Data processing method and communication device

Abstract

A data processing method and a communication device. In a period of low traffic of eRUs, because the eRUs disable some radio frequency (RF) transceiver channels or frequency bands and baseband processing units (PHY_low) in the eRUs are in low load, a DU may instruct one or more eRUs to disable baseband processing units (PHY_low) inside the one or more eRUs, and then baseband processing units (PHY_low) on other eRUs, FHGWs or DUs process RF data corresponding to the eRUs inside which the disabled baseband processing units are located. An eRU can disable a baseband processing unit (PHY_low) inside the eRU, thereby improving the energy saving effect of the eRU, and further reducing energy consumption of the eRU.

Description

Data processing methods and communication equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on May 28, 2024, with application number 202410682687.5 and entitled "Method for Data Processing and Communication Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] With the development of wireless communication technology, network devices have also evolved into various architectural forms. For example, network devices can include central units (CU), distributed units (DU), and radio units (RU). RUs can support the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) protocol. Enhanced CPRI (eCPRI) is an enhanced or evolved version of CPRI, primarily used in 5G and open access networks. The eCPRI standard defines the specifications for connecting radio equipment control (REC) and radio equipment (RE) through a fronthaul transport network. An eRU is an RU that supports the eCPRI protocol; an eRU can also be called an enhanced or evolved RU.

[0004] The eRU contains a mid-frequency (RF) unit and a baseband processing unit (PHY_low). The baseband processing unit (PHY_low) inside the eRU is used to process low-level protocol data of the physical layer of the wireless communication protocol stack.

[0005] Currently, for eRU energy-saving solutions, since each eRU contains multiple wireless signal transceiver channels, each corresponding to one or more frequency bands, energy saving can be achieved by shutting down some transceiver channels or some frequency bands during periods of low eRU traffic. However, this method is not very effective and the eRU's energy consumption is still relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a data processing method and a communication device. During periods of low eRU traffic, because the eRU shuts down some RF transceiver channels or frequency bands, the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) inside the eRU is lightly loaded. Therefore, the DU can instruct one or more eRUs to shut down their internal baseband processing units (PHY_low), and the baseband processing units (PHY_low) on other eRUs, FHGW, or the DU can process the RF data corresponding to these eRUs with shut-down baseband processing units. The eRU can then shut down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low), thereby improving the energy-saving effect of the eRU and further reducing the eRU's power consumption.

[0007] Firstly, a data processing method is provided. The execution entity of this method can be a first communication device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the method on the first communication device. The first communication device includes a first baseband processing unit. The method includes: receiving first indication information from a second communication device; turning off the first baseband processing unit according to the first indication information; and sending first RF data to a third communication device. The first baseband processing unit is used to process RF type data before turning off. The first RF data belongs to that RF type and includes user plane data and control plane data corresponding to the cell carried by the first communication device. The first RF data is uplink RF data.

[0008] The first aspect provides a data processing method. The first communication device can receive first instruction information from the second communication device, and then shut down its internal first baseband processing unit according to the first instruction information. Furthermore, it sends the RF data that was originally processed by its internal first baseband processing unit to the aggregation node for processing. While ensuring that the data can be processed and transmitted normally, the energy-saving effect of the first communication device can be improved, and the energy consumption of the first communication device can be further reduced.

[0009] For example, the first baseband processing unit can be the PHY_low processing unit within the first communication device. The first communication device may also include an RF unit. For example, the first communication device can also be called an energy-saving node, such as an eRU; the second communication device can be a DU; and the third communication device can also be called an aggregation node.

[0010] For example, the third communication device includes either an FHGW or a first eRU. For instance, the third communication device can be an FHGW, a DU, or another eRU (the other eRU is a different eRU from the first eRU), and the third communication device may internally include a processing unit (PHY_low).

[0011] Optionally, RF data can also be called time-domain IQ data. RF data can be understood as the data transmitted between the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) and the RF unit included in the eRU.

[0012] For example, shutdown can be understood as powering off or entering a low-power state such as sleep mode.

[0013] Optionally, the second and third communication devices can be the same communication device.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second RF data from a third communication device, the second RF data being RF type data, and the second RF data including user plane data and control plane data corresponding to the cell carried by the first communication device. The second RF data is downlink RF data. This implementation also ensures the normal processing and transmission of downlink RF data, guaranteeing that the first communication device can perform normal data processing and communication.

[0015] For example, the uplink RF data is the RF data from the first communication device to the third communication device, and the downlink RF data is the RF data from the third communication device to the first communication device.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, before receiving the first indication information from the second communication device, the method further includes: receiving data stream configuration information from the second communication device; and establishing a data stream transmission link with the third communication device based on the data stream configuration information, wherein the data stream transmission link is used to transmit first RF data or second RF data. In this implementation, the data stream transmission link can be established based on the stream configuration information, thereby ensuring that the first RF data or second RF data can be transmitted normally, and ensuring that the first communication device can perform normal data communication.

[0017] For example, the data flow configuration information may include at least one of the following: the communication address corresponding to the first communication device and the third communication device, the data flow identifier, and the encapsulation format of RF data in the Ethernet packet.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first indication information is further used to indicate: a first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and a second moment when the first RF data is sent to the third communication device; or, a first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and a third moment when the second RF data is received from the third communication device; wherein the interval between the first moment and the second moment is within a preset time range; or, the interval between the first moment and the third moment is within a preset time range. In this implementation, the difference between the times when the aggregation node and the energy-saving node complete the switching can be kept as small as possible, that is, the aggregation node and the energy-saving node can be kept as synchronous as possible to complete the function switching, which can reduce the impact of the function switching process on data transmission and reduce the duration of data processing interruption on each node.

[0019] Secondly, a data processing method is provided. The execution entity of this method can be a second communication device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the second communication device in implementing the method. The method includes: sending a first indication message to a first communication device, the first indication message indicating that a first baseband processing unit included in the first communication device be turned off. The first baseband processing unit is used to process RF type data before being turned off, the RF type data including user plane data and control plane data corresponding to the cell carried by the first communication device.

[0020] The second aspect provides a data processing method in which the second communication device can send a first instruction message to the energy-saving node (i.e., the first communication device). The energy-saving node can then shut down its internal PHY_low processing unit according to the first instruction message, thereby improving the energy-saving effect of the energy-saving node and further reducing the energy consumption of the communication device.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first indication information is further used to indicate that: the first communication device sends first RF data to the third communication device, or the first communication device receives second RF data from the third communication device, wherein the first RF data or the second RF data belongs to that RF type of data. In this implementation, the second communication device may also instruct the transfer of RF data originally processed by the PHY_low processing unit inside the energy-saving node to the third communication device (aggregation node) for processing, which can ensure that the data of the first communication device can be processed and transmitted normally, and ensure that the first communication device can perform data communication normally.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending second indication information to a third communication device, the second indication information indicating that the third communication device sends second RF data to the first communication device, or that the third communication device receives first RF data from the first communication device, wherein the first RF data or the second RF data belongs to that RF type data. In this implementation, the second communication device can also instruct the third communication device (convergence node) to process the RF data that would normally be processed by the PHY_low processing unit inside the energy-saving node, further ensuring that the data of the first communication device can be processed and transmitted normally, thus ensuring that the first communication device can perform normal data communication.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, before sending the first instruction information to the first communication device, the method further includes: sending data stream configuration information to the first communication device and the third communication device, the data stream configuration information being used to establish a data stream transmission link between the third communication device and the first communication device, the data stream transmission link being used to transmit first RF data or second RF data.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, before sending the first indication information to the first communication device, the method further includes: sending cell information carried by the first communication device to the third communication device. This cell information includes at least one of: a cell identifier, a frequency corresponding to the cell, a bandwidth corresponding to the cell, user information accessed within the cell, and resource configuration corresponding to the users accessed within the cell. This implementation ensures that the third communication device can correctly process the RF data from the first communication device, improving the accuracy and efficiency of data processing.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first indication information is further used to indicate: a first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and a second moment when the first communication device sends the first RF data to the third communication device; or, a first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and a third moment when the first communication device receives the second RF data from the third communication device; wherein the interval between the first moment and the second moment is within a preset time range; or, the interval between the first moment and the third moment is within a preset time range.

[0026] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising: modules (e.g., processing modules and interface modules) for performing the steps of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The communication device may be an eRU, or a chip, chip system, or processor within the eRU, etc.

[0027] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor and a memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The communication device may be an eRU, or a chip, chip system, or processor within the eRU, etc.

[0028] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor and interface circuitry, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The communication device may be an eRU, or a chip, chip system, or processor within the eRU, etc.

[0029] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: modules (e.g., processing modules and interface modules) for performing the steps of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The communication device may be a DU, or a chip, chip system, or processor within the DU. It may also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the DU's functions.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor and a memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The communication device may be a DU, a chip, chip system, or processor within the DU, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the DU.

[0031] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor and interface circuitry, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The communication device may be a DU, a chip, chip system, or processor within the DU, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the DU's functions.

[0032] Ninthly, an eRU is provided, which includes the communication device provided in the third aspect above, or the communication device provided in the fourth aspect above, or the communication device provided in the fifth aspect above.

[0033] In a tenth aspect, a DU is provided, the DU including the communication device provided in the sixth aspect above, or the DU including the communication device provided in the seventh aspect above, or the DU including the communication device provided in the eighth aspect above.

[0034] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0035] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, which, when executed, performs: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0036] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a communication device having the chip mounted to perform: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0037] In a fourteenth aspect, a chip or system-on-a-chip is provided, comprising: logic circuitry for implementing the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the chip or system-on-a-chip may further include interface circuitry.

[0038] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: the eRU provided in the ninth aspect and the DU provided in the tenth aspect.

