Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method, comprising: a first entity receives first information that is from a second entity and used for indicating the capability and / or type of the second entity, and determines, on the basis of the first information, a first function executed by the second entity, wherein the first function comprises a physical layer signal processing function and / or a baseband processing function. In the technical solution, on the basis of the capability and / or type of the second entity, the first entity can determine the first function executed by the second entity; therefore, even if function division between different entities supports a plurality of different manners, on the basis of the first information, the first entity can still accurately determine the function executed by the second entity, thereby avoiding a data transmission failure between the first entity and the second entity caused by errors generated when the first entity determines the function executed by the second entity.

Description

Communication method and communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410684452.X, filed on May 29, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technology, and more particularly, to a communication method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] In order to reduce the pressure on the bandwidth of the fronthaul link and the deployment cost of the underlying split mode, the base station in the 5th generation (5G) system adopts an upper-layer split mode, which splits the base station into a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) two functional entities, and the midhaul link between the CU and the DU has lower demand for network bandwidth. In the open radio access network (ORAN) system, the DU can be further split into an open distributed unit (O-DU) and an open radio unit (O-RU).

[0004] The functional division between the O-RU and the O-DU can exist in multiple different ways, that is, there are multiple different ways of functional division between different entities. Therefore, how to support data transmission between different entities in the case that the functional division between different entities supports multiple different ways has become a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method to achieve data transmission between different entities in the case that the functional division between different entities supports multiple different ways.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first entity. In the absence of special description, the "first entity" in the present application can refer to a DU, a CU, or an O-DU, etc., can be a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) having the function of the first entity, or can be a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the function of the first entity. For ease of description, the following is described by taking the first entity as an example.

[0007] The communication method comprises: receiving first information from a second entity, the first information being used to indicate a capability and / or a type of the second entity; determining, according to the first information, a first function performed by the second entity, the first function comprising a physical layer signal processing function and / or a baseband processing function.

[0008] According to the technical solution, the first entity can determine the first function performed by the second entity according to the first information from the second entity. The first information is used to indicate the capability and / or the type of the second entity, and the first function comprises the physical layer signal processing function and / or the baseband processing function. In the technical solution, the first entity can determine the first function performed by the second entity according to the capability and / or the type of the second entity. Therefore, even if the function division between different entities supports multiple different ways, the first entity can accurately determine the function performed by the second entity according to the first information, and avoid the failure of data transmission between the first entity and the second entity due to the error of the first entity in determining the function performed by the second entity.

[0009] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: a function division manner supported by the second entity, a function supported by the second entity, a type of the second entity, an identifier of the second entity, or a highest layer function of the functions supported by the second entity.

[0010] According to the technical solution, the first information can indicate the capability and / or the type of the second entity in different ways, improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0011] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the determining, according to the first information, of the first function performed by the second entity comprises: determining, according to the first information and service information, of the first function performed by the second entity, the service information being used to indicate a service to which data to be processed belongs.

[0012] According to the technical solution, in the process of determining the first function performed by the second entity, the first entity can also consider the service information of the service to which the data to be processed belongs, so that the first function performed by the second entity determined by the first entity is more suitable for the data to be processed.

[0013] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the service information comprises at least one of the following information: sensing information, precoding information, channel estimation information, channel equalization information, or coordination information, wherein the coordination information indicates a coordination manner between multiple second entities.

[0014] According to the technical solution, the specific form of the service information can be various, improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: determining a second function performed by the first entity based on the first information, the second function including physical layer signal processing function and / or baseband processing function.

[0016] Based on the above technical solution, the first entity can also determine the second function to be performed by the first entity according to the first information, so as to realize the function allocation of different entities and improve the data transmission performance between different entities.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending first indication information to the second entity, the first indication information indicating the first function.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the first entity can instruct the second entity to perform a first function through the first instruction information, so that the second entity can clearly know the first function to be performed based on the first instruction information.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first indication information indicates the first function, including: the first indication information instructs the second entity to perform the first function; and / or, the first indication information indicates a third function that the second entity does not perform, the third function not including the first function.

[0020] Based on the above technical solution, the first instruction information can achieve the purpose of instructing the second entity to perform a function by instructing the second entity to perform a function, or instructing the second entity not to perform a function.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a first response message from the second entity, the first response message being used to indicate that the first indication information has been successfully received.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first entity is a distributed unit DU and the second entity is a radio unit RU.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first entity is a centralized unit (CU), the second entity is a distributed unit (DU) or a radio unit (RU), and the method further includes: determining a fourth function performed by a third entity, the fourth function including physical layer signal processing function and / or baseband processing function, wherein if the second entity is the DU, then the third entity is the RU; or, if the second entity is the RU, then the third entity is the DU.

[0024] Based on the above technical solution, when the first entity is a CU, the CU can determine the functions performed by the DU and RU. Therefore, even if the functional division between the DU and RU supports multiple different methods, the functions of the DU and RU can be determined by the CU, avoiding data transmission failures between the DU and RU due to uncertain functional division of the DU and / or RU.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before determining the fourth function performed by the third entity, the method further includes: receiving second information from the third entity, the second information indicating the capabilities and / or type of the third entity; determining the fourth function performed by the third entity includes: determining the fourth function performed by the third entity based on the second information.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information includes the second information, or the first information is determined based on the second information, and determining the fourth function performed by the third entity includes: determining the fourth function performed by the third entity based on the first information.

[0027] Based on the above technical solution, the first entity can determine the first function performed by the second entity based on the first information sent by the second entity, and determine the fourth function performed by the third entity based on the second information sent by the third entity; or, if the first information includes the second information or the first information is determined based on the second information, the first entity can determine the first function performed by the second entity and the fourth function performed by the third entity based on the first information. In this technical solution, the first entity can determine the functions performed by the second and third entities in different ways.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, determining the fourth function performed by the third entity based on the second information includes: determining the fourth function performed by the third entity based on the second information and business information, wherein the business information is used to indicate the business to which the data to be processed belongs.

[0029] Based on the above technical solution, in the process of determining the fourth function to be performed by the third entity, the first entity can also consider the business information of the business to which the data to be processed belongs, so that the fourth function to be performed by the third entity determined by the first entity is more suitable for the data to be processed.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function segmentation method supported by the third entity, the functions supported by the third entity, the type of the third entity, the identifier of the third entity, or the top-level function among the functions supported by the third entity.

[0031] Based on the above technical solution, the second information can indicate the capabilities and / or type of the third entity in different ways, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a second indication message to the third entity, the second indication message indicating the fourth function.

[0033] Based on the above technical solution, the first entity can instruct the third entity to perform the fourth function through the second instruction information, so that the third entity can clearly know the fourth function to be performed based on the second instruction information.

[0034] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the second indication information indicates the fourth function, including: the second indication information instructs the third entity to perform the fourth function; and / or, the first indication information indicates a fifth function that the second entity does not perform, the fifth function not including the fourth function.

[0035] Based on the above technical solution, the second instruction information can achieve the purpose of instructing the third entity to perform a function by instructing the third entity to perform a function, or instructing the third entity not to perform a function.

[0036] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a second response message from the third entity, the second response message indicating successful receipt of the second indication information.

[0037] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second entity. Unless otherwise specified, the "second entity" in this application can refer to an RU or O-RU, a component having the functions of the second entity (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second entity. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution by a second entity as an example.

[0038] The communication method includes: determining first information, the first information being used to indicate the capabilities and / or type of the second entity; sending the first information to the first entity; and receiving first indication information from the first entity, the first indication information being used to indicate a first function, the first function including physical layer signal processing function and / or baseband processing function.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the segmentation method of the functions supported by the second entity, the functions supported by the second entity, the type of the second entity, the identifier of the second entity, or the topmost function among the functions supported by the second entity.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first indication information indicates the first function, including: the first indication information instructs the second entity to perform the first function; and / or, the first indication information indicates a third function that the second entity does not perform, the third function not including the first function.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a first response message to the first entity, the first response message being used to indicate that the first indication information has been successfully received.

