and determining that the first data stream is mapped to a first QoS stream.

[0064] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first data stream may include at least one of the following: an IP connection, an IP stream, and an IP frame.

[0065] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The communication method is applied to a core network. The core network includes a first network element and a second network element. The communication method includes: the first network element sending first information to the second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, and the first data flow corresponds to a first quality of service (QoS) flow.

[0066] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network element, comprising: a transceiver module configured to send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, the first data flow corresponding to a first QoS flow.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first indication information, used to indicate the IP connection carrying the first data stream; second indication information, used to indicate the IP flow carrying the first data stream; third indication information, used to indicate the IP frame carrying the first data stream.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information may include a connection identifier of the IP connection, the second indication information may include a flow identifier of the IP flow, and the third indication information may include a frame type of the IP frame.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may further include indication information of the first QoS flow.

[0070] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be included in at least one of the following: packet detection rules; traffic detection information.

[0071] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be included in a packet filtering set of packet detection rules.

[0072] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be sent to the second network element through the N4 interface; wherein, the first network element can be used to implement PDU session management, and the second network element can be used to implement QoS processing.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the sending of the first information can be implemented through one of the following methods: N4 association establishment process; N4 session establishment process; N4 session modification process.

[0074] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may further be configured to: receive second information, where the second information is used to indicate QoS information.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: QoS requirements, used to indicate the mapping requirements of the multiplexed data stream; QoS rules, used to indicate the mapping strategy of the multiplexed data stream.

[0076] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network element, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data flow in a multiplexed data flow, and the first data flow corresponds to a first QoS flow.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first indication information, used to indicate the IP connection carrying the first data stream; second indication information, used to indicate the IP flow carrying the first data stream; third indication information, used to indicate the IP frame carrying the first data stream.

[0078] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication information may include a connection identifier of the IP connection, the second indication information may include a flow identifier of the IP flow, and the third indication information may include a frame type of the IP frame.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may further include indication information of the first QoS flow.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be included in at least one of the following: packet detection rules; traffic detection information.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be included in a packet filtering set of packet detection rules.

[0082] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be received from the first network element through the N4 interface; wherein the first network element is used to implement PDU session management, and the second network element is used to implement QoS processing.

[0083] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the reception of the first information can be implemented through one of the following methods: N4 association establishment process; N4 session establishment process; N4 session modification process.

[0084] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: determine the first data stream from the multiplexed data stream based on the first information; and determine that the first data stream is mapped to the first QoS stream.

[0085] In combination with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first data stream may include at least one of the following: an IP connection, an IP stream, and an IP frame.

[0086] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network element. The first network element includes: one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the first network element, the first network element implements the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network element. The second network element includes: one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the second network element, the second network element implements the communication method as described in any one of the second aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0088] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first network element and a second network element. The first network element is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the first aspect and possible implementations thereof. The second network element is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the second aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0089] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to execute the communication method described in any one of the first to third aspects and possible implementations thereof.

[0090] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects and possible implementations thereof.

[0091] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer executes the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects and possible implementations thereof.

[0092] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects and possible implementations thereof.

[0093] It is understandable that the first network element, the second network element, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip, and the chip system are all used to perform the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0094] The present disclosure provides a communication method, a first network element, a second network element, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method," "information processing method," and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "network element," "information processing device," and "communication device" are interchangeable; and the terms "information processing system," "communication system," and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0095] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Unless there is any contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementations in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all of the steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For another example, a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0096] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0097] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0098] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0099] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0101] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0102] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0103] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0104] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0105] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0106] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0107] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0109] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0110] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0111] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0112] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0113] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0114] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0115] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0116] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1A , a communication system 100 includes a first network element 101 , a second network element 102 , and a third network element 103 .

[0117] In some embodiments, part or all of the first network element 101, the second network element 102, and the third network element 103 may be located in a core network. The core network may be a single device in which the first network element 101, the second network element 102, the third network element 103, etc. are integrated, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element 101, the second network element 102, the third network element 103, etc. The core network may be virtual or physical. For example, the core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0118] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0119] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 can be used to perform session management, execution of PCF-delivered control policies, UPF selection, UE IP address allocation and other functions, and the name is not limited to this.

[0120] In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may be, for example, a user plane function (UPF).

[0121] In some embodiments, the second network element 102 can be used to implement functions such as user plane (UP) data forwarding, session / flow-level based billing statistics, bandwidth limitation, UP QoS processing, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0122] In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may be, for example, a policy control function (PCF).

