Protocol determination method and apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a protocol determination method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method comprises: establishing a channel between a first device and a second device, wherein the channel is used for data transmission and / or signaling transmission between the first device and the second device, and the first device and the second device are application communication peers of a first service; and performing data transmission and / or signaling transmission of the first service with the second device on the basis of a first protocol, wherein the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device, or the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal. The issue of executing communication between a terminal and an access network device is resolved. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when there is data between a terminal and an access network device that is directly processed by the access network device, it is ensured that a reliable user plane protocol or control plane protocol is present in a radio bearer comprised in a channel between the terminal and the access network device, thereby ensuring the reliability of communication between the terminal and the access network device.

Description

Protocol determination method, apparatus and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to protocol determination methods, apparatus, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] In mobile communication networks, a scheme is configured for terminals to communicate with core network equipment through access network equipment. The core network equipment can be understood as a server for the terminal to execute different services. In other words, the terminal can communicate with servers of different services through access network equipment, ensuring normal communication between the terminal and the core network equipment.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The solution provided in this disclosure solves the problem of communication between a terminal and an access network device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, when there is data between the terminal and the access network device that is directly processed by the access network device, it is ensured that the radio bearer included in the channel between the terminal and the access network device has a reliable user plane protocol or control plane protocol, thereby ensuring the reliability of communication between the terminal and the access network device.

[0005] This disclosure presents a protocol determination method, apparatus, and storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a protocol determination method is provided, the method being performed by a terminal or an access network device; the method includes:

[0007] Establish a channel between the first device and the second device, wherein the first device and the second device are respectively the application communication counterparts of the first service;

[0008] Data transmission and / or signaling transmission of the first service are performed with the second device based on the first protocol;

[0009] Wherein, the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device; or, the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a protocol determination apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0011] The processing module is used to establish a channel between the first device and the second device, wherein the first device and the second device are application communication counterparts of the first service;

[0012] The processing module is also used to perform data transmission and / or signaling transmission of the first service with the second device based on the first protocol;

[0013] Wherein, the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device; or, the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising:

[0015] One or more processors;

[0016] The terminal is used to execute any of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, an access network device is provided, comprising:

[0018] One or more processors;

[0019] The access network device is used to perform any of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0020] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising:

[0021] A terminal and an access network device, wherein the terminal is configured to implement the protocol determination method described in the first aspect, and the access network device is configured to implement the protocol determination method described in the first aspect.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and, together with their descriptions, serve to explain the embodiments of this disclosure and do not constitute an improper limitation of the embodiments of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of a control plane protocol according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram of a control plane protocol according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2E is a schematic diagram of a control plane protocol according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2F is an interactive schematic diagram of a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2J is an interactive schematic diagram of a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the protocol determination device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] This disclosure provides a protocol determination method, apparatus, and storage medium.

[0039] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a protocol determination method is provided, the method being performed by a first device; the method includes:

[0040] Establish a channel between the first device and the second device, wherein the first device and the second device are respectively the application communication counterparts of the first service;

[0041] Data transmission and / or signaling transmission of the first service are performed with the second device based on the first protocol;

[0042] Wherein, the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device; or, the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the problem of communication between the terminal and the access network device is solved. In this embodiment of the disclosure, when there is data between the terminal and the access network device that is directly processed by the access network device, it is ensured that the radio bearer included in the channel between the terminal and the access network device has a reliable user plane protocol or control plane protocol, so as to ensure the reliability of communication between the terminal and the access network device.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first protocol includes a user plane protocol for data transmission, the user plane protocol including at least one of the following:

[0045] SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) layer;

[0046] PHY (Physical) layer;

[0047] MAC (Media Access Control) layer;

[0048] RLC (Radio Link Control) layer;

[0049] PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer;

[0050] Application layer.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the types of each layer of the user plane protocol are specified, thereby ensuring the stability of the set user plane protocol and the reliability of communication based on the user plane protocol.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the data of the first service is IP (Internet Protocol) data or non-IP data.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first protocol includes a control plane protocol for signaling transmission, wherein the control signaling of the control plane protocol is transmitted via RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling.

[0054] In the above embodiments, control signaling of the control panel protocol can be transmitted through RRC signaling to ensure the reliability of signaling transmission between the terminal and the access network equipment.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the control signaling of the control plane protocol is transmitted via NAS (Network Attached Storage) signaling included in the RRC signaling.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the NAS signaling is signaling between the terminal and a core network element or core network function.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the core network element or the core network function is AMF (Authentication Management Function).