[0042] The technical effects of the methods shown in the second aspect and its possible designs above can be referred to the technical effects in the first aspect and its possible designs.

[0043] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a third entity. Unless otherwise specified, the "third entity" in this application can refer to a DU or O-DU, a component having the functions of the third entity (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the third entity. For ease of description, the following description uses execution by a third entity as an example.

[0044] The communication method includes: determining second information, the second information being used to indicate the capabilities and / or type of the third entity; sending the second information to a first entity; and receiving second indication information from the first entity, the second indication information being used to indicate a fourth function, the fourth function including physical layer signal processing function and / or baseband processing function.

[0045] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the segmentation method of the functions supported by the third entity, the functions supported by the third entity, the type of the third entity, the identifier of the third entity, or the top-level function among the functions supported by the third entity.

[0046] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the second indication information indicates the fourth function, including: the second indication information instructs the third entity to perform the fourth function; and / or, the second indication information indicates a fifth function that the third entity does not perform, the fifth function not including the fourth function.

[0047] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, a second response message is sent to the first entity, the second response message being used to indicate that the second indication information has been successfully received.

[0048] The technical effects of the methods shown in the third aspect and its possible designs above can be referred to the technical effects in the first aspect and its possible designs.

[0049] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to execute the first aspect described above and any of its embodiments. Specifically, the communication device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the first aspect described above and any of its embodiments.

[0050] In one implementation, the communication device is a first entity. When the communication device is the first entity, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0051] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip, chip system, or circuit in the first entity. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0052] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to execute the second aspect described above and any of its embodiments. Specifically, the communication device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the second aspect described above and any of its embodiments.

[0053] In one implementation, the communication device is a second entity. When the communication device is a second entity, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0054] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip, chip system, or circuit in a second entity. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0055] Sixthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to execute the third aspect described above and any of its embodiments. Specifically, the communication device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the third aspect described above and any of its embodiments.

[0056] In one implementation, the communication device is a third entity. When the communication device is a third entity, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0057] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip, chip system, or circuit in a third entity. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0058] A seventh aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed, causes the method of any one of the implementations of the first to third aspects to be performed.

[0059] Eighthly, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run, the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to third aspects described above is executed.

[0060] Ninth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reads instructions through the communication interface and executes the method provided by any one of the implementations of the first to third aspects.

[0061] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or instructions, and a processor that executes the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor executes the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to third aspects described above.

[0062] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a communication device of the fourth aspect and a communication device of the fifth aspect.

[0063] Optionally, the communication system also includes a communication device in a sixth aspect.

[0064] Eleventhly, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to third aspects above to be executed. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0066] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a network device with a separate architecture for the central unit (CU) and the distributed unit (DU).

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the protocol stack distribution.

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the O-RAN architecture.

[0069] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the division of DU.

[0070] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the fronthaul interface segmentation.

[0071] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a DU connecting multiple RUs.

[0072] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in this application.

[0073] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0074] Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in this application.

[0075] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0077] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0078] First, in this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0079] The information indicated by the instruction is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0080] Second, in this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., "#1," "#2," etc.) are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the processes below do not imply an order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application. Moreover, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "S810" are merely identifiers for descriptive convenience and do not limit the order of execution steps.

[0081] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0082] Fourth, the term "storage" in the embodiments of this application can refer to storage in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others can be integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0083] Fifth, in the implementation of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as New Radio (NR) protocols and related protocols applied in future communication systems, which are not limited in this application.

[0084] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "of", "corresponding (relevant)", "corresponding", and "associate" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their differences are not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0085] Seventh, in the embodiments of this application, "under the circumstances", "when", and "if" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0086] Eighth, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0087] Ninth, in the embodiments of this application, the names of messages and devices are merely examples. This application does not impose any limitations on message names, device names, etc., as long as they can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0088] In this application, "send" and "receive" refer to the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other units or modules. Besides air interface transmission or reception signals implemented at the system level, such as network devices or terminal devices, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. For example, a modem or system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip transmits or receives signals. "Send" or "receive" can also be performed through device components, for example, by using buses, traces, or interfaces to transmit or receive signals through several parts, modules, or chips of a device.

[0089] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR) systems and future communication systems, vehicle-to-other devices (V2X), where V2X can include vehicle-to-network (V2N), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), etc., Long Term Evolution-V (LTE-V) technology for vehicle-to-everything (V2X), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT). Things (IoT), Long Term Evolution of Machines (LTE-M), Machine to Machine (M2M), etc.

[0091] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. The communication system includes at least one network device and at least one terminal. Exemplarily, the network device and the terminal device can communicate, including but not limited to: multi-site transmission, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) transmission, etc. Both the network device and the terminal are sometimes referred to as communication devices; for example, the network device in Figure 1 can be understood as a communication device with base station functionality, and the terminal can be understood as a communication device with terminal functionality.

[0092] It should be understood that Figure 1 is a simplified illustration of a communication scenario in which this application can be applied, using the example of communication between a network device and a terminal device. It does not limit other scenarios in which this application can be applied. It should also be understood that Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding. This communication system may also include other network devices (such as core network devices) or other terminal devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0093] The terminal device in this application embodiment is a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be a fixed device, a mobile device, a handheld device (e.g., a mobile phone), a wearable device, an in-vehicle device, or a wireless device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip system, etc.) built into the above devices. The terminal device is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc., and can be widely used in various scenarios, such as: cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, V2X communication, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) communication, Internet of Things, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots, and other scenarios. For example, a terminal device can be a handheld terminal in cellular communication, a communication device in D2D, an IoT device in MTC, a surveillance camera in intelligent transportation and smart cities, or a communication device on a drone, etc. Terminal devices are sometimes referred to as user equipment (UE), user terminal, user device, user unit, user station, terminal, access terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, mobile device, or wireless communication device, etc. A terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development. Its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. In the embodiments of this application, IoT technology can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and terminal power saving through, for example, narrowband (NB) technology. In the embodiments of this application, the device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or a device capable of supporting the terminal device to implement the functions, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components capable of implementing the functions of the terminal device. This device can be installed in the terminal device. The terminal typically contains a communication module, circuit, or chip that performs the corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0094] The network device in this embodiment is a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. The network device can be a means in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication functionality to terminal devices. The network device can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). The network device can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. For example, the network device can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a 3GPP subsequent evolution base station, a transmission reception point (TRP), an access node in a WiFi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, etc. In communication systems employing different radio access technologies (RATs), the name of the device with base station functionality may differ. For example, in an LTE system, it may be called an eNB or eNodeB, and in a 5G or NR system, it may be called a gNB. This application does not limit the specific name of the base station. Network equipment may include one or more co-located or non-co-located transmitting and receiving points. Furthermore, network equipment may include at least one of the following: one or more CUs, one or more DUs, and one or more radio units (RUs).

[0095] As an example rather than a limitation, 5G base stations adopt a top-layer segmentation approach, splitting the base station into two functional entities: CU and DU. The midhaul link between the CU and DU has lower network bandwidth requirements. Figure 2 shows the overall architecture of the 3GPP 5G radio access network (also known as the next-generation radio access network, NG-RAN).

[0096] As shown in Figure 2, a gNB within NG-RAN can include gNB-CU and gNB-DU. The functional decomposition between the CU and DU entities of a 5G base station adopts a static decomposition method, with a fixed division based on the functional granularity of the protocol stack. Radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layer protocols are located in gNB-DU, while radio resource control (RRC) and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) protocols at the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and above are located in gNB-CU. Among them, RRC implements air interface radio resource and air interface connection control and belongs to the control plane (CP) protocol; SDAP performs the mapping between quality of service (QoS) flow and data radio bearer (DRB) and belongs to the user plane (UP) protocol. QoS-flow is the service data flow with specific QoS requirements; RLC is a sublayer of air interface layer 2 and can provide transparent data transmission as well as unacknowledged and acknowledged mode data transmission; the MAC layer is also a sublayer of air interface layer 2 and is mainly responsible for controlling and connecting the physical medium of the physical layer; the PHY layer is responsible for the transmission of bits or bit groups on the physical medium, including encoding and decoding of transmitted and received information.

