Communication method, apparatus and system, and storage medium and program product

Abstract

A communication method, apparatus and system, and a storage medium and a program product. The communication method comprises: determining a first target policy and / or a second target policy, wherein the first target policy is used for indicating a segmentation mode of communication functions of a first target entity and a second target entity, and the second target policy is used for indicating a segmentation mode of communication functions of the second target entity and a third target entity; and sending first information, wherein the first information is used for indicating the first target policy and / or the second target policy. In the embodiments of the present application, by means of determining one or more target policies, flexible division of communication functions corresponding to different functional entities is realized. The corresponding functional entities can flexibly adjust corresponding communication functions thereof on the basis of different target policies, so as to adapt to quality-of-service requirements of different services, thereby improving the utilization rate of bandwidths and computing resources, and reducing the deployment cost.

Description

Communication method, device, system, storage medium and program product

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on February 8, 2024, with application number "202410178323.3" and invention name "Communication Method, Device, System, Storage Medium and Program Product", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to communication methods, devices, systems, storage media, and program products. Background Art

[0003] Base stations in fourth-generation mobile networks (4G) use a bottom-layer splitting approach, splitting the base station into two functional entities: the baseband unit (BBU) and the remote radio unit (RRU). Base stations in fifth-generation mobile networks (5G) use a top-layer splitting approach, splitting the base station into two functional entities: the central unit (CU) and the distributed unit (DU).

[0004] The current functional division of 5G base stations is poorly adaptable, so a solution with better performance is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, device, system, storage medium and program product, which determine one or more target strategies so that different functional entities can flexibly adjust their corresponding communication functions based on different target strategies, thereby adapting to the service quality requirements of various different business flows.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to a first functional entity side, such as the first functional entity or a component in the first functional entity (such as a circuit or chip or chip system). The method may include: determining a first target strategy and / or a second target strategy. The first target strategy is used to indicate a method for dividing the communication functions of the first target entity and the second target entity, and the second target strategy is used to indicate a method for dividing the communication functions of the second target entity and the third target entity. Sending first information. The first information is used to indicate the first target strategy and / or to indicate the second target strategy.

[0008] The embodiments of the present application achieve flexible division of communication functions corresponding to different functional entities by determining one or more target policies. The corresponding functional entities can flexibly adjust their corresponding communication functions based on different target policies to adapt to the service quality requirements of different businesses, improve the utilization of bandwidth and computing resources, and reduce deployment costs.

[0009] In one possible design, the method further includes: determining a first target function segmentation method from at least one alternative function segmentation method, wherein the first target function segmentation method is associated with the first target strategy. And / or determining a second target function segmentation method from at least one alternative function segmentation method, wherein the second target function segmentation method is associated with the second target strategy. The alternative function segmentation method is a segmentation method for communication functions of two different types of second functional entities with communication connections, wherein the second functional entities include at least one of the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity.

[0010] The embodiment of the present application provides multiple alternative function segmentation methods in advance and selects the segmentation method corresponding to the target policy from them, thereby reducing the computational complexity of dynamically configuring the target policy and avoiding unreasonable segmentation of the communication function.

[0011] In one possible design, determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy includes: determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity. The first interface is a communication interface between the first target entity and the second target entity, the second interface is a communication interface between the second target entity and the third target entity, the second information is used to indicate the network communication status corresponding to the communication interface, the third information is used to indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the functional entity, and the fourth information is used to indicate the quality of service (QoS) requirement corresponding to at least one service.

[0012] The embodiment of the present application can comprehensively determine the target strategy by combining the network communication status of the communication interface, the processing resource status of the functional entity, the QoS requirements of the service, etc., so as to make the division of communication functions corresponding to the functional entity more reasonable.

[0013] In one possible design, the first target policy and / or the second target policy is determined based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, including: determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy based on the relationship between one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, and at least one threshold.

[0014] The embodiment of the present application can combine thresholds and information from multiple dimensions to comprehensively determine target strategies, making the division of communication functions corresponding to functional entities more reasonable.

[0015] In one possible design, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes radio resource control (RRC), the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC) and high physical layer (HIGH PHY), and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes a low physical layer (LOW PHY); or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC and PDCP, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP and RLC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY. PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP, RLC and MAC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes LOW PHY.

[0016] The embodiments of the present application provide a method for dividing communication functions corresponding to various functional entities, which can be adapted to the QoS requirements of different services.

[0017] In one possible design, determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy includes: determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any terminal for different terminals; or, determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any PDU session for different protocol data unit (PDU) sessions; or, determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any QoS flow for different QoS flows; or, determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any data radio bearer (DRB) for different DRBs; or, determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any data packet for different data packets.

[0018] The embodiments of the present application can determine target strategies at different granularities so that flexible adjustment of communication functions can be achieved at corresponding granularities.

[0019] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending at least one alternative function segmentation method. And / or, sending fifth information. Wherein, the fifth information is used to indicate the communication function of each functional entity corresponding to the alternative function segmentation method.

[0020] The embodiment of the present application can also inform other functional entities of multiple alternative function segmentation methods and / or corresponding communication functions in advance, so that only partial information is required when indicating the target policy, thereby reducing resource overhead during the communication process.

[0021] In one possible design, the first functional entity and the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity are independent functional entities. Alternatively, the first functional entity is integrated into the first target entity, the second target entity, or the third target entity.

[0022] The embodiments of the present application provide multiple deployment methods of the first functional entity, which are applicable to multiple possible network architectures.

[0023] In one possible design, the first target entity, the second target entity and the third target entity are functional entities in a radio access network (RAN), a core network and / or a network management domain.

[0024] The embodiments of the present application can dynamically divide multiple communication functions such as wireless access network, core network and network management domain to improve universality.

[0025] In one possible design, the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity are functional entities in a RAN. The functional entities in the RAN include at least one of the following functional entities: a CU; a DU; or a radio unit (RU).

[0026] The embodiments of the present application implement flexible adjustment of the communication functions of multiple functional entities such as CU, DU, and RU in the RAN, so as to adapt to the service quality requirements of different services, improve the utilization of bandwidth and computing resources, and reduce the deployment cost of different functional entities in the RAN.

[0027] In one possible design, the first information includes at least one of the following parameters: a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate the first target policy; a second identifier, the second identifier is used to indicate the second target policy; a function division method corresponding to the first target policy; a function division method corresponding to the second target policy; the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target policy; the communication function of the second target entity and the communication function of the third target entity corresponding to the second target policy; the first granularity information of the first target policy; or, the second granularity information of the second target policy.

[0028] The embodiment of the present application provides a variety of possible parameters included in the first information, so that the corresponding functional entity can flexibly adjust its corresponding communication function according to the parameters included in the first information.

[0029] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining the second information from the first target entity, the second target entity, and / or the third target entity. The second information includes at least one of the following parameters: bandwidth resources of the communication interface; transmission delay of the communication interface; packet loss rate of the communication interface; or reliability of the communication interface.

[0030] The embodiment of the present application provides a variety of possible parameters included in the second information, so that the first functional entity can determine a suitable target strategy according to the parameters in the second information.

[0031] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining the third information from the first target entity, the second target entity, and / or the third target entity, wherein the third information includes at least one of the following parameters: processor utilization; memory utilization; or disk utilization.

[0032] The embodiment of the present application provides a variety of possible parameters included in the third information, so that the first functional entity can determine a suitable target strategy according to the parameters in the third information.

[0033] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining the fourth information from the first target entity, the second target entity, the third target entity, and / or a core network device, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following parameters: a packet delay budget (PDB); a guaranteed bit rate (GBR); or a packet error rate (PER).

[0034] The embodiment of the present application provides a variety of possible parameters included in the fourth information, so that the first functional entity can determine a suitable target strategy according to the parameters in the fourth information, thereby meeting a variety of possible QoS requirements.

[0035] In one possible design, the communication function is divided in a manner that divides the communication function corresponding to the protocol layer.

[0036] The embodiments of the present application can flexibly divide the communication functions corresponding to the protocol layers, so that different functional entities are configured with communication functions corresponding to different protocol layers to adapt to the service quality requirements of different businesses.

[0037] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a second functional entity side, such as a second functional entity or a component in the second functional entity (such as a circuit or a chip or a chip system). The second functional entity includes at least one of a first target entity, a second target entity, and a third target entity. The method includes: receiving first information from the first functional entity. The first information is used to indicate a first target policy and / or to indicate a second target policy, the first target policy is used to indicate a method for dividing the communication functions of the first target entity and the second target entity, and the second target policy is used to indicate a method for dividing the communication functions of the second target entity and the third target entity. The communication function corresponding to the second functional entity is configured based on the first information.

[0038] The embodiments of the present application implement flexible division of communication functions corresponding to different functional entities through one or more target policies. The corresponding functional entities can flexibly adjust their corresponding communication functions based on different target policies to adapt to the service quality requirements of different businesses, improve the utilization of bandwidth and computing resources, and reduce deployment costs.

[0039] In one possible design, the first target strategy is associated with a first target function segmentation method, and the first target function segmentation method is determined from at least one alternative function segmentation method. And / or, the second target strategy is associated with a second target function segmentation method, and the second target function segmentation method is determined from at least one alternative function segmentation method. The alternative function segmentation method is a segmentation method for the communication function of two different types of second functional entities with communication connections, and the second functional entities include at least one of the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity.

[0040] In one possible design, the first target policy and / or the second target policy are obtained in the following manner: based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, the first target policy and / or the second target policy are obtained. The first interface is a communication interface between the first target entity and the second target entity, the second interface is a communication interface between the second target entity and the third target entity, the second information is used to indicate the network communication status corresponding to the communication interface, the third information is used to indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the functional entity, and the fourth information is used to indicate the QoS requirement corresponding to at least one service.

[0041] In one possible design, the first target policy and / or the second target policy is obtained based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, including: obtaining the first target policy and / or the second target policy based on the relationship between one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, and at least one threshold.

[0042] In one possible design, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes PDCP, RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC and PDCP, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP and RLC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP, RLC and MAC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the first target entity include RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the second target entity include LOW PHY.

[0043] In one possible design, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponds to any terminal among different terminals; or, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponds to any PDU session among different PDU sessions; or, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponds to any QoS flow among different QoS flows; or, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponds to any DRB among different DRBs; or, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponds to any data packet among different data packets.

[0044] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving at least one alternative function splitting method. And / or, receiving fifth information. Wherein, the fifth information is used to indicate the communication function of each functional entity corresponding to the alternative function splitting strategy.

[0045] In one possible design, the first functional entity and the second functional entity are independent functional entities, or the first functional entity is integrated into the second functional entity.

[0046] In one possible design, the second functional entity is a functional entity in the RAN, core network and / or network management domain.

[0047] In one possible design, the second functional entity is a functional entity in the RAN. The second function includes at least one of the following functional entities: a CU; a DU; or a RU.

[0048] In one possible design, the first information includes at least one of the following parameters: a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate the first target policy; a second identifier, the second identifier is used to indicate the second target policy; a function division method corresponding to the first target policy; a function division method corresponding to the second target policy; the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target policy; the communication function of the second target entity and the communication function of the third target entity corresponding to the second target policy; the first granularity information of the first target policy; or, the second granularity information of the second target policy.

[0049] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending the second information, wherein the second information includes at least one of the following parameters: bandwidth resources of the communication interface; transmission delay of the communication interface; packet loss rate of the communication interface; or reliability of the communication interface.

[0050] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending the third information, wherein the third information includes at least one of the following parameters: processor utilization; memory utilization; or disk utilization.

[0051] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending the fourth information, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following parameters: PDB; GBR; or PER.