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the NAS signaling includes QoS (Quality of Service) rules, which are used to map higher-layer data to QoS streams, or to map the higher-layer data to the radio bearer.

[0059] In the above embodiments, control signaling of the control panel protocol can be transmitted through signaling between the terminal and the access network device, ensuring the reliability of signaling transmission between the terminal and the access network device.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal includes at least one of a control layer, a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, or a PHY layer, which is different from the RRC layer, and the control layer is used to control the control plane protocol corresponding to the channel.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the control layer includes a control entity that corresponds to various types of service data included in the channel; or,

[0062] The control layer includes multiple control entities, and each control entity corresponds one-to-one with the type of service data included in the channel.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the control signaling of the control layer is transmitted via RRC signaling; or,

[0064] The control signaling of the control layer is transmitted through the wireless bearer included in the channel.

[0065] In the above embodiments, a new signaling method is extended to realize the transmission of control signaling between the terminal and the access network device, thereby ensuring the reliability of the signaling transmission between the terminal and the access network device.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the type of radio bearer includes a first type and a second type, wherein the first type of radio bearer is used to transmit service data and the second type of radio bearer is used to transmit control signaling.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, establishing a channel between the terminal and the access network device includes:

[0068] Establish a wireless bearer between the terminal and the access network device.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the radio bearer includes at least one of an SRB (signaling radio bearer) or a DRB (data radio bearer).

[0070] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a protocol determination apparatus, which includes at least one of a transceiver module and a processing module; wherein the terminal is used to execute an optional implementation of the first aspect.

[0071] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including:

[0072] One or more processors;

[0073] The terminal is used to execute the method described in any one of the first aspects.

[0074] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing information that, when the information is executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0075] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform any of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0076] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform any of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0077] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform any of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0078] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0079] This disclosure provides a protocol determination method, apparatus, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "protocol determination method" and "protocol determination method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "protocol determination apparatus" and "information protocol determination apparatus," and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0080] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0081] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0082] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0083] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0084] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0085] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0086] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0087] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0088] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0089] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0090] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0091] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0092] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0093] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0094] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0095] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0096] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (terminal)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0097] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0098] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0099] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0100] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the method provided in this embodiment can be applied to a communication system 100, which includes a first device and a second device. In some embodiments, the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device.

[0101] The communication system may include terminal 101 and access network device 102. It should be noted that the communication system 100 may also include other devices, and this disclosure does not limit the devices included in the communication system 100.

[0102] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0103] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0104] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0105] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0106] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0107] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0108] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0109] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other protocol-based methods, and next-generation systems extended from them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0110] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a protocol determination method applied to a first device and a second device. Optionally, the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device, or the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal. The method includes:

[0111] In step S2101, the terminal sends a first request to the access network device based on the first service. The first request is used to request the establishment of a channel between the terminal and the access network device.

[0112] In this embodiment, the terminal learns of a first service and then determines whether to send an establishment request to the access network device based on the first service. In some embodiments, the channel is used for data transmission and / or signaling transmission between the terminal and the access network device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the present disclosure actually involves the terminal deciding, based on a first service, whether to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device or to establish another channel. Other channels include, for example, channels established between the terminal and the core network device via the access network device, or channels established via the access network device, the core network device, and a third-party server, such as a data network (DN) device. Alternatively, the present disclosure can also be understood as the terminal making a decision about the established channel based on the first service, and then requesting the access network device to establish the corresponding channel. Upon receiving the first request, the access network device directly establishes the requested channel without further decision-making by the access network device.

[0114] In some embodiments, the terminal determines whether to request the establishment of a channel between the terminal and the access network device based on the type of the first service, and then determines whether to send a first request. Optionally, if the terminal determines that the type of the first service is a preset type, it sends a first request to request the access network device to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device. In some embodiments, the first request is used to request the establishment of a channel between the terminal and the access network device. The channel between the terminal and the access network device refers to the channel for data transmission between the terminal and the access network device. In some embodiments, the channel can also be understood as data being transmitted only between the terminal and the access network device, without being forwarded to the core network device via the access network device. In some embodiments, the channel can also be understood as data being transmitted only between the terminal and the access network device, without the need to establish a channel between the access network device and the core network device.

