Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and an apparatus, which can satisfy higher transmission requirements for services. The method comprises: when determining that first data of a first logical channel has been multiplexed to a media access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU), and on the basis of the presence of a synchronization association between the first logical channel and a second logical channel, a first communication apparatus determines to multiplex second data of the second logical channel to the MAC PDU. Data in logical channels required to be synchronized is thus synchronously transmitted as much as possible, thereby satisfying higher transmission requirements for services.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on February 19, 2024, with application number 202410188115.1 and application name “A Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] With the continuous development of the fifth-generation (5G) communication system, data transmission latency continues to decrease and transmission capacity is increasing. 5G communication systems are gradually infiltrating some multimedia services with strong real-time requirements and large data capacity requirements, such as video transmission, cloud gaming (CG), and extended reality (XR). XR includes virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

[0004] Multimodal services, as a new type of service, build upon XR by adding a tactile dimension to the experience. This enables remote touch and control, and enables remote perception through vision, hearing, touch, and kinesthetic senses. This has significant potential for development in related fields such as industrial automation, healthcare, and distance education, providing users with a comprehensive interactive experience and possessing immense application value and commercial potential.

[0005] It can be seen that multimodal services include multiple data forms such as audio, video, and touch, which puts higher requirements on current network transmission. However, the current network transmission capacity may not be able to meet the transmission requirements of multimodal services.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus to meet higher transmission requirements of services.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0009] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device, or by a module (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system) applied to a first communication device, or by a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication device. For the convenience of expression, the following description takes the method being executed by the first communication device as an example. The method includes: when determining to multiplex the first data of the first logical channel into the media access control protocol data unit MAC PDU, according to the existence of a synchronous association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel, determining to multiplex the second data of the second logical channel into the MAC PDU; transmitting the MAC PDU.

[0010] Based on the method of the first aspect, it can be known that by giving priority to placing data that needs to be transmitted synchronously in the MAC PDU, such as the first logical channel and the second logical channel have a synchronous association, after multiplexing the first data of the first logical channel into the MAC PDU, the second data of the second logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU, so that the first data and the second data that need to be transmitted synchronously can be transmitted in one MAC PDU as much as possible, rather than being divided into multiple MAC PDUs. In this way, the data that needs to be transmitted synchronously can be transmitted synchronously as much as possible to meet higher transmission requirements of the service, such as synchronous transmission requirements.

[0011] In one possible design, the method of the first aspect further includes determining the existence of a synchronization association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel based on received configuration information. The configuration information may come from the second communication device. The configuration information is used to indicate the existence of a synchronization association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel, thereby enabling dynamic configuration and making the synchronization association relationship between the logical channels more flexible. Alternatively, the existence of a synchronization association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel may be preconfigured by a protocol or predefined locally on the communication device to avoid communication overhead caused by the configuration.

[0012] In a possible design solution, the method of the first aspect further includes that the first data and the second data are data that need to be transmitted synchronously.

[0013] Optionally, based on the need for synchronous transmission of data for the first service and the second service, the first logical channel is synchronously associated with the second logical channel. The data for the first service is carried by the first logical channel, and the data for the first service includes the first data. The data for the second service is carried by the second logical channel, and the data for the second service includes the second data. In other words, the synchronous association between logical channels can also be dynamically determined based on service requirements to meet service needs in different scenarios.

[0014] Optionally, the priority of the first logical channel is higher than the priority of the second logical channel, or the priority of the second logical channel is higher than the priority of the first logical channel. There is no limitation on the specific implementation.

[0015] Optionally, the amount of the second data is less than or equal to an upper limit on the amount of data, which is the maximum amount of data in the second logical channel that can be multiplexed into the MAC PDU, so as to avoid affecting the transmission of other logical channels due to excessive amount of data multiplexed into the MAC PDU from the second logical channel.

[0016] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first communication device, or by a module (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system) applied to the first communication device. It can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the communication device. For the convenience of description, the following is an introduction to the method performed by the first communication device. The method includes: determining the priority of the logical channel when multiplexing into the MAC PDU according to the first duration, the shorter the first duration, the higher the priority of the logical channel when multiplexing into the MAC PDU; transmitting the MAC PDU according to the priority of the logical channel multiplexing into the MAC PDU.

[0017] Based on the method of the first aspect, the first communications device dynamically adjusts the priority of the logical channel containing the data based on the first duration, such that the logical channel containing data with a shorter first duration has a higher priority, enabling data to be multiplexed into the MAC PDU as quickly as possible. In this way, data requiring synchronization can be transmitted synchronously, meeting higher service requirements.

[0018] A possible design scheme, the method of the first aspect also includes that the first duration is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay of the data in the logical channel. The minimum synchronization scheduling delay can be understood as the duration of the data in the logical channel from waiting for transmission to the end of synchronization transmission. For example, the synchronization transmission duration threshold between the data (denoted as the first data) in the above-mentioned logical channel (denoted as logical channel #1) and the data that needs to be synchronized (denoted as the second data) in other logical channels (denoted as logical channel #2) is 15ms, which means that after the second data starts to be transmitted, the first data needs to start transmission within 15ms, otherwise, if the first data exceeds 15ms and has not been transmitted, it cannot be synchronized with the second data. Therefore, when the second data starts to be transmitted and the first data has not yet started to be transmitted, the first communication device can start timer #1, the timing duration of timer #1 is set to 15ms, and count down 15ms to calculate the time difference #1 currently remaining from 15ms, and the time difference #1 is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay. Afterwards, when the first data starts to be transmitted, the first communication device turns off the timer. As can be seen, as timer #1 continues to count, time difference #1 becomes shorter and shorter, indicating that the transmission of the first data is becoming increasingly urgent. In this case, by continuously increasing the priority of logical channel #1, the first data can be assembled into the MAC PDU earlier and transmitted as soon as possible before timer #1 expires to meet synchronization requirements.

