Communication methods and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are communication methods and a communication apparatus. A method comprises: a first communication apparatus receiving first information, wherein the first information may be used for determining a first QoS parameter, the first QoS parameter may be used for sending a first data stream, the first data stream corresponds to the first QoS parameter, and then, a first network element may send the first data stream on the basis of the first QoS parameter. By means of receiving first information, a first communication apparatus can be informed of a changed QoS parameter in a timely manner and can also be informed of the current network service condition in a timely manner, making it convenient for the first communication apparatus to adjust the sending of a data stream in a timely and effective manner and realizing flexible adjustment of the sending of a data stream by the first communication apparatus. Thus, relatively good services can be provided for users, and the sending of a data stream in a communication system can be quickly coordinated with an actual QoS.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on February 7, 2024, with application number 202410174002.6 and application name "A Communication Method and Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0004] The development of fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems has led to exponential growth in media services. Video services have become the mainstream media format, with the emergence of video at various resolutions, such as 2K, 1080P, and 720P, as well as emerging multimedia services such as extended reality (XR). However, these emerging multimedia services also pose significant challenges to network transmission bandwidth, requiring improved network transmission efficiency to meet the demands of rapidly growing services.

[0005] In the related art, a solution for optional (or alternative) quality of service (QoS) profiles (profile(s)) is proposed. When an access network device (such as a base station) cannot meet the QoS parameters contained in a QoS profile, it will select an alternative QoS profile that can meet the requirements, and send a QoS notification control (QNC) and an index (or reference) of the currently selected alternative QoS profile to a core network element (such as a session management function (SMF) network element and a policy control function (PCF) network element). Afterwards, the core network element can send a message to a third-party application function (AF) network element (or application server (AS)) to adjust the content to be sent (or can be called adjusting the data flow to be sent), so that the application on the third-party application function network element (or application server) can adjust the content to be sent in a timely manner. However, since the above solution can only rely on the application on the third-party application function network element (or application server) to adjust the content to be sent, and for the situation where the third-party application function network element (or application server) cannot adjust the content to be sent, the solution cannot be applied. In addition, as the application is deployed downward, when the application is deployed on the user plane function network element, since the existing technical solution cannot send adjustment information (such as changed QoS parameters or information instructing the user plane function network element to adjust the content to be sent) to the user plane function network element, the application deployed on the user plane function network element cannot adjust the content to be sent. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for enabling a first communication apparatus to timely adjust the sending of a data stream, thereby enabling the sending of the data stream in a communication system to quickly coordinate with the actual QoS.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a first communication device. For example, the first communication device can be a first network element (such as a user plane function network element) or a module of the first network element (such as a processor, a processing unit, a chip, a circuit or a chip system, etc.). The method can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network element. Exemplarily, the following takes the execution of the communication method by the first network element as an example. The method may include the following steps: the first network element receives first information, wherein the first information can be used to determine a first QoS parameter, the first QoS parameter can be used to send a first data stream, the first data stream corresponds to the first QoS parameter, and then the first network element can send the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter.

[0008] In this method, the first network element can promptly learn about the changed QoS parameters and the current network service status (such as the situation where the QoS parameters cannot meet the current QoS requirements, etc.) by receiving the first information. This can facilitate the first network element to adjust the sending of the data stream in a timely manner, and can enable the first network element to flexibly adjust the sending of the data stream (or can be called flexible adjustment of the sending content or flexible adjustment of the sending data), which helps to improve the accuracy (or accuracy) of the adjusted sending of the data stream, thereby providing users with better services (such as application services or business services), and can enable the sending of data streams in the communication system to quickly coordinate with the actual QoS. It can be understood that even if the application is deployed on the first network element, since the method can send the first information to the first network element in a timely manner, the application deployed on the first network element can also adjust the sending of the data stream in a timely manner and can flexibly adjust the sending of the data stream.

[0009] Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a second communication device or a third communication device. For example, the second communication device or the third communication device can be an access network device (such as a RAN device) or a module of an access network device (such as a processor, a processing unit, a chip, a circuit or a chip system, etc.). The method can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. Exemplarily, the following takes the access network device executing the communication method as an example. The method may include the following steps: when the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met, the access network device may send first information, wherein the first information can be used to determine the first QoS parameter, the first QoS parameter can be used to send a first data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to the first QoS parameter.

[0010] The technical effects that can be achieved in the second aspect can be referred to the technical effects that can be achieved in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0011] Accordingly, in a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a third communication device or a second communication device. For example, the third communication device or the second communication device can be a second network element (such as an SMF network element) or a module of the second network element (such as a processor, a processing unit, a chip, a circuit or a chip system, etc.). The method can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element. Exemplarily, the following takes the second network element executing the communication method as an example. The method may include the following steps: the second network element receives first indication information and second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter, and the first QoS parameter includes the first parameter. Afterwards, the second network element can send the first information, the first information can be used to determine the first QoS parameter, and the first QoS parameter can be used to send the first data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to the first QoS parameter.

[0012] The technical effects that can be achieved in the third aspect can be referred to the technical effects that can be achieved in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner provided by the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, the first information may include a first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter, or the first information may also include the first QoS parameter.

[0014] In the above implementation, if the first information carries the first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter, bit overhead can be saved because the number of bits occupied by the priority index is smaller than the number of bits occupied by the first QoS parameter. If the first information carries the first QoS parameter, this can facilitate the first network element (or a module of the first network element, etc.) to promptly parse the first QoS parameter from the first information.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner provided in the first aspect, when the first information includes a first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter, the method further includes: the first network element can determine the first QoS parameter corresponding to the first priority index in a preset alternative QoS parameter list.

[0016] In the above implementation, when the first information includes the first priority index, the first network element can promptly and accurately find the first QoS parameter corresponding to the first priority index in the locally pre-configured candidate QoS parameter list.

[0017] In a possible implementation provided in the first aspect, when the first information includes a first priority index corresponding to a first QoS parameter, the method further includes: the first network element may first receive second information, wherein the second information may be used to indicate a set of alternative QoS files, each alternative QoS file in the set of alternative QoS files corresponds to a priority index, and thereafter, when the first network element obtains the first priority index from the received first information, the first network element may determine the first alternative QoS file corresponding to the first priority index in the set of alternative QoS files, wherein the first alternative QoS file includes the first QoS parameter.

[0018] Accordingly, in a possible implementation provided in the third aspect, the method further includes: the second network element sends second information, wherein the second information can be used to indicate a set of alternative QoS files, and each alternative QoS file in the set of alternative QoS files corresponds to a priority index.

[0019] In the above implementation, since the second network element directly provides the alternative QoS file set to the UPF network element, the first network element does not need to configure the alternative QoS parameter list locally, which can save storage resources (or cache resources), help alleviate the storage pressure of the first network element, and reduce the resource consumption of the first network element due to the configuration of the alternative QoS parameter list.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the access network device may send third information to the first network element. Accordingly, the first network element receives the third information from the access network device. The third information may indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or may indicate that the transmission of the data stream should be adjusted. The first QoS parameter may include the first parameter.

[0021] In a possible implementation of the first or third aspect, the second network element may send third information to the first network element. Accordingly, the first network element receives the third information from the second network element. The third information may indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or may indicate adjustment of data flow transmission. The first QoS parameter may include the first parameter.

[0022] In the above implementation method, by sending the third information to the first network element, the first network element can intuitively (or clearly or directly) know that the sending of the data stream needs to be adjusted, so that the first network element can adjust the sending of the data stream more precisely (or accurately or clearly) and more effectively.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner provided by the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, the first QoS parameter may include at least one of the following: a guaranteed stream bit rate, a packet loss rate, a packet delay budget, or an averaging window.

[0024] In the above implementation, the first communication device can accurately adjust the sending of the data stream (or can be understood as adjusting the sending content) according to the above parameters.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner provided in the first aspect, when the first QoS parameter includes a guaranteed stream bit rate and an averaging window, sending a first data stream according to the first QoS parameter includes: the first network element may send a first data stream for transmitting a basic layer or send a first data stream for transmitting a basic layer and at least one enhancement layer according to the guaranteed stream bit rate and the averaging window; or the first network element may send a first data stream corresponding to a first resolution level according to the guaranteed stream bit rate and the averaging window.

[0026] In the above implementation, the data stream itself (or can be understood as the data content itself) (such as the video encoding method of the media stream) may use layered coding (Scalable Video Coding, also called "scalable video coding" or "scalable video coding"). The first network element can determine to send a data stream for transmitting the basic layer (such as the basic layer code stream) to the access network device or terminal device based on the guaranteed stream bit rate and the average window, or determine to send data for transmitting the basic layer and one or several enhanced layers (such as the basic layer + enhancement layer code stream) to the access network device or terminal device. For data streams deployed to the first network element, the first network element can determine to use a data stream of the corresponding resolution level for transmission (or can be understood as changing to a data stream of a certain level for transmission) based on the guaranteed stream bit rate and the average window. In this way, the implementation can meet the needs of different scenarios and can flexibly adjust the transmission of data streams based on the guaranteed stream bit rate and the average window.

[0027] In a possible implementation provided in the first aspect, the method also includes: when the business data corresponding to the first data stream does not exist locally, the first network element may send a first request, and the first request is used to obtain the business data corresponding to the first data stream. After that, the first network element may receive and store the business data corresponding to the first data stream; or when the business data corresponding to the first data stream does not exist locally, the first network element may send a second request, and the second request is used to request to send the first data stream. After that, the first network element may receive and forward the first data stream.

[0028] In the above implementation, sending the first request allows the first network element to send the first data stream promptly and efficiently the next time it needs to send the service data corresponding to the first data stream after receiving and storing the service data corresponding to the first data stream. Sending the second request allows the recipient of the second request to execute the sending of the first data stream. In this way, the first network element is only responsible for forwarding and does not need to cache, thus saving storage resources and helping to reduce the cache pressure on the first network element.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner provided in the first aspect or the second aspect, after the first time period, if the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is met, the access network device may send fourth information to the first network element, wherein the fourth information may be used to determine the second QoS parameter, the second QoS parameter may be used to send the second data stream, and the second QoS parameter corresponds to the second data stream, and then the first network element receives the fourth information from the access network device; or after the first time period, if the access network device determines that the first QoS parameter is not met, the access network device may send fifth information to the first network element, wherein the fifth information may be used to determine the third QoS parameter, the third QoS parameter may be used to send the third data stream, and the third QoS parameter corresponds to the third data stream, and then the first network element receives the fifth information from the access network device.

[0030] In the above implementation, when it is determined that the second QoS parameter is met, by sending the fourth information to the first network element, the first network element can be facilitated to promptly restore the data flow before adjustment for transmission (which can be understood as using the data flow before adjustment for transmission). When it is determined that the first QoS parameter is not met, by sending the fifth information to the first network element, the first network element can be facilitated to continue to effectively adjust the transmission of the data flow.

[0031] In a possible implementation provided in the first aspect or the second aspect, before the access network device sends the fourth information to the first network element (or after the access network device sends the fourth information to the first network element or when the access network device sends the fourth information to the first network element), the access network device may also send the sixth information to the first network element, after which the first network element receives the sixth information from the access network device, wherein the sixth information may be used to indicate that the first parameter is guaranteed again or the sixth information may also be used to indicate the use of the data stream before adjustment for transmission; or before the access network device sends the fifth information to the first network element (or after the access network device sends the fifth information to the first network element or when the access network device sends the fifth information to the first network element), the access network device may also send the seventh information to the first network element, wherein the seventh information may be used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed or the seventh information may also be used to indicate the adjustment of the sending of the data stream.

[0032] In the above implementation, before the access network device sends the fourth information to the first network element (or after sending the fourth information, or when sending the fourth information), the access network device also sends the sixth information to the first network element, which can enable the first network element to more directly (or more clearly or more explicitly) learn that it is necessary to use the data flow before adjustment for transmission. Before the access network device sends the fifth information to the first network element (or after sending the fifth information, or when sending the fifth information), the access network device also sends the seventh information to the first network element, which can enable the first network element to more directly (or more clearly or more explicitly) learn that it is necessary to continue adjusting the transmission of the data flow.

[0033] In a possible implementation manner provided by the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, after the second time period, if the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is met, the access network device may send third indication information and fourth indication information to the second network element, wherein the third indication information may be used to indicate that the first parameter is guaranteed again, and the fourth indication information may be used to indicate a second priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter. After receiving the third indication information and the fourth indication information from the access network device, the second network element sends fourth information to the first network element, wherein the fourth information may be used to determine the second QoS parameter, and the second QoS parameter may be used to send a second data stream, and the second QoS parameter corresponds to the second data stream. Afterwards, the first network element receives Receive the fourth information from the second network element; or after the second time period, if the access network device determines that the first QoS parameter is not met, the access network device may send fifth indication information and sixth indication information to the second network element, wherein the fifth indication information may be used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, and the sixth indication information may be used to indicate the third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter. After receiving the fifth indication information and the sixth indication information from the access network device, the second network element sends the fifth information to the first network element, wherein the fifth information may be used to determine the third QoS parameter, the third QoS parameter may be used to send a third data stream, and the third QoS parameter corresponds to the third data stream. After that, the first network element receives the fifth information from the second network element.

[0034] In the above implementation, when the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is met, by sending the third indication information and the fourth indication information to the second network element, the second network element can promptly notify the first network element to restore the data flow to the state before the adjustment. In addition, this implementation can also enable the second network element to promptly notify the first network element of the changed QoS parameter (such as the second QoS parameter) so that the first network element can flexibly adjust the sending of the data flow. When the access network device determines that the first QoS parameter is not met, by sending the fifth indication information and the sixth indication information to the second network element, the second network element can promptly notify the first network element to continue adjusting the sending of the data flow. In addition, this implementation can also enable the second network element to promptly notify the first network element of the changed QoS parameter (such as the third QoS parameter) so that the first network element can flexibly adjust the sending of the data flow.

[0035] In a possible implementation method provided in the second aspect or the third aspect, before the second network element sends the fourth information to the first network element (or after the second network element sends the fourth information to the first network element or when the second network element sends the fourth information to the first network element), the second network element may also send the sixth information to the first network element, and thereafter, the first network element receives the sixth information from the second network element, wherein the sixth information can be used to indicate that the first parameter is guaranteed again or the sixth information can also be used to indicate the use of the data stream before adjustment for sending; or before the second network element sends the fifth information to the first network element (or after the second network element sends the fifth information to the first network element or when the second network element sends the fifth information to the first network element), the second network element may also send the seventh information to the first network element, and thereafter, the first network element receives the seventh information from the second network element, wherein the seventh information can be used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed or the seventh information can also be used to indicate the adjustment of the sending of the data stream.

[0036] In the above implementation, before the second network element sends the fourth information to the first network element (or after sending the fourth information, or when sending the fourth information), the second network element also sends the sixth information to the first network element, which allows the first network element to more directly learn that it needs to use the data flow before adjustment for transmission. Before the second network element sends the fifth information to the first network element (or after sending the fifth information, or when sending the fifth information), the second network element also sends the seventh information to the first network element, which allows the first network element to more directly learn that it needs to continue adjusting the transmission of the data flow.

[0037] In a possible implementation provided in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, the fourth information may include a second priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter, or the fourth information may also include the second QoS parameter; or, the fifth information may include a third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter, or the fifth information may also include the third QoS parameter.

[0038] In the above implementation, if the second priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter is carried in the fourth information, the bit overhead can be saved because the number of bits occupied by the priority index is less than the number of bits occupied by the second QoS parameter. If the second QoS parameter is carried in the fourth information, this can facilitate the first network element (or a module of the first network element, etc.) to promptly parse the second QoS parameter from the fourth information. Alternatively, if the third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter is carried in the fifth information, the bit overhead can be saved because the number of bits occupied by the priority index is less than the number of bits occupied by the third QoS parameter. If the third QoS parameter is carried in the fifth information, this can facilitate the first network element (or a module of the first network element, etc.) to promptly parse the third QoS parameter from the fifth information.

[0039] In a possible implementation provided in the second aspect or the third aspect, the method also includes: after receiving the policy and charging control PCC rule, the second network element can determine the original QoS file and the alternative QoS file set according to the PCC rule, wherein each alternative QoS file in the alternative QoS file set corresponds to a priority index, and then the second network element can send the eighth information to the access network device, and then the access network device receives the eighth information from the second network element, wherein the eighth information may include the original QoS file, the alternative QoS file set and the seventh indication information, and the seventh indication information can be used to enable the access network device to send the information required for adjusting the sending of the data flow to the first network element when the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or it can also be used to enable the access network device to send the information required for adjusting the sending of the data flow to the second network element when the first parameter is no longer guaranteed.

