Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application disclose a communication method and an apparatus. The method comprises: an access network device receives N pre-authorized quality of service (QoS) profiles for a first service from a core network device, wherein N is an integer greater than 1; the access network device receives a first request, wherein the first request is used for requesting to use a first QoS profile among the N pre-authorized QoS profiles; and the access network device establishes or activates a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile. By means of the embodiments of the present application, a DRB can be established in a timely manner on the basis of a requirement change condition of a service, without being authorized by the core network device, thereby reducing signaling interaction time, ensuring the QoS of the service, and reducing signaling overhead.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410499037.7, filed on April 19, 2024, with the State Intellectual Property Office of China, and entitled "A communication method and apparatus", the whole content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] A mobile communication system generally includes a radio access network (RAN) and a core network (CN). In the mobile communication system, when a terminal device communicates with an external network, a path called a protocol data unit (PDU) session needs to be established through the mobile communication network. When communication data is transmitted in the session, it needs to be in the form of a quality of service (QoS) flow, so as to realize the control and management of QoS.

[0004] However, the existing adjustment of the QoS profile corresponding to the QoS flow needs to pass through the core network device, that is, the time for signaling transmission between the access network device, the core network device and the terminal device, and thus cannot make timely adjustment according to the demand change of the service, and thus cannot guarantee the QoS of the service. SUMMARY

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus, which can timely establish a DRB according to the demand change of the service, without the authorization of the core network device, reduce the signaling interaction time, guarantee the QoS of the service, and reduce the signaling overhead.

[0006] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a network side, such as an access network device or a communication module in the access network device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication function in the access network device (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or a system in package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), and the method is taken as an example applied to the access network device, and the method includes:

[0007] receive N QoS profiles pre-granted by a core network device for a first service, N being an integer greater than 1; receive a first request for requesting to use a first QoS profile in the N pre-granted QoS profiles; and establish or activate a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0008] The access network device receives the N QoS profiles pre-granted for the first service, and when a terminal device, a server or an AF network element requests to initiate a service or adjust the service, the access network device can quickly establish a DRB corresponding to one or more pre-granted QoS profiles according to a change in a requirement of the first service based on the N pre-granted QoS profiles, without authorization of the core network device, thereby reducing signaling interaction time and guaranteeing QoS of the service. Moreover, service initiation or service adjustment can be completed only through interaction between the terminal device and the access network device, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0009] In a possible design, the first request includes an identifier of the first DRB and / or an identifier of the first QoS profile. Through the identifier of the first DRB and / or the identifier of the first QoS profile, the access network device can select the first QoS profile in the N pre-granted QoS profiles to establish the first DRB.

[0010] In a possible design, the access network device sends, to the terminal device, M DRB configurations corresponding to M DRBs including the first DRB based on the N pre-granted QoS profiles, M being an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. The terminal device and the access network device can pre-establish the M DRBs based on the M DRB configurations. After the M DRBs are pre-established, one or more DRBs in the M DRBs are activated for transmission based on a change in a requirement of the first service. Alternatively, after the access network device sends the M DRB configurations to the UE, one or more DRBs are selected to establish DRBs based on a change in a requirement of the first service.

[0011] In a possible design, the access network device sends, to the terminal device, a correspondence between N QoS profiles and M DRBs, where the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs includes the correspondence between the first QoS profile and the first DRB, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. Through the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs, the terminal device can determine the first QoS profile corresponding to the first DRB, and establish the first DRB according to the first QoS profile.

[0012] In a possible design, the access network device receives the first request from the terminal device. When the terminal device initiates a service or adjusts a service through the first request, the access network device can quickly establish a DRB corresponding to one or more pre-authorized QoS profiles according to a change in a requirement of the first service based on the N pre-authorized QoS profiles, without authorization by the core network device, thereby guaranteeing QoS of the service. Moreover, service initiation or service adjustment can be completed through interaction between the terminal device and the access network device only, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0013] In a possible design, the access network device receives the first request from the user plane network element. When the AF network element or server initiates a service or adjusts a service through the first request, the user plane network element can select one or more QoS profiles from the N pre-authorized QoS profiles, so that the access network device can quickly establish a DRB corresponding to one or more pre-authorized QoS profiles according to a change in a requirement of the first service based on the N pre-authorized QoS profiles, without authorization by the core network device, thereby reducing signaling interaction time and guaranteeing QoS of the service. Moreover, service initiation or service adjustment can be completed through interaction between the terminal device and the access network device only, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0014] In a possible design, the first request is carried in a data stream of the first service.

[0015] In a possible design, the access network device establishes or activates the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile in a case where it is determined that the first QoS profile can be met. This guarantees that the established or activated first DRB can meet a transmission requirement, and in a case where the first QoS profile cannot be met, another QoS profile that can be met is selected to establish or activate a DRB.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a device at a terminal side, such as a terminal device at the terminal side or a component (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the terminal device, and the method comprises:

[0017] sending a first request to an access network device, the first request being used to request to use a first QoS profile in N QoS profiles pre-authorized for a first service, N being an integer greater than 1; and establishing or activating a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0018] When the terminal device initiates a service or adjusts the service, the access network device can quickly establish a DRB corresponding to one or more QoS profiles pre-authorized according to a change in a requirement of the first service based on the N QoS profiles pre-authorized, without authorization of a core network device, thereby reducing signaling interaction time and guaranteeing QoS of the service. Moreover, service initiation or service adjustment can be completed through interaction between the terminal device and the access network device, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0019] In a possible design, the first request comprises an identifier of the first DRB and / or an identifier of the first QoS profile. Through the identifier of the first DRB and / or the identifier of the first QoS profile, the access network device can select the first QoS profile in the N QoS profiles pre-authorized to establish the first DRB.

[0020] In a possible design, the terminal device receives M DRB configurations from the access network device, the M DRB configurations being determined according to the N QoS profiles pre-authorized, the M DRB configurations corresponding to M DRBs, the M DRBs comprising the first DRB, and M being an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. The terminal device and the access network device can pre-establish the M DRBs based on the M DRB configurations. After the M DRBs are pre-established, one or more DRBs in the M DRBs are activated for transmission based on a change in a requirement of the first service subsequently. Alternatively, after the access network device sends the M DRB configurations to the UE, one or more DRBs are selected to establish DRBs based on a change in a requirement of the first service subsequently.

[0021] In one possible design, the terminal device receives, from the access network device, a correspondence between N QoS profiles and M DRBs, where the correspondence includes the correspondence between the first QoS profile and the first DRB, M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. With the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs, the terminal device can determine the first QoS profile corresponding to the first DRB, and establish the first DRB according to the first QoS profile.

[0022] In one possible design, the terminal device sends, to the core network device, a second request for pre-authorization of the N QoS profiles. With the request for pre-authorization of the N QoS profiles, the terminal device can request the core network device to pre-authorize the N QoS profiles, so that the access network device can quickly establish a DRB corresponding to one or more pre-authorized QoS profiles according to a demand change of the first service without authorization from the core network device, which reduces signaling interaction time and guarantees QoS of the service. Moreover, service initiation or service adjustment can be completed through interaction between the terminal device and the access network device only, which reduces signaling overhead.

[0023] In one possible design, the terminal device receives, from the core network device, the pre-authorized N QoS profiles. The terminal device can select a first QoS profile from the N QoS profiles according to a demand change of the first service, and establish or activate a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0024] In one possible design, the terminal device receives, from the core network device, QoS rules determined according to the pre-authorized N QoS profiles. The terminal device can map data packets to a QoS flow for transmission according to the QoS rules.