[0019] For another example, the synchronization transmission time threshold between the data (recorded as the first data) in the above-mentioned logical channel (recorded as logical channel #1) and the data that needs to be synchronized (recorded as the second data) in other logical channels (recorded as logical channel #2) is 15ms. It can also mean that after the second data is successfully transmitted, the first data needs to start transmission within 15ms. Otherwise, if the first data exceeds 15ms and has not been transmitted, it cannot be synchronized with the second data. Therefore, when the second data is successfully transmitted and the first data has not yet started to be transmitted, the first communication device can start timer #1, set the timing duration of timer #1 to 15ms, and count down 15ms to calculate the time difference #1 currently remaining from 15ms. The time difference #1 is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay. Afterwards, when the first data starts to be transmitted, the first communication device turns off the timer. It can also be seen that as timer #1 continues to count, the time difference #1 will become shorter and shorter, which means that the transmission of the first data is becoming more and more urgent. In this case, by continuously increasing the priority of logical channel #1, the first data can be assembled into the MAC PDU earlier and transmitted as soon as possible before timer #1 expires to meet the synchronization requirement.

[0020] For another example, the data (referred to as the first data) within the aforementioned logical channel (referred to as logical channel #1) is scheduled to begin transmission at time TI. The timer #1 is set to count down from time T1 to calculate the time difference #1 remaining from the current time T1. This time difference #1 is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay. Subsequently, when the first data begins transmission, the first communication device turns off the timer. Alternatively, the data (referred to as the first data) within the aforementioned logical channel (referred to as logical channel #1) is scheduled to be transmitted to the second communication device at time T1. The timer #1 is set to count down from time T1 to calculate the time difference #1 remaining from the current time T1. This time difference #1 is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay. Subsequently, when the first data begins transmission to the second communication device, the first communication device turns off the timer. Time T1 can also be any other agreed-upon time, without specific limitation. The agreed-upon time can be from the second communication device, or preconfigured or predefined locally on the first communication device by a protocol. There are no specific limitations on this. It can also be seen that as timer #1 continues to count, time difference #1 becomes shorter and shorter, indicating that the transmission of the first data is becoming more urgent. In this case, by continuously increasing the priority of logical channel #1, the first data can be assembled into the MAC PDU earlier and transmitted as soon as possible before timer #1 expires to meet synchronization requirements.

[0021] In addition, the above-mentioned method of implementing timing through timer #1 is only an example and can also be implemented through other methods. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the method of the first communication device determining the minimum synchronization scheduling delay.

[0022] A possible design scheme, the method of the first aspect also includes that the first duration is the minimum of the minimum synchronization scheduling delay and the minimum remaining scheduling delay of the data in the logical channel. The minimum synchronization scheduling delay can be understood with reference to the above, and will not be repeated here. The minimum remaining scheduling delay can be understood as the duration of the first data in logical channel #1 from waiting for transmission to packet loss. For example, the duration of packet loss is 10ms, which means that the first data is placed in logical channel #1 and waiting for transmission. The first communication device can start timer #2, and the timing duration of timer #2 is set to 10ms, and count down 10ms to calculate the time difference #2 left from the current 10ms. The time difference #2 is the minimum remaining scheduling delay. Afterwards, when the first data starts to be transmitted, the first communication device turns off timer #2. It can be seen that as timer #2 continues to count, the time difference #2 will become shorter and shorter, which means that the transmission of the first data is becoming more and more urgent. In this case, the shorter time difference #1 or time difference #2 will determine the priority of logical channel #1. That is, the first communication device must not only meet the requirement of synchronous transmission as much as possible, but also avoid packet loss.

[0023] It can be understood that the above-mentioned method of implementing timing through timer #2 is only an example and can also be implemented through other methods. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the method of the first communication device determining the minimum remaining scheduling delay.

[0024] Optionally, if the priority of the logical channel is higher, the logical channel needs to be preferentially multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0025] Optionally, configuration information is received, where the configuration information is used to configure the maximum amount of data that needs to be transmitted synchronously on the logical channel to avoid affecting the transmission of other logical channels due to an excessive amount of data multiplexed into the MAC PDU by the second logical channel.

[0026] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a module for executing the method of the first aspect, for example, a transceiver module and a processing module. The processing module is configured to, upon determining to multiplex first data of a first logical channel into a media access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU), determine to multiplex second data of the second logical channel into the MAC PDU based on the existence of a synchronous association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel; and the transceiver module is configured to transmit the MAC PDU.

[0027] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the third aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the third aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0028] In one possible design, the communication device described in the third aspect may further include a memory. The memory may be integrated with the processor or provided separately. The memory may be used to store the computer program and / or data involved in the method described in the first aspect.

[0029] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device described in the third aspect may be the terminal described in the first aspect, or may be implemented by a module (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the terminal, or may be a logical node, logic module, or software implementation that can implement all or part of the terminal functions. For ease of description, the following description uses the terminal as an example.

[0030] It can be understood that the technical effects of the device described in the third aspect can also refer to the relevant introduction of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a module for executing the method of the second aspect, for example, a transceiver module and a processing module. The processing module is configured to determine, based on a first duration, a priority of a logical channel when multiplexed into a MAC PDU, wherein a shorter the first duration, a higher priority of the logical channel when multiplexed into the MAC PDU; and the transceiver module is configured to transmit the MAC PDU based on the priority of the logical channel when multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0032] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the fourth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0033] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may further include a memory. The memory may be integrated with the processor or provided separately. The memory may be used to store the computer program and / or data involved in the method described in the first aspect.

[0034] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may be the terminal described in the first aspect, or may be implemented by a module (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the terminal, or may be a logical node, logic module, or software implementation that can implement all or part of the terminal functions. For ease of description, the following description uses the terminal as an example.

[0035] It can be understood that the technical effects of the device described in the fourth aspect can also refer to the relevant introduction of the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0036] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor coupled to a memory, the processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0037] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the fifth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication device described in the fifth aspect can be the network device described in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the network device, or a device that includes the network device.

[0039] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fifth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the methods described in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions, the communication device executes the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0041] In one possible design solution, the communication device described in the sixth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the sixth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication device described in the sixth aspect can be the network device described in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the network device, or a device that includes the network device.

[0043] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the sixth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the methods described in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, comprising: a controller and an interface circuit, wherein the controller is used to interact with other devices through the interface circuit to execute the method described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0045] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a terminal for executing the method according to the first aspect, and a network device for executing the method according to the second aspect.

[0046] In a ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which includes a computer program or instruction stored therein. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the method described in the first aspect is executed.