[0040] In the above implementation, by sending the eighth information to the access network device based on the PCC rule, the access network device can facilitate, when determining that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed according to the eighth information, to promptly send corresponding information (such as the first information and / or the third information) to the first network element or send corresponding information (such as the first indication information and the second indication information) to the second network element, so that the first network element can timely and effectively adjust the sending of the data stream.

[0041] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a fourth communication device. For example, the fourth communication device can be a third network element (such as a PCF network element) or a module of the third network element (such as a processor, a processing unit, a chip, a circuit or a chip system, etc.). The method can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third network element. Exemplarily, the following takes the execution of the communication method by the third network element as an example. The method may include the following steps: the third network element receives the application requirements, and then the third network element can determine the PCC rules based on the application requirements, wherein the PCC rules can be used to determine the original QoS file and the alternative QoS file set, each alternative QoS file in the alternative QoS file set corresponds to a priority index, and then the third network element can send the PCC rules;

[0042] When the application requirement indicates a data stream for transmitting a base layer and multiple enhancement layers, the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data stream for transmitting the base layer, and the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data stream for transmitting at least one enhancement layer; or the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data stream for transmitting the base layer and at least one enhancement layer; or the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data stream for transmitting the base layer and at least one enhancement layer, the at least one enhancement layer is included in the multiple enhancement layers, and each alternative QoS parameter in the alternative QoS parameter set corresponds to a priority index;

[0043] Alternatively, when the application requirements indicate the use of data streams corresponding to multiple resolution levels for transmission, the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data streams corresponding to the default resolution level for transmission, and the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data streams corresponding to the other resolution levels for transmission.

[0044] In this method, the third network element can generate corresponding PCC rules based on application requirements, so that the first network element can flexibly adjust the transmission of data streams based on the original QoS parameters and alternative QoS parameters included in the PCC rules, thereby providing better services to users.

[0045] In a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device capable of implementing the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects above. The communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in executing the corresponding functions of the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, or the fourth communication device in the above-described method. The communication device may also include a memory, which may be coupled to the processor and stores program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device also includes a communication interface for supporting communication between the communication device and other devices.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the description of the method in any possible implementation of any aspect of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the structure of the communication device includes a transceiver module (or may be called a communication module or a transceiver unit or a communication unit, used to send and receive data) and a processing module (used to perform some internal operations of the communication device). These modules can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples. For details, please refer to the description of the method in any possible implementation of any aspect from the first aspect to the fourth aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, wherein the processor implements the method of any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects above through a logic circuit or by executing a computer program or instruction. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory configured to store the computer program or instruction.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising multiple communication devices (such as a first communication device or a second communication device or a third communication device or a fourth communication device or multiple AMF network elements or AF network elements). The relevant functional implementations of the first communication device or the second communication device or the third communication device or the fourth communication device can be referred to the relevant descriptions mentioned in the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer executes a method in any possible implementation of any one of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0052] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the computer executes a method in any possible implementation of any aspect of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0053] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a chip, which may include a processor and a memory (or the chip is coupled to the memory), wherein the chip executes program instructions in the memory to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects above. "Coupled" refers to the direct or indirect connection of two components to each other, such as electrical connection between two components.

[0054] In an eleventh aspect, the present application further provides a chip system, comprising a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the method of any possible implementation of any of the first to fourth aspects. In one possible implementation, the chip system further comprises a memory for storing programs and data necessary for the computer device. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0055] Based on the implementation methods provided in the above aspects, this application can also be further combined to provide more implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] FIG1 exemplarily shows a schematic diagram of a possible communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG2 exemplarily shows a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG3 exemplarily shows a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG4 exemplarily shows a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG5 exemplarily shows a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG6 exemplarily shows a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG7 exemplarily shows a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG8 exemplarily shows a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Before introducing the technical solution provided by this application, some of the terms involved in this application are first explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0065] (1) QoS flow: When a terminal device has a service communication requirement, it establishes a data connection session (such as a protocol data unit (PDU) session or other forms of session). The corresponding QoS flow carries the service flow in the data connection session. Specifically, the terminal device obtains an IP address through the PDU session establishment to interact with the external service server and implement service communication. 5GS maps the corresponding service to different QoS flows based on the service flow description information, such as the service data flow template (SDF template), and performs the corresponding QoS processing.

[0066] (2) PDU session: A logical connection between a terminal device and a data network (DN), which provides a user plane connection between the terminal device and the DN. PDU sessions include sessions between the terminal device and the access network device, between the access network device and the user plane function (UPF) network element, and between the UPF network element and the DN. A PDU session includes at least one quality of service (QoS) flow.

[0067] (3) Policy and charging control rule (PCC rule): can be used to perform policy control on the service flow of application services. The PCC rule is generated by the PCF network element and sent to the SMF network element. After the SMF network element receives the PCC rule from the PCF network element, it binds the PCC rule to the corresponding QoS flow through the QoS flow binding mechanism. Afterwards, the service flow corresponding to the PCC rule can be carried by the QoS flow bound to the PCC rule. The principle of the QoS flow binding mechanism is: if the binding parameters of the PCC rule (such as 5G QoS identifier (5QI), priority, etc.) are consistent with the parameters of the QoS flow, the PCC rule can be bound to the QoS flow. It can be understood that the PCF network element can generate a PCC rule for one service flow, that is, one service flow corresponds to one PCC rule, or it can generate a PCC rule for multiple service flows, that is, multiple service flows correspond to one PCC rule. For example, an application service (such as XR service or gaming service) can correspond to multiple service flows. For example, a gaming application may generate not only video data but also audio data. The QoS requirements of these service flows may be different, which means that multiple PCC rules corresponding to the same application service are bound to different QoS flows. In other words, multiple service flows of the same application service can be mapped to different QoS flows.

[0068] (4) XR: Through auxiliary equipment, physical objects in the real world and digital objects in the virtual world can coexist and interact with each other, ultimately achieving a perfect fusion of virtual and real. At present, XR mainly includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). The 5G+XR model has spawned a large number of new application scenarios (such as games, social networking, education, medical care, etc.). In the initial stage of XR, the bandwidth requirement for a single-channel XR service is 80 megabits per second (Mbps). After the simultaneous launch of 4K interactive network TV and Internet services, the user bandwidth of XR is recommended to be 230Mbps or above. This type of new media service poses a huge challenge to the network transmission bandwidth, and the network transmission efficiency needs to be improved to meet the network requirements of the rapid evolution of the service. At present, in the 5G system, the Quality of Service (QoS) mechanism can be used to allocate transmission bandwidth to the service, thereby ensuring the end-to-end service quality of the service.

[0069] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, "sending information (or message)" can be understood as one device sending information (or message) to another device, or it can also be understood as a logic module within a device sending information (or message) to another logic module. For example, taking the second communication device as the second network element as an example, "the second network element sending information" can be understood as the second network element sending information to another device (such as the first network element), or it can be understood as the logic module 1 in the second network element sending information to the logic module 2 in the first network element.

[0070] In the embodiments of the present application, "receiving information (or a message)" can be understood as one device receiving information (or a message) from another device, or it can also be understood as a logic module within the device receiving information (or a message) from another logic module. For example, taking the first communication device as a first network element as an example, "the first network element receiving information" can be understood as the first network element receiving information from another device (such as a second network element), or it can be understood as logic module 1 in the first network element receiving information from logic module 2 in the second network element.

[0071] In the embodiment of the present application, "sending information (or message) to the first network element" can be understood as the destination end of the information (or message) is the first network element. It can include sending information (or message) to the first network element directly or indirectly. "Receiving information (or message) from the second network element" can be understood as the source end of the information (or message) is the second network element, which can include receiving information (or message) from the second network element directly or indirectly. The information (or message) may be subjected to necessary processing between the source end and the destination end of the information (or message), such as format changes, etc., but the destination end can understand the valid message from the source end. Similar expressions in the embodiments of the present application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0072] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] The following describes the communication system architecture to which the communication method provided in this application is applicable. It should be noted that these descriptions are for the purpose of facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art and do not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0074] Figure 1 exemplarily shows a possible communication system architecture diagram applicable to an embodiment of the present application. Among them, the communication system architecture shown in Figure 1 is the fifth-generation (5th-generation, 5G) communication system architecture formulated by the third generation partnership project (3GPP) standard, and the communication system architecture includes terminal equipment (for example, user equipment (UE)), access network (AN) (for example, radio access network (RAN)), core network (CN) and data network. Optionally, the terminal device can be connected to the access network device (such as (R)AN device) in a wireless manner, and the access network device can be connected to the core network in a wireless or wired manner. The core network device and the radio access network device can be independent and different physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the radio access network device can be integrated on the same physical device, or the functions of some core network devices and some radio access network devices can be integrated on one physical device. Terminal devices and terminal devices, and access network devices and access network devices can be connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner. Exemplarily, the communication system architecture may also include other network devices (such as wireless relay devices or wireless backhaul devices, etc.).

[0075] The following is a brief introduction to the functions of some devices included in the communication system architecture.

[0076] Terminal devices are user-side entities capable of transmitting and receiving signals, providing services such as video, voice, and data connectivity. For example, terminal devices are the gateway for mobile users to interact with the network, providing basic computing and storage capabilities, displaying service windows, and receiving user input. Next-generation terminal devices (NextGen UEs) utilize new air interface technologies to establish signal and data connections with access network equipment, transmitting control signals and service data to the mobile network.

[0077] Optionally, the terminal device may also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agent or UE device, etc. In an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may be fixed or mobile, and the implementation of the present application does not limit this. For example, the terminal device may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted, or may be deployed on water (such as a ship, etc.), or may be deployed in the air (such as an airplane, a balloon or a satellite, etc.).

[0078] Exemplarily, the terminal device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a wireless modem, a handset, a laptop computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a VR terminal device, an AR terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a vehicle-mounted terminal device, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a wearable terminal device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, factory machinery / equipment, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a ship or a robot, etc. For example, vehicles may include, but are not limited to, smart cars (or intelligent cars), digital cars, unmanned cars (or driverless cars or pilotless cars or automobiles), self-driving cars (or autonomous cars), pure electric vehicles (or battery EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), range-extended EVs (REEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), or new energy vehicles, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal device.

[0079] Access network equipment: This is the device that connects terminal devices to a wireless network. Access network equipment can also be referred to as access network devices, wireless access network equipment, (R)AN entities, network devices, access nodes, (R)AN nodes, or (R)AN devices. For example, access network equipment provides network access for authorized users in a specific area and can determine transmission tunnels of varying quality to transmit user data based on user levels and service requirements. Access network equipment manages its own resources, utilizing them effectively, providing access services to terminal devices on demand, and forwarding control signals and user data between terminal devices and the core network.

[0080] Exemplarily, the access network equipment may include, but is not limited to: a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation base station in a sixth generation (6G) communication system, a base station in a future communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), an evolved Node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved Node B, or a home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), etc.

[0081] Optionally, in a network structure, the access network device may include a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). This structure can split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers being centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers being distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. For example, the functions of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and above can be set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP (such as the RLC layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer, etc.) are set in the DU. It should be noted that this division of the protocol layers is only an example, and can also be divided in other protocol layers. The radio frequency device can be remote and not placed in the DU, or it can be integrated in the DU, or partly remote and partly integrated in the DU, and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any restrictions. In addition, in some embodiments, the control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) of the CU can be separated and implemented as different entities, namely the control plane CU entity (CU-CP entity) and the user plane CU entity (CU-UP entity).

[0082] For example, taking the access network device as a base station, the base station can communicate with the terminal device, or communicate with the terminal device through a relay station. The terminal device can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present application, the access network device may be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor node, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the wireless access network device.

[0084] Data network: A data network that provides business services to users. Typically, the client is located on a terminal device, and the server is located on the data network. A data network can be a private network, such as a local area network (LAN), an external network not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet, or a proprietary network jointly deployed by operators, such as the network that provides IP multimedia core network subsystem (IMS) services.

[0085] Core network: responsible for maintaining mobile network subscription data, managing mobile network network elements, and providing terminal devices with session management, mobility management, policy management, security authentication and other functions. When the terminal device is attached, it provides network access authentication for the terminal device; when the terminal device has a service request, it allocates network resources for the terminal device; when the terminal device moves, it updates network resources for the terminal device; when the terminal device is idle, it provides a fast recovery mechanism for the terminal device; when the terminal device detaches, it releases network resources for the terminal device; when the terminal device has service data, it provides data routing functions for the terminal device, such as forwarding uplink data to the data network; or receiving downlink data from the terminal device from the data network and forwarding it to the access network device, which is then sent to the terminal device by the access network device. Optionally, in terms of functional logic, the network elements of the core network can be divided into two parts: user plane network elements and control plane network elements. Among them, the user plane network elements are responsible for the transmission of service data. For example, user plane network elements can include but are not limited to UPF network elements. The control plane network element is responsible for the management of the mobile network. For example, the control plane may include but is not limited to the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, the SMF network element, the unified data management (UDM) network element (or the unified data repository (UDR) network element), the PCF network element, the AF network element, the authentication server function (AUSF) network element, and the network slice selection function (NSSF) network element. Of course, the core network may also include other network elements (such as the network exposure function (NEF) network element, the network storage function (NRF) network element, the network slice selection authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) network element, etc.), which are not listed here one by one.

[0086] Optionally, the core network control plane adopts a service-based architecture, where interactions between control plane network elements use service invocations, replacing the traditional point-to-point communication. In a service-based architecture, control plane network elements expose services to other control plane network elements for invocation. In point-to-point communication, the communication interface between control plane network elements stores a set of specific messages that can only be used by the control plane network elements at both ends of the interface during communication.

[0087] The following is a brief introduction to the functions of some network elements included in the core network:

[0088] (1) SMF network element: mainly used for session management, IP address allocation and management of terminal devices, selection of endpoints for manageable user equipment plane functions, policy control, or charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification, etc. For example, it can complete processes such as establishment, release, and update of protocol data unit (PDU) sessions. In 5G communication systems, the session management network element can be an SMF network element. In future communications such as the sixth-generation (6G) communication system, the session management function network element can still be an SMF network element, or have other names, which is not limited in this application. Nsmf is a service-based interface provided by the SMF network element. The SMF network element can communicate with other network functions through Nsmf.

[0089] (2) AMF network element: Mainly used for mobility management and access management, etc. For example, it can receive non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of terminal devices (including mobility management (MM) signaling and session management (SM) signaling) and related signaling of access network devices (such as N2 signaling at the base station granularity that interacts with the AMF network element), complete the user registration process and forwarding of SM signaling and mobility management. For example, it can be the mobility management entity (MME) in the fourth-generation (6G) communication system or the AMF network element in the 5G communication system. In future communication systems such as 6G communication systems, the access management network element can still be the AMF network element, or have other names, which is not limited in this application. Namf is a service-based interface provided by the AMF network element. The AMF network element can communicate with other network functions through Namf.

[0090] (3) UDM network element: used to process user identification, contract signing, access authentication, registration, or mobility management. In 5G communication systems, the data management network element can be a UDM network element. In future communication systems such as 6G communication systems, the data management network element can still be a UDM network element or have other names, which are not limited in this application. Nudm is a service-based interface provided by the UDM network element. The UDM network element can communicate with other network functions through Nudm.

[0091] (4) PCF network element: a unified policy framework for guiding network behavior, providing policy rule information (such as mobility-related policies or PDU session-related policies (such as quality of service (QoS) policies, billing policies, etc.) or slice selection policies) for control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc.). In a 5G communication system, the policy control network element may be a PCF network element. In future communication systems such as a 6G communication system, the policy control network element may still be a PCF network element, or have other names, which is not limited in this application. Npcf is a service-based interface provided by the PCF network element, and the PCF network element can communicate with other network functions through Npcf.

[0092] (5) AF network element: used for data routing affected by applications, accessing network open functions, or interacting with the policy framework for policy control. In 5G communication systems, application network elements can be AF network elements. In future communication systems such as 6G communication systems, application network elements can still be AF network elements or have other names, which are not limited in this application. Naf is a service-based interface provided by AF. AF network elements can communicate with other network functions through Naf.

[0093] (6) UPF network element: used for packet routing and forwarding, or QoS processing of user plane data. In 5G communication systems, the user plane network element can be a UPF network element. In future communication systems such as 6G communication systems, the user plane network element can still be a UPF network element, or have other names. This application does not limit this.

[0094] (7) AUSF network element: Mainly used for user authentication, etc. In 5G communication systems, the authentication service network element can be an AUSF network element. In future communication systems such as 6G communication systems, the authentication service network element can still be an AUSF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. Nausf is a service-based interface provided by the AUSF network element. The AUSF network element can communicate with other network functions through Nausf.