[0123] In some embodiments, the third network element 103 can be used to support a unified policy framework and provide policy rules, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (PCF).

[0125] In some embodiments, the third network element 103 can be used to support a unified policy framework and provide policy rules, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0126] In some embodiments, the third network element 103 can be used to complete mobility management, non-access stratum mobility management (NAS MM) signaling processing, NAS session management (SM) signaling routing, security anchor point and security context management, etc., the name is not limited to this.

[0127] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may be a 5G communication system. It should be noted that the communication system 100 may also be other communication systems, such as a 4G communication system or a 6G communication system, which is not specifically limited in the present disclosure.

[0128] 1B and 1C , the architecture of a communication system is exemplarily described using a 5G communication system as an example, wherein the terminal may be a UE and the access network device may be a RAN.

[0129] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of an architecture of an implementation of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in the form of reference points.

[0130] N1 is the reference point between the UE and the AMF. N2 is the reference point between the RAN and the AMF. N3 is the reference point between the RAN and the UPF. N4 is the reference point between the SMF and the UPF. N5 is the reference point between the PCF and the AF. N6 is the reference point between the UPF and the data network (DN). N7 is the reference point between the SMF and the PCF. N11 is the reference point between the AMF and the SMF. N15 is the reference point between the SMF and the PCF. Uu is the interface between the UE and the RAN.

[0131] It should be noted that the NEF is not shown in FIG1B , but each core network device in the communication system can interact with the NEF.

[0132] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another implementation of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1C, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in a service-based interface manner.

[0133] Namf is a service-based interface provided by AMF. Nsmf is a service-based interface provided by SMF. Nnef is a service-based interface provided by NEF. Npcf is a service-based interface provided by PCF. Naf is a service-based interface provided by AF.

[0134] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0135] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A , or some of the entities in the communication system 100 , but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1A are illustrative only. The communication system 100 may include all or some of the entities shown in FIG1A , or may include other entities other than those shown in FIG1A . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary. The entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0136] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0137] In some cases, services such as mobile media services, online AR / VR and other XR services, online gaming, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute increasingly high traffic volumes to communication networks. XR services involve multimodal data streams. Multimodal data is data describing the same service / application that is input from the same device or different devices (including sensors) and may be output to one or more destination devices. The data streams within multimodal data often have some, or even strong, correlation, such as synchronization between audio and video streams, or between touch and vision. These media services share common characteristics within their data streams, between the data streams themselves, and in terms of the network transmission requirements. Effectively identifying and leveraging these characteristics will facilitate network and service transmission and control, as well as enhance service assurance and user experience.

[0138] In further cases, XRM services and interactive media services require the communication system to comprehensively consider the QoS characteristics of service data flows. Such QoS characteristics may include, for example, at least one of the following: whether parameters such as delay-sensitive guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data flows, guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet delay budget (PDB), and default maximum data burst volume (MDBV) can be simultaneously met and coordinated. It also involves multiple XRM data flows of a terminal, and XRM data flows of multiple terminals, and the consistency of QoS authorization and execution between each other.

[0139] In some embodiments, the SDF of the XRM may support PDU set-based processing, thereby enhancing QoS awareness and assurance of the SDF and improving the user's quality of experience (QoE).

[0140] In some embodiments, in systems such as 4G, 5G, 6G, and V2X, the AF may provide PDU set QoS parameters and a protocol description. In some embodiments, the PDU set QoS parameters may include at least one of the following: PDU set delay budget (PSDB), PDU set error rate (PSER), and PDU set integrated handling information (PSIHI). Then, the SMF and UPF may extend the header of the PDU in the PDU set of the SDF in combination with the protocol description and protocol header extension provided by the AF to carry the PDU set information. The carried PDU information can be used by the access network to perform PDU set-based QoS control.

[0141] In some embodiments, the PDU information may include at least one of the following: a PDU set sequence number, a start PDU or end PDU of a PDU set, a PDU sequence number within a PDU set, the number of PDUs within a PDU set, PDU set importance, and PDU set size. Here, the PDU set importance is used to indicate the importance of a PDU set relative to other PDU sets in the same QoS flow.

[0142] It can be understood that the UPF performs the mapping of the SDF to the QoS flow based on the PDR, and maps (also referred to as encapsulating) the mutually related PDUs into the PDU set. In addition, the UPF can adopt the same QoS policy for all PDU sets in the QoS flow. For example, the UPF can apply the same PDU set QoS parameters to all PDU sets in the QoS flow. In one example, the UPF can map the application flow to the QoS flow based on the packet detection information in the PDR. Some PDUs in the QoS flow can be associated with media components (for example, intra-frame coded frames and predicted frames), and the UPF classifies these PDUs as belonging to the PDU set and performs corresponding control.