[0097] The descriptions of the above protocol layers are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The specific functions of the protocol layers can be found in existing protocols (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.300) or future protocols.

[0098] For ease of understanding, Figure 3 provides a simplified overview of the protocol stack distribution of the gNB, including the CU and DU command components, and the case where the gNB-CU further includes gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP. Figure 3 shows that the PDCP layer protocol exists in both the gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP units. The RRC layer is located above the PDCP layer in the gNB-CU-CP unit, and the SDAP layer is located above the PDCP layer in the gNB-CU-UP unit.

[0099] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP) or DU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open RAN (ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open central unit), DU can also be called O-DU (open distributed unit), CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, and CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0100] To facilitate understanding, the O-RAN architecture designed in this application is briefly introduced with reference to Figure 4. As can be seen from Figure 4, the O-RAN architecture includes: a first network unit, a second network unit, a third network unit, an O-eNB, an O-CU-CP, an O-CU-UP, an O-DU, an O-RU, and an O-cloud.

[0101] The aforementioned network elements (also referred to as nodes) can be interconnected. For example, the first network unit connects to the O-cloud via the O2 interface; the first network unit connects to the third network unit, O-eNB, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, and O-RU via the O1 interface; the first network unit connects to the O-RU via the open fronthaul M-Plane interface; the O-DU connects to the O-RU via the open fronthaul M-Plane interface and the open fronthaul C / U / S-Plane interface; the third network unit connects to the O-eNB, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, and O-DU via the E2 interface; the O-CU-CP connects to the O-DU via the F1-c interface; the O-CU-UP connects to the O-DU via the F1-u interface; and the O-CU-CP connects to the O-CU-UP via the E1 interface. For a detailed description of the interfaces shown in Figure 3, please refer to existing standards; further details are omitted here.

[0102] One possible example is that the first network unit could be a service management and orchestration framework (SMO), or a network unit with similar functionality to an SMO; there is no limitation on which one.

[0103] One possible example is that the second network element can be a Non-RT RIC, or a network element with similar functionality to a Non-RT RIC; there is no limitation on this.

[0104] One possible example is that the third network unit could be a Near-RT RIC, or a network unit with similar functionality to a Near-RT RIC; there is no limitation on this.

[0105] O-RAN aims to achieve an intelligent and open access network. A key feature of the O-RAN architecture is the separation of hardware and software, enabling the virtualization of network functions and the standardization of hardware. Furthermore, O-RAN incorporates artificial intelligence (AI).

[0106] In the ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0107] The correspondence between ORAN access network equipment (network element modules) and their implemented protocol layer functions can be found in Table 1 below:

[0108] Table 1

[0109] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the network device function can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that supports the network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system or a combination of devices or components that can implement the access network device function. This device can be installed in the network device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0110] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located.

[0111] For example, the communication system 100 may further include an application function (AF) network element, which is a control plane network function provided by the operator's network for providing application layer information; the communication system 100 may also include a session management function (SMF) network element, which is a control plane network function provided by the operator's network. In this embodiment, when the communication system 100 includes both AF and SMF network elements, the AF can send service-related information to the network device through the SMF.

[0112] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the basic concepts involved in this application will be explained first.

[0113] 1. Fronthaul Interface: In ORAN, a DU can be further subdivided. For example, a DU consists of an O-DU and an O-radio unit (RU), as shown in Figure 5. The O-DU has baseband processing capabilities and complete protocol layer functions, primarily responsible for higher-level protocol functions such as data encryption and integrity protection. It also has physical layer high-level processing capabilities. The O-RU has physical layer low-level signal processing capabilities and is primarily responsible for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals. The O-RU and O-DU are connected via optical fiber, and this interface is called the fronthaul interface.

[0114] For example, the fronthaul interface can be used to segment interfaces defined by the physical layer, such as the enhanced common public wireless interface (eCPRI), the common public radio interface (CPRI), and interfaces in the ORAN architecture.

[0115] 2. Functional Division of O-DU and O-RU: There are two types of functional division between O-DU and O-RU: Type A and Type B. In Type A, the functions of O-DU include modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast Fourier transformation (FFT), precoding, and channel estimation (or channel equalization). The functions of O-RU include analog beamforming, digital-to-analog conversion, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, and resource element mapping. In Type B, the functions of O-DU include modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, FFT, and channel estimation. The functions of O-RU include analog beamforming, digital-to-analog conversion, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, precoding, and resource element mapping.

[0116] The main difference between the Class A and Class B functional partitioning of O-RU and O-DU mentioned above is that O-RU does not support precoding in Class A partitioning, while O-RU supports precoding in Class B partitioning.

[0117] 3. Fronthaul Interface Segmentation: For example, there are several ways to segment the fronthaul interface, including the following:

[0118] As shown in Figure 6, under the CPRI interface splitting method: the splitting point of the fronthaul interface is at the RF position, the physical layer is divided into DU, while RU mainly includes RF functions.

[0119] Under the segmentation method corresponding to the eCPRI interface: uplink and downlink asymmetric segmentation. For uplink, the segmentation point of the fronthaul interface is after channel estimation. For downlink, the segmentation point of the fronthaul interface is after scrambling. The PHY encoding / decoding, rate matching, scrambling / descrambling functions, and downlink modulation functions are allocated in DU, while other PHY functions are allocated in RU.

[0120] In the ORAN segmentation method: a single segmentation point is selected, which includes two types of scenarios, such as the two types A and B shown in the above O-DU and O-RU functional division, that is, the precoding function is located "above" the interface in O-DU or "below" the interface in O-RU.

[0121] It should be understood that with the development of wireless technology, the fronthaul interface involved in this application can also be an interface that uses other partitioning methods (i.e., not limited to the functional partitioning method shown in Figure 6) to partition the base station system at the physical layer. In practical applications, different manufacturers may also use other physical layer partitioning methods, which are not limited here.

[0122] The above text, in conjunction with Figure 1, briefly introduces the scenarios in which the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied, as well as the basic concepts that may be involved in the embodiments of this application. In the basic concepts, the fronthaul interface splitting method is introduced. Since the ORAN architecture may have O-RUs and O-DUs from different vendors interfacing, one DU may connect to multiple different RUs, as shown in Figure 7.

[0123] A DU (as shown in Figure 7, a 6G DU) connects to multiple RUs (as shown in Figure 7, 5G RUs and 6G RUs). Different RUs may employ different fronthaul interface segmentation methods. For example, the fronthaul interface segmentation method used by the 5G RU in Figure 7 enables it to perform functions such as channel estimation, channel equalization, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, analog-to-digital conversion, and analog beamforming. Similarly, the fronthaul interface segmentation method used by the 6G RU in Figure 7 enables it to perform the same functions. It should be understood that the 6G DU, 5G RU, and 6G RU shown in Figure 7 are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The 6G DU could be a DU in future communications, and the 5G RU and 6G RU are RUs supporting different functions; for example, the 6G RU could be an RU in future communications.

[0124] If the fronthaul interfaces of different RUs connected to the DU are split in different ways, the DU cannot work.

[0125] To address the potential incompatibility issues when a DU connects to different RUs, this application provides a communication method to improve the performance of DU data processing. For example, a 6G DU can simultaneously connect to two different types of RUs (such as a 5G RU and a 6G RU). The DU processes the corresponding data for each type of RU and / or the services to be performed. The 6G DU can be a future DU in the communication process, and the 6G RU can be a future RU in the communication process.

[0126] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to systems that communicate using multi-antenna technology, such as the communication system 100 shown in FIG1. ​​This communication system may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device. The network device may include two parts: a gNB-CU and a gNB-DU, and the gNB-DU may be further divided into an O-RU and an O-DU.