[0095] (8) NSSF network element: used to select network slices for terminal devices. In the 5G communication system, the network slice selection function network element may be the NSSF network element. In future communication systems such as the 6G communication system, the network slice selection function network element may still be the NSSF network element, or may have other names. This application does not limit this.

[0096] (9) NEF network element: used to securely open up services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions to the outside world. In 5G communication systems, the network open network element may be an NEF network element. In future communication systems, such as 6G communication systems, the network open function network element may still be an NEF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. Nnef is a service-based interface provided by the NEF network element. The NEF network element can communicate with other network functions through Nnef.

[0097] (10) NRF network element: used to provide service registration, discovery and authorization, and maintain available network function (NF) instance information, which can realize on-demand configuration of network functions and services and interconnection between NFs. In the 5G communication system, the network storage network element can be an NRF network element. In future communication systems such as the 6G communication system, the network storage function network element can still be an NRF network element, or have other names, which is not limited in this application. Nnrf is a service-based interface provided by the NRF network element. The NRF network element can communicate with other network functions through Nnrf.

[0098] (11) NSSAAF network element: It is mainly responsible for the authentication and authorization of network slices and can interact with the authentication, authorization, and accounting server (AAA-S) through the authentication, authorization, and accounting proxy (AAA-P).

[0099] (12) UDR network element: used by the UDM network element to store or read subscription data and the PCF network element to store or read policy data. It should be understood that the UDR network element is not shown in Figure 1.

[0100] It is understood that the above-mentioned network element or function can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the above-mentioned network element or function can be implemented by a single device, or by multiple devices, or can be a functional module within a single device, and this is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0101] As shown in Figure 1, the terminal device can access the 5G communication system through access network devices such as (R)AN devices. The terminal device can communicate with the AMF network element through the next generation network (NG) 1 interface (N1 for short), the access network device can communicate with the AMF network element through the N2 interface (N2 for short), the access network device can communicate with the UPF network element through the N3 interface (N3 for short), the SMF network element can communicate with the UPF network element through the N4 interface (N4 for short), and the UPF network element can access the data network through the N6 interface (N6 for short).

[0102] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network elements or functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). Optionally, the above-mentioned network elements or functions can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices together, or can be a functional module within a device, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. In addition, for the convenience of explanation, in the embodiments of the present application, "xxx network element" can also be referred to as "xxx", for example, the AMF network element can be referred to as AMF, and the SMF network element can be referred to as SMF.

[0103] It is understood that access network equipment, terminal equipment, and network elements in the core network can be referred to as communication devices. For example, access network equipment can be understood as a communication device with base station functions. Terminal equipment can be understood as a communication device with terminal functions. A network element in the core network can be understood as a device with core network element functions. For example, AMF can be understood as a communication device with AMF functions.

[0104] It should be noted that the communication system architecture shown in Figure 1 is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the communication system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0105] As described in the background technology, the existing solution is only applicable to notifying the AF / AS to adjust the content to be sent, and the UPF network element cannot be informed of changes in the QoS parameters corresponding to the access network device. For example, in some scenarios, the content sent by the AF / AS may itself be layered coded, that is, it contains a base layer (for example, taking the content as video content as an example, the base layer contains the most basic video reconstruction information, and a low-quality video sequence can be restored by receiving the base layer) and multiple enhancement layers (for example, taking the content as video content as an example, the enhancement layer contains detailed information of the reconstructed video, and as the amount of received enhancement layer data increases, a video sequence of increasingly higher quality can be gradually restored in combination with the base layer, thereby demonstrating the scalability of the video). However, when the QoS parameters corresponding to the access network device change, the UPF network element cannot know, so the UPF network element cannot flexibly adjust the content transmission (for example, sending base layer content to the terminal device / access network device, or sending base layer + certain enhancement layer content to the terminal device / access network device), and can only rely on application layer adjustments. In other scenarios, deploying content in AF / AS or content delivery network (CDN) to UPF network elements can effectively reduce export bandwidth overhead and improve latency. For example, taking video as an example, video sources of different resolution levels such as 2K, 1080P, and 720P are deployed in UPF network elements. However, when the QoS parameters corresponding to the access network equipment change, since the UPF network element cannot know the changed QoS parameters, the UPF network element cannot flexibly adapt to the video source of the corresponding resolution level. In view of this, the present application provides a communication method for enabling the user plane functional network element to adjust the sending of data streams in a timely manner, so as to achieve rapid coordination between the sending of data streams and the actual QoS within the communication system.

[0106] The specific implementation of the communication method in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] FIG2 exemplarily shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method is applicable to the communication system architecture illustrated in FIG1 . It is understandable that the communication method illustrated in FIG2 is illustrated by taking the first communication device and the second communication device as the execution subject of the interactive schematic as an example, but the present application does not limit the execution subject of the interactive schematic. For example, the first communication device can be a first network element (such as a UPF network element or other network element (or other device) that can implement the function of the UPF network element) or a module of the first network element (such as a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit or chip, etc.); the second communication device can be an access network device or a module of an access network device (such as a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit or chip, etc.), or it can also be a second network element (such as an SMF network element or other network element (or other device) that can implement the function of the SMF network element) or a module of the second network element (such as a processor, processing unit, chip system, circuit or chip, etc.). In addition, for the third communication device appearing below, when the second communication device is an access network device or a module of an access network device, the third communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element. When the second communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, the third communication device is an access network device or a module of the access network device. The fourth communication device appearing below may be a third network element (such as a PCF network element or other network element (or other device) that can realize the function of a PCF network element) or a module of a third network element (such as a processor, a processing unit, a chip system, a circuit or a chip, etc.). It should be understood that the method performed by the first communication device in the present application can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first communication device; the method performed by the second communication device in the present application can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second communication device; the method performed by the third communication device in the present application can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the third communication device; the method performed by the fourth communication device in the present application can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the fourth communication device.

[0108] As shown in FIG2 , the method includes:

[0109] Step 201: The second communication device sends first information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information from the second communication device.

[0110] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, if the first communication device is a functional module such as a chip, the functional module may not be aware of which device the received information comes from; if the second communication device is a functional module such as a chip, the functional module may not be aware of which device the sent information is sent to.

[0111] The first information can be used to determine a first QoS parameter. The first QoS parameter can be used to send a first data stream (or may be referred to as a first service content). The first data stream corresponds to the first QoS parameter. It should be understood that the correspondence between the first data stream and the first QoS parameter can be understood as a mapping relationship (or may be referred to as an association relationship or a corresponding relationship) between the first data stream and the first QoS parameter.

[0112] Exemplarily, the first information may include a first QoS parameter, or the first information may also include a first priority index (or first priority reference) corresponding to the first QoS parameter. Optionally, the first information may also include identification information of the terminal device.

[0113] For example, the first QoS parameter may include at least one of the following: guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet error rate (PER), packet delay budget (PDB), or averaging window (AW). Optionally, the first QoS parameter may also include one or more of maximum flow bit rate (MFBR), 5QI, or allocation and retention priority (ARP).

[0114] Exemplarily, a data stream may refer to a data stream related to multimedia services such as XR (such as an audio stream or a video stream). For example, taking the case where the data stream refers to a video stream, the data stream may refer to a video stream for transmitting a base layer (or may be understood as a code stream for transmitting a base layer), or may refer to a video stream for transmitting a base layer and one or more enhancement layers (or may be understood as a code stream for transmitting a base layer + an enhancement layer), or may refer to a video stream corresponding to a certain resolution level.

[0115] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the second communication device may further send third information (such as a QNC indication) to the first communication device. The third information may be used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (or may be referred to as the first parameter is no longer guaranteed or the first parameter no longer satisfies the guarantee or the first parameter no longer satisfies the guarantee), or the third information may also be used to indicate adjustment of the transmission of the data stream (or may be referred to as adjustment of the transmission content or adjustment content). For example, the first QoS parameter may include the first parameter. For example, the first parameter may be one or more of GFBR, PER, or PDB. It is understandable that by sending the third information to the first communication device, the first communication device can directly be informed that the transmission content needs to be adjusted, thereby enabling the first communication device to adjust the transmission content more precisely (or accurately or clearly) and more effectively.

[0116] In an embodiment of the present application, when the second communication device is an access network device (such as a RAN device) or a module of an access network device, and the third communication device is a second network element (such as an SMF network element) or a module of a second network element, the second communication device needs to obtain a set of alternative QoS files from the third communication device before sending the first information and / or the third information to the first communication device. This makes it easier for the second communication device to select an alternative QoS file that can be satisfied from the set of alternative QoS files when it determines that the second QoS parameter is not met. Optionally, the second communication device can also obtain the original QoS file and the seventh indication information from the third communication device. The seventh indication information is used to enable the second communication device to send information required for adjusting the sending of the data stream (such as the first information and / or the third information) to the first communication device when the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or it can also be used to enable the second communication device to send information required for adjusting the sending of the data stream (such as the first indication information and the second indication information) to the third communication device when the first parameter is no longer guaranteed. For example, if the second communication device determines that the QoS parameters (such as PDB, PER, and GFBR) included in the current QoS profile cannot meet the QoS requirements due to air interface quality or other reasons, the second communication device can select an alternative QoS profile (such as the first alternative QoS profile) from the alternative QoS profile set (or alternative QoS profiles) that can meet the QoS requirements. The second communication device can then send the first information to the first communication device based on the selected first alternative QoS profile.

[0117] For example, the second QoS parameter may refer to the QoS parameter included in the current QoS file. The current QoS file may refer to the QoS file currently selected for use by the second communication device (such as the original QoS file (or QoS template or QoS configuration file) (QoS profile, QP) or an alternative QoS file). It should be understood that the content included in the second QoS parameter can refer to the content included in the first QoS parameter above, and will not be repeated here.

[0118] Optionally, when the second communication device is a second network element (such as an SMF network element) or a module of the second network element, and the third communication device is an access network device (such as a RAN device) or a module of the access network device, the second communication device may also provide a set of alternative QoS files to the third communication device before sending the first information and / or the third information to the first communication device. This can facilitate the third communication device to select an alternative QoS file that can meet the requirements from the set of alternative QoS files when it determines that the second QoS parameter is not met. Optionally, the second communication device may also send the original QoS file and the seventh indication information to the third communication device. The seventh indication information is used to enable the third communication device to send the information required for adjusting the sending of the data stream to the first communication device when the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or it can also be used to enable the third communication device to send the information required for adjusting the sending of the data stream to the second communication device when the first parameter is no longer guaranteed. For example, if the third communication device determines that the QoS parameters (such as PDB, PER and GFBR) included in the current QoS file cannot meet the QoS requirements due to reasons such as air interface quality, the third communication device can select an alternative QoS file (such as the first alternative QoS file) that can meet the QoS requirements from the alternative QoS file set. Afterwards, the third communication device can send first indication information and second indication information to the second communication device based on the selected first alternative QoS file, so that the first information can be sent to the first communication device in a timely and effective manner through the second communication device. The first indication information can be used to indicate that the first parameter (such as GFBR) is no longer guaranteed, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter. For example, the first indication information can be information used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (such as a QNC indication), and the second indication information can be information of the priority index corresponding to the alternative QoS file selected by the third communication device.

[0119] Based on the above description of the candidate QoS file set, the process of determining the candidate QoS file set is described below through the following possible examples.

[0120] Example 1: When the second communication device is an access network device or a module of an access network device, and the third communication device is a second network element or a module of a second network element, the third communication device can determine the original QoS file (or can be called a QoS file) and the alternative QoS file set based on the PCC rule from the fourth communication device. Afterwards, the third communication device can send the eighth information to the second communication device. For example, the eighth information can be carried (or included or contained or carried) in a message (such as an N2 message). The eighth information may include the original QoS file, the alternative QoS file set and the seventh indication information. Optionally, when the original QoS file does not include an AW, the eighth information may also include the AW corresponding to the original QoS file. When each alternative QoS file in the alternative QoS file set does not include a corresponding AW, the eighth information may also include the AW corresponding to each alternative QoS file.

[0121] Among them, the original QoS file may include the original QoS parameter (or may be called QoS parameter) (QoS parameter), the alternative QoS file set may include at least one alternative QoS file, each alternative QoS file included in the alternative QoS file set includes an alternative QoS parameter, and each alternative QoS file included in the alternative QoS file set corresponds to a priority index. It can be understood that the priority index corresponding to each alternative QoS file included in the alternative QoS file set can be used to indicate (or represent or characterize) the priority corresponding to the alternative QoS file. For example, when the alternative QoS file set includes multiple alternative QoS files, the multiple alternative QoS files are arranged in order of priority in the alternative QoS file set. In this way, it is convenient for the second communication device to select an alternative QoS file that can meet the QoS requirements in the alternative QoS file set according to the priority.

[0122] The PCC rule may include original QoS parameters and alternative QoS parameter sets (alternative QoS parameter set(s)). The alternative QoS parameter set may include at least one alternative QoS parameter, each of which may include at least one parameter (such as PDB, PER, GFBR, or AW, etc.). The original QoS parameter may also include at least one parameter (such as PDB, PER, GFBR, or AW, etc.). Each alternative QoS parameter corresponds to a priority index. In some embodiments, each alternative QoS parameter included in the alternative QoS parameter set may also be considered as a subset of alternative QoS parameters in the alternative QoS parameter set. It is understood that the priority index corresponding to each alternative QoS parameter included in the alternative QoS parameter set may be used to indicate the priority corresponding to the alternative QoS parameter. For example, when the alternative QoS parameter set includes multiple alternative QoS parameters, the multiple alternative QoS parameters are arranged in order of priority in the alternative QoS parameter set. This facilitates the third communication device to determine a corresponding alternative QoS profile that is consistent with the priority index corresponding to each alternative QoS parameter. Optionally, the PCC rule may further include an AW corresponding to the original QoS parameter, an AW corresponding to each alternative QoS parameter included in the alternative QoS parameter set, or information indicating that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (such as a QNC indication).

[0123] For example, take the second communication device as a RAN device, the third communication device as an SMF network element, and the fourth communication device as a PCF network element. After receiving the PCC rules from the PCF network element, the SMF network element can obtain the original QoS parameters and the alternative QoS parameter set from the PCC rules. Afterwards, the SMF network element can generate an original QoS file based on the original QoS parameters, and can generate an alternative QoS file corresponding to each alternative QoS parameter included in the alternative QoS parameter set. In this way, the SMF network element can generate an alternative QoS file set based on the alternative QoS file corresponding to at least one alternative QoS parameter included in the alternative QoS parameter set. Afterwards, the SMF network element can send the original QoS file and the alternative QoS file set to the RAN device. Optionally, the SMF network element can also generate seventh indication information based on the PCC rules, and can send the seventh indication information to the RAN device.

[0124] It is understandable that when the original QoS parameters include an AW, the original QoS file may also include an AW. When each alternative QoS parameter included in the alternative QoS parameter set includes an AW, the alternative QoS file corresponding to the alternative QoS parameter may also include the corresponding AW. In addition, when the original QoS parameters do not include an AW and the PCC rule includes the AW corresponding to the original QoS parameter, the SMF network element may also send the AW corresponding to the original QoS file to the RAN device. When each alternative QoS parameter included in the alternative QoS parameter set does not include an AW and the PCC rule includes the AW corresponding to each alternative QoS parameter, the SMF network element may also send the AW corresponding to each alternative QoS file to the RAN device.

[0125] Example 2: When the second communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, and the third communication device is an access network device or a module of the access network device, the second communication device may determine an original QoS profile and a set of alternative QoS profiles based on PCC rules from the fourth communication device. The second communication device may then send eighth information to the third communication device.

[0126] For example, when the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule includes multiple alternative QoS parameters, the multiple alternative QoS parameters are arranged in order of priority in the alternative QoS parameter set, which can facilitate the second communication device (such as an SMF network element) to determine the corresponding alternative QoS file that is consistent with the priority index corresponding to each alternative QoS parameter.

[0127] Optionally, the implementation process of the second communication device in Example 2 determining the original QoS file and the alternative QoS file set can refer to the implementation process of the third communication device in Example 1 above determining the original QoS file and the alternative QoS file set, which will not be repeated here.

[0128] For example, based on the relevant description of the above example 1 or example 2, the implementation process of the fourth communication device determining the PCC rule is introduced below through the following possible implementation methods.

[0129] Implementation method 1: The fourth communication device determines the PCC rule according to application requirements.

[0130] Optionally, the application requirement may be sent by a third-party application function network element to the fourth communication device, or may be sent by an application server to the fourth communication device.

[0131] For example, the content sent by the third-party application function network element (or application server) may itself use layered coding, that is, the application requirements corresponding to the third-party application function network element (or application server) can be used to indicate a basic layer and multiple enhancement layers, or when the third-party application function network element (or application server) or the content in the content distribution network is deployed on the first communication device (such as a UPF network element), the application requirements corresponding to the third-party application function network element (or application server) can be used to indicate multiple resolution levels (or can be called multiple levels) (such as 2K, 1080P, 720P, etc.).