[0115] Optionally, if the terminal determines that the type of the first service is not a preset type, then it means that there is no need to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device, and there is no need to send the first request. Alternatively, if it determines that the type of the first service is not a preset type, then another channel between the terminal and the access network device is established. This other channel may be, for example, a channel that the terminal needs to establish with the core network device through the access network device, or a channel that is established with a third-party server, such as a data network (DN) device, through the access network device, the core network device, and the third-party server.

[0116] In some embodiments, the access network device receives a first request sent by the terminal. In some embodiments, the terminal sends the first request. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the first request.

[0117] Optionally, the first request includes a first instruction, which directly instructs the establishment of a channel between the terminal and the access network device. In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal determines the type of channel to be established, and directly informs the access network device through the first request that a channel needs to be established with the terminal.

[0118] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the access network device is directly instructed to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device by carrying a first instruction in the first request, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the channel establishment.

[0119] In some embodiments, the preset type is any of the following:

[0120] (1) AI (Artificial Intelligence) type.

[0121] Optionally, the terminal and access network equipment can use an AI model to compress or decompress data for data transmission. For example, the terminal uses an AI model to compress data, obtains compressed data, and sends the compressed data to the access network equipment. The access network equipment receives the compressed data, decompresses it, and obtains the final data. Alternatively, the access network equipment uses an AI model to compress data, obtains compressed data, sends the compressed data to the terminal, and the terminal receives the compressed data, decompresses it, and obtains the final data. In this case, the AI ​​model is trained by the access network equipment, making the access network equipment the data collector for training the AI ​​model. Alternatively, the access network equipment can train the AI ​​model based on training data. Or, the access network equipment can use the AI ​​model to compress data.

[0122] (2) Perception type.

[0123] Optionally, the access network device supports sensing, and can collect a large amount of sensing data based on wireless sensing capabilities, such as 3D point cloud data, which includes spatial information and velocity information of sensed objects. In this case, the access network device is the source of the sensing data, and if this sensing data is sent to a terminal, then the terminal is the user of the data.

[0124] (3) Service types stored in access network devices.

[0125] Optionally, there may be services deployed on access network equipment. Optionally, these services may include video, etc. Here, the access network equipment can be understood as the source of the data, and the terminal downloading the video is the user of the data. The access network equipment can employ a distributed storage approach to pre-store large amounts of data within the access network equipment.

[0126] (4) Service types that utilize the functions of access network equipment.

[0127] Optionally, some services utilize the storage and computing capabilities of access network devices. For example, services include XR (Extended Reality). A terminal can send data to the access network device for computation and then send it back to the terminal. In this case, the access network device is the source of the data, and the terminal is the user of the data.

[0128] (5) Service types deployed on satellites, and access network equipment deployed on satellites.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first service may be any of the following: voice service, video service, AI training service, XR service, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the scope of the service.

[0130] In some embodiments, the service data of the first service is transmitted and / or processed only between the terminal and the access network device. Optionally, the service data source is located at the terminal, and the destination of the service data is the access network device. Optionally, the service data includes data distributedly stored on the access network device side, or data generated or collected directly on the terminal side. Optionally, the service data source is located at the access network device, and the destination of the service data is the terminal. Optionally, the service data includes data distributedly stored on the access network device side, or data generated or collected directly on the access network device side.

[0131] In some embodiments, the terminal and the access network device are respectively the application communication counterparts of the service data transmitted by the wireless bearer. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal and the access network device are the termination points of the communication of the service data transmitted by the wireless bearer, and the terminal and the access network device will not transmit the service data to other devices.

[0132] In some embodiments, the name of the channel is not limited, and it may be, for example, a data transmission channel, a transmission channel, etc.

[0133] In step S2102, the access network device establishes a channel between the terminal and the access network device based on the first request.

[0134] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after receiving the establishment request, the access network device can execute the process of establishing a channel between the terminal and the access network device.

[0135] In some embodiments, after the access network device establishes a channel between the terminal and the access network device, it sends an indication signaling message to the terminal, which is used to indicate that a channel between the terminal and the access network device has been established.

[0136] In some embodiments, the access network device establishes a channel between the terminal and the access network device based on a received establishment request, including: the access network device establishing a radio bearer between the terminal and the access network device based on the received establishment request.

[0137] In some embodiments, the access network device establishes a radio bearer for a channel with the terminal and sends a bearer indication signaling to the terminal to indicate that a radio bearer has been established between them.