[0127] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0128] For example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be executed by a first entity. Unless otherwise specified, the "first entity" in this application can refer to a DU, CU, or O-DU, or a component having the functions of the first entity (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first entity. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution by the first entity as an example.

[0129] Optionally, the first entity can be one of the DU, CU, or O-DU entities mentioned above; or, the first entity can be at least one of other entities capable of implementing DU functions, CU functions, or O-DU functions; or, the first entity can be an entity capable of implementing physical layer signal processing functions and / or baseband processing functions; or, the first entity can be an entity capable of implementing the functions of the first protocol layer, wherein the first protocol layer includes, but is not limited to, protocol layers such as RLC, MAC, or PHY; or, the first protocol layer includes, but is not limited to, protocol layers such as PDCP, RRC, or SDAP.

[0130] It should be understood that the possible forms of the first entity described above are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The functions of any device, apparatus, or entity that can realize the function of the first entity are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0131] For example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be executed by a second entity. Unless otherwise specified, the "second entity" in this application can refer to a DU, RU, or O-RU, or a component having the functions of the second entity (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second entity. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution by a second entity as an example.

[0132] Optionally, the second entity may be at least one of the DU, RU, or O-RU mentioned above; or, the second entity may be at least one of other entities capable of implementing DU function, RU function, or O-RU function; or, the second entity may be an entity capable of implementing physical layer signal processing function and / or baseband processing function; or, the second entity may be an entity capable of implementing second protocol layer function, wherein the first protocol layer includes, but is not limited to, protocol layers such as RLC, MAC, or PHY.

[0133] It should be understood that the possible forms of the second entity described above are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The functions of any device, apparatus, or entity that can realize the function of the second entity are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0134] As one possible implementation, the first entity is DU and the second entity is RU.

[0135] For example, RU sends first information to DU, and DU determines the function to be performed by RU based on the first information.

[0136] As another possible implementation, the first entity is CU, and the second entity is DU or RU. In this implementation, a third entity may also be included; if the second entity is DU, the third entity can be RU; if the second entity is RU, the third entity can be DU.

[0137] For example, the DU sends the first information to the CU, and the CU determines the function to be performed by the DU based on the first information.

[0138] Optionally, the RU may also send a second message to the CU, and the CU may determine the function to be performed by the RU based on the second message. Alternatively, the first message sent by the DU to the CU may include the second message; or the first message sent by the DU to the CU may be determined based on the second message.

[0139] For example, the first entity and the second entity communicate through a first interface. If the first entity is an entity that implements the DU function and the second entity is an entity that implements the RU function, then the first interface can be called a fronthaul interface; or, if the first entity is an entity that implements the CU function and the second entity is an entity that implements the DU function, then the first interface can be called a midhaul interface.

[0140] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, including the following steps:

[0141] S810, the second entity sends first information to the first entity, and correspondingly, the first entity receives the first information from the second entity.

[0142] Specifically, the first information is used to indicate the capabilities and / or type of the second entity.

[0143] For example, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0144] The second entity supports various functional segmentation methods, functions, types, identifiers, or the top-level functions supported by the second entity.

[0145] The function segmentation method supported by the second entity can be the segmentation method of the fronthaul interface as defined in the current standard or in the future. For example, the function segmentation method supported by the second entity includes, but is not limited to, the segmentation methods of the fronthaul interface such as eCPRI, CPRI, option 7-1, or option 7-2.

[0146] For downlink transmission, the second entity supports functions including, but not limited to, at least one of the following: encoding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming.

[0147] The functions supported by the second entity for uplink transmission include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming.

[0148] The type of the second entity includes, but is not limited to: the second entity is a second entity that adopts a certain fronthaul interface segmentation method, for example, the second entity is a second entity that adopts the eCPRI fronthaul interface segmentation method; or, the type of the second entity can indicate which generation of standard protocol the second entity supports, for example, the second entity supports the 5G communication standard or the second entity supports the 6G communication standard or future communication standards.

[0149] The identifier of the second entity is used to identify the second entity. For example, if the second entity is a second entity produced by a certain manufacturer, the identifier of the second entity is the vendor identifier (ID). In addition, the identifier of the second entity can also be used to identify entities of different types. For example, identifier #1 is used to identify entities of type #1, and identifier #2 is used to identify entities of type #2, where type #1 and type #2 belong to different types.

[0150] The top-level function supported by the second entity is indicated among at least one functions supported by the second entity. For example, if the second entity supports modulation, precoding, and layer mapping, then the top-level function supported by the second entity is modulation; or, for example, if the second entity supports precoding and layer mapping, then the top-level function supported by the second entity is precoding. The top-level function supported by the second entity is the function that the second entity executes first when performing baseband processing or physical layer processing on the received signal.

[0151] It should be understood that the information indicated by the first information above is merely an example and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Other information that can indicate the capabilities and / or type of the RU is also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0152] As described above, the first information in this application can indicate the processing functions supported by the second entity either explicitly or implicitly. Optionally, the first information can also be called function indication information. For example, the first information indicating the functions supported by the second entity can be understood as explicitly indicating the processing functions supported by the second entity. As another example, the first information indicating the function segmentation method supported by the second entity, the type of the second entity, the identifier of the second entity, or the top-level function supported by the second entity can be understood as implicitly indicating the processing functions supported by the second entity. This is because when the first information indicates the function segmentation method supported by the second entity, the type of the second entity, the identifier of the second entity, or the top-level function supported by the second entity, the first entity can determine the actual processing functions supported by the second entity based on the first information.

[0153] Furthermore, after receiving the aforementioned first information, the first entity can determine the first function to be performed by the second entity based on the first information. Therefore, the method flow shown in Figure 8 further includes:

[0154] S820, the first entity determines the first function to be performed by the second entity based on the first information.

[0155] Specifically, the first function includes physical layer signal processing functions and / or baseband processing functions. For example, for downlink transmission, the first function includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following functions: coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming; and for uplink transmission, the first function includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following functions: decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming.

[0156] For example, in the process of the first entity determining the first function performed by the second entity, business information may also be considered. For instance, the first entity determines the first function performed by the second entity based on first information, including:

[0157] The first entity determines the first function to be performed by the second entity based on the first information and the business information, wherein the business information is used to indicate the business to which the data to be processed belongs.

[0158] This can be understood as follows: In this embodiment, the first entity can determine the first function to be performed by the second entity based on the first information. To ensure that the determined first function performed by the second entity is more consistent with the processing of the data to be transmitted, the first entity, in determining the first function, may consider not only the first information but also the service characteristics of the data to be transmitted. As an example and not a limitation, the service information includes at least one of the following:

[0159] The information includes sensing information, precoding information, channel estimation information, channel equalization information, or coordination information, wherein the coordination information indicates the coordination method among multiple second entities.

[0160] As can be seen from the above, the second entity can be an RU, and multiple second entities can be multiple RUs. The coordination method between multiple RUs can be: for sensing services, the DU sends the corresponding coordination information to the corresponding RU; or, for precoding services, the DU sends the corresponding coordination precoding matrix to the corresponding RU.

[0161] For example, the first entity is a DU, which connects RU#1 and RU#2. Service information can be used to determine the coordination method between RU#1 and RU#2. Also, for two-level equalization, the DU can instruct the RU to perform channel equalization based on service information (e.g., the RU has channel equalization capability), and the DU can also perform channel equalization (e.g., the DU has channel equalization capability).

[0162] For example, in determining the first function to be performed by the second entity, the first entity may also consider its own capabilities. For instance, the first entity determines the first function to be performed by the second entity based on first information, including:

[0163] The first entity determines the first function to be performed by the second entity based on the first information, business information, and the capability information of the first entity, wherein the capability information of the first entity is used to instruct the second function to be performed by the first entity.