[0047] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when executed, causes the method described in the first aspect to be executed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of assembling a MAC PDU;

[0049] FIG2 is a second schematic diagram of assembling a MAC PDU;

[0050] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG4 is a second schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG6 is a second flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG7 is a first structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG8 is a second structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless network (Wi-Fi) systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, Internet of Vehicles communication systems, fourth generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems, such as 5.5G, sixth generation (6G) mobile communication systems, etc. In order to facilitate the understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of the present application is first given. The brief introduction is as follows:

[0057] 1) Base Station: This can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, evolved NodeBs (eNBs) in LTE, gNodeBs (gNBs) or transmission reception points (TRPs) in NR, base stations developed in 3GPP, access nodes in Wi-Fi systems, wireless relay nodes, and wireless backhaul nodes. Base stations can include macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, and balloon base stations.

[0058] 2) User Equipment (UE): This can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, tactile terminal device, vehicle-mounted terminal device, wireless terminal in unmanned driving, wireless terminal in remote medical, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, wearable terminal device, etc.

[0059] 3) Logical channel: In a communication system, a virtual channel used to transmit control information and user data. It is a logical connection established on a physical channel through which data can be transmitted and exchanged.

[0060] 4) Transport channel: The transport channel is used to define the mode and characteristics of data transmission in the air interface. In actual applications, multiple logical channels can be multiplexed on the MAC protocol data unit (MAC PDU) of the same transport channel, that is, the service data on multiple logical channels can be scheduled to the same transport channel and then transmitted through the physical channel.

[0061] 5) LCP (logical channel priority): In a multiplexed communication system, different logical channels are assigned different priorities to ensure that higher-priority channels receive higher transmission priority when competing for resources. The logical channel priority setting can be adjusted based on the needs and performance requirements of the communication system to ensure the proper allocation and transmission of different types of data.

[0062] 6) Token bucket mechanism: The token bucket mechanism is used in communication systems to limit the data flow of communication devices to a specific bandwidth, that is, a certain number of tokens are placed in the token bucket, and one token allows a set amount of data to be sent. For example, one token allows 1 Byte of data to be sent. Every time 1 Byte of data is transmitted, a token needs to be removed from the token bucket. When there are no tokens in the token bucket, continuing to send data of any size will be considered that the communication device has exceeded the rated bandwidth. It can be understood that the token bucket is like a pool, and the tokens are like water. The tokens in the token bucket can not only be removed, but also continuously added. In order to ensure that the communication device can continue to send data, tokens need to be continuously added to the token bucket.

[0063] 7) SDU (Service Data Unit): A service data unit (SDU), also known as a service data unit (PDU), is a data set containing user services at a specific layer. When transmitted to the recipient, the data remains unchanged at the same protocol layer, representing the service portion. After being sent to the lower layer, it is encapsulated in a PDU and transmitted. A service data unit (SDU) is an information unit transmitted from a higher-level protocol to a lower-level protocol. A Layer N service data unit (SDU) corresponds one-to-one with the protocol data unit (PDU) of the layer above it. Depending on the data in the PDU, it is sent to the designated layer at the receiving end.

[0064] PDU (protocol data unit): Protocol data unit: a unit of information exchanged between peer entities at each layer of a computer network. For example, the PDU at the TCP layer is a segment, and the PDU exchanged between application layers is application data.

[0065] Simply put, the SDU (Service Data Unit) corresponds to data that has not been processed by a sublayer. For a sublayer, the incoming data is the SDU. The PDU (Protocol Data Unit) corresponds to data that has been processed by that sublayer into a specific format. For a sublayer, the outgoing data is the PDU.

[0066] 8) The residual packet delay budget (PDB) refers to a predetermined packet delay budget set for each user or base station in a wireless communication system to ensure real-time data transmission and reliability. This budget represents the maximum allowable delay during data packet transmission. For users, the PDB is set by the user device or application based on actual needs. Users can set the PDB based on their data transmission latency requirements. For example, for real-time voice call applications, users may want to set a smaller PDB to ensure timely voice data transmission. For base stations, the PDB is configured by network operators or system administrators based on network load and service quality requirements. Base stations set the PDB based on actual network conditions and user needs. For example, during periods of high load, base stations may appropriately increase the PDB to avoid packet loss and delays during data transmission.

[0067] The following uses the LCP process defined in the standard as an example to illustrate the implementation of MAC layer multiplexing on the UE side.

[0068] The base station allocates uplink radio resources based on the UE. The UE determines which radio bearer data can be placed within the allocated radio resources. The UE needs to determine the total amount of data per logical channel within the MAC Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU) contained in the transport channel. This determines which logical channels should be allocated data and how much data should be placed within each logical channel.

[0069] There is only one MAC PDU, but multiple logical channels are multiplexed. Therefore, each logical channel is assigned a priority. Data for the first-priority logical channel is included first in the MAC PDU, followed by data for the second-priority logical channel, and so on until the allocated MAC PDU is full.

[0070] That is, when the user equipment in the communication system is sending service data, it is necessary to multiplex the service data carried in the SDU located in the logical channel into the Media Access Control Protocol Data Unit MAC PDU.

[0071] In some implementations, the process of multiplexing service data carried in an SDU located in a logical channel into a MAC PDU by a communication device may be performed according to the following principles:

[0072] The data of the logical channels are multiplexed into the MAC PDU in descending order of logical channel priority.

[0073] For logical channels that do not meet Bj>0, the SDU of the logical channel will not be multiplexed into the MAC PDU, and the next logical channel with lower priority will be processed;

[0074] For logical channels that satisfy Bj>0, the SDU of the logical channel will be multiplexed into the MAC PDU, and the Bj of the logical channel will be updated according to the amount of data in the target logical channel that is multiplexed into the transport channel. Then, the next logical channel with a lower priority will be processed;

[0075] As shown in Figure 1, the process of multiplexing the logical channel SDU into the MAC PDU is as follows:

[0076] According to the priority of the existing logical channel, the SDU of the logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU. A situation may arise where the data in the first logical channel and the data in the third logical channel are synchronously associated, but the existing logical channels are multiplexed into the MAC PDU in order of priority. The data in the second logical channel may have already filled the MAC PDU, and the data in the third logical channel that is associated with the first logical channel can only wait for the next MAC PDU.