[0138] In some embodiments, the wireless bearer is used for data transmission or signaling transmission between the terminal and the access network device.

[0139] In some embodiments, a wireless bearer refers to a logical channel on a wireless interface used to carry data or control information. Optionally, a wireless bearer includes the configuration of physical channels, transport channels, and logical channels.

[0140] In some embodiments, the radio bearer includes an uplink radio bearer and a downlink radio bearer.

[0141] In some embodiments, the radio bearer type includes a first type and a second type, wherein the first type of radio bearer is used to transmit service data, and the second type of radio bearer is used to transmit control signaling. Optionally, the control signaling includes at least one of RRC or NAS. Alternatively, the control signaling may be signaling different from RRC or NAS, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0142] In some embodiments, the channel between the terminal and the access network equipment includes one or more radio bearers. Optionally, the radio bearer is a novel radio bearer different from an SRB or DRB. Optionally, the terminal can be configured with a DRB, an SRB, and the novel radio bearer simultaneously. Services not limited to those between the terminal and the access network equipment are not allowed to be mapped to the novel radio bearer, and vice versa. Optionally, the radio bearer includes at least one of an SRB or a DRB.

[0143] In some embodiments, there are multiple service data between the terminal and the access network device. These service data may be mapped to the same or partially the same radio bearer, or they may be mapped to one or more different radio bearers.

[0144] In some embodiments, when a channel is established between the terminal and the access network device, the terminal can establish a NAS connection with the core network device.

[0145] In some embodiments, when a channel is established between the terminal and the access network device, the terminal may not need to establish a NAS connection with the core network.

[0146] In step S2103, the terminal and access network equipment transmit signaling based on the control plane protocol.

[0147] In some embodiments, the terminal and the access network device transmit data of the first service with the second device based on a first protocol. Optionally, the first protocol includes a control plane protocol used for signaling transmission.

[0148] In some embodiments, the control plane protocol is used for signaling transmission between the terminal and the access network equipment. Optionally, the control signaling of the control plane protocol is transmitted via RRC signaling. Alternatively, it can be understood that the control signaling related to the channel between the terminal and the access network equipment is transmitted via RRC signaling between the terminal and the access network equipment.

[0149] In some embodiments, if the control signaling of the control plane protocol is transmitted via RRC signaling, then the control plane protocol includes the control layer shown in FIG2C. The control plane protocol includes at least one of RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, or PHY.

[0150] In some embodiments, control signaling of the control plane protocol is transmitted via NAS signaling included in RRC signaling. Optionally, NAS signaling is signaling between the terminal and a core network element or core network function. Optionally, NAS signaling is transmitted via a specific message in RRC signaling. Optionally, NAS signaling includes QoS rules, which are used to map higher-layer data to QoS flows, or to map higher-layer data to radio bearers. Optionally, NAS signaling from the AMF to the UE is transmitted via the RRC message DLInformationTransferc, and NAS signaling from the terminal to the AMF is transmitted via the RRC message ULInformationTransfer. For example, referring to Figure 2D, the different layers included in the control plane protocol between the terminal, access network equipment, and core network equipment are illustrated.

[0151] In some embodiments, control signaling is transmitted via signaling between the terminal and the access network equipment, and via NAS signaling between the terminal and core network elements / core network functions. Optionally, the core network element or core network function is an AMF.

[0152] In some embodiments, the terminal includes at least one of a control layer, a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, or a PHY layer, which is different from the RRC layer. The control layer is used to control the control plane protocol corresponding to the control channel. For example, referring to Figure 2E, different layers included in the control plane protocol between the terminal and the access network device are shown.

[0153] In some embodiments, the control layer is handled by corresponding entities that perform the corresponding control functions.

[0154] Optionally, the control layer includes a control entity, which corresponds to the various types of service data included in the channel. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal includes a control entity to process all service data.

[0155] Optionally, the control layer includes multiple control entities, each corresponding one-to-one with the type of business data included in the channel. For example, the terminal side may have a new control layer entity for AI and a new control layer entity for perception.

[0156] Optionally, control signaling at the control layer is transmitted via RRC signaling. Optionally, existing SRBs (e.g., existing SRB 1, SRB 2) or newly defined SRBs (one or more) can be used. Accordingly, the new control layer signaling between the terminal and the access network equipment is mapped to the logical channel DCCH, transport channels DL-SCH and UL-SCH.