[0025] In one possible design, the terminal device sends the first request to the access network device according to a demand change of the first service. For example, the terminal device can send the first request to the access network device to use one or more pre-authorized QoS profiles of the N QoS profiles according to the following information of the first service: guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet delay budget (PDB), or packet error rate (PER).

[0026] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a network side, for example, a core network device or a component (for example, a circuit, a chip or a chip system, etc.) in the core network device, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0027] receiving a second request from the terminal device, the second request being used to request N Quality of Service (QoS) profiles for the first service, N being an integer greater than 1; and sending the pre-authorized N QoS profiles to an access network device, the pre-authorized N QoS profiles being used to select Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) for transmission according to a demand change of the first service, the N QoS profiles corresponding to M DRBs, M being an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0028] By pre-authorizing the N QoS profiles for the access network device, the core network device can quickly establish the DRBs corresponding to the pre-authorized one or more QoS profiles according to the demand change of the first service based on the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, without authorization of the core network device, thereby reducing signaling interaction time and guaranteeing QoS of the service. Moreover, service initiation or service adjustment can be completed through interaction between the terminal device and the access network device, thereby reducing signaling overhead.

[0029] In a possible design, the core network device sends Quality of Service (QoS) rules to the terminal device based on the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, so that the terminal device can map data packets on a QoS flow for transmission through the QoS rules.

[0030] In a possible design, the core network device sends the pre-authorized N QoS profiles to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can select a first QoS profile from the N QoS profiles according to the demand change of the first service, and establish or activate a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0031] In a possible design, the core network device determines the pre-authorized N QoS profiles based on service management information of the first service, and the service management information comprises at least one of the following: service subscription information, service priority or service type.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, and the apparatus comprises:

[0033] receive a first request for using a first QoS profile of the pre-authorized N QoS profiles;

[0034] receive a first request for using a first QoS profile of the pre-authorized N QoS profiles;

[0035] establish or activate a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0036] In a possible design, the first request includes an identifier of the first DRB and / or an identifier of the first QoS profile.

[0037] In a possible design, the sending module is configured to send, to the terminal device, M DRB configurations corresponding to M DRBs based on the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, where the M DRBs include the first DRB, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0038] In a possible design, the sending module is configured to send, to the terminal device, a correspondence between N QoS profiles and M DRBs, where the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs includes a correspondence between the first QoS profile and the first DRB, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0039] In a possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive the first request from the terminal device.

[0040] In a possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive the first request from the user plane network element.

[0041] In a possible design, the first request is carried in a data stream of the first service.

[0042] In a possible design, the processing module is further configured to, in a case where it is determined that the first QoS profile can be met, establish or activate the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0043] The operations and beneficial effects of the communication apparatus can refer to the method and beneficial effects of the first aspect, and details are not repeated.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, which comprises:

[0045] The sending module is configured to send a first request to the access network device, where the first request is used to request to use a first QoS profile in N QoS profiles pre-authorized for a first service, N is an integer greater than 1;

[0046] The processing module is configured to establish or activate a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0047] In a possible design, the first request comprises an identifier of the first DRB and / or an identifier of the first QoS profile.

[0048] In a possible design, the receiving module is configured to receive M DRB configurations from the access network device, where the M DRB configurations are determined according to the N QoS profiles pre-authorized, the M DRB configurations correspond to M DRBs, the M DRBs comprise the first DRB, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0049] In a possible design, the receiving module is configured to receive, from the access network device, a correspondence between N QoS profiles and M DRBs, where the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs comprises a correspondence between the first QoS profile and the first DRB, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0050] In a possible design, the sending module is configured to send a second request to a core network device, where the second request is used to request to pre-authorize the N QoS profiles.

[0051] In a possible design, the receiving module is configured to receive, from the core network device, the N QoS profiles pre-authorized.

[0052] In a possible design, the receiving module is configured to receive, from the core network device, QoS rules determined according to the N QoS profiles pre-authorized.

[0053] In a possible design, the sending module is configured to send the first request to the access network device based on a change in a requirement of the first service.

[0054] The communication apparatus performs operations and has beneficial effects as described in the method of the second aspect and the beneficial effects, and details are not described herein again.

[0055] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

[0056] a receiving module configured to receive a second request from a terminal device, the second request being used to request N Quality of Service (QoS) profiles for pre-authorization of a first service, N being an integer greater than 1;

[0057] a sending module configured to send the pre-authorized N QoS profiles to an access network device, the pre-authorized N QoS profiles being used to select Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) for transmission according to a change in demand of the first service, the N QoS profiles corresponding to M DRBs, M being an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0058] In a possible design, the sending module is configured to send, to the terminal device, QoS rules based on the pre-authorized N QoS profiles.

[0059] In a possible design, the sending module is configured to send, to the terminal device, the pre-authorized N QoS profiles.

[0060] In a possible design, the processing module is configured to determine the pre-authorized N QoS profiles based on service management information of the first service, the service management information including at least one of the following: service subscription information, service priority, or service type.

[0061] The operations and beneficial effects of the communication apparatus can be referred to the method and beneficial effects of the third aspect described above, and details are not repeated.

[0062] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, the communication apparatus comprising a memory and one or more processors. The memory is configured to store part or all of necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing functions related to the first aspect described above. The one or more processors are configured to execute the computer programs or instructions, when the computer programs or instructions are executed, to enable the communication apparatus to implement the method in any possible design or implementation manner of the first aspect described above.

[0063] In a possible design, the communication apparatus can further comprise an interface circuit, and the processor is configured to communicate with other apparatuses or components through the interface circuit.

[0064] In a possible design, the communication apparatus can further comprise the memory.

[0065] The communication apparatus can be an access network device, or a communication module in the access network device, or a chip responsible for communication function in the access network device, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0066] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, which comprises a memory and one or more processors. The memory is configured to store part or all of the computer programs or instructions necessary for implementing the functions involved in the second aspect. The one or more processors are configured to execute the computer programs or instructions, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication apparatus to implement the method in any possible design or implementation manner in the second aspect.

[0067] In a possible design, the communication apparatus can further comprise an interface circuit, and the processor is configured to communicate with other apparatuses or components through the interface circuit.

[0068] In a possible design, the communication apparatus can further comprise the memory.

[0069] The communication apparatus can be a terminal device, or a communication module in the terminal device, or a chip responsible for communication function in the terminal device, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0070] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, which comprises a memory and one or more processors. The memory is configured to store part or all of the computer programs or instructions necessary for implementing the functions involved in the third aspect. The one or more processors are configured to execute the computer programs or instructions, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication apparatus to implement the method in any possible design or implementation manner in the third aspect.

[0071] In a possible design, the communication apparatus can further comprise an interface circuit, and the processor is configured to communicate with other apparatuses or components through the interface circuit.

[0072] In a possible design, the communication apparatus can further comprise the memory.

[0073] The communication apparatus can be a core network device, or a communication module in the core network device, or a chip responsible for communication function in the core network device, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip containing a modem module.

[0074] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of the first aspect and the third aspect is implemented.

[0075] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of the first aspect and the third aspect is implemented.

[0076] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes at least one access network device, at least one terminal device or at least one core network device. The access network device is configured to perform the steps of the first aspect. The terminal device is configured to perform the steps of the second aspect. The core network device is configured to perform the steps of the third aspect.

[0077] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to communicate with an external device or an internal device. The processor is configured to implement the method of any one of the aspects.

[0078] In a possible design, the chip can further include a memory. The memory stores a computer program or instructions. The processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, or other programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is configured to implement the method of any one of the aspects.

