Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method is applied to a first network entity, and comprises: receiving first capability information from a second network entity, wherein the first capability information includes a first compression mode and / or a first quantization bit width; and on the basis of the first capability information, sending first information to the second network entity, wherein the first information indicates that a first processing mode is applied to data transmissions between a distributed unit (DU) and the second network entity, and the first processing mode includes a second compression mode and / or a second quantization bit width. The method in the embodiments of the present application facilitates the improvement in the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410509432.9, filed on April 25, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of communication technology, some communication systems split network devices into multiple network entities (also known as functional entities or entities, etc.) to reduce network bandwidth requirements and deployment costs.

[0004] However, there may be some problems when data is transmitted between the multiple network entities after the split. For example, when network entities send data to each other, one network entity may be unable to properly demodulate or decompress the data sent by another network entity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that helps improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method being applied to a first network entity, the method comprising: receiving first capability information from a second network entity, the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width; and sending first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information, the first information indicating that the data transmitted between a distributed unit (DU) and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, the first processing method including a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

[0007] In this embodiment, first information is sent to the second network entity based on the first capability information of the second network entity, which facilitates the second network entity to use the first processing method to transmit data with the DU, and helps the second network entity and the DU to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the first network entity is a centralized unit (CU), and the method further includes: receiving second capability information from the DU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width; wherein, sending first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information includes: sending the first information to the second network entity based on the second capability information and the first capability information.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the method further includes sending the first information to the DU.

[0010] In some possible implementations, receiving the second capability information from the DU includes: receiving the second capability information from the DU under one or more of the following conditions: sending a request message to the DU to request the DU to send the second capability information; the CU and the DU being initially paired; the CU and the DU forming a network.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a storage unit for storing the second capability information.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the first network entity is the DU, and sending the first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information includes: sending second information to the centralized unit CU, the second information being determined based on the second capability information of the DU and the first capability information; receiving third information from the CU, the third information indicating that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width; and sending the first information to the second network entity based on the third information.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the first network entity is the DU, and the method further includes: receiving third information from the centralized unit CU, the third information indicating that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width; wherein, sending the first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information includes: sending the first information to the second network entity based on the third information and the first capability information.

[0014] In some possible implementations, before receiving the third information from the CU, the method further includes: sending the DU's second capability information to the CU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0015] In some possible implementations, sending the second capability information to the CU includes: sending the second capability information to the CU under one or more of the following conditions: receiving a request from the CU to request the DU to send the second capability information; the CU and the DU being initially paired; and the CU and the DU forming a network.

[0016] In some possible implementations, sending the first information to the second network entity based on the third information and the first capability information includes: if the second processing method does not match the first capability information, sending fourth information to the CU, the fourth information being used to request the CU to re-indicate the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity; receiving fifth information from the CU, the fifth information indicating that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity uses a third processing method, the third processing method including a fifth compression method and / or a fifth quantization bit width; and sending the first information to the second network entity based on the fifth information.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the fourth information includes the desired compression method and / or quantization bit width of the DU.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the first network entity is the DU, and sending the first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information includes: sending the first information to the second network entity based on the second capability information of the DU and the first capability information, wherein the second capability information includes a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a storage unit for storing the first capability information.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the first processing method is the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information of the DU.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the uplink data and / or downlink data between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the first data stream between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the control plane.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs N first data packets between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method, where N is a positive integer.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the user plane.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the second data packet between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in the second data packet.

[0028] In some possible implementations, receiving the first capability information from the second network entity includes: receiving the first capability information from the second network entity under one or more of the following conditions: sending a request message to the second network entity to request the second network entity to send the first capability information; the first network entity and the second network entity are initially paired; the first network entity and the second network entity form a network.

[0029] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, the method being applied to a second network entity, the method comprising: sending first capability information, the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width; receiving first information, the first information indicating that the data transmitted between a distributed unit (DU) and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, the first processing method including a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

[0030] In this embodiment of the application, the first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method. Receiving the first information facilitates the second network entity to transmit data with the DU using the first processing method, which helps the second network entity and the DU to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0031] In some possible implementations, sending the first capability information includes: sending the first capability information under one or more of the following conditions: receiving a request from a first network entity to request a second network entity to send the first capability information; the first network entity and the second network entity pairing for the first time; and the first network entity and the second network entity forming a network.

[0032] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the uplink data and / or downlink data between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the first data stream between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the control plane.

[0035] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs N first data packets between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method, where N is a positive integer.

[0036] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the user plane.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the second data packet between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in the second data packet.

[0039] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, the method being applied to a centralized unit (CU), the method comprising: receiving second information from a distributed unit (DU), the second information being determined based on second capability information of the DU and first capability information of a second network entity, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width, the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width; and sending third information to the DU, the third information indicating that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width.

[0040] In this embodiment, the third information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts the second processing method. The third information is sent to the DU to facilitate data transmission between the DU and the second network entity based on the second processing method. This helps the DU and the second network entity to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0041] Meanwhile, the second information is determined based on the second capability information of the DU and the first capability information of the second network entity. Receiving the second information from the DU helps the second processing method to simultaneously satisfy the capabilities of the DU and the capabilities of the second network entity, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0042] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, the method being applied to a centralized unit (CU), the method comprising: sending third information to a distributed unit (DU), the third information indicating that the data transmitted between the DU and a second network entity adopts a second processing mode, the second processing mode including a fourth compression mode and / or a fourth quantization bit width.

[0043] In this embodiment, the third information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts the second processing method. The third information is sent to the DU to facilitate data transmission between the DU and the second network entity based on the second processing method. This helps the DU and the second network entity to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0044] In some possible implementations, before sending the third information to the DU, the method further includes: receiving second capability information from the DU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0045] In some possible implementations, receiving the second capability information from the second network entity includes: receiving the second capability information from the DU under one or more of the following conditions: sending a request message to the DU to request the DU to send the second capability information; the CU and the DU being initially paired; and the CU and the DU forming a network.

[0046] In some possible implementations, the method further includes storing the second capability information.