[0132] In one example, when the application requirements indicate a data stream for transmitting a basic layer and multiple enhancement layers, the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data stream for transmitting the basic layer (it can be understood that the original QoS parameters can be used to send the basic layer data stream (such as the basic layer code stream)), and the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data stream for transmitting at least one enhancement layer (it can be understood that the alternative QoS parameter set can be used to send the enhancement layer data stream (such as the enhancement layer code stream)). Optionally, the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule can also be used to send the data stream for transmitting the basic layer and at least one enhancement layer, or the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule can also be used to send the data stream for transmitting the basic layer and at least one enhancement layer. For example, each alternative QoS parameter included in the alternative QoS parameter set can represent an enhancement layer. It can be understood that the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule is derived based on the application requirements.

[0133] In another example, when the application requirement indicates the transmission of data streams corresponding to multiple resolution levels, the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data stream corresponding to the default resolution level (such as 2k) (it can be understood that the original QoS parameters can be used to send the data stream corresponding to the default resolution level), and the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data stream corresponding to other resolution levels (such as 1080P, 720P, etc.) (it can be understood that the alternative QoS parameter set can be used to send data streams corresponding to other resolution levels).

[0134] Implementation method two: The PCC rules can be pre-configured in the fourth communication device, or can be pre-generated by the fourth communication device based on the locally stored (or locally cached) original QoS parameters, the alternative QoS parameter set, the AW corresponding to the original QoS parameters, and the AW corresponding to each alternative QoS parameter included in the alternative QoS parameter set.

[0135] It is understandable that the embodiment of the present application does not limit under what circumstances the second communication device sends the first information. For example, the following possible examples describe the implementation process of the second communication device sending the first information to the first communication device.

[0136] Example 1: When the second communication device is an access network device or a module of the access network device, and the third communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, the second communication device can send the first information to the first communication device when determining that the second QoS parameter is not met.

[0137] For example, take the first communication device as a UPF network element and the second communication device as a RAN device. When the RAN device determines that the QoS parameters (such as PDB, PER, and GFBR) included in the current QoS file cannot meet the QoS requirements due to air interface quality and other reasons, the RAN device can select an alternative QoS file (or alternative QoS template or alternative QoS profile) (such as alternative QoS profile 1) that can meet the QoS requirements from the alternative QoS file set. Afterwards, the RAN device can send the first information to the UPF network element based on the selected alternative QoS file. Optionally, the RAN device can also send information (such as a QNC indication) to the UPF network element to indicate that the first parameter (such as GFBR) is no longer guaranteed based on the selected alternative QoS file.

[0138] For example, assume that the alternative QoS profile set includes three alternative QoS profiles (e.g., alternative QoS profile 1, alternative QoS profile 2, and alternative QoS profile 3). Assume that the QoS parameters included in alternative QoS profile 1 are PDB1, PER1, GFBR1, and AW1; the QoS parameters included in alternative QoS profile 2 are PDB2, PER2, GFBR2, and AW2; and the QoS parameters included in alternative QoS profile 3 are PDB3, PER3, GFBR3, and AW3. Furthermore, assume that the priority corresponding to alternative QoS profile 1 is higher than (or greater than) the priority corresponding to alternative QoS profile 2, and the priority corresponding to alternative QoS profile 2 is higher than the priority corresponding to alternative QoS profile 3. The priority index corresponding to alternative QoS profile 1 is index 1 (or the priority reference corresponding to alternative QoS profile 1 is reference 1), the priority index corresponding to alternative QoS profile 2 is index 2 (or the priority reference corresponding to alternative QoS profile 2 is reference 2), and the priority index corresponding to alternative QoS profile 3 is index 3 (or the priority reference corresponding to alternative QoS profile 3 is reference 3). For example, assume that the RAN device determines, based on the priority levels, that the QoS parameters included in alternative QoS profile 1 can meet the QoS requirements. Thus, in one example, the RAN device may carry index 1 corresponding to alternative QoS profile 1 in the first message. In another example, the RAN device may also carry the QoS parameters included in alternative QoS profile 1 (such as PDB1, PER1, GFBR1, and AW1) in the first message. Optionally, the RAN device may also send a QNC indication to the UPF network element before (or after or during) sending the first message. For example, if the RAN device sends a QNC indication to the UPF network element, this can facilitate the UPF network element to more accurately (or more clearly) adjust the data flow to be sent, or it can also facilitate the UPF network element to promptly know that the sending of the data flow needs to be adjusted.Optionally, the RAN device may also carry identification information of one or more terminal devices (such as UE) in the first information. For example, if the RAN device carries identification information of certain terminal devices in the first information, this allows the UPF network element to adjust the sending of data flows only for these terminal devices based on the first QoS parameters included in alternative QoS profile 1, while not adjusting the sending of data flows for other terminal devices.

[0139] Example 2: When the second communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, and the third communication device is an access network device or a module of the access network device, upon determining that the second QoS parameter is not met, the third communication device may send first indication information and second indication information to the second communication device. After receiving the first indication information and the second indication information, the second communication device may send the first information to the first communication device based on the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0140] For example, take the first communication device as a UPF network element, the second communication device as an SMF network element, and the third communication device as a RAN device. When the RAN device determines that the QoS parameters (such as PDB, PER, and GFBR) included in the current QoS file cannot meet the QoS requirements due to air interface quality or other reasons, the RAN device can select an alternative QoS file (such as alternative QoS profile 1) that can meet the QoS requirements from the alternative QoS file set. Afterwards, the RAN device can send the first indication information and the second indication information to the SMF network element based on the selected alternative QoS file. After receiving the first indication information and the second indication information, the SMF network element can send the first information to the UPF network element based on the first indication information and the second indication information. Optionally, the SMF network element can also send a QNC indication to the UPF network element based on the first indication information. The QNC indication is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or it can also be used to instruct the UPF network element to adjust the sending of the data stream (or can be understood as being used to instruct the UPF network element to adjust the content or adjust the content to be sent).

[0141] For example, let's continue with the example of an alternative QoS profile set that includes three alternative QoS profiles (e.g., alternative QoS profile 1, alternative QoS profile 2, and alternative QoS profile 3). Assume that the RAN device determines, based on priority, that the QoS parameters included in alternative QoS profile 1 can meet the QoS requirements. The priority index corresponding to alternative QoS profile 1 is index 1, and the QoS parameters included in alternative QoS profile 1 are PDB1, PER1, GFBR1, and AW1. Thus, in one example, the SMF network element can carry index 1 corresponding to alternative QoS profile 1 in the first message. In another example, the SMF network element can also carry the QoS parameters included in alternative QoS profile 1 (e.g., PDB1, PER1, GFBR1, and AW1) in the first message. In yet another example, the SMF network element can also carry the QER parameters included in the QoS enforcement rule (QER) (e.g., GFBR1 and AW1) in the first message. Optionally, the SMF network element may also send a QNC indication to the UPF network element before sending the first information (or after sending the first information or when sending the first information). For example, if the SMF network element sends a QNC indication to the UPF network element, this may facilitate the UPF network element to more accurately (or more clearly) adjust the data stream to be sent. Optionally, the SMF network element may also carry the identification information of one or several terminal devices (such as UE) in the first information. For example, if the SMF network element carries the identification information of certain terminal devices in the first information, this may facilitate the UPF network element to adjust the sending of data streams only for these terminal devices according to the first QoS parameters included in the alternative QoS profile1, while not adjusting the sending of data streams for other terminal devices.

[0142] Step 202: The first communication device sends a first data flow according to a first QoS parameter.

[0143] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the first information from the second communication device, the first communication device may determine the first QoS parameter based on the first information. Subsequently, the first communication device may determine the corresponding first data stream based on the first QoS parameter and send the first data stream. Optionally, after receiving the third information from the second communication device, the first communication device may determine the corresponding first data stream based on the first QoS parameter and send the first data stream. It is understood that when the first communication device sends the first data stream based on the first QoS parameter, it may also send the first data stream in the form of packet loss.

[0144] For example, when the second communication device is an access network device or a module of an access network device, the first communication device can send the first data stream to the second communication device, which then sends the data to the corresponding terminal device. When the third communication device is an access network device or a module of an access network device, the first communication device can send the first data stream to the third communication device, which then sends the data to the corresponding terminal device.

[0145] The following describes the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information through the following possible implementation methods.

[0146] Implementation method 1: When the first information includes the first QoS parameter, the first communication device may obtain the first QoS parameter from the first information after receiving the first information.

[0147] Implementation method 2: When the first information includes a first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter, the first communication device can obtain the first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter from the first information after receiving the first information. Afterwards, the first communication device can determine (or can be understood as querying or searching) the first QoS parameter corresponding to the first priority index in a preset (or pre-configured or locally cached or locally configured) alternative QoS parameter list. The preset alternative QoS parameter list may include at least one alternative QoS parameter, each alternative QoS parameter corresponds to a priority index, and each alternative QoS parameter includes at least one parameter (such as one or more of PDB, PER, GFBR or AW).

[0148] Implementation method three: When the first information includes a first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter, the first communication device may also determine a first candidate QoS file corresponding to the first priority index in the candidate QoS file set after receiving the first information, wherein the first candidate QoS file includes the first QoS parameter.

[0149] The following describes the implementation process of the first communication device obtaining the candidate QoS profile set through the following possible examples.

[0150] Example 1: When the second communication device is an access network device or a module of an access network device, and the third communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, the candidate QoS profile set may be obtained by the first communication device from the third communication device.

[0151] In one example, the third communication device may actively send the second information to the first communication device. In another example, the third communication device may also send the second information to the first communication device based on the request of the first communication device. The second information is used to indicate the alternative QoS file set. After receiving the second information, the first communication device may obtain the alternative QoS file set based on the second information. For example, the second information may include the alternative QoS file set. Optionally, the second information may also include information for indicating that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (such as a QNC indication), or may also include information for instructing the first communication device to adjust the transmission of the data stream (such as a QNC indication).

[0152] Example 2: When the second communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, and the third communication device is an access network device or a module of the access network device, the candidate QoS profile set may be obtained by the first communication device from the second communication device.

[0153] In one example, the second communication device may proactively send the second information to the first communication device. In another example, the second communication device may also send the second information to the first communication device based on a request from the first communication device. The second information is used to indicate an alternative QoS profile set. After receiving the second information, the first communication device may obtain an alternative QoS profile set based on the second information. For example, the second information may include an alternative QoS profile set. Optionally, the second information may also include information indicating that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or may also include information instructing the first communication device to adjust the transmission of the data stream.

[0154] For example, taking the example that the first QoS parameter includes a guaranteed stream bit rate and an average window, the following describes the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter through the following possible implementation methods.

[0155] Mode 1: The first communication device may send a first data stream for transmitting a base layer, or may send a first data stream for transmitting a base layer and at least one enhancement layer according to a guaranteed stream bit rate and an averaging window.

[0156] Exemplarily, take the first communication device as a UPF network element, the guaranteed stream bit rate is GFBR1, the averaging window is AW1, and the service data content corresponding to the first data stream is video content as an example. The UPF network element can determine, based on GFBR1 and AW1, whether the video content is sent according to the basic layer, or it can also determine whether the video content is sent according to the basic layer + a certain enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). Optionally, when the first information also includes identification information of one or several terminal devices (such as UE), the UPF network element only determines, based on GFBR1 and AW1, whether the video content is sent according to the basic layer, or it can also determine whether the video content is sent according to the basic layer + a certain enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). For other UEs, the UPF network element will not adjust the sending of video content according to GFBR1 and AW1.

[0157] Method 2: The first communication device may send the first data stream corresponding to the first resolution level according to the guaranteed stream bit rate and the averaging window.

[0158] Exemplarily, let's continue to take the first communication device as the UPF network element, ensure that the stream bit rate is GFBR1, the averaging window is AW1, and the service data content corresponding to the first data stream is video content as an example. The UPF network element can adjust the video content to a video source of a certain resolution level (such as the first resolution level) based on GFBR1 and AW1 for transmission. Optionally, when the first information also includes identification information of one or several terminal devices (such as UE), the UPF network element only adjusts the video content to a video source of a certain resolution level (such as the first resolution level) based on GFBR1 and AW1 for transmission to these UEs. For other UEs, the UPF network element will not adjust the resolution level of the video content based on GFBR1 and AW1 for transmission.

[0159] Optionally, in one possible implementation, when the first communication device fails to locally determine the service data corresponding to the first data flow corresponding to the first QoS parameter based on the above-described method 1 or method 2 (i.e., the service data corresponding to the first data flow does not exist locally), the first communication device may send a first request to a third-party application function network element (or application server). The first request is used to request the service data corresponding to the first data flow. After receiving the first request, the third-party application function network element (or application server) may send the service data corresponding to the first data flow to the first communication device. After receiving the service data corresponding to the first data flow, the first communication device may store (or cache) the service data corresponding to the first data flow, thereby facilitating the first communication device to send the first data flow in a timely and efficient manner the next time. Optionally, after receiving the service data corresponding to the first data flow, the first communication device may determine the first data flow based on the service data corresponding to the first data flow, and send the first data flow to the access network device (or a module of the access network device, etc.), which then sends the first data flow to the corresponding terminal device.

[0160] In another possible implementation, when the first communication device has not locally determined the service data corresponding to the first data stream corresponding to the first QoS parameter based on the above-mentioned method one or method two, the first communication device may send a second request to a third-party application function network element (or application server). The second request may be used to request the third-party application function network element (or application server) to send (or issue) the first data stream, or may be used to request the third-party application function network element (or application server) to perform the sending of the first data stream. After receiving the second request, the third-party application function network element (or application server) may send the first data stream to the first communication device. After receiving the first data stream, the first communication device may forward the first data stream to the access network device (or a module of the access network device, etc.), and the access network device (or a module of the access network device, etc.) may send the first data stream to the corresponding terminal device. In this way, in this implementation, the first communication device is only responsible for forwarding without caching, thereby saving storage resources and helping to reduce the cache pressure of the first communication device.

[0161] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, when the second communication device is an access network device or a module of an access network device, and the third communication device is a second network element or a module of a second network element, after the second communication device judges (or determines) that the second QoS parameter is not met and a preset duration (or a preset time period or a preset time window) has passed, the second communication device may judge whether the second QoS parameter is met or whether the first QoS parameter is met, or the second communication device may judge whether the second QoS parameter is met or whether the first QoS parameter is met at a specified time (or a specified time point). For example, when the second communication device determines that the second QoS parameter is met or that the first QoS parameter is not met, it may send corresponding information to the first communication device so that the first communication device adjusts the sending of the data stream, or it may send corresponding information to the third communication device so that the third communication device can promptly notify the first communication device to adjust the sending of the data stream in a timely manner. When the second communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, and the third communication device is an access network device or a module of the access network device, after the third communication device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met and a preset time period has passed, the third communication device can determine whether the second QoS parameter is met or whether the first QoS parameter is met, or the third communication device determines whether the second QoS parameter is met or whether the first QoS parameter is met at a specified time (or a specified time point). For example, when the third communication device determines that the second QoS parameter is met or that the first QoS parameter is not met, it can send corresponding information to the first communication device so that the first communication device can adjust the transmission of the data stream in a timely manner, or it can send corresponding information to the second communication device so that the second communication device can promptly notify the first communication device to adjust the transmission of the data stream. It should be understood that the above-mentioned judgment process of the second communication device or the judgment process of the third communication device is executed periodically (or cyclically).

[0162] Based on the above content, the following takes the second communication device as an access network device, the third communication device as a second network element, or the third communication device as an access network device and the second communication device as a second network element as an example. The following possible implementation methods are used to introduce the implementation process of the access network device determining whether the second QoS parameter is met or whether the first QoS parameter is met (or determining whether the second QoS parameter is met or whether the first QoS parameter is met at a specified time) after determining that the second QoS parameter is not met and a preset time period (such as the first time period or the second time period) has passed.

[0163] Implementation Method 1: After the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met and a first duration has elapsed (which can be understood as the time interval (or time period or time window) since the last (or previous) determination by the access network device whether the QoS parameter meets the QoS requirement meets the first duration), the access network device continues to determine (or re-determine) whether the second QoS parameter is met. Alternatively, the access network device may continue to determine (or re-determine) whether the second QoS parameter is met at a specified time. When the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is met (which can be understood as the access network device determining that the second QoS parameter meets the current QoS requirement), the access network device may send fourth information to the first communication device. After receiving the fourth information, the first communication device may determine the second QoS parameter based on the fourth information. Thereafter, the first communication device may send the second data stream based on the second QoS parameter. The fourth information may be used to determine the second QoS parameter, which is used to send the second data stream, and the second QoS parameter corresponds to the second data stream. For example, the fourth information may include the second QoS parameter, or the fourth information may include a second priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter. Optionally, the fourth information may also include identification information of a terminal device (e.g., a UE). It can be understood that the correspondence between the second data flow and the second QoS parameter can be understood as a mapping relationship between the second data flow and the second QoS parameter.

