Reporting method and apparatus, communication device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a reporting method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: receiving a first indication sent by a second node, wherein the first indication is used for a first node to determine whether to perform a first function; the first function is used for sending a first report to a terminal device or receiving a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used for indicating a packet loss condition of a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP). The method of the present disclosure enables successful transmission and / or reception of PDCP data packets by a node in a network, ensuring communication efficiency and communication stability.

Description

Reporting methods and apparatus, communication equipment, communication systems, and storage media Technical Field

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

[0002] In communication systems, the sending end typically splits data into multiple Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) packets before sending them to the receiving end. These PDCP packets can be, for example, Packet Data Convergence Protocol Data Units (PDCP Data PDUs, or simply PDCP PDUs). Each PDCP packet is associated with a Sequence Number (SN). In some situations (such as during communication congestion), the sending end may discard some PDCP packets. These discarded packets cause the sequence numbers of the PDCP packets sent by the sending end to become discontinuous, creating a PDCP SN Gap. When the sending end's PDCP SN Gap is large (i.e., when many PDCP packets are discarded), the receiving end needs to adjust its receiving mechanism to reduce reception latency. Therefore, the sending end typically needs to send a PDCP SN Gap report to the receiving end to inform it of the sending end's PDCP SN Gap. How to configure the transmission and / or reception of PDCP SN Gap reports is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure proposes reporting methods and apparatus, communication equipment, communication systems, and storage media.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a reporting method is proposed, executed by a first node, the method comprising:

[0006] The first node receives a first indication sent by a second node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate packet loss status of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).

[0007] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a reporting method is proposed, executed by a second node, the method comprising:

[0008] Send a first indication to the first node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function being used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report being used to indicate packet loss in PDCP.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a reporting method is proposed, executed by a third node, the method comprising:

[0010] Send first information to the first node, the first information being used to determine the SDU packet loss situation of the third node.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a reporting method is provided for a communication system, the communication system including a first node, a second node, and a third node; the method includes:

[0012] The second node sends a first instruction to the first node; the first instruction is used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate the packet loss situation of PDCP;

[0013] The first node receives the first instruction.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a first node is provided, comprising:

[0015] The transceiver module is used to receive a first indication sent by a second node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to a terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by a terminal device; the first report is used to indicate packet loss status of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a second node is provided, comprising:

[0017] The transceiver module is used to send a first indication to the first node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate the packet loss situation of PDCP.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a third node is proposed, comprising:

[0019] The transceiver module is used to send first information to the first node, and the first information is used to determine the SDU packet loss situation of the third node.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0021] One or more processors;

[0022] The processor is configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to execute any of the reporting methods described in the first to third aspects.

[0023] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, characterized in that it includes a first node, a second node, and a third node, wherein the first node is configured to implement the reporting method described in the first aspect, the second node is configured to implement the reporting method described in the second aspect, and the third node is configured to implement the reporting method described in the second aspect.

[0024] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions, characterized in that, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs a reporting method as described in any one of the first to third aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of some communication systems provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a CU-DU separation scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a DC separation scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a reporting method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a reporting method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3C is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5B is an interactive schematic diagram of a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5C is an interactive schematic diagram of a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first node provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second node provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 6C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third node provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] This disclosure provides reporting methods and apparatus, communication devices, communication systems, and storage media.

[0045] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a reporting method, which is executed by a first node, the method comprising:

[0046] The first node receives a first indication sent by a second node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate packet loss status of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).

[0047] In the above embodiments, a first node in the network can determine whether it performs a first function for transmitting and / or receiving a first report by receiving a first indication, wherein the first report is used to indicate PDCP packet loss. Therefore, the method in this disclosure can configure the nodes in the network to transmit and / or receive the first report, so that the nodes in the network can successfully transmit and / or receive the first report. When a node in the network acts as a PDCP sender, it can transmit the first report to a PDCP receiver, so that the terminal device acting as the PDCP receiver can determine the PDCP packet loss based on the first report and adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism accordingly. Alternatively, when a node in the network acts as a PDCP receiver, it can receive the first report transmitted by a terminal device acting as a PDCP sender, so that the node in the network can determine the PDCP packet loss based on the first report and adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism accordingly. This achieves successful transmission and / or reception of PDCP data packets by the nodes in the network, ensuring communication efficiency and stability.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0049] Adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism according to the first report.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the first node adjusts the PDCP receiving mechanism based on the received first report, thereby reducing the receiving latency of the first node and thus greatly improving communication efficiency.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0052] Perform the primary function;

[0053] Do not execute the first function;

[0054] The conditions for performing the first function.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the content of the first instruction is defined to specify what the first instruction specifically indicates, so that the first node can successfully determine whether the first node should perform the first function based on the first instruction. When the first node determines to perform the first function, the first node can achieve successful transmission and / or reception of PDCP data packets based on the first function, thus ensuring communication efficiency and communication stability.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0057] Does the corresponding wireless data bearer DRB perform the first function?

[0058] Does the corresponding Protocol Data Unit (PDU) set execute the first function?

[0059] Whether the corresponding uplink UL transmission or downlink DL transmission performs the first function.

[0060] In the above embodiments, the first function can be configured at the granularity of DRB, or at the granularity of PDU set, or at the granularity of UL transmission and DL transmission, thereby improving the configuration order and flexibility of the first function and facilitating clearer and more flexible management of the first function.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first node is a next-generation node-centralized unit-user plane gNB-CU-UP, and the second node is a next-generation node-centralized unit-control plane gNB-CU-CP; or

[0062] The first node is the secondary node SN base station, and the second node is the primary node MN base station; or

[0063] The first node is the MN base station, and the second node is the SN base station.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is included in an E1AP message or an XnAP message.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication is included in the PDCP configuration information in the E1AP message or XnAP message.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the specific devices that the first node and the second node are are defined, and the first indication can be included in the messages so that the first node and the second node can successfully receive the first indication.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0068] The system receives first information sent by a third node, which is used to determine the packet loss status of the Service Data Unit (SDU) of the third node.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0070] The third node confirms the sequence number of the discarded SDU;

[0071] The sequence number of the SDU that the third node has transmitted;

[0072] The sequence number of the SDU transmitted by the third node;

[0073] The lowest sequence number among the SDUs discarded by the third node;

[0074] The highest sequence number among the SDUs transmitted by the third node.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is included in a second message, the second message further including a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate whether the second message includes the first information.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0077] Send a first request to the third node, the first request being used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request being used to request the third node to stop sending the first information.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third node is a next-generation node-distributed unit (gNB-DU).

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first request is included in a user plane frame sent by the first node to the third node.