[0052] In one possible design, the communication function is divided in a manner that divides the communication function corresponding to the protocol layer.

[0053] According to a third aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first functional entity and a second functional entity, wherein the first functional entity is used to determine a first target policy and / or a second target policy. The first target policy is used to indicate a method for dividing the communication functions of the first target entity and the second target entity, and the second target policy is used to indicate a method for dividing the communication functions of the second target entity and the third target entity. The first functional entity is also used to send first information to the second functional entity. The first information is used to indicate the first target policy and / or to indicate the second target policy, and the second functional entity includes the first target entity, the second target entity and the third target entity. The second functional entity is used to configure the communication function corresponding to the second functional entity based on the first information.

[0054] The embodiments of the present application achieve flexible division of communication functions corresponding to different functional entities by determining one or more target policies. The corresponding functional entities can flexibly adjust their corresponding communication functions based on different target policies to adapt to the service quality requirements of different businesses, improve the utilization of bandwidth and computing resources, and reduce deployment costs.

[0055] In one possible design, the first functional entity is further configured to: determine a first target function segmentation method from at least one alternative function segmentation method, wherein the first target function segmentation method is associated with the first target policy. And / or determine a second target function segmentation method from at least one alternative function segmentation method, wherein the second target function segmentation method is associated with the second target policy. The alternative function segmentation method is a method for segmenting communication functions of two different types of second functional entities with communication connections, wherein the second functional entities include at least one of the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity.

[0056] In one possible design, the first functional entity is further configured to determine the first target policy and / or the second target policy based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity. The first interface is a communication interface between the first target entity and the second target entity, the second interface is a communication interface between the second target entity and the third target entity, the second information is used to indicate the network communication status corresponding to the communication interface, the third information is used to indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the functional entity, and the fourth information is used to indicate the QoS requirement corresponding to at least one service.

[0057] In one possible design, the first functional entity is also used to determine the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy based on the relationship between one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, and at least one threshold.

[0058] In one possible design, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes PDCP, RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC and PDCP, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP and RLC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP, RLC and MAC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or, the first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the first target entity include RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the second target entity include LOW PHY.

[0059] In a possible design, the first functional entity is also used to: determine the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any terminal for different terminals; or, determine the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any PDU session for different PDU sessions; or, determine the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any QoS flow for different QoS flows; or, determine the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any DRB for different DRBs; or, determine the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any data packet for different data packets.

[0060] In one possible design, the system further includes: the first functional entity sending at least one alternative functional segmentation method to the second functional entity. And / or, the first functional entity sending fifth information to the second functional entity. The fifth information is used to indicate the communication function of each functional entity corresponding to the alternative functional segmentation method.

[0061] In one possible design, the first functional entity and the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity are independent functional entities. Alternatively, the first functional entity is integrated into the first target entity, the second target entity, or the third target entity.

[0062] In one possible design, the second functional entity is a functional entity in the RAN, core network and / or network management domain.

[0063] In a possible design, the second functional entity is a functional entity in the RAN. The functional entity in the RAN includes at least one of the following functional entities: a CU; a DU; or a RU.

[0064] In one possible design, the first information includes at least one of the following parameters: a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate the first target policy; a second identifier, the second identifier is used to indicate the second target policy; a function division method corresponding to the first target policy; a function division method corresponding to the second target policy; the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target policy; the communication function of the second target entity and the communication function of the third target entity corresponding to the second target policy; the first granularity information of the first target policy; or, the second granularity information of the second target policy.

[0065] In one possible design, the system further includes: the second functional entity sending the second information to the first functional entity, wherein the second information includes at least one of the following parameters: bandwidth resources of the communication interface; transmission delay of the communication interface; packet loss rate of the communication interface; or reliability of the communication interface.

[0066] In one possible design, the system further includes: the second functional entity sending the third information to the first functional entity, wherein the third information includes at least one of the following parameters: processor utilization; memory utilization; or disk utilization.

[0067] In one possible design, the system further includes: the second functional entity and / or the core network device sending the fourth information to the first functional entity, wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following parameters: PDB; GBR; or PER.

[0068] In one possible design, the communication function is divided in a manner that divides the communication function corresponding to the protocol layer.

[0069] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to implement the various communication methods involved in the first and / or second aspects above. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above communication methods. The modules, units, or means can be implemented through hardware, software, or hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0070] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes at least one processor for supporting the communication device to implement the functions involved in any of the above aspects.

[0071] In one possible design, the communication device further includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and / or data necessary for the communication device.

[0072] In one possible design, the communication device further includes: a communication interface for receiving and / or sending signals; or the communication interface is used for the processor to communicate with other devices or components.

[0073] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to receive and / or send signals, and the processor is configured to enable the communication method of any of the above aspects to be executed.

[0074] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor and a memory; the memory is configured to store computer instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions, the communication device executes the communication method according to any of the above aspects.

[0075] In the eighth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes a processor and an input / output port, the processor is used to implement the processing functions involved in the communication method of any aspect of the above aspects, and the input / output port is used to implement the transceiver functions involved in the communication method of any aspect of the above aspects.

[0076] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data for implementing the functions involved in the communication method of any of the above aspects.

[0077] The chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0078] In a ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the communication method according to any of the above aspects.

[0079] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the communication method as designed in any of the above aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] FIG1 is an exemplary diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a 5G wireless access network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of functional division of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of an alternative function segmentation method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another alternative function segmentation method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of another alternative function segmentation method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a network structure of a first functional entity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the first functional entity and the second functional entity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a network structure of another first functional entity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a network structure of another first functional entity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a network structure of another first functional entity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that, with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0099] The terms "first" and "second" in the description and drawings of the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish different objects, or to distinguish different treatments of the same object. Words such as "first" and "second" can distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. For example, the first device and the second device are merely used to distinguish different devices and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit differences.

[0100] "At least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more.

[0101] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the embodiments of the present application is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0102] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "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, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or plural.

[0103] In addition, to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different.

[0104] Furthermore, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof, mentioned in the description of the embodiments of the present application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0105] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0106] It will be understood that the “embodiment” mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments in the entire specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It will be understood that in the various embodiments of the embodiment of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process 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 embodiment of the present application.

[0107] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "when" and "if" both mean that corresponding processing will be performed under certain objective circumstances, and do not limit the time, nor do they require any judgment action when implementing, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0108] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application may, in certain scenarios, be implemented independently of other features, such as the solution on which they are currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. In certain scenarios, they may also be combined with other features as needed. Accordingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0109] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can refer to each other. In the various embodiments of the present application, and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in the various embodiments, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in the various embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, implementation methods, or implementation methods according to their inherent logical relationships. The implementation methods of the embodiments of the present application described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0110] The collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision, and disclosure of user personal information in the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations and do not violate public order and good morals. For example, in the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the processing of user personal information is performed with the user's authorization, which is explained here and will not be repeated below.

[0111] FIG1 is an example diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 1 , the communication system involved in the embodiment of the present application may include at least one terminal 110 and a network device 120 .

[0113] Terminal 110 and network device 120 communicate wirelessly. Network device 120 may be a wireless access network device. Terminals and wireless access network devices may be connected to each other via wired or wireless means. Figure 1 is merely a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices, wireless backhaul devices, and core network devices, which are not shown in Figure 1. The connection relationships between devices are not limited to the methods listed above.

[0114] The radio access network device may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNodeB / gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next generation base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc.; it may also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The radio access network device may be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor node, etc. In some other embodiments, the radio access network device may also be an access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN). In O-RAN, the CU may be referred to as an open CU (O-CU), the DU may be referred to as an open DU (O-DU), and the RU may be referred to as an open RU (O-RU). The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the radio access network device. The wireless access network equipment is sometimes also referred to as network equipment. For ease of description, the following description uses a base station as an example of the wireless access network equipment.

[0115] A terminal may also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IOT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, smart city, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver functions, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal devices.

[0116] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of base stations and terminal devices.

[0117] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be carried out through authorized spectrum, unauthorized spectrum, or both; communication can be carried out through spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), spectrum above 6 GHz, or spectrum below 6 GHz and spectrum above 6 GHz. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0118] In an embodiment of the present application, the function of the base station may also be performed by a module (such as a chip) in the base station, or by a control subsystem including a base station function. The control subsystem including the base station function here may be a control center in the application scenarios of the above-mentioned terminal devices such as smart grid, industrial control, intelligent transportation, smart city, etc. The function of the repeater may also be performed by a module (such as a chip or a modem) in the repeater, or by a device including a relay function. The function of the terminal may also be performed by a module (such as a chip or a modem) in the terminal, or by a device including a terminal function.

[0119] A wireless communication system includes communication devices, which can communicate wirelessly using air interface resources. Communication devices can include network devices and terminal devices. Network devices can also be referred to as base station devices. Air interface resources can include at least one of time domain resources, frequency domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources. Communication devices can also be referred to as communication devices.

[0120] The solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to wireless communications between communication devices. Wireless communications can include wireless communications between network devices and terminals, wireless communications between network devices, and wireless communications between terminals. In the embodiments of this application, the term "wireless communications" can also be simply referred to as "communication," which can also be described as "data transmission," "information transmission," or "transmission."

[0121] The embodiments of the present application can be used for possible communication links such as uplink (UL), downlink (DL), access link, backhaul link, sidelink (SL), etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited here. From the perspective of business scenarios, the embodiments of the present application are applicable to a variety of scenarios, such as extended reality (XR) business, artificial intelligence (AI) business, large-capacity scenarios, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited here. Among them, SL can also be called side link, side line, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited here.

[0122] For 4G base stations, they can be divided into two parts: the BBU and the RRU. The BBU is connected to one or more RRUs via optical fiber, metal wiring, or microwave links. The BBU mainly performs upper-layer centralized processing of baseband signals. The RRU mainly performs functions such as reception and transmission of baseband signals, as well as modulation and demodulation, data processing, and power amplification of radio frequency signals. The RRU is closer to the antenna, and the feeder loss is smaller. In some cases, the RRU can also be called a radio unit (RU). In this case, the BBU can process baseband signals in a highly centralized manner, so computing resources can be centrally deployed, resulting in high resource utilization and low deployment costs. However, this underlying split places high demands on the bandwidth of the fronthaul link between the BBU and RRU, and the fiber deployment cost is high.

[0123] To reduce the pressure on fronthaul link bandwidth and deployment costs caused by the underlying splitting method, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)'s 5G radio access network considers splitting the base station into two functional entities, such as the CU and DU, at a higher layer. The midhaul link between the CU and DU has lower network bandwidth requirements, so splitting can be performed specifically on the CU and DU. The 5G radio access network is also called the next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN).

[0124] Referring to FIG2 , a 5G wireless access network architecture is shown. For example, the access network device may be a gNB, and the gNB may be composed of two parts: a CU and a DU. Of course, the DU may include one or more parts, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The gNB and the core network elements of the 5G core network (5G core network, 5GC) may communicate through a next generation (NG) interface, and different gNBs may communicate through an Xn interface, for example, through an Xn-control (C) interface. The CU and different DUs may communicate through an F1 interface.

[0125] In some examples, a static splitting method is adopted for the functional splitting between CU and DU in 5G access network equipment, and a fixed division is made according to the functional granularity of the protocol stack. As shown in Figure 3, protocol stacks such as radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) can be located in the DU of the access network device. Among them, MAC can also be called media access control, medium access control, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Protocol stacks such as radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) can be located in the CU of the access network device. Among them, RRC implements air interface radio resources and air interface connection control, and belongs to the control plane (CP) protocol; SDAP performs mapping between quality of service flow (QoS-flow) and data radio bearer (DRB), and belongs to the user plane (UP) protocol. A QoS-flow is represented as a business data flow with specific quality of service (QoS) requirements.