[0077] For example, in a multimodal service, such as a simulated game with visual, audio, and touch capabilities, video data a is placed on the first logical channel, web page control data b is placed on the second logical channel, and tactile data c is placed on the third logical channel. If the order in which the second and third logical channels are multiplexed and paired with the MAC PDUs cannot be adjusted, the situation shown in Figure 2 may occur: the video data a on the first logical channel and the web page control data b on the second logical channel already occupy the entire MAC PDU. The tactile data c on the third logical channel, which is synchronously associated with the video data a on the first logical channel, cannot be multiplexed simultaneously into the MAC PDU. This may cause a synchronization asynchrony between the user's vision and touch, resulting in the user appearing to have touched an object but not experiencing the corresponding tactile sensation, severely impacting the user experience.

[0078] In response to the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application propose the following technical solutions.

[0079] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present application, "indication" may include direct indication and indirect indication, and may also include explicit indication and implicit indication. The information indicated by a certain information is called information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, wherein there is an association relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated. It is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each piece of information agreed in advance (such as specified in the protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, the common parts of each piece of information can also be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the indication overhead caused by indicating the same information separately.

[0081] In addition, the specific indication method can also be various existing indication methods, such as but not limited to the above-mentioned indication methods and various combinations thereof. The specific details of the various indication methods can be referred to the prior art and will not be repeated herein. As can be seen from the above, for example, when it is necessary to indicate multiple information of the same type, there may be a situation where the indication methods for different information are different. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the selected indication method. In this way, the indication method involved in the embodiment of the present application should be understood to cover various methods that can enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0082] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in the embodiments of this application. The sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be predefined, for example, predefined according to a protocol, or can be configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0083] In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "an access network device sending information" can be understood as an access network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal), or as logical module 1 within an access network device sending information to logical module 2 within the access network device.

[0084] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "an access network device receiving information" can be understood as the access network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or as logical module 1 within the access network device receiving information from logical module 2 within the access network device.

[0085] In this application, "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination end of the information being the terminal. This can include sending information to the terminal directly or indirectly. "Receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)" or "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)" or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)", or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the source end of the information being the terminal, which can include receiving information from the terminal directly or indirectly. The information may be processed as necessary between the source end and the destination end of the information transmission, such as format changes, etc., but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0086] In this application, "pre-definition" or "pre-configuration" can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device, and the embodiments of this application do not limit its specific implementation method. Among them, "saving" can mean saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be set separately or integrated in an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially set separately and partially integrated in a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0087] The "protocol" involved in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a protocol family in the communication field, a standard protocol with a similar protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol used in future communication systems. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0088] In the embodiments of the present application, descriptions such as "when...", "in the case of...", "if" and "if" all mean that the device will perform corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. It does not limit the time, nor does it require the device to perform judgment actions when implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0089] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to 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 represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. 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. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way for easy understanding.

[0090] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0091] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application is first described in detail using a communication system as an example. For example, as shown in FIG3 , the communication system mainly includes at least one of the following: a terminal and a network device.

[0092] For example, a possible, non-limiting architecture of the communication system can be shown in FIG4 . As shown in FIG4 , the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, a core network (CN) 200, and the Internet 300. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., 110a and 110b in FIG4 , collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (e.g., 120a-120j in FIG4 , collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in FIG4 ). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to core network 200. The core network devices in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be separate physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0093] The RAN 100 may be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G or 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolutionary system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). The RAN 100 may also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. The RAN 100 may also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0094] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and facilitates wireless access for terminals. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 4 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal 120j accessing the RAN 100 via network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 4 can be understood as communication devices with base station functionality, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functionality.

[0095] In one possible scenario, a RAN node may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in a sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node may be a macro base station (such as 110a in FIG4 ), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in FIG4 ), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a RAN node may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an onboard device, etc. For example, an access network device in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology may be a road side unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application may also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application may also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0096] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0097] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0098] It is understood that the above-mentioned RAN node can be a newly defined name, and RAN node can also be expressed in different ways, such as access node, network device, wireless access node, etc., without limitation. Unless otherwise specified in this application, network device is used to express it.

[0099] A terminal may also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals 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. A terminal may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0100] A terminal or network device can also be understood as a communication device. The first communication device mentioned below in the embodiment of the present application can be understood as a terminal, the second communication device can be understood as a network device, or both the first communication device and the second communication device can be understood as terminals, or there can also be device forms in other scenarios, without limitation.

[0101] The following is a further introduction to a communication method in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It can be understood that this application uses the first communication device and the second communication device as an example to illustrate the execution subjects of the interaction diagram, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction diagram. For example, the method executed by the first communication device and the second communication device in this application can also be applied to the module of the communication device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.) for execution, and can also be implemented by a logical node, logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the communication device.

[0102] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to specifically describe the interaction process between the various communication devices in the above communication system through a method embodiment. A communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application can be applied to the above communication system and specifically applied to various scenarios mentioned in the above communication system, which will be described in detail below.

[0103] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the application. The communication method is applicable to the above-mentioned communication system and mainly involves interaction between a first communication device and a second communication device.

[0104] As shown in Figure 5, the process of the communication method is as follows:

[0105] S501: When determining to multiplex first data of a first logical channel into a MAC PDU, the first communication device determines to multiplex second data of a second logical channel into the MAC PDU according to a synchronization association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel.

[0106] The first logical channel may be a logical channel capable of carrying service data. Specifically, the service data carried by the first logical channel may be determined or indicated by a higher layer, such as an application layer. Taking the data of the first service as an example, the first data described above is the data of the first service. The first data may be a PDU or a DRB, and the specific data granularity is not limited.