[0080] In the above embodiments, a method is provided for how a first node determines the packet loss situation of PDCP, so that when the first node acts as a PDCP sender, it can successfully determine the packet loss situation of PDCP, and further send a first report to the PDCP receiver based on the packet loss situation of PDCP. Thus, the PDCP receiver can adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism based on the first report to avoid long receiving delays and improve communication efficiency.

[0081] Secondly, this disclosure provides a reporting method, which is executed by a second node, and the method includes:

[0082] Send a first indication to the first node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function being used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report being used to indicate packet loss in PDCP.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0084] Perform the primary function;

[0085] Do not execute the first function;

[0086] The conditions for performing the first function.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0088] Does the corresponding DRB perform its primary function?

[0089] Does the corresponding PDU set execute the first function?

[0090] Whether the corresponding UL or DL ​​transmission performs the first function.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first node is gNB-CU-UP and the second node is gNB-CU-CP; or

[0092] The first node is an SN base station, and the second node is an MN base station; or

[0093] The first node is the MN base station, and the second node is the SN base station.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is included in an E1AP message or an XnAP message.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0096] Send a first request to the third node, the first request being used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request being used to request the third node to stop sending the first information.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third node is gNB-DU.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first request is included in an F1AP message sent by the second node to the third node.

[0099] Thirdly, this disclosure provides a reporting method, which is executed by a third node, and the method includes:

[0100] Send first information to the first node, the first information being used to determine the SDU packet loss situation of the third node.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0102] The third node confirms the sequence number of the discarded SDU;

[0103] The sequence number of the SDU that the third node has transmitted;

[0104] The sequence number of the SDU transmitted by the third node;

[0105] The lowest sequence number among the SDUs discarded by the third node;

[0106] The highest sequence number among the SDUs transmitted by the third node.

[0107] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is included in a second message, and the second message further includes a second indication for indicating whether the first information is included in the second message.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the first node includes:

[0109] Receive a first request sent by a first node and / or a second node, wherein the first request is used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request is used to request the third node to stop sending the first information;

[0110] The first request is used to request the third node to send the first information to the first node.

[0111] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a reporting method for a communication system, the communication system including a first node, a second node, and a third node; the method includes:

[0112] The second node sends a first instruction to the first node; the first instruction is used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate the packet loss situation of PDCP;

[0113] The first node receives the first instruction.

[0114] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first node, comprising:

[0115] The transceiver module is used to receive a first indication sent by a second node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to a terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by a terminal device; the first report is used to indicate packet loss status of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).

[0116] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0117] Adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism according to the first report.

[0118] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0119] Perform the primary function;

[0120] Do not execute the first function;

[0121] The conditions for performing the first function.

[0122] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0123] Does the corresponding wireless data bearer DRB perform the first function?

[0124] Does the corresponding Protocol Data Unit (PDU) set execute the first function?

[0125] Whether the corresponding uplink UL transmission or downlink DL transmission performs the first function.

[0126] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first node is a next-generation node-centralized unit-user plane gNB-CU-UP, and the second node is a next-generation node-centralized unit-control plane gNB-CU-CP; or

[0127] The first node is the secondary node SN base station, and the second node is the primary node MN base station; or

[0128] The first node is the MN base station, and the second node is the SN base station.

[0129] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is included in an E1AP message or an XnAP message.

[0130] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first indication is included in the PDCP configuration information in the E1AP message or XnAP message.

[0131] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0132] The system receives first information sent by a third node, which is used to determine the packet loss status of the Service Data Unit (SDU) of the third node.

[0133] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0134] The third node confirms the sequence number of the discarded SDU;

[0135] The sequence number of the SDU that the third node has transmitted;

[0136] The sequence number of the SDU transmitted by the third node;

[0137] The lowest sequence number among the SDUs discarded by the third node;

[0138] The highest sequence number among the SDUs transmitted by the third node.

[0139] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is included in a second message, the second message further including a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate whether the second message includes the first information.

[0140] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0141] Send a first request to the third node, the first request being used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request being used to request the third node to stop sending the first information.

[0142] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the third node is a next-generation node-distributed unit gNB-DU.

[0143] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first request is included in a user plane frame sent by the first node to the third node.

[0144] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second node, comprising:

[0145] The transceiver module is used to send a first indication to the first node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate the packet loss situation of PDCP.

[0146] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first instruction is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0147] Perform the primary function;

[0148] Do not execute the first function;

[0149] The conditions for performing the first function.

[0150] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments the first instruction is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0151] Does the corresponding DRB perform its primary function?

[0152] Does the corresponding PDU set execute the first function?

[0153] Whether the corresponding UL or DL ​​transmission performs the first function.

[0154] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments the first node is gNB-CU-UP and the second node is gNB-CU-CP; or

[0155] The first node is an SN base station, and the second node is an MN base station; or

[0156] The first node is the MN base station, and the second node is the SN base station.

[0157] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments the first instruction is included in an E1AP message or an XnAP message.

[0158] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the method in some embodiments further includes:

[0159] Send a first request to the third node, the first request being used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request being used to request the third node to stop sending the first information.

[0160] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments the third node is gNB-DU.

[0161] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments the first request is included in an F1AP message sent by the second node to the third node.

[0162] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a third node, including:

[0163] The transceiver module is used to send first information to the first node, and the first information is used to determine the SDU packet loss situation of the third node.

[0164] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0165] The third node confirms the sequence number of the discarded SDU;

[0166] The sequence number of the SDU that the third node has transmitted;

[0167] The sequence number of the SDU transmitted by the third node;

[0168] The lowest sequence number among the SDUs discarded by the third node;

[0169] The highest sequence number among the SDUs transmitted by the third node.

[0170] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is included in a second message, the second message further including a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate whether the second message includes the first information.

[0171] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the first node includes:

[0172] Receive a first request sent by a first node and / or a second node, wherein the first request is used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request is used to request the third node to stop sending the first information;

[0173] The first request is used to request the third node to send the first information to the first node.

[0174] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, the communication device comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing instructions; wherein the processors are configured to invoke the instructions to cause the communication device to perform the reporting method as described in the first aspect, an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, an optional implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, and an optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0175] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising: a first node, a second node, and a third node; wherein the first node is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and optional implementations thereof, the second node is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and optional implementations thereof, and the third node is configured to perform the method described in the third aspect and optional implementations thereof.

[0176] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the reporting method as described in the first aspect, an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, an optional implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, and an optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0177] In the eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the reporting method as described in the first aspect, the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, and the optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0178] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the reporting method as described in the first aspect, an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, an optional implementation of the second aspect, the third aspect, and an optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0179] It is understood that the aforementioned first node, second node, third node, terminal device, communication device, communication system, storage medium, program product, and computer program are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] The present invention is described in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the terms reporting method, information processing method, information sending method, and information receiving method can be used interchangeably; the terms communication device, information processing device, information sending device, and information receiving device can be used interchangeably; and the terms information processing system, communication system, information sending system, and information receiving system can be used interchangeably.