[0143] In some cases, the XRM service may be a multimedia type service, which corresponds to multiple data streams. These data streams may be multiplexed in the same quintet for transmission. The quintet constitutes an end-to-end transport layer connection. In this case, one or more data streams multiplexed in an end-to-end transport layer connection (e.g., a quintet) may be referred to as multiplexed data streams. In one example, the quintet may be a quintet that complies with the quick UDP internet connections (QUIC) protocol. In some embodiments, different data streams of the XRM service may have different QoS requirements. Then, different data streams may be transmitted using different QUIC connections or different QUIC streams. This requires the QoS architecture of the communication system to provide support for QoS classification in this scenario.

[0144] FIG2A is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in FIG2A, the communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S2101 to S2105.

[0145] In step S2101 , the third network element 103 sends second information to the first network element 101 .

[0146] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 receives the second information.

[0147] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: QoS requirements, QoS rules.

[0148] In some embodiments, QoS requirements may be used to indicate mapping requirements for multiplexed data flows.

[0149] In some embodiments, QoS rules may be used to indicate a mapping strategy for multiplexed data flows.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to trigger the first network element 101 to establish or modify a PDU session.

[0151] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to trigger the first network element 101 to establish a new PDU session. In some embodiments, the second information may be used to trigger the first network element 101 to initiate a PDU session establishment process.

[0152] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to trigger the first network element 101 to modify an existing PDU session. In some embodiments, the second information may be used to trigger the first network element 101 to initiate a PDU Session Modification process.

[0153] In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may be an AMF. In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request.

[0154] In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may be a PCF. In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request.

[0155] In step S2102 , the first network element 101 sends first information to the second network element 102 .

[0156] In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may receive the first information.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate a first data flow in the multiplexed data flow, where the first data flow corresponds to a first QoS flow.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to identify a first data stream in the multiplexed data stream.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to perform traffic detection and / or routing on the first data in the multiplexed data stream.

[0160] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited. For example, it can be identification information, recognition information, packet filtering indication information, etc.

[0161] In some embodiments, the multiplexed data stream may be an IP data stream. In one example, the multiplexed data stream may take the form of a QUIC connection or a QUIC stream.

[0162] In some embodiments, the multiplexed data stream may include multiple layers. In one example, the multiplexed data stream may include the following three layers: IP connection, IP stream, and IP frame. An IP connection may include one or more IP streams. An IP stream may include one or more IP frames.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first indication information, second indication information, and third indication information.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be used to indicate an IP connection that carries the first data flow.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first indication information may include a connection identifier of an IP connection carrying the first data stream. In one example, the first indication information may include a connection identifier of a QUIC connection carrying the first data stream.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be used to indicate the IP flow carrying the first data flow.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second indication information may include a flow identifier of the IP flow carrying the first data flow.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first data stream may be carried in one or more IP streams. In this case, the second indication information may include a stream identifier of one IP stream, or may include stream identifiers of multiple IP streams. In the latter case, the stream identifiers of multiple IP streams may constitute a stream identifier group.

[0169] In some embodiments, the flow identifier may be used to indicate a flow range. The flow range is used to indicate the range of the IP flow carrying the first data flow.

[0170] In some embodiments, the flow identifier of each IP flow in an IP connection may be unique.

[0171] In some embodiments, the flow identifier may be represented by one or more bits. In one example, the flow identifier may be represented by 62 bits. In this case, the flow identifier may range from 0 to 2. 62 -1.

[0172] In some embodiments, the flow identification information may be encoded in the form of a variable-length integer.

[0173] In some embodiments, a portion of the flow identifier can be used to indicate the initiator of the IP flow corresponding to the flow identifier. In one example, since the IP connection is used to implement data transmission between two parties, the lowest bit or the highest bit in the flow identifier can be used to indicate either party. For example, when the value of the lowest bit in the flow identifier is 0, the initiator of the IP flow can be the first party of the two parties; when the value of the lowest bit in the flow identifier is 1, the initiator of the IP flow can be the second party of the two parties. In one example, the first party can be the service party, and the second party can be the client party. In one example, the first party can be the client party, and the second party can be the service party.