[0079] In a possible design, the chip can be integrated in a terminal device, an access network device or a core network device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0080] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG. 2 is a comparison diagram of a traditional RAN architecture and an open RAN architecture;

[0082] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a CP-UP separation architecture;

[0083] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a PDU session and a QoS flow;

[0084] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a QoS architecture;

[0085] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a QoS control procedure;

[0086] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of another communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0088] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0089] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of another communication method according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0090] FIG. 10 is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0091] FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of another communication apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0092] FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of an access network device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0093] FIG. 13 is a structural diagram of a terminal device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication system can include one or more access network devices and one or more terminal devices. The terminal device is located in the coverage of one or more cells (carriers) provided by the access network device. The cell serving the terminal device can be one or more, and at least one cell provides wireless resources for the terminal device.

[0095] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system (such as long term evolution (LTE) system), 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system (such as new radio (NR) system), and future evolved communication system (such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system).

[0096] The access network device can be a device or module with corresponding communication functions located at the network side of the above communication system. The access network device usually has a communication module, circuit or chip for performing corresponding communication functions. The access network device also has program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The access network device refers to the RAN node (or device) that accesses the terminal device to the wireless network, which can also be called a base station. At present, some examples of RAN nodes are: continued evolution of Node B (gNB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., Home eNodeB, or Home NodeB, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP) and the like.

[0097] The terminal device can be a device or module with corresponding communication functions accessing the above communication system. The terminal device usually has a communication module, circuit or chip for performing corresponding communication functions. The terminal device also has program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions. The terminal, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT) and the like, refers to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity for users. For example, handheld devices with wireless connection functions, vehicle-mounted devices and the like. At present, some examples of terminals are: mobile phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, palm computers, mobile Internet devices, wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, and wireless terminals in industrial control, unmanned driving, remote surgery, smart power grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes and the like.

[0098] In the following, the access network device is RAN and the terminal device is UE.

[0099] Figure 2 compares traditional RAN architecture and open RAN architecture. In traditional RAN architecture, the RAN is divided into baseband units (BBUs) and radio units (RUs). In open RAN architecture, the RAN is divided into distributed units (DUs), centralized units (CUs), and RUs.

[0100] Among them, RU is a module that transmits, receives, amplifies and digitizes radio frequency signals. RU is located near the antenna or integrated into the antenna; DU and CU are the computing modules of the base station, which send digitized radio signals to the network. DU is physically located at or near the RU, while CU can be located closer to the core.

[0101] As shown in Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of a CP-UP separation architecture, the RAN can be divided into logical entities such as CU and DU, and data is transmitted between the logical entities through interfaces.

[0102] In some examples, the CU is a logical node that carries the radio resource control (RRC) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of access network equipment. The CU is connected to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, such as the E2 interface. Optionally, the CU may have some of the core network's functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and higher layers) is connected to the DU (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer and lower layers) through interfaces, such as the F1 interface. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the F1 interface) may provide control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, which, in some examples, defines the F1 signaling process. The F1 interface supports the control plane F1-C and the user plane F1-U.

[0103] In some examples, the CU can be split into a control unit-control plane (CU-CP) and a control unit-user plane (CU-UP), where the CU-CP is a logical node carrying an RRC layer and a control plane part of PDCP (PDCP-C) layer, used to implement the control plane function of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with a network element in the core network for implementing the control plane function. The network element in the core network for implementing the control plane function can be an access and mobility function network element, such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) in a 5G system. The AMF network element is used to be responsible for mobility management in a mobile network, such as location updating of a terminal device, registration network of the terminal device, handover of the terminal device, etc. The CU-UP is a logical node carrying an SDAP layer and a user plane part of PDCP (PDCP-U) layer, used to implement the user plane function of the CU. The CU-UP can interact with a network element in the core network for implementing the user plane function. The network element in the core network for implementing the user plane function, for example, a user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, is used to be responsible for forwarding and receiving data in a terminal device. The above configuration of the CU and the DU is only an example, and the CU and the DU can be configured to have functions as needed. For example, the CU or the DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or the CU or the DU can be configured to have partial processing functions of the protocol layers. For example, partial functions of an RLC layer and functions of protocol layers above the RLC layer are arranged in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and functions of protocol layers below the RLC layer are arranged in the DU. For another example, the functions of the CU or the DU can be divided according to a service type or other system requirements, for example, according to a delay requirement. Functions that need to meet a relatively short delay requirement in processing time are arranged in the DU, and functions that do not need to meet the delay requirement are arranged in the CU.

[0104] In some examples, a DU is a logical node that hosts radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, a DU can control at least one RU. The DU is connected to the RU through some interfaces, which can be a fronthaul interface. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the part of PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.

[0105] In some examples, an RU is a logical node that hosts lower physical layer (Lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, an RU can be a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) transmission reception point (TRP) or a remote radio head (RRH) or other similar functional entity. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes the part of PHY processing, such as fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transformation (IFFT), digital beamforming and filtering, etc. The RU communicates with one or more UEs through a wireless link.

[0106] A DU and an RU can cooperate to jointly implement the functionalities of the PHY layer. One DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functionalities that a DU and an RU have can be configured in multiple ways according to the design. For example, a DU is configured to implement baseband functionalities, and an RU is configured to implement mid- RF functionalities. For another example, a DU is configured to implement high-layer functionalities in the PHY layer, and an RU is configured to implement low-layer functionalities in the PHY layer or to implement the low-layer functionalities and RF functionalities. The high-layer functionalities in the PHY layer can include the part of the functionalities of the PHY layer that is closer to the MAC layer, and the low-layer functionalities in the PHY layer can include the other part of the functionalities of the PHY layer that is closer to the mid-RF side.

[0107] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as O-DU (open DU), the CU-CP can also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as O-RU (open RU).

[0108] As shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a PDU session and a QoS flow. The NB (Node B) can include a base station node such as an evolved node B (eNB), a next generation node B (gNB), etc. The user plane function (UPF) refers to a function in the 5G core network (5GC) mainly used for processing user data plane data; the radio bearer refers to a data link established between the NB and the UE. The next generation user plane (NG-U) tunnel refers to a user plane data tunnel established between the 5GC and the NG-RAN.

[0109] The QoS flow is the finest granularity of QoS differentiated services in the PDU session, and the user traffic in the same QoS flow in a PDU session has the same QoS service level, such as scheduling, admission control, etc. A QoS flow has a corresponding QoS profile, and the QoS profile includes the parameter information of the QoS flow. Multiple QoS flows share the same PDU session, and the QoS flow and the radio bearer can not be in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 4B, FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a QoS architecture. In the data downlink scenario, when the application layer data packet arrives at the UPF network element, the UPF network element identifies the data packet corresponding to which QoS flow according to the packet detection rule (PDR), and marks the QoS flow identifier (QFI), and arrives at the RAN through the PDU session. The RAN transmits the data packet to the UE through the corresponding access network (AN) resource according to the mapping relationship between the QoS flow and the radio bearer.

[0111] On the contrary, in the data uplink scenario, when the application layer packet of the UE is generated, the UE identifies the corresponding QoS flow of the packet according to the QoS rules, and marks the QoS flow identifier (QFI), and sends the packet to the RAN through the corresponding AN resource according to the mapping relationship between the QoS flow and the radio bearer. The RAN sends the packet to the UPF network element, and then forwards it to the application server.