[0181] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0182] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0183] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0184] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0185] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0187] The descriptions in this disclosure, such as "at least one of A, B, C..." or "A and / or B and / or C...", include the case where any one of A, B, C... exists alone, as well as the case where any combination of any of A, B, C... exists alone. Each case can exist alone. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes the cases of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B combination, A and C combination, B and C combination, and A and B and C combination. For example, A and / or B includes the cases of A alone, B alone, and A and B combination.

[0188] In some embodiments, the notation "in one case A, in another case B" or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: A is executed regardless of B, i.e., A is executed in some embodiments; B is executed regardless of A, i.e., B is executed in some embodiments; A and B are selectively executed, i.e., A and B are selected for execution in some embodiments; A and B are both executed, i.e., A and B are executed in some embodiments. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0189] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0190] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0191] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0192] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0193] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0194] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0195] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0196] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0197] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0198] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0199] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0200] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0201] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0202] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0203] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0204] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 may include a terminal (or terminal device) and a network device. The network device may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0205] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0206] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

[0207] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0208] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0209] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC). Alternatively, the core network device may also be a location management function network element. Exemplarily, the location management function network element includes a location server, which may be implemented as any of the following: a Location Management Function (LMF), an Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Centre (E-SMLC), a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL), and a Secure User Plane Location Platform (SUPLLP).

[0210] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0211] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0212] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0213] Optionally, the aforementioned PDCP SN Gap report is typically transmitted and / or received in scenarios where the central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) are separated, and in multi-connectivity scenarios (such as dual connectivity (DC) scenarios). Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a CU-DU separated scenario according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, in a CU-DU separated scenario, there may be a next-generation node-central unit-control plane (gNB-CU-CP), a next-generation node-central unit-user plane (gNB-CU-UP), and a next-generation node-distributed unit (gNB-DU). Among them, gNB-CU-CP can be used as the second node in this disclosure, gNB-CU-UP can be used as the first node in this disclosure, and gNB-DU can be used as the third node in this disclosure. Optionally, gNB-CU-CP sends Quality of Service (QoS) parameters (including PDU set QoS parameters) to gNB-CU-UP and gNB-DU. gNB-CU-UP and gNB-DU then process uplink and downlink data for relevant services based on the QoS parameters (e.g., packet loss based on PDU set or PSI (PDU setimport)). gNB-CU-UP contains a PDCP entity and can instruct gNB-DU to perform packet loss operations. gNB-DU can execute packet loss as needed. For example, gNB-DU will not discard data packets already transmitted by gNB-DU, such as service data units (SDUs) already transmitted or partially transmitted SDUs.

[0214] Optionally, Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a DC scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1C, the DC scenario may include a master node (MN) base station, a secondary node (SN) base station, and a gNB-DU. The MN base station can act as the second node in this disclosure, the SN base station as the first node, and the gNB-DU as the third node. Alternatively, the SN base station can act as the second node, the MN base station as the first node, and the gNB-DU as the third node. Optionally, the MN base station is responsible for processing data at the PDCP layer. In this case, the MN base station can replace the aforementioned gNB-CU-UP to perform the corresponding operation; or, the SN base station is responsible for processing data at the PDCP layer. In this case, the SN base station can replace the aforementioned gNB-CU-UP to perform the corresponding operation.

[0215] Generally speaking, when a PDCP sender sends a PDCP data packet, it includes an end indicator in the last PDCP data packet. This end indicator is used to indicate that the PDCP data packet is the last PDCP data packet. When the receiver receives a PDCP data packet containing the end indicator, it considers the PDCP data packet transmission to be complete and will stop receiving. However, when sending PDCP data packets, the sender often discards some. For example, if the sender determines 100 PDCP data packets with sequence numbers 1-100, and the PDCP data packet with sequence number "100" includes an end indication, but due to some reason (such as communication congestion), the sender discards PDCP data packets with sequence numbers "51-100", that is, the sender may only send the first 50 PDCP data packets. In this case, the receiver cannot know about the packet loss situation and may keep waiting for the PDCP data packet containing the end indication. However, since this PDCP data packet containing the end indication has been discarded by the sender, it will not be sent to the receiver, causing the receiver to keep waiting to receive this PDCP data packet containing the end indication, resulting in reception delay. Therefore, in some embodiments, the sender usually needs to send a PDCP SN Gap report to the receiver, and the PDCP SN Gap is included in the PDCP SN Gap report. For example, the gap can be used to determine the packet loss situation at the sending end (i.e., the SN of dropped PDCP packets and / or the number of dropped packets), so that the receiving end can determine the PDCP packet loss situation based on the PDCP SN Gap in the PDCP SN Gap report, and then adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism based on the PDCP packet loss situation, such as adjusting the receiving mechanism to not wait to receive dropped PDCP packets, thereby avoiding the situation mentioned above where the receiving end keeps waiting for a certain PDCP packet. Optionally, the PDCP sending end mentioned above can be gNB-CU-UP, MN and / or SN, and the PDCP receiving end can be a terminal device. Alternatively, the PDCP sending end can be a terminal device, and the PDCP receiving end can be gNB-CU-UP, MN and / or SN. Optionally, when gNB-CU-UP is the PDCP sending end (i.e., for downlink data), both gNB-CU-UP and gNB-DU can perform packet loss operations.

[0216] However, there is currently no method to configure the transmission and / or reception of PDCP SN Gap reports for the aforementioned "gNB-CU-UP, MN base station, SN base station".

[0217] Based on this, this disclosure proposes a method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0218] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, this disclosure relates to a reporting method for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0219] Step 2101: The second node sends a first instruction to the first node.

[0220] Optionally, the first node may receive a first instruction sent by the second node.

[0221] Optionally, the first node can be gNB-CU-UP and the second node can be gNB-CU-CP; or, the first node can be a master node (MN) base station and the second node can be a secondary node (SN) base station; or, the first node can be an SN base station and the second node can be an MN base station. For a detailed description of "gNB-CU-UP, gNB-CU-CP, MN base station, and SN base station" here, please refer to the description preceding the embodiment in Figure 2A.