[0157] Optionally, control signaling at the control layer is transmitted via a radio bearer. Optionally, this radio bearer carries both services located solely between the terminal and the access network equipment, and control signaling related to the channel between the terminal and the access network equipment. The distinction between signaling and service data can be made using the radio bearer's identifier (ID).

[0158] Optionally, two new types of radio bearers are defined: one type carries services that reside solely between the terminal and the access network equipment, such as a RO DRB (Radio Only Data Radio Bearer); the other type carries control signaling associated with the channel between the terminal and the access network equipment, such as a RO SRB (Radio Only Signalling Radio Bearer). The new radio bearer used to carry control signaling can be mapped to a logical channel DCCH, or it can be mapped to a new logical channel, such as a ROCCH (Radio Only Control Channel).

[0159] In step S2104, the terminal and the access network device transmit data based on the user plane protocol.

[0160] In some embodiments, the terminal and the access network device transmit data of the first service with the second device based on a first protocol. Optionally, the first protocol includes a user plane protocol used for data transmission between the terminal and the access network device.

[0161] In some embodiments, the user plane protocol includes at least one of the following:

[0162] (1) SDAP layer;

[0163] (2) PHY layer;

[0164] (3) MAC layer;

[0165] (4) RLC layer;

[0166] (5) PDCP layer;

[0167] (6) Application layer.

[0168] For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the user plane protocol includes the protocol layer shown in the figure. The user plane protocol shown in Figure 2B is a DRB or a protocol stack for a new type of radio bearer.

[0169] In some embodiments, the data for the first service is IP data or non-IP data.

[0170] The protocol determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2104. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2101 and S2102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2101 and S2103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2101 and S2104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2102 and S2103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2102 and S2104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S2103 and S2104 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0171] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0172] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0173] In some embodiments, step S2103 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0174] In some embodiments, step S2104 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0175] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2A.

[0176] Figure 2F is an interactive schematic diagram of a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2F, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a protocol determination method applied to a first device and a second device. Optionally, the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device, or the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal. The method includes:

[0177] In step S2201, the terminal sends a second request to the access network device, which requests the access network device to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device for the first service. In one example, the second request includes information about the first service.

[0178] In some embodiments, the access network device receives a second request sent by the terminal. In some embodiments, the terminal sends a second request. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the second request.

[0179] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal ensures that after the access network device receives the second request, it establishes a channel based on the included first service by carrying the first service in the second request.

[0180] In step S2202, the access network device establishes a channel between the terminal and the access network device based on the second request.

[0181] In some embodiments, the access network device establishes a channel between the terminal and the access network device based on the first service included in the second request, including: the access network device determining whether to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device based on the type of the first service included in the second request.

[0182] In some embodiments, after the terminal sends a second request, the access network device decides, based on the first service included in the second request, whether to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device, or to establish another channel. Other channels include, for example, channels established between the terminal and the core network device via the access network device, or channels established via the access network device, the core network device, and a third-party server, such as a data network (DN) device. Alternatively, this embodiment can also be understood as the access network device making decisions about the established channel based on the first service, with the terminal merely requesting the establishment of a channel and not having the ability to decide which channel to establish.

[0183] In some embodiments, the access network device determines whether to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device based on the type of the first service. Optionally, if the access network device determines that the type of the first service is a preset type, then a channel between the terminal and the access network device is established. In some embodiments, the channel between the terminal and the access network device refers to a channel for data transmission between the terminal and the access network device. In some embodiments, this channel can also be understood as data being transmitted only between the terminal and the access network device, without being forwarded to the core network device via the access network device. In some embodiments, this channel can also be understood as data being transmitted only between the terminal and the access network device, without the need to establish a channel between the access network device and the core network device.

[0184] Optionally, if the access network device determines that the type of the first service is not a preset type, then it means that there is no need to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device. Alternatively, if it determines that the type of the first service is not a preset type, then another channel between the terminal and the access network device is established. This other channel may be, for example, a channel that the terminal needs to establish with the core network device through the access network device, or a channel that is established with a third-party server, such as a data network (DN) device, through the access network device, the core network device, and the third-party server.

[0185] In some embodiments, the access network device establishes a channel between the terminal and the access network device based on the first service included in the second request, including: the access network device establishing a radio bearer between the terminal and the access network device based on the first service included in the second request.