[0174] In some embodiments, the third indication information may be used to indicate an IP frame carrying the first data flow.

[0175] In some embodiments, the third indication information may include a frame type of an IP frame carrying the first data flow.

[0176] In some embodiments, an IP frame may have multiple frame types. IP frames with different frame types may be used to carry different information. In one example, different frame types may correspond to different media stream types. In one example, different frame types may correspond to different types of media data packets.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first information may be included in at least one of the following: a packet detection rule (PDR) or traffic detection information. It is understood that the first information may also be included in other rules or information, which is not specifically limited in the present embodiment.

[0178] In some embodiments, the packet detection rule may include a first field. The first field is used to carry first information. In one example, the first field may include at least one of the following: first indication information, second indication information, and third indication information.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first information may be included in a packet filter set.

[0180] In some embodiments, a packet filter set may be used to identify one or more IP data flows.

[0181] In some embodiments, the packet filter set may include one or more packet filters. Each packet filter may be used to identify IP data flows in at least one of an uplink and a downlink.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first field of the packet detection rule may correspond to a packet filter set. Then, the packet filter set may include at least one of the following: first indication information, second indication information, and third indication information.

[0183] In some embodiments, the traffic detection information may include a second field. The second field is used to carry the first information. In one example, the first field may include at least one of the following: first indication information, second indication information, and third indication information.

[0184] In some embodiments, the interface between the first network element 101 and the second network element 102 may be an N4 interface. In other words, the first network element 101 and the second network element 102 may interact via the N4 interface. In some embodiments, the first information may be sent from the first network element 101 to the second network element 102 via the N4 interface. In other words, the first information may be received by the second network element 102 via the N4 interface.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first information may further include indication information of the first QoS flow.

[0186] In some embodiments, the indication information of the first QoS flow may include identification information of the QoS flow.

[0187] In some embodiments, identification information of the first QoS flow may be carried in a packet detection rule. In one example, in the packet detection rule, the identification information of the first QoS flow may include at least one of the following: a 5G QoS identifier (5QI) or a non-standardized QoS flow identifier (QFI).

[0188] In some embodiments, the packet detection rule may further include at least one of the following: an N4 session identifier and a rule identifier. The N4 session identifier may be used to identify the N4 session between the first network element 101 and the second network element 102. The rule identifier may be a unique identifier of the packet detection rule.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may send the first information to the second network element 102 through an N4 association setup process. In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may send an N4 association setup request message to the second network element 102. The N4 association setup request message may carry the first information.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may send the first information to the second network element 102 through an N4 session establishment process. In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may send an N4 session establishment request message to the second network element 102. The N4 session establishment request message may carry the first information.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may send the first information to the second network element 102 through an N4 session modification process. In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may send an N4 session modification request message to the second network element 102. The N4 session modification request message may carry the first information.

[0192] In step S2103, the second network element 102 determines the mapping of the multiplexed data stream.

[0193] In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may determine a first data flow from the multiplexed data flow, and determine that the first data flow is mapped to a first QoS flow.

[0194] In some embodiments, the operation of determining the first data stream from the multiplexed data stream may be implemented based on the first information. In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may identify the first data stream corresponding to the first information in the multiplexed data stream based on the first information.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first data stream may include at least one of the following: an IP connection, an IP flow, or an IP frame. In one example, the first information may include a connection identifier, and the second network element 102 may determine the IP connection corresponding to the connection identifier as the first data stream. In one example, the first information may include a connection identifier and a flow identifier, and the second network element 102 may determine the IP flow corresponding to the flow identifier in the IP connection corresponding to the connection identifier as the first data stream. In one example, the first information may include a connection identifier, a flow identifier, and a frame type, and the second network element 102 may determine the IP frame corresponding to the frame type in the IP flow corresponding to the connection identifier and the flow identifier as the first data stream.

[0196] In step S2104 , the second network element 102 sends third information to the first network element 101 .

[0197] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may receive third information.

[0198] In some embodiments, the third information may be a response of the second network element 102 to the first information.

[0199] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in the N4 association establishment response message.

[0200] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in the N4 session establishment response message.

[0201] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in the N4 association modification response message.

[0202] In step S2105 , the first network element 101 sends fourth information to the third network element 103 .

[0203] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may continue to interact with the third network element 103 through the fourth information.

[0204] In some embodiments, the third network element 103 may receive the fourth information.

[0205] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2105. For example, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S2102 and S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S2101 to S2105 are not limited to this.