[0112] The following introduces several QoS mechanisms:

[0113] Scheme one, as shown in FIG. 5, which is a flowchart of a QoS control. When the UE initiates a service, it needs to send a PDU session establishment request to the session management function (SMF) network element. After the SMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request, it notifies the RAN to establish the PDU session and the QoS flow contained in the PDU session. Among them, the QoS profile corresponding to the QoS flow and the traffic pattern related to the service are carried. In addition, the SMF network element also configures the packet detection rule (PDR) to the UPF network element, and the SMF network element indicates the QoS rules to the UE. The RAN establishes a data radio bearer (DRB) with the UE according to the QoS profile and the traffic pattern information related to the service, and configures the mapping rule of the QoS flow to the DRB.

[0114] Similarly, when a new service flow belonging to the same PDU session is initiated, the UE, application function (AF) network element or server initiates a PDU session modification request or QoS request to the SMF network element, and then the SMF network element configures the corresponding QoS to the UPF, RAN and UE based on the PDU session modification request or QoS request.

[0115] Similarly, when a service flow in a PDU session is terminated, the UE / AF / Server sends a PDU session modification request or indicates to release a QoS flow to the SMF network element, and then the SMF network element sends corresponding QoS configurations to the UPF, RAN and UE based on the PDU session modification request or indication to release the QoS flow.

[0116] It should be noted that the control plane communication between the UE and the SMF network element needs to pass through the forwarding of the access and mobility management function (AMF), and the above processes all omit the forwarding process related to the AMF network element.

[0117] Solution two, reflective QoS. Unlike solution one, when the reflective QoS mechanism is used, the SMF network element can not need to send a QoS rule to the UE, and the UE derives the QoS rule of the uplink service by itself.

[0118] Solution three, alternative QoS. Unlike solution one, when the SMF network element indicates a QoS profile to the RAN, an alternative QoS profile list including multiple alternative QoS profiles with priority information is indicated. When the RAN initially establishes a QoS flow or cannot meet the parameter requirements of the current QoS profile, the QoS profiles in the alternative QoS profile list are checked in order of priority, and if a match is found, the establishment or modification of the QoS flow is accepted, and the index of the QoS profile in the alternative QoS profile is sent to the SMF network element. Then, the SMF network element notifies the UE of the specific parameter information of the QoS flow.

[0119] As can be seen, adjusting the quality of service configuration (QoS profile) corresponding to the QoS flow needs to pass through the core network device, that is, the time for signaling transmission between the access network device, the core network device and the terminal device, so that the adjustment cannot be made in time according to the demand change of the service, resulting in the inability to guarantee the QoS of the service. In addition, frequent signaling interaction between the access network device, the core network device and the terminal device also increases the signaling overhead.

[0120] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide the following solutions.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method mainly includes the following steps:

[0122] S601, the operating system (OS) of the UE sends a third request to the modem of the UE, the third request being used to indicate that N QoS profiles are requested for pre-authorization of the first service, N being an integer greater than 1.

[0123] Pre-authorization can be understood as pre-configuration or pre-indication.

[0124] Specifically, the OS can manage and monitor the application (APP), and obtain the demand change of the first service. For example, the third request can be sent to the modem according to the following information of the first service: guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet delay budget (PDB) or packet error rate (PER).

[0125] The first service can be transmitted by establishing a PDU session, and one PDU session can include one or more QoS flows.

[0126] S602, the modem sends a second request to the SMF network element, the second request being used to indicate that N QoS profiles are requested for pre-authorization of the first service.

[0127] The second request can be a pre-authorization request, which is used to indicate that N QoS profiles are requested for pre-authorization of the first service. The second request can be carried in a PDU session establishment request, which can be used to request the establishment of a PDU session.

[0128] S603, the SMF network element sends the pre-authorized N QoS profiles to the RAN.

[0129] The pre-authorized N QoS profiles can represent N QoS profiles configured for the first service.

[0130] Specifically, the SMF network element determines N QoS profiles based on service management information of the first service, pre-authorizes the N QoS profiles, and finally sends the pre-authorized N QoS profiles to the RAN. The service management information includes at least one of the following: service subscription information, service priority, or service type.

[0131] Optionally, the SMF network element can send a notification message to the RAN based on the PDU session establishment request, the notification message being used to instruct the RAN to establish the PDU session and the QoS flow contained in the PDU session. The notification message carries the QoS profile corresponding to each QoS flow and the first service related traffic pattern. One QoS flow can correspond to one or more QoS profiles, and one QoS flow corresponds to one traffic pattern.

[0132] Optionally, the RAN can send M DRB configurations to the UE based on the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, the M DRB configurations including the identities of M DRBs, and one DRB configuration corresponding to the identity of one DRB. That is, the SMF network element can instruct the RAN to establish the PDU session, trigger the RAN to send the M DRB configurations to the UE, and pre-establish the M DRBs based on the M DRB configurations. After the M DRBs are pre-established, one or more DRBs in the M DRBs are activated for transmission based on the change of the demand of the first service. Alternatively, after the RAN sends the M DRB configurations to the UE, one or more DRBs are selected to establish DRBs based on the change of the demand of the first service.

[0133] Optionally, the RAN can send the UE the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs, the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs including the correspondence between the first QoS profile and the first DRB, and M being an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. Through the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs, the UE can determine the first QoS profile corresponding to the first DRB, and establish the first DRB according to the first QoS profile.

[0134] S604, the SMF network element configures a packet detection rule (PDR) to the UPF network element.

[0135] In data downlink transmission, when the application layer data packet arrives at the UPF network element, the UPF network element can identify the data packet corresponding to which QoS flow according to the PDR, and mark the QFI, and arrive at the RAN through the PDU session. Finally, the RAN sends the data packet to the UE.

[0136] S605, the SMF network element sends the QoS rule to the modem.

[0137] In data uplink transmission, when the UE application layer data packet is generated, the UE identifies the data packet corresponding to which QoS flow according to the QoS rules, and marks the QFI. Through the mapping relationship between the QoS flow and the radio bearer, the UE maps the data packet to the AN resource and sends it to the RAN. Then the RAN sends the data packet to the UPF network element, and then forwards it to the application server.

[0138] Optionally, the SMF network element can also send multiple QoS rules to the UE according to different dimensions of the QoS profile for a traffic flow of the first service. When adjusting the QoS profile corresponding to the uplink traffic flow, different QoS profiles are entered based on different QoS profiles.

[0139] Optionally, the SMF network element can also send N pre-authorized QoS profiles to the UE. The UE can select a first QoS profile from the N QoS profiles based on the demand change of the first service, and establish or activate a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile. In the reflective QoS mechanism, the SMF network element does not need to send the pre-authorized N QoS profiles to the UE.

[0140] S606, the modem sends a response message to the OS, the response message being used to indicate that the pre-authorization is successful.

[0141] After the above-mentioned SMF network element pre-authorizes N QoS profiles to the RAN, when the UE initiates a service or adjusts a service, the RAN can select one or more pre-authorized QoS profiles to establish a DRB based on the request of the UE and the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, without going through the core network device (for example, the SMF network element or the AMF network element). The specific process is introduced as follows:

[0142] S607, when the service is initiated, the OS sends first indication information to the modem, the first indication information being used to indicate that the APP starts to open the QoS flow.

[0143] S608, the modem sends a first request to the RAN, the first request being for using a first QoS profile of the pre-authorized N QoS profiles.

[0144] The first request can be a QoS flow activation request. The first request can include an identity of the first DRB and / or an identity of the first QoS profile. The identity of the first DRB can be an index of the first DRB, and the identity of the first QoS profile can be an index of the first QoS profile.

[0145] In an implementation, the UE can select the first QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, determine a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile based on the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs, and then send the first request to the RAN, the first request including an identity of the first DRB.

[0146] In another implementation, the UE can select the first QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, and then send the first request to the RAN, the first request including an identity of the first QoS profile.