[0047] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from the DU, the fourth information being used to request the CU to re-indicate the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity; sending fifth information to the DU, the fifth information indicating that the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity uses a third processing method, the third processing method including a fifth compression method and / or a fifth quantization bit width.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the fourth information includes the desired compression method and / or quantization bit width of the DU.

[0049] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving first capability information from a second network entity, the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width; and a sending unit for sending first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information, the first information indicating that the data transmitted between a distributed unit (DU) and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, the first processing method including a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

[0050] In this embodiment, first information is sent to the second network entity based on the first capability information of the second network entity, which facilitates the second network entity to use the first processing method to transmit data with the DU, and helps the second network entity and the DU to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0051] In some possible implementations, the communication device is a centralized unit (CU), and the receiving unit is further configured to: receive second capability information from the DU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width; wherein, the sending unit is specifically configured to: send the first information to the second network entity based on the second capability information and the first capability information.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the sending unit is further configured to: send the first information to the DU.

[0053] In some possible implementations, the receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive the second capability information from the DU under one or more of the following conditions: sending a request message to the DU to request the DU to send the second capability information; the CU and the DU being initially paired; the CU and the DU forming a network.

[0054] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a storage unit for storing the second capability information.

[0055] In some possible implementations, the communication device is the DU, and the sending unit is specifically configured to: send second information to the centralized unit CU, the second information being determined based on the second capability information and the first capability information of the DU; the receiving unit is further configured to: receive third information from the CU, the third information indicating that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width; the sending unit is specifically configured to: send the first information to the second network entity based on the third information.

[0056] In some possible implementations, the communication device is the DU, and the receiving unit is further configured to: receive third information from the centralized unit CU, the third information indicating that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width; wherein, the sending unit is specifically configured to: send the first information to the second network entity based on the third information and the first capability information.

[0057] In some possible implementations, before receiving the third information from the CU, the transmitting unit is further configured to: transmit the second capability information of the DU to the CU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the sending unit is specifically used to: send the second capability information to the CU when one or more of the following conditions are met: receiving a request from the CU to request the DU to send the second capability information; the CU and the DU are initially paired; the CU and the DU form a network.

[0059] In some possible implementations, the sending unit is specifically configured to: if the second processing method does not match the first capability information, send fourth information to the CU, the fourth information being used to request the CU to re-indicate the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity; the receiving unit is further configured to: receive fifth information from the CU, the fifth information indicating that the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity uses a third processing method, the third processing method including a fifth compression method and / or a fifth quantization bit width; the sending unit is specifically configured to: send the first information to the second network entity based on the fifth information.

[0060] In some possible implementations, the fourth information includes the desired compression method and / or quantization bit width of the DU.

[0061] In some possible implementations, the sending unit is specifically used to: send the first information to the second network entity based on the second capability information of the DU and the first capability information, wherein the second capability information includes a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0062] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a storage unit for storing the first capability information.

[0063] In some possible implementations, the first processing method is the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information of the DU.

[0064] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the uplink data and / or downlink data between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0065] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the first data stream between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0066] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the control plane.

[0067] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs N first data packets between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method, where N is a positive integer.

[0068] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the user plane.

[0069] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the second data packet between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0070] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in the second data packet.

[0071] In some possible implementations, the receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive the first capability information from the second network entity under one or more of the following conditions: sending a request message to the second network entity to request the second network entity to send the first capability information; the communication device is initially paired with the second network entity; the communication device and the second network entity form a network.

[0072] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a transmitting unit for transmitting first capability information, the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width; and a receiving unit for receiving first information, the first information indicating that the data transmitted between a distributed unit (DU) and the communication device adopts a first processing method, the first processing method including a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

[0073] In this embodiment of the application, the first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the communication device adopts a first processing method. Receiving the first information facilitates the communication device to transmit data with the DU using the first processing method, which helps the communication device and the DU to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0074] In some possible implementations, the sending unit is specifically configured to: send the first capability information under one or more of the following conditions: receiving a request from a first network entity requesting the communication device to send the first capability information; the first network entity and the communication device being initially paired; the first network entity and the communication device forming a network.

[0075] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the communication device to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the uplink data and / or downlink data between the DU and the communication device to adopt the first processing method.

[0076] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the communication device to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the first data stream between the DU and the communication device to adopt the first processing method.

[0077] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the control plane.

[0078] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the communication device to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs N first data packets between the DU and the communication device to adopt the first processing method, where N is a positive integer.

[0079] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the user plane.

[0080] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the communication device to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the second data packet between the DU and the communication device to adopt the first processing method.

[0081] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in the second data packet.

[0082] A seventh aspect provides a communication apparatus, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving second information from a distributed unit (DU), the second information being determined based on second capability information of the DU and first capability information of a second network entity, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width, and the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width; and a transmitting unit for transmitting third information to the DU, the third information indicating that data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width.

[0083] In this embodiment, the third information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts the second processing method. The third information is sent to the DU to facilitate data transmission between the DU and the second network entity based on the second processing method. This helps the DU and the second network entity to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0084] Meanwhile, the second information is determined based on the second capability information of the DU and the first capability information of the second network entity. Receiving the second information from the DU helps the second processing method to simultaneously satisfy the capabilities of the DU and the capabilities of the second network entity, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0085] Eighthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a transmitting unit for transmitting third information to a distributed unit (DU), the third information indicating that data transmission between the DU and a second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width.

[0086] In this embodiment, the third information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts the second processing method. The third information is sent to the DU to facilitate data transmission between the DU and the second network entity based on the second processing method. This helps the DU and the second network entity to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0087] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a receiving unit for: receiving second capability information from the DU before sending the third information to the DU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0088] In some possible implementations, the receiving unit is specifically configured to: receive the second capability information from the DU under one or more of the following conditions: sending a request message to the DU to request the DU to send the second capability information; the communication device is initially paired with the DU; the communication device is networked with the DU.

[0089] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a storage unit for storing the second capability information.