[0206] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S2101 to S2105 may be performed in an order-switched or synchronously. For example, steps S2103 and S2104 may be performed in an order-switched or synchronously.

[0207] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2103, S2104, and S2105 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0208] FIG2B is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in FIG2B , the communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S2201 to S2203.

[0209] In step S2201 , the second network element 102 sends third information to the first network element 101 .

[0210] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may receive third information.

[0211] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to request the first information from the first network element 101 .

[0212] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, for example, it can be rule request information, rule query information, etc.

[0213] In some embodiments, the interface between the first network element 101 and the second network element 102 may be an N4 interface. In other words, the first network element 101 and the second network element 102 may interact via the N4 interface. In some embodiments, the third information may be sent from the second network element 102 to the first network element 101 via the N4 interface. In other words, the third information may be received by the first network element 101 via the N4 interface.

[0214] In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may send the third information to the first network element 101 through an N4 association setup process. In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may send an N4 association setup request message to the first network element 101. The N4 association setup request message may carry the third information.

[0215] In step S2202 , the first network element 101 sends first information to the second network element 102 .

[0216] The optional implementation of step S2202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in an N4 association establishment response message.

[0218] In step S2203, the second network element 102 determines the mapping of the multiplexed data stream.

[0219] The optional implementation of step S2203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0220] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2203. For example, step S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S2202 and S2203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S2201 to S2203 are not limited to this.

[0221] In some embodiments, steps S2201 and S2203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0222] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0223] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink", "side communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0224] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0225] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0226] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0227] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0228] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0229] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0230] In some embodiments, terms such as "traffic", "flow", "stream", and "data flow" can be used interchangeably.

[0231] FIG3A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is performed by a first network element 101. As shown in FIG3A , the method includes steps S3101 to S3104.

[0232] In step S3101, the second information is obtained.

[0233] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may receive the second information sent by the third network element 103, but is not limited to, and may also receive the second information sent by other entities.

[0235] In step S3102, the first information is sent.

[0236] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may send the first information to the second network element 102 , but is not limited to, the first information may also be sent to other entities.

[0238] In step S3103, the third information is obtained.

[0239] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may receive the third information sent by the second network element 102, but is not limited to, and may also receive the third information sent by other entities.

[0241] In step S3104, the fourth information is sent.

[0242] The optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may send the fourth information to the third network element 103 , but is not limited to, the fourth information may also be sent to other entities.

[0244] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3104. For example, step S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S3101 to S3104 are not limited to this.

[0245] In some embodiments, steps S3101, S3103, and S3104 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0246] FIG3B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is performed by the first network element 101. As shown in FIG3B , the method includes steps S3201 to S3202.

[0247] In step S3201, the third information is obtained.

[0248] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2201 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may receive the third information sent by the second network element 102, but is not limited to, and may also receive the third information sent by other entities.

[0250] In step S3202, the first information is sent.

[0251] The optional implementation of step S3202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first network element 101 may send the first information to the second network element 102 , but is not limited to, the first information may also be sent to other entities.

[0253] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 and S3202. For example, step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S3201 to S3202 are not limited to this.

[0254] In some embodiments, step S3201 is optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0255] FIG4A is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by the second network element 102. As shown in FIG4A , the method includes steps S4101 to S4103.

[0256] In step S4101, first information is obtained.

[0257] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0258] In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may receive the first information sent by the first network element 101, but is not limited to, and may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0259] In step S4102, the mapping of the multiplexed data stream is determined.

[0260] The optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] In some embodiments, mapping of the multiplexed data stream may be implemented based on the first information.

[0262] In step S4103, the third information is sent.

[0263] The optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0264] In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may send the third information to the first network element 101 , but is not limited to, the third information may also be sent to other entities.

[0265] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4103. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S4101 and S4102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S4101 to S4103 are not limited to this.

[0266] In some embodiments, steps S4102 and S4103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0267] FIG4B is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method is executed by the second network element 102. As shown in FIG4B , the method includes steps S4201 to S4203.

[0268] In step S4201, the third information is sent.

[0269] The optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2201 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0270] In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may send the third information to the first network element 101 , but is not limited to, the third information may also be sent to other entities.

[0271] In step S4202, first information is obtained.

[0272] The optional implementation of step S4202 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2202 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0273] In some embodiments, the second network element 102 may receive the first information sent by the first network element 101, but is not limited to, and may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0274] In step S4203, the mapping of the multiplexed data stream is determined.