[0107] The first data carried on the first logical channel is analyzed based on the characteristics of the first service data. Generally, service data of the same type is assigned to the corresponding logical channel by default. Next, the first data carried on the first logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU based on whether the Bj of the logical channel satisfies the requirement of being greater than 0. If Bj > 0, the first data carried on the first logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0108] Wherein, Bj is the data variable of the token in the token bucket of the first logical channel, and the first communication device maintains a token bucket for each logical channel, as well as the parameters corresponding to the token bucket. Each token is used to transmit a set amount of data. Wherein, the parameters corresponding to each token bucket include, in addition to the variable (Bj) of the number of tokens in the token bucket, PBR, and the depth of the token bucket (bucket size duration, BSD). PBR and BSD are configured by the (radio resource control, RRC) layer of the network device in the communication system. The variable (Bj) of the number of tokens in the token bucket is initialized to 0 when the logical channel is initially established, and then increases by PBR*TTI every TTI. The depth BSD of the token bucket, that is, the maximum capacity of the token bucket, the maximum number threshold of tokens that can be contained, or the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted based on the tokens in the token bucket. Wherein, BSD can be expressed by time, for example, in seconds (s) or milliseconds (ms). For example, a token bucket has a BSD of 100ms. When the PBR is 8k tokens / second, the number of tokens added every millisecond is 8. Therefore, the BSD of this token bucket is 100ms = 0.1s, which is equivalent to PBR * 0.1s = 800 tokens, equal to 800 bytes. BSD can be expressed in time, and its value can be a service cycle. PBR * BSD can be the amount of service data within a cycle, ensuring that the maximum capacity is the total data volume of a service cycle. In a communication system, communication devices exchange data between the MAC layer and the physical layer according to the transmission time interval (TTI). Each TTI performs a transmission, or each TTI corresponds to a transmission moment. A TTI can also be called a scheduling period or transmission period, which is the interval between two adjacent transmission moments (transmission opportunities, scheduling opportunities). For example, a TTI can be 1ms, 2ms, 0.5ms, etc. It should be noted that in some mobile communication systems (such as 5G NR systems), the TTI can vary. Assuming that the current first logical channel satisfies the condition Bj>0, the first data of the first logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU. According to the amount of data in the first logical channel multiplexed into the transmission channel, the Bj of the first logical channel is updated, that is, Bj=Bj-Tsdu, where Tsdu is the number of tokens consumed by the data multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0109] The second logical channel can also be a logical channel capable of carrying service data. This service can be different from the first service and can be determined or indicated by a higher layer. Taking the data of the second service as an example, the second data described above is the data of the second service. The second data can also be a PDU or DRB. The specific data granularity is not limited.

[0110] The second data carried in the second logical channel is analyzed based on the characteristics of the second service data. Generally, service data of the same type is assigned to the corresponding logical channel by default. Subsequently, the second data carried in the second logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU based on whether the Bj of the logical channel meets the requirement of being greater than 0. If Bj > 0, the second data carried in the second logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0111] Wherein, Bj is the data variable of the token in the token bucket of the second logical channel, and the first communication device maintains a token bucket for each logical channel, as well as the parameters corresponding to the token bucket. Each token is used to transmit a set amount of data. Wherein, the parameters corresponding to each token bucket include, in addition to the number variable (Bj) of tokens in the token bucket, PBR, and the depth of the token bucket (bucket size duration, BSD). PBR and BSD are configured by the (radio resource control, RRC) layer of the network equipment in the communication system. The number variable (Bj) of tokens in the token bucket is initialized to 0 when the logical channel is initially established, and then increases by PBR*TTI every TTI. The depth of the token bucket BSD, that is, the maximum capacity of the token bucket, the maximum number threshold of tokens that can be contained, or the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted based on the tokens in the token bucket. Wherein, BSD can be expressed by time, for example, in seconds (s) or milliseconds (ms). For example, a token bucket has a BSD of 100ms. When the PBR is 8k tokens / second, the number of tokens added every millisecond is 8. Therefore, the BSD of this token bucket is 100ms = 0.1s, which is equivalent to PBR * 0.1s = 800 tokens, equal to 800 bytes. BSD can be expressed in time, and its value can be a service cycle. PBR * BSD can be the amount of service data within a cycle, ensuring that the maximum capacity is the total data volume of a service cycle. In a communication system, communication devices exchange data between the MAC layer and the physical layer according to the transmission time interval (TTI). Each TTI performs a transmission, or each TTI corresponds to a transmission moment. A TTI can also be called a scheduling period or transmission period, which is the interval between two adjacent transmission moments (transmission opportunities, scheduling opportunities). For example, a TTI can be 1ms, 2ms, 0.5ms, etc. It should be noted that in some mobile communication systems (such as 5G NR systems), the TTI can vary.

[0112] Assuming that the current second logical channel satisfies the condition of Bj>0, the second data of the second logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU. According to the amount of data multiplexed into the transmission channel in the second logical channel, the Bj of the first logical channel is updated, that is, Bj=Bj-Tsdu, where Tsdu is the number of tokens consumed by the data multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0113] The first data of the first logical channel and the second data of the second logical channel need to be encapsulated into the same MAC PDU as much as possible. As described above, the first logical channel and the second logical channel are synchronously associated. It can be understood that the service data carried by the first logical channel and the second logical channel are synchronously associated, and the service data is data that requires synchronous transmission.

[0114] In one possible way, the existence of a synchronous association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel is determined based on the received configuration information, and the configuration information is used to indicate that the first logical channel and the second logical channel are synchronously associated to achieve dynamic configuration. The configuration information may come from the second communication device. For example, the second communication device (such as a network device) may send any possible message carrying the configuration information to the first communication device at any possible time. The configuration information may specifically indicate the identifier of the first logical channel and the identifier of the second logical channel, indicating that the first logical channel and the second logical channel are synchronously associated. Alternatively, there may be other implementation methods, which are not specifically limited. Alternatively, the existence of a synchronous association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel is pre-configured or pre-defined by protocol locally in the first communication equipment to avoid communication overhead caused by the configuration.

[0115] In another possible manner, the first communication device may also synchronously associate the first logical channel with the second logical channel according to the need for synchronous transmission of the data of the first service and the data of the second service. The data of the first service is carried by the first logical channel, and the data of the first service includes the first data; the data of the second service is carried by the second logical channel, and the data of the second service includes the second data. In other words, the synchronous association between logical channels can also be dynamically determined by the needs of the services to meet the service needs in different scenarios. For example, the first service and the second service are both services provided by the high-level application of the first communication device (such as video or audio software, etc.), and the high-level application can indicate that the first service and the second service are synchronously associated. Then, when the first communication device allocates the first logical channel to carry the data of the first service and allocates the second logical channel to carry the data of the first service, the first communication device also synchronously associates the first logical channel with the second logical channel.