[0090] In some possible implementations, the communication device further includes a receiving unit configured to: receive fourth information from the DU, the fourth information being used to request the communication device to re-indicate the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity; the sending unit is further configured to: send fifth information to the DU, the fifth information indicating that the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity uses a third processing method, the third processing method including a fifth compression method and / or a fifth quantization bit width.

[0091] In some possible implementations, the fourth information includes the desired compression method and / or quantization bit width of the DU.

[0092] A ninth aspect provides a communication device comprising: a processor and a memory, the processor being coupled to the memory, the memory being used to store a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), the computer program being executed by the processor causing the device to perform a method of any of the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0093] In some possible implementations, the communication device also includes a memory coupled to the processor.

[0094] In some possible implementations, there are one or more processors, and / or one or more memories.

[0095] In some possible implementations, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0096] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) is stored, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any of the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0097] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any of the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof.

[0098] In a twelfth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory, the memory for storing a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory, such that an apparatus or device on which the chip is mounted performs the method of any of the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0099] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless access network architecture applicable to this application.

[0100] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless access network protocol stack architecture according to this application.

[0101] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the relationship between multiple network entities of a network device in one embodiment of this application.

[0102] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a communication scenario provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0103] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0104] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0105] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0106] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0107] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0108] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0109] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0110] Figure 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0111] Figure 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0112] Figure 14 is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0113] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0114] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply that they are different. It should be understood that in this application, descriptions such as "in the case of," "if," "when," "if," etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0115] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to network devices in various communication systems. For example, the communication system in this application can be a 5th generation (5G) system, a new radio (NR) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, etc. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as 6th generation mobile communication systems, satellite communication systems, etc.

[0116] In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects a terminal device to a wireless network, and can also be called a base station. For example, the network device can be a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), an access point (AP), a base station in a future mobile communication system or an access node (AP) in a WiFi system, a radio controller, relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, or other network devices in future evolved communication systems, etc.

[0117] In some embodiments, the network device can be fixed or mobile, and this application does not limit this. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a mobile network device, and one or more cells can move according to the location of the mobile network device. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another network device.

[0118] In some embodiments, network devices can be deployed on land or in the air, and this application does not limit this. For example, network devices can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites.

[0119] In this embodiment, the network device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment.

[0120] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0121] With the development of communication technology, some communication systems split network devices into multiple network entities (also known as functional entities or entities, etc.) to reduce network bandwidth requirements and deployment costs.

[0122] For example, some communication systems (such as 4G systems) employ a bottom-level splitting approach, dividing the base station into two parts: a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU can be connected to one or more RRUs via fiber optic cables, metallic cabling, or microwave links. The BBU primarily handles centralized upper-layer processing of baseband signals. The RRU, also known as a radio unit (RU), mainly handles baseband signal reception and transmission, as well as RF signal modulation / demodulation, data processing, and power amplification. The RRU is closer to the antenna, resulting in lower feeder loss. This bottom-level splitting approach allows for highly centralized baseband signal processing by the BBU, enabling centralized deployment of computing resources, leading to high resource utilization and low deployment costs. However, this approach places high demands on the fronthaul link bandwidth between the BBU and RRU, resulting in excessively high fiber optic deployment costs.

[0123] To reduce the pressure on fronthaul link bandwidth and deployment costs caused by the underlying splitting method, some communication systems (such as 5G systems) adopt an upper-layer splitting method, which splits the base station into two network entities: a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The midhaul link between the CU and DU has lower network bandwidth requirements.

[0124] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a radio access network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, a network device may include a CU and at least one DU. The current 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) designates the interface between CUs in different network devices as XnC, the interface between the CU and the 5G core network (5GC) as NG, and the interface between the CU and the DU as F1. The F1 interface includes a control plane (CP) and a user plane (UP). The transport layer protocol of the control plane is the stream control transmission protocol (SCTP), and the transmitted application layer messages are F1AP (application protocol) messages. The transport layer protocol of the user plane is the general packet radio system (GPRS) tunneling protocol-user plane (GTP-U).

[0125] The functional decomposition between CU and DU can be done statically, with a fixed division based on the granularity of the protocol stack functions. For example, the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical layer (PHY) protocol can be located in DU, while the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio resource control (RRC) layer, and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer can be located in CU.

[0126] The RRC layer controls air interface radio resources and connections, and is a control plane protocol. The SDAP layer maps Quality of Service (QoS) flows (QoS flows can refer to service data flows with specific QoS requirements) to data radio bearers (DRBs), and is a user plane protocol. The RLC layer is a sublayer of Air Interface Layer 2 (L2), providing transparent data transmission as well as unacknowledged and acknowledged data transmission. The MAC layer is also a sublayer of Air Interface Layer 2, primarily responsible for controlling and connecting the physical media of the physical layer. The PHY layer is responsible for transmitting bits or groups of bits on the physical medium, including encoding and decoding transmitted and received information. For a detailed description of the functions of each protocol layer, please refer to the 3GPP communication protocol specification TS 38.300.

[0127] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless access network protocol stack architecture according to this application. Figure 2 shows the protocol stack architecture when the network device is divided into CU and DU, and the CU is separated into control plane (CU-CP) and user plane (CU-UP).

[0128] As shown in Figure 2, the PDCP layer can exist in both CU-CP and CU-UP, the RRC layer can be located above the PDCP layer in CU-CP, the SDAP layer can be located above the PDCP layer in CU-UP, and the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer can be located in DU.

[0129] In some embodiments, the DU can be further subdivided. The following example, using an open RAN (O-RAN) system, is illustrated in conjunction with Figure 3.

[0130] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the relationship between multiple network entities of a network device in one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, in O-RAN, a DU can be further divided into an open distributed unit (O-DU) and an open radio unit (O-RU). A CU can connect to one or more O-DUs, and each O-DU can also connect to one or more O-RUs.

[0131] Among them, the O-DU can have baseband processing functions and complete protocol layer functions, mainly responsible for high-level protocol functions such as data encryption and integrity protection, and can also have physical layer high-level processing functions; the O-RU can have physical layer low-level signal processing functions, mainly responsible for the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals.