[0186] The way in which the access network device determines whether to establish a channel between the terminal and the access network device based on the first service is similar to the way the terminal confirms in step S2101 of the above embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0187] In step S2203, the terminal and access network equipment transmit signaling based on the control plane protocol.

[0188] Step S2203 is similar to step S2103 above, and will not be described again here.

[0189] In step S2204, the terminal and the access network equipment transmit data based on the user plane protocol.

[0190] Step S2204 is similar to step S2104 above, and will not be described again here.

[0191] The protocol determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2204. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2201 and S2202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2201 and S2203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2201 and S2204 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2202 and S2203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S2203 and S2204 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0192] In some embodiments, step S2201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0193] In some embodiments, step S2202 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0194] In some embodiments, step S2203 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0195] In some embodiments, step S2204 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0196] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2F.

[0197] Figure 2J is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2J, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a protocol determination method, which includes:

[0198] Step S2301: By default, the access network device establishes a channel with the terminal.

[0199] In some embodiments, the access network device establishing a channel with the terminal includes: the access network device establishing a radio bearer with the terminal.

[0200] In some embodiments, there are services related to the core network equipment between the access network device and the terminal. When establishing a channel with the core network equipment, the access network device will also establish a channel with the terminal by default.

[0201] In some embodiments, the access network device establishes a channel with the terminal by default, including: the access network device establishes a radio bearer with the terminal by default.

[0202] In some embodiments, step S2301 can also be understood as the access network device establishing a channel with the terminal in advance, so that when there is a service that needs to use the channel for communication, the established channel can be used directly.

[0203] In step S2302, the terminal and access network equipment transmit signaling based on the control plane protocol.

[0204] Step S2302 is similar to step S2103 above, and will not be described again here.

[0205] In step S2303, the terminal and the access network device transmit data based on the user plane protocol.

[0206] Step S2303 is similar to step S2104 above, and will not be described again here.

[0207] The protocol determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2304. For example, step S2301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2303 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2301 and S2302 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2301 and S2303 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2301 and S2304 may be implemented as independent embodiments, steps S2302 and S2303 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S2303 and S2304 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0208] In some embodiments, step S2301 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0209] In some embodiments, step S2302 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0210] In some embodiments, step S2303 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0211] In some embodiments, step S2304 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0212] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2F.

[0213] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0214] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0215] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0216] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0217] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0218] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0219] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to a first device, which is a terminal. As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a protocol determination method, which includes:

[0220] Step S3101: The terminal establishes a channel between itself and the access network device.

[0221] The optional implementations of step S3101 can be found in steps S2101 and S2102 in Figure 2A, steps S2201 and S2202 in Figure 2F, and step S2301 in Figure 2J, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2F, and 2J, which will not be repeated here.

[0222] Step S3102: The terminal transmits data and / or signaling signals to the second device based on the first protocol and the first service.

[0223] The optional implementations of step S3102 can be found in steps S2103 and S2104 in Figure 2A, steps S2203 and S2204 in Figure 2F, and steps S2303 and S2304 in Figure 2J, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2F, and 2J, which will not be repeated here.

[0224] The protocol determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S3102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment.

[0225] [Amended according to Rule 26, 13.05.2024] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of this disclosure, applied to a first device, which is an access network device. As shown in Figure 4, this disclosure relates to a protocol determination method, which includes:

[0226] Step S4101: The access network device establishes a channel between the terminal and the access network device.

[0227] The optional implementations of step S4101 can be found in steps S2101 and S2102 in Figure 2A, steps S2201 and S2202 in Figure 2F, and step S2301 in Figure 2J, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2F, and 2J, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] Step S4102: The access network device transmits data and / or signaling signals to the second device for the first service based on the first protocol.

[0229] The optional implementations of step S4102 can be found in steps S2103 and S2104 in Figure 2A, steps S2203 and S2204 in Figure 2F, and steps S2303 and S2304 in Figure 2J, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2F, and 2J, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] The protocol determination method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S3102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment.

[0231] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a protocol determination method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the present disclosure relates to a protocol determination method, which includes:

[0232] Step S5101: If a service is located only between the UE and the base station, the base station establishes a data transmission channel located only between the UE and the base station for the transmission of this service data.

[0233] Optionally, the data transmission channel is located only between the UE and the base station, meaning that it is not necessary to establish a channel between the base station and the core network.