[0039] Optionally, the communication system may also include the aforementioned second communication device (convergence node). Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example access device architecture.

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of data transmission between DU and eRU, as well as between RU, via FHGW.

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the splitting of the protocol stack of an access network device according to the eCPRI protocol.

[0043] Figures 4 to 7 are schematic diagrams of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0044] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a network topology to which a data processing method provided in this embodiment of the application can be applied.

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart illustrating another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a network topology to which another data processing method provided in this application embodiment can be applied.

[0048] Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of another data processing method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a network topology to which another data processing method provided in this application can be applied.

[0050] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this document 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, and B existing alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0054] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0055] In this embodiment, each network node (energy-saving node, aggregation node, and DU) includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment can be an energy-saving node, an aggregation node, or a DU, or a functional module in an energy-saving node, aggregation node, or DU that can call and execute a program.

[0056] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, communication devices, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0057] With the development of wireless communication technology, network equipment (or base stations, access network equipment, radio access network (RAN) nodes, etc.) has also evolved into a variety of different architectural forms.

[0058] For example, in some possible implementations, network devices can be base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), access points (APs), transmission reception points (TRPs), and base stations in future mobile communication systems.

[0059] In other possible implementations, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0060] In other words, an access network device may include one or more CUs, one or more DUs, and one or more RUs. For example, as shown in Figure 1, only one CU, DU, and RU are shown for clarity. The CU is used to connect to the core network and one or more DUs. Optionally, the CU may have some of the core network's functions. The CU may include a CU-CP and a CU-UP. In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, a CU may also be called an O-CU (Open CU), a DU may also be called an O-DU, a CU-CP may also be called an O-CU-CP, a CU-UP may also be called an O-CU-UP, and a RU may also be called an O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples.

[0061] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement: for example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer (such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and / or the Physics (PHY) layer). Alternatively, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer and above (such as the RRC and / or SDAP layers), and the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer and below (such as the RLC, MAC, and / or PHY layers).

[0062] When a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when a CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0063] The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network that implement control plane functions. These control plane elements can be access and mobility management (AMF) elements. AMF elements are responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. The CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network that implement user plane functions (UPF). These user plane elements are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in the terminal devices.

[0064] The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0065] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-layer (PHY_Hi) functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-layer (PHY_low) functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-layer and RF functions. Higher-layer functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-layer functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0066] In this application, "PHY_Hi" can also be expressed as "PHY_High", and both have the same meaning. "PHY_low" can also be expressed as "PHY_Low", and both have the same meaning.

[0067] The CPRI protocol defines the key communication interface specifications between RECs and REs in cellular wireless networks. A DU can be understood as one implementation of a REC, and a RU as one implementation of a RE. In other words, CPRI defines the interface specifications between DUs and RUs, and RUs support the CPRI protocol.

[0068] The eCPRI standard defines the specifications for connecting eREC and eRE via a fronthaul transport network. eREC can be understood as a REC that supports eCPRI, and eRE can be understood as a RE that supports the eCPRI protocol. In other words, eCPRI defines the interface specifications between DU and eRU. eRU is a RU that supports the eCPRI protocol; eRU can also be called an enhanced or evolved RU.

[0069] In the eCPRI protocol, data is primarily transmitted between the DU and eRU via Ethernet. For example, the eRU includes an Ethernet (ETH) port for transmitting data between the eRU and DU via a fronthaul network.

[0070] For example, Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of data transmission between a DU and an eRU, as well as between RUs, via a fronthaul transport gateway (FHGW). As shown in Figure 2, the eRU contains an RF unit and a baseband processing unit (PHY_low), the FHGW contains a baseband processing unit (PHY_low) and an Ethernet switch unit (also known as a data switching unit), and the DU contains a baseband processing unit (PHY_high). The RU contains an RF processing unit, but does not include a baseband processing unit (PHY_low).

[0071] The baseband processing unit (PHY_low) inside the eRU and FHGW is used to process low-level protocol data of the physical layer of the wireless communication protocol stack, while the baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) inside the DU is used to process high-level protocol stack data of the physical layer and wireless protocol stacks such as MAC and RLC.

[0072] In other words, in the example shown in Figure 2, since the RU does not include a baseband processing unit (PHY_low), the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) inside the FHGW can be used to process the data generated by the RU.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 2, the FHGW is used to connect a RU supporting the CPRI protocol and a RU supporting the eCPRI protocol (eRU), as well as a DU. In the uplink direction (eRU and the direction from RU to DU), the baseband processing unit built into the FHGW processes the CPRI data generated by the RU to generate eCPRI data, and sends the eCPRI data from the eRU and the generated eCPRI data to the DU through the Ethernet switch unit.

[0074] In the downlink direction (from DU to eRU and from RU), the Ethernet conversion unit built into the FHGW takes the eCPRI data from the DU and sends it to the RU, processes it with the baseband processing unit built into the FHGW, generates CPRI data, and sends it to the RU. The Ethernet conversion unit built into the FHGW undertakes the eCPRI data forwarding function between the DU and eRU.

[0075] Through FHGW's protocol conversion, the DU only needs to support the eCPRI protocol and does not need to support the CPRI protocol. If FHGW is not deployed and the DU connects to both the RU and eRU, then the DU needs to support both the CPRI and eCPRI protocols.

[0076] In other words, for DU and eRU, FHGW is equivalent to a switch that only forwards eCPRI data streams and does not modify the data streams.

[0077] Currently, energy-saving solutions for eRUs and RUs involve multiple wireless signal transceiver channels within each eRU and RU. For example, the RF unit inside an eRU and RU can include multiple wireless signal transceiver channels, each corresponding to one or more frequency bands. Therefore, during periods of low eRU traffic, energy saving can be achieved by shutting down some of the eRU's transceiver channels or some frequency bands. However, the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) inside the eRU cannot be turned off, resulting in poor energy-saving performance and still relatively high power consumption for the eRU.

[0078] In view of this, this application provides a data processing method and a communication device. During periods of low eRU traffic, because the eRU shuts down some RF transceiver channels or frequency bands, the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) inside the eRU is lightly loaded. Therefore, the DU can instruct one or more eRUs to shut down their internal baseband processing units (PHY_low), and the baseband processing units (PHY_low) on other eRUs, FHGW, or the DU can process the RF data corresponding to these eRUs with shut-down baseband processing units. The eRU can then shut down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low), thereby improving the energy-saving effect of the eRU and further reducing the eRU's power consumption.

[0079] Furthermore, since the eRU shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low), although the amount of data that the baseband processing units (PHY_low) on other eRUs, FHGWs, or DUs need to process increases, the increase in energy consumption caused by the increase in data volume is relatively small compared to the energy consumption reduction caused by the eRU shutting down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low). Therefore, it can also reduce the energy consumption of the entire communication system or communication architecture (including: eRUs with their internal baseband processing units shut down, and FHGWs, DUs, or other eRUs that process the RF data of these eRUs with their internal baseband processing units shut down).

[0080] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, RF type data or RF data can be understood as data at the split point E of the eCPRI protocol. In other words, the RF data corresponding to a certain eRU can be understood as the data transmitted between the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) and the RF unit included within that eRU, and this RF data belongs to the RF type data. Optionally, RF data can also be referred to as in-phase quadrature (IQ) data.

[0081] For example, at a certain time before the PHY_low processing unit in eRU1 is turned off (e.g., time T1), the PHY_low processing unit and the RF unit in eRU1 transmit the RF data corresponding to eRU1 at time T1. At a certain time after the PHY_low processing unit in eRU1 is turned off (e.g., time T2), the RF data corresponding to eRU1 at time T2 is transmitted between eRU1 and FHGW. The specific content of the RF data corresponding to time T1 and the RF data corresponding to time T2 may be different; however, both the RF data corresponding to time T1 and the RF data corresponding to time T2 belong to the RF type data.

[0082] For example, Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of splitting the protocol stack of an access network device according to the eCPRI protocol. As shown in Figure 3, the protocol layer of the access network device (eNB / gNB) is split into five spatial functions, A to E, corresponding to split points A to E. Additionally, functional division is performed within the PHY layer (intra-PHY-Split). As shown in Figure 3, the access network device includes two types of nodes: eREC and eRE. The eREC supports some PHY layer functions (PHY_Hi) and higher-layer functions (MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, RRC layer). The eRE supports another part of the PHY layer functions (PHY_low) and analog radio frequency functions, etc. The eREC can be located in the BBU, and the eRE can be located in the RRU.

[0083] The data traffic of RF data (or time-domain IQ data) is linearly related to the number of transceiver channels of the eRU and the carrier spectrum width. In non-energy-saving scenarios (where all RF transceiver channels in the eRU are enabled), the ETH port of the eRU is used to carry data from other split points of the eCPRI protocol, not RF data from split point E. Since the data volume at other split points is lower than that at Split E, the hardware capacity of the ETH port is usually insufficient to carry the RF data from all channels of the eRU. In energy-saving scenarios (where some RF transceiver channels or frequency bands of the eRU are disabled), the RF data volume can be significantly reduced after some channels or spectrums of the eRU are disabled. Therefore, RF data transmission and reception can be performed based on the ETH port of the eRU.

[0084] It should also be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the RF data corresponding to a certain eRU includes the user plane (UP) data and control plane (CP) data corresponding to the cell carried by the eRU. An eRU can carry or correspond to one or more cells. The cell carried by the eRU can also be called an eCPRI cell, that is, the radio protocol stack processing function of the cell is deployed on the DU and eRU according to the segmentation method specified by the eCPRI protocol.

[0085] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced first with reference to FIG4.