[0164] It should be understood that in the process of determining the first function performed by the second entity, the first entity may consider other information (such as business information, capability information of the first entity, etc.) in addition to the first information reported by the second entity. This is just an example and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. In this application, the first entity may determine the first function performed by the second entity based solely on the first information, and may also consider other information, which will not be listed here.

[0165] Optionally, after the first entity determines the first function to be performed by the second entity, it can notify the second entity of the first function through the first instruction information. Then, the method flow shown in Figure 8 may further include:

[0166] S830, the first entity sends a first instruction message to the second entity, and correspondingly, the second entity receives the first instruction message from the first entity.

[0167] Specifically, the first instruction information indicates the first function.

[0168] By way of example and not limitation, the first instruction information indicating a first function may be: the first instruction information instructs the second entity to perform the first function; and / or, the first instruction information instructs the second entity not to perform a third function, wherein the third function does not include the first function. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the first entity may use the first instruction information to instruct the second entity on the functions that need to be performed, or to instruct the functions that do not need to be performed by the second entity, or to instruct the second entity on both the functions that need to be performed and the functions that do not need to be performed, so that the second entity clearly knows the functions that need to be performed and / or do not need to be performed.

[0169] Optionally, the third function for downlink transmission includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: encoding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming. Alternatively, the third function for uplink transmission includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming.

[0170] For example, the first function includes encoding, rate matching, scrambling, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, and analog beamforming. The third function includes modulation, layer mapping, and precoding.

[0171] For example, the first function includes decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming. The third function includes channel estimation.

[0172] Optionally, the second entity can use the first response message to indicate whether it has successfully received the first instruction information. In this case, the method flow shown in Figure 8 may further include:

[0173] S840, the second entity sends a first response message to the first entity, and correspondingly, the first entity receives the first response message from the second entity.

[0174] For example, after the second entity successfully receives the first instruction information, it can send a first response message to the first entity. The first response message is used to indicate that the first instruction information has been successfully received.

[0175] As one possible implementation, the first entity can be DU and the second entity can be RU; or, the first entity can be O-DU and the second entity can be O-RU.

[0176] For example, in this implementation, the first entity can also determine a second function to be performed by the first entity based on the first information. The second function includes physical layer signal processing functions and / or baseband processing functions. For ease of understanding, the following describes, in conjunction with several possible implementations, the possible forms of the first function to be performed by the second entity and the second function to be performed by the first entity as determined by the first entity in this embodiment:

[0177] Optionally, the first function performed by the first entity for downlink transmission, as determined by the first information, to determine the second entity to perform, may be at least one of the following functions: encoding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, and analog beamforming. Furthermore, the second function performed by the first entity, as determined by the first information, may also be at least one of the following functions: encoding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, and analog beamforming.

[0178] Optionally, the first function performed by the first entity for uplink transmission, as determined by the first information, to determine the second entity to perform, may be at least one of the following functions: decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming. Furthermore, the second function performed by the first entity, as determined by the first information, may also be at least one of the following functions: decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming.

[0179] It should be understood that the functions included in the first and second functions mentioned above are merely examples and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. The first and / or second functions may also be in other forms, which will not be elaborated here.

[0180] For ease of understanding, the interaction between DU and RU under this implementation method 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 9. It will not be repeated here.

[0181] As a possible implementation 2, the first entity can be CU, and the second entity can be RU or DU. In this implementation, the method flow shown in Figure 8 further includes:

[0182] S850, the first entity determines the fourth function performed by the third entity.

[0183] Specifically, the fourth function includes physical layer signal processing functions and / or baseband processing functions. For example, for downlink transmission, the fourth function includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following functions: coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming; and for uplink transmission, the fourth function includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following functions: decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming.

[0184] For example, if the second entity is DU, then the third entity is RU; or, if the second entity is RU, then the third entity is DU.

[0185] Additionally, it should be noted that, under this implementation, the first entity determines the fourth function performed by the third entity, including but not limited to the following two possible methods:

[0186] Method 1: The first entity determines the fourth function to be executed by the third entity based on the second information.

[0187] In the case shown in Method 1, before the first entity determines the fourth function to be performed by the third entity based on the second information, the first entity receives the second information from the third entity, which is used to indicate the capabilities and / or type of the third entity. The method flow shown in Figure 8 further includes:

[0188] S851, the third entity sends the second information to the first entity, and correspondingly, the first entity receives the second information from the third entity.

[0189] The second information is similar to the first information described above. For example, the second information indicates at least one of the following: the functional segmentation method supported by the third entity, the functions supported by the third entity, the type of the third entity, the identifier of the third entity, or the top-level function among the functions supported by the third entity. The description of this second information can be found in the description of the first information described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0190] Method 2: The first entity determines the fourth function to be executed by the third entity based on the first information.

[0191] In the case shown in Method 2, the aforementioned first information includes the second information, or the first information is determined based on the second information. For example, the third entity provides the second information to the second entity, and the second entity determines the first information based on the second information and provides it to the first entity, or the second entity provides the second information to the first entity while carrying the first information within the second information.

[0192] Optionally, after the first entity determines the fourth function to be performed by the third entity, it can notify the third entity of the fourth function through the second instruction information. Then, the method flow shown in Figure 8 may further include:

[0193] S870, the first entity sends the second instruction information to the third entity, and the third entity receives the second instruction information from the first entity accordingly.

[0194] Specifically, the second instruction information indicates the fourth function.

[0195] As an example and not a limitation, the second instruction information indicating the fourth function may be: the second instruction information instructs the third entity to perform the fourth function; and / or, the second instruction information instructs the third entity not to perform a fifth function, where the fifth function does not include the fourth function. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the first entity can use the second instruction information to instruct the third entity on the functions that need to be performed, or to instruct the third entity on the functions that do not need to be performed, or to instruct the third entity on both the functions that need to be performed and the functions that do not need to be performed, so that the third entity clearly knows whether the functions need to be performed or not.

[0196] For example, the first entity may send the second instruction information to the third entity directly, or the first entity may send the second instruction information to the third entity through another entity. For example, the first entity may send the second instruction information to the third entity through the second entity. That is, the second instruction information may be sent to the second entity and then forwarded to the third entity by the second entity.

[0197] Optionally, the third entity can use the second response message to indicate whether it has successfully received the second instruction information. In this case, the method flow shown in Figure 8 may further include:

[0198] S880, the third entity sends a second response message to the first entity, and correspondingly, the first entity receives the second response message from the third entity.

[0199] For example, after the third entity successfully receives the second instruction information described above, it can send a second response message to the first entity. The second response message is used to indicate that the second instruction information has been successfully received.

[0200] For ease of understanding, the following text will describe in detail the interaction between CU, DU and RU under this implementation method 2, with reference to Figure 10. This will not be repeated here.

[0201] In the communication method shown in Figure 8, the first entity can determine the first function performed by the second entity based on the first information received from the second entity. The first information indicates the capabilities and / or type of the second entity, and the first function includes physical layer signal processing functions and / or baseband processing functions. In this technical solution, the first entity can determine the first function performed by the second entity based on the capabilities and / or type of the second entity. Therefore, even if the functional division between different entities supports multiple different methods, the first entity can accurately determine the function performed by the second entity based on the first information, avoiding data transmission failure between the first and second entities due to errors in the first entity's judgment of the function performed by the second entity.

[0202] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the first entity is DU, and the second entity is RU. The method includes the following steps:

[0203] S910, RU sends the first information to DU, and DU receives the first information from RU accordingly.

[0204] Specifically, the first information is used to indicate the capabilities and / or type of the RU. For example, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function segmentation method supported by the RU, the functions supported by the RU, the type of the RU, the identifier of the RU, or the top-level function supported by the RU, etc. For a description of the first information, please refer to the description of the first information in the communication method shown in Figure 8, simply replace the second entity with the RU, and it will not be repeated here.

[0205] S920, DU determines the first function to be executed by RU based on the first information.