[0234] Optionally, a service located only between the UE and the base station means that the service data source is located at the UE (including data distributedly stored on the base station side, or data directly generated or collected on the UE side), and the final destination of the service data, i.e., the consumer, is the base station; or the service data source is located at the base station (including data distributedly stored on the base station side, or data directly generated or collected on the base station side), and the final destination of the service data, i.e., the consumer, is the UE.

[0235] Optionally, the service may be, for example, RAN AI model data, training data, sensing result data, data of applications deployed at the edge on the base station side, data that needs to be stored or processed on the base station side, or data deployed on satellites.

[0236] Optionally, the terminal may be a general commercial terminal, an NTN terminal, or a low-cost terminal.

[0237] In some embodiments, the channel includes establishing a radio bearer between one or more UEs and a base station, wherein the radio bearer may be a new type of radio bearer that is different from the data radio bearer and the signalalling radio bearer.

[0238] Optionally, the terminal can be configured with DRB, SRB, and the new radio bearer simultaneously. Services not limited to those between the UE and the base station are not allowed to be mapped to this new radio bearer, and vice versa.

[0239] In some embodiments, the channel includes establishing a radio bearer between one or more UEs and a base station, the radio bearer being an SRB or a DRB.

[0240] In some embodiments, if there are multiple services between the UE and the base station that are only located between the UE and the base station, they can be mapped to one or more radio bearers that are the same or partially the same or different.

[0241] In some embodiments, the user plane protocol stack of the DRB and the novel radio bearer includes a PHY layer, a MAC layer, an RLC layer, a PDCP layer, and an application layer. Optionally, the user plane protocol stack includes an SDAP layer. Optionally, the data carried in the user plane protocol stack can be IP packets or non-IP packets.

[0242] In some embodiments, the relevant control signaling for the channel is transmitted only through RRC signaling between the UE and the base station.

[0243] In some embodiments, the relevant control signaling of the channel is transmitted through signaling between the UE and the base station, and NAS signaling between the UE and core network elements / functions.

[0244] Optionally, the core network element / function is an AMF.

[0245] In some embodiments, the NAS signaling is transmitted via a specific message in the RRC signaling.

[0246] Optionally, the NAS signaling may include rules that map higher-layer data (e.g., IP data) to QoS flows, i.e., QoS rules.

[0247] Optionally, the NAS signaling may include rules for mapping higher-layer data (e.g., IP data) to DRBs or new radio bearers, namely QoS rules.

[0248] Optionally, NAS signaling from AMF to UE is transmitted via RRC message DLInformationTransferc, and NAS signaling from UE to AMF is transmitted via RRC message ULInformationTransfer.

[0249] Optionally, an example of the corresponding control plane protocol stack is shown in Figure 3.

[0250] In some embodiments, a new control layer (different from the RRC layer) is defined on the UE and base station sides to be responsible for the relevant control functions of the channel and the transmission of related signaling.

[0251] Optionally, the new control layer is referred to as the RAN service enabler. An example of the corresponding control plane protocol stack is shown in Figure 4.

[0252] In some embodiments, the new control layer is handled by a corresponding entity that processes the relevant control functions.

[0253] In some embodiments, the UE side has a new control layer entity to handle all related services (such as AI, sensing, etc.). Correspondingly, the base station side has a corresponding control layer entity for each UE.

[0254] In some embodiments, the UE side has multiple new control layer entities to handle related services. Correspondingly, the base station side has multiple corresponding control layer entities for each UE.

[0255] Optionally, the UE side has a new control layer entity for AI and a new control layer entity for sensing.

[0256] In some embodiments, the new control layer signaling between the UE and the base station is transmitted via RRC signaling, which can use existing SRBs (e.g., existing SRB 1, SRB 2) or newly defined SRBs (one or more). Accordingly, the new control layer signaling between the UE and the base station is mapped to the logical channel DCCH, transport channels DL-SCH and UL-SCH.

[0257] In some embodiments, signaling between the new control layer of the UE and the base station is transmitted via the aforementioned novel radio bearer. According to the present invention, the novel radio bearer is used to carry both the services located solely between the UE and the base station, and the related control signaling for the channel between the UE and the base station. The distinction between signaling and service data can be made using the radio bearer's identifier (ID).