[0086] It is understood that the method provided in this application can be applied to a communication system consisting of a DU and an eRU that supports the eCPRI protocol. This communication system may include one or more DUs and one or more eRUs. Optionally, the communication system may also include an FHGW and / or one or more RUs.

[0087] For example, Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system includes: a DU, multiple eRUs, multiple RUs, and an FHGW, wherein the DU transmits data with the multiple eRUs and multiple RUs through the FHGW. Each eRU includes an RF unit and a baseband processing unit (PHY_low). The FHGW contains a baseband processing unit (PHY_low) and an Ethernet conversion unit. The DU contains a baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) and a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU inside the DU is used to process the synchronized-plane (SP) and management-plane (MP) data of the eRUs. The baseband processing unit (PHY_low) inside the FHGW is used to process the CPRI data generated by the RUs and generate eCPRI data. The FHGW can also forward the eCPRI data generated by the eRUs and the generated eCPRI data to the DU, where the baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) is used to process the eCPRI data.

[0088] For example, Figure 5 shows another schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the communication system includes a DU and multiple eRUs. The multiple eRUs are cascaded, meaning they can communicate with each other. Each eRU can communicate with its parent eRU and child eRU. Each eRU contains an RF unit and a baseband processing unit (PHY_low). eRU2 transmits eCPRI data to eRU1, and eRU3 transmits eCPRI data to eRU1 via eRU2. The eRU1 and DU transmit eCPRI data corresponding to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 respectively. In other words, eRU1 forwards eCPRI data from eRU2 and eRU3, and eRU2 forwards eCPRI data from eRU3. The DU contains a baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) within the DU processes the eCPRI data generated by eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 respectively. The CPU within the DU processes the synchronization plane and management plane data of the eRUs. Specifically, the synchronization plane and management plane data of eRU2 are transmitted to eRU1, and the synchronization plane and management plane data of eRU3 are transmitted from eRU2 to eRU1. The synchronization plane and management plane data of eRU2 and eRU3 need to be forwarded to the DU through eRU1. For example, eRU1 is the parent node of eRU2, eRU2 is the child node of eRU1, and is also the parent node of eRU3.

[0089] In the architecture shown in Figure 5, since the RU is not included, the DU only needs to support the eCPRI protocol and does not need to support the CPRI protocol.

[0090] Optionally, the architecture shown in Figure 5 may also include an FHGW and / or multiple RUs.

[0091] For example, Figure 6 shows another example of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the communication system includes a DU, multiple eRUs, and multiple RUs. Each eRU contains an RF unit and a baseband processing unit (PHY_low). The DU contains a first baseband processing unit (PHY_low), a second baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi), and a central processing unit (CPU). The first baseband processing unit (PHY_low) within the DU processes CPRI data generated by the RUs and generates eCPRI data. The second baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) within the DU processes the eCPRI data generated by the eRUs and the eCPRI data generated by the first baseband processing unit (PHY_low). In the architecture shown in Figure 6, the DU needs to support both the CPRI and eCPRI protocols.

[0092] Optionally, the network architecture shown in Figure 6 may also include an FHGW. For example, as shown in Figure 7, some RUs are directly connected to DUs. The first baseband processing unit (PHY_low) in the DU processes the CPRI data of these RUs and generates eCPRI data. Other RUs are connected to the FHGW. The baseband processing unit (PHY_low) in the FHGW processes the CPRI data generated by these RUs and generates eCPRI data. The second baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) inside the DU is used to process the eCPRI data generated by the eRUs and the eCPRI data generated by the FHGW. eCPRI data between the eRUs and the DU can also be forwarded through the FHGW.

[0093] It should be understood that the communication systems or network architectures shown in Figures 4 to 7 are merely exemplary and should not impose any limitations on the communication systems applicable to the embodiments of this application. For example, the communication systems shown in Figures 4 to 7 may include more or fewer nodes (eRU or RU), or the networking method of the communication system may be other networking methods, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations here.

[0094] The following section uses specific examples to illustrate the data processing methods provided in this application.

[0095] First, let me explain some of the technical terms used in the embodiments of this application.

[0096] Aggregation Node: The DU selects an idle baseband processing unit (PHY_low processing unit) as the centralized deployment point. The idle PHY_low processing unit can be located in the FHGW, one of the eRUs in the eRU cascaded network, or the DU. In this embodiment, the node where the idle PHY_low processing unit is located is referred to as the aggregation node. For example, the aggregation node can be one of the eRUs or DUs in the FHGW, eRU cascaded network, or the DU.

[0097] Optionally, in this embodiment, the aggregation node may also be referred to as a third communication device.

[0098] Energy-saving node: The node where the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) to be shut down is located is called an energy-saving node. For example, in the embodiments of this application, the energy-saving node may include one or more eRUs.

[0099] Optionally, in this embodiment, the energy-saving node may also be referred to as the first communication device.

[0100] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, DU may also be referred to as a second communication device.

[0101] The method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 8, which is a schematic flowchart of a data processing method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0102] As shown in Figure 8, the method 800 illustrated in Figure 8 may include steps S801 to S812. The various steps in method 800 are described in detail below with reference to Figure 8. Step S812 includes S812a and S812b.

[0103] S801, DU determines FHGW as the aggregation node.

[0104] For example, Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of a network topology to which Method 800 can be applied. As shown in Figure 9a, the FHGW connects RUs supporting the CPRI protocol, eRUs supporting the eCPRI protocol, and DUs. The FHGW connects three eRUs and three RUs, and all RUs and eRUs have some RF transceiver channels or frequency bands turned off. The PHY_low processing unit in the FHGW is used to process the CPRI data generated by the three RUs. The PHY_low processing unit in the FHGW is an idle or lightly loaded PHY_low processing unit. Each eRU contains an RF unit and a baseband processing unit (PHY_low), and the baseband processing units (PHY_low) included in the three eRUs are all in an on or working state (not turned off). The data transmission process in Figure 9a can be referred to the explanation in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0105] In some possible implementations, the DU can select the node with the lowest load among the DU, FHGW, and eRU as the aggregation node based on the network topology of the DU, FHGW, and eRU, and the service load measurement results of each node. For example, the FHGW can be selected as the aggregation node, and the FHGW includes a baseband processing unit. For ease of explanation, the PHY_low processing unit can be referred to as the first baseband processing unit, and the PHY_Hi processing unit as the second baseband processing unit. Both the FHGW and eRU include the first baseband processing unit. That is, the function of the PHY_low processing unit in the energy-saving node needs to be transferred (switched) to the PHY_low processing unit in the FHGW.

[0106] After the function transfer, the PHY_low processing unit in the FHGW will process the RF data that the PHY_low processing unit in the power-saving node needs to process, and the PHY_low processing unit in the power-saving node can then be turned off.

[0107] For example, in the embodiments of this application, "shutdown" can be understood as powering off or being in a low-power state such as sleep mode.

[0108] S802, DU sends the information of the cells to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving node to FHGW.

[0109] For example, in the example shown in Figure 9, eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 are all energy-saving nodes. It should be understood that in this embodiment, all energy-saving nodes are in an energy-saving state, meaning that eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 have all shut down some transceiver channels or closed some frequency bands. Furthermore, all three RUs have also shut down some transceiver channels or closed some frequency bands.

[0110] The DU can send information about the cells carried by the three eRUs connected to the FHGW to the FHGW. For example, cell information may include at least one of the following: cell identifier, frequency, bandwidth, and other radio configuration parameters; user information of online users in the cell; and radio communication resource information allocated to that user. It should be understood that the cells carried by the three eRUs are all eCPRI cells, and each eRU can correspond to or carry at least one eCPRI cell.

[0111] S803, DU sends data stream configuration information to the FHGW and energy-saving nodes. The data stream configuration information is used to transmit RF data between the FHGW and energy-saving nodes.

[0112] S804, FHGW and energy-saving nodes establish a data transmission channel based on data flow configuration information. The data transmission channel is used to transmit RF data between FHGW and energy-saving nodes.

[0113] When the PHY_low processing unit in the energy-saving node (taking eRU1 as an example) is on or working, the PHY_low processing unit and the RF unit in eRU1 transmit the RF data corresponding to eRU1, which belongs to the internal communication between the same network element or node. After the function of the PHY_low processing unit in eRU1 is transferred to the PHY_low processing unit in FHGW (i.e., after the PHY_low processing unit in eRU1 is turned off), since FHGW and eRU1 are different network nodes, RF data needs to be transmitted between FHGW and eRU1. Therefore, a data transmission channel for transmitting RF data needs to be established between FHGW and eRU1.

[0114] As one possible implementation, since eRU1 has an Ethernet interface (ETH port), RF data between FHGW and eRU1 can be sent and received through the ETH port. That is, RF data between FHGW and eRU1 can be sent and received in the form of Ethernet packets. Therefore, FHGW and eRU1 can transmit Ethernet packets encapsulated with RF data. In other words, the data transmission channel between FHGW and eRU1 can be used to transmit Ethernet packets encapsulated with RF data.

[0115] Optionally, in this embodiment, since RF data can also be called time-domain IQ data, Ethernet packets encapsulating time-domain IQ data can also be called IoE packets (IQ over Ethernet). In other words, the packets transmitted between FHGW and eRU1 are IoE packets. Optionally, the data flow configuration information can also be called IoE data flow configuration information.

[0116] For example, the data flow configuration information may include at least one of the following: the communication addresses corresponding to FHGW and eRU1, the data flow identifier, and the encapsulation format of RF data in Ethernet packets. A data flow identifier can be associated with a cell. If eRU1 carries multiple cells, then multiple data flows can exist between FHGW and eRU1, corresponding to multiple cells.