[0132] The O-RU and O-DU can be connected via optical fiber. The interface between the O-RU and O-DU can be called the fronthaul interface.

[0133] In some embodiments, the DU can be divided into O-RU and O-DU through two methods: Class A functional segmentation and Class B functional segmentation. The main difference between Class A and Class B functional segmentation is that the O-RUs segmented in Class A functional segmentation do not support precoding, while the O-RUs segmented in Class B functional segmentation do support precoding.

[0134] In this embodiment of the application, network entities may include CU, DU, O-DU, and O-DU, etc.

[0135] As can be seen from the above embodiments, in some communication systems, network devices can be split into multiple network entities. However, there may be some problems when data is transmitted between the split network entities.

[0136] For example, with the rapid growth of mobile data, the amount of data transmitted on the fronthaul interface between O-RU and O-DU is also constantly increasing, but the capacity of the fronthaul link (i.e., the link corresponding to the fronthaul interface) is limited. Currently, the bandwidth of the fronthaul link is reduced in two ways: one is to compress the data transmitted on the fronthaul interface, and the other is to reduce the quantization bit width of the fronthaul link. During data transmission, the O-DU can indicate to the O-RU the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the data transmitted on the fronthaul interface. However, in the O-RAN system, the O-RU and O-DU may be manufactured by different vendors. The compression method and / or quantization bit width indicated by the O-DU to the O-RU may exceed the O-RU's capabilities, or the O-RU may not support the compression method and / or quantization bit width. In this case, the O-RU may not be able to correctly demodulate or decompress the data sent by the O-DU, resulting in data transmission failure between the O-RU and O-DU.

[0137] To address one or more of the aforementioned technical problems, this application proposes a communication method and a communication device. The communication method in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0138] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a communication scenario provided in one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the communication scenario 400 includes a CU 410, an O-DU 420, an O-RU 430, and a terminal device 440.

[0139] As shown in Figure 4, during downlink transmission, CU 410 can transmit downlink data to O-DU 420, which in turn transmits it to O-RU 430, and then O-RU 430 transmits it to terminal device 440. During uplink transmission, terminal device 440 can transmit uplink data to O-RU 430, which in turn transmits it to O-DU 420, and then O-DU 420 transmits it to CU 410.

[0140] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method 500 shown in Figure 5 may include steps S510 and S520, as detailed below:

[0141] S510, the second network entity sends the first capability information to the first network entity.

[0142] The first network entity can be a CU, a DU (such as an O-DU), or other network entities, and the second network entity can be a RU (such as an O-RU) or other network entities. Optionally, when the first network entity is a CU, the second network entity can send the first capability information to the first network entity through the DU.

[0143] The first capability information may include the first compression method and / or the first quantization bit width of the second network entity.

[0144] It should be noted that the compression method in the embodiments of this application can refer to the way in which the transmitted data between the DU and the second network entity is compressed. For example, the compression method can include block compression, modulation compression, etc.; the quantization bit width in the embodiments of this application can refer to the number of bits or the range of bits contained in the transmitted data between the DU and the second network entity. For example, the quantization bit width can be 15 bits or 8 to 32 bits.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first compression method and / or the first quantization bit width may refer to the compression method and / or quantization bit width supported by the second network entity; or, the first compression method and / or the first quantization bit width may refer to the compression method and / or quantization bit width desired by the second network entity; or, the first compression method and / or the first quantization bit width may refer to the compression method and / or quantization bit width supported and desired by the second network entity (or, supported and desired).

[0146] For example, the second network entity can support quantization widths of 8 to 32 bits. If the second network entity expects a quantization width of 8 to 15 bits, then the first quantization width can indicate a quantization width of 8 to 15 bits, that is, the intersection of the quantization width supported by the second network entity and the quantization width expected by the second network entity, or in other words, the quantization width supported and expected by the second network entity.

[0147] For example, the second network entity can support block compression and modulation compression. In this case, if the compression method desired by the second network entity is block compression, then the first compression method can indicate block compression, that is, the intersection of the compression method supported by the second network entity and the compression method desired by the second network entity, or in other words, the compression method supported and desired by the second network entity.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second network entity may send first capability information to the first network entity if one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0149] The first network entity sends a request message to the second network entity, requesting the second network entity to send first capability information;

[0150] The first network entity and the second network entity are paired for the first time;

[0151] The first network entity and the second network entity form a network.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first network entity may store first capability information.

[0153] S520, the first network entity sends first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information.

[0154] The first information may indicate that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, and the first processing method may include a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first processing method can be the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information of the DU. The second capability information may include a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0156] For example, if the third compression method includes block compression and modulation compression, and the first compression method includes modulation compression, then the first processing method can instruct the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity to use modulation compression; if the third quantization bit width indicates a quantization bit width of 8 to 15 bits, and the first quantization bit width indicates a quantization bit width of 8 to 32 bits, then the first processing method can instruct the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity to use a quantization bit width of 8 to 15 bits.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first information may instruct the uplink and / or downlink data between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first information may instruct the first data stream between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first information can be transmitted via the control plane. Optionally, the first information may instruct N first data packets between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, where N is a positive integer.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first information can be transmitted via the user plane. Optionally, the first information can instruct a second data packet between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method. Optionally, the first information can be carried in the second data packet.

[0161] In this embodiment, first information is sent to the second network entity based on the first capability information of the second network entity, which facilitates the second network entity to use the first processing method to transmit data with the DU, and helps the second network entity and the DU to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0162] In the embodiments of this application, the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity can be determined in various ways. These methods are described in detail below.

[0163] Method 1: The first network entity is CU, which can determine the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for data transmission between DU and the second network entity.

[0164] In some embodiments, the DU can send second capability information of the DU to the CU, the second capability information may include a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width. Optionally, the CU may store the second capability information.

[0165] Optionally, the DU may send second capability information to the CU if one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0166] The CU sends a request message to the DU, requesting the DU to send second capability information;

[0167] CU and DU were paired for the first time;

[0168] CU and DU are networked.