[0275] The optional implementation of step S4203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2203 in Figure 2B and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0276] In some embodiments, mapping of the multiplexed data stream may be implemented based on the first information.

[0277] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4203. For example, step S4202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S4202 and S4203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. It should be noted that the possible independent embodiments consisting of one or more steps from steps S4201 to S4203 are not limited to this.

[0278] In some embodiments, steps S4201 and S4203 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0279] Figure 5 is an interactive diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method includes step S501.

[0280] In step S501 , the first network element 101 sends first information to the second network element 102 .

[0281] Optional implementations of step S501 can refer to the optional implementations of step S2102 in FIG. 2A , step S2202 in FIG. 2B , and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0282] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplarily described through specific implementation methods.

[0283] In some embodiments, the packet filter set may be an enhanced packet filter set.

[0284] In some embodiments, for an IP PDU session, the packet filter set's support for packet filters may be based on at least one of: source / destination IP address or IPv6 prefix; source / destination port number; protocol identifier of the protocol on the IP / next generation header type; type of service (TOS) (IPv4) / traffic class (IPv6) and mask; flow label (IPv6); security parameter index; packet filter direction; connection ID; stream ID (stream ID may be specified as a flow range); and frame type.

[0285] In some embodiments, the enhanced packet filter set may be specifically configured for the multiplexed data stream. In this case, the packet filter set specifically configured for the multiplexed data stream may also be referred to as the multiplexed packet filter set. Of course, the disclosed embodiments do not specifically limit the name thereof.

[0286] In some embodiments, the packet filter set may be included in the packet detection rules and transmitted by the SMF (i.e., the first network element) to the UPF (i.e., the second network element) on the N4 interface for execution, and is therefore also part of the N4 rules. In addition to being carried in the packet filter set, it can also be carried to the UPF in other monitoring information of the packet detection rules.

[0287] In some embodiments, the SMF is responsible for instructing the UPF on how to detect user data traffic that belongs to the packet detection rule. Other parameters in the packet detection rule describe how the UPF handles the data packets that match the detection information.

[0288] In some embodiments, key information for multiplexed data flow mapping can be carried within a packet filter set or sent to the UPF in detection information outside of the packet filter set. In one example, the connection identifier, flow identifier, and frame type can be enhanced within the packet filter set. In another example, the connection identifier, flow identifier, and frame type can be enhanced outside of the packet filter set, for example, in detection information sent to the UPF to perform traffic mapping.

[0289] In some embodiments, the SMF controls traffic detection on the UPF by providing detection information (i.e., traffic detection information) for each packet detection rule. For PDU session types of IPv4 and / or IPv6, the detection information may include at least one of the following: CN channel information; network instance; QFI; IP packet filter set; application identifier (the application identifier can be an index of a series of application detection rules configured in the UPF); fully qualified domain name (FQDN) filter for domain name system (DNS) query messages; connection identifier; flow identifier (the flow identifier can be specified as a flow range); frame type.

[0290] In some embodiments, the traffic detection information for the PDU session sent by the SMF to the UPF can be associated with the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type for detection and routing of traffic on N6.

[0291] In some embodiments, in case of IP PDU session type, the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type may be used by the UPF for traffic detection and routing, for example.

[0292] In some embodiments, based on SMF instructions, the UPF can identify and route traffic / packets related to the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type according to the protocol description in the packet detection rule (e.g., QUIC protocol characteristics), thereby obtaining the mapped traffic pointed to by the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type, and the downlink traffic can be sent to the RAN (e.g., via the DL GTP-U header).

[0293] In some embodiments, there may be a situation where the UPF performs the solution locally, ie, there is no flow detection indication information from the SMF.

[0294] In some embodiments, traffic / packet identification associated with connection identification and / or flow identification and / or frame type can be achieved by the UPF or by detecting header extensions and / or headers and / or payloads.

[0295] In some embodiments, the connection identification and / or flow identification and / or frame type may be provided to the UPF in a packet detection rule.

[0296] In some embodiments, the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type may be provided to the UPF during an N4 session establishment procedure or an N4 session modification procedure.

[0297] In some embodiments, the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type can be provided to the UPF through the N4 reference point, and the N4 session identifier, rule identifier, and QoS flow identifier are also provided.

[0298] In some embodiments, the location of the enhanced packet filter set in the packet detection rule may be shown in Table 1 below.