[0164] It should be understood that the first communication device determining the second QoS parameter based on the fourth information can refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter based on the first information above, and will not be repeated here. The implementation process of the first communication device sending the second data stream based on the second QoS parameter can also refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream based on the first QoS parameter above, and will not be repeated here.

[0165] Optionally, the access network device may also send sixth information to the first communication device before sending the fourth information to the first communication device (or after sending the fourth information or when sending the fourth information). The sixth information can be used to indicate that the first parameter is guaranteed again, or the sixth information can also be used to indicate the use of the data stream before adjustment for transmission, or can also be used to indicate the restoration of the data stream before adjustment for transmission. For example, if the access network device sends the sixth information to the first communication device, this can facilitate the first communication device to more accurately (or more clearly) adjust the data stream to be sent (or can be called adjusting the sending of the data stream).

[0166] For example, assume that the first communication device is a UPF network element, the access network device is a RAN device, the priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter is index 2, the second QoS parameters include PDB2, PER2, GFBR2, and AW2, and the service data content corresponding to the second data flow is video content. After a first period of time has passed since the RAN device determined that the second QoS parameters are not met, if the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameters meet the current QoS requirements, the RAN device may send fourth information to the UPF network element. Optionally, the RAN device may also send the fourth information to the UPF network element when the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameters meet the current QoS requirements at a specified time. For example, the fourth information may include index 2 corresponding to the second QoS parameter, or the fourth information may include PDB2, PER2, GFBR2, and AW2. Optionally, the fourth information may also include identification information of one or more UEs. Optionally, the RAN device may also send sixth information to the UPF network element. Transmitting the sixth information to the UPF network element facilitates the UPF network element to more clearly adjust the transmission of the data flow, or to more clearly restore the transmission of the data flow to the original state.

[0167] After receiving the fourth information, the UPF network element can determine the second QoS parameters (such as PDB2, PER2, GFBR2 and AW2) according to the fourth information. For example, in one example, the UPF network element can determine that the video content is sent according to the basic layer based on the GFBR2 and AW2 included in the second QoS parameters, or it can also determine that the video content is sent according to the basic layer + a certain enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). In another example, the UPF network element can adjust the video content to a video source of a certain resolution level (such as the second resolution level) based on the GFBR2 and AW2 included in the second QoS parameters. Optionally, when the fourth information also includes identification information of one or several UEs, the UPF network element can adjust the sending of data streams only for these UEs based on the GFBR2 and AW2 included in the second QoS parameters, and does not adjust the sending of data streams for other UEs.

[0168] Implementation Method 2: After the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met and a first time period has elapsed, the access network device determines whether the first QoS parameter is met. Alternatively, the access network device may determine whether the first QoS parameter is met at a specified time. When the access network device determines that the first QoS parameter is not met (which can be understood as the access network device determining that the first QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements), the access network device may send fifth information to the first communication device. After receiving the fifth information, the first communication device may determine a third QoS parameter based on the fifth information. Thereafter, the first communication device may send a third data stream based on the third QoS parameter. The fifth information may be used to determine the third QoS parameter, which is used to send the third data stream, and the third QoS parameter corresponds to the third data stream. For example, the fifth information may include the third QoS parameter, or the fifth information may include a third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter. Optionally, the fifth information may also include identification information of a terminal device (e.g., a UE). It is understood that the correspondence between the third data stream and the third QoS parameter can be understood as a mapping relationship between the third data stream and the third QoS parameter.

[0169] It should be understood that the first communication device determining the third QoS parameter based on the fifth information can refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter based on the first information described above, and will not be repeated here. The implementation process of the first communication device sending the third data stream based on the third QoS parameter can also refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream based on the first QoS parameter described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0170] Optionally, the access network device may also send seventh information to the first communication device before sending the fifth information to the first communication device (or after sending the fifth information or when sending the fifth information). The seventh information may be used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or the seventh information may be used to indicate adjustment of the transmission of the data stream. For example, if the access network device sends the seventh information to the first communication device, this may facilitate the first communication device to more accurately (or more clearly) adjust the data stream to be sent.

[0171] For example, assume that the first communication device is a UPF network element, the access network device is a RAN device, the priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter is index 3, the second QoS parameters include PDB3, PER3, GFBR3, and AW3, and the service data content corresponding to the third data flow is video content. After a first period of time has passed since the RAN device determined that the second QoS parameter is not met, if the RAN device determines that the first QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements, the RAN device may send fifth information to the UPF network element. Optionally, the RAN device may also send the fifth information to the UPF network element if it determines that the first QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements at a specified time. For example, the fifth information may include index 3 corresponding to the third QoS parameter, or the fifth information may include PDB3, PER3, GFBR3, and AW3. Optionally, the fifth information may also include identification information of one or more UEs. Optionally, the RAN device may also send seventh information to the UPF network element. Transmitting the seventh information to the UPF network element facilitates the UPF network element to more specifically adjust the transmission of the data flow.

[0172] After receiving the fifth information, the UPF network element can determine the third QoS parameter (such as PDB3, PER3, GFBR3 and AW3) according to the fifth information. For example, in one example, the UPF network element can determine that the video content is sent according to the basic layer based on the GFBR3 and AW3 included in the third QoS parameter, or it can also determine that the video content is sent according to the basic layer + a certain enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). In another example, the UPF network element can adjust the video content to a video source of a certain resolution level (such as the third resolution level) based on the GFBR3 and AW3 included in the third QoS parameter. Optionally, when the fourth information also includes identification information of one or several UEs, the UPF network element can adjust the sending of data streams only for these UEs based on the GFBR3 and AW3 included in the third QoS parameter, and does not adjust the sending of data streams for other UEs.

[0173] Implementation Method 3: After the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met and the second duration (or the first duration) has elapsed, the access network device re-determines whether the second QoS parameter is met. Alternatively, the access network device may re-determine whether the second QoS parameter is met at a specified time. When the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is met, the access network device may send third and fourth indication information to the second network element. After receiving the third and fourth indication information, the second network element may send fourth information to the first communication device based on the third and fourth indication information. After receiving the fourth information, the first communication device may determine the second QoS parameter based on the fourth information. Thereafter, the first communication device may send the second data stream based on the second QoS parameter. The third indication information may indicate that the first parameter is again guaranteed; the fourth indication information may indicate the second priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter, or the fourth indication information may indicate the second QoS parameter. For example, the third indication information may indicate that the first parameter is again guaranteed (such as a QNC indication), and the fourth indication information may indicate the second priority index. It should be understood that the description of the fourth information in the third implementation can refer to the description of the fourth information in the first implementation, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, the second duration can be the same as the first duration, or the second duration can also be different from the first duration.

[0174] It should be understood that the first communication device determining the second QoS parameter based on the fourth information can refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter based on the first information above, and will not be repeated here. The implementation process of the first communication device sending the second data stream based on the second QoS parameter can also refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream based on the first QoS parameter above, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] Optionally, the second network element may also send the sixth information to the first communication device before sending the fourth information to the first communication device (or after sending the fourth information, or when sending the fourth information). It should be understood that the description of the sixth information in Implementation Method 3 can refer to the description of the sixth information in Implementation Method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0176] For example, assume that the first communication device is a UPF network element, the access network device is a RAN device, the second network element is an SMF network element, the priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter is index 2, the second QoS parameters include PDB2, PER2, GFBR2, and AW2, and the service data content corresponding to the second data flow is video content. After a second duration has passed since the RAN device determined that the second QoS parameters do not meet the current QoS requirements, if the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameters meet the current QoS requirements, the RAN device may send third and fourth indication information to the SMF network element. Optionally, the RAN device may also send third and fourth indication information to the SMF network element if it determines that the second QoS parameters meet the current QoS requirements at a specified time. After receiving the third and fourth indication information, the SMF network element may send fourth information to the UPF network element based on the third and fourth indication information. For example, the fourth information may include index 2 corresponding to the second QoS parameter, or the fourth information may include PDB2, PER2, GFBR2, and AW2. Optionally, the fourth information may also include identification information of one or more UEs. Optionally, the SMF network element may also send the sixth information to the UPF network element. When the RAN device sends the sixth information to the UPF network element, it may facilitate the UPF network element to more clearly adjust the sending of the data flow, or it may also facilitate the UPF network element to more clearly restore the data flow before the adjustment for sending.

[0177] After receiving the fourth information, the UPF network element can determine the second QoS parameters (such as PDB2, PER2, GFBR2 and AW2) according to the fourth information. For example, in one example, the UPF network element can determine that the video content is sent according to the basic layer based on the GFBR2 and AW2 included in the second QoS parameters, or it can also determine that the video content is sent according to the basic layer + a certain enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). In another example, the UPF network element can adjust the video content to a video source of a certain resolution level (such as the second resolution level) based on the GFBR2 and AW2 included in the second QoS parameters. Optionally, when the fourth information also includes identification information of one or several UEs, the UPF network element can adjust the sending of data streams only for these UEs based on the GFBR2 and AW2 included in the second QoS parameters, and does not adjust the sending of data streams for other UEs.

[0178] Implementation Method 4: After the access network device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met and the second duration (or the first duration) has elapsed, the access network device determines whether the first QoS parameter is met. Alternatively, the access network device may determine whether the first QoS parameter is met at a specified time. When the access network device determines that the first QoS parameter is not met (which can be understood as the access network device determining that the first QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements), the access network device may send fifth and sixth indication information to the second network element. After receiving the fifth and sixth indication information, the second network element may send fifth information to the first communication device based on the fifth and sixth indication information. After receiving the fifth information, the first communication device may determine a third QoS parameter based on the fifth information. Thereafter, the first communication device may send a third data stream based on the third QoS parameter. The fifth indication information may indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, and the sixth indication information may indicate a third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter. For example, the fifth indication information may indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (such as a QNC indication), and the sixth indication information may indicate the third priority index. It should be understood that the relevant description about the fifth information in the fourth implementation method can refer to the relevant description about the fifth information in the above-mentioned second implementation method, and will not be repeated here.

[0179] It should be understood that the first communication device determining the third QoS parameter based on the fifth information can refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter based on the first information described above, and will not be repeated here. The implementation process of the first communication device sending the third data stream based on the third QoS parameter can also refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream based on the first QoS parameter described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] Optionally, the second network element may also send the seventh information to the first communication device before sending the fifth information to the first communication device (or after sending the fifth information or when sending the fifth information). This can facilitate the first communication device to more clearly adjust the sending of the data stream or continue to adjust the sending of the data stream. It should be understood that the relevant description of the seventh information in Implementation Method 4 can refer to the relevant description of the seventh information in Implementation Method 2 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] For example, assume that the first communication device is a UPF network element, the access network device is a RAN device, the second network element is an SMF network element, the priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter is index 3, the second QoS parameters include PDB3, PER3, GFBR3, and AW3, and the service data content corresponding to the third data flow is video content. After a second duration has passed since the RAN device determined that the second QoS parameter is not met, if the RAN device determines that the first QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements, the RAN device may send fifth and sixth indication information to the SMF network element. Optionally, the RAN device may also send fifth and sixth indication information to the SMF network element if it determines that the first QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements at a specified time. After receiving the fifth and sixth indication information, the SMF network element may send fifth information to the UPF network element based on the fifth and sixth indication information. For example, the fifth information may include index 3 corresponding to the third QoS parameter, or the fifth information may include PDB3, PER3, GFBR3, and AW3. Optionally, the fourth information may also include identification information of one or more UEs. Optionally, the SMF network element may also send the seventh information to the UPF network element. When the RAN device sends the seventh information to the UPF network element, it may facilitate the UPF network element to more clearly adjust the sending of the data flow.

[0182] After receiving the fifth information, the UPF network element can determine the third QoS parameter (such as PDB3, PER3, GFBR3 and AW3) according to the fifth information. For example, in one example, the UPF network element can determine that the video content is sent according to the basic layer based on the GFBR3 and AW3 included in the third QoS parameter, or it can also determine that the video content is sent according to the basic layer + a certain enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). In another example, the UPF network element can adjust the video content to a video source of a certain resolution level (such as the third resolution level) based on the GFBR3 and AW3 included in the third QoS parameter. Optionally, when the fifth information also includes identification information of one or several UEs, the UPF network element can adjust the sending of data streams only for these UEs based on the GFBR3 and AW3 included in the third QoS parameter, and does not adjust the sending of data streams for other UEs.

[0183] From the above steps 201 to 202, it can be seen that by sending corresponding information (such as first information or congestion information, etc.) to the first communication device (such as a user plane functional network element), the first communication device can be informed of the changed QoS parameters in a timely manner, and the first communication device can be informed of the current network service status in a timely manner (such as network congestion, network overload, network delay, or QoS parameters that cannot meet the current QoS requirements, etc.). This can facilitate the first communication device to adjust the transmission of the data stream in a timely manner, and can enable the first communication device to flexibly adjust the transmission of the data stream, which helps to improve the accuracy of adjusting the transmission of the data stream, thereby providing users with better services (such as application services or business services) and enabling the transmission of data streams in the communication system to quickly coordinate with the actual QoS. It can be understood that even if the application is deployed on the first communication device, since the method can realize the timely sending of the first information to the first communication device so that the first communication device can timely learn about the changed QoS parameters, and also enables the first communication device to timely learn about the current network service status, it can enable the application deployed on the first communication device to adjust the transmission of the data stream in a timely manner and flexibly adjust the transmission of the data stream.

[0184] Based on the technical solution of the communication method illustrated in FIG2 , the communication method illustrated in FIG2 is described in detail below through the specific examples shown in FIG3 through FIG5 . In the specific examples shown in FIG3 and FIG4 , the first communication device is a UPF network element, the second communication device is a RAN device, the third communication device is an SMF network element, and the fourth communication device is a PCF network element. In the specific example shown in FIG5 , the first communication device is a UPF network element, the second communication device is an SMF network element, the third communication device is a RAN device, and the fourth communication device is a PCF network element.

[0185] FIG3 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the specific flow of the method may include:

[0186] Step 301: The AF network element sends an application requirement to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the application requirement from the AF network element.

[0187] Optionally, the description of application requirements in step 301 may refer to the description of application requirements in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0188] Step 302: The PCF network element determines the PCC rules according to application requirements.

[0189] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 302 may refer to the implementation process of the fourth communication device determining the PCC rule according to the application requirements in step 201, which will not be repeated here.

[0190] It should be understood that the above steps 301 and 302 are optional steps.

[0191] Step 303: The PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the PCC rules from the PCF network element.

[0192] Optionally, the description of the PCC rule in step 303 may refer to the description of the PCC rule in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0193] Step 304: The SMF network element determines the original QoS file and the candidate QoS file set according to the PCC rule.

[0194] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 304 can refer to the implementation process of the second network element (or module of the second network element) determining the original QoS file and the alternative QoS file set according to the PCC rule in the above step 201, which will not be repeated here.

[0195] Step 305: The SMF network element sends the eighth information to the RAN device. Correspondingly, the RAN device receives the eighth information from the SMF network element.

[0196] In an embodiment of the present application, the eighth information may pass through the AMF network element during the process of being sent from the SMF network element to the RAN device. For example, the SMF network element may first send the eighth information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element may send the eighth information to the RAN device.

[0197] Optionally, the description of the eighth information in step 305 can refer to the description of the eighth information in the above step 201, which will not be repeated here.

[0198] In the embodiment of the present application, after executing step 305, steps 306 to 307 may also be executed. By executing steps 306 to 307, the RAN device can promptly notify the UPF network element to adjust the sending of the data flow when it determines that the QoS parameters included in the current QoS file cannot meet the QoS requirements due to air interface quality or other reasons. This helps to improve the accuracy of the adjusted sending of the data flow and can provide better services to users. In addition, the method can also promptly notify the UPF network element of the changed QoS parameters, so that the UPF network element can flexibly adjust the sending of the data flow (or can be understood as flexibly adjusting the content), thereby providing better services to users.

[0199] Step 306: When the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameter does not meet the QoS requirement, it selects an alternative QoS profile from the set of alternative QoS profiles that can meet the QoS requirement.

[0200] It should be understood that the QoS requirement in step 306 refers to the current QoS requirement corresponding to when the RAN device determines whether the second QoS parameter is met.