[0169] After receiving the second capability information, in S520, the CU can send first information to the second network entity based on the second capability information and the first capability information. For example, the CU can use the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information as the first processing method, or the CU can determine the first processing method in combination with the current traffic volume.

[0170] Optionally, the CU can also send the first message to the DU.

[0171] The following is an exemplary description of the scheme in Method 1 above, with reference to Figure 6. Method 600 shown in Figure 6 may include steps S610 to S660, as detailed below:

[0172] S610, RU sends first capability information to CU.

[0173] The first capability information may include the first compression method and / or the first quantization bit width of the RU.

[0174] Optionally, the RU can send first capability information to the CU via the DU.

[0175] S620, DU sends second capability information to CU.

[0176] The second capability information may include the third compression method and / or the third quantization bit width of the DU.

[0177] S630, CU stores first capability information and / or second capability information.

[0178] S640, CU sends the first message to RU.

[0179] The first information may indicate that the data transmitted between the DU and RU adopts a first processing method, which may include a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

[0180] Optionally, the CU can send the first message to the RU via the DU.

[0181] Optionally, the CU can determine the first processing method based on the first capability information and the second capability information, or the CU can determine the first processing method based on the first capability information, the second capability information, and the current traffic volume.

[0182] For example, the first capability information can indicate a quantization width of 8 to 15 bits, as well as block compression and modulation compression, and the second capability information can indicate a quantization width of 8 to 32 bits, as well as modulation compression. Then, the CU can determine the first processing mode based on the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information. That is, the first processing mode can indicate that the data transmitted between the DU and RU uses a quantization width of 8 to 15 bits and modulation compression.

[0183] For example, if the current traffic volume is relatively large, the CU can determine that the data transmitted between the DU and RU uses a larger quantization bit width. In this case, the first processing method can instruct the data transmitted between the DU and RU to use a 15-bit quantization bit width and modulation compression.

[0184] S650, CU sends the first message to DU.

[0185] S660, RU sends feedback information to CU.

[0186] Optionally, the RU can send feedback information to the CU via the DU.

[0187] Feedback information can indicate whether the RU has successfully received the first message. For example, the feedback information can be a positive acknowledgment (ACK) or a negative acknowledgment (NACK).

[0188] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in Figure 6 above is merely an example and not a limitation. The method 600 shown in Figure 6 may include more or fewer steps, and this is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, method 600 may not include step S630.

[0189] Method 2: The first network entity is DU, and the CU can determine the compression method and / or quantization bit width of the data transmitted between DU and the second network entity based on the second information reported by DU.

[0190] In some embodiments, the DU may send second information to the CU, the second information being determined based on the DU's second capability information and first capability information. For example, the second information may indicate the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information.

[0191] After receiving the second information, the CU can send a third information to the DU. The third information can instruct the DU to use a second processing method for the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity. The second processing method can include a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width.

[0192] After receiving the third information, in S520, the DU can send the first information to the second network entity based on the third information. For example, the DU can use the third information as the first information and send it to the second network entity.

[0193] The following is an exemplary description of the scheme in Method 2 above, with reference to Figure 7. Method 700 shown in Figure 7 may include steps S710 to S760, as detailed below:

[0194] S710, RU sends first capability information to DU.

[0195] The first capability information may include the first compression method and / or the first quantization bit width of the RU.

[0196] S720, DU stores primary capability information.

[0197] S730, DU sends a second message to CU.

[0198] The DU can determine the second information based on the first capability information and the second capability information, and send the second information to the CU. Optionally, the DU can determine the second information based on the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information.

[0199] For example, the first capability information can indicate a quantization width of 8 to 15 bits, as well as block compression and modulation compression, and the second capability information can indicate a quantization width of 8 to 32 bits, as well as modulation compression. Then, DU can take the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information as the second information, that is, the second information can indicate a quantization width of 8 to 15 bits, as well as modulation compression.

[0200] S740, CU sends third information to DU.

[0201] The third information can indicate that the data transmitted between the DU and RU uses a second processing method, which may include a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width. For example, the fourth quantization bit width may indicate a 15-bit quantization bit width, and the fourth compression method may indicate modulation compression.

[0202] The CU can determine the second processing method based on the second information and / or the current traffic volume. For example, the second information can indicate a quantization width of 8 to 15 bits and modulation compression. If the current traffic volume is relatively small, the CU can determine that the transmission data between the DU and RU uses a smaller quantization width. For example, in this case, the second processing method can indicate that the transmission data between the DU and RU uses an 8-bit quantization width and modulation compression.

[0203] S750, DU sends first information to RU based on third information.

[0204] For example, DU can send the third piece of information as the first piece of information to RU.

[0205] S760, RU sends feedback information to DU.

[0206] Feedback information can indicate whether the RU has successfully received the first message.

[0207] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in Figure 7 above is merely an example and not a limitation. The method 700 shown in Figure 7 may include more or fewer steps, and this is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, method 700 may not include at least one of the following steps: S720, S750, and S760.

[0208] Method 3: The first network entity is DU, and the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the data transmission between DU and the second network entity can be determined by the third information and the first capability information sent by CU.

[0209] In some embodiments, the CU may send third information to the DU, which may instruct the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a second processing method. The second processing method may include a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width. Optionally, the second processing method may be determined based on the second capability information of the DU.

[0210] Optionally, before the CU sends the third information to the DU, the DU may send its second capability information to the CU. The second capability information may include a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0211] Optionally, the DU may send second capability information to the CU if one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0212] The CU sends a request message to the DU, requesting the DU to send second capability information;

[0213] CU and DU were paired for the first time;

[0214] CU and DU are networked.

[0215] After receiving the third information, in S520, DU can send the first information to the second network entity based on the third information and the first capability information.

[0216] In some embodiments, if the second processing method indicated by the third information does not match the first capability information, the DU may send fourth information to the CU. The fourth information may be used to request the CU to re-indicate the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity. Optionally, the fourth information may include the compression method and / or quantization bit width desired by the DU.