[0126] As shown in Figure 3, for the DU, both the control plane protocol stack and the user plane protocol stack involve RLC, MAC, and PHY. For the CU, PDCP applies to both the control plane protocol stack and the user plane protocol stack, while RRC applies only to the control plane protocol stack and SDAP applies only to the user plane protocol stack. For control plane protocol stack functions, the CU and DU communicate via the F1-C interface; for user plane protocol stack functions, the CU and DU communicate via the F1-User U interface. Based on the separation of the CU and DU, the CU of the access network device can be separated into a CP unit and an UP unit. The CP of the access network device's CU can be denoted as gNB-CU-CP, and the UP of the access network device's CU can be denoted as gNB-CU-UP. The PDCP layer protocol exists in both the gNB-CU-CP unit and the gNB-CU-UP unit. The RRC layer resides above the PDCP layer in the gNB-CU-CP unit, and the SDAP layer resides above the PDCP layer in the gNB-CU-UP unit.

[0127] The RLC layer can provide transparent data transmission as well as data transmission in both non-deterministic and deterministic modes. The MAC layer is primarily responsible for controlling the physical medium connecting to the physical layer. The PHY layer is responsible for transmitting bits or groups of bits on the physical medium, including encoding transmitted information and decoding received information. For specific protocols, please refer to relevant technologies, such as 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.300, and this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0128] Currently, during the network deployment phase, a fixed RAN functional split can be set to deploy CUs and DUs based on prior statistical information, such as network peak rate and average data rate requirements. Obviously, the functional division based only on fixed or static access network equipment cannot adapt to real-time changes in service traffic. Of course, Figure 3 only shows one possible functional division method. For other fixed division methods, insufficient computing resource utilization and insufficient bandwidth resource utilization will occur. As shown in Figure 4, for example, under the conditions of a channel bandwidth of 100 MHz, a modulation method of 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) for uplink and downlink, different functional division methods have different transmission bandwidth and transmission delay requirements for uplink and downlink. Among them, the MIMO condition can be, for example, 8 MIMO layers. From Figure 4, it can be understood that the closer the division method is to the lower-layer division, the higher the demand for link bandwidth capacity, and the corresponding fiber deployment cost will also be higher. The closer the partitioning method is to the upper layer, the more decentralized the processing functions involved in the functional entities at the lower layer will be, which will relatively increase energy consumption and the overall computing resource deployment cost. Of course, no matter which fixed partitioning method is used, there will be insufficient computing resource utilization and bandwidth utilization due to real-time changes in traffic services. In other words, different services have different QoS requirements such as network latency, rate, and reliability. Static partitioning methods cannot dynamically adapt to the diverse QoS requirements of services.

[0129] Therefore, the present application provides a communication method that determines one or more target strategies so that different functional entities can flexibly adjust their corresponding communication functions based on different target strategies, thereby adapting to the service quality requirements of various different business flows.

[0130] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0131] As shown in Figure 5, the access network equipment can be further divided into multiple functional entities, such as RU 210, DU 220, and CU 230. Of course, the access network equipment may include one or more RUs 210, one or more DUs 220, and one or more CUs 230. The CU 230 is connected to the 5GC 240 to achieve communication with the core network equipment. In the various embodiments of the present application, the core network equipment may also be referred to as a core network element.

[0132] Among them, 5GC 240 can be connected to multiple CUs 230, one CU 230 can also be connected to multiple DUs 220, and one DU 220 can also be connected to multiple RUs 210.

[0133] In some examples, the access network device may be a gNB. The protocol function entities of the access network device may include a CU 230 and a DU 220. The access network device provides new radio (NR) user and control plane protocol endpoints to the terminal and communicates with the 5GC 240 via an NG interface. NR stands for 5G radio access technology. The access network device provides wireless network connectivity between the terminal and the core network.

[0134] In some examples, CU 230 can host RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols for access network devices and control one or more DU operations. CU 230 communicates with DU 220 via an F1 interface.

[0135] In some examples, the DU 220 may host the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of the access network equipment, whose operations are controlled by the CU 230. One DU 220 may support one or more cells, and one cell may support one DU 220.

[0136] In some examples, 5GC 240 may include any possible core network elements such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, a session management function (SMF) entity, a user plane function (UPF) entity, and a unified data management (UDM) entity.

[0137] In some examples, the RU 210, DU 220, and CU 230 can be deployed on the same physical device or on different physical devices. Alternatively, some functional entities in the RU 210, DU 220, and CU 230 can be deployed on the same physical device, while some functional entities can be deployed on different physical devices. This is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0138] In some embodiments, the access network device may be split into two functional entities. For example, if the CU 230 and DU 220 are deployed on the same physical device, the CU 230 and DU 220 can be considered as one functional entity. Alternatively, if the DU 220 and RU 210 are deployed on the same physical device, the DU 220 and RU 210 can be considered as one functional entity.

[0139] Of course, the present application is not limited to the 5G network architecture. The embodiments of the present application are also applicable to possible future network architectures such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) network and future mobile communication systems. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application can be applied to any network architecture with communication connection capabilities.

[0140] FIG6 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0141] As shown in FIG6, the communication process can be applied to but not limited to the communication scenarios shown in FIG1 and FIG5. The method may include the following steps:

[0142] S101: A first functional entity determines a first target policy and / or a second target policy.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may determine a first target policy, wherein the first target policy is used to indicate a division method of the communication functions of the first target entity and the second target entity.

[0144] In some other embodiments, the first functional entity may determine a second target policy, wherein the second target policy is used to indicate a division method of the communication functions of the second target entity and the third target entity.

[0145] In some further embodiments, the first functional entity may determine a first target policy and a second target policy, wherein the target policy may include the first target policy and the second target policy mentioned above.

[0146] In some examples, the first functional entity can be considered a functional entity that determines one or more target policies, that is, a functional entity used to flexibly divide communication functions between different target entities. For example, the first functional entity can be called a radio access network split control function (RSCF). Of course, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the name of the first functional entity.

[0147] In some examples, the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity may be collectively referred to as a second functional entity. The second functional entity may include at least one of the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity are functional entities in a radio access network (RAN), a core network, and / or a network management domain. Alternatively, the second functional entity may be a functional entity in the RAN, the core network, and / or the network management domain.

[0149] For example, the second functional entity is a CU. Alternatively, the second functional entity is a functional entity that includes CU and AMF functions. Alternatively, the second functional entity is a functional entity that includes CU and UPF functions. Alternatively, the second functional entity is a functional entity that includes CU and operations administration and maintenance (OAM) functions, etc. Among them, OAM can be considered a function belonging to the network management domain. It will be understood that the above descriptions are merely exemplary and are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0150] The embodiments of the present application can dynamically divide multiple communication functions such as wireless access network, core network and network management domain to improve universality.

[0151] In some embodiments, in the case where the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity are functional entities in the RAN, the functional entities in the RAN may include at least one functional entity of a CU, a DU, and a RU.

[0152] For example, if the first functional entity determines a first target policy and a second target policy, in this case, the first target entity may be a CU, the second target entity may be a DU, and the third target entity may be a RU. Alternatively, the first target entity may be a RU, the second target entity may be a DU, and the third target entity may be a CU.

[0153] For another example, if the first functional entity determines the first target strategy or the second target strategy. Then the first target entity, the second target entity and the third target entity can be any of the functional entities mentioned above. Taking the first target entity and the second target entity as an example, the first target entity can be a CU and the second target entity can be a DU. Or, the first target entity can be a DU and the second target entity can be an RU. Alternatively, the first target entity can be a functional entity with CU and DU functions and the second target entity can be an RU. Alternatively, the first target entity can be a CU and the second target entity can be a functional entity with DU and RU functions. Similarly, the division of the second target entity and the third target entity is similar to the division of the first target entity and the second target entity, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0154] The embodiments of the present application implement flexible adjustment of the communication functions of multiple functional entities such as CU, DU, and RU in the RAN, so as to adapt to the service quality requirements of different services, improve the utilization of bandwidth and computing resources, and reduce the deployment cost of different functional entities in the RAN.

[0155] Next, the embodiments of the present application provide situations in which the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy are determined based on different granularities.

[0156] Scenario A:

[0157] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may determine, for different terminals, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any terminal. In other words, the first functional entity may determine, for each possible terminal based on the granularity of the terminal, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to the terminal.

[0158] For example, for terminal 1, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to terminal 1 is determined; for terminal 2, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to terminal 2 is determined.

[0159] Case B:

[0160] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may determine, for different protocol data unit (PDU) sessions, a first target policy and / or a second target policy corresponding to any PDU session. That is, the first functional entity may determine, for each possible PDU session based on the granularity of the PDU session, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to the PDU session.

[0161] For example, for PDU session 1, determine the first target policy and / or second target policy corresponding to PDU session 1; for PDU session 2, determine the first target policy and / or second target policy corresponding to PDU session 2.

[0162] Case C:

[0163] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may determine, for different QoS flows, a first target policy and / or a second target policy corresponding to any QoS flow. In other words, the first functional entity may determine, for each possible QoS flow, a first target policy and / or a second target policy corresponding to the QoS flow based on the granularity of the QoS flow.

[0164] For example, for QoS flow 1, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to QoS flow 1 is determined; for QoS flow 2, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to QoS flow 2 is determined.

[0165] Situation D:

[0166] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may determine, for different DRBs, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any DRB. That is, the first functional entity may determine, for each possible DRB based on the granularity of the DRB, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to the DRB.

[0167] For example, for DRB 1, determine the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to DRB 1; for DRB 2, determine the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to DRB 2.

[0168] Case E:

[0169] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may determine, for different packets, a first target policy and / or a second target policy corresponding to any packet. In other words, the first functional entity may determine, for each possible packet based on the granularity of the packet, a first target policy and / or a second target policy corresponding to the packet.

[0170] For example, for data packet 1, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to data packet 1 is determined; for data packet 2, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to data packet 2 is determined.

[0171] Case F:

[0172] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may determine a target policy corresponding to any RU for different RUs. When the target policy is the first target policy, the first target entity may be the DU and the second target entity may be the RU, or the first target entity may be the RU and the second target entity may be the DU. When the target policy is the second target policy, the second target entity may be the DU and the third target entity may be the RU.

[0173] In this case, considering that a DU can be connected to one or more different RUs, the first functional entity can determine the first target policy corresponding to each possible RU based on the granularity of the RU.

[0174] For example, a DU is connected to two RUs, including RU 1 and RU 2. For RU 1, the target policy corresponding to RU 1 is determined; for RU 2, the target policy corresponding to RU 2 is determined.

[0175] Case G:

[0176] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may determine, for different cells, a first target strategy and / or a second target strategy corresponding to any cell. Considering that a DU may correspond to one or more different cells, the first functional entity may determine, for each possible cell based on the cell granularity, a first target strategy and / or a second target strategy corresponding to the cell.

[0177] For example, for cell 1, the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy corresponding to cell 1 is determined; for cell 2, the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy corresponding to cell 2 is determined.

[0178] The embodiments of the present application can determine target strategies at different granularities so that flexible adjustment of communication functions can be achieved at corresponding granularities.

[0179] S102: The first functional entity sends first information to the second functional entity.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may send first information to the second functional entity, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first target policy determined in S101 and / or to indicate the second target policy.

[0181] For example, the first functional entity sends the first information to the first target entity. For another example, the first functional entity sends the first information to the second target entity. For another example, the first functional entity sends the first information to the third target entity.

[0182] In some other embodiments, the second functional entity may receive the first information sent by the first functional entity.

[0183] For example, the first target entity receives the first information sent by the first functional entity. For another example, the second target entity receives the first information sent by the first functional entity. For another example, the third target entity receives the first information sent by the first functional entity.