[0116] The order in which the first data of the first logical channel and the second data of the second logical channel are encapsulated into the MAC PDU is determined by the priority of the first logical channel and the second logical channel. If the priority of the first logical channel is higher than the priority of the second logical channel, and the data of the first logical channel currently satisfies the condition Bj>0, the first data of the first logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU. Then, based on the synchronization association, the data of the logical channels with synchronization association is multiplexed into the MAC PDU. That is, the second data of the second logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0117] It should be noted that the above example uses two logical channels with synchronization association as an example. There may be more logical channels, such as two, three, or four, with synchronization association requirements. Furthermore, the fact that the first logical channel has a higher priority than the second logical channel is merely an example; the second logical channel may also have a higher priority than the first logical channel.

[0118] In addition, there may be other logical channels that are not synchronously associated. When the first communication device encapsulates data into the MAC PDU, it gives priority to the logical channels that are synchronously associated, and then encapsulates the data into the MAC PDU according to the priority between other logical channels that are not synchronously associated from high to low.

[0119] In the embodiment of the present application, the amount of the second data is less than or equal to the upper limit of the data amount, which is the maximum amount of data in the second logical channel that can be multiplexed into the MAC PDU, so as to avoid affecting the transmission of other logical channels due to the excessive amount of data multiplexed into the MAC PDU from the second logical channel. It is understandable that the first communication equipment pre-configured or received information (such as information from the second communication device, which may indicate the upper limit of the data amount) sets the maximum amount of data in the second logical channel that can be multiplexed into the MAC PDU. If the upper limit of the data amount is exceeded, the data in the second logical channel is stopped from being multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0120] For example, in a multimodal service, such as a visual, audio, and touch simulation game, there are four logical channels: Logical Channel #1, Logical Channel #2, Logical Channel #3, and Logical Channel #4, each of which satisfies Bj > 0. Furthermore, the second communication device is configured such that Logical Channel #1 and Logical Channel #3 are synchronously associated. Therefore, when considering multiplexing data from multiple logical channels into a MAC PDU in descending order of logical channel priority, it is necessary to consider the synchronous associations between the logical channels.

[0121] After the first data (video data) on logical channel #1 is multiplexed into the MAC PDU, because logical channel #1 and logical channel #3 are synchronously associated, the first data (video data) on logical channel #1 and the third data (tactile data) on logical channel #3 need to be transmitted synchronously and therefore need to be multiplexed into the same MAC PDU. At this point, the priority of the synchronously associated logical channel #3 is higher than that of logical channel #2. That is, after the first data (video data) on logical channel #1 is multiplexed into the MAC PDU, the third data (tactile data) on logical channel #3 is also multiplexed into the MAC PDU. Subsequently, after the third data (tactile data) on the synchronously associated logical channel #3 is processed, the second data (control data for web pages, etc.) on logical channel #2 and the fourth data (auditory data) on logical channel #4 are transmitted in descending order of priority.

[0122] It should be noted that, if there is more than one logical channel that is synchronously associated with logical channel #1, the logical channels that are synchronously associated are still traversed in descending order.

[0123] It should also be noted that there is an upper limit on the amount of data that can be multiplexed into a MAC PDU for logical channel #3. For example, the configuration information sets an upper limit of 200 bits for the amount of data that can be multiplexed into a MAC PDU for logical channel #3. Data exceeding 200 bits can only be packetized and multiplexed into the MAC PDU in the order of its original priority.

[0124] S502: The first communication device transmits a MAC PDU.

[0125] The first communication device may transmit the MAC PDU to the second communication device, or may transmit the MAC PDU to another communication device, without specific limitation. When the first communication device transmits the MAC PDU, the MAC PDU may be encapsulated in any possible message, without specific limitation.

[0126] In summary, by giving priority to placing data that needs synchronous transmission in the MAC PDU, such as the first logical channel and the second logical channel are synchronously associated, the first data of the first logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU, and then the second data of the second logical channel is multiplexed into the MAC PDU, so that the data of the logical channels with synchronous association can be transmitted in one MAC PDU as much as possible, rather than being divided into multiple MAC PDUs. In this way, data with synchronization requirements can be transmitted synchronously as much as possible to meet higher transmission requirements of the service, such as synchronous transmission requirements.

[0127] Figure 6 is a second flow chart of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. This communication method is applicable to the above communication system and mainly involves interaction between a first communication device and a second communication device.

[0128] As shown in Figure 6, the process of the communication method is as follows:

[0129] S601: A first communication device determines a priority of a logical channel when multiplexing into a MAC PDU according to a first duration. The shorter the first duration, the higher the priority of the logical channel when multiplexing into the MAC PDU.

[0130] The first duration is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay for data in the logical channel. The minimum synchronization scheduling delay can be understood as the duration from waiting for transmission to the end of synchronization transmission of data in the logical channel. For example, the synchronization transmission duration threshold between the data (recorded as the first data) in the above-mentioned logical channel (recorded as logical channel #1) and the data that needs to be synchronized (recorded as the second data) in other logical channels (recorded as logical channel #2) is 15ms, which means that after the second data starts to be transmitted, the first data needs to start transmission within 15ms. Otherwise, if the first data has not been transmitted for more than 15ms, it cannot be synchronized with the second data. Therefore, when the second data starts to be transmitted and the first data has not started to be transmitted, the first communication device can start timer #1, and the timing duration of timer #1 is set to 15ms, and count down 15ms to calculate the time difference #1 left from the current 15ms. The time difference #1 is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay. Afterwards, when the first data starts to be transmitted, the first communication device turns off the timer.

[0131] For another example, the synchronization transmission time threshold between the data (recorded as first data) in the above-mentioned logical channel (recorded as logical channel #1) and the data that needs to be synchronized (recorded as second data) in other logical channels (recorded as logical channel #2) is 15ms. It can also mean that after the second data is successfully transmitted, the first data needs to start transmission within 15ms. Otherwise, if the first data exceeds 15ms and has not been transmitted, it cannot be synchronized with the second data. Therefore, when the second data is successfully transmitted and the first data has not yet started to be transmitted, the first communication device can start timer #1, set the timing duration of timer #1 to 15ms, and count down 15ms to calculate the time difference #1 currently remaining from 15ms. The time difference #1 is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay. Afterwards, when the first data starts to be transmitted, the first communication device will turn off the timer.