[0217] Furthermore, the CU can send a fifth message to the DU, which can instruct the DU to use a third processing method for the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity. The third processing method can include a fifth compression method and / or a fifth quantization bit width.

[0218] At this point, in S520, DU can send the first information to the second network entity based on the fifth information. For example, DU can use the fifth information as the first information and send it to the second network entity.

[0219] The following is an exemplary description of the scheme in method three above, with reference to Figure 8. Method 800 shown in Figure 8 may include steps S810 to S890, as detailed below:

[0220] S810, DU sends second capability information to CU.

[0221] The second capability information may include the third compression method and / or the third quantization bit width of the DU.

[0222] S820, CU stores secondary capability information.

[0223] S830, RU sends first capability information to DU.

[0224] The first capability information may include the first compression method and / or the first quantization bit width of the RU.

[0225] S840, DU stores primary capability information.

[0226] It should be noted that the execution order of steps S810 and S820, and S830 and S840 is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0227] S850, CU sends third information to DU.

[0228] The third information can indicate that the data transmitted between the DU and RRU adopts a second processing method, which may include a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width.

[0229] S860, if the second processing method indicated by the third information does not match the first capability information, then the DU sends the fourth information to the CU.

[0230] The mismatch between the second processing method and the first capability information can mean that at least one item in the second processing method has no intersection with at least one item in the first capability information.

[0231] For example, the first capability information includes the first compression method and the first quantization bit width of the RU, and the second processing method includes the fourth compression method and the fourth quantization bit width. When the intersection of the first compression method and the fourth compression method is empty, it can be considered that the second processing method does not match the first capability information; or, when the intersection of the first quantization bit width and the fourth quantization bit width is empty, it can be considered that the second processing method does not match the first capability information; or, when the intersection of the first compression method and the fourth compression method is empty, and the intersection of the first quantization bit width and the fourth quantization bit width is empty, it can be considered that the second processing method does not match the first capability information.

[0232] The fourth information can be used to request the CU to re-indicate the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the data transmitted between the DU and RU. Optionally, the fourth information may include the compression method and / or quantization bit width desired by the DU.

[0233] S870, CU sends fifth information to DU based on fourth information.

[0234] The fifth information can indicate that the data transmitted between the DU and RU uses the third processing method, which may include the fifth compression method and / or the fifth quantization bit width.

[0235] S880, DU sends first information to RU based on fifth information.

[0236] For example, DU can send the fifth piece of information as the first piece of information to RU.

[0237] S890, RU sends feedback information to DU.

[0238] Feedback information can indicate whether the RU has successfully received the first message.

[0239] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in Figure 8 is merely an example and not a limitation. The method 800 shown in Figure 8 may include more or fewer steps, and this is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, method 800 may not include at least one of the following steps: S820 and S840.

[0240] Method 4: The first network entity is DU, without the participation of CU. DU can determine the compression method and / or quantization bit width of the data transmitted between DU and the second network entity based on the second capability information and the first capability information.

[0241] In some embodiments, the DU can send first information to the second network entity based on the DU's second capability information and first capability information.

[0242] The following is an exemplary description of the scheme in method four above, with reference to Figure 9. Method 900 shown in Figure 9 may include steps S910 to S940, as detailed below:

[0243] S910, RU sends first capability information to DU.

[0244] The first capability information may include the first compression method and / or the first quantization bit width of the RU.

[0245] S920, DU stores primary capability information.

[0246] S930, DU sends the first message to RU.

[0247] The DU can determine the first information based on the first capability information and the second capability information, and send the first information to the RU. Optionally, the DU can use the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information as the first processing method.

[0248] For example, the first capability information can indicate a quantization width of 8 to 32 bits and block compression, and the second capability information can indicate a quantization width of 8 to 15 bits and block compression and modulation compression. Then, the DU can determine the first processing mode based on the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information. That is, the first processing mode can indicate that the data transmitted between the DU and the RU adopts a quantization width of 8 to 15 bits and block compression.

[0249] S940, RU sends feedback information to DU.

[0250] Feedback information can indicate whether the RU has successfully received the first message.

[0251] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in Figure 9 is merely an example and not a limitation. The method 900 shown in Figure 9 may include more or fewer steps, and this is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, method 900 may not include at least one of the following steps: S920 and S940.

[0252] The method embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The apparatus embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 10 to 14. It should be understood that the descriptions of the method embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the apparatus embodiments; therefore, any parts not described in detail can be referred to the preceding method embodiments.

[0253] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the device 1000 includes a receiving unit 1010 and a transmitting unit 1020, as detailed below:

[0254] The receiving unit 1010 is configured to receive first capability information from a second network entity, wherein the first capability information includes a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width;

[0255] The sending unit 1020 is configured to send first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information. The first information indicates that the data transmission between the distributed unit DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method. The first processing method includes a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

[0256] In this embodiment, first information is sent to the second network entity based on the first capability information of the second network entity, which facilitates the second network entity to use the first processing method to transmit data with the DU, and helps the second network entity and the DU to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0257] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 is a centralized unit (CU), and the receiving unit 1010 is further configured to: receive second capability information from the DU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width; wherein, the sending unit 1020 is specifically configured to: send the first information to the second network entity based on the second capability information and the first capability information.

[0258] In some possible implementations, the sending unit 1020 is further configured to: send the first information to the DU.

[0259] In some possible implementations, the receiving unit 1010 is specifically configured to: receive the second capability information from the DU under one or more of the following conditions: sending a request message to the DU to request the DU to send the second capability information; the CU and the DU being initially paired; the CU and the DU forming a network.

[0260] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 further includes a storage unit 1030 for storing the second capability information.

[0261] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 is the DU, and the transmitting unit 1020 is specifically used to: transmit second information to the centralized unit CU, the second information being determined based on the second capability information and the first capability information of the DU; the receiving unit 1010 is further used to: receive third information from the CU, the third information indicating that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width; the transmitting unit 1020 is specifically used to: transmit the first information to the second network entity based on the third information.