[0201] Optionally, the description of the candidate QoS file set in step 306 may refer to the description of the candidate QoS file set in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0202] The candidate QoS file that can meet the QoS requirement includes the first QoS parameter determined by the first information. For example, the candidate QoS file that can meet the QoS requirement may refer to the first candidate QoS file.

[0203] Step 307: The RAN device sends the first information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first information from the RAN device.

[0204] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 307 can refer to the implementation process of the access network device (or the module of the access network device) sending the first information to the first communication device in step 201 above, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, the RAN device may also send third information to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly be informed that the sending of the data flow needs to be adjusted, or the UPF network element can be more directly (or more clearly) informed that the sending of the data flow needs to be adjusted.

[0205] Step 308: The UPF network element determines the first QoS parameter based on the first information.

[0206] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 308 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0207] Step 309: The UPF network element sends the first data flow according to the first QoS parameter.

[0208] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 309 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0209] Optionally, after executing step 309, the embodiment of the present application may further execute steps 310 to 312 (or execute steps 313 to 315). By executing steps 310 to 312, the RAN device can promptly notify the UPF network element to restore the data flow before adjustment for transmission (which can be understood as using the data flow before adjustment for transmission) when it determines that the second QoS parameter meets the current QoS requirements. This can provide users with content of relatively high quality (such as content with relatively high picture quality or picture clarity), thereby improving user experience. By executing steps 313 to 315, the RAN device can promptly notify the UPF network element to continue adjusting the transmission of the data flow when it determines that the first QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements. This can ensure data transmission efficiency and enable users to obtain the corresponding data flow in a timely manner, thereby providing users with better services.

[0210] Step 310: When the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameter meets the QoS requirement at the specified time, the RAN device sends the fourth information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the fourth information from the RAN device.

[0211] It should be understood that the QoS requirement in step 310 represents the current QoS requirement corresponding to the specified time.

[0212] Optionally, the description of the fourth information in step 310 can refer to the description of the fourth information above, which will not be repeated here.

[0213] Optionally, the RAN device may also send the sixth information to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly know that it needs to use the data flow before adjustment for transmission (or needs to restore to the data flow before adjustment for transmission), or it can also enable the UPF network element to more directly (or more clearly) know that it needs to use the data flow before adjustment for transmission.

[0214] Step 311: The UPF network element determines the second QoS parameter according to the fourth information.

[0215] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 311 can refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] Step 312: The UPF network element sends the second data flow according to the second QoS parameter.

[0217] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 312 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0218] Step 313: When the RAN device determines that the first QoS parameter does not meet the QoS requirement at the specified time, the RAN device sends the fifth information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the fifth information from the RAN device.

[0219] It should be understood that the QoS requirement in step 313 represents the current QoS requirement corresponding to the specified time.

[0220] Optionally, the relevant description about the fifth information in step 313 can refer to the relevant description about the fifth information above, which will not be repeated here.

[0221] Optionally, the RAN device may also send the seventh information to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly know that the sending of the data flow needs to be adjusted, or the UPF network element can more directly (or more clearly) know that the sending of the data flow needs to be adjusted.

[0222] Step 314: The UPF network element determines the third QoS parameter according to the fifth information.

[0223] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 314 can refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0224] Step 315: The UPF network element sends the third data flow according to the third QoS parameter.

[0225] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 315 can refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0226] As can be seen from the above steps 301 to 315, the RAN device can directly send the corresponding information (such as the first information, the fourth information, or the fifth information) to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly learn the current network service status and the changed QoS parameters. This can facilitate the UPF network element to adjust the transmission of data streams in a timely manner, and can enable the UPF network element to flexibly adjust the transmission of data streams, which helps to improve the accuracy of adjusting the transmission of data streams, thereby providing better services to users and enabling the transmission of data streams in the communication system to quickly coordinate with the actual QoS. It can be understood that even if the application is deployed on the UPF network element, since this method enables the UPF network element to obtain the corresponding information (such as the first information, the fourth information, or the fifth information) in a timely manner, the UPF network element can promptly learn the changed QoS parameters and the current network service status, thereby enabling the application deployed on the UPF network element to promptly adjust the transmission of data streams and flexibly adjust the transmission of data streams.

[0227] FIG4 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the specific flow of the method may include:

[0228] Step 401: The AF network element sends an application requirement to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the application requirement from the AF network element.

[0229] Optionally, the description of application requirements in step 401 may refer to the description of application requirements in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] Step 402: The PCF network element determines the PCC rules according to the application requirements.

[0231] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 402 may refer to the implementation process of the fourth communication device determining the PCC rule according to the application requirements in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] It should be understood that the above steps 401 and 402 are optional steps.

[0233] Step 403: The PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the PCC rules from the PCF network element.

[0234] Optionally, the description of the PCC rule in step 403 may refer to the description of the PCC rule in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0235] Step 404: The SMF network element determines the original QoS file and the candidate QoS file set according to the PCC rule.

[0236] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 404 can refer to the implementation process of the second network element (or module of the second network element) determining the original QoS file and the alternative QoS file set according to the PCC rule in the above step 201, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] Step 405: The SMF network element sends the eighth information to the RAN device. Correspondingly, the RAN device receives the eighth information from the SMF network element.

[0238] In an embodiment of the present application, the eighth information may pass through the AMF network element during the process of being sent from the SMF network element to the RAN device. For example, the SMF network element may first send the eighth information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element may send the eighth information to the RAN device.

[0239] Optionally, the description of the eighth information in step 405 can refer to the description of the eighth information in the above step 201, which will not be repeated here.

[0240] Step 406: The SMF network element sends the second information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the second information from the SMF network element.

[0241] It should be understood that there is no particular order in which steps 405 and 406 may be performed. For example, step 405 may be performed before step 406, or after step 406, or in parallel with step 406.

[0242] Optionally, the description of the second information in step 406 may refer to the description of the second information in step 202 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] In the embodiment of the present application, after executing step 406, steps 407 to 408 may also be executed. By executing steps 407 to 408, the RAN device can promptly notify the UPF network element to adjust the transmission of the data flow when it determines that the QoS parameters included in the current QoS file cannot meet the QoS requirements due to reasons such as air interface quality. This helps to improve the accuracy of the adjustment of the transmission of the data flow and can provide better services to users. In addition, the method can also promptly notify the UPF network element of the changed QoS parameters, which can facilitate the UPF network element to flexibly adjust the transmission of the data flow (or can be understood as flexibly adjusting the content), thereby providing better services to users.

[0244] Step 407: When the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameter does not meet the QoS requirement, it selects an alternative QoS profile from the set of alternative QoS profiles that can meet the QoS requirement.

[0245] It should be understood that the QoS requirement in step 407 refers to the current QoS requirement corresponding to when the RAN device determines whether the second QoS parameter is met.

[0246] Optionally, the description of the candidate QoS file set in step 407 may refer to the description of the candidate QoS file set in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0247] The candidate QoS file that can meet the QoS requirement includes the first QoS parameter determined by the first information. For example, the candidate QoS file that can meet the QoS requirement may refer to the first candidate QoS file.

[0248] Step 408: The RAN device sends the first information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first information from the RAN device.

[0249] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 408 can refer to the implementation process of the access network device (or module of the access network device) sending the first information to the first communication device in step 201 above, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, the RAN device may also send third information to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly be informed of the need to adjust the transmission of the data flow, or the UPF network element can be more directly (or more clearly) informed of the need to adjust the transmission of the data flow.

[0250] Step 409: The UPF network element determines the first QoS parameter based on the first information.

[0251] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 409 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0252] Step 410: The UPF network element sends the first data flow according to the first QoS parameter.

[0253] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 410 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0254] Optionally, after executing step 410, the embodiment of the present application may further execute steps 411 to 413 (or execute steps 414 to 416). By executing steps 411 to 413, the RAN device can promptly notify the UPF network element to restore the data flow before adjustment for transmission when it determines that the second QoS parameter meets the current QoS requirements. This can provide users with content of relatively high quality (such as content with relatively high picture quality or picture clarity), thereby improving user experience. By executing steps 414 to 416, the RAN device can promptly notify the UPF network element to continue adjusting the transmission of the data flow when it determines that the first QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements. This can ensure data transmission efficiency and enable users to obtain the corresponding data flow in a timely manner, thereby providing users with better services.

[0255] Step 411: When the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameter meets the QoS requirement at the specified time, the RAN device sends the fourth information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the fourth information from the RAN device.

[0256] It should be understood that the QoS requirement in step 411 represents the current QoS requirement corresponding to the specified time.

[0257] Optionally, the description of the fourth information in step 411 can refer to the description of the fourth information above, which will not be repeated here.

[0258] Optionally, the RAN device may also send the sixth information to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly know that it needs to use the data flow before adjustment for transmission, or it can also make the UPF network element more directly (or more clearly) know that it needs to use the data flow before adjustment for transmission.

[0259] Step 412: The UPF network element determines the second QoS parameter according to the fourth information.

[0260] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 412 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] Step 413: The UPF network element sends the second data flow according to the second QoS parameter.

[0262] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 413 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0263] Step 414: When the RAN device determines that the first QoS parameter does not meet the QoS requirement at the specified time, the RAN device sends the fifth information to the UPF network element. Accordingly, the UPF network element receives the fifth information from the RAN device.

[0264] It should be understood that the QoS requirement in step 414 represents the current QoS requirement corresponding to the specified time.

[0265] Optionally, the relevant description about the fifth information in step 414 can refer to the relevant description about the fifth information above, which will not be repeated here.

[0266] Optionally, the RAN device may also send the seventh information to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly know that the sending of the data flow needs to be adjusted, or the UPF network element can more directly (or more clearly) know that the sending of the data flow needs to be adjusted.

[0267] Step 415: The UPF network element determines the third QoS parameter according to the fifth information.

[0268] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 415 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] Step 416: The UPF network element sends the third data flow according to the third QoS parameter.

[0270] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 416 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0271] From the above steps 401 to 416, it can be seen that the RAN device can enable the UPF network element to promptly know the current network service status by directly sending the corresponding information (such as the first information, the fourth information, or the fifth information, etc.) to the UPF network element, and can also enable the UPF network element to promptly know the changed QoS parameters. This can facilitate the UPF network element to adjust the sending of data streams in a timely manner, and can enable the UPF network element to flexibly adjust the sending of data streams, which helps to improve the accuracy of adjusting the sending of data streams, thereby providing users with better services and enabling the sending of data streams in the communication system to quickly coordinate with the actual QoS. In addition, since the SMF network element directly provides the UPF network element with an alternative QoS file set, the UPF network element does not need to configure the alternative QoS parameter list locally, which can save storage resources, help alleviate the storage pressure of the UPF network element, and reduce the resource consumption of the UPF network element caused by configuring the alternative QoS parameter list. It can be understood that even if the application is deployed on the UPF network element, since this method enables the UPF network element to obtain the corresponding information in a timely manner, the UPF network element can promptly know the changed QoS parameters and the current network service status, so that the application deployed on the UPF network element can promptly adjust the sending of data streams and flexibly adjust the sending of data streams.

[0272] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5 , the specific flow of the method may include:

[0273] Step 501: The AF network element sends an application requirement to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the application requirement from the AF network element.

[0274] Optionally, the description of application requirements in step 501 may refer to the description of application requirements in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] Step 502: The PCF network element determines the PCC rules according to application requirements.

[0276] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 502 may refer to the implementation process of the fourth communication device determining the PCC rule according to the application requirements in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] It should be understood that the above steps 501 and 502 are optional steps.

[0278] Step 503: The PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the PCC rules from the PCF network element.

[0279] Optionally, the description of the PCC rule in step 503 may refer to the description of the PCC rule in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0280] Step 504: The SMF network element determines the original QoS file and the candidate QoS file set according to the PCC rule.

[0281] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 504 can refer to the implementation process of the second network element (or module of the second network element) determining the original QoS file and the alternative QoS file set according to the PCC rule in the above step 201, which will not be repeated here.

[0282] Step 505: The SMF network element sends the eighth information to the RAN device. Correspondingly, the RAN device receives the eighth information from the SMF network element.

[0283] In an embodiment of the present application, the eighth information may pass through the AMF network element during the process of being sent from the SMF network element to the RAN device. For example, the SMF network element may first send the eighth information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element may send the eighth information to the RAN device.

[0284] Optionally, the description of the eighth information in step 505 can refer to the description of the eighth information in the above step 201, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] In an embodiment of the present application, after executing step 505, steps 506 to 508 can also be executed. By executing steps 506 to 508, when the RAN device determines that the QoS parameters included in the current QoS file cannot meet the QoS requirements due to reasons such as air interface quality, the RAN device can promptly notify the SMF network element that the RAN device does not meet the QoS parameters included in the current QoS file, so that the SMF network element can subsequently notify the UPF network element to adjust the sending of the data flow. In this way, the UPF network element can be notified of the changed QoS parameters in a timely manner so that the UPF network element can flexibly adjust the sending of the data flow (or can be understood as flexibly adjusting the content), thereby providing better services to users.

[0286] Step 506: When the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameter does not meet the QoS requirement, it selects an alternative QoS profile from the set of alternative QoS profiles that can meet the QoS requirement.

[0287] It should be understood that the QoS requirement in step 506 refers to the current QoS requirement corresponding to when the RAN device determines whether the second QoS parameter is met.

[0288] Optionally, the description of the candidate QoS file set in step 506 may refer to the description of the candidate QoS file set in step 201 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0289] The candidate QoS file that can meet the QoS requirement includes the first QoS parameter indicated by the first indication information. For example, the candidate QoS file that can meet the QoS requirement may refer to the first candidate QoS file.

[0290] Step 507: The RAN device sends the first indication information and the second indication information to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first indication information and the second indication information from the RAN device.

[0291] In an embodiment of the present application, the first indication information and the second indication information may pass through the AMF network element during the process of being sent from the RAN device to the SMF network element. For example, the RAN device may first send the first indication information and the second indication information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element may send the first indication information and the second indication information to the SMF network element.

[0292] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 507 can refer to the implementation process of the access network device (or the module of the access network device) sending the first indication information and the second indication information to the second network element (or the module of the second network element) in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] Step 508: The SMF network element sends the first information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first information from the SMF network element.

[0294] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 508 can refer to the implementation process of the second network element (or the module of the second network element) sending the first information to the first communication device in the above step 201, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the SMF network element may also send third information to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly know that the sending of the data stream needs to be adjusted, or the UPF network element can be more directly (or more clearly) informed that the sending of the data stream needs to be adjusted.

[0295] For example, in step 508, the first information may include QER parameters. For example, the QER parameters may include GFBR1 and AW1.

[0296] Step 509: The UPF network element determines the first QoS parameter according to the first information.

[0297] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 509 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] Step 510: The UPF network element sends the first data flow according to the first QoS parameter.

[0299] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 510 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data flow according to the first QoS parameter in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0300] Optionally, after executing step 510, the embodiment of the present application may further execute steps 511 to 514 (or execute steps 515 to 518). Specifically, by executing steps 511 to 514, the RAN device can promptly notify the UPF network element to restore the data flow before adjustment for transmission when determining that the second QoS parameter meets the current QoS requirements. This can provide users with content of relatively high quality (such as content with relatively high picture quality or picture clarity), thereby improving user experience. By executing steps 515 to 518, the RAN device can promptly notify the UPF network element to continue adjusting the transmission of the data flow when determining that the first QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements. This can ensure data transmission efficiency and enable users to obtain the corresponding data flow in a timely manner, thereby providing users with better services.

[0301] Step 511: When the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameter meets the QoS requirement at the specified time, it sends third indication information and fourth indication information to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the third indication information and fourth indication information from the RAN device.

[0302] In this embodiment of the present application, the third indication information and the fourth indication information may pass through the AMF network element during the process of being sent by the RAN device to the SMF network element. For example, the RAN device may first send the third indication information and the fourth indication information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element may send the third indication information and the fourth indication information to the SMF network element.

[0303] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 511 can refer to the implementation process of the access network device (or the module of the access network device) sending the third indication information and the fourth indication information to the second network element (or the module of the second network element) in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0304] Step 512: The SMF network element sends the fourth information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the fourth information from the SMF network element.

[0305] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 512 can refer to the implementation process of the second network element (or the module of the second network element) sending the fourth information to the first communication device in the above step 201, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the SMF network element may also send the sixth information to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly know that it needs to use the data flow before adjustment for transmission, or it can also make the UPF network element more directly (or more clearly) know that it needs to use the data flow before adjustment for transmission.

[0306] For example, in step 512, the fourth information may include QER parameters. For example, the QER parameters may include GFBR2 and AW2.

[0307] Step 513: The UPF network element determines the second QoS parameter according to the fourth information.