[0206] You can refer to the description of step S820 in the communication method shown in Figure 8, and replace the first entity with DU and the second entity with RU. It will not be described again here.

[0207] To facilitate understanding, a specific example is used to illustrate the first function executed by the RU as determined by the DU in this embodiment, and the possible forms of the second function executed by the DU:

[0208] Example 1: For downlink scenarios.

[0209] For example, if the DU is a DU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and the RU is an RU that supports functions such as modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming, for example, the RU can be a 5G RU, and the 5G RU supports the eCPRI fronthaul interface segmentation method. When the 6G DU or the DU in future communications receives data sent to the 5G RU, the DU can skip modulation and layer mapping processing during the processing. For example, the 6G DU or the DU in future communications determines that the second function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communications does not include modulation and layer mapping.

[0210] For example, a DU can be a DU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and an RU can be an RU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., a 6G RU or an RU in future communications). When the 6G DU or the DU in future communications receives data sent to the 6G RU or the RU in future communications, the 6G DU or the DU in future communications performs all data processing functions, and the 6G RU or the RU in future communications receives the processed data.

[0211] By way of example and not limitation, in the case shown in Example 1, when the DU determines the first function to be performed by the RU based on the first information, it may also consider the service to be performed. Exemplarily, the DU determining the first function to be performed by the RU based on the first information includes: the DU determining the first function to be performed by the RU based on the first information and service information, wherein the service information is used to indicate the characteristics of the service to be performed.

[0212] For example, a DU is a DU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G DU or a DU in future communications). This 6G DU or DU in future communications has precoding capabilities. An RU is an RU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G RU or a RU in future communications). The service to be executed is: centralized precoding, that is, precoding is performed on the DU. The 6G DU or DU in future communications determines that the second function performed by the 6G DU or DU in future communications includes precoding. The 6G DU or DU in future communications determines that the first function performed by the 5G RU skips modulation, layer mapping, or precoding.

[0213] Optionally, the 6GDU or the DU in future communications can send a first indication message to the 5GRU, indicating that when the 5GRU receives data from the 6GDU or the DU in future communications, it should skip functions such as modulation, layer mapping, or precoding during processing.

[0214] Example 2: For uplink scenarios.

[0215] For example, the DU can be a DU that supports functions such as decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and the RU can be an RU that supports functions such as channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming. For example, the RU can be a 5G RU, and the 5G RU supports the eCPRI fronthaul interface segmentation method. When the 6G DU or the DU in future communications receives data sent to the 5G RU, the channel estimation function can be skipped during processing. For example, the 6G DU or the DU in future communications determines that the second function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communications does not include channel estimation.

[0216] For example, a DU can be a DU that supports functions such as decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and an RU can be an RU that supports functions such as decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., a 6G RU or an RU in future communications). When the 6G DU or the DU in future communications receives data sent to the 6G RU or the RU in future communications, the 6G DU or the DU in future communications determines that the second function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communications includes all functions, and the 6G RU or the RU in future communications receives the processed data.

[0217] By way of example and not limitation, in the case shown in Example 2, when the DU determines the first function to be performed by the RU based on the first information, it may also consider the service to be performed. Exemplarily, the DU determining the first function to be performed by the RU based on the first information includes: the DU determining the first function to be performed by the RU based on the first information and service information, wherein the service information is used to indicate the characteristics of the service to be performed.

[0218] For example, a DU is a DU that supports functions such as decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and this 6G DU or DU in future communications has channel estimation capabilities. An RU is an RU that supports functions such as channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 5G RU).

[0219] If the current service to be executed is: centralized channel estimation, that is, channel estimation is performed on the DU, then the 6G DU or the DU in future communication performs channel estimation. The 6G DU or the DU in future communication determines that the second function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communication includes channel estimation. The 6G DU or the DU in future communication determines that the first function performed by the 5GRU skips channel estimation.

[0220] Optionally, the 6GDU or the DU in future communications can send a first indication message to the 5GRU, indicating that when the 5GRU receives data from the 6GDU or the DU in future communications, the channel estimation function should be skipped during processing.

[0221] If the current service to be executed is two-level channel equalization, that is, channel equalization is performed on the RU and then equalization is performed again on the DU, then both the 6G DU and the 5G RU perform channel equalization. The second function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communications is determined to include channel equalization, and the first function performed by the 5G RU is determined to include channel equalization.

[0222] Optionally, the 6GDU or the DU in future communications can send a first indication message to the 5GRU, indicating that when the 5GRU receives data from the 6GDU or the DU in future communications, channel equalization needs to be performed during the processing.

[0223] Optionally, after the DU determines the first function to be performed by the RU, it can notify the RU of the first function through the first instruction information. Then, the method flow shown in Figure 9 may further include:

[0224] S930, DU sends first instruction information to RU, and RU receives the first instruction information from DU accordingly.

[0225] Specifically, the first instruction information is used to instruct the RU to perform a first function.

[0226] After receiving the first instruction from the DU, the RU may skip or execute the corresponding function when processing the received data.

[0227] Optionally, the RU can reply with a configuration success response message to the DU, then the method flow shown in Figure 9 can also include:

[0228] S940, RU sends a first response message to DU, and DU receives the first response message from RU accordingly.

[0229] Specifically, the first response message is used to indicate successful configuration, such as indicating that the first indication information has been successfully received.

[0230] In addition, in the communication method shown in Figure 9, the DU determines the function performed by the DU and / or the RU based on the first information reported by the RU. As can be seen from the communication method shown in Figure 8 above, in this application, the CU can also determine the function performed by the DU and / or the RU, which will be explained below with reference to Figure 10.

[0231] Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the first entity is DU, the second entity is DU, and the third entity is RU. The communication method shown in Figure 10 is illustrated by the example where both DU and RU send information indicating their own capabilities to CU. The first information shown in Figure 8 includes the second information, or the method by which the first information is determined based on the second information will not be repeated in Figure 10. Furthermore, the case where the second entity is RU and the third entity is DU is similar to the case where the second entity is DU and the third entity is RU, and will not be repeated in the description.

[0232] The communication method shown in Figure 10 includes the following steps:

[0233] S1010, the CU receives the first information from the DU, and / or, the CU receives the second information from the RU.

[0234] Specifically, the first information is used to indicate the capabilities and / or type of the DU. For example, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function segmentation method supported by the DU, the functions supported by the DU, the type of the DU, the identifier of the DU, or the highest-level function supported by the DU, etc. For a description of the first information, please refer to the description of the first information in the communication method shown in Figure 8, simply replace the second entity with the DU, and it will not be repeated here.

[0235] The second information is used to indicate the capabilities and / or type of the RU. For example, the second information indicates at least one of the following: the function segmentation method supported by the RU, the functions supported by the RU, the type of the RU, the identifier of the RU, or the top-level function supported by the RU, etc. For a description of the second information, please refer to the description of the second information in the communication method shown in Figure 8, simply replace the second entity with RU, and it will not be repeated here.

[0236] It should be noted that the method by which the CU obtains the first and second information in step S1010 above is merely an example and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. In this embodiment, the CU obtaining the first and second information includes the following possible implementation methods:

[0237] As one possible implementation, the CU acquires the first information and the second information, including: the CU receiving the first information from the DU and receiving the second information from the RU.

[0238] As another possible implementation, the CU acquires the first information and the second information, including: the CU receiving the first information from the DU, the first information including the second information, or the first information being determined based on the second information.

[0239] In this implementation, the RU can send the second information to the DU, which then forwards the second information to the CU. For example, the first information sent by the DU to the CU may include the second information. Alternatively, the RU can send the second information to the DU, which, based on the second information, determines the function to be performed by the RU and then sends the first information to the CU. This first information indicates the capabilities of the DU and the RU.

[0240] As another possible implementation, the CU acquires the first information and the second information, including: the CU receiving the second information from the RU, the second information including the first information, or the second information being determined based on the first information.