[0262] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 is the DU, and the receiving unit 1010 is further configured to: receive third information from the centralized unit CU, the third information indicating that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width; wherein, the sending unit 1020 is specifically configured to: send the first information to the second network entity based on the third information and the first capability information.

[0263] In some possible implementations, before receiving the third information from the CU, the transmitting unit 1020 is further configured to: transmit the second capability information of the DU to the CU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0264] In some possible implementations, the sending unit 1020 is specifically used to: send the second capability information to the CU when one or more of the following conditions are met: receiving a request from the CU to request the DU to send the second capability information; the CU and the DU are initially paired; the CU and the DU form a network.

[0265] In some possible implementations, the sending unit 1020 is specifically configured to: if the second processing method does not match the first capability information, send fourth information to the CU, the fourth information being used to request the CU to re-indicate the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity; the receiving unit 1010 is further configured to: receive fifth information from the CU, the fifth information indicating that the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity uses a third processing method, the third processing method including a fifth compression method and / or a fifth quantization bit width; the sending unit 1020 is specifically configured to: send the first information to the second network entity based on the fifth information.

[0266] In some possible implementations, the fourth information includes the desired compression method and / or quantization bit width of the DU.

[0267] In some possible implementations, the sending unit 1020 is specifically used to: send the first information to the second network entity based on the second capability information and the first capability information of the DU, wherein the second capability information includes a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0268] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1000 further includes a storage unit 1030 for storing the first capability information.

[0269] In some possible implementations, the first processing method is the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information of the DU.

[0270] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the uplink data and / or downlink data between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0271] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the first data stream between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0272] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the control plane.

[0273] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs N first data packets between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method, where N is a positive integer.

[0274] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the user plane.

[0275] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the second data packet between the DU and the second network entity to adopt the first processing method.

[0276] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in the second data packet.

[0277] In some possible implementations, the receiving unit 1010 is specifically configured to: receive the first capability information from the second network entity under one or more of the following conditions: sending a request message to the second network entity to request the second network entity to send the first capability information; the communication device is initially paired with the second network entity; the communication device and the second network entity form a network.

[0278] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the device 1100 includes a transmitting unit 1110 and a receiving unit 1120, as detailed below:

[0279] The transmitting unit 1110 is used to transmit first capability information, the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width;

[0280] The receiving unit 1120 is used to receive first information, the first information indicating that the data transmitted between the distributed unit DU and the communication device adopts a first processing method, the first processing method including a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

[0281] In this embodiment of the application, the first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the communication device adopts a first processing method. Receiving the first information facilitates the communication device to transmit data with the DU using the first processing method, which helps the communication device and the DU to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0282] In some possible implementations, the sending unit 1110 is specifically used to: send the first capability information under one or more of the following conditions: receiving a request from a first network entity for the communication device to send the first capability information; the first network entity and the communication device are initially paired; the first network entity and the communication device form a network.

[0283] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the communication device to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the uplink data and / or downlink data between the DU and the communication device to adopt the first processing method.

[0284] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the communication device to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the first data stream between the DU and the communication device to adopt the first processing method.

[0285] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the control plane.

[0286] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the communication device to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs N first data packets between the DU and the communication device to adopt the first processing method, where N is a positive integer.

[0287] In some possible implementations, the first information is transmitted via the user plane.

[0288] In some possible implementations, the first information instructs the data transmission between the DU and the communication device to adopt a first processing method, including: the first information instructs the second data packet between the DU and the communication device to adopt the first processing method.

[0289] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in the second data packet.

[0290] Figure 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the device 1200 includes a receiving unit 1210 and a transmitting unit 1220, as detailed below:

[0291] The receiving unit 1210 is configured to receive second information from the distributed unit DU, the second information being determined based on the second capability information of the DU and the first capability information of the second network entity, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width, and the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width.

[0292] The sending unit 1220 is used to send third information to the DU, the third information indicating that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width.

[0293] In this embodiment, the third information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts the second processing method. The third information is sent to the DU to facilitate data transmission between the DU and the second network entity based on the second processing method. This helps the DU and the second network entity to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0294] Meanwhile, the second information is determined based on the second capability information of the DU and the first capability information of the second network entity. Receiving the second information from the DU helps the second processing method to simultaneously satisfy the capabilities of the DU and the capabilities of the second network entity, thereby helping to improve the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0295] Figure 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the device 1300 includes a transmitting unit 1310, specifically as follows:

[0296] The sending unit 1310 is used to send third information to the distributed unit DU, the third information indicating that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width.

[0297] In this embodiment, the third information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts the second processing method. The third information is sent to the DU to facilitate data transmission between the DU and the second network entity based on the second processing method. This helps the DU and the second network entity to successfully receive the data sent by each other, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission between network entities.

[0298] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1300 further includes a receiving unit 1320, configured to: receive second capability information from the DU before sending the third information to the DU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

[0299] In some possible implementations, the receiving unit 1320 is specifically configured to: receive the second capability information from the DU under one or more of the following conditions: sending a request message to the DU to request the DU to send the second capability information; the communication device is initially paired with the DU; the communication device is networked with the DU.

[0300] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1300 further includes a storage unit 1330 for storing the second capability information.

[0301] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1300 further includes a receiving unit 1320, configured to: receive fourth information from the DU, the fourth information being used to request the communication device to re-indicate the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity; the sending unit 1310 is further configured to: send fifth information to the DU, the fifth information indicating that the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity uses a third processing method, the third processing method including a fifth compression method and / or a fifth quantization bit width.

[0302] In some possible implementations, the fourth information includes the desired compression method and / or quantization bit width of the DU.

[0303] Figure 14 is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. The dashed lines in Figure 14 indicate that the unit or module is optional. This apparatus 1400 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. The apparatus 1400 can be a chip or a communication device.

[0304] Apparatus 1400 may include one or more processors 1410. The processor 1410 may support apparatus 1400 in implementing the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. The processor 1410 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0305] The apparatus 1400 may further include one or more memories 1420. The memories 1420 store a program that can be executed by the processor 1410, causing the processor 1410 to perform the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. The memories 1420 may be independent of the processor 1410 or integrated within the processor 1410.