[0222] Optionally, the aforementioned first indication can be used by the first node to determine whether to perform a first function; the first function can be used to transmit and / or receive a first report; the first report can be used to indicate PDCP packet loss, for example, the first report can be used to indicate the sequence number (SN) and / or the number of packets lost by the PDCP transmitter. In some embodiments, the first report may include, for example, information indicating the Packet Data Convergence Protocol Sequence Number Gap (PDCP SN Gap) or information indicating PDCP packet loss. Optionally, the first report can be a "PDCP SN Gap report"; and the aforementioned PDCP SN Gap can be used to determine PDCP packet loss, for example, the PDCP SN Gap can be used to determine the sequence number and / or the number of packets lost by the PDCP transmitter. Optionally, the sequence number of the discarded PDCP packet includes one or more sequence numbers. Optionally, the sequence number of the discarded PDCP packet is a sequence number range. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first node and the terminal device can process PDCP data packets. The first node can act as a PDCP sender or receiver, and the terminal device can also act as a PDCP sender or receiver. In some embodiments, when the first node acts as a PDCP sender (or may be referred to as "transmitting PDCP entity") and the terminal device acts as a PDCP receiver (or may be referred to as "receiving PDCP entity"), the first function can be "transmitting a first report". In this case, the first node can determine the packet loss situation of PDCP. For example, the packet loss situation includes packet loss at the PDCP layer and / or packet loss at the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. Then, the first node can send a first report to the terminal device based on the packet loss situation, so that the terminal device can adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism based on the PDCP packet loss situation indicated by the first report. For example, a terminal device can determine the sequence number and / or number of PDCP packets dropped by the PDCP sender based on the PDCP packet loss situation. Then, the terminal device can receive only the undisturbed PDCP packets without waiting to receive the dropped packets, thereby significantly reducing PDCP reception latency and improving communication efficiency. Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the first node acts as the PDCP receiver and the terminal device acts as the PDCP sender, the first function can be "receive a first report." In this case, the first node can receive a first report from the terminal device and adjust the PDCP reception mechanism according to the PDCP packet loss situation indicated in the first report.For example, the first node can determine the sequence number and / or number of PDCP packets dropped by the PDCP sender based on the packet loss situation of PDCP. Then, the first node can receive only the PDCP packets that have not been dropped without waiting to receive the dropped PDCP packets, which can greatly reduce the PDCP reception latency and improve communication efficiency.

[0223] Optionally, the first instruction described above can be used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0224] Perform the first function (or configure or activate the first function);

[0225] Do not execute the first function (or deconfigure or deactivate the first function);

[0226] Conditions for performing the first function.

[0227] Optionally, the condition for executing the first function can be, for example, determining to start executing the first function when the PDCP SN Gap of the PDCP data packet is greater than a first threshold. Specifically, since a large PDCP SN Gap indicates a large number of packet losses at the PDCP transmitter, which may lead to a large reception delay at the PDCP receiver, while a small PDCP SN Gap indicates a small number of packet losses at the PDCP transmitter, resulting in a negligible reception delay at the PDCP receiver, in some embodiments, the first function can be determined to start executing when the PDCP SN Gap of the PDCP data packet is greater than the first threshold. That is, when the PDCP SN Gap of the PDCP data packet is greater than the first threshold, the first node can transmit and / or receive a first report so that the PDCP data packet receiver can adjust the PDCP reception mechanism based on the first report, thereby reducing reception delay and improving communication efficiency.

[0228] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication mentioned above may be configured separately for each data radio bearer (per DRB) of the first node. In this case, different DRBs of the first node correspond to the first indication, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding DRB performs the first function.

[0229] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first instruction described above may be configured separately for each Protocol Data Unit set (per PDU set) of the first node. In this case, different PDU sets of the first node correspond to a first instruction, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding PDU set performs the first function.

[0230] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first indication mentioned above may be configured separately for the uplink (UL) transmission and downlink (DL) transmission of the first node. In this case, the UL transmission and DL transmission of the first node are respectively configured with a first indication, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding UL transmission or DL ​​transmission performs a first function.

[0231] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second node can send a first indication to the first node via a first message. Optionally, when the first node is gNB-CU-UP and the second node is gNB-CU-CP, the first message can be an E1AP message; the E1AP message may include, for example, a Bearer Context SETUP REQUEST message and / or a Bearer Context MODIFICATION REQUEST message; or, in other embodiments, when the first node is an SN base station and the second node is an MN base station, the first message can be an XnAP message; the XnAP message may include, for example, at least one of an S-NODE ADDITION REQUEST message, an S-NODE MODIFICATION REQUEST message, and an S-NODE MODIFICATION CONFIRM message. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, when the first node is an MN base station and the second node is an SN base station, the first message is an XnAP message; the XnAP message may include at least one of the following: an S-NODE MODIFICATION REQUIRED message, an S-NODE CHANGE REQUIRED message, an S-NODE ADDITION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message, and an S-NODE MODIFICATION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message.

[0232] Optionally, the aforementioned first indication may be included in the PDCP configuration information in the first message.

[0233] Optionally, in some embodiments, after the second node sends a first instruction to the first node, if the first node receives the first instruction, the first node can send a response message back to the second node. The response message can be used to inform the second node that the first node has successfully received the first instruction.

[0234] Step 2102: The first node is the PDCP sender, and the second node and / or the first node sends the first request to the third node.

[0235] Optionally, the third node can be, for example, a gNB-DU, which can receive the first request.

[0236] Optionally, the first request can be used to request the third node to send first information, or the first request can be used to request the third node to stop sending first information. The first information can be used to determine the packet loss status of the third node's service data unit (SDU), which may include, for example, the sequence number of the SDUs dropped by the third node and / or the number of SDU packets lost by the third node. The third node's SDU packet loss status can be used by the first node to determine the packet loss status of the PDCP.

[0237] The following explains the principle behind why the SDU packet loss data of the third node can be used by the first node to determine the PDCP packet loss data:

[0238] Specifically, in some embodiments, the first node can be understood as a higher layer than the third node, and the third node can be understood as a lower layer than the first node. The first node includes a PDCP entity, and the third node includes an RLC entity. Optionally, when the first node is a PDCP sender and the terminal device is a PDCP receiver, the first node sends PDCP data packets to the terminal device. The specific process may include: the first node first sends the downlink data to be sent to the terminal device to the third node; the third node processes the downlink data sent by the first node to obtain processed data (i.e., RLC SDU or PDCP PDU), and then processes and encapsulates it into an RLC PDU and sends it to the lower layer, and then to the UE. Each PDCP PDU from the PDCP entity is associated with a PDCP SN. On the network device side, the PDCP entity can instruct the RLC entity to perform packet loss based on the PDCP SN. The RLC entity can perform packet loss according to the transmission status of the RLC SDU. For example, it does not perform packet loss for SDUs that have been sent or partially sent. Optionally, the RLC entity can also perform packet loss based on QoS configuration, for example, if the PDU set QoS configuration indicates that packet loss should be based on PDU set integrity. In the split architecture, the PDCP entity is included in gNB-CU-UP, and the RLC entity is included in gNB-DU. Both gNB-CU-UP and gNB-DU can perform packet loss operations. However, gNB-CU-UP is unaware of the actual packet loss situation of gNB-DU. Therefore, the third node, acting as gNB-DU, needs to report the actual packet loss situation of the third node to the first node, acting as gNB-CU-UP, so that the first node can determine the actual packet loss situation of the third node and, in conjunction with the packet loss situation of the first node, determine the packet loss situation of PDCP and execute the first function.