[0241] In this implementation, the DU can send the first information to the RU, which then forwards the first information to the CU. For example, the second information sent by the RU to the CU may include the first information. Alternatively, the DU can send the first information to the RU, which, based on the first information, determines the function to be performed by the DU and then sends the second information to the CU. This second information indicates the capabilities of the DU and the RU.

[0242] Furthermore, after receiving the first and second information mentioned above, the CU can determine the functions to be performed by the DU and RU based on the first and second information. Therefore, the method flow shown in Figure 10 further includes:

[0243] S1020, the CU determines the functions to be performed by the DU and RU based on the first information and / or the second information.

[0244] Specifically, the CU determines the first function to be performed by the DU and the fourth function to be performed by the RU based on the first information and / or the second information. The descriptions of the first and fourth functions can be found in the communication method shown in Figure 8, and will not be repeated here.

[0245] To facilitate understanding, specific examples are used to illustrate the possible forms of the first function executed by the CU and the fourth function executed by the RU in this embodiment:

[0246] Example 3: For downlink scenarios.

[0247] Based on the capabilities of the RU / DU, determine the functions that the RU and / or DU need to perform.

[0248] For example, if the DU is a DU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and the RU is an RU that supports functions such as modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming, for example, the RU can be a 5G RU, and the 5G RU supports the eCPRI fronthaul interface splitting method, the CU determines that the first function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communications does not include modulation and layer mapping, and the CU determines that the fourth function performed by the 5G RU includes all data processing functions.

[0249] For example, if the DU is a DU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and the RU is an RU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G RU or a RU in future communications), the CU determines the first function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communications and the fourth function performed by the 6G RU or the RU in future communications, including all data processing functions.

[0250] By way of example and not limitation, in the case shown in Example 3, when the CU determines the first function performed by the DU and the fourth function performed by the RU based on the first information and / or the second information, it may also consider the service to be performed. Exemplarily, the CU determining the first function performed by the DU and the fourth function performed by the RU based on the first information and / or the second information includes: the CU determining the first function performed by the DU and the fourth function performed by the RU based on the first information and / or the second information, and service information.

[0251] For example, a DU is a DU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G DU or a DU in future communications). This 6G DU or DU in future communications has precoding capabilities. An RU is an RU that supports functions such as coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource particle mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix addition, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G RU or an RU in future communications). The service to be executed is: centralized precoding, that is, precoding is performed on the DU. The CU determines that the first function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communications includes precoding. The CU determines that the fourth function performed by the 6G RU or the RU in future communications does not include precoding. For example, the 6G RU or the RU in future communications skips the corresponding function (modulation, layer mapping, or precoding, etc.).

[0252] Optionally, the CU can send a second indication message to the 6GRU or the RU in future communications, indicating that when the 6GRU or the RU in future communications receives data from the 6GDU or the DU in future communications, the corresponding function (modulation, layer mapping, or precoding, etc.) should be skipped during the processing.

[0253] Example 4: For uplink scenarios.

[0254] For example, if the DU is a DU that supports functions such as decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and the RU is an RU that supports functions such as channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming, for example, the RU can be a 5G RU, and the 5G RU supports the eCPRI fronthaul interface segmentation method. The CU determines that the first function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communications does not include channel estimation, and the CU determines that the fourth function performed by the 5G RU includes all data processing functions.

[0255] Optionally, the CU may send a first indication message to the 6GDU or the DU in future communications, indicating that when the 6GDU or the DU in future communications receives data from the 5G RU, the channel estimation function should be skipped during the processing.

[0256] For example, if the DU is a DU that supports functions such as decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and the RU is an RU that supports functions such as decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G RU or a RU in future communications), the CU determines that the first function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communications includes all functions, and the 6G RU or the RU in future communications can receive the processed data.

[0257] By way of example and not limitation, in the case shown in Example 4, when the CU determines the first function performed by the DU and the fourth function performed by the RU based on the first information and / or the second information, it may also consider the service to be performed. Exemplarily, the CU determining the first function performed by the DU and the fourth function performed by the RU based on the first information and / or the second information includes: the CU determining the first function performed by the DU and the fourth function performed by the RU based on the first information and / or the second information, and service information.

[0258] For example, a DU is a DU that supports functions such as decoding, rate rematching, descrambling, demodulation, IDFT, channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 6G DU or a DU in future communications), and this 6G DU or DU in future communications has channel estimation capabilities. An RU is an RU that supports functions such as channel estimation, channel equalization, RE inverse mapping, IFFT / cyclic prefix removal, digital-to-analog conversion, or analog beamforming (e.g., it can be a 5G RU).

[0259] If the current service to be executed is centralized channel estimation, i.e. channel estimation is performed on the DU, then the CU determines that the fourth function executed by the 5GRU does not include channel estimation, and the 5GRU skips channel estimation.

[0260] Optionally, the CU can send a second indication to the 5GRU, indicating that when the 5GRU receives data from the 6GDU or a DU in future communications, channel estimation should be skipped during processing.

[0261] If the current service to be executed is two-level channel equalization, that is, channel equalization is performed on the RU and then equalization is performed again on the DU, then both the 6G DU or the DU in future communication and the 5G RU will perform channel equalization. The CU determines that the second function performed by the 6G DU or the DU in future communication includes channel equalization, and the CU determines that the first function performed by the 5G RU includes channel equalization.

[0262] Optionally, the CU can send a second indication message to the 5GRU, indicating that when the 5GRU receives data from the 6G DU or a DU in future communications, channel equalization needs to be performed during the processing.

[0263] Optionally, after the CU determines the first function executed by the DU and the fourth function executed by the RU, it can notify the DU of the first function through a first instruction message and notify the RU of the fourth function through a second instruction message. Therefore, the method flow shown in Figure 10 may further include:

[0264] S1030, CU sends a first instruction message to DU, and / or CU sends a second instruction message to RU.

[0265] Specifically, the first instruction information is used to instruct the DU to perform a first function.

[0266] After receiving the first instruction from the CU, the DU may skip or execute the corresponding function when processing the received data.

[0267] In addition, the second instruction information is used to instruct the RU to perform the fourth function.

[0268] After receiving the second instruction information from the CU, the RU may skip the corresponding function or execute the corresponding function when processing the received data.

[0269] For example, the CU can send the second instruction information to the RU directly, or the CU can send the second instruction information to the RU through other entities, such as the CU sending the second instruction information to the RU through the DU. That is, the second instruction information can be sent to the DU and then forwarded to the RU by the DU.

[0270] Optionally, the DU and / or RU can reply with a configuration success response message to the CU, in which case the method flow shown in Figure 10 may further include:

[0271] S1040, DU sends a first response message to CU, and / or RU sends a second response message to CU.

[0272] Specifically, the first response message is used to indicate that the DU configuration is successful; for example, the first response message is used to indicate that the first indication information has been successfully received. Additionally, the second response message is used to indicate that the RU configuration is successful; for example, the second response message is used to indicate that the second indication information has been successfully received.

[0273] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0274] It should also be understood that, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions in the various embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced interchangeably. Furthermore, technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0275] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 8 to 10. The above communication method is mainly described from the perspective of interaction between various entities. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the first entity, the second entity, and the third entity include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function.

[0276] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0277] The communication device provided in this application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 11 and 12. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for details not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiments above; for brevity, some details are omitted.

[0278] This application embodiment can divide the first entity, second entity, and third entity into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0279] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 10 includes a transceiver unit 11 and a processing unit 12. The transceiver unit 11 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 12 is used for data processing. In other words, the transceiver unit 11 is used to perform operations related to receiving and sending, and the processing unit 12 is used to perform other operations besides receiving and sending. The transceiver unit 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0280] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a storage unit 13, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 12 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device can perform the operation of the device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0281] In one design, the device 10 may correspond to the first entity in the above method embodiments, or to a component (such as a chip) having the functions of the first entity.

[0282] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the first entity executed in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver unit 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first entity in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the first entity in the above method embodiment.