[0147] Optionally, the UE triggers the RAN to send M DRB configurations to the UE by sending the first request to the RAN, the M DRB configurations including identities of the M DRBs, one DRB configuration corresponding to one identity of the DRB. In this way, the UE and the RAN can establish the M DRBs based on the M DRB configurations, and one or more DRBs can be selected for transmission subsequently.

[0148] S609, the RAN establishes or activates a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0149] Specifically, the RAN establishes or activates the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile in a case where it is determined that the parameters of the first QoS profile can be met. In a case where it is determined that the parameters of the first QoS profile cannot be met, another QoS profile can be selected, and another DRB can be established based on the other QoS profile. For example, the pre-authorized N QoS profiles can be matched in a descending order of QoS requirements, and another QoS profile that can be met is determined from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, and another DRB can be established or activated based on the other QoS profile.

[0150] Further, the RAN can establish the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile based on the identification of the first QoS profile and / or the identification of the first DRB, without pre-establishing the M DRBs. In a case that the M DRBs are pre-established, the RAN can activate the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0151] Optionally, the RAN can configure the UE with a QoS flow to DRB mapping rule. In this way, the UE can map the QoS flow to the first DRB for transmission based on the QoS flow to DRB mapping rule.

[0152] S610, the UE transmits data to the RAN through the first DRB.

[0153] S611, when the service is adjusted, the OS sends second indication information to the modem, the second indication information being used to indicate that the APP adjusts the QoS requirement.

[0154] For example, when the OS monitors that the requirement of the guaranteed bit rate, the packet delay budget or the packet error rate of the first service changes, the OS can indicate to the modem to adjust the QoS requirement.

[0155] S612, the modem sends a fourth request to the RAN, the fourth request being used to use a second QoS profile in the pre-authorized N QoS profiles.

[0156] The fourth request can be a QoS flow modification request. The fourth request can include the identification of the second DRB and / or the identification of the second QoS profile. The identification of the second DRB can be an index of the second DRB, and the identification of the second QoS profile can be an index of the second QoS profile.

[0157] In an implementation manner, the UE can select the second QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, determine the second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile based on the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs, and then send the fourth request including the identification of the second DRB to the RAN. So that the RAN can establish or activate the second DRB according to the identification of the second DRB.

[0158] In another implementation, the UE can select a second QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, and send a fourth request to the RAN, the fourth request including an identification of the second QoS profile. The RAN can establish or activate a second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile according to the identification of the second QoS profile.

[0159] Optionally, the UE can also trigger the RAN to send M DRB configurations to the UE by sending the fourth request to the RAN, the M DRB configurations including identifications of M DRBs, one DRB configuration corresponding to one identification of DRB, and the UE and the RAN establishing the M DRBs based on the M DRB configurations.

[0160] S613, the RAN establishes or activates a second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile.

[0161] Specifically, the RAN establishes or activates the second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile in a case that the RAN determines that the parameters of the second QoS profile can be met, and establishes or activates other DRBs in a case that the RAN determines that the parameters of the second QoS profile cannot be met.

[0162] Further, the RAN establishes or activates the second DRB by detecting that the identification of the second QoS profile is different from the identification of the first QoS profile, or the identification of the second DRB is different from the identification of the first DRB, and determines that the QoS flow needs to be modified. The RAN can establish the second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile based on the identification of the second QoS profile and / or the identification of the second DRB in a case that the M DRBs are not established in advance. The RAN can activate the second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile in a case that the M DRBs are established in advance.

[0163] Optionally, the RAN can reconfigure the QoS flow and DRB mapping rule to the UE. The UE can map the QoS flow to the second DRB for transmission based on the reconfigured QoS flow and DRB mapping rule.

[0164] S614, the UE and the RAN perform transmission through the second DRB.

[0165] The above UE and RAN interaction can be through a radio resource control (RRC) message, a media access control protocol (MAC) control element (CE), or the like.

[0166] It should be noted that there is no sequence between the above steps, and each step can be split or combined.

[0167] In the embodiment of the application, the SMF sends N QoS profiles pre-authorized for the first service to the RAN, and when the UE requests to initiate or adjust the service, the RAN can quickly establish a DRB corresponding to one or more QoS profiles pre-authorized according to the demand change of the first service based on the N QoS profiles pre-authorized, without authorization of the core network device, reducing the signaling interaction time and guaranteeing the QoS of the service. Moreover, the service initiation or service adjustment can be completed only through the interaction between the UE and the RAN, reducing the signaling overhead.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiment of the application. The method mainly includes the following steps:

[0169] S701, the OS of the UE sends a third request to the modem of the UE, and the third request is used to indicate that N QoS profiles pre-authorized for the first service are requested, and N is an integer greater than 1.

[0170] S702, the modem sends a second request to the SMF network element, and the second request is used to indicate that N QoS profiles pre-authorized for the first service are requested.

[0171] S703, the SMF network element sends N QoS profiles pre-authorized to the RAN.

[0172] S704, the SMF network element configures a packet detection rule (PDR) to the UPF network element.

[0173] S705, the SMF network element sends a QoS rule to the UE.

[0174] S706, the modem sends a response message to the OS, and the response message is used to indicate that the pre-authorization is successful.

[0175] The implementation process of S701-S706 is the same as that of S601-S606. For specific implementation of S701-S706, refer to the specific implementation of S601-S606, which will not be repeated here.

[0176] After the SMF network element pre-authorizes N QoS profiles for the RAN, when the AF network element or server initiates a service or adjusts the service, the user plane network element (for example, the UPF network element) can select one or more QoS profiles from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, so that the RAN establishes a DRB based on the request of the UPF network element and the pre-authorized one or more QoS profiles, without going through the core network device (for example, the SMF network element or the AMF network element). The specific process is as follows:

[0177] S707, when the service is initiated, the AF network element or server sends first service data to the UPF network element.

[0178] S708, the UPF network element sends a first request to the RAN.

[0179] The first request is carried in the first data stream of the first service. The UPF network element can map the first data stream to a QoS flow based on the pre-configured PDR and transmit it to the RAN.

[0180] The first request can be a QoS flow opening request, and the first request can include an identifier of the first DRB and / or an identifier of the first QoS profile. The identifier of the first DRB can be an index of the first DRB, and the identifier of the first QoS profile can be an index of the first QoS profile.

[0181] In an implementation mode, the UPF network element can select the first QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles according to the data characteristics of the first service data, determine the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile based on the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs, and then send a first request to the RAN, the first request including an identifier of the first DRB. So that the RAN can establish or activate the first DRB according to the identifier of the first DRB.

[0182] In another implementation, the UPF network element can select the first QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles according to the data characteristics of the first service data, and then send a first request to the RAN, the first request including an identification of the first QoS profile. So that the RAN can establish or activate the first DRB according to the identification of the first QoS profile.

[0183] Optionally, the UPF network element triggers the RAN to send M DRB configurations to the UE by sending the first request to the RAN, the M DRB configurations corresponding to the M DRBs, and the M DRBs are established between the UE and the RAN based on the M DRB configurations. Subsequently, one or more DRBs can be selected for transmission.

[0184] S709, the RAN establishes or activates the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0185] Specifically, the RAN establishes or activates the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile in a case where it is determined that the parameters of the first QoS profile can be met. In a case where it is determined that the parameters of the first QoS profile cannot be met, other DRBs can be established or activated.

[0186] Further, the RAN can establish the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile based on the identification of the first QoS profile and / or the identification of the first DRB in a case where the M DRBs are not established in advance. In a case where the M DRBs are established in advance, the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile is activated.