[0117] After the FHGW and eRU1 receive the data flow configuration information, they can send RF data to each other via IoE messages or IoE data streams according to the configuration information. In other words, the data flow configuration information can be used to establish a data transmission channel or data transmission link between the FHGW and eRU1, which is used to transmit RF data.

[0118] Other energy-saving nodes also need to receive data stream configuration information and establish a transmission channel with the FHGW using the data stream configuration information to transmit their respective RF data.

[0119] S805, DU uses the aggregation node as both the receiver and sender of eCPRI data streams.

[0120] The functionality of the PHY_low processing unit in the energy-saving node (eRU1 as an example) needs to be transferred to the PHY_low processing unit in the FHGW. Before the function transfer, the DU communicates with eRU1. For example, eRU1 sends uplink eCPRI data to the DU via the FHGW, for example, to the PHY_Hi processing unit in the DU for processing. The DU sends downlink eCPRI data to eRU1 via the FHGW; the receiving and sending end of the eCPRI data stream is eRU1. After the function transfer (i.e., the PHY_low processing unit in eRU1 is turned off), the DU communicates with the aggregation node. The aggregation node (e.g., the PHY_low processing unit in the FHGW) sends uplink eCPRI data to the DU, for example, to the PHY_Hi processing unit in the DU for processing. The DU (e.g., the PHY_Hi processing unit in the DU) sends downlink eCPRI data to the aggregation node (e.g., the PHY_low processing unit on the FHGW). The receiver and transmitter of the eCPRI data stream are both FHGWs. Therefore, the DU needs to use the address of the aggregation node as the downlink receiver and uplink source of the eCPRI data stream after the function transfer. In other words, the DU needs to configure its internal Phy_Hi baseband processing unit with the communication address of the PHY_low processing unit on the FHGW.

[0121] It should be understood that S801 to S805 can be executed multiple times, for example, once each time the PHY_low processing unit in the eRU needs to be turned off. Alternatively, S801 to S805 can also be executed once, and then only S806 to S812 (S812a or S812b) need to be executed each time the PHY_low processing unit in the eRU needs to be turned off.

[0122] If steps S801 to S805 only need to be executed once, then in some possible implementations, steps S801 to S805 may be optional. In other words, in some possible implementations of this application, method 800 may include steps S806 to S812 (S812a or S812b).

[0123] S806, DU sends a first instruction message to the energy-saving node. The first instruction message is used to instruct: to perform function transfer and shut down the internal baseband processing unit.

[0124] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, function transfer can also be described as function switching.

[0125] Optionally, in some possible implementations, "power-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low)" can also implicitly indicate "power-saving node performs function transfer". In other words, after receiving the first instruction to "shut down its internal baseband processing unit", the power-saving node can determine that DU has also instructed it to perform function transfer.

[0126] Optionally, in some possible implementations, "power-saving node performs function transfer" may also implicitly instruct "power-saving node to shut down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low)". In other words, after receiving the first instruction to "perform function transfer", the power-saving node can determine that the DU has also instructed itself to shut down its internal baseband processing unit.

[0127] S807, DU sends a second indication message to the aggregation node, indicating: Perform function transfer.

[0128] The following details the changes before and after the function switching (function transfer) of each node.

[0129] For the energy-saving node (taking eRU1 as an example), before the function switch, the uplink RF data of eRU1 is sent to the PHY_low processing unit within eRU1. Downlink RF data is obtained from the PHY_low processing unit within eRU1 and sent to the RF unit within eRU1. After the function switch (i.e., the PHY_low processing unit within eRU1 is turned off), eRU1 sends the uplink RF data (also known as the first RF data) to the aggregation node FHGW (the PHY_low processing unit within FHGW) via the IoE data stream. It receives the downlink IoE data stream from FHGW (the PHY_low processing unit within FHGW), parses the downlink RF data (also known as the second RF data) from the IoE data stream, and sends it to the RF unit within eRU1.

[0130] For other energy-saving nodes (eRU2 and eRU3), the RF data transmission process before and after the function switch is similar to that of eRU1.

[0131] For the DU, before the function switchover, the DU sends downlink eCPRI data to the power-saving nodes (the data flow destination addresses are eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3), and receives uplink eCPRI data from the power-saving nodes. After the function switchover, the DU sends downlink eCPRI data to the FHGW and receives uplink eCPRI data from the FHGW.

[0132] For the aggregation node FHGW, before the function switchover, the FHGW is equivalent to a switch, only forwarding eCPRI data streams without modifying or processing them. After the function switchover, the PHY_low processing unit within the FHGW uses the cell information to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving nodes (e.g., eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 in Figure 9) issued by the DU to process cell service data.

[0133] For example, for uplink data, after the FHGW receives uplink RF data sent by the energy-saving node (taking eRU1 as an example), it processes the uplink RF data using the cell information to be transferred and deployed corresponding to eRU1 in S802 to obtain uplink eCPRI data, and then sends the uplink eCPRI data to the DU. For downlink data, the DU can send downlink eCPRI data to the aggregation node. The aggregation node receives the downlink eCPRI data, processes the downlink eCPRI data using the cell information to be transferred and deployed corresponding to eRU1 in S802 to obtain downlink RF data, and then sends it to eRU1.

[0134] For other energy-saving nodes (eRU2 and eRU3), the data processing process of the aggregation node after the function switch is similar to that of eRU1.

[0135] Optionally, as a possible implementation, the first indication information in S806 can be used to instruct each energy-saving node to begin function switching. The second indication information in S807 can be used to instruct the aggregation node to begin function switching. In other words, the DU can send indication information to both the aggregation node and the energy-saving node, and after receiving the indication information, both the aggregation node and the energy-saving node will begin function switching respectively.

[0136] Optionally, the first indication information sent by the DU to the energy-saving node may also indicate the destination address (i.e., the address of the FHGW) from which the energy-saving node needs to send uplink RF data, or from which it needs to receive downlink RF data (i.e., from the FHGW). In other words, the first indication information sent by the DU to the energy-saving node may also indicate that the energy-saving node sends uplink RF data to the FHGW, or receives downlink RF data from the FHGW.

[0137] Optionally, the second indication information sent by the DU to the aggregation node may also indicate the destination address (i.e., the address of the energy-saving node) from which the aggregation node (i.e., the FHGW) needs to send downlink RF data, or from which it should receive uplink RF data. In other words, the second indication information sent by the DU to the aggregation node may also indicate that the aggregation node should send downlink RF data to the energy-saving node, or receive uplink RF data from the energy-saving node.

[0138] In some possible implementations, the DU can send indication messages to both the aggregation node and the energy-saving node, indicating the start time or moment of the function transfer. It is understood that the start time or moment of the function transfer indicated by the indication messages is later than the time the DU sends the indication messages.

[0139] For example, the DU can send a first indication message to the power-saving node, which indicates the time when the power-saving node begins to switch functions and when the power-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low).

[0140] After receiving the instruction information (first instruction information), each energy-saving node can start switching functions according to the time indicated by the instruction information and shut down the internal baseband processing unit.

[0141] The process of switching functions between energy-saving nodes includes: establishing an IoE data stream transmission link between the energy-saving node and the FHGW using the data stream configuration information in S803; after the IoE data stream transmission link is established, for uplink data, the energy-saving node can start sending uplink RF data to the aggregation node through the IoE data stream transmission link; for downlink data, each energy-saving node can receive downlink RF data from the aggregation node through the IoE data stream transmission link, parse the RF data from the IoE data stream, and send it to the RF unit within each energy-saving node.

[0142] After the IoE data stream transmission link is established, each energy-saving node can shut down its internal PHY_low processing unit.

[0143] Optionally, the first indication information may also indicate the time (also known as the first moment) at which the power-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low), and the power-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit at the first moment indicated by the first indication information.

[0144] Optionally, the time when the energy-saving node begins function switching and the time when the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low) can be the same or within a preset difference range. For example, the time when the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low) can be slightly later than the time when the energy-saving node begins function switching. Since the internal baseband processing unit can no longer process data after it shuts down, having the time to shut down the baseband processing unit the same as or slightly later than the start of switching can, on the one hand, reduce the duration of data processing interruption on the energy-saving node, and on the other hand, allow the energy-saving node to shut down its internal baseband processing unit as early as possible, further improving energy-saving performance.

[0145] For example, DU can send a second indication message to the aggregation node, which indicates when the aggregation node will begin the function switch.

[0146] After receiving the instruction information (second instruction information), the aggregation node can also start the function switch at the time indicated by the instruction information.

[0147] The process of function transfer at the aggregation node includes: establishing IoE data stream transmission links between various energy-saving nodes using the data stream configuration information in S803; after the IoE data stream transmission links are established, for uplink data, the FHGW receives uplink RF data transmitted from various energy-saving nodes through the IoE data stream transmission links; then, the FHGW processes the uplink RF data sent by the energy-saving nodes using the cell information to be transferred in S802 to obtain uplink eCPRI data, and then sends the uplink eCPRI data to the DU. For downlink data: after the FHGW receives the downlink eCPRI data from the DU, the aggregation node processes the downlink eCPRI data using the cell information to be transferred in S802 to obtain downlink RF data, and then sends the downlink RF data to various nodes through the IoE data stream transmission links.

[0148] The DU can also initiate a function switch at the time indicated by the first or second indication information. For example, the DU's function transfer process includes: the DU using the address of the aggregation node as both the receiver and sender of the eCPRI data stream, and then starting to receive or send eCPRI data. For uplink data, the DU receives uplink eCPRI data from the aggregation node FHGW; for downlink data, the DU sends downlink eCPRI data to the aggregation node FHGW.