[0239] Based on the above description, in some embodiments, if the first node needs to send PDCP data packets, and the first node determines to perform the first function and / or the first node meets the conditions for performing the first function, then the first request sent by the first node to the third node can be used to request the third node to send first information (i.e., the packet loss situation of the third node for SDU), so that the first node can determine the PDCP SN Gap of the PDCP data packets based on the first information, thereby facilitating the first node to subsequently send the first report to the terminal device based on the PDCP SN Gap, so as to reduce the reception latency of the terminal device.

[0240] In other embodiments, when the first node does not send PDCP data packets, the first node determines that it will not perform the first function, and / or the first node does not meet the conditions for performing the first function, the first request sent by the first node to the third node can be used to request the third node to stop sending the first information.

[0241] Optionally, the first request can carry different bit values ​​to represent different meanings. For example, when the first request carries a first value, it can be used to request the third node to send the first information; when the first request carries a second value, it can be used to request the third node to stop sending the first information. For example, the first request can be a polling bit, where a polling bit value of 1 represents a request for the third node to send the first information, and a polling bit value of 0 represents a request for the third node to stop sending the first information.

[0242] In some embodiments, when the first node sends a first request to the third node, if the first node is gNB-CU-UP, the first node can send the first request to the third node through a user plane frame (e.g., a downlink user data frame).

[0243] In some embodiments, when the second node sends a first request to the third node, if the second node is gNB-CU-CP, the first node can send the first request to the third node through an F1AP message; the F1AP message may include, for example, a UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message and / or a UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message.

[0244] Furthermore, it should be noted that in some embodiments, step 2102 may be performed before or after step 2101, or may be performed simultaneously with step 2101. This disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0245] Step 2103: The third node sends the first message to the first node.

[0246] Optionally, the first node may receive the first information sent by the third node. This first information may be used to determine the SDU packet loss situation of the third node, which may be, for example, the sequence number of the SDUs dropped by the third node and / or the number of SDU packets lost by the third node. In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0247] The third node confirms the sequence number of the discarded SDU;

[0248] The sequence number of the SDU that the third node has transmitted;

[0249] The sequence number of the SDU transmitted in the third node section;

[0250] The lowest sequence number in the SDU discarded by the third node;

[0251] The highest sequence number among the SDUs transmitted by the third node.

[0252] Optionally, assuming the third node discards SDUs with sequence numbers "51-100", in some embodiments, the sequence number of the discarded SDUs can be "51-100", the sequence number of the SDUs already transmitted by the third node can be "1-50", the sequence number of the SDUs partially transmitted by the third node can be "1-25", the lowest sequence number among the discarded SDUs can be "51", and the highest sequence number among the SDUs already transmitted by the third node can be "50".

[0253] Optionally, in some embodiments, the aforementioned first information may be included in the second message, which may further include a second indication, which may be used to indicate whether the second message includes the first information. Optionally, the second message may be a user plane frame (e.g., ASSISTANCE INFORMATION DATA) sent from a third node to a first node. In some embodiments, when the second message is ASSISTANCE INFORMATION DATA, the second indication in the second message may be, for example, a Discarded PDCP SN Indicator. Optionally, the second indication may take different values; for example, when the second indication is a third value (e.g., 1), it indicates that the second message includes the first information, and when the second indication is a fourth value (e.g., 0), it indicates that the second message does not include the first information.

[0254] Step 2104: The first node determines the packet loss situation of PDCP.

[0255] Optionally, the first node can determine the packet loss situation of PDCP based on the packet loss situation of the first node and / or the packet loss situation of the third node.

[0256] For example, suppose the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0257] The third node confirmed that the sequence number of the discarded SDU was "51-100";

[0258] The sequence number of the SDU transmitted by the third node is "1-50";

[0259] The lowest sequence number among the SDUs discarded by the third node is: 51”;

[0260] The highest sequence number in the SDU transmitted by the third node is: 50”

[0261] Based on the aforementioned first information, the first node can determine the packet loss situation of the third node (i.e., the packet loss situation of the third node for SDUs) as follows: SDUs with sequence numbers 51-100 are discarded. At this point, assuming the first node itself discarded packets with sequence numbers "101-110", these packets have not yet been sent to the third node, meaning the first node's packet loss situation is: PDCP PDUs with sequence numbers 101-110 are discarded. Then, combining the packet loss situation of the first node and the third node, the first node can determine the PDCP packet loss situation as: PDCP PDUs with sequence numbers 50-110 are discarded.

[0262] Step 2105: The first node sends the first report based on the packet loss situation of PDCP.

[0263] Optionally, the first node may include information indicating PDCP packet loss in the first report. Optionally, the first node may send the first report to the PDCP receiver (such as a terminal device).

[0264] Step 2106: The PDCP receiver adjusts the PDCP receiving mechanism based on the first report.

[0265] Optionally, the PDCP receiver can determine the sequence number and / or number of PDCP packets dropped by the PDCP sender based on the packet loss situation indicated by the first report. Then, the PDCP receiver can receive only the PDCP packets that have not been dropped without waiting to receive the dropped PDCP packets, thereby greatly reducing the reception delay of the first node and improving communication efficiency.

[0266] In the above embodiments, a first node in the network can determine whether it performs a first function for transmitting and / or receiving a first report by receiving a first indication, wherein the first report is used to indicate PDCP packet loss. Therefore, the method in this disclosure can configure the nodes in the network to transmit and / or receive the first report, so that the nodes in the network can successfully transmit and / or receive the first report. When a node in the network acts as a PDCP sender, it can transmit the first report to a PDCP receiver, so that the terminal device acting as the PDCP receiver can determine the PDCP packet loss based on the first report and adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism accordingly. Alternatively, when a node in the network acts as a PDCP receiver, it can receive the first report transmitted by a terminal device acting as a PDCP sender, so that the node in the network can determine the PDCP packet loss based on the first report and adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism accordingly. This achieves successful transmission and / or reception of PDCP data packets by the nodes in the network, ensuring communication efficiency and stability.

[0267] The reporting method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2101 to 2106. For example, step 2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps 2101+2102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0268] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0269] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this disclosure relates to a reporting method for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0270] Step 2201: The second node sends the first instruction to the first node.