[0184] S103: The second functional entity configures a communication function corresponding to the second functional entity based on the first information.

[0185] In some embodiments, the second functional entity may configure the communication function corresponding to its own functional entity based on the first information received in S102.

[0186] For example, the first target entity determines a first target policy based on the received first information. The first target entity configures a communication function corresponding to the first target entity based on the first target policy. Similarly, the second target entity and the third target entity are similar, and the embodiments of the present application are not further described here.

[0187] Of course, for the second target entity, the first target policy and the second target policy may be involved at the same time. In this case, the function configured for the second target entity by one of the target policies is often a subset of the function configured for the second target entity by another target policy. For example, when the first target entity is CU, the second target entity is DU, and the third target entity is RU. The functions configured for DU by the first target policy actually include the functions configured for DU and RU by the second target policy. The functions configured for DU by the second target policy are part of the functions configured for DU by the first target policy. Therefore, DU actually configures the corresponding communication functions for the DU based on the second target policy.

[0188] The embodiments of the present application achieve flexible division of communication functions corresponding to different functional entities by determining one or more target policies. The corresponding functional entities can flexibly adjust their corresponding communication functions based on different target policies to adapt to the service quality requirements of different businesses, improve the utilization of bandwidth and computing resources, and reduce deployment costs.

[0189] In the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, in order to reduce the computational complexity of dynamically configuring the target policy, the first functional entity may further determine a first target function segmentation method from at least one alternative function segmentation method, and / or determine a second target function segmentation method from at least one alternative function segmentation method. The first target function segmentation method is associated with the first target policy, and the second target function segmentation method is associated with the second target policy. The alternative function segmentation method is a method for segmenting the communication functions of two different types of second functional entities having a communication connection.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may further determine a first target functional segmentation method from at least one alternative functional segmentation method. The first functional entity obtains a first target strategy based on the first target functional segmentation method. The alternative functional segmentation method may be represented as a segmentation method for communication functions of two different types of second functional entities with communication connections.

[0191] For example, the alternative function splitting method may include a splitting method for the communication functions corresponding to the CU and DU, and may also include a splitting method for the communication functions corresponding to the DU and RU, etc. However, it should be understood that the types of the two second functional entities corresponding to the alternative function splitting method are different. For example, a certain alternative function splitting method corresponds to splitting the communication functions of the CU and DU. The CU and DU are different types of second functional entities. In other words, the embodiment of the present application does not involve splitting the communication functions of two identical second functional entities. For example, the embodiment of the present application does not involve splitting the communication functions of two CUs, or splitting the communication functions of two DUs, etc.

[0192] It should be understood that the functional segmentation methods involved in the various embodiments of the present application are used to indicate how the communication functions corresponding to different functional entities are divided. The target policy may include the functional segmentation method corresponding to the policy and / or the communication functions corresponding to each functional entity under the functional segmentation method.

[0193] In various embodiments of the present application, the communication function segmentation method may be a segmentation method for the communication function corresponding to the protocol layer. In other words, the alternative function segmentation method, the first target function segmentation method, and the second target function segmentation method may be a segmentation method for the communication function corresponding to the protocol layer.

[0194] The embodiments of the present application can flexibly divide the communication functions corresponding to the protocol layers, so that different functional entities are configured with communication functions corresponding to different protocol layers to adapt to the service quality requirements of different businesses.

[0195] In some examples, reference is made to FIG7 showing a variety of possible alternative function division methods. The communication functions can be divided according to the protocol layer granularity. For example, a variety of possible alternative function division methods such as options 1 to 8 are provided. Among them, option 1 can be the communication function division between RRC and PDCP shown in FIG7, or option 1 can be the communication function division between SDAP and PDCP shown in FIG7. It can be understood that the subsequent embodiments of this application are described using the control plane RRC as an example. For the division of the user plane, RRC can be replaced with SDAP, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated.

[0196] Option 2 may be the division of communication functions between the PDCP and RLC upper layers, as shown in FIG7 . Option 3 may be the division of communication functions between the RLC upper layer and the RLC lower layer, as shown in FIG7 . Therefore, Option 3 may also be considered as the division of communication functions within the RLC layer. Option 4 may be the division of communication functions between the RLC lower layer and the MAC upper layer, as shown in FIG7 . Option 5 may be the division of communication functions between the MAC upper layer and the MAC lower layer, as shown in FIG7 . Therefore, Option 5 may also be considered as the division of communication functions within the MAC layer. Option 6 may be the division of communication functions between the MAC lower layer and the PHY upper layer, as shown in FIG7 . Option 7 may be the division of communication functions between the PHY upper layer and the PHY lower layer, as shown in FIG7 . Therefore, Option 7 may also be considered as the division of communication functions within the PHY layer. Option 8 may be the division of communication functions between the PHY lower layer and the radio frequency (RF) layer, as shown in FIG7 .

[0197] In other examples, for the division of communication functions within certain protocol layers (intra), such as RLC, MAC and PHY, the protocol layer can be divided into high and low layers. Next, PHY will be used as an example to describe the division of communication functions within the protocol layer. The division methods of other protocol layers are similar, except that the communication functions within the protocol layer are different. For details, please refer to the communication functions configured in the corresponding protocol layer. The embodiments of the present application are not limited here. Referring to Figure 8, the communication functions within PHY are divided for downlink communication. Assume that the internal PHY can also be divided into coding, rate mapping, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, digital beam forming (DBF), inverse fast Fourier transformation (IFFT) / addition of cyclic prefix (CP), digital to analog, analog beamforming and other functions. Here, RE can be a unit radio resource consisting of one subcarrier and one symbol. Then, the splitting method of option 7 can also include option 7-1, option 7-2, option 7-2x and option 7-3.

[0198] For example, Option 7-1 may be the division of communication functionality between IFFT / CP addition and DBF as shown in FIG8. Option 7-2 may be the division of communication functionality between precoding and layer mapping as shown in FIG8. Option 7-2x may be the division of communication functionality between DBF and RE mapping as shown in FIG8. Option 7-3 may be the division of communication functionality between layer mapping and modulation as shown in FIG8.

[0199] Referring to Figure 9, the communication functions within the PHY are divided for uplink communication. Assume that the PHY can also be divided into decoding (de-coding), rate demapping (rate de-mapping), descrambling (de-scrambling), demodulation (de-modulation), channel estimation (channel estimation) / equalization (equalization), RE demapping (de-mapping), DBF, fast fourier transform (fast fourier transformation, FFT) / CP removal (CP removal), analog to digital (analog to digital), analog beamforming and other functions. Then, for the splitting method of Option 7, it can also include Option 7-1', Option 7-2', Option 7-2x' and Option 7-3' and other methods. Among them, demodulation can also be called demodulation.

[0200] For example, Option 7-1' may be the division of communication functions between FFT / CP removal and DBF as shown in FIG9. Option 7-2' may be the division of communication functions between RE demapping and channel estimation / equalization as shown in FIG9. Option 7-2x' may be the division of communication functions between DBF and RE demapping as shown in FIG9. Option 7-3' may be the division of communication functions between demodulation and descrambling as shown in FIG9.

[0201] Of course, the segmentation method within MAC and RLC can refer to the segmentation method within PHY. The specific communication functions involved in each protocol layer and the determination of which functions to be segmented together can be determined according to actual conditions, and the embodiments of this application are not limited here.

[0202] It is understood that any of the multiple options shown in Figures 7 to 9 can be considered an alternative functional segmentation method. One or more of the above options constitute one or more alternative functional segmentation methods. The first functional entity can select an option from the one or more alternative functional segmentation methods as the first target functional segmentation method.

[0203] Similarly, the process of the first functional entity determining the second target function segmentation method is similar to the process of determining the first target function segmentation method, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0204] It is worth noting that the above Figures 7 to 9 only show a limited number of alternative function segmentation methods. In other examples, more or fewer other possible segmentation methods may be included, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited here.

[0205] It is understood that if the first functional entity determines the first target policy and / or the second target policy for different granularities, assuming that the granularity is PDU session, the first target entity is CU and the second target entity is DU. The first target policy corresponding to option 2 can be determined for PDU session 1; and the first target policy corresponding to option 5 can be determined for PDU session 2. Of course, the above description is merely illustrative and is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0206] In some examples, the communication functions involved in the alternative function segmentation method may also include core network functions, network management domain functions, etc. For example, it may also include the mobility management function, user plane function, identity management function, etc. of the core network, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0207] The embodiment of the present application provides multiple alternative function segmentation methods in advance and selects the segmentation method corresponding to the target policy from them, thereby reducing the computational complexity of dynamically configuring the target policy and avoiding unreasonable segmentation of the communication function.

[0208] Based on the various alternative function division methods provided in Figures 7 to 9, the embodiments of the present application also provide various division situations of the communication functions of different functional entities indicated by multiple first target strategies and second target strategies.

[0209] Case 1:

[0210] In some embodiments, the first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the first target entity include RRC. The second target policy indicates that the communication functions of the second target entity include PDCP, RLC, MAC, and a high physical layer (HIGH PHY). The second target policy indicates that the communication functions of the third target entity include a low physical layer (LOW PHY).

[0211] In some examples, in this case, the first target policy indicates the communication function of the first target entity, and the second target policy may indicate the sum of the communication functions of the second target entity and the third target entity, such as PDCP, RLC, MAC, HIGH PHY, and LOW PHY.

[0212] Case 2:

[0213] In some embodiments, the first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the first target entity include RRC and PDCP. The second target policy indicates that the communication functions of the second target entity include RLC, MAC, and HIGH PHY. The second target policy indicates that the communication functions of the third target entity include LOW PHY.

[0214] In some examples, in this case, the first target policy indicates the communication function of the first target entity, and the second target policy may indicate the sum of the communication functions of the second target entity and the third target entity, such as RLC, MAC, HIGH PHY, and LOW PHY.

[0215] Case 3:

[0216] In some embodiments, the first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the first target entity include RRC, PDCP, and RLC. The second target policy indicates that the communication functions of the second target entity include MAC and HIGH PHY. The second target policy indicates that the communication functions of the third target entity include LOW PHY.

[0217] In some examples, in this case, the first target policy indicates the communication function of the first target entity, and the second target policy may indicate the sum of the communication functions of the second target entity and the third target entity, such as MAC, HIGH PHY, and LOW PHY.

[0218] Case 4:

[0219] In some embodiments, the first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the first target entity include RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC. The second target policy indicates that the communication functions of the second target entity include HIGH PHY. The second target policy indicates that the communication functions of the third target entity include LOW PHY.

[0220] In some examples, in this case, the first target policy indicates the communication function of the first target entity, and the second target policy may indicate the sum of the communication functions of the second target entity and the third target entity, such as HIGH PHY and LOW PHY.

[0221] Case 5:

[0222] In some embodiments, the first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the first target entity include RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, and HIGH PHY. The first target policy indicates that the communication functions of the second target entity include LOW PHY. It is understood that in this case, the first functional entity can only determine the first target policy.

[0223] For any of the above cases 1 to 5, the HIGH PHY and LOW PHY functions can be separated and relaxed by referring to Figures 8 and 9. After the internal PHY functions are separated, the part closer to the MAC layer can be considered HIGH PHY, and the part closer to the RF layer can be considered LOW PHY.

[0224] The embodiments of the present application provide a division method for multiple functional entities corresponding to communication functions, which can be adapted to the QoS requirements of different services.

[0225] In some possible implementations, when a first functional entity determines a first target policy and / or a second target policy based on at least one alternative functional segmentation method, in order to reduce resource overhead during a communication process in which the first functional entity indicates the first target policy and / or the second target policy to the second functional entity, the method may further include: sending at least one alternative functional segmentation method; and / or sending fifth information. The fifth information is used to indicate the communication function of each functional entity corresponding to the alternative functional segmentation method.