[0149] As one possible implementation, the start times for function transfer at each node (e.g., energy-saving nodes, aggregation nodes, and DUs) can be the same or within a preset time interval. This approach minimizes the difference in the completion times of the aggregation node, each energy-saving node, and the DU, ensuring synchronized function transfer. Since data transmission is prohibited during function transfer, the impact of the transfer on data transmission is reduced, and the duration of data processing interruptions at each node during the transfer is shortened.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the moment when each node (energy-saving node, aggregation node, and DU) begins function transfer and the moment when the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (the first moment) can be the same, or the interval between multiple moments can be within a preset range. This reduces the impact of function switching on data transmission and shortens the duration of data processing interruptions on each node. Furthermore, it allows the energy-saving node to shut down its internal baseband processing unit earlier, further improving energy efficiency.

[0151] Optionally, in some other possible implementations, the indication information sent by the DU to the aggregation node and the energy-saving node can indicate the time when each node begins sending or receiving data. In other words, the time indicated by the indication information sent by the DU to the aggregation node and the energy-saving node can be understood as the time when the function switch of each energy-saving node is completed.

[0152] For example, regarding upward movement:

[0153] The DU can send indication information (first indication information) to the energy-saving node (taking eRU1 as an example). The first indication information is used to indicate the time when eRU1 starts sending uplink RF data to the aggregation node (second moment).

[0154] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the "moment when eRU1 starts sending uplink RF data to the aggregation node" can also implicitly indicate that eRU1 needs to shut down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low). In other words, after receiving the first indication information indicating "the moment when eRU1 starts sending uplink RF data to the aggregation node," eRU1 can determine that DU has also indicated that it has shut down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low).

[0155] Optionally, in some other possible implementations, the first indication information can also be used to indicate: the time when eRU1 starts sending uplink RF data to the aggregation node (second moment), and the time when the power-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low).

[0156] Optionally, in some other possible implementations, the first indication information may also be used to indicate: the moment when eRU1 begins to send uplink RF data to the aggregation node (second moment), and the moment when the power-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low) (first moment).

[0157] The moment when eRU1 begins sending uplink RF data to the aggregation node can be understood as the moment when the eRU1 function switch is completed.

[0158] The DU can send indication information (second indication information) to the aggregation node. This second indication information indicates the time at which the aggregation node begins sending uplink eCPRI data to the DU. The uplink eCPRI data is determined by the aggregation node based on the uplink RF data. The time when the aggregation node begins sending uplink eCPRI data to the DU can be understood as the time when the aggregation node's function switchover is complete.

[0159] For other energy-saving nodes (eRU2 and eRU3), the DU can send a first indication message to each of the other energy-saving nodes. The first indication message indicates the time when the other energy-saving nodes begin sending uplink RF data to the aggregation node. Optionally, the first indication message can further indicate the time when the other eRU1 shuts down its internal baseband processing unit.

[0160] After receiving the first instruction information, each energy-saving node can start sending uplink RF data to the aggregation node through the IoE data stream transmission link at the time indicated by the first instruction information, and shut down the internal baseband processing unit.

[0161] After receiving the second indication information, the aggregation node can begin sending uplink eCPRI data to the DU at the time indicated by the second indication information. The FHGW can use the cell information to be transferred in S802 to process the uplink RF data sent by each energy-saving node to obtain the uplink eCPRI data. In other words, the time indicated by the second indication information can be understood as the time when the aggregation node's function handover is completed.

[0162] The moment when the DU completes its function switchover can be understood as the moment when the DU begins receiving uplink eCPRI data from the aggregation node FHGW. In other words, the DU can also begin receiving uplink eCPRI data from the aggregation node FHGW at the moment indicated by the indication information (either the first moment or the second moment).

[0163] For example, for downlink data:

[0164] The DU can send indication information (first indication information) to the energy-saving node (taking eRU1 as an example). The first indication information is used to indicate: the time when eRU1 starts receiving downlink RF data sent from the aggregation node (third moment) and the time when eRU1 shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (first moment). The time when eRU1 starts receiving downlink RF data sent from the aggregation node (second RF data) can be understood as the time when eRU1 completes its function switching.

[0165] The DU can send indication information (second indication information) to the aggregation node. This second indication information indicates the time (third moment) at which the aggregation node begins sending downlink RF data to eRU1. The downlink RF data is determined by the aggregation node based on the downlink eCPRI from the DU. The moment the aggregation node begins sending downlink RF data to eRU1 can be understood as the moment the aggregation node's function switchover is complete.

[0166] The DU can also start sending downlink eCPRI data to the aggregation node FHGW at the time indicated by the indication information (first time or third time).

[0167] After receiving downlink eCPRI data from DU, FHGW determines downlink RF data based on the downlink eCPRI data and the cell information to be transferred in S802. At the time indicated by the second indication information, it starts sending downlink RF data to each node through the IoE data stream transmission link.

[0168] After receiving downlink RF data from the aggregation node through the IoE data stream transmission link, each energy-saving node starts parsing the RF data from the IoE data stream at the time indicated by the indication information and sends it to the RF unit in each energy-saving node.

[0169] In one possible implementation, the time when the aggregation node completes its function switch (the third moment), the time when the energy-saving node completes its function switch (the second moment), and the time when the DU completes its function switch can be the same. Alternatively, the interval between multiple moments can be within a preset range. This can ensure that the difference between the times when the aggregation node, energy-saving node, and DU complete their switch is as small as possible, that is, to ensure that the aggregation node, energy-saving node, and DU complete their function switch synchronously. This can reduce the impact of the function switch process on data transmission and reduce the duration of data processing interruptions on each node.

[0170] In one possible implementation, the times when the aggregation node completes its function switch (third moment), the time when the energy-saving node completes its function switch (second moment), the time when the DU completes its function switch, and the time when the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (first moment) can be the same, or the intervals between multiple moments can be within a preset range. On the one hand, this can reduce the impact of the function switch process on data transmission; on the other hand, it can enable the energy-saving node to shut down its internal baseband processing unit as early as possible, further improving energy-saving performance.

[0171] S808, the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit and completes the function transfer according to the first instruction information.

[0172] S809, the aggregation node completes the function transfer according to the second instruction information.

[0173] For a detailed explanation of S808 and S809, please refer to the descriptions of the relevant parts in S806 and S807. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0174] After each node completes the function transfer, that is, after the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit:

[0175] For upstream data, as shown in S810a to S812a of Figure 8:

[0176] In S810a, the energy-saving node sends uplink RF data to the FHGW through the data transmission channel.

[0177] S811a, FHGW processes the received uplink RF data into uplink eCPRI data based on the cell information to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving node.

[0178] S812a, FHGW sends uplink eCPRI data to DU.

[0179] For downlink data, as shown in S810b to S812b of Figure 8:

[0180] S810b, DU sends downlink eCPRI data to FHGW.

[0181] S811b, FHGW converts the received downlink eCPRI data into downlink RF data based on the cell information to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving node.

[0182] The S812b FHGW sends downlink RF data to the energy-saving node via the data transmission channel.

[0183] For example, as shown in Figure 9a, before the function transfer (i.e., the PHY_low processing unit in the eRU is turned off), the PHY_low processing units in eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 are not turned off. The PHY_low baseband processing units on eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 each process the RF data generated internally and generate eCPRI data. The eCPRI data is transmitted between the FHGW and the DU. The RF data inside eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 is not processed by the PHY_low processing unit of the FHGW.

[0184] As shown in Figure 9b, after the function transfer, the PHY_low processing units in eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 are turned off, and the functions of the PHY_low baseband processing units on eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 are taken over by the PHY_low processing unit in the FHGW. The PHY_low processing unit of the FHGW processes the RF data corresponding to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 respectively and generates eCPRI data, and transmits the eCPRI data with the DU.

[0185] Synchronization plane data and management plane data on eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 can still be processed on their respective eRUs. The PHY_low processing unit of FHGW processes the user plane data and control plane data corresponding to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3, respectively.

[0186] The data processing method provided in this application embodiment allows the DU to determine that the PHY_low baseband processing unit function on the eRU is undertaken by the PHY_low baseband processing unit within the FHGW. After configuring the link configuration information between the eRU and the FHGW, as well as the cell information carried by the eRU, the DU can instruct the baseband processing unit within the eRU to be turned off. The eRU can then turn off its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low). While ensuring that data can be processed and transmitted normally, the energy-saving effect of the eRU can be improved, further reducing the eRU's energy consumption. Furthermore, since the eRU turns off its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low), although the amount of data that the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) on the FHGW needs to process increases, the increase in energy consumption caused by the increase in data volume is relatively small compared to the energy consumption reduction caused by the eRU turning off its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low). Therefore, it can also reduce the energy consumption of the entire communication system or communication architecture (such as the communication system shown in Figure 9b).

[0187] If it is necessary to restart or restore the baseband processing unit within the eRU to its operational state, the DU can also send indication messages to both the aggregation node and the power-saving node. Specifically, the indication message sent by the DU to the power-saving node can instruct that its baseband processing unit be restarted or restored to its operational state. The indication message sent by the DU to the aggregation node can instruct that the aggregation node cease processing the RF data from the power-saving node. After the baseband processing unit within the eRU is restarted or restored to its operational state, the data processing procedure can be illustrated as shown in Figure 9a.

[0188] Figure 10 is a schematic flowchart of a data processing method according to another embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the method 1000 shown in Figure 10 may include S1001 to S1012. Among them, S1012 includes S1012a and S1012b.

[0189] The steps in method 1000 are described in detail below with reference to Figure 10.

[0190] S1001, DU determines the first eRU as the aggregation node.