[0271] For a detailed description of step 2201, please refer to the above embodiment.

[0272] Step 2202: The first node is the PDCP receiver, and the PDCP sender sends the first report to the first node.

[0273] Optionally, when the first indication is used to indicate that the first node has configured the first function, the first node can receive a first report from the PDCP transmitter (e.g., a terminal device). The first report can be a PDCP SN Gap report. For a detailed description of the first report, please refer to the above embodiments.

[0274] Step 2203: The first node adjusts the PDCP receiving mechanism based on the first report.

[0275] For details regarding step 2203, please refer to the description in the above embodiments.

[0276] In the above embodiments, a first node in the network can determine whether it performs a first function for transmitting and / or receiving a first report by receiving a first indication, wherein the first report is used to indicate PDCP packet loss. Therefore, the method in this disclosure can configure the nodes in the network to transmit and / or receive the first report, so that the nodes in the network can successfully transmit and / or receive the first report. When a node in the network acts as a PDCP sender, it can transmit the first report to a PDCP receiver, so that the terminal device acting as the PDCP receiver can determine the PDCP packet loss based on the first report and adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism accordingly. Alternatively, when a node in the network acts as a PDCP receiver, it can receive the first report transmitted by a terminal device acting as a PDCP sender, so that the node in the network can determine the PDCP packet loss based on the first report and adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism accordingly. This achieves successful transmission and / or reception of PDCP data packets by the nodes in the network, ensuring communication efficiency and stability.

[0277] The reporting method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 2201 to 2203. For example, step 2201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 2202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps 2201+2202 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0278] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0279] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, this disclosure relates to a reporting method for a first node, the method comprising:

[0280] Step 3101: Receive the first instruction.

[0281] Step 3102: Send the first request.

[0282] Step 3103: Receive the first information.

[0283] Step 3104: Determine the packet loss situation of the PDCP sender based on the first information.

[0284] Step 3105: Send the first report.

[0285] For a detailed description of steps 3101-3105, please refer to the above embodiments.

[0286] The reporting method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3101 to 3105. For example, step 3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps 3101+3102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0287] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0288] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to a reporting method for a first node, the method comprising:

[0289] Step 3201: Receive the first instruction.

[0290] Step 3202: Receive the first report.

[0291] Step 3203: Adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism based on the first report.

[0292] For a detailed description of steps 3201-3203, please refer to the above embodiment description.

[0293] The reporting method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 3201 to 3203. For example, step 3201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step 3202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and steps 3201+3202 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0294] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0295] Figure 3C is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, this disclosure relates to a reporting method for a first node, the method comprising:

[0296] Step 3301: Receive the first instruction.

[0297] Optionally, the first indication is used by the first node to determine whether to perform the first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate the packet loss situation of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).

[0298] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0299] Adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism according to the first report.

[0300] Optionally, the first indication is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0301] Perform the primary function;

[0302] Do not execute the first function;

[0303] The conditions for performing the first function.

[0304] Optionally, the first indication is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0305] Does the corresponding wireless data bearer DRB perform the first function?

[0306] Does the corresponding Protocol Data Unit (PDU) set execute the first function?

[0307] Whether the corresponding uplink UL transmission or downlink DL transmission performs the first function.

[0308] Optionally, the first node is a next-generation node-centralized unit-user plane gNB-CU-UP, and the second node is a next-generation node-centralized unit-control plane gNB-CU-CP; or

[0309] The first node is the secondary node SN base station, and the second node is the primary node MN base station; or

[0310] The first node is the MN base station, and the second node is the SN base station.

[0311] Optionally, the first indication is included in an E1AP message or an XnAP message.

[0312] Optionally, the first indication is included in the PDCP configuration information in the E1AP message or XnAP message.

[0313] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0314] The system receives first information sent by a third node, which is used to determine the packet loss status of the Service Data Unit (SDU) of the third node.

[0315] Optionally, the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0316] The third node confirms the sequence number of the discarded SDU;

[0317] The sequence number of the SDU that the third node has transmitted;

[0318] The sequence number of the SDU transmitted by the third node;

[0319] The lowest sequence number among the SDUs discarded by the third node;

[0320] The highest sequence number among the SDUs transmitted by the third node.

[0321] Optionally, the first information is included in a second message, which further includes a second indication for indicating whether the first information is included in the second message.

[0322] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0323] Send a first request to the third node, the first request being used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request being used to request the third node to stop sending the first information.

[0324] Optionally, the third node is a next-generation node-distributed unit (gNB-DU).

[0325] Optionally, the first request is included in a user plane frame sent from the first node to the third node.

[0326] For a detailed description of step 3301, please refer to the above embodiment.

[0327] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0328] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a reporting method for a second node, the method comprising:

[0329] Step 4101: Send the first instruction to the first node.

[0330] Optionally, the first indication is used by the first node to determine whether to execute the first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate the packet loss situation of PDCP.

[0331] Optionally, the first indication is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0332] Perform the primary function;

[0333] Do not execute the first function;

[0334] The conditions for performing the first function.

[0335] Optionally, the first indication is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0336] Does the corresponding DRB perform its primary function?

[0337] Does the corresponding PDU set execute the first function?

[0338] Whether the corresponding UL or DL ​​transmission performs the first function.

[0339] Optionally, the first node is gNB-CU-UP, and the second node is gNB-CU-CP; or

[0340] The first node is an SN base station, and the second node is an MN base station; or

[0341] The first node is the MN base station, and the second node is the SN base station.

[0342] Optionally, the first indication is included in an E1AP message or an XnAP message.

[0343] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0344] Send a first request to the third node, the first request being used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request being used to request the third node to stop sending the first information.

[0345] Optionally, the third node is gNB-DU.

[0346] Optionally, the first request is included in the F1AP message sent by the second node to the third node.

[0347] For a detailed description of step 4101, please refer to the above embodiment.

[0348] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0349] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, this disclosure relates to a reporting method for a third node, the method comprising:

[0350] Step 4201: Send the first message to the first node.

[0351] Optionally, the first information is used to determine the SDU packet loss situation of the third node.

[0352] The first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0353] The third node confirms the sequence number of the discarded SDU;

[0354] The sequence number of the SDU that the third node has transmitted;

[0355] The sequence number of the SDU transmitted by the third node;

[0356] The lowest sequence number among the SDUs discarded by the third node;

[0357] The highest sequence number among the SDUs transmitted by the third node.

[0358] Optionally, the first information is included in a second message, which further includes a second indication for indicating whether the first information is included in the second message.

[0359] Optionally, sending the first information to the first node includes:

[0360] Receive a first request sent by a first node and / or a second node, wherein the first request is used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request is used to request the third node to stop sending the first information;

[0361] The first request is used to request the third node to send the first information to the first node.