[0187] Optionally, the RAN can configure the UE with QoS flow and DRB mapping rules. The UE can map the QoS flow to the first DRB for transmission based on the QoS flow and DRB mapping rules.

[0188] S710, the UE and the RAN perform transmission through the first DRB.

[0189] S711, when the service is adjusted, the AF network element or server sends second service data to the UPF network element.

[0190] For example, when the requirements of the guaranteed bit rate, packet delay budget or packet error rate of the first service change, the AF network element or server sends the second service data to the UPF network element.

[0191] S712, the UPF network element sends a fourth request to the RAN.

[0192] The fourth request is carried in a second data stream of the first service. The UPF network element can map the second data stream to a QoS flow based on a preconfigured PDR and transmit to the RAN.

[0193] The fourth request can be a QoS flow modification request, and the fourth request can include an identifier of the second DRB and / or an identifier of the second QoS profile.

[0194] In an implementation, the UPF network element can select the second QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles according to data characteristics of the second service data, determine a second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile based on a correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs, and send a fourth request including an identifier of the second DRB to the RAN.

[0195] In another implementation, the UPF network element can select the second QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles according to data characteristics of the second service data, and send a fourth request including an identifier of the second QoS profile to the RAN.

[0196] S713, the RAN establishes or activates a second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile.

[0197] Specifically, the RAN establishes or activates the second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile in a case where it is determined that the parameters of the second QoS profile can be met, and establishes or activates another DRB in a case where it is determined that the parameters of the second QoS profile cannot be met.

[0198] Further, the RAN determines that the QoS flow needs to be modified and establishes or activates the second DRB by detecting that the identifier of the second QoS profile is different from the identifier of the first QoS profile, or the identifier of the second DRB is different from the identifier of the first DRB. The RAN can establish the second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile based on the identifier of the second QoS profile and / or the identifier of the second DRB in a case where the M DRBs are not established in advance. In a case where the M DRBs are established in advance, the RAN activates the second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile.

[0199] Optionally, the RAN can reconfigure the QoS flow and DRB mapping rule for the UE. The UE can map the QoS flow to the second DRB for transmission based on the reconfigured QoS flow and DRB mapping rule.

[0200] S714, the UE transmits with the RAN through the second DRB.

[0201] The above interaction between the UE and the RAN can be through a radio resource control (RRC) message, a media access control protocol (MAC) control element (CE), or the like.

[0202] It should be noted that there is no sequence between the above steps, and each step can be split or combined.

[0203] In the embodiments of the present application, the SMF sends N QoS profiles pre-authorized for the first service to the RAN, and when the AF network element or server requests to initiate or adjust the service, the RAN can quickly establish the DRB corresponding to one or more QoS profiles pre-authorized according to the demand change of the first service based on the N QoS profiles pre-authorized, without the authorization of the core network device, reducing the signaling interaction time and guaranteeing the QoS of the service. Moreover, the service initiation or service adjustment can be completed only through the interaction between the UE and the RAN, reducing the signaling overhead.

[0204] As shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a communication method in an open RAN architecture according to an embodiment of the present application. The method mainly includes the following steps:

[0205] S801, the UE sends a second request to the SMF network element, the second request being used to indicate that N QoS profiles are requested to be pre-authorized for the first service.

[0206] S801 and S602 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 have the same implementation manner, and the specific implementation process of S801 can refer to S601 and S602, which will not be described here.

[0207] S802, the SMF network element sends the N QoS profiles pre-authorized to the CP.

[0208] S803, the CP sends M DRB configurations to the UP, the M DRB configurations including the identities of the M DRBs, and one DRB configuration corresponding to the identity of one DRB.

[0209] S804, the CP sends the M DRB configurations to the DU, the M DRB configurations including the identities of the M DRBs, and one DRB configuration corresponding to the identity of one DRB.

[0210] S805, the CP sends M DRB configurations to the UE, the M DRB configurations comprising the identities of the M DRBs, one DRB configuration corresponding to the identity of one DRB.

[0211] S802-S805 are an interaction process of pre-sending M DRB configurations under the open RAN architecture, the CP sending the M DRB configurations to the UP, the DU and the UE respectively. S802-S805 correspond to S603 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and the implementation manners of S603 are similar, and the specific implementation process of S802-S805 can be referred to S603, which will not be described here in detail.

[0212] S806, the CP establishes or activates a first DRB with the UP.

[0213] S807, the CP establishes or activates the first DRB with the DU.

[0214] S808, the CP establishes or activates the first DRB with the UE.

[0215] S806-S808 are an interaction process of establishing or activating a first DRB under the open RAN architecture, the CP establishing or activating the first DRB with the UP, the DU and the UE respectively, and the CP configuring QoS flow and DRB mapping rules to the UP, the DU and the UE respectively. S806-S808 correspond to S609 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and S709 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and the implementation manners of S609 and S709 are similar, and the specific implementation process of S806-S808 can be referred to S609 and S709, which will not be described here in detail.

[0216] S809, the CP establishes or activates a second DRB with the UP.

[0217] S810, the CP establishes or activates the second DRB with the DU.

[0218] S811, the CP establishes or activates the second DRB with the UE.

[0219] S809-S811 are an interaction process of establishing or activating a second DRB under the open RAN architecture, the CP establishing or activating the second DRB with the UP, the DU and the UE respectively, and the CP reconfiguring QoS flow and DRB mapping rules to the UP, the DU and the UE respectively. S809-S811 correspond to S613 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and S713 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and the implementation manners of S613 and S713 are similar, and the specific implementation process of S806-S808 can be referred to S613 and S713, which will not be described here in detail.

[0220] It should be noted that FIG. 8 only shows some steps, and does not show all steps. Other steps can refer to the steps shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, which will not be described here.

[0221] As shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. The method mainly includes the following steps:

[0222] S901, the UE sends a second request to the core network device, and the second request is used to indicate that N QoS profiles are requested for pre-authorization for the first service.

[0223] S902, the core network device sends the pre-authorized N QoS profiles to the RAN.

[0224] The implementation process of S901-S902 is the same as that of S601-S606, and the specific implementation manner of S901-S902 can refer to that of S601-S606, which will not be described here.

[0225] S903, the RAN receives a first request from the UE or the user plane network element, and the first request is used to request to use a first QoS profile in the pre-authorized N QoS profiles.

[0226] Specifically, when the UE initiates a service or adjusts a service, the UE can select a first QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, and then send a first request to the RAN, the first request including the identification of the first DRB and / or the identification of the first QoS profile. Alternatively, when the AF network element or the server initiates a service or adjusts a service, the user plane network element can send service data to the user plane network element according to the characteristics of the service data, and then select a first QoS profile from the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, and then send a first request to the RAN, the first request including the identification of the first DRB and / or the identification of the first QoS profile.

[0227] Optionally, if the RAN rejects the first request of the UE or the user plane network element, the RAN can select a second QoS profile and establish a second DRB corresponding to the second QoS profile.

[0228] S904, the RAN establishes a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0229] Specifically, the RAN establishes or activates a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile in a case that parameters capable of satisfying the first QoS profile are determined. In a case that parameters incapable of satisfying the first QoS profile are determined, a second DRB can be established or activated.

[0230] Further, the RAN can establish the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile based on the identification of the first QoS profile and / or the identification of the first DRB in a case that the M DRBs are not established in advance. In a case that the M DRBs are established in advance, the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile is activated. The transmission between the UE and the RAN is realized through the first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile which is established or activated.