[0308] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 513 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] Step 514: The UPF network element sends the second data flow according to the second QoS parameter.

[0310] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 514 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0311] Step 515: When the RAN device determines that the first QoS parameter does not meet the QoS requirement at the specified time, it sends the fifth indication information and the sixth indication information to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the fifth indication information and the sixth indication information from the RAN device.

[0312] In this embodiment of the present application, the fifth indication information and the sixth indication information may pass through the AMF network element during the process of being sent by the RAN device to the SMF network element. For example, the RAN device may first send the fifth indication information and the sixth indication information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element may send the fifth indication information and the sixth indication information to the SMF network element.

[0313] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 515 can refer to the implementation process of the access network device (or the module of the access network device) sending the fifth indication information and the sixth indication information to the second network element (or the module of the second network element) in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0314] Step 516: The SMF network element sends the fifth information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the fifth information from the SMF network element.

[0315] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 516 can refer to the implementation process of the second network element (or the module of the second network element) sending the fifth information to the first communication device in the above step 201, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the SMF network element may also send the seventh information to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element can promptly know that the sending of the data stream needs to be adjusted, or the UPF network element can more directly (or more clearly) know that the sending of the data stream needs to be adjusted.

[0316] Step 517: The UPF network element determines the third QoS parameter according to the fifth information.

[0317] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 517 may refer to the implementation process of the first communication device determining the first QoS parameter according to the first information in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0318] Step 518: The UPF network element sends the third data flow according to the third QoS parameter.

[0319] Optionally, the relevant implementation process of step 518 can refer to the implementation process of the first communication device sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameter in the above text, which will not be repeated here.

[0320] It can be seen from the above steps 501 to 518 that the RAN device can adjust the transmission of the data flow by sending corresponding indication information (such as the first indication information and the second indication information, or such as the third indication information and the fourth indication information) to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element can promptly notify the UPF network element to adjust the transmission of the data flow. In addition, this method can also enable the SMF network element to promptly notify the UPF network element of the changed QoS parameters so that the UPF network element can flexibly adjust the transmission of the data flow, thereby providing better services to users and enabling the transmission of data flows in the communication system to quickly coordinate with the actual QoS. It can be understood that even if the application is deployed on the UPF network element, since this method can enable the UPF network element to promptly know the changed QoS parameters and the current network service status, the application deployed on the UPF network element can also promptly adjust the transmission of the data flow and can flexibly adjust the transmission of the data flow.

[0321] In addition, in the implementation of this application, the second communication device may also notify the first communication device to adjust the transmission of the data stream in a timely manner by sending congestion information (such as congestion ratio, delay, etc.) to the first communication device (such as a UPF network element). For example, the second communication device may determine the congestion information based on the current network congestion situation and may send the congestion information to the first communication device. Optionally, the second communication device may also send the first information and / or third information to the first communication device. The congestion information may also be used to instruct the first communication device to adjust the transmission of the data stream. For example, the congestion information may include a congestion ratio or a delay.

[0322] The following describes the implementation process of the first communication device adjusting the sending of the data stream according to the congestion information through the following possible implementation methods.

[0323] Method 1: When a second communication device sends congestion information to a first communication device, the first communication device can determine the corresponding data flow based on the congestion information. The first communication device can then send the corresponding data flow. This implementation method, by notifying the first communication device of the congestion information, allows the first communication device to adjust the transmission of data flows in a timely and effective manner.

[0324] For example, when the second communication device is an access network device (such as a RAN device) or a module of an access network device, and the third communication device is a second network element (such as an SMF network element) or a module of the second network element, the second communication device can determine the congestion information based on the current network congestion situation, and can send the congestion information to the first communication device. In one example, after receiving the congestion information, the first communication device can determine whether the data stream is sent according to the basic layer based on the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information, or can also determine whether the data stream is sent according to the basic layer + a certain enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). In another example, after receiving the congestion information, the first communication device can also determine whether to send a data stream corresponding to a certain resolution level based on the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information.

[0325] For another example, when the third communication device is an access network device or a module of an access network device, and the second communication device is a second network element or a module of a second network element, the third communication device can determine congestion information based on the current network congestion situation and can send the congestion information to the second communication device. After receiving the congestion information, the second communication device can send the congestion information to the first communication device. In one example, after receiving the congestion information, the first communication device can determine whether the data stream is to be sent according to the basic layer based on the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information, or can also determine whether the data stream is to be sent according to the basic layer + a certain enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). In another example, after receiving the congestion information, the first communication device can also determine whether to send a data stream corresponding to a certain resolution level based on the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information.

[0326] Method 2: When the second communication device sends congestion information and first information to the first communication device, the first communication device, upon receiving the first information and congestion information from the second communication device, can combine the first information and congestion information to determine the corresponding data stream. The first communication device then sends the corresponding data stream. This implementation method, by notifying the first communication device of the first information and congestion information, allows the first communication device to adjust the data stream transmission more accurately, better meeting actual needs (or more suitable for actual scenarios).

[0327] It can be understood that the relevant description about the first information in the second method can refer to the relevant description about the first information above, and will not be repeated here.

[0328] For example, when the second communication device is an access network device (such as a RAN device) or a module of the access network device, and the third communication device is a second network element (such as an SMF network element) or a module of the second network element, the second communication device can determine congestion information based on the current network congestion situation and send the congestion information to the first communication device. In addition, when the second communication device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met, it can also send the first information to the first communication device. In one example, after receiving the congestion information and the first information, the first communication device can combine the first QoS parameter determined by the first information and the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information to determine whether the data stream is sent according to the basic layer, or it can also determine whether the data stream is sent according to the basic layer + a certain enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). In another example, after receiving the congestion information and the first information, the first communication device can also combine the first QoS parameter determined by the first information and the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information to determine whether the data stream corresponding to a certain resolution level is sent.

[0329] For another example, when the third communication device is an access network device or a module of the access network device, and the second communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, the third communication device may determine congestion information based on the current network congestion situation and may send the congestion information to the second communication device. In addition, when the third communication device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met, it may also send first indication information and second indication information to the second communication device. After receiving the congestion information, the first indication information, and the second indication information, the second communication device may send the congestion information and the first information to the first communication device. In one example, after receiving the congestion information and the first information, the first communication device may determine whether to send the data stream according to the base layer, or may determine whether to send the data stream according to the base layer + an enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers), based on the first QoS parameter determined in the first information and the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information. In another example, after receiving the congestion information and the first information, the first communication device may also determine whether to send the data stream corresponding to a certain resolution level, based on the first QoS parameter determined in the first information and the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information. It can be understood that, for the relevant descriptions on the first indication information and the second indication information in the second method, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions on the first indication information and the second indication information above, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] Method 3: When the second communication device sends congestion information and third information to the first communication device, the first communication device, upon receiving the third information and congestion information from the second communication device, can learn from the third information that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (or learn that the data stream needs to be adjusted). The first communication device can then determine the corresponding data stream based on the congestion information and send the corresponding data stream. This implementation method, by notifying the first communication device of the third information and congestion information, allows the first communication device to more clearly (or more intuitively) adjust the data stream.

[0331] It can be understood that the relevant description about the third information in method three can refer to the relevant description about the third information above, and will not be repeated here.

[0332] For example, when the second communication device is an access network device (such as a RAN device) or a module of the access network device, and the third communication device is a second network element (such as an SMF network element) or a module of the second network element, the second communication device can determine congestion information based on the current network congestion situation and can send the congestion information to the first communication device. In addition, when the second communication device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met, it can also send third information to the first communication device. After receiving the congestion information and the third information, the first communication device can learn based on the third information that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (or that the transmission of the data stream needs to be adjusted). When the first communication device needs to adjust the transmission of the data stream, in one example, the first communication device can determine whether to transmit the data stream according to the base layer, or can also determine whether to transmit the data stream according to the base layer + an enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers) based on the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information. In another example, the first communication device can also determine to transmit a data stream corresponding to a certain resolution level based on the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information.

[0333] For another example, when the third communication device is an access network device or a module of the access network device, and the second communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, the third communication device may determine congestion information based on the current network congestion situation and may send the congestion information to the second communication device. Furthermore, upon determining that the second QoS parameter is not met, the second communication device may also send first indication information to the second communication device. After receiving the congestion information and the first indication information, the second communication device may send the congestion information and third information to the first communication device. After receiving the congestion information and the third information, the first communication device may learn based on the third information that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (or that the data stream needs to be adjusted). If the first communication device needs to adjust the data stream transmission, in one example, the first communication device may determine, based on the congestion ratio or latency included in the congestion information, whether to transmit the data stream according to the base layer, or to determine whether to transmit the data stream according to the base layer + an enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). In another example, the first communication device may also determine, based on the congestion ratio or latency included in the congestion information, to transmit a data stream corresponding to a specific resolution level. It can be understood that the relevant description about the first indication information in the third method can refer to the relevant description about the first indication information above, and will not be repeated here.

[0334] Method 4: When the second communication device sends congestion information, third information, and first information to the first communication device, after receiving the third information and congestion information from the second communication device, the first communication device can learn from the third information that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (or learn that the transmission of the data stream needs to be adjusted). Afterwards, the first communication device can combine the first information and congestion information to determine the corresponding data stream and send the corresponding data stream. This implementation method, by notifying the first communication device of the third information and congestion information, can enable the first communication device to more clearly (or more intuitively) adjust the transmission of the data stream, and can enable the first communication device to adjust the transmission of the data stream more accurately.

[0335] It can be understood that the relevant description about the third information and the first information in the fourth method can refer to the relevant description about the third information and the first information above, and will not be repeated here.

[0336] For example, when the second communication device is an access network device (such as a RAN device) or a module of the access network device, and the third communication device is a second network element (such as an SMF network element) or a module of the second network element, the second communication device can determine congestion information based on the current network congestion situation and can send the congestion information to the first communication device. In addition, when the second communication device determines that the second QoS parameter is not met, it can also send third information and the first information to the first communication device. After receiving the congestion information, the third information, and the first information, the first communication device can learn from the third information that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (or that the transmission of the data stream needs to be adjusted). When the first communication device needs to adjust the transmission of the data stream, in one example, the first communication device can determine whether to transmit the data stream according to the base layer, or determine whether to transmit the data stream according to the base layer + an enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers), based on the first QoS parameter determined in the first information and the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information. In another example, the first communication device can also determine to transmit a data stream corresponding to a certain resolution level based on the first QoS parameter determined in the first information and the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information.

[0337] For another example, when the third communication device is an access network device or a module of the access network device, and the second communication device is a second network element or a module of the second network element, the third communication device may determine congestion information based on the current network congestion situation and may send the congestion information to the second communication device. Furthermore, upon determining that the second QoS parameter is not met, the second communication device may also send first indication information and second indication information to the second communication device. Upon receiving the congestion information, the first indication information, and the second indication information, the second communication device may send the congestion information, the third information, and the first information to the first communication device. Upon receiving the congestion information, the third information, and the first information, the first communication device may learn that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (or that the transmission of the data stream needs to be adjusted) based on the third information. In the event that the first communication device needs to adjust the transmission of the data stream, in one example, the first communication device may determine, based on the first QoS parameter determined in the first information and the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information, whether to transmit the data stream according to the base layer or to transmit the data stream according to the base layer plus an enhancement layer (or several enhancement layers). In another example, the first communication device may also determine a data stream corresponding to a certain resolution level for transmission based on the first QoS parameter determined by the first information and the congestion ratio or delay included in the congestion information. It is understood that the description of the first indication information and the second indication information in the fourth method can refer to the description of the first indication information and the second indication information above, and will not be repeated here.

[0338] For example, in combination with Figure 6, the following introduces the technical solution of the first communication device adjusting the sending of data flow according to congestion information by taking the first communication device as a UPF network element, the second communication device as a RAN device, and the RAN device sending congestion information to the UPF network element as an example.

[0339] FIG6 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the specific flow of the method may include:

[0340] Step 601: The RAN device determines congestion information according to the current network congestion situation.

[0341] Step 602: The RAN device sends congestion information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the congestion information from the RAN device.

[0342] Optionally, when the RAN device receives the eighth information from the SMF network element, the RAN device may obtain the original QoS profile, the alternative QoS profile set, and the seventh indication information from the eighth information. Thus, in one example, when the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements, the RAN device may select an alternative QoS profile from the alternative QoS profile set that can meet the QoS requirements, and may send the first information to the UPF network element based on the selected alternative QoS profile. In another example, when the RAN device determines that the second QoS parameter does not meet the current QoS requirements, the RAN device may also send the third information to the UPF network element.

[0343] Step 603: The UPF network element sends the corresponding data flow according to the congestion information.

[0344] In one example, after a UPF network element receives congestion information from a RAN device, the UPF network element may determine a corresponding data flow based on the congestion information and send the corresponding data flow. In another example, after a UPF network element receives congestion information and first information from a RAN device, the UPF network element may combine the first information and the congestion information to determine a corresponding data flow and send the corresponding data flow. In yet another example, after a UPF network element receives congestion information and third information from a RAN device, the UPF network element may learn based on the third information that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (or learn that the data flow needs to be adjusted). Subsequently, the UPF network element may determine a corresponding data flow based on the congestion information and send the corresponding data flow. In yet another example, after a UPF network element receives congestion information, the third information, and the first information from a RAN device, the UPF network element may learn based on the third information that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed (or learn that the data flow needs to be adjusted). Subsequently, the UPF network element may determine a corresponding data flow based on the first information and the congestion information and send the corresponding data flow.

[0345] From the above steps 601 to 603, it can be seen that by sending corresponding information (such as congestion information, or congestion information and one or more of the first information and the third information) to the UPF network element, the UPF network element can adjust the sending of the data stream more timely and effectively, and can flexibly adjust the sending of the data stream, thereby providing better services to users. It can be understood that even if the application is deployed on the UPF network element, since this method can enable the UPF network element to be aware of the congestion situation in a timely manner, the application deployed on the UPF network element can also adjust the sending of the data stream in a timely manner and flexibly adjust the sending of the data stream.

[0346] It should be noted that in the description of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "plurality" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", and "third" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects. In addition, the terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations appearing in this application all mean "including but not limited to" unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0347] In addition, it should be noted that each step involved in the above embodiments can be performed by a corresponding device, or by a component such as a chip, processor, or chip system within the device, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. The above embodiments are described only as examples of execution by corresponding devices.

[0348] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0349] It should be noted that in each of the above embodiments, some steps may be selected for implementation, and the order of the steps in the diagrams may be adjusted for implementation, and this application does not limit this. It should be understood that executing some of the steps in the diagrams, adjusting the order of the steps, or combining them for specific implementation all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0350] It is understandable that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the various devices involved in the above embodiments include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and method steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0351] It should be understood that the "steps" in the embodiments of this application are merely illustrative, a method of expression used to better understand the embodiments, and do not constitute a substantive limitation on the implementation of the solutions of this application. For example, the "steps" can also be understood as "features." Furthermore, the steps do not constitute any limitation on the execution order of the solutions of this application. Any changes in the order of steps, or any operations such as step merging or step splitting that do not affect the implementation of the overall solution, resulting in new technical solutions, are also within the scope of this application.

[0352] The following is a schematic diagram of the structure of possible communication devices provided in an embodiment of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first communication device (such as the first network element) or the second communication device (such as the access network device, or the second network element) or the third communication device (such as the second network element, or the access network device) or the fourth communication device (such as the third network element) or the AMF network element or the AF network element (or application server) in the above method embodiment, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiment.

[0353] As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 includes a transceiver module 701 (or may be referred to as a communication module or a transceiver unit or a communication unit, for sending and receiving data) and a processing module 702 (or may be referred to as a processing unit). The communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, the fourth communication device, the AMF network element, or the AF network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 6 above.

[0354] Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may include a receiving module and / or a transmitting module. The receiving module may be used by the communication device 700 to receive signals (information or data, etc.); the transmitting module may be used by the communication device 700 to transmit signals (information or data, etc.). The transmitting module may transmit signals (information or data, etc.) under the control of the processing module 702, and the receiving module may receive signals (information or data, etc.) under the control of the processing module 702.

[0355] When communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of the first communication device (e.g., the first network element) in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5 above: Transceiver module 701 is configured to receive first information. The first information is used to determine a first QoS parameter, which is used to transmit a first data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to the first QoS parameter. Transceiver module 701 is further configured to transmit the first data stream based on the first QoS parameter. Processing module 702 is configured to perform corresponding processing operations, such as determining the first QoS parameter based on the first information.