[0306] The device 1400 may also include a transceiver 1430. The processor 1410 can communicate with other devices or chips via the transceiver 1430. For example, the processor 1410 can send and receive data with other devices or chips via the transceiver 1430.

[0307] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the above-mentioned devices / units are based on the same concept as the method embodiments of this application. For details on their specific functions and technical effects, please refer to the method embodiments section, and they will not be repeated here.

[0308] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the above-described division of functional units and modules is merely an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional units and modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional units or modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The functional units and modules in the embodiments can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. Furthermore, the specific names of the functional units and modules are only for easy differentiation and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The specific working process of the units and modules in the above system can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0309] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0310] This application provides a computer program product that, when run on an electronic device (such as a server or terminal device), enables the electronic device to perform the steps described in the various method embodiments above.

[0311] This application provides a chip including a processor and a memory. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor calls and runs the computer program stored in the memory, causing an electronic device (such as a server or terminal device) with the chip installed to perform the steps in the various method embodiments described above.

[0312] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of the various method embodiments described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or certain intermediate forms. The computer-readable storage medium can include at least: any entity or device capable of carrying computer program code to a device / electronic device, a recording medium, a computer memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an electrical carrier signal, a telecommunication signal, and a software distribution medium. Examples include USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks, or optical disks. In some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, computer-readable storage media cannot be electrical carrier signals or telecommunication signals.

[0313] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described or recorded in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0314] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0315] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices / electronic devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device / electronic device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0316] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0317] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present application, and should all be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first network entity, and the method includes: Receive first capability information from a second network entity, the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width; Based on the first capability information, the first information is sent to the second network entity. The first information indicates that the data transmission between the distributed unit (DU) and the second network entity adopts a first processing method. The first processing method includes a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first network entity is a centralized unit (CU), and the method further includes: Receive second capability information from the DU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width; The step of sending the first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information includes: The first information is sent to the second network entity based on the second capability information and the first capability information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Send the first information to the DU.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The receiving of the second capability information from the DU includes: The second capability information from the DU is received if one or more of the following conditions are met: Send a request message to the DU requesting the DU to send the second capability information; The CU and the DU are paired for the first time; The CU and the DU are networked together.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first network entity is the DU, and the step of sending the first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information includes: Send a second message to the centralized unit (CU), the second message being determined based on the second capability information of the DU and the first capability information; Receive third information from the CU, the third information indicating that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width; The first information is sent to the second network entity based on the third information.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first network entity is the DU, and the method further includes: Receive third information from the centralized unit (CU), the third information indicating that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity adopts a second processing method, the second processing method including a fourth compression method and / or a fourth quantization bit width; The step of sending the first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information includes: The first information is sent to the second network entity based on the third information and the first capability information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Before receiving the third information from the CU, the method further includes: Send the second capability information of the DU to the CU, the second capability information including a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Sending the second capability information to the CU includes: The second capability information is sent to the CU if one or more of the following conditions are met: Receive a request message from the CU requesting the DU to send the second capability information; The CU and the DU are paired for the first time; The CU and the DU are networked together.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the second network entity based on the third information and the first capability information includes: If the second processing method does not match the first capability information, a fourth message is sent to the CU. The fourth message is used to request the CU to re-indicate the compression method and / or quantization bit width used for the transmission data between the DU and the second network entity. The system receives fifth information from the CU, which indicates that the data transmitted between the DU and the second network entity is processed using a third processing method, which includes a fifth compression method and / or a fifth quantization bit width. The first information is sent to the second network entity based on the fifth information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fourth piece of information includes the expected compression method and / or quantization bit width of the DU.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first network entity is the DU, and the step of sending the first information to the second network entity based on the first capability information includes: The first information is sent to the second network entity based on the second capability information of the DU and the first capability information, wherein the second capability information includes a third compression method and / or a third quantization bit width.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first processing method is the intersection of the second capability information and the first capability information of the DU.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, including: The first information indicates that the uplink and / or downlink data between the DU and the second network entity adopts the first processing method.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, including: The first information indicates that the first data stream between the DU and the second network entity adopts the first processing method.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first information is transmitted through the control plane.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, including: The first information indicates that N first data packets between the DU and the second network entity are processed using the first processing method, where N is a positive integer.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first information is transmitted via the user plane.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, including: The first information indicates that the second data packet between the DU and the second network entity adopts the first processing method.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the second data packet.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The receipt of first capability information from the second network entity includes: The first capability information from the second network entity is received if one or more of the following conditions are met: Send a request message to the second network entity to request the second network entity to send the first capability information; The first network entity and the second network entity are paired for the first time; The first network entity and the second network entity form a network.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second network entity, and the method includes: Send first capability information, the first capability information including a first compression method and / or a first quantization bit width; Receive first information, the first information indicating that the data transmitted between the distributed unit (DU) and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, the first processing method including a second compression method and / or a second quantization bit width.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The transmission of the first capability information includes: The first capability information is sent if one or more of the following conditions are met: Receive a request from a first network entity requesting the second network entity to send the first capability information; The first network entity and the second network entity are paired for the first time; The first network entity and the second network entity form a network.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, including: The first information indicates that the uplink and / or downlink data between the DU and the second network entity adopts the first processing method.

24. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, including: The first information indicates that the first data stream between the DU and the second network entity adopts the first processing method.

25. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The first information is transmitted through the control plane.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, including: The first information indicates that N first data packets between the DU and the second network entity are processed using the first processing method, where N is a positive integer.

27. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The first information is transmitted through the user plane.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The first information indicates that the data transmission between the DU and the second network entity adopts a first processing method, including: The first information indicates that the second data packet between the DU and the second network entity adopts the first processing method.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the second data packet.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module or unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor, when running a computer program, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

32. The communication device according to claim 31, characterized in that, It also includes a memory for storing the computer program.

32. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that a computer program is stored on the computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

33. A computer program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

34. A chip, characterized in that, include: The processor is configured to run a computer program that causes a device or apparatus on which the chip is mounted to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 29.

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