[0362] For a detailed description of step 4201, please refer to the above embodiment.

[0363] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0364] Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the present disclosure relates to a reporting method for a communication system, the communication system including a first node, a second node, and a third node, the method including at least one of the following:

[0365] Step 5101: The second node sends a first instruction to the first node;

[0366] Step 5102: The first node receives the first instruction.

[0367] The optional implementation methods of steps 5101-5102 can be found in the above embodiments.

[0368] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods described in the embodiments of the communication system side, terminal side, network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0369] The reporting method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps 5101 to 5102. For example, step 5101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step 5102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0370] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0371] The following is an exemplary description of the above method.

[0372] This disclosure uses CU-CP to control CU-UP and obtain packet loss status information from DU to support PDCP SN Gap reporting (i.e., the first function) in CU-DU separation architecture and DC scenario.

[0373] 1. First node execution:

[0374] Receive the first instruction from the second node and determine whether to perform PDCP SN Gap Reporting based on the first instruction.

[0375] The PDCP SN Gap Reporting is used to indicate the PDCP SN Gap to the receiver.

[0376] 2. Based on 1, wherein the first indication includes at least one of the following:

[0377] - Configure PDCP SN Gap Reporting (used to indicate the configuration (or activation) of PDCP SN Gap Reporting)

[0378] - Configure PDCP SN Gap Reporting (instructions to configure (or deactivate) PDCP SN Gap Reporting)

[0379] -PDCP SN Gap Reporting trigger (used to indicate when PDCP SN Gap Reporting is triggered)

[0380] 3. Based on 1-2, wherein the first indication includes at least one of the following features:

[0381] - The first instruction is per DRB configuration.

[0382] - The first instruction is the configuration per PDU set.

[0383] - The first indication is configured per UL or DL ​​4, based on 1-3, wherein the first indication is included in the first message sent by the second node to the first node.

[0384] In some embodiments, the first node is gNB-CU-UP, the second node is gNB-CU-CP, and the first message may be a BEARER CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message sent by gNB-CU-CP to gNB-CU-UP and / or a BEARER CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message.

[0385] In some embodiments, the first node is SN, the second node is MN, and the first message is an XnAP message, such as an S-NODE ADDITION REQUEST message, an S-NODE MODIFICATION REQUEST message, and / or an S-NODE MODIFICATION CONFIRM message.

[0386] In some embodiments, the first node is MN (master node), the second node is SN (secondary node), and the first message is an XnAP message, such as an S-NODE ADDITION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message, an S-NODE MODIFICATION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE message, and / or an S-NODE MODIFICATION REQUIRED message.

[0387] 5. Based on 4, the first indication is included in the PDCP configuration information in the first message.

[0388] 6. Based on 1, the first node determines the PDCP SN Gap based on the second information from the third node.

[0389] 7. Based on 6, wherein the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0390] - Confirm the SN (sequence number) of the discarded SDU(s).

[0391] - The sequence number (SN) of the SDU(s) that has been transmitted or partially transmitted.

[0392] 8. Wherein, the second information is included in the user plane frame sent by the third node to the first node.

[0393] In some embodiments, the user plane frame is a DL DATADELIVERY STATUS frame.

[0394] 9. Based on 6-7, wherein the second information is sent by the third node to the first node based on the packet loss confirmation request information from the first node or the second node, in order to determine the PDCP SN Gap.

[0395] In some embodiments, the first node is gNB-CU-UP, the third node is gNB-DU, and the second information is included in the user plane frame sent from the first node to the third node, for example, a downlink user data frame.

[0396] In some embodiments, the packet loss acknowledgment request information is a polling bit, where a value of 1 indicates a request for a packet loss report, and a value of 0 indicates no request for a packet loss report;

[0397] In some embodiments, the second node is gNB-CU-CP and the third node is gNB-DU. The second information is included in the F1AP message sent by the second node to the third node, such as the UE CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST message and / or the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message.

[0398] Embodiment 1 of this disclosure:

[0399] Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating the reporting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the PDCP SN Gap Reporting IE is included in the PDCP configuration IE in the bearer context establishment request message. If supported, gNB-CU-UP will perform PDCP SN Gap Reporting when needed.

[0400] Embodiment 2 of this disclosure:

[0401] Figure 5C is a flowchart illustrating a reporting method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, the corresponding node in Figure 5C can be understood as the third node mentioned above, and the node hosting NR PDCP in Figure 5C can be understood as the first node mentioned above. The auxiliary information data frame mentioned above can be understood as the second message mentioned above, which may include, for example, discard information implemented by the corresponding node. The node hosting NR PDCP entity should consider this auxiliary information data frame to report PDCP SN Gap Reporting.

[0402] The frame format of the ASSISTANCE INFORMATION DATA frame is defined to allow nodes hosting NR PDCP entities to receive the ASSISTANCE INFORMATION DATA frame.

[0403] The corresponding ASSISTANCE INFORMATION DATAframe is shown below.

[0404] Note 1: Unless otherwise specified in Section 5.5.3, all information elements defined in Figure 5.5.2.3-1 also apply to the PDCP UTRA protocol.

[0405] Figure 5.5.2.3-1:ASSISTANCE INFORMATION DATA(PDU Type 2)Format

[0406] 5.5.3.x1 Discarded PDCP SN Indicator (equivalent to the second indicator mentioned above)

[0407] Description:This parameter indicates the presence of UL Discard Information.

[0408] Value range: {0=Discarded PDCP SN not present, 1=Discarded PDCP SN present}.

[0409] Field length: 1 bit.

[0410] 5.5.3.x2 Highest discarded PDCP SN (equivalent to the first information mentioned above)

[0411] Description: this field indicates the feedback about the discard status of NR PDCP PDUs at the corresponding node.

[0412] Value range: {0..224-1}.

[0413] Field length: 3 octets.

[0414] Embodiment 3 of this disclosure:

[0415] 5.5.2.1 Downlink User Data frame (PDU Type 0)

[0416] The frame format of the Downlink User Data frame is defined, for example, to allow the corresponding node to detect lost NR-U packets and can be associated with the transmission of downlink PDCP PDUs.

[0417] The corresponding Downlink User Data frame is shown below.

[0418] Note 1: All information elements defined in Figure 5.5.2.1-1 also apply to E-UTRA PDCP. With this understanding, every instance of NR PDCP can be replaced by E-UTRA PDCP.

[0419] Figure 5.5.2.1-1:DL USER DATA(PDU Type 0)Format

[0420] 5.5.3.x Discard Status polling (equivalent to the first request mentioned above)

[0421] Description:This parameter indicates that the node hosting the NR PDCP entity requests providing the discard status report in the corresponding node.