[0226] In some embodiments, before sending the first information, the first functional entity may send at least one alternative function segmentation method to the second functional entity. For example, the first functional entity sends any possible segmentation options involved in the above embodiments to the first target entity, such as any one or more of options 1 to 8, option 7-1, option 7-2, option 7-2x, and option 7-3.

[0227] For example, in the case where the first functional entity sends at least one alternative functional splitting method, the first information sent by the first functional entity to the second functional entity in S102 may include an identifier representing the first target functional splitting method, and / or an identifier representing the second target functional splitting method. In some examples, the identifier may be an identity (ID) or an index (index). For example, the first information may include identifier 1, which is used to indicate that the first target functional splitting method is "Option 2", assuming that the first target entity is CU and the second target entity is DU. The CU can determine that the functional splitting point between the CU and the DU is between PDCP and RLC based on Option 2 indicated by the first information. The CU can determine that the corresponding communication functions include RRC and PDCP.

[0228] In other embodiments, before sending the first information, the first functional entity may send fifth information to the second functional entity. The fifth information may indicate the communication function of each functional entity corresponding to the alternative functional segmentation method. For example, taking the alternative functional segmentation method including option 2, and the two second functional entities corresponding to the alternative functional segmentation method being CU and DU as an example, the fifth information includes the communication function corresponding to the CU divided by option 2, and the communication function corresponding to the DU. For another example, taking the alternative functional segmentation method including options 2 and 5, and the two second functional entities corresponding to the alternative functional segmentation method being CU and DU as an example, the fifth information includes the communication function corresponding to the CU divided by option 2, and the communication function corresponding to the DU; and the communication function corresponding to the CU divided by option 5, and the communication function corresponding to the DU.

[0229] For example, when the first functional entity sends the fifth information, the first information sent by the first functional entity to the second functional entity in S102 may include identifiers indicating communication functions corresponding to different functional entities. For example, the first information may include identifier 2, and the second functional entity may determine the communication functions of each corresponding functional entity based on identifier 2 and configure the corresponding communication functions of its own functional entity.

[0230] In some further embodiments, before sending the first information, the first functional entity may send at least one alternative function division method and fifth information to the second functional entity. It is understood that in this embodiment, the fifth information should include the communication functions of each functional entity corresponding to each alternative function division method in the at least one alternative function division method sent. For example, if the at least one alternative function division method sent by the first functional entity to the second functional entity includes method 2 and method 6, then the fifth information sent by the first functional entity to the second functional entity should include the communication functions corresponding to the two second functional entities divided by option 2, and the communication functions corresponding to the two second functional entities divided by option 6.

[0231] The embodiment of the present application can also inform other functional entities of multiple alternative function segmentation methods and / or corresponding communication functions in advance, so that only partial information is required when indicating the target policy, thereby reducing resource overhead during the communication process.

[0232] In the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application, in order to make the division of communication functions corresponding to the functional entities more reasonable, determining the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy in S101 may include: determining the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity. The first interface is a communication interface between the first target entity and the second target entity, the second interface is a communication interface between the second target entity and the third target entity, the second information is used to indicate the network communication status corresponding to the communication interface, the third information is used to indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the functional entity, and the fourth information is used to indicate the QoS requirements corresponding to at least one service.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity.

[0234] For example, the first functional entity may determine the first target policy based on the second information corresponding to the first interface. For another example, the first functional entity may determine the second target policy based on the second information corresponding to the second interface and the third information corresponding to the second target entity. For another example, the first functional entity may determine the first target policy based on the second information corresponding to the first interface, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, and the third information corresponding to the second target entity. For another example, the first functional entity may determine the first target policy and the second target policy based on the second information corresponding to the first interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity. For another example, the first functional entity may determine the first target policy and the second target policy based on the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity. For another example, the first functional entity may determine the first target policy and the second target policy based on the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity.

[0235] Of course, the above only shows a limited number of examples. The first functional entity can also include any other one, two, three, four, five or six parameters to determine the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy. The embodiments of the present application are not limited here.

[0236] In some examples, the first interface may be a communication interface between a first target entity and a second target entity. For example, if the first target entity is a CU and the second target entity is a DU, the first interface may be an interface corresponding to a midhaul link. In other examples, the second interface may be a communication interface between a second target entity and a third target entity. For example, if the second target entity is a DU and the second target entity is a RU, the second interface may be an interface corresponding to a fronthaul link.

[0237] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate the network communication status corresponding to the communication interface. For example, the second information corresponding to the first interface may indicate the network communication status corresponding to the first interface. For another example, the second information corresponding to the second interface may indicate the network communication status corresponding to the second interface.

[0238] In some examples, the first functional entity may also obtain second information from the first target entity, the second target entity, and / or the third target entity. For example, the first functional entity may obtain second information corresponding to the first interface of the first target entity. In another example, the first functional entity may obtain second information corresponding to the first interface of the second target entity, and / or the first functional entity may obtain second information corresponding to the second interface of the second target entity. In another example, the first functional entity may obtain second information corresponding to the second interface of the third target entity.

[0239] In some examples, the second information may include bandwidth resources of the communication interface.

[0240] In some examples, the second information may include a transmission delay of the communication interface.

[0241] In some examples, the second information may include a packet loss rate of the communication interface.

[0242] In some examples, the second information may include reliability of the communication interface.

[0243] In some examples, the second information may include bandwidth resources of the communication interface and transmission delay of the communication interface. In some examples, the second information may include bandwidth resources of the communication interface, transmission delay of the communication interface, and reliability of the communication interface. In some examples, the second information may include bandwidth resources of the communication interface, transmission delay of the communication interface, packet loss rate of the communication interface, and reliability of the communication interface.

[0244] It can be understood that the above only shows a limited number of examples, and the second information may also include any other two or three items, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0245] In other examples, the second information may also include any other parameters related to the network communication status, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0246] The embodiment of the present application provides a variety of possible parameters included in the second information, so that the first functional entity can determine a suitable target strategy according to the parameters in the second information.

[0247] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the functional entity. For example, the third information corresponding to the first target entity may indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the first target entity. For another example, the third information corresponding to the second target entity may indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the second target entity. For another example, the third information corresponding to the third target entity may indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the third target entity.

[0248] In some examples, the first functional entity may further obtain third information from the first target entity, the second target entity, and / or the third target entity. For example, the first functional entity may obtain third information corresponding to the first target entity from the first target entity. For another example, the first functional entity may obtain third information corresponding to the second target entity from the second target entity. For another example, the first functional entity may obtain third information corresponding to the third target entity from the third target entity.

[0249] In some examples, the third information may include processor utilization.

[0250] In some examples, the third information may include memory utilization.

[0251] In some examples, the third information may include disk utilization.

[0252] In some examples, the third information may include processor utilization and memory utilization. In some examples, the third information may include processor utilization and disk utilization. In some examples, the third information may include memory utilization and disk utilization. In some examples, the third information may include processor utilization, memory utilization, and disk utilization.

[0253] In other examples, the third information may also include any other parameters related to the processing resource status, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0254] The embodiment of the present application provides a variety of possible parameters included in the third information, so that the first functional entity can determine a suitable target strategy according to the parameters in the third information.

[0255] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to indicate a QoS requirement corresponding to at least one service.

[0256] In some examples, the first functional entity may also obtain fourth information from the first target entity, the second target entity, the third target entity, and / or the core network device. For example, the first functional entity may obtain fourth information from the first target entity. In another example, the first functional entity may obtain fourth information from the second target entity. In another example, the first functional entity may obtain fourth information from the third target entity. In another example, the first functional entity may obtain fourth information from the core network device.

[0257] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include a packet delay budget (PDB).

[0258] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include a guaranteed bit rate (GBR).

[0259] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include a packet error rate (PER).

[0260] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include PDB and GBR. In some embodiments, the fourth information may include PDB and PER. In some embodiments, the fourth information may include GBR and PER. In some embodiments, the fourth information may include PDB, GBR, and PER.

[0261] In other examples, the fourth information may also include any other parameters related to QoS, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0262] The embodiment of the present application provides a variety of possible parameters included in the fourth information, so that the first functional entity can determine a suitable target strategy according to the parameters in the fourth information, thereby meeting a variety of possible QoS requirements.

[0263] It is understood that the embodiment of the present application can comprehensively determine the target strategy by combining the network communication status of the communication interface, the processing resource status of the functional entity, the QoS requirements of the service, etc., so as to make the division of communication functions corresponding to the functional entity more reasonable.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy based on the relationship between one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, and at least one threshold.

[0265] In some examples, assuming the threshold is related to bandwidth, the first functional entity may determine the first target policy based on bandwidth resources of the first interface. Alternatively, the first functional entity may determine the first target policy based on bandwidth resources of the first interface and at least one of the fourth information, third information corresponding to the first target entity, and third information corresponding to the second target entity.

[0266] For example, the first target entity is a CU, the second target entity is a DU, the first interface corresponds to the mid-transmission link, and the threshold is related to bandwidth. Assuming the bandwidth resources of the first interface are less than or equal to the threshold, the first functional entity can select a segmentation method that minimizes the bandwidth occupied by the CU. For example, option 2 can be selected.

[0267] In other examples, if the first functional entity determines the first target policy and / or the second target policy based on at least one alternative functional segmentation method, the first functional entity may determine the first target policy and / or the second target policy based on the number of alternative functional segmentation methods and one or more thresholds. For example, if the first functional entity determines the target policy based on two alternative functional segmentation methods, one threshold may be used to determine the target policy. For another example, if the first functional entity determines the target policy based on three alternative functional segmentation methods, two thresholds may be used to determine the target policy, and so on.

[0268] For example, take the case where the first functional entity determines the target strategy based on two alternative function splitting methods, with the threshold number being 1. Assume that the threshold is related to bandwidth, the first target entity is CU, and the second target entity is DU. For example, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy based on the splitting method in which CU corresponds to fewer communication functions in the two alternative function splitting methods when the bandwidth resources of the first interface are less than or equal to the threshold. For another example, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy based on the splitting method in which DU corresponds to fewer communication functions in the two alternative function splitting methods when the bandwidth resources of the first interface are greater than the threshold.

[0269] For another example, take the case where the first functional entity determines the target policy based on two alternative functional splitting methods, with the threshold number being 1. Assume that the threshold is related to the GBR or traffic in the QoS requirement, the first target entity is the CU, and the second target entity is the DU. For example, when the GBR or traffic in the QoS requirement is less than or equal to the threshold, the first functional entity can determine the first target policy based on the splitting method in which the DU corresponds to fewer communication functions in the two alternative functional splitting methods. For another example, when the GBR or traffic in the QoS requirement is greater than the threshold, the first functional entity can determine the first target policy based on the splitting method in which the CU corresponds to fewer communication functions in the two alternative functional splitting methods.

[0270] For another example, take the case where the first functional entity determines the target strategy based on two alternative function splitting methods, with the threshold number being 1. Assume that the threshold is related to the processing resource status of the DU, the first target entity is the CU, and the second target entity is the DU. For example, when the processing resource status of the DU is less than or equal to the threshold, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy based on the splitting method in which the DU corresponds to fewer communication functions in the two alternative function splitting methods. For another example, when the processing resource status of the DU is greater than the threshold, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy based on the splitting method in which the CU corresponds to fewer communication functions in the two alternative function splitting methods.