[0283] In one possible implementation, transceiver unit 11 is configured to receive first information from a second entity, the first information indicating the capabilities and / or type of the second entity. Processing unit 12 is configured to determine, based on the first information, a first function performed by the second entity, the first function including physical layer signal processing functions and / or baseband processing functions.

[0284] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG8, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of transmitting and receiving information in the method, such as steps S810, S830, S840, S851, S870 and S880; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as steps S820 and S850.

[0285] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG9, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of transmitting and receiving information in the method, such as steps S910, S930 and S940; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S920.

[0286] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG10, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of transmitting and receiving information in the method, such as steps S1010, S1030 and S1040; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S1020.

[0287] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0288] In another design, the device 10 may correspond to the second entity in the above method embodiments, or to a component (such as a chip) having the functions of the second entity.

[0289] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes performed by the second entity corresponding to the method embodiment above. The transceiver unit 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second entity in the method embodiment above, and the processing unit 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the second entity in the method embodiment above.

[0290] In one possible implementation, processing unit 12 is configured to determine first information, which indicates the capabilities and / or type of the second entity. Transceiver unit 11 is configured to send the first information to the first entity. Transceiver unit 11 is further configured to receive first indication information from the first entity, which indicates a first function, including physical layer signal processing functions and / or baseband processing functions.

[0291] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG8, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of transmitting and receiving information in the method, such as steps S810, S830 and S840; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method.

[0292] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG9, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of transmitting and receiving information in the method, such as steps S910, S930 and S940; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method.

[0293] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG10, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of transmitting and receiving information in the method, such as steps S1010, S1030 and S1040; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method.

[0294] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0295] In another design, the device 10 may correspond to the third entity in the above method embodiments, or a component (such as a chip) having the functions of the third entity.

[0296] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the third entity in the above method embodiments, wherein the transceiver unit 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the third entity in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the third entity in the above method embodiments.

[0297] In one possible implementation, processing unit 12 is configured to determine second information, which indicates the capabilities and / or type of the third entity. Transceiver unit 11 is configured to send the second information to the first entity. Transceiver unit 11 is also configured to receive second indication information from the first entity, which indicates a fourth function, including physical layer signal processing functions and / or baseband processing functions.

[0298] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG8, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of transmitting and receiving information in the method, such as steps S851, S870 and S880; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method.

[0299] When the device 10 is used to execute the method in FIG10, the transceiver unit 11 can be used to execute the steps of transmitting and receiving information in the method, such as steps S1010, S1030 and S1040; the processing unit 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method.

[0300] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0301] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may specifically be a mobility management network element in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobility management network element in the above method embodiments; or, device 10 may specifically be a terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0302] The apparatus 10 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the entities (such as the first entity, the second entity, and the third entity) in the above-described methods. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the transmitting unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing units, can be replaced by processors, which respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0303] In addition, the transceiver unit 11 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit.

[0304] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 20 includes a processor 21, which is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 22, or to read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, to perform the methods in the above method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors 21.

[0305] Optionally, as shown in FIG12, the device 20 further includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 22 may be integrated with the processor 21 or may be separately configured. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 22.

[0306] Optionally, as shown in FIG12, the device 20 further includes a transceiver 23 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0307] As one option, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the first entity in the various method embodiments described above.

[0308] As an alternative, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the second entity in the various method embodiments described above.

[0309] As another option, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by a third entity in the various method embodiments described above.

[0310] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be one or more combinations of other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessor units (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), GPUs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), artificial intelligence processors (AI processors), or neural processing units (NPUs); or, the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be an ASIC or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0311] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be cache or random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0312] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0313] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0314] This application also provides a chip system (or processing system) including logic circuits and input / output interfaces.

[0315] The logic circuit can be a processing circuit in the chip system. The logic circuit can be coupled to a memory cell, calling instructions from the memory cell, enabling the chip system to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface can be an input / output circuit in the chip system, outputting processed information or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing.

[0316] As one approach, the chip system is used to implement the operations performed by the first entity, the second entity, or the third entity in the various method embodiments described above.

[0317] For example, the logic circuit is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first entity, the second entity, or the third entity in the above method embodiments; the input / output interface is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first entity, the second entity, or the third entity in the above method embodiments.

[0318] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a first entity, a second entity, or a third entity in the above-described method embodiments.

[0319] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods performed by the first entity, the second entity, or the third entity in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0320] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first entity, the second entity, or the third entity in the above-described method embodiments.

[0321] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first entity and second entity. Optionally, the communication system further includes the aforementioned third entity.

[0322] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0323] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0324] 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.

[0325] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0326] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0327] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0328] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0329] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application 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 application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method applied to a first entity comprises: receiving first information from a second entity, the first information being used to indicate capability and / or type of the second entity; determining, according to the first information, a first function performed by the second entity, the first function comprising a physical layer signal processing function and / or a baseband processing function.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information is used to indicate at least one of: a function split manner supported by the second entity, a function supported by the second entity, a type of the second entity, an identity of the second entity, or a topmost function of the functions supported by the second entity.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The determining, according to the first information, of the first function performed by the second entity comprises: determining, according to the first information and service information, the first function performed by the second entity, the service information being used to indicate a service to which data to be processed belongs.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The service information comprises at least one of: sensing information, precoding information, channel estimation information, channel equalization information, or coordination information, wherein the coordination information indicates a coordination manner among multiple second entities.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining, according to the first information, a second function performed by the first entity, the second function comprising a physical layer signal processing function and / or a baseband processing function.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending, to the second entity, first indication information, the first indication information indicating the first function.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first indication information indicating the first function comprises: the first indication information indicating that the second entity performs the first function; and / or, the first indication information indicating a third function not performed by the second entity, the third function not comprising the first function.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving, from the second entity, a first response message, the first response message being used to indicate that the first indication information is successfully received.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first entity is a distributed unit (DU), and the second entity is a radio unit (RU).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first entity is a centralized unit (CU), and the second entity is a distributed unit (DU) or a radio unit (RU), the method further comprising: determining a fourth function performed by a third entity, the fourth function comprising a physical layer signal processing function and / or a baseband processing function, wherein, if the second entity is the DU, the third entity is the RU; or, if the second entity is the RU, the third entity is the DU.

11. A communication method, comprising: The method applied to a second entity comprises: determining first information, the first information being used to indicate capability and / or type of the second entity, sending, to a first entity, the first information; receiving, from the first entity, first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a first function, the first function comprising a physical layer signal processing function and / or a baseband processing function.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The first information is used to indicate at least one of: a function split manner supported by the second entity, a function supported by the second entity, a type of the second entity, an identity of the second entity, or a topmost function of the functions supported by the second entity.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first indication information indicating the first function comprises: the first indication information indicating that the second entity performs the first function; and / or, the first indication information indicating a third function not performed by the second entity, the third function not comprising the first function. The first indication information indicates that the second entity performs the first function; and / or, The first indication information indicates a third function which is not performed by the second entity, and the third function does not include the first function.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a first response message to the first entity, the first response message being used to indicate that the first indication information is successfully received.

15. A communications device, characterized by comprises a processor coupled to a memory for storing computer programs or instructions, the processor being used to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that the method in any one of claims 1 to 10 is executed, or so that the method in any one of claims 11 to 14 is executed.

16. The communication apparatus according to claim 15, wherein The memory is further included.

17. A communications device, characterized by The communication device is used to execute the method in any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. The communication apparatus according to claim 17, wherein comprises modules for executing the method in any one of claims 1 to 14.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon computer programs or instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the method in any one of claims 1 to 14 to be executed.

20. A chip system, characterized by comprises a processor for invoking and running computer programs from the memory, so that the method in any one of claims 1 to 14 is executed.

21. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product, when run on a computer, causes the method in any one of claims 1 to 14 to be executed.

22. A communication system, characterized in that, comprises the communication device of any one of claims 15 to 18 or the chip system of claim 20.

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