[0299] Table 1: Example of some attributes of packet detection rules

[0300] In some embodiments, when the 5GC determines that a specific mapping for the multiplexed SDF is supported (based on the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type, for detection of different QoS requirements or routing requirements or DSCP mapping requirements), the SMF sends the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type to the UPF in the PDR (for example, provided in the packet filter set, or provided in other parameters within the PDR that describe how the UPF processes data packets that match the detection information).

[0301] In some embodiments, the UPF may receive a PDR sent by the SMF, which includes a connection identifier and / or a flow identifier and / or a frame type. The UPF may perform detection and mapping on the data flow received on the N6 interface, and may perform detection and mapping at a corresponding granularity based on the connection identifier and / or the flow identifier and / or the frame type.

[0302] In some embodiments, when the SMF instructs the UPF to apply multiplexed data flow mapping, the UPF can identify the relevant traffic / data packets based on the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type in the PDR.

[0303] In some embodiments, when the SMF provides traffic detection information to the UPF, the UPF may use the connection identifier and / or flow identifier and / or frame type for traffic detection and routing.

[0304] In some embodiments, the N4 association establishment process is used to establish an N4 association between the SMF and the UPF so that the SMF uses the resources of the UPF. During this process, the supported functions can be exchanged between the SMF and the UPF.

[0305] FIG6A is a schematic diagram illustrating an interaction according to an exemplary embodiment of a communication method provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6A , the establishment of an N4 association may be initiated by the SMF. In some embodiments, the SMF initiates an N4 association establishment process to request the establishment of an N4 association with the UPF. In some embodiments, after receiving the N4 association establishment request, the UPF may send an N4 association establishment response.

[0306] FIG6B is a schematic diagram illustrating an interaction according to an exemplary embodiment of a communication method provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6B , the establishment of an N4 association may be initiated by the UPF. In some embodiments, the UPF may initiate an N4 association establishment process to request the establishment of an N4 association with the SMF. In some embodiments, after receiving the N4 association establishment request, the SMF may send an N4 association establishment response.

[0307] In some embodiments, the N4 session establishment procedure can be used to create an initial N4 session context for a PDU session issued by the UPF. The SMF allocates a new N4 session context and provides it to the UPF. The N4 session identifier is stored in the SMF and UPF and is used to identify the N4 session context during interactions between the SMF and UPF. The SMF also stores the association between the N4 session identifier and the PDU session for the UE.

[0308] Figure 6C is an interactive diagram of an exemplary implementation of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6C, the N4 session establishment process may include steps S601 to S604.

[0309] In step S601, the SMF receives a trigger to establish a new PDU session or change the UPF for an already established PDU session.

[0310] In step S602, the SMF sends an N4 session establishment request message to the UPF. The message contains structured control information that defines the behavior of the UPF.

[0311] In step S603, the UPF sends an N4 session establishment response message as a response. The message contains any information that the UPF needs to provide to the SMF as a response to the received control information.

[0312] In step S604, the SMF interacts with the network element (e.g., AMF or PCF) that triggers the N4 session establishment process.

[0313] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0314] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication device for implementing any of the above methods. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide another communication device, including units or modules for implementing each step performed by the network device in any of the above methods.

[0315] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above devices is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above devices, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0316] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP); in another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by a dedicated integrated circuit or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0317] Figure 7A is a structural diagram of a first network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the first network element 101 may include a transceiver module 7101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7101 may be configured to: send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data stream in a multiplexed data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to a first QoS stream. Optionally, the transceiver module 7101 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 101 in any of the above methods (for example, steps S2101, S2102, S2104, S2105, S2201, S2202), which will not be repeated here.

[0318] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the second network element 102 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 7201 and a processing module 7202. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 7201 may be configured to: receive first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first data stream in a multiplexed data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to a first QoS stream. Optionally, the transceiver module 7201 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element 102 in any of the above methods (for example, steps S2102, S2104, S2201, S2202), which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 7202 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S2103, S2203) other than the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element 102 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0319] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0320] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0321] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), or can be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods. Communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0322] As shown in Figure 8A, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 8100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 8101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0323] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8102. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8102, the transceiver 8102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, steps S2101, S2102, S2104, S2105, S2201, S2202, but not limited thereto), and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S2103, S2203, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be interchangeable, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be interchangeable, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be interchangeable.

[0324] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8103 may be located outside the communication device 8100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuits 8104 are connected to the memories 8103 and may be configured to receive data from the memories 8103 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 8103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 8104 may read data stored in the memories 8103 and send the data to the processor 8101.