[0191] For example, Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of a network topology to which method 1000 can be applied. As shown in Figure 11a, this network topology includes a DU and multiple eRUs, where the multiple eRUs are cascaded. Each eRU can communicate with its parent eRU and child eRU. Each eRU contains an RF unit and a baseband processing unit (PHY_low). The baseband processing units (PHY_low) in all three eRUs are either enabled or active (not disabled). The eCPRI data of eRU2 is transmitted to eRU1, and the eCPRI data of eRU3 is transmitted to eRU1 via eRU2. The eCPRI data transmitted between eRU1 and the DU is the eCPRI data corresponding to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3, respectively. The DU contains a baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) inside the DU processes the eCPRI data generated by the baseband processing unit within the eRU. The CPU inside the DU processes the synchronization plane data and management plane data of the eRU. Specifically, the synchronization plane data and management plane data of eRU2 are transmitted to eRU1, and the synchronization plane data and management plane data of eRU3 are transmitted to eRU1 through eRU2. The synchronization plane data and management plane data of eRU2 and eRU3 also need to be forwarded to the DU through eRU1.

[0192] For example, in the example shown in Figure 11, the DU can select the node with the lower load (the first eRU) among the DU and eRUs as the aggregation node based on the service load measurement results of the DU and multiple eRUs.

[0193] For example, the first eRU is eRU1. In the examples below, eRU1 will be used as the aggregation node for illustration.

[0194] S1002, DU sends the cell information to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving node to the first eRU.

[0195] For example, in the example shown in Figure 11, eRU2 and eRU3 are both energy-saving nodes. eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 have all shut down some transceiver channels or some frequency bands. DU can send the cell information carried by eRU2 and eRU3 to eRU1.

[0196] S1003, DU sends data flow configuration information to the first eRU and the energy-saving node. The data flow configuration information is used to transmit RF data between the first eRU and the energy-saving node.

[0197] For example, the data flow configuration information may include at least one of the following: the communication address corresponding to the first eRU and the energy-saving node, the data flow identifier, and the encapsulation format of RF data in the Ethernet packet.

[0198] S1004, the first eRU and the energy-saving node establish a data transmission channel based on the data flow configuration information. The data transmission channel is used to transmit RF data between the first eRU and the energy-saving node.

[0199] In the example shown in Figure 11, when the PHY_low processing unit in the energy-saving node (taking eRU2 as an example) is on or working, the PHY_low processing unit and the RF unit in eRU2 transmit the RF data corresponding to eRU2, which is internal communication between the same network element. After the function of the PHY_low processing unit in eRU2 is transferred to the PHY_low processing unit in eRU1 (i.e., after the PHY_low processing unit in eRU2 is turned off), since eRU2 and eRU1 are different network nodes, RF data needs to be transmitted between eRU2 and eRU1. Therefore, a data transmission channel for transmitting the RF data of eRU2 needs to be established between eRU2 and eRU1.

[0200] For eRU3, since the RF data of eRU3 needs to be forwarded to eRU1 through eRU2, a data transmission channel for transmitting the RF data of eRU3 also needs to be established between eRU3 and eRU2.

[0201] It can be understood that the "energy-saving node" in S1003 can be the parent node of all energy-saving nodes. For example, if the energy-saving node is the second eRU, then the RF data of all energy-saving nodes other than the second eRU needs to be transmitted to the first eRU through the second eRU. In other words, S1003 can be replaced by: DU sending data flow configuration information to the first eRU and the second eRU. The data flow configuration information is used to transmit RF data between the first eRU and the second eRU. S1004 can be replaced by: the first eRU and the second eRU establishing a data transmission channel according to the data flow configuration information. The data transmission channel is used to transmit RF data between the first eRU and the second eRU. The RF data transmitted between the first eRU and the second eRU includes the RF data corresponding to each of the energy-saving nodes. The second eRU is also an energy-saving node, a child node of the first eRU, and the parent node of all other energy-saving nodes. The RF data of all energy-saving nodes other than the second eRU needs to be transmitted to the first eRU through the second eRU. For example, the second eRU can be eRU2.

[0202] A data transmission channel also needs to be established between two adjacent power-saving nodes (i.e., between a parent node and a child node, such as eRU2 and eRU3). This data transmission channel is used to transmit RF data between the two adjacent power-saving nodes. For example, the DU can send data flow configuration information between two adjacent power-saving nodes (e.g., eRU2 and eRU3). This data flow configuration information is used to transmit the RF data of eRU3 between eRU2 and eRU3.

[0203] S1005, DU uses the first eRU as both the receiver and transmitter of the eCPRI data stream.

[0204] Because the functionality of the PHY_low processing unit in the energy-saving node (using eRU2 as an example) needs to be transferred to the PHY_low processing unit in eRU1. Before the transfer, eRU2 sends uplink eCPRI data to DU through eRU1, and DU sends downlink eCPRI data to eRU2 through eRU1. The receiver and sender of the eCPRI data stream is eRU2. After the function transfer (i.e., the PHY_low processing unit in eRU2 is turned off), eRU1 sends the uplink eCPRI data from eRU2 to DU, and DU sends the downlink eCPRI data from eRU2 to eRU1 (e.g., the PHY_low processing unit on eRU1). The receiver and sender of the eCPRI data stream is eRU1. Therefore, DU needs to use the address of eRU1 as the downlink receiver and uplink source of the eCPRI data stream in the energy-saving node after the function transfer.

[0205] S1006, DU sends a first instruction message to the energy-saving node. The first instruction message is used to instruct: to perform function transfer and shut down the internal baseband processing unit.

[0206] S1007, DU sends a second instruction message to the first eRU, the instruction message indicating: perform function transfer.

[0207] The following details the changes before and after the function switching (function transfer) of each node.

[0208] For the energy-saving node (taking eRU2 as an example), before the function switch, the uplink RF data of eRU2 is sent to the PHY_low processing unit within eRU2. Downlink RF data is obtained from the PHY_low processing unit within eRU2 and sent to the RF unit within eRU2. After the function switch (i.e., the PHY_low processing unit within eRU2 is turned off), eRU2 sends the uplink RF data (also known as the first RF data) to the first eRU (eRU1) via the IoE data stream. It receives the downlink IoE data stream from eRU1, parses the downlink RF data (also known as the second RF data) from the IoE data stream, and sends it to the RF unit within eRU2.

[0209] For eRU3, before the function switch, the uplink RF data of eRU3 is sent to the PHY_low processing unit within eRU3, and the downlink RF data is obtained from the PHY_low processing unit within eRU3 and sent to the RF unit within eRU3. After the function switch (i.e., the PHY_low processing unit within eRU3 is turned off), eRU3 sends the uplink RF data to eRU1 through eRU2 via the IoE data stream, receives the downlink IoE data stream from eRU2, and parses the downlink RF data from the IoE data stream to send to the RF unit within eRU3.

[0210] For the DU, before the function switchover, the DU sends downlink eCPRI data to the energy-saving nodes (the data flow destination addresses are eRU2 and eRU3). It should be understood that the eCPRI data for eRU2 and eRU3 needs to be forwarded through eRU1. That is, the DU sends the eCPRI data corresponding to eRU2 and eRU3 to eRU1, eRU1 sends the eCPRI data corresponding to eRU2 and eRU3 to eRU2, and eRU2 sends the eCPRI data for eRU3 to eRU3; that is, multiple eRUs form a cascaded network. The DU receives the uplink eCPRI data corresponding to eRU2 and eRU3 from the energy-saving node (eRU1). The source addresses of the uplink eCPRI data corresponding to eRU2 and eRU3 are the addresses of eRU2 and eRU3, respectively. After the function switch, DU sends downlink eCPRI data to eRU1 (the data stream destination address is eRU1) and receives uplink eCPRI data from eRU1. The source addresses of the uplink eCPRI data corresponding to eRU2 and eRU3 are both the address of eRU1.

[0211] For eRU1, before the function switchover, the PHY_low processing unit within eRU1 only processes the RF data corresponding to eRU1. After the function switchover, the PHY_low processing unit within eRU1 uses the cell information to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving nodes issued by the DU to process cell service data. In other words, after the function switchover, the PHY_low processing unit within eRU1 needs to process the RF data corresponding to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3.

[0212] In one possible implementation, the first indication information in S1006 can be used to instruct each energy-saving node (including the second eRU) to begin function switching. The second indication information in S1007 can be used to instruct the first eRU to begin function switching.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the first indication information sent by the DU to each energy-saving node may also indicate: the destination address (i.e., the address of the previous hop energy-saving node of each energy-saving node) from which each energy-saving node needs to send uplink RF data, or from which it should receive downlink RF data (i.e., the address of the previous hop energy-saving node of each energy-saving node).

[0214] For the second eRU, the destination address for uplink RF data transmission is the address of the first eRU, or downlink RF data is received from the first eRU.

[0215] Optionally, the second indication information sent by the DU to the first eRU may also indicate: the destination address (i.e., the address of the second eRU) from which the aggregation node (i.e., the first eRU) needs to send downlink RF data, or from which it receives uplink RF data (i.e., the second eRU).

[0216] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the DU may send indication information to the aggregation node and the energy-saving node respectively to indicate the time or moment when the function transfer begins.

[0217] The process of function switching of the energy-saving node includes: the second eRU (eRU2) establishes an IoE data stream transmission link with the first eRU using the data stream configuration information in S1003, and an IoE data stream transmission link is also established between two adjacent energy-saving nodes. After the IoE data stream transmission link is established, for uplink data, each energy-saving node can start sending uplink RF data to its upstream energy-saving node through the IoE data stream transmission link. After the uplink RF data of all energy-saving nodes is aggregated to the second eRU, the second eRU sends it to the first eRU through the IoE data stream transmission link. For downlink data, the second eRU receives the downlink RF data sent from the first eRU through the IoE data stream transmission link. The second eRU parses its corresponding RF data from the IoE data stream and sends it to the RF unit within the second eRU. In addition, the second eRU sends the downlink RF data corresponding to the next-hop energy-saving node to the next-hop energy-saving node through the IoE data stream transmission link. The next-hop energy-saving node parses the RF data from the IoE data stream and sends it to the RF unit within each energy-saving node.