[0132] For another example, the data (referred to as the first data) within the aforementioned logical channel (referred to as logical channel #1) is scheduled to begin transmission at time TI. The timer #1 is set to count down from time T1 to calculate the time difference #1 remaining from the current time T1. This time difference #1 is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay. Subsequently, when the first data begins transmission, the first communication device turns off the timer. Alternatively, the data (referred to as the first data) within the aforementioned logical channel (referred to as logical channel #1) is scheduled to be transmitted to the second communication device at time T1. The timer #1 is set to count down from time T1 to calculate the time difference #1 remaining from the current time T1. This time difference #1 is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay. Subsequently, when the first data begins transmission to the second communication device, the first communication device turns off the timer. Time T1 can also be any other agreed-upon time, without specific limitation. The agreed-upon time can be from the second communication device, or preconfigured or predefined locally on the first communication device by a protocol. There are no specific limitations on this.

[0133] In addition, the above-mentioned method of implementing timing through timer #1 is only an example and can also be implemented through other methods. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the method of the first communication device determining the minimum synchronization scheduling delay.

[0134] The first data and the second data are data of the same granularity, such as SDU, PDU or DRB, and there is no restriction on the granularity of the specific data.

[0135] Among them, the need for synchronous transmission of the first data and the second data is determined based on the received configuration information, and the configuration information is used to indicate that the first data and the second data need to be transmitted synchronously to realize the dynamic configuration of the logical channel where the data is located. The configuration information can come from the second communication device. For example, the second communication device (such as a network device) can send any possible message carrying the configuration information to the first communication device at any possible time. The configuration information can specifically indicate the identifier of the first data and the identifier of the second data, indicating that the first data and the second data need to be transmitted synchronously, or there can be other implementation methods, which are not specifically limited. Or the need for synchronous transmission of the first data and the second logical data is pre-configured or pre-defined by the protocol locally in the first communication equipment to avoid the communication overhead caused by the configuration.

[0136] If the logical channel where the above-mentioned first data and second data are located meets the requirement of Bj>0 and the second data and the first data need to be transmitted synchronously, the second data starts to be transmitted and multiplexed into the MAC PDU, and the first data has the shortest minimum synchronization scheduling delay obtained according to timer #1, and then the second data is multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0137] It should be noted that if there is more than one data that has synchronization transmission requirements with the second data, the data that have synchronization transmission requirements are traversed in order of the length of the first duration, from the shortest first duration to the longest first duration.

[0138] Furthermore, the logical channel receives configuration information, and the configuration information is used to configure the maximum amount of data that needs to be transmitted synchronously on the logical channel. It can be understood that the information pre-configured by the first communication equipment or received (such as information from the second communication device, which can indicate the upper limit of the data amount) sets the maximum amount of data that can be multiplexed into the MAC PDU in the second logical channel. If the upper limit of the data amount is exceeded, the data in the second logical channel will stop being multiplexed into the MAC PDU. For example, the first data and the second data refer to two services. The data of the second service is 1000 bytes, and the data of the first service that has a synchronous transmission requirement is 3000 bytes as can be seen from the configuration information. In other words, in one transmission of a MAC PDU, only 3000 bytes of the data of the first service can be packaged into the MAC PDU.

[0139] For example, there are three business data, namely business data #1 (video data), business data #2 (control data of web pages, etc.), and business data #3 (tactile data), and each logical channel satisfies Bj>0. And the second communication device is configured so that business data #1 and business data #3 are synchronously associated. The synchronous transmission duration threshold between business data #1 and business data #3 is 15ms. After business data #1 starts transmitting, business data #3 needs to start transmitting within 10ms. Otherwise, if business data #3 exceeds 15ms and has not been transmitted, it cannot be synchronized with business data #1. When business data #1 starts transmitting and business data #3 has not started transmitting yet, the first communication device can start timer #1, set the timing duration of timer #1 to 10ms, and count down 10ms to calculate the time difference #1 currently remaining from 10ms. At the current moment, the time difference #1 obtained from timer #1 is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay, that is, the first duration. After service data #1 is multiplexed into the MAC PDU, service data #1 and service data #3 need to be transmitted synchronously, so they must be multiplexed into the same MAC PDU. The priority of the logical channel containing service data #3 is adjusted based on the first duration. After service data #1 is multiplexed into the MAC PDU, service data #3 is multiplexed into the MAC PDU. Only then is service data #2 multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

[0140] It should also be noted that there is an upper limit on the amount of data that can be multiplexed into a MAC PDU for service data #3. For example, the configuration information configured by the second communication device sets an upper limit of 3000 bytes for the amount of data that can be multiplexed into a MAC PDU for service data #3. Data exceeding 3000 bytes can only be subsequently packaged and multiplexed into the MAC PDU in the order of the priority of the logical channels on which the data originally resides.

[0141] In an embodiment of the present application, the first duration can also be the minimum of the minimum synchronization scheduling delay and the minimum remaining scheduling delay of the data in the logical channel. The minimum synchronization scheduling delay can be understood with reference to the above, and will not be repeated here. The minimum remaining scheduling delay can be understood as the duration of the first data in logical channel #1 from waiting for transmission to packet loss. For example, the duration of packet loss is 10ms, which means that the first data is placed in logical channel #1 and waiting for transmission. The first communication device can start timer #2, and the timing duration of timer #2 is set to 10ms, and count down 10ms to calculate the time difference #2 left from the current 10ms. The time difference #2 is the minimum remaining scheduling delay. Afterwards, when the first data starts to be transmitted, the first communication device turns off timer #2. It can be seen that as timer #2 continues to count, the time difference #2 will become shorter and shorter, which means that the transmission of the first data is becoming more and more urgent. In this case, the shorter time difference #1 or time difference #2 will determine the priority of logical channel #1. That is, the first communication device must not only meet the requirement of synchronous transmission as much as possible, but also avoid packet loss.

[0142] It can be understood that the above-mentioned method of implementing timing through timer #2 is only an example and can also be implemented through other methods. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the method of the first communication device determining the minimum remaining scheduling delay.