[0271] For another example, take the case where the first functional entity determines the target strategy based on two alternative function splitting methods, with the threshold number being 1. Assume that the threshold is related to the energy consumption of the DU, the first target entity is the CU, and the second target entity is the DU. For example, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy based on the splitting method in which the DU corresponds to more communication functions among the two alternative function splitting methods, when the energy consumption of the DU is less than or equal to the threshold. Correspondingly, under this splitting method, the CU corresponds to fewer communication functions and the energy consumption is also smaller. For another example, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy based on the splitting method in which the CU corresponds to more communication functions among the two alternative function splitting methods, when the energy consumption of the DU is greater than the threshold. Correspondingly, under this splitting method, the DU corresponds to fewer communication functions and the energy consumption is also smaller.

[0272] For another example, take the case where the first functional entity determines the target strategy based on two alternative function splitting methods, with the threshold number being 1. Assume that the threshold is related to the PDB in the QoS requirement, the first target entity is the CU, and the second target entity is the DU. For example, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy based on the splitting method in which the DU corresponds to fewer communication functions in the two alternative function splitting methods, when the PDB in the QoS requirement is less than or equal to the threshold. Accordingly, the CU corresponds to more communication functions under this splitting method, and the transmission delay required for the interface between the CU and the DU is smaller. For another example, the first functional entity can determine the first target strategy based on the splitting method in which the CU corresponds to fewer communication functions in the two alternative function splitting methods, when the PDB in the QoS requirement is greater than the threshold. Accordingly, the DU corresponds to more communication functions under this splitting method, and the transmission delay required for the interface between the CU and the DU is larger.

[0273] It is understandable that when the corresponding parameters are the same as the threshold, the segmentation method to be adopted can be determined according to the actual situation. The above is only a possible implementation method and is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0274] The embodiment of the present application can combine thresholds and information from multiple dimensions to comprehensively determine target strategies, making the division of communication functions corresponding to functional entities more reasonable.

[0275] In the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, based on any of the above embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following parameters: a first identifier; a second identifier; a function division method corresponding to the first target strategy; a function division method corresponding to the second target strategy; the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target strategy; the communication function of the second target entity and the communication function of the third target entity corresponding to the second target strategy; the first granularity information of the first target strategy; the second granularity information of the second target strategy.

[0276] In some examples, the first information may include a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to indicate the first target policy.

[0277] In some examples, the first information may include a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate the second target policy.

[0278] In some examples, the first information may include a function segmentation method corresponding to the first target policy. For example, the first identifier may indicate a first target segmentation method corresponding to the first target policy, such as option 3, option 8, and the like.

[0279] In some examples, the first information may include a function segmentation method corresponding to the second target strategy. For example, the second identifier may indicate a second target segmentation method corresponding to the second target strategy, such as option 5, option 7-3, and the like.

[0280] In some examples, the first information may include the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target policy.

[0281] In some examples, the first information may include the communication function of the second target entity and the communication function of the third target entity corresponding to the second target policy.

[0282] In some examples, the first information may include first granularity information of the first target policy. For example, the first granularity information may indicate that the first target policy corresponds to a certain terminal, a certain PDU session, a certain QoS flow, or a certain DRB.

[0283] In some examples, the first information may include second granularity information of the second target policy. For example, the second granularity information may indicate that the second target policy corresponds to a certain terminal, a certain PDU session, a certain QoS flow, or a certain DRB.

[0284] In some examples, the first information may include a first identifier and a second identifier. Alternatively, the first information may include the first identifier, the second identifier, and the function segmentation method corresponding to the first target policy. Alternatively, the first information may include the first identifier, the second identifier, the function segmentation method corresponding to the first target policy, and the communication function of the second target entity and the communication function of the third target entity corresponding to the second target policy. Alternatively, the first information may include the first identifier, the second identifier, the function segmentation method corresponding to the first target policy, the first granularity information of the first target policy, and the second granularity information of the second target policy. Alternatively, the first information may include the first identifier, the second identifier, the function segmentation method corresponding to the first target policy, the first granularity information of the first target policy, the second granularity information of the second target policy, and the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target policy. Alternatively, the first information may include the first identifier, the second identifier, the function segmentation method corresponding to the first target policy, the function segmentation method corresponding to the second target policy, the first granularity information of the first target policy, the second granularity information of the second target policy, and the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target policy. Alternatively, the first information may include a first identifier, a second identifier, a function division method corresponding to the first target policy, a function division method corresponding to the second target policy, first granularity information of the first target policy, second granularity information of the second target policy, the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target policy, and the communication function of the second target entity and the communication function of the third target entity corresponding to the second target policy.

[0285] It can be understood that the above only shows a limited number of examples, and the first information can also include any other two, three, four, five, six or seven items, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0286] The embodiment of the present application provides a variety of possible parameters included in the first information, so that the corresponding functional entity can flexibly adjust its corresponding communication function according to the parameters included in the first information.

[0287] In the communication methods provided in the embodiments of the present application, the possible manifestations of the first functional entity in the network communication system are taken into consideration. In any of the above embodiments, the first functional entity and the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity are independent functional entities. Alternatively, the first functional entity is integrated into the first target entity, the second target entity, or the third target entity.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first functional entity may be a mutually independent functional entity from the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity. In other words, the first functional entity may be a mutually independent functional entity from the second functional entity.

[0289] In some examples, as shown in FIG10 , the first functional entity may be a different functional entity from the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity. The first functional entity may be deployed on the RAN side, the core network side, or the network management domain side. In this case, the first functional entity may have a communication connection with any one or more functional entities of the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity.

[0290] For example, if a first functional entity is located on the RAN side, the communication connection between the first functional entity and any second functional entity can be based on a newly defined interface. In this example, the newly defined interface is used to implement communication between the first functional entity and the second functional entity. For example, if the second functional entity is a functional entity within the RAN, the newly defined interface is used to implement communication within the RAN.

[0291] For another example, if a first functional entity is located on the core network side, the communication connection between the first functional entity and any second functional entity can be based on a newly defined interface. Alternatively, the communication connection between the first functional entity and any second functional entity can partially reuse the interface between the core network and the RAN. Referring to Figure 11 , assuming the core network elements also include an AMF, a task management function (TMF), a policy control function (PCF), an SMF, an UPF, and a network exposure function (NEF), etc. Assuming the second functional entity communicates with the AMF on the RAN side via the N2 interface, the first functional entity can reuse the N2 interface. For example, the first functional entity communicates with the second functional entity via a newly defined service-based interface with the AMF and the N2 interface. The newly defined service-based interface in this example can be used to enable communication between the first functional entity and the AMF. Of course, if the second functional entity has communication connections with other core network elements, the newly defined service-based interface can also include communication between the first functional entity and core network elements that have communication connections with the second functional entity.

[0292] For another example, if a first functional entity is located in the network management domain, the communication connection between the first functional entity and any second functional entity can be based on a newly defined interface. In this example, the newly defined interface is used to implement communication between the functional entity in the network management domain and the second functional entity. For example, if the second functional entity is a functional entity in the RAN, the newly defined interface is used to implement communication between the functional entity in the network management domain and the RAN.

[0293] In other examples, as shown in Figure 12, the first functional entity can be integrated into the first target entity, the second target entity, or the third target entity. In other words, the first functional entity can be integrated into one or more second functional entities.

[0294] For example, the second functional entity is a functional entity in the RAN, such as the second functional entity is a CU, DU, and / or RU. Then the first functional entity can be integrated into the CU, DU, and / or RU. For another example, the first functional entity can also be integrated into a near-real-time radio access network intelligent controller (NRT-RIC) or a non-real-time radio access network intelligent controller (Non-RT RIC) in the O-RAN architecture.

[0295] For another example, the second functional entity is a functional entity in the core network, such as the second functional entity is an AMF. The first functional entity can be integrated into the AMF.

[0296] For another example, the second functional entity is a functional entity in the network management domain, such as the second functional entity is an OAM, and the first functional entity can be integrated into the OAM.

[0297] It is understood that deploying the first functional entity in different locations or functional entities at different levels on the RAN side can have different advantages. Taking the deployment of the first functional entity in a CU, DU, and / or RU as an example, when the first functional entity is deployed in a CU, since the CU can have communication connections with multiple DUs, the first functional entity can obtain more global network status information and thus determine the corresponding target policy more globally. When the first functional entity is deployed in a DU, compared to the CU, the first functional entity can obtain the processing resource status, network communication status, etc. of different entities more quickly. Therefore, the corresponding target policy can be determined more quickly, improving the processing rate. It is understood that when the first functional entity is deployed in a RU, compared to the DU, the first functional entity can determine the corresponding target policy more quickly, improving the processing rate. In other words, the closer the first functional entity is deployed to the upper layer, the more globally the first functional entity can determine the target policy. The closer the first functional entity is deployed to the lower layer, the faster the first functional entity can determine the target policy.

[0298] In some examples, the first functional entity may be deployed on multiple second functional entities at the same time. This situation can take into account the advantages of both global and real-time segmentation. For example, the first functional entity can be deployed in the CU and DU, and the first functional entity located in the CU can be responsible for the functional segmentation between the CU and DU. The first functional entity located in the DU can be responsible for the functional segmentation between the DU and RU. For another example, the first functional entity can be deployed in the DU and RU, and the first functional entity located in the DU can be responsible for the functional segmentation between the CU and DU. The first functional entity located in the RU can be responsible for the functional segmentation between the DU and RU.

[0299] Of course, Figures 10 to 12 are described using 5G NR as an example. The embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the future mobile communication system architecture. For example, the first functional entity is deployed in any network element function such as the RAN, core network, or network management domain defined in the future mobile communication system. For example, a possible future mobile communication system architecture includes a radio network area (RNA) and an RU. The RNA may include a CU, a DU, and / or a core network function. The first functional entity can be deployed on the RNA and / or the RU to realize the division of communication functions between the RNA and the RU.

[0300] The embodiments of the present application provide multiple deployment methods for the first functional entity, thereby being applicable to various possible network architectures. This allows various network architectures to support flexible segmentation of network functions, including RAN functions, to adapt to the QoS requirements of different services. Furthermore, the deployment methods of the first functional entity offer the advantages of global, real-time, or hierarchical processing.

[0301] Next, the above solution will be described based on more specific examples.

[0302] Example A:

[0303] In some embodiments, referring to the network architecture diagram shown in FIG13 , the first functional entity may be deployed in a CU, and the second functional entity may include a CU, a DU, and an RU. The first target entity may be a CU, the second target entity may be a DU, and the third target entity may be an RU. The CU and the DU may communicate via the F1 interface, and the DU and the RU may communicate via the F2 interface.

[0304] As shown in FIG14 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication method, which is applied to the network architecture shown in FIG13 . The method may include:

[0305] S201: The first functional entity sends an alternative function splitting method and / or fifth information to the DU.

[0306] For example, the first functional entity may send at least one alternative function splitting mode and / or fifth information to the DU.

[0307] S202: DU sends an alternative function splitting method and / or fifth information to RU.

[0308] For example, the DU may forward the at least one alternative function splitting method received in S201 and / or the fifth information to the RU.

[0309] In some examples, when the DU sends at least one alternative function splitting method and / or the fifth information to the RU, it may only send the alternative function splitting method and / or the fifth information related to the communication function splitting of the RU and DU. That is to say, some of the at least one alternative function splitting method may be used only for the communication function splitting of the CU and DU, and this part does not need to be sent to the RU. Similarly, the fifth information may also contain communication functions of various functional entities that are only related to the communication function splitting of the CU and DU, and this part does not need to be sent to the RU.

[0310] It is understandable that S201 and S202 are optional steps. In some cases, at least one alternative function division method and / or the fifth information may also be pre-configured on the CU, DU and / or RU.

[0311] S203: The second functional entity configures the communication function of the functional entity based on the default function segmentation mode.