[0218] After the IoE data stream transmission link is established, each energy-saving node can shut down its internal PHY_low processing unit.

[0219] Optionally, the first indication information may also indicate the moment when the power-saving node shuts down the internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low) (also known as the first moment).

[0220] Optionally, the time when the power-saving node starts function switching and the time when the power-saving node shuts down the internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low) can be the same or within a preset difference range.

[0221] Optionally, the second indication information is used to indicate the moment when the first eRU begins to switch functions.

[0222] The process of function transfer for the first eRU includes: establishing an IoE data stream transmission link between the first and second eRUs using the data stream configuration information in S1003; after the IoE data stream transmission link is established, for uplink data, the first eRU receives uplink RF data transmitted from each energy-saving node through the IoE data stream transmission link. The uplink RF data corresponding to eRU3 needs to be forwarded to the first eRU through the second eRU (eRU2). Then, based on the uplink RF data sent by eRU2, the first eRU processes the uplink RF data of each energy-saving node (eRU3 and eRU2) according to the cell information to be transferred and deployed corresponding to each energy-saving node in S1002 to obtain the uplink eCPRI data corresponding to each energy-saving node, and then sends the uplink eCPRI data corresponding to each energy-saving node to the DU. For downlink data: After receiving downlink eCPRI data from DU, the first eRU processes the downlink eCPRI data using the cell information to be transferred in S1002 to obtain the downlink RF data corresponding to each energy-saving node. Then, it sends the downlink RF data corresponding to eRU2 and eRU3 to the second eRU via the IoE data stream transmission link. The downlink RF data corresponding to eRU3 needs to be forwarded to eRU3 via eRU2.

[0223] For the RF data corresponding to the first eRU, the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) in the first eRU processes the RF data it generates and generates eCPRI data, and performs eCPRI data transmission with the DU.

[0224] The DU can also initiate a function switch at the time indicated by the first or second indication information. For example, the DU's function transfer process includes: the DU using the address of the first eRU as the receiver and transmitter of the eCPRI data stream, and then starting to receive or transmit eCPRI data. For uplink data, the DU receives uplink eCPRI data from the first eRU; for downlink data, the DU transmits downlink eCPRI data to the first eRU.

[0225] As one possible implementation, the timing of the function transfer for each node (energy-saving node, aggregation node, and DU) can be the same or within a preset time interval.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the time when each node (energy-saving node, aggregation node, and DU) begins function transfer and the time when the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (first moment) can be the same, or the interval between multiple moments can be within a preset range.

[0227] Optionally, in some other possible implementations, the indication information sent by the DU to the first eRU and the energy-saving node can indicate the time when each node starts sending or receiving data. In other words, the time indicated by the indication information sent by the DU to the aggregation node and the energy-saving node can be understood as the time when the function switch of each energy-saving node is completed.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the time when the first eRU function switch is completed (the third time), the time when the energy-saving node function switch is completed (the second time), and the time when the DU completes its function switch can be the same, or the interval between multiple times can be within a preset range.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the times when the first eRU function switch is completed (third moment), the times when the energy-saving node function switch is completed (second moment), the times when the DU function switch is completed, and the times when the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (first moment) can be the same, or the intervals between multiple moments can be within a preset range. This further improves the energy-saving effect of the internal baseband processing unit.

[0230] For a detailed explanation of S1006 and S1007, please refer to the corresponding parts of S806 and S807 in Method 800. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0231] S1008, the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit and completes the function transfer according to the first instruction information.

[0232] S1009, the first eRU completes the function transfer according to the second instruction information.

[0233] For a detailed explanation of S1008 and S1009, please refer to the descriptions of the relevant parts in S1006 and S1007. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0234] After each node completes the function transfer, that is, after the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit:

[0235] For upstream data, as shown in S1010a to S1012a of Figure 10:

[0236] S1010a, the energy-saving node sends uplink RF data to the first eRU through the data transmission channel.

[0237] It is understandable that in the scenario shown in Figure 11b, eRU2 (the second eRU) sends its own and other energy-saving nodes (eRU3)'s uplink RF data to the first eRU through the data transmission channel.

[0238] S1011a, the first eRU processes the received uplink RF data into uplink eCPRI data based on the cell information to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving node.

[0239] S1012a, the first eRU sends the uplink eCPRI data to the DU.

[0240] For downlink data, as shown in S1010b to S1012b of Figure 10:

[0241] S1010b, DU sends downlink eCPRI data to the first eRU.

[0242] S1011b, the first eRU processes the received eCPRI data into downlink RF data based on the cell information to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving node.

[0243] In S1012b, the first eRU sends downlink RF data to the energy-saving node through the data transmission channel.

[0244] It is understandable that in the scenario shown in Figure 11b, the first eRU (eRU1) sends the downlink RF data corresponding to eRU2 and eRU3 respectively to eRU2 through the data transmission channel, and eRU2 sends the downlink RF data corresponding to eRU3 to eRU3 through the data transmission channel.

[0245] As shown in Figure 11a, before the function transfer (i.e., the PHY_low processing unit in eRU2 and eRU3 is turned off), the PHY_low baseband processing units on eRU2 and eRU3 each process the internally generated RF data and generate eCPRI data. The data transmitted between eRU1 and DU is the eCPRI data of eRU1, eRU2 and eRU3. The RF data inside eRU2 and eRU3 is not processed by the PHY_low processing unit of eRU1.

[0246] As shown in Figure 11b, after the function transfer, the PHY_low processing units in eRU2 and eRU3 are turned off, and the functions of the PHY_low baseband processing units on eRU2 and eRU3 are taken over by the PHY_low processing unit in eRU1. The PHY_low processing unit of eRU1 processes the RF data corresponding to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 respectively and generates eCPRI data. The eCPRI data of eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 are transmitted between eRU1 and DU.

[0247] Synchronization plane data and management plane data on eRU2 and eRU3 can still be processed on their respective eRUs. Synchronization plane data and management plane data on eRU2 and eRU3 also need to be forwarded to the DU through eRU1. The PHY_low processing unit of eRU1 processes the user plane data and control plane data corresponding to eRU2 and eRU3, respectively.

[0248] The data processing method provided in this application embodiment, in an architecture where multiple eRUs are cascaded, allows the PHY_low baseband processing unit in one of the eRUs (the first eRU) to perform the functions of the PHY_low baseband processing units in other eRUs (including the second eRU). After configuring the link configuration information between the second eRU (which is a child node of the first eRU and the parent node of all other eRUs except the second eRU) and the first eRU, as well as between adjacent eRUs and the cell information carried by the other eRUs (i.e., all energy-saving nodes), the baseband processing units in the other eRUs can be instructed to shut down. The other eRUs can then shut down their internal baseband processing units (PHY_low). While ensuring normal data processing and transmission, this improves the energy-saving effect of the eRUs and further reduces their energy consumption. Furthermore, since eRU2 and eRU3 shut down their internal baseband processing units (PHY_low), although the amount of data that the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) on eRU1 needs to process increases, the increase in energy consumption caused by the increase in data volume is relatively small compared to the energy consumption reduction caused by the shutdown of the internal baseband processing units (PHY_low) on eRU2 and eRU3. Therefore, it can also reduce the energy consumption of the entire communication system or communication architecture (such as the communication system shown in Figure 11b).

[0249] Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of a data processing method according to another embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the method 1200 shown in Figure 12 may include S1201 to S1209. Among them, S1209 includes S1209a and S1209b.

[0250] The steps in method 1200 are described in detail below with reference to Figure 12.

[0251] S1201, DU determines DU as the aggregation node.

[0252] For example, Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of a network topology to which method 1200 can be applied. As shown in Figure 13a, this network topology includes: DU, multiple eRUs, and multiple RUs. Each eRU contains an RF unit and a baseband processing unit (PHY_low). The DU contains a first baseband processing unit (PHY_low), a second baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi), and a central processing unit (CPU). The first baseband processing unit (PHY_low) within the DU processes the CPRI data generated by the RU and generates eCPRI data. The second baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) within the DU processes the eCPRI data generated by the eRU and the eCPRI data generated by the first baseband processing unit (PHY_low).

[0253] For example, in the example shown in Figure 13, the DU can select the node with the lower load among the DU and eRU as the aggregation node based on the service load measurement results of the DU and multiple eRUs.

[0254] After DU is identified as the aggregation node, DU can also obtain information about the cells to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving nodes.

[0255] For example, in the example shown in Figure 13, eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 are all energy-saving nodes. It should be understood that in this embodiment, all energy-saving nodes are in an energy-saving state, meaning that eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 have all shut down some transceiver channels or some frequency bands. Furthermore, all three RUs have also shut down some transceiver channels or some frequency bands.

[0256] In the example shown in Figure 13, the DU can obtain information about the cells carried by the three eRUs respectively.

[0257] S1202, the DU sends data stream configuration information to the energy-saving node. The data stream configuration information is used to transmit RF data between the DU and the energy-saving node.

[0258] S1203, DU and energy-saving node establish a data transmission channel based on data flow configuration information. The data transmission channel is used to transmit RF data between DU and energy-saving node.

[0259] For a detailed explanation of S1201 to S1203, please refer to the explanation of the corresponding steps in Method 800. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0260] S1204, DU uses the address of the energy-saving node as the receiver and transmitter of the RF data stream.