[0143] It can be understood that the residual scheduling delay is what is known as the residual packet delay budget in the prior art. In wireless communication systems, to ensure real-time data reliability, each user or base station is assigned a predetermined packet delay budget. The specific configuration of this packet delay budget is not subject to specific restrictions. This budget represents the maximum allowable delay during data packet transmission. For users, the residual packet delay budget is set by the user device or application based on actual needs. Users can set the residual packet delay budget based on their data transmission latency requirements. For example, for real-time voice call applications, users may prefer a smaller residual packet delay budget to ensure timely voice data transmission. For base stations, the residual packet delay budget is configured by network operators or system administrators based on network load and quality of service requirements. Base stations set the residual packet delay budget based on actual network conditions and user needs. For example, during periods of high load, the base station may appropriately increase the residual packet delay budget to avoid packet loss and delay during data transmission. In real-time systems, if a task or process waits longer than the residual scheduling delay to be scheduled, packet loss will occur.

[0144] In addition, the first duration is the minimum value of the minimum synchronization scheduling delay and the minimum residual scheduling delay of the data in the logical channel, which is similar to the specific execution steps of the first duration being the minimum synchronization scheduling delay of the data in the logical channel. You can refer to it for understanding and will not repeat them here.

[0145] S602: The first communication device transmits a MAC PDU.

[0146] The first communication device may transmit the MAC PDU to the second communication device, or may transmit the MAC PDU to another communication device, without specific limitation. When the first communication device transmits the MAC PDU, the MAC PDU may be encapsulated in any possible message, without specific limitation.

[0147] In summary, in this communication method, the first communication device determines the priority of the logical channel when it is multiplexed into the MAC PDU based on the first duration. The shorter the first duration, the higher the priority of the logical channel when it is multiplexed into the MAC PDU. Not only the situation where the logical channel has synchronization requirements is taken into account, but also the transmission time difference limit and the time limit for packet loss of the logical channel with synchronization requirements are taken into account. That is, considering the first duration of the logical channel with synchronization requirements, the transmission of data with synchronization requirements can be better realized, thereby improving the multimodal user experience.

[0148] Figure 7 is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7 , the communication device 700 includes a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702. For ease of illustration, Figure 7 only shows the main components of the communication device.

[0149] The transceiver module 701 is used to perform the transceiver function of the above communication method, and the processing module 702 is used to perform other functions of the above communication method except the transceiver function.

[0150] Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may include a sending module (not shown in FIG7 ) and a receiving module (not shown in FIG7 ). The sending module is used to implement the sending function of the communication device 700 , and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device 700 .

[0151] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 7 ) storing a program or instruction. When the processing module 702 executes the program or instruction, the communication device 700 may perform the functions of the terminal in the method shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 in the above method.

[0152] It can be understood that the communication device 700 can be a terminal or a network device, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in a terminal or a network device, or a device that includes a terminal or a network device. This application does not limit this.

[0153] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 700 can refer to the technical effects of the method shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] The following is a detailed introduction to the various components of the communication device 800 in conjunction with FIG8 :

[0155] The processor 801 is the control center of the communication device 800 and can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 801 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of the present application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0156] Optionally, the processor 801 can execute various functions of the communication device 800, such as executing the communication method in the embodiment of the present application, by running or executing the software program stored in the memory 802 and calling the data stored in the memory 802.

[0157] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 801 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG8 .

[0158] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 800 may also include multiple processors, such as the processor 801 and the processor 804 shown in FIG8 . Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). The processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0159] The memory 802 is used to store the software program for executing the solution of the present application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 801. The specific implementation method can refer to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0160] Alternatively, the memory 802 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, an optical disc storage (including a compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 802 may be integrated with the processor 801 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 801 via an interface circuit (not shown in FIG8 ) of the communication device 800. This embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

[0161] Transceiver 803 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 800 is a terminal, transceiver 803 can be used to communicate with a network device or another terminal device. For another example, if communication device 800 is a network device, transceiver 803 can be used to communicate with a terminal or another network device.

[0162] Optionally, the transceiver 803 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in FIG8 ), wherein the receiver is used to implement a receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement a sending function.

[0163] Optionally, the transceiver 803 may be integrated with the processor 801 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 801 through an interface circuit (not shown in FIG. 8 ) of the communication device 800 . This embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

[0164] It is understandable that the structure of the communication device 800 shown in FIG8 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, and an actual communication device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0165] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 800 can refer to the technical effects of the methods described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0166] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0167] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0168] The above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware or any other combination. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains one or more available media sets. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0169] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein simply describes a relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, the character " / " as used herein generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects, but it may also indicate an "and / or" relationship. For specific understanding, please refer to the context.

[0170] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "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.

[0171] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0172] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0173] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0174] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0175] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0176] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0177] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0178] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: In a case where it is determined that first data of the first logical channel is multiplexed into a media access control protocol data unit (MAC PDU), determining, based on an existing synchronization association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel, to multiplex second data of the second logical channel into the MAC PDU; Transmit the MAC PDU.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The existence of a synchronization association between the first logical channel and the second logical channel is determined according to received configuration information, where the configuration information is used to indicate that the first logical channel and the second logical channel exist a synchronization association.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first data and the second data are data that need to be transmitted synchronously.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method comprises: According to the need for synchronous transmission of data of the first service and data of the second service, the first logical channel is synchronously associated with the second logical channel, wherein the data of the first service is carried by the first logical channel, the data of the first service includes the first data, and the data of the second service is carried by the second logical channel, and the data of the second service includes the second data.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The priority of the first logical channel is higher than the priority of the second logical channel.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The data volume of the second data is less than or equal to an upper data volume limit, where the upper data volume limit is a data volume of data in the second logical channel that can be multiplexed into a MAC PDU at most.

7. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Determining, according to the first duration, a priority of the logical channel when multiplexing into the MAC PDU, wherein the shorter the first duration, the higher the priority of the logical channel when multiplexing into the MAC PDU; The MAC PDU is transmitted according to the priority of the logical channel multiplexed to the MAC PDU.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first duration is the minimum synchronization scheduling delay of data in the logical channel.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first duration is the minimum value of the minimum synchronization scheduling delay and the minimum residual scheduling delay of the data in the logical channel.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The higher the priority of the logical channel, the more preferentially the logical channel needs to be multiplexed into the MAC PDU.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that The logical channel receives configuration information, where the configuration information is used to configure a maximum amount of data that needs to be synchronously transmitted on the logical channel.

12. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or comprises a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that: The device includes a processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions, the device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 is executed.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises a computer program or an instruction, which, when being executed, causes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to be performed, or causes the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 to be performed.

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