[0231] The implementation process of S903-S904 is the same as that of S607-S614 and S707-S714, and the specific implementation of S903-S904 can refer to that of S607-S614 and S707-S714, which will not be described here.

[0232] It can be understood that the methods and operations realized by the terminal device in each of the above method embodiments can also be realized by a component (for example, a chip or a circuit) that can be used for the terminal device, and the methods and operations realized by the access network device can also be realized by a component (for example, a chip or a circuit) that can be used for the access network device.

[0233] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional modules of the terminal device or the access network device according to the above method examples, for example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. The above integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that the division of the modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical functional division. When actually implemented, another division mode can be used. The following will be described taking the case of dividing each functional module corresponding to each function as an example.

[0234] The above, in combination with FIG. 6-FIG. 9, details the method provided by the embodiments of the present application. In the following, the communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application is described in detail in combination with FIG. 10-FIG. 11. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments and the description of the method embodiments correspond to each other, therefore, the contents not described in detail can be referred to the above method embodiments, and for brevity, will not be described here.

[0235] Please refer to FIG. 10, which is a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus can implement the steps performed by the access network device in the method embodiments above or the procedures. In a possible design, the communication apparatus can include a receiving module 1001, a processing module 1002 and a sending module 1003. Optionally, the communication apparatus can further include a storage module for storing device program codes and / or data.

[0236] The communication apparatus can be the network side apparatus in the embodiments above, for example, the access network device or the communication module in the access network device, or the circuit or chip responsible for the communication function in the network.

[0237] The receiving module 1001 is configured to receive N QoS profiles of a pre-grant for a first service from a core network device, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0238] The receiving module 1001 is further configured to receive a first request for requesting to use a first QoS profile of the N QoS profiles of the pre-grant.

[0239] The processing module 1002 is configured to establish or activate a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0240] Optionally, the first request includes an identifier of the first DRB and / or an identifier of the first QoS profile.

[0241] Optionally, the sending module 1003 is configured to send M DRB configurations to the access network device based on the N QoS profiles of the pre-grant, where the M DRB configurations correspond to M DRBs, the M DRBs include the first DRB, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0242] Optionally, the sending module 1003 is configured to send a correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs to the access network device, where the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs includes a correspondence between the first QoS profile and the first DRB, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0243] Optionally, the receiving module 1001 is further configured to receive the first request from the access network device.

[0244] Optionally, the receiving module 1001 is further configured to receive the first request from a user plane network element.

[0245] Optionally, the first request is carried in a data stream of the first service.

[0246] Optionally, the processing module 1002 is further configured to, in a case where it is determined that the parameters of the first QoS profile can be met, establish or activate a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0247] In a possible design, when the communication apparatus is an access network device or a communication module in an access network device, the functions of the receiving module 1001 and the sending module 1003 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit. The communication apparatus further includes a processing module 1002, and the functions of the processing module 1002 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor can include a modem chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip including a modem core.

[0248] In a possible design, when the communication apparatus is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in an access network device, such as a modem chip or a system on chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip including a modem core, the functions of the receiving module 1001 and the sending module 1003 can be implemented by an interface circuit or a data transceiver circuit on the chip. Optionally, the communication apparatus can further include a processing module 1002, and the functions of the processing module 1002 can be implemented by a circuit system including one or more processors or processor cores in the chip.

[0249] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the description of the corresponding method embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-9, and the method and functions performed by the access network device in the above embodiments are executed.

[0250] Please refer to FIG. 11, which is a structural schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus can implement the steps or processes performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. In a possible design, the communication apparatus can include a sending module 1101, a processing module 1102 and a receiving module 1103. Optionally, the communication apparatus can further include a storage module for storing device program code and / or data.

[0251] The communication apparatus can be a terminal-side apparatus in the above embodiments, for example, a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal.

[0252] The sending module 1101 is configured to send, to an access network device, a first request for requesting to use a first quality of service (QoS) profile in N QoS profiles pre-authorized for a first service, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0253] The processing module 1102 is configured to establish or activate a first DRB corresponding to the first QoS profile.

[0254] Optionally, the first request comprises an identifier of the first DRB and / or an identifier of the first QoS profile.

[0255] Optionally, the receiving module 1103 is configured to receive M DRB configurations from the access network device, wherein the M DRB configurations are determined according to the pre-authorized N QoS profiles, the M DRB configurations correspond to M DRBs, the M DRBs comprise the first DRB, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0256] Optionally, the receiving module 1103 is configured to receive, from the access network device, a correspondence between N QoS profiles and M DRBs, wherein the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs comprises the correspondence between the first QoS profile and the first DRB, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0257] Optionally, the sending module 1101 is configured to send, to a core network device, a second request for pre-authorizing the N QoS profiles.

[0258] 1Optionally, the receiving module 1103 is configured to receive, from the core network device, the pre-authorized N QoS profiles.

[0259] Optionally, the receiving module 1103 is configured to receive, from the core network device, quality of service rules QoS rules determined according to the pre-authorized N QoS profiles.

[0260] Optionally, the sending module 1101 is configured to send, to the access network device, the first request based on a change in a requirement of the first service.

[0261] In a possible design, when the communication apparatus is a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, the function of the processing module 1102 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor can include a modem chip, or a system on chip SoC chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core. The functions of the sending module 1101 and the receiving module 1103 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0262] In a possible design, when the communication apparatus is a circuit or a chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip or a system on chip (SoC) chip or a SIP chip including a modem core, the function of the processing module 1102 can be implemented by circuitry including one or more processors or processor cores in the chip. The function of the sending module 1101 and the receiving module 1103 can be implemented by interface circuitry or data transceiver circuitry on the chip.

[0263] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also correspond to the description of the corresponding method embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-9, and perform the methods and functions performed by the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0264] FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of an access network device according to an embodiment of the present application. The access network device can be applied in the system shown in FIGS. 1-3, and perform the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments, or implement the steps or procedures performed by the access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0265] As shown in FIG. 12, the access network device includes a processor 1201 and a transceiver 1202. The transceiver 1202 includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The receiver can be configured to receive transmission feedback information through the antenna, and the transmitter can be configured to send transmission control information to the terminal device through the antenna. Optionally, the access network device further includes a memory 1203. The processor 1201, the transceiver 1202, and the memory 1203 can communicate with each other through internal connection paths and transfer control and / or data signals. The memory 1203 is configured to store a computer program, and the processor 1201 is configured to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory 1203 to control the transceiver 1202 to transceive signals. Optionally, the access network device can further include an antenna configured to send uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1202 through wireless signals.

[0266] The processor 1201 and the memory 1203 can be combined into one processing device, and the processor 1201 is configured to execute program codes stored in the memory 1203 to implement the above functions. In a specific implementation, the memory 1203 can be integrated in the processor 1201 or independent of the processor 1201. The processor 1201 can correspond to the processing module in FIG. 10.

[0267] The transceiver 1202 can correspond to the receiving module and the sending module in FIG. 10, and can also be referred to as a transceiving unit or a transceiving module. The transceiver 1202 can include a receiver (or a receiver, a receiving circuit) and a transmitter (or a transmitter, a transmitting circuit). The receiver is configured to receive signals, and the transmitter is configured to transmit signals.

[0268] It should be understood that the access network device shown in FIG. 12 can implement various processes in the method embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-9 that involve the access network device. The operations and / or functions of various modules in the access network device are respectively implemented in order to implement the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, see the description in the above method embodiments, and appropriate detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0269] The processor 1201 described above can be used to perform the actions described in the foregoing method embodiments and implemented internally by the access network device, and the transceiver 1202 can be used to perform the actions described in the foregoing method embodiments and sent or received by the access network device to or from the terminal device. For details, see the description in the foregoing method embodiments, and no further description is given here.