[0312] For example, any second functional entity, such as a CU, DU, or RU, can configure its own communication functions based on a default functional partitioning scheme. The default functional partitioning scheme can be predefined by the protocol or preconfigured. This ensures that communication services can continue normally before the first functional entity adjusts the communication functions of the second functional entity.

[0313] In some examples, if there is no communication service, S203 may not be performed.

[0314] In some examples, the second functional entity may also back up the corresponding communication functions to be executed locally in advance based on at least one alternative function splitting method and / or the fifth information. Assume that there is option 2, the communication functions of each functional entity corresponding to option 2, option 5, and the communication functions of each functional entity corresponding to option 5. Taking DU as an example, DU can configure the communication function corresponding to DU under option 2 based on option 2 and / or the communication functions of each functional entity corresponding to option 2; DU can configure the communication function corresponding to DU under option 5 based on option 5 and / or the communication functions of each functional entity corresponding to option 5. At this time, the communication function corresponding to DU under option 2 and the communication function corresponding to DU under option 5 configured above can both be set to a deactivated state. Of course, if a certain option happens to be the default function splitting method, the communication function corresponding to DU under this option can be set to an activated state.

[0315] For another example, the second functional entity can generate or cancel the communication function corresponding to the second functional entity under different options according to demand through virtualization technology or container technology. The specific implementation process of virtualization technology or container technology can refer to related technologies and will not be repeated in this embodiment of the present application.

[0316] S204, the RU sends a RU status report to the DU.

[0317] In some examples, the RU status report may include third information corresponding to the RU. In other examples, the RU status report may also include second information corresponding to the second interface.

[0318] S205: The DU sends a DU status report to the first functional entity.

[0319] In some examples, the DU status report may include the third information corresponding to the DU, the third information corresponding to the RU received in S204, and the second information corresponding to the second interface. The second information corresponding to the second interface may be received from the RU in S204. Alternatively, the second information corresponding to the second interface may be determined by the DU itself. In other examples, the DU status report may also include the second information corresponding to the first interface.

[0320] S206: The core network device sends fourth information to the first functional entity.

[0321] S206 may also be performed in advance, that is, the first functional entity obtains the fourth information in advance, such as before S201 to S203, or in any time period between S201 and S203, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0322] S207: The CU obtains the second information of the first interface and / or the third information of the CU.

[0323] If the second information corresponding to the first interface is carried in the DU status report in S205, the CU does not need to obtain it. Considering that the first functional entity is integrated in the CU, after obtaining the above information, the CU can pass the above information to the first functional entity through the internal interface.

[0324] Meanwhile, there is no strict order in which steps S204 to S207 are executed, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this. If S204 and S205 are executed simultaneously, or if S204 is executed after S205, the DU may separately send the third information corresponding to the RU and / or the second information corresponding to the second interface to the first functional entity.

[0325] S208: The first functional entity determines a first target policy and / or a second target policy.

[0326] For example, the first functional entity determines the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy based on one or more of the third information corresponding to the RU, the third information corresponding to the DU, the third information of the CU, the fourth information, the second information corresponding to the first interface, and the second information corresponding to the second interface. For example, the first target function segmentation method and / or the second target function segmentation method can be determined from at least one alternative function segmentation method. The first target strategy is obtained based on the first target function segmentation method, and the second target strategy is obtained based on the second target function segmentation method.

[0327] S209: The first functional entity sends first information to the DU.

[0328] S210, DU sends first information to RU.

[0329] For example, the DU forwards the first information received in S209 to the RU.

[0330] For another example, the DU parses the target policy corresponding to the RU based on the first information received in S209. The DU forwards the target policy to the RU. It is understood that in this case, the first information sent by the DU may not include information related to the target policy corresponding to the CU.

[0331] In some examples, when the first functional entity is also deployed in the DU, the first information obtained by the DU in S209 may only indicate the division of the communication function between the DU and the CU. In this case, the first functional entity deployed in the DU can further implement the division of the communication function between the DU and the RU based on the communication function assigned to the DU.

[0332] S211, the second functional entity configures the communication function of the functional entity based on the first information.

[0333] For example, any second functional entity, such as CU, DU, and RU, can configure the communication function of the respective functional entity based on the corresponding target policy indicated by the first information.

[0334] In some examples, if the second functional entity pre-configures the communication functions corresponding to each alternative function splitting mode and sets them to a deactivated state, in S211, the communication functions that match the target policy indicated by the first information can be set to an activated state. The remaining unmatched communication functions can be set to a deactivated state or disabled. The matching communication functions can be understood as assuming that the target policy indicated by the first information corresponds to option 2. Therefore, the communication functions of the second functional entity corresponding to option 2 are the matching communication functions.

[0335] It can be understood that the specific implementation process of S201 to S211 can refer to the description of the embodiments in Figures 6 to 12, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0336] The embodiment described in Example A above provides a process for elastically dividing communication functions when the first functional entity is integrated into the CU. This allows the CU to flexibly divide the communication functions of different network entities from a global perspective based on the network transmission status and processor resource status sent by each functional entity, thereby reducing the overall network operating overhead while meeting the needs of different service traffic.

[0337] Example B:

[0338] In some embodiments, referring to the network architecture diagram shown in FIG15 , the first functional entity may be deployed in the DU, and the second functional entity may include the CU, DU, and RU. The first target entity may be the CU, the second target entity may be the DU, and the third target entity may be the RU. The CU and DU may communicate via the F1 interface, and the DU and RU may communicate via the F2 interface.

[0339] As shown in FIG16 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication method, which is applied to the network architecture shown in FIG15 . The method may include:

[0340] S301: The first functional entity sends an alternative function splitting method and / or fifth information to the CU.

[0341] For example, the first functional entity may send at least one alternative functional splitting method and / or fifth information to the CU.

[0342] S302: The first functional entity sends an alternative function splitting method and / or fifth information to the RU.

[0343] It can be understood that S301 and S302 are optional steps.

[0344] S303: The second functional entity configures the communication function of the functional entity based on the default function segmentation mode.

[0345] S304, the RU sends an RU status report to the first functional entity.

[0346] The above S302 to S304 are similar to S202 to S204. For details, please refer to the description of the corresponding embodiment in Figure 14, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0347] S305: The DU obtains the second information of the second interface and / or the third information of the DU.

[0348] If the second information corresponding to the second interface is carried in the DU status report in S205, the CU does not need to obtain it. In some examples, the DU may also obtain the second information of the first interface.

[0349] S306: The CU sends a CU status report to the first functional entity.

[0350] In some examples, the CU status report may include third information corresponding to the CU. In other examples, the CU status report may also include second information corresponding to the first interface. It is understood that the second information corresponding to the first interface may be obtained by the CU and sent to the first functional entity, or may be obtained by the DU. In the case where the DU obtains the second information corresponding to the first interface, the CU status report may not include the second information corresponding to the first interface.

[0351] S307: The core network device sends fourth information to the first functional entity.

[0352] For example, the core network device sends the fourth information to the CU, and then the CU forwards the fourth information to the first functional entity.

[0353] S308: The first functional entity determines a first target policy and / or a second target policy.

[0354] The above S308 is similar to S208. For details, please refer to the description of the corresponding embodiment in Figure 14, and the embodiment of this application will not be repeated here.

[0355] S309: The first functional entity sends first information to the CU.

[0356] For example, the first information sent by the first functional entity to the CU does not include information related to the target policies corresponding to the DU and the RU.

[0357] S310: The first functional entity sends first information to the RU.

[0358] For example, the first information sent by the first functional entity to the RU does not include information related to the target policies corresponding to the CU and the DU.

[0359] S311: The second functional entity configures the communication function of the functional entity based on the first information.

[0360] The above S311 is similar to S211. For details, please refer to the description of the corresponding embodiment in Figure 14. The embodiment of this application will not be repeated here.

[0361] It can be understood that the specific implementation process of S301 to S311 can refer to the description of the embodiments in Figures 6 to 12, and the embodiments of the present application will not be repeated here.

[0362] The embodiment described in Example B above provides a process for elastically partitioning communication functions when the first functional entity is integrated into the DU. This allows the DU to obtain real-time network transmission status and processor resource status sent by each functional entity, thereby enabling more real-time partitioning of communication functions among different network entities to meet the needs of different service flows while reducing overall network operational overhead.

[0363] Other embodiments may also include Example C, ie, the first functional entity is deployed in the RU; and Example D, ie, the first functional entity and the second functional entity are deployed independently.

[0364] For example C, the difference is that the DU needs to send a DU status report to the first functional entity, and the CU needs to send a CU status report to the DU, which is forwarded to the first functional entity via the DU. The RU needs to obtain the third information corresponding to the RU and / or the second information corresponding to the second interface. The first functional entity sends the first information to the DU, and the DU sends the first information to the CU.

[0365] For example D, the difference is that at least one second functional entity can send a corresponding status report to the first functional entity. The first functional entity sends the first information to each second functional entity. Of course, the connection relationship between the first and second functional entities can also be considered. For example, a second functional entity directly connected to the first functional entity can directly send its status report to the first functional entity and can directly obtain the first information from the first functional entity. However, a second functional entity not directly connected to the first functional entity can forward its status report through other second functional entities and obtain the first information sent by the first functional entity through other second functional entities.

[0366] For the specific implementation process of Example C and Example D, please refer to the description of the corresponding embodiments in Example A and Example B, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0367] In the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, it is considered that future network nodes may not only have the function of transmission, but also the function of processing application services. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) training and reasoning. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to splitting the computing function of the application server together with the RAN function and the core network function, and instructing them to different functional entities. The embodiments of the present application are not limited here.

[0368] It should be noted that the above-mentioned multiple embodiments can be combined and the combined solutions can be implemented. Optionally, some operations in the process of each method embodiment are optionally combined, and / or the order of some operations is optionally changed. In addition, the execution order between the steps of each process is only exemplary and does not constitute a limitation on the execution order between the steps. There can also be other execution orders between the steps. It is not intended to indicate that the execution order is the only order in which these operations can be performed. Ordinary technicians in this field will think of many ways to reorder the operations of this article. In addition, it should be pointed out that the process details involved in a certain embodiment of this article are also applicable to other embodiments in a similar manner, or different embodiments can be used in combination.

[0369] It is understood that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the base station and the terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules that perform the corresponding functions. Those skilled in the art should readily appreciate that, in combination with the units and method steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed in the present application, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or in a computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0370] Figures 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of any possible transmitter in the above method embodiments, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be a transmitter or a module applied to the transmitter, for example, a chip.

[0371] As shown in FIG. 17 , the communication device 1700 includes a processing unit 1710 .

[0372] In a possible implementation, the communication device 1700 may further include a transceiver unit 1720 .

[0373] In a possible implementation, the communication device 1700 may further include a storage unit 1730 .

[0374] In a possible implementation, the communication device 1700 may further include a transceiver unit 1720 and a storage unit 1730 .

[0375] The communication device 1700 is used to implement the functions of any functional entity in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6, 14 and 16 above.

[0376] When communication device 1700 is used to implement the functions of the first functional entity in the method embodiment shown in FIG6 : processing unit 1710 is used to determine a first target measurement and / or a second target strategy. Transceiver unit 1720 is used to send first information. Processing unit 1710 is also used to perform all operations performed by communication device 1700 in the embodiment shown in FIG6 , except for the transceiver operations, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein. Storage unit 1730 is used to store any data, computer instructions, and / or computer programs that may be involved in various embodiments of this application.

[0377] When communication device 1700 is used to implement the functions of the second functional entity in the method embodiment shown in FIG6 : transceiver unit 1720 is used to receive first information from the first functional entity. Processing unit 1710 is used to configure the communication function corresponding to the second functional entity based on the first information. Processing unit 1710 is also used to perform all operations performed by communication device 1700 in the embodiment shown in FIG6 , except for the transceiver operations, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein. Storage unit 1730 is used to store any data, computer instructions, and / or computer programs that may be involved in the various embodiments of this application.