[0422] Value range: {0=Discard Status report not requested,1=Discard Status report requested}.

[0423] Field length: 1 bit.

[0424] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0425] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0426] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0427] Figure 6A is a structural schematic diagram of the first node proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, it includes:

[0428] The transceiver module is used to receive a first indication sent by a second node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to a terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by a terminal device; the first report is used to indicate packet loss status of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).

[0429] Optionally, the aforementioned transceiver module is used to execute the "transceiver" related steps performed by the first node in any of the above methods. The aforementioned first node further includes a processing module, which is used to execute the "processing" related steps performed by the first node in any of the above methods. Further details are omitted here.

[0430] Figure 6B is a structural schematic diagram of the second node proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, it includes:

[0431] The transceiver module is used to send a first indication to the first node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate the packet loss situation of PDCP.

[0432] Optionally, the aforementioned transceiver module is used to execute the "transceiver" related steps performed by the second node in any of the above methods. The aforementioned second node further includes a processing module, which is used to execute the "processing" related steps performed by the second node in any of the above methods. Further details are omitted here.

[0433] Figure 6C is a structural schematic diagram of the third node proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6C, it includes:

[0434] The transceiver module is used to send first information to the first node, and the first information is used to determine the SDU packet loss situation of the third node.

[0435] Optionally, the aforementioned transceiver module is used to execute the "transceiver" related steps performed by the third node in any of the above methods. The aforementioned third node further includes a processing module, which is used to execute the "processing" related steps performed by the third node in any of the above methods. Further details are omitted here.

[0436] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0437] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The processor 7101 is used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0438] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may also be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0439] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceivers 7103, and other steps are performed by the processor 7101.

[0440] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0441] Optionally, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more interface circuits 7104, which are connected to the memory 7102. The interface circuits 7104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 can read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0442] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7a. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0443] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B can be referenced, but is not limited thereto.

[0444] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201, which are used to invoke instructions to cause chip 7200 to perform any of the above methods.

[0445] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202 connected to memory 7203. Interface circuits 7202 can be used to receive signals from memory 7203 or other devices, and can also be used to send signals to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in memory 7203 and send those instructions to processor 7201. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be used interchangeably.

[0446] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside of chip 7200.

[0447] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0448] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0449] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0450] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0451] 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 disclosure.

[0452] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0453] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A reporting method, characterized in that, Executed by the first node, the method includes: The first node receives a first indication sent by a second node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate packet loss status of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Adjust the PDCP receiving mechanism according to the first report.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first indication is used to indicate at least one of the following: Perform the primary function; Do not execute the first function; The conditions for performing the first function.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first indication is used to indicate at least one of the following: Does the corresponding wireless data bearer DRB perform the first function? Does the corresponding Protocol Data Unit (PDU) set execute the first function? Whether the corresponding uplink UL transmission or downlink DL transmission performs the first function.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first node is a next-generation node-centralized unit-user plane gNB-CU-UP, and the second node is a next-generation node-centralized unit-control plane gNB-CU-CP; or The first node is the secondary node SN base station, and the second node is the primary node MN base station; or The first node is the MN base station, and the second node is the SN base station.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first indication is included in an E1AP message or an XnAP message.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first indication is included in the PDCP configuration information in the E1AP message or XnAP message.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives first information sent by a third node, which is used to determine the packet loss status of the Service Data Unit (SDU) of the third node.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first information indicates at least one of the following: The third node confirms the sequence number of the discarded SDU; The sequence number of the SDU that the third node has transmitted; The sequence number of the SDU transmitted by the third node; The lowest sequence number among the SDUs discarded by the third node; The highest sequence number among the SDUs transmitted by the third node.

10. The method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first information is included in a second message, which also includes a second indication for indicating whether the first information is included in the second message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first request to the third node, the first request being used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request being used to request the third node to stop sending the first information.

12. The method as described in any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The third node is a next-generation node-distributed unit gNB-DU.

13. The method as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first request is included in the user plane frame sent from the first node to the third node.

14. A reporting method, characterized in that, Executed by the second node, the method includes: Send a first indication to the first node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function being used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report being used to indicate packet loss in PDCP.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first indication is used to indicate at least one of the following: Perform the primary function; Do not execute the first function; The conditions for performing the first function.

16. The method as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The first indication is used to indicate at least one of the following: Does the corresponding DRB perform its primary function? Does the corresponding PDU set execute the first function? Whether the corresponding UL or DL ​​transmission performs the first function.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The first node is gNB-CU-UP, and the second node is gNB-CU-CP; or The first node is an SN base station, and the second node is an MN base station; or The first node is the MN base station, and the second node is the SN base station.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, characterized in that, The first indication is included in an E1AP message or an XnAP message.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first request to the third node, the first request being used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request being used to request the third node to stop sending the first information.

20. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The third node is gNB-DU.

21. The method as described in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The first request is included in the F1AP message sent by the second node to the third node.

22. A reporting method, characterized in that, Executed by a third node, the method includes: Send first information to the first node, the first information being used to determine the SDU packet loss situation of the third node.

23. The method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The first information indicates at least one of the following: The third node confirms the sequence number of the discarded SDU; The sequence number of the SDU that the third node has transmitted; The sequence number of the SDU transmitted by the third node; The lowest sequence number among the SDUs discarded by the third node; The highest sequence number among the SDUs transmitted by the third node.

24. The method as described in claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The first information is included in a second message, which also includes a second indication for indicating whether the first information is included in the second message.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22-24, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the first node includes: Receive a first request sent by a first node and / or a second node, wherein the first request is used to request the third node to send the first information, or the first request is used to request the third node to stop sending the first information; The first request is used to request the third node to send the first information to the first node.

26. A reporting method for a communication system, the communication system comprising a first node, a second node, and a third node; the method comprising: The second node sends the first instruction to the first node; The first instruction is used by the first node to determine whether to execute the first function; The first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate the packet loss situation of PDCP. The first node receives the first instruction.

27. A first node, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first indication sent by a second node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to a terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by a terminal device; the first report is used to indicate packet loss status of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).

28. A second node, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send a first indication to the first node, the first indication being used by the first node to determine whether to execute a first function; the first function is used to send a first report to the terminal device, or to receive a first report sent by the terminal device; the first report is used to indicate the packet loss situation of PDCP.

29. A third node, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send first information to the first node, and the first information is used to determine the SDU packet loss situation of the third node.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; A memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; A memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 14 to 21.

32. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; A memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 22 to 25.

33. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first node, a second node, and a third node, wherein the first node is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, the second node is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 14 to 21, and the third node is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 22 to 25.

34. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

35. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 21.

36. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 22 to 25.

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