[0270] The processor 1201 can be a central processing unit, a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or other programmable logic device, transistor logic, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various example logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure. The processor 1201 can also be a combination of computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, and the like. The access network device can also include a communication bus 1204, which can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, and the like. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. The communication bus 1204 is used to realize the connection and communication between the components. The transceiver 1202 is used for signaling or data communication with other node devices. The memory 1203 can include volatile memory, such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), and the like, and can also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory device, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor device, such as a solid state disk (SSD), and the like. The memory 1203 can also be at least one storage device located away from the processor 1201. The memory 1203 can also store a set of computer program codes or configuration information. Optionally, the processor 1201 can also execute the program stored in the memory 1203. The processor can cooperate with the memory and the transceiver to execute any method and function of the access network device described in the embodiments.

[0271] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The terminal device can be applied to the system shown in FIGS. 1-3, and can execute the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiments, or implement the steps or processes executed by the terminal device in the method embodiments.

[0272] As shown in FIG. 13, the terminal device includes a processor 1301 and a transceiver 1302. The transceiver includes a transmitter, a receiver and an antenna. The transmitter can be configured to transmit transmission feedback information to the access network device through the antenna, and the receiver can be configured to receive transmission control information transmitted by the access network device through the antenna. Optionally, the terminal device further includes a memory 1303. The processor 1301, the transceiver 1302 and the memory 1303 can communicate with each other through internal connection paths to transfer control and / or data signals. The memory 1303 is configured to store a computer program, and the processor 1301 is configured to call and run the computer program from the memory 1303 to control the transceiver 1302 to transceive signals. Optionally, the terminal device can further include an antenna configured to transmit uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1302 through wireless signals.

[0273] The processor 1301 and the memory 1303 described above can be combined into one processing device, and the processor 1301 is configured to execute program codes stored in the memory 1303 to implement the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 1303 can be integrated in the processor 1301 or independent of the processor 1301. The processor 1301 can correspond to the processing module in FIG. 11.

[0274] The transceiver 1302 described above can correspond to the receiving module and the transmitting module in FIG. 11, and can also be referred to as a transceiving unit or a transceiving module. The transceiver 1302 can include a receiver (or a receiver, a receiving circuit) and a transmitter (or a transmitter, a transmitting circuit). The receiver is configured to receive signals, and the transmitter is configured to transmit signals.

[0275] It should be understood that the terminal device shown in FIG. 13 can implement each process of the terminal device involved in the method embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-9. The operations and / or functions of each module in the terminal device are respectively implemented to realize the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments, and the detailed description is appropriately omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0276] The processor 1301 described above can be configured to perform the actions implemented internally by the terminal device described in the above method embodiments, and the transceiver 1302 can be configured to perform the actions of transmitting or receiving by the terminal device to or from the access network device described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments, and the description is not repeated here.

[0277] The processor 1301 can be various types of processors, including without limitation an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a microprocessor, or any combination thereof. The terminal device can also include a communication bus 1304, which can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. The communication bus 1304 is used to realize the connection communication between the components. The transceiver 1302 of the device in the embodiments of the present application is used to communicate signaling or data with other devices. The memory 1303 can be various types of memories mentioned above. The memory 1303 can also be at least one storage device located away from the aforementioned processor 1301. The memory 1303 stores a set of computer program codes or configuration information, and the processor 1301 executes the program in the memory 1303. The processor can cooperate with the memory and the transceiver to execute any method and function of the terminal device described above.

[0278] The embodiments of the present application also provide a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a terminal device or an access network device to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments, such as generating or processing the N QoS profiles involved in the above methods.

[0279] In a possible design, the chip system can further include a memory for computer programs and data necessary for the terminal device or the access network device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices. The input and output of the chip system correspond to the receiving and sending operations of the terminal device or the access network device in the method embodiments, respectively.

[0280] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer program causes the computer to execute the method of any one of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-9.

[0281] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer readable medium, which stores a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer program causes the computer to execute the method of any one of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-9.

[0282] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a communication system, which includes one or more terminal devices and one or more access network devices.

[0283] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. 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 through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. 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, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media sets. The available media can be magnetic media (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (such as high-density digital video disc (digital video disc, DVD)), or semiconductor media (such as solid state disc (solid state disc, SSD)) and the like.

[0284] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: The access network device receives N quality of service profiles pre-authorized by the core network device for the first service, N being an integer greater than 1; The access network device receives a first request for using a first quality of service profile in the N pre-authorized quality of service profiles; The access network device establishes or activates a first DRB corresponding to the first quality of service profile.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first request comprises an identifier of the first DRB and / or an identifier of the first quality of service profile.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further comprises: The access network device sends M DRB configurations corresponding to M DRBs to the terminal device based on the N pre-authorized quality of service profiles, the M DRB configurations being determined according to the N pre-authorized quality of service profiles, the M DRBs comprising the first DRB, M being an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The access network device sends the terminal device a correspondence between the N quality of service profiles and the M DRBs, the correspondence between the N quality of service profiles and the M DRBs comprising a correspondence between the first quality of service profile and the first DRB, M being an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The access network device receives the first request comprises: The access network device receives the first request from the terminal device.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The access network device receives the first request comprises: The access network device receives the first request from the user plane network element.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first request is carried in a data stream of the first service.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The access network device establishes or activates the first DRB corresponding to the first quality of service profile comprises: The access network device establishes or activates the first DRB corresponding to the first quality of service profile when it is determined that the parameters of the first quality of service profile can be met.

9. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a device on the terminal side, comprising: Sending a first request to an access network device, the first request being for requesting to use a first quality of service profile in N quality of service profiles pre-authorized for a first service, N being an integer greater than 1; Establishing or activating a first DRB corresponding to the first quality of service profile.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first request comprises an identifier of the first DRB and / or an identifier of the first quality of service profile.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The method further comprises: Receiving M DRB configurations from the access network device, the M DRB configurations being determined according to the N pre-authorized quality of service profiles, the M DRB configurations corresponding to M DRBs, the M DRBs comprising the first DRB, M being an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving, from the access network device, a correspondence between N QoS profiles and M DRBs, the correspondence between the N QoS profiles and the M DRBs including the correspondence between the first QoS profile and the first DRB, the M being an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

13. The method of any of claims 9-12, wherein, sending, to a core network device, a second request, the second request being used to request pre-authorization of the N QoS profiles.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving, from the core network device, the pre-authorized N QoS profiles.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving, from the core network device, quality of service rules QoS rules, the QoS rules being determined according to the pre-authorized N QoS profiles.

16. The method of any one of claims 9-15, wherein, The terminal device sending, to the access network device, the first request comprises: sending, to the access network device, the first request based on a change in a requirement of the first service.

17. A communications device, characterized by The communication apparatus comprises a memory and a processor, the memory being configured to store a computer program, and the processor being configured to execute the computer program to enable the communication apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1-8.

18. A communications device, characterized by The communication apparatus comprises a memory and a processor, the memory being configured to store a computer program, and the processor being configured to execute the computer program to enable the communication apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 9-16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium comprises a computer program which, when executed by a processor, causes the method of any of claims 1-8, or any of claims 9-16 to be implemented.

20. A chip, characterized by The chip comprises a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being configured to communicate with an external device or an internal device, and the processor being configured to implement the method of any of claims 1-8, or any of claims 9-16.

21. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterised in that, The computer program, when executed, causes a computer to perform the method of any of claims 1-8, or any of claims 9-16.

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