[0378] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1710 and the transceiver unit 1720, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6, 14, and 16. The processing unit 1710 and the transceiver unit 1720 may also perform other steps, and the specific implementation can refer to the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0379] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1720 may be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, etc.

[0380] The processing unit 1710 may be a processor (or a processing circuit), such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more CPUs.

[0381] As shown in FIG18 , the communication device 1800 includes at least one processor 1810 . In one possible implementation, the communication device 1800 may further include an interface circuit 1820 .

[0382] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1800 may further include a memory 1830 .

[0383] In a possible implementation, the communication device 1800 may further include a memory 1830 and an interface circuit 1820 .

[0384] In some embodiments, the processor 1810 and the memory 1830 are coupled to each other; and / or the processor 1810 and the interface circuit 1820 are coupled to each other. It will be appreciated that the interface circuit 1820 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The memory 1830 may be used to store computer instructions executed by the processor 1810, input data required by the processor 1810 to execute computer instructions, or data generated by the processor 1810 after executing computer instructions.

[0385] When the communication device 1800 is used to implement the method shown in Figures 6, 14 and 16, the processor 1810 can be used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing unit 1710, and / or the interface circuit 1820 can be used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned transceiver unit 1720, and / or the memory 1830 can be used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned storage unit 1730.

[0386] The communication device shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18 is merely an example, and in actual applications the communication device may have more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18 , may combine two or more components, or may have a different component configuration.

[0387] In the embodiments of the present application, when entity A sends information to entity B, A may send the information directly to B or indirectly to B through another entity. Similarly, when entity B receives information from entity A, entity B may directly receive the information sent by entity A or indirectly receive the information sent by entity A through another entity. Entities A and B herein may be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within a RAN node or terminal. The sending and receiving of information may be information exchange between a RAN node and a terminal, for example, information exchange between a network device and a terminal; the sending and receiving of information may also be information exchange between two RAN nodes, for example, information exchange between a CU and a DU; the sending and receiving of information may also be information exchange between different modules within a device, for example, information exchange between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or information exchange between a network device chip and other modules within the network device.

[0388] In the embodiments of the present application, a network device sends downlink signals or downlink information to a terminal device, and the downlink information is carried on a downlink channel. The terminal device sends uplink signals or uplink information to the network device, and the uplink information is carried on an uplink channel. To communicate with the network device, the terminal device needs to establish a wireless connection with a cell controlled by the network device. The cell with which the terminal device has established a wireless connection is called the serving cell of the terminal device.

[0389] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) are only used as examples of downlink data channels and uplink data channels. In different systems and different scenarios, data channels and control channels may have different names, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0390] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0391] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions that can be executed by a processor. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disk, mobile hard disk, CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a network device or a terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist in a network device or a terminal as discrete components.

[0392] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0393] In each embodiment of the present application, unless otherwise specified or provided by law, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0394] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a first functional entity, comprising: Determine a first target policy and / or a second target policy, wherein the first target policy is used to indicate a division method of communication functions between the first target entity and the second target entity, and the second target policy is used to indicate a division method of communication functions between the second target entity and the third target entity; First information is sent, where the first information is used to indicate the first target policy and / or is used to indicate the second target policy.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determining a first target function segmentation method from at least one alternative function segmentation method, wherein the first target function segmentation method is associated with the first target strategy; and / or, Determining a second target function segmentation method from at least one alternative function segmentation method, wherein the second target function segmentation method is associated with the second target strategy; The alternative function segmentation method is a method of segmenting the communication function of two different types of second functional entities with communication connections, and the second functional entities include at least one of the first target entity, the second target entity and the third target entity.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Determining the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy includes: Determine the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, wherein the first interface is the communication interface between the first target entity and the second target entity, the second interface is the communication interface between the second target entity and the third target entity, the second information is used to indicate the network communication status corresponding to the communication interface, the third information is used to indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the functional entity, and the fourth information is used to indicate the quality of service QoS requirement corresponding to at least one service.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity includes: Determine the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy based on the relationship between one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, and at least one threshold.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes radio resource control RRC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes packet data convergence protocol PDCP, radio link control RLC, medium access control MAC and physical layer upper layer HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes physical layer lower layer LOW PHY; or, The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC and PDCP, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP and RLC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP, RLC and MAC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes LOW PHY.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Determining the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy includes: For different terminals, determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any terminal; or, For different protocol data unit (PDU) sessions, determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any PDU session; or, For different QoS flows, determining the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any QoS flow; or, For different data radio bearers (DRBs), determining the first target strategy and / or the second target strategy corresponding to any DRB; or For different data packets, the first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponding to any data packet is determined.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send at least one alternative function segmentation method; and / or, Send fifth information, where the fifth information is used to indicate the communication function of each functional entity corresponding to the alternative function segmentation method.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The first functional entity and the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity are independent functional entities; or, the first functional entity is integrated into the first target entity, the second target entity, or the third target entity.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The first target entity, the second target entity and the third target entity are functional entities in a radio access network RAN, a core network and / or a network management domain.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity are functional entities in the RAN, and the functional entities in the RAN include at least one of the following functional entities: Centralized unit CU; Distributed Unit DU; or, Radio frequency unit RU.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following parameters: a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to indicate the first target policy; a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate the second target policy; The functional segmentation method corresponding to the first target strategy; The functional segmentation method corresponding to the second target strategy; the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target policy; the communication function of the second target entity and the communication function of the third target entity corresponding to the second target policy; First granularity information of the first target policy; or Second granularity information of the second target policy.

12. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Acquire the second information from the first target entity, the second target entity and / or the third target entity; The second information includes at least one of the following parameters: Bandwidth resources of the communication interface; Transmission delay of the communication interface; Packet loss rate of the communication interface; or, Reliability of communication interfaces.

13. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Acquire the third information from the first target entity, the second target entity and / or the third target entity; The third information includes at least one of the following parameters: Processor utilization; Memory utilization; or, Disk utilization.

14. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Acquire the fourth information from the first target entity, the second target entity, the third target entity and / or a core network device; The fourth information includes at least one of the following parameters: Packet delay budget PDB; Guaranteed Bit Rate GBR; or, Packet Error Rate PER.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The communication function is divided into two parts according to the protocol layer.

16. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a second functional entity, where the second functional entity includes at least one of a first target entity, a second target entity, and a third target entity, and the method includes: Receiving first information from a first functional entity, wherein the first information is used to indicate a first target policy and / or to indicate a second target policy, the first target policy is used to indicate a division method of communication functions between the first target entity and the second target entity, and the second target policy is used to indicate a division method of communication functions between the second target entity and a third target entity; The communication function corresponding to the second functional entity is configured based on the first information.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The first target strategy is associated with a first target function segmentation method, and the first target function segmentation method is determined from at least one alternative function segmentation method; and / or, The second target strategy is associated with a second target function segmentation method, and the second target function segmentation method is determined from at least one alternative function segmentation method; The alternative function segmentation method is a method of segmenting the communication function of two different types of second functional entities with communication connections, and the second functional entities include at least one of the first target entity, the second target entity and the third target entity.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The first target strategy and / or the second target strategy are obtained by: The first target policy and / or the second target policy are obtained based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, wherein the first interface is the communication interface between the first target entity and the second target entity, the second interface is the communication interface between the second target entity and the third target entity, the second information is used to indicate the network communication status corresponding to the communication interface, the third information is used to indicate the processing resource status corresponding to the functional entity, and the fourth information is used to indicate the quality of service QoS requirement corresponding to at least one service.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The obtaining the first target policy and / or the second target policy based on one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity includes: The first target strategy and / or the second target strategy is obtained based on the relationship between one or more of the second information corresponding to the first interface, the second information corresponding to the second interface, the fourth information, the third information corresponding to the first target entity, the third information corresponding to the second target entity, and the third information corresponding to the third target entity, and at least one threshold.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that: The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes radio resource control RRC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes packet data convergence protocol PDCP, radio link control RLC, medium access control MAC and physical layer upper layer HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes physical layer lower layer LOW PHY; or, The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC and PDCP, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP and RLC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes MAC and HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP, RLC and MAC, the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes HIGH PHY, and the second target policy indicates that the communication function of the third target entity includes LOW PHY; or The first target policy indicates that the communication function of the first target entity includes RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC and HIGH PHY, and the first target policy indicates that the communication function of the second target entity includes LOW PHY.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that: The first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponds to any terminal among different terminals; or The first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponds to any PDU session in different protocol data unit PDU sessions; or, The first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponds to any QoS flow among different QoS flows; or, The first target strategy and / or the second target strategy corresponds to any DRB in different data radio bearers (DRBs); or The first target policy and / or the second target policy corresponds to any data packet in different data packets.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving at least one alternative function segmentation method; and / or, Fifth information is received, where the fifth information is used to indicate the communication function of each functional entity corresponding to the alternative function splitting strategy.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that The first functional entity and the second functional entity are independent functional entities; or, the first functional entity is integrated into the second functional entity.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that The second functional entity is a functional entity in a radio access network RAN, a core network and / or a network management domain.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The second functional entity is a functional entity in the RAN, and the second function includes at least one of the following functional entities: Centralized unit CU; Distributed Unit DU; or, Radio frequency unit RU.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following parameters: a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to indicate the first target policy; a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate the second target policy; The functional segmentation method corresponding to the first target strategy; The functional segmentation method corresponding to the second target strategy; the communication function of the first target entity and the communication function of the second target entity corresponding to the first target policy; the communication function of the second target entity and the communication function of the third target entity corresponding to the second target policy; First granularity information of the first target policy; or Second granularity information of the second target policy.

27. The method according to claim 18, wherein The method further comprises: sending the second information; The second information includes at least one of the following parameters: Bandwidth resources of the communication interface; Transmission delay of the communication interface; Packet loss rate of the communication interface; or, Reliability of communication interfaces.

28. The method according to claim 18, wherein The method further comprises: sending the third information; The third information includes at least one of the following parameters: Processor utilization; Memory utilization; or, Disk utilization.

29. The method according to claim 18, wherein The method further comprises: sending the fourth information; The fourth information includes at least one of the following parameters: Packet delay budget PDB; Guaranteed Bit Rate GBR; or, Packet Error Rate PER.

30. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 29, characterized in that The communication function is divided into two parts according to the protocol layer.

31. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a first functional entity and a second functional entity, wherein: The first functional entity is used to determine a first target policy and / or a second target policy, wherein the first target policy is used to indicate a division method of the communication function between the first target entity and the second target entity, and the second target policy is used to indicate a division method of the communication function between the second target entity and the third target entity; The first functional entity is further configured to send first information to a second functional entity, where the first information is used to indicate the first target policy and / or is used to indicate the second target policy, and the second functional entity includes the first target entity, the second target entity, and the third target entity; The second functional entity is used to configure a communication function corresponding to the second functional entity based on the first information.

32. A communication device, characterized in that: include: processing module and communication module; The communication module is used to receive and / or send signals, and the processing module is configured to enable the method of any one of claims 1 to 15 to be executed, or the processing module is configured to enable the method of any one of claims 16 to 30 to be executed.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: include: At least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being used to receive and / or send signals, the processor being configured to enable the method of any one of claims 1 to 15 to be executed, or the processor being configured to enable the method of any one of claims 16 to 30 to be executed.

34. A communication device, characterized in that: include: At least one processor and a memory, the memory being used to store computer instructions, the processor being configured to execute the computer instructions so that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 16 to 30.

35. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions or programs, which, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 16 to 30.

36. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the method according to any one of claims 16 to 30.

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