[0258] In some embodiments, signaling between the new control layer of the UE and the base station can be transmitted through a newly defined radio bearer. According to the present invention, two novel radio bearers are defined: one novel radio bearer is used to carry the aforementioned services located only between the UE and the base station, for example, it can be called a RO DRB (Radio Only Data Radio Bearer); the other novel radio bearer is used to carry the related control signaling of the channel between the UE and the base station, for example, it can be called a RO SRB (Radio Only Signalling Radio Bearer). The novel radio bearer used to carry control signaling can be mapped to a logical channel DCCH, or it can be mapped to a new logical channel, such as ROCCH (Radio Only Control Channel).

[0259] In some embodiments, when the UE and the base station establish the channel, the UE can establish a NAS connection with the core network.

[0260] In some embodiments, when the UE and the base station establish the channel, the UE may not establish a NAS connection with the core network.

[0261] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0262] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0263] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0264] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0265] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the protocol determination device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the protocol determination device 6100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6101 and a processing module 6102. In some embodiments, the processing module 6102 is used to establish a channel between the first device and the second device, the channel being used for data transmission and / or signaling transmission between the first device and the second device, wherein the first device and the second device are application communication peers of a first service, and data transmission and / or signaling transmission of the first service are performed between the first device and the second device based on a first protocol; wherein the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device; or, the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal. Optionally, the transceiver module 6101 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal or access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 6102 is used to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as processing, performed by the terminal or access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0266] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0267] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0268] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0269] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control protocol determination devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminals, terminal chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 7100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0270] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may also be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0271] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceivers 7103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2104, but not limited thereto).

[0272] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0273] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuit 7104 is connected to the memory 7102, and the interface circuit 7104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7104 can read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0274] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal, smart terminal, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0275] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0276] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201, which are used to perform any of the methods described above. In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, the interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and can be used to receive signals from memory 7203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in memory 7203 and send those instructions to processor 7201.

[0277] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method, and the processor 7201 performs at least one of the other steps. In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside the chip 7200.

[0278] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0279] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0280] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A protocol determination method characterized by, The method is performed by a first device; the method includes: Establish a channel between the first device and the second device, wherein the first device and the second device are respectively the application communication counterparts of the first service; Data transmission and / or signaling transmission of the first service are performed with the second device based on the first protocol; Wherein, the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device; or, the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first protocol includes a user plane protocol for data transmission, and the user plane protocol includes at least one of the following: SDAP layer; PHY layer; MAC layer; RLC layer; PDCP layer; Application layer.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The data for the first service is either IP data or non-IP data.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first protocol includes a control plane protocol, which is used for signaling transmission, and the control signaling of the control plane protocol is transmitted via RRC signaling.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The control signaling of the control plane protocol is transmitted via NAS signaling included in the RRC signaling.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The NAS signaling is the signaling between the terminal and core network elements or core network functions.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The core network element or the core network function is AMF.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The NAS signaling includes QoS rules, which are used to map higher-layer data to QoS streams, or to map the higher-layer data to radio bearers.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The terminal includes at least one of a control layer, a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, or a PHY layer, which is different from the RRC layer. The control layer is used to control the control plane protocol corresponding to the channel.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The control layer includes a control entity, which corresponds to various types of service data included in the channel; or, The control layer includes multiple control entities, and each control entity corresponds one-to-one with the type of service data included in the channel.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, The control signaling of the control layer is transmitted via RRC signaling; or, The control signaling of the control layer is transmitted through the wireless bearer included in the channel.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The types of radio bearers include a first type and a second type. The first type of radio bearer is used to transmit service data, and the second type of radio bearer is used to transmit control signaling.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, Establishing a channel between the first device and the second device includes: Establish a wireless bearer between the first device and the second device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The wireless bearer includes at least one of SRB or DRB.

15. A protocol determining apparatus characterized by comprising: The protocol determination device includes: The processing module is used to establish a channel between the first device and the second device, wherein the first device and the second device are application communication counterparts of the first service; The processing module is also used to perform data transmission and / or signaling transmission of the first service with the second device based on the first protocol; Wherein, the first device is a terminal and the second device is an access network device; or, the first device is an access network device and the second device is a terminal.

16. A terminal, characterized by The terminal includes: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the protocol determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. An access network device, comprising: The access network equipment includes: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the protocol determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the protocol determination method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

19. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer program product is run on a communication device, it causes the communication device to perform the protocol determination method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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