[0325] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 8A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0326] FIG8B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG8B , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0327] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201. The chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0328] In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 8203 may be located external to chip 8200. Optionally, interface circuit 8202 is connected to memory 8203 and may be used to receive data from memory 8203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 8203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 8202 may read data stored in memory 8203 and send the data to processor 8201.

[0329] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2104, S2105, S2201, and S2202) in the above method. The interface circuit 8202 performing the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2104, S2105, S2201, and S2202) in the above method, for example, means that the interface circuit 8202 performs data exchange between the processor 8201, the chip 8200, the memory 8203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S2103 and S2203, but not limited thereto).

[0330] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0331] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 8100, the communication device 8100 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0332] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0333] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any of the above methods.

[0334] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow from the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0335] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, which is executed by a first network element, wherein, The method includes: Sending a first piece of information, where the first piece of information is used to indicate a first data stream in a multiplexed data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to a first Quality of Service (QoS) flow.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first piece of information includes at least one of the following: A first indication message, which is used to indicate an Internet Protocol (IP) connection carrying the first data stream; A second indication message, which is used to indicate an IP flow carrying the first data stream; A third indication message, which is used to indicate an IP frame carrying the first data stream.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The first indication message includes a connection identifier of the IP connection, the second indication message includes a flow identifier of the IP flow, and the third indication message includes a frame type of the IP frame.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first piece of information further includes indication information of the first QoS flow.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first piece of information is included in at least one of the following: A packet detection rule; Traffic detection information.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The first piece of information is included in a packet filtering set of the packet detection rule.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The first piece of information is sent to a second network element through an N4 interface; wherein, the first network element is used to implement packet data unit (PDU) session management, and the second network element is used to implement QoS processing.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The sending of the first piece of information is implemented by one of the following methods: An N4 association establishment process; An N4 session establishment process; An N4 session modification process.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The method further includes: Receiving a second piece of information, where the second piece of information is used to indicate QoS information.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The second piece of information includes at least one of the following: QoS requirements, which are used to indicate mapping requirements of the multiplexed data stream; QoS rules, which are used to indicate mapping policies of the multiplexed data stream.

11. A communication method, which is executed by a second network element, wherein, The method includes: Receiving a first piece of information, where the first piece of information is used to indicate a first data stream in a multiplexed data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to a first Quality of Service (QoS) flow.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first piece of information includes at least one of the following: A first indication message, which is used to indicate an Internet Protocol (IP) connection carrying the first data stream; A second indication message, which is used to indicate an IP flow carrying the first data stream; A third indication message, which is used to indicate an IP frame carrying the first data stream.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first indication message includes a connection identifier of the IP connection, the second indication message includes a flow identifier of the IP flow, and the third indication message includes a frame type of the IP frame.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first piece of information further includes indication information of the first QoS flow.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein The first piece of information is included in at least one of the following: A packet detection rule; Traffic detection information.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first piece of information is included in a packet filtering set of the packet detection rule.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The first piece of information is received from a first network element through an N4 interface; wherein, the first network element is used to implement packet data unit (PDU) session management, and the second network element is used to implement QoS processing.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The receiving of the first piece of information is implemented by one of the following methods: An N4 association establishment process; An N4 session establishment process; An N4 session modification process.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein, The method further includes: Determining the first data stream from the multiplexed data stream according to the first piece of information; Determining that the first data stream is mapped to the first QoS flow.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The first data stream includes at least one of the following: IP connection, IP flow, IP frame.

21. A communication method, which is executed by a core network, wherein, The core network includes a first network element and a second network element; Wherein, the method includes: The first network element sends first information to the second network element, where the first information is used to indicate a first data stream in the multiplexed data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to a first Quality of Service (QoS) flow.

22. A first network element, comprising: A transceiver module configured to send first information, where the first information is used to indicate a first data stream in the multiplexed data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to a first Quality of Service (QoS) flow.

23. A second network element, comprising: A transceiver module configured to receive first information, where the first information is used to indicate a first data stream in the multiplexed data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to a first Quality of Service (QoS) flow.

24. A first network element, comprising: One or more processors; A memory storing instructions; Wherein, when the instructions are executed by the first network element, the first network element implements the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

25. A second network element, comprising: One or more processors; A memory storing instructions; Wherein, when the instructions are executed by the second network element, the second network element implements the communication method described in any one of claims 11 to 20.

26. A communication system, comprising a first network element and a second network element; Among them, The first network element is used to implement the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and the second network element is used to implement the communication method described in any one of claims 11 to 20.

27. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions run on a communication device, the communication device implements the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

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