[0356] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the function of the second communication device (for example, the second communication device is an access network device) (or the third communication device (for example, the third communication device is an access network device)) in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5 above: the transceiver module 701 is used to send the first information when it is determined that the second QoS parameter is not met. The first information is used to determine the first QoS parameter, and the first QoS parameter is used to send the first data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to the first QoS parameter. The processing module 702 is used to perform corresponding processing operations, such as for determining whether the second QoS parameter is met (which can be understood as determining whether the second QoS parameter meets the QoS requirement). Optionally, the transceiver module 701 can also be used to send the first indication information and the second indication information when it is determined that the second QoS parameter is not met. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter, and the first QoS parameter includes the first parameter.

[0357] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the function of the second communication device (for example, the second communication device is the second network element) (or the third communication device (for example, the third communication device is the second network element)) in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5 above: the transceiver module 701 is used to receive the first indication information and the second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter, and the first QoS parameter includes the first parameter. The transceiver module 701 is also used to send the first information. The first information is used to determine the first QoS parameter, and the first QoS parameter is used to send the first data stream, and the first data stream corresponds to the first QoS parameter. The processing module 702 is used to perform corresponding processing operations, such as determining the original QoS file and the alternative QoS file set according to the PCC rule.

[0358] When communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of the fourth communication device (e.g., the third network element) in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5 above: Transceiver module 701 is configured to receive application requirements. Processing module 702 is configured to determine PCC rules based on the application requirements. The PCC rules are used to determine the original QoS profile and a set of candidate QoS profiles, where each candidate QoS profile in the set corresponds to a priority index. Transceiver module 701 is also configured to send the PCC rules. Among them, when the application requirement indicates a data stream for transmitting a basic layer and multiple enhancement layers, the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data stream for transmitting the basic layer, and the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data stream for transmitting at least one enhancement layer; or the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data stream for transmitting the basic layer and at least one enhancement layer; or the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data stream for transmitting the basic layer and at least one enhancement layer, the at least one enhancement layer is included in multiple enhancement layers, and each alternative QoS parameter in the alternative QoS parameter set corresponds to a priority index; or, when the application requirement indicates a data stream corresponding to multiple resolution levels, the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data stream corresponding to the default resolution level, and the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data stream corresponding to other resolution levels.

[0359] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of the first communication device (such as a UPF network element) in the technical solution involved in the communication method shown in Figure 6 above: the transceiver module 701 is used to receive congestion information. The transceiver module 701 is also used to send a corresponding data stream based on the congestion information. The processing module 702 is used to perform corresponding processing operations, such as determining a corresponding data stream based on the congestion information. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 can also be used to receive the first information and / or the third information. It should be understood that when the transceiver module 701 also receives the first information and / or the third information, the processing module 702 can also be used to send a corresponding data stream based on the congestion information and the first information and / or the third information.

[0360] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the function of the second communication device (for example, the second communication device is a RAN device) (or the third communication device (for example, the third communication device is a RAN device)) in the technical solution involved in the communication method shown in Figure 6 above: the transceiver module 701 is used to send congestion information. The processing module 702 is used to determine the congestion information based on the current network congestion situation. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 can also be used to send the first information and / or the third information when it is determined that the second QoS parameter is not met. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 can also be used to send the first indication information or the first indication information and the second indication information when it is determined that the second QoS parameter is not met.

[0361] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the function of the second communication device (for example, the second communication device is an SMF network element) (or the third communication device (for example, the third communication device is an SMF network element)) in the technical solution involved in the communication method shown in Figure 6 above: the transceiver module 701 is used to receive congestion information. The transceiver module 701 is also used to send congestion information. The processing module 702 is used to perform corresponding processing operations, such as for controlling session modification. Optionally, the transceiver module 701 can also be used to receive the first indication information or the first indication information and the second indication information. It should be understood that when the transceiver module 701 also receives the first indication information, the transceiver module 701 is also used to send the third information. When the transceiver module 701 also receives the first indication information and the second indication information, the transceiver module 701 is also used to send the first information and the third information.

[0362] For a more detailed description of the transceiver module 701 and the processing module 702 , please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 , which will not be repeated here.

[0363] It should be understood that the transceiver module 701 in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a communication interface or a communication interface-related circuit component, and the processing module 702 can be implemented by a processor or a processor-related circuit component.

[0364] It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0365] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, or a server, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0366] As another possible product form, as shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes: a communication interface 801 and a processor 802. Optionally, the communication device 800 also includes a memory 803. The communication interface 801, the processor 802 and the memory 803 are interconnected. When the communication device 800 is used to implement the technical solutions involved in the first communication device or the second communication device or the third communication device or the fourth communication device or the AMF network element or the AF network element in the above embodiments, the communication interface 801 can be used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned transceiver module 701 when executing the technical solutions involved in the first communication device (or the second communication device or the third communication device or the fourth communication device or the AMF network element or the AF network element), and the processor 802 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing module 702 when executing the technical solutions involved in the first communication device (or the second communication device or the third communication device or the fourth communication device or the AMF network element or the AF network element).

[0367] Optionally, communication interface 801, processor 802, and memory 803 are interconnected via bus 804. Bus 804 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, and the like. For ease of illustration, FIG8 shows only one thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0368] The communication interface 801 is used to receive and send data. For example, when the communication device 800 is an access network device (such as a RAN device) as shown in Figure 1, the communication interface 801 can communicate with the terminal device (such as a UE) as shown in Figure 1, or can also communicate with the UPF network element as shown in Figure 1, or can also communicate with other devices outside the communication system architecture shown in Figure 1 (such as other terminal devices or servers). In one example, the communication interface can be a transceiver device with an integrated data transceiver function. In another example, the communication interface can also be composed of a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transmitter is used to send data and the receiver is used to receive data.

[0369] Optionally, the communication interface 801 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transmitter is used to transmit signals, messages, information, or data. The receiver is used to receive signals, messages, information, or data. For example, the transmitter transmits signals, messages, information, or data under the control of the processor 802. The receiver receives signals, messages, information, or data under the control of the processor 802.

[0370] The functions of processor 802 can refer to the description of the corresponding functions involved in the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, the fourth communication device, the AMF network element, or the AF network element in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here. Processor 802 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP, etc. Processor 802 can further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD can be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. When implementing the above functions, processor 802 can be implemented through hardware, or it can also execute corresponding software implementations through hardware.

[0371] The memory 803 is used to store program instructions, etc. Specifically, the program instructions may include program code, which includes computer operation instructions. The memory 803 may include random access memory (RAM) and may also include non-volatile memory (non-volatile memory), such as at least one disk storage. The processor 802 executes the program instructions stored in the memory 803 to implement the above functions, thereby implementing the method steps required to be executed by the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, the fourth communication device, the AMF network element, or the AF network element in the above embodiments.

[0372] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes multiple communication devices (a first communication device or a second communication device or a third communication device or a fourth communication device or multiple AMF network elements or AF network elements). Among them, the first communication device can be used to implement the technical solution involved in the first communication device in the above embodiment. The second communication device can be used to implement the technical solution involved in the second communication device in the above embodiment. The third communication device can be used to implement the technical solution involved in the third communication device in the above embodiment. The fourth communication device can be used to implement the technical solution involved in the fourth communication device in the above embodiment. The AMF network element can be used to implement the technical solution involved in the AMF network element in the above embodiment. The AF network element can be used to implement the technical solution involved in the AF network element in the above embodiment.

[0373] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer executes the method provided in the above embodiment.

[0374] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the computer executes the method provided in the above embodiment.

[0375] The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer.

[0376] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which may include a processor and a memory (or the chip is coupled to the memory), and the chip executes program instructions in the memory to perform the method provided in the above embodiment. Wherein, "coupling" refers to the direct or indirect connection between two components, such as coupling can refer to the electrical connection between two components.

[0377] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of the present application also provides a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a computer device to implement the functions involved in the first communication device (such as a first network element) or the second communication device (such as an access network device, or a second network element) or the third communication device (such as a second network element, or an access network device) or the fourth communication device (such as a third network element) or the AMF network element or the AF network element (or an application server) in the above embodiments. In one possible implementation, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store the necessary programs and data for the computer device. The chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0378] The methods provided in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, they can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiments of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state drive (SSD)).

[0379] The steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embedded in hardware, software units executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. The software units can be stored in RAM, ROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or other storage media in any form known in the art. Exemplarily, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can be arranged in an ASIC.

[0380] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the flow chart and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow charts and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0381] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0382] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving first information, where the first information is used to determine a first QoS parameter, where the first QoS parameter is used to send a first data flow, where the first data flow corresponds to the first QoS parameter; The first data flow is sent according to the first QoS parameter.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first information includes a first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter; or, The first information includes the first QoS parameter.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein When the first information includes the first priority index, the method further includes: Determine the first QoS parameter corresponding to the first priority index in a preset candidate QoS parameter list.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein When the first information includes the first priority index, the method further includes: receiving second information, where the second information is used to indicate a set of candidate QoS files, each candidate QoS file in the set of candidate QoS files corresponding to a priority index; A first candidate QoS file corresponding to the first priority index is determined in the candidate QoS file set, and the first QoS parameter is included in the first candidate QoS file.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: Third information is received, where the third information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or the third information is used to instruct to adjust the sending of the data flow, where the first QoS parameter includes the first parameter.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first QoS parameter includes at least one of the following: guaranteed stream bit rate, packet loss rate, packet delay budget, or averaging window.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein When the first QoS parameters include the guaranteed stream bit rate and the averaging window, sending the first data stream according to the first QoS parameters includes: sending the first data stream for transmitting the base layer or sending the first data stream for transmitting the base layer and at least one enhancement layer according to the guaranteed stream bit rate and the averaging window; or The first data stream corresponding to the first resolution level is sent according to the guaranteed stream bit rate and the averaging window.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The method further comprises: When the service data corresponding to the first data stream does not exist locally, sending a first request for obtaining the service data corresponding to the first data stream; receiving and storing the service data corresponding to the first data stream; or When the service data corresponding to the first data stream does not exist locally, a second request is sent, where the second request is used to request sending the first data stream; and the first data stream is received and forwarded.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The method further comprises: receiving fourth information, where the fourth information is used to determine a second QoS parameter, where the second QoS parameter is used to send a second data flow, where the second QoS parameter corresponds to the second data flow; and sending the second data flow according to the second QoS parameter; or Receive fifth information, where the fifth information is used to determine a third QoS parameter, where the third QoS parameter is used to send a third data stream, and the third QoS parameter corresponds to the third data stream; and send the third data stream according to the third QoS parameter.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein Before receiving the fourth information, the method further includes: receiving sixth information, where the sixth information is used to indicate that the first parameter is guaranteed again, or the sixth information is used to indicate that the data stream before adjustment is used for sending; or Before receiving the fifth information, the method further includes: Seventh information is received, where the seventh information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or the seventh information is used to instruct to adjust the sending of the data stream.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The fourth information includes a second priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter, or the fourth information includes the second QoS parameter; or, The fifth information includes a third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter, or the fifth information includes the third QoS parameter.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: include: When it is determined that the second QoS parameter is not satisfied, sending the first information; The first information is used to determine a first QoS parameter, the first QoS parameter is used to send a first data flow, and the first data flow corresponds to the first QoS parameter.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first information includes a first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter; or, The first information includes the first QoS parameter.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The method further comprises: Sending third information, where the third information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or the third information is used to indicate adjusting the sending of the data flow, where the first QoS parameter includes the first parameter.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The method further comprises: After the first time period, if it is determined that the second QoS parameter is met, sending fourth information, where the fourth information is used to determine the second QoS parameter, the second QoS parameter is used to send the second data flow, and the second QoS parameter corresponds to the second data flow; or After the first duration, if it is determined that the first QoS parameter is not met, fifth information is sent, where the fifth information is used to determine a third QoS parameter, which is used to send a third data stream, and the third QoS parameter corresponds to the third data stream.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein Before sending the fourth information, the method further includes: sending sixth information, where the sixth information is used to indicate that the first parameter is guaranteed again, or the sixth information is used to indicate that the data stream before adjustment is used for sending; or Before sending the fifth information, the method further includes: Seventh information is sent, where the seventh information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or the seventh information is used to instruct to adjust the sending of the data stream.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The fourth information includes a second priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter, or the fourth information includes the second QoS parameter; or, The fifth information includes a third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter, or the fifth information includes the third QoS parameter.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein The method further comprises: When it is determined that the second QoS parameter is not met, first indication information and second indication information are sent, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, and the second indication information is used to indicate a first priority index corresponding to the first QoS parameter.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The method further comprises: After the second duration, if it is determined that the second QoS parameter is met, sending third indication information and fourth indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate that the first parameter is again guaranteed, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate a second priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter; or After the second duration, if it is determined that the first QoS parameter is not met, the fifth indication information and the sixth indication information are sent, the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein: The method further comprises: Receive eighth information, the eighth information including the original QoS file, the alternative QoS file set and seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to enable sending information required for adjusting the sending of the data stream when the first parameter is no longer guaranteed.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein: The first QoS parameter includes at least one of the following: guaranteed stream bit rate, packet loss rate, packet delay budget, or averaging window.

22. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first parameter is no longer guaranteed, and the second indication information being used to indicate a first priority index corresponding to a first QoS parameter, the first QoS parameter including the first parameter; First information is sent, where the first information is used to determine the first QoS parameter, the first QoS parameter is used to send a first data flow, and the first data flow corresponds to the first QoS parameter.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The method further comprises: Sending third information, where the third information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or the third information is used to instruct to adjust the sending of the data stream.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein: The method further comprises: Second information is sent, where the second information is used to indicate a set of candidate QoS files, where each candidate QoS file in the set of candidate QoS files corresponds to a priority index.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving third indication information and fourth indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate that the first parameter is guaranteed again, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate a second priority index corresponding to a second QoS parameter; sending fourth information, wherein the fourth information is used to determine the second QoS parameter, the second QoS parameter is used to send a second data flow, and the second QoS parameter corresponds to the second data flow; or Receive fifth indication information and sixth indication information, the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter; send fifth information, the fifth information is used to determine the third QoS parameter, the third QoS parameter is used to send a third data stream, and the third QoS parameter corresponds to the third data stream.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: Before sending the fourth information, the method further includes: sending sixth information, where the sixth information is used to indicate that the first parameter is guaranteed again, or the sixth information is used to indicate that the data stream before adjustment is used for sending; or Before sending the fifth information, the method further includes: Seventh information is sent, where the seventh information is used to indicate that the first parameter is no longer guaranteed, or the seventh information is used to instruct to adjust the sending of the data stream.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein The fourth information includes a second priority index corresponding to the second QoS parameter, or the fourth information includes the second QoS parameter; or, The fifth information includes a third priority index corresponding to the third QoS parameter, or the fifth information includes the third QoS parameter.

28. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein: The method further comprises: Receive policy and charging control PCC rules; Determining, according to the PCC rule, an original QoS profile and a set of candidate QoS profiles, wherein each candidate QoS profile in the set of candidate QoS profiles corresponds to a priority index; Sending eighth information, the eighth information including the original QoS file, the alternative QoS file set and seventh indication information, the seventh indication information being used to enable sending information required for adjusting the sending of the data stream when the first parameter is no longer guaranteed.

29. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein: The first QoS parameter includes at least one of the following: guaranteed stream bit rate, packet loss rate, packet delay budget, or averaging window.

30. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Receive application requirements; Determining a PCC rule according to the application requirement, where the PCC rule is used to determine an original QoS profile and a set of candidate QoS profiles, where each candidate QoS profile in the set of candidate QoS profiles corresponds to a priority index; Sending the PCC rules; Wherein, when the application requirement indicates a data stream for transmitting a basic layer and multiple enhancement layers, the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data stream for transmitting the basic layer, and the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data stream for transmitting at least one enhancement layer; or the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data stream for transmitting the basic layer and at least one enhancement layer; or the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data stream for transmitting the basic layer and at least one enhancement layer, the at least one enhancement layer is included in the multiple enhancement layers, and each alternative QoS parameter in the alternative QoS parameter set corresponds to a priority index; or, When the application requirement indicates the transmission of data streams corresponding to multiple resolution levels, the original QoS parameters included in the PCC rule correspond to the data streams corresponding to the default resolution level, and the alternative QoS parameter set included in the PCC rule corresponds to the data streams corresponding to other resolution levels.

31. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a module or unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or comprising a module or unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, or comprising a module or unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, or comprising a module or unit for performing the method according to claim 30.

32. A communication device, characterized in that: include: Communication interface for receiving and sending data; Memory for storing computer program instructions and data; A processor, configured to execute and call computer program instructions and data in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, the method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, or the method according to claim 30.

33. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a communication device for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, a communication device for executing the method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, a communication device for executing the method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, and a communication device for executing the method according to claim 30.

34. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, the method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, or the method according to claim 30.

35. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or the method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, or the method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, or the method according to claim 30.

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