[0261] For the DU, before the function switch, the DU sends downlink eCPRI data to the power-saving nodes (the data stream destination addresses are eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3), and receives uplink eCPRI data from the power-saving nodes. The receiving and sending ends of the eCPRI data stream are the respective power-saving nodes. After the function switch, RF data is transmitted between the DU and the respective power-saving nodes. Therefore, the DU needs to use the addresses of the respective power-saving nodes as the receiving and sending ends of the RF data stream.

[0262] S1205, DU sends a first instruction message to the energy-saving node. The first instruction message is used to instruct: to perform function transfer and shut down the internal baseband processing unit.

[0263] The following details the changes before and after the function switching (function transfer) of each node.

[0264] For the energy-saving node (taking eRU1 as an example), before the function switch, the uplink RF data of eRU1 is sent to the PHY_low processing unit within eRU1. Downlink RF data is obtained from the PHY_low processing unit within eRU1 and sent to the RF unit within eRU1. After the function switch (i.e., the PHY_low processing unit within eRU1 is turned off), eRU1 sends the uplink RF data (also called the first RF data) to the DU via the IoE data stream, receives the downlink IoE data stream from the DU, and parses the downlink RF data (also called the second RF data) from the IoE data stream before sending it to the RF unit within eRU1.

[0265] For the DU, before the function switch, the DU sends downlink eCPRI data to the power-saving nodes (data stream destination addresses are eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3) and receives uplink eCPRI data from the power-saving nodes. After the function switch, for downlink data, the DU's internal baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) sends the downlink eCPRI data to the DU's internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low). The DU's internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low) processes the downlink eCPRI data to generate downlink RF data for each node, and sends it to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 respectively through the data transmission channel. For uplink data, the DU's internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low) receives uplink RF data from eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 respectively through the data transmission channel, processes the uplink RF data to generate uplink eCPRI data, and then sends it to the DU's internal baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi). In other words, after the function switch, the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) inside the DU needs to process the RF data corresponding to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3.

[0266] Optionally, as a possible implementation, the first indication information in S1205 can be used to instruct each energy-saving node to begin function switching.

[0267] Optionally, the first indication information sent by the DU to the power-saving node may also indicate: the destination address (i.e., the address of the DU) from which the power-saving node needs to send uplink RF data, or from which it receives downlink RF data (i.e., from the DU).

[0268] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the DU sending the first instruction information to the energy-saving node can indicate the time or moment to start the function transfer.

[0269] The process of function switching by the energy-saving node includes: establishing an IoE data stream transmission link with the DU using the data stream configuration information in S1203; after the IoE data stream transmission link is established, for uplink data, the energy-saving node can start sending uplink RF data to the DU through the IoE data stream transmission link; for downlink data, each energy-saving node can receive downlink RF data from the DU through the IoE data stream transmission link, parse the RF data from the IoE data stream, and send it to the RF unit within each energy-saving node.

[0270] After the IoE data stream transmission link is established, each energy-saving node can shut down its internal PHY_low processing unit.

[0271] Optionally, the first indication information may also indicate the moment when the power-saving node shuts down the internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low) (also known as the first moment).

[0272] Optionally, the time when the power-saving node starts function switching and the time when the power-saving node shuts down the internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low) can be the same or within a preset difference range.

[0273] The DU can also initiate function switching at the moment indicated by the first indication information. For example, the DU's function transfer process includes: the DU using the address of the power-saving node as both the receiver and transmitter of the RF data stream, and then starting to receive or transmit ED data. For uplink data, the DU receives uplink RF data from the power-saving node; for downlink data, the DU transmits downlink RF data to the power-saving node.

[0274] For example, the data processing process within the DU is as follows: The baseband processing unit (PHY_low) within the DU processes the uplink RF data sent by the energy-saving node using the cell information of the energy-saving node to be transferred, obtaining uplink eCPRI data, and then sends the uplink eCPRI data to the baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) within the DU. For downlink data: After receiving the downlink eCPRI data from the baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) within the DU, the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) within the DU processes the downlink eCPRI data using the cell information of the energy-saving node to be transferred, obtaining downlink RF data, and then sends the downlink RF data to each node through the IoE data stream transmission link.

[0275] As one possible implementation, the energy-saving node and the DU can start the function transfer at the same time or within a preset time interval.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the time when the power-saving node and the DU begin function transfer and the time when the power-saving node shuts down the internal baseband processing unit (the first moment) can be the same, or the interval between multiple moments can be within a preset range.

[0277] Optionally, in some other possible implementations, the first indication information sent by the DU to the energy-saving nodes can indicate the time at which each energy-saving node begins sending or receiving data. In other words, the time indicated by the first indication information sent by the DU to the energy-saving nodes can be understood as the time when the function switch of each energy-saving node is completed.

[0278] In one possible implementation, the time when the energy-saving node completes its function switch and the time when the DU completes its function switch can be the same, or the interval between multiple times can be within a preset range.

[0279] In one possible implementation, the time when the energy-saving node completes its function switching, the time when the DU completes its function switching, and the time when the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit (the first moment) can be the same, or the interval between multiple moments can be within a preset range.

[0280] For a detailed explanation of S1205, please refer to the corresponding section of S806 in Method 800. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0281] S1206, the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit and completes the function transfer according to the first instruction information.

[0282] S1207, DU completes function transfer.

[0283] For a detailed explanation of S1206 and S1206, please refer to the relevant description in S1205 above. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0284] After each node completes the function transfer, that is, after the energy-saving node shuts down its internal baseband processing unit:

[0285] For uplink data, as shown in S1208a and S1209a of Figure 12:

[0286] S1208a, the energy-saving node sends RF data to the DU via the data transmission channel.

[0287] S1209a, DU processes the received uplink RF data based on the cell information to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving node.

[0288] For downlink data, as shown in S1208b and S1209b of Figure 12:

[0289] S1208b, DU processes downlink eCPRI data into downlink RF data based on the cell information to be transferred and deployed on the energy-saving node.

[0290] S1209b, DU sends downlink RF data to the energy-saving node through the data transmission channel.

[0291] For example, as shown in Figure 13a, before the function transfer (i.e., the PHY_low processing unit in eRU1, RU2 and eRU3 is turned off), the PHY_low baseband processing units in eRU1, RU2 and eRU3 each process the RF data generated internally and generate eCPRI data, and transmit eCPRI data with DU. The RF data inside eRU1, RU2 and eRU3 is not processed by the PHY_low baseband processing unit in DU.

[0292] For example, as shown in Figure 13b, after the function transfer, the PHY_low processing units in eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 are turned off, and the functions of the PHY_low baseband processing units on eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 are taken over by the PHY_low processing unit within the DU. The PHY_low processing unit within the DU processes the RF data corresponding to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 respectively and generates eCPRI data, and transmits the eCPRI data with the baseband processing unit (PHY_Hi) within the DU.

[0293] Synchronization plane data and management plane data on eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3 can still be processed on each eRU. The PHY_low processing unit of the DU processes the user plane data and control plane data corresponding to eRU1, eRU2, and eRU3, respectively.

[0294] The data processing method provided in this application embodiment allows the DU to determine that the PHY_low baseband processing unit function on the eRU is undertaken by the DU's PHY_low baseband processing unit. After configuring the link configuration information between the DU and the eRU and the cell information carried by the eRU, the baseband processing unit within the eRU can be instructed to be turned off. While ensuring that data can be processed and transmitted normally, this can improve the energy-saving effect of other eRUs and further reduce the energy consumption of the eRU. Furthermore, since the eRU turns off its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low), although the amount of data that the baseband processing unit (PHY_low) on the DU needs to process increases, the increase in energy consumption caused by the increase in data volume is relatively small compared to the energy consumption reduction caused by the eRU turning off its internal baseband processing unit (PHY_low). Therefore, it can also reduce the energy consumption of the entire communication system or communication architecture (such as the communication system shown in Figure 13b).

[0295] It should be understood that the above description is merely to help those skilled in the art better understand the embodiments of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Based on the examples given above, those skilled in the art can obviously make various equivalent modifications or changes. For example, some steps in the above method embodiments may be unnecessary, or new steps may be added. Alternatively, any combination of two or more of the above embodiments may be used. Such modifications, changes, or combinations also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0296] It should also be understood that the methods, situations, categories, and classifications of embodiments in this application are for the convenience of description only and should not constitute a special limitation. Various methods, categories, situations, and features in embodiments can be combined without contradiction.

[0297] It should also be understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above 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.

[0298] It should also be understood that the above description of the embodiments of this application focuses on highlighting the differences between the various embodiments. Any similarities or differences not mentioned can be referred to each other. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0299] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Hereinafter, the communication devices of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail with reference to Figures 14 and 15. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may also be referred to as a communication apparatus.

[0300] This embodiment can divide each node (energy-saving node, aggregation node, and DU) into functional modules according to the above method. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware. It should be noted that the module division in this embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. It should also be noted that the relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0301] The energy-saving node, aggregation node, and DU provided in this application embodiment are used to execute any of the data processing methods provided in the above-described method embodiments, thus achieving the same effect as the above-described implementation methods. When using integrated units, the energy-saving node, aggregation node, or DU may include a processing module, and optionally a storage module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to control and manage the actions of the energy-saving node, aggregation node, or DU. For example, it can be used to support the energy-saving node, aggregation node, or DU in executing the steps performed by the processing unit. The storage module can be used to support the storage of program code and data, etc. The communication module can be used to support communication between the energy-saving node, aggregation node, or DU and other devices.

[0302] The processing module can be a processor or a controller. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of digital signal processing (DSP) and a microprocessor, etc. The storage module can be a memory. The communication module can specifically be a device such as radio frequency circuitry that can interact with other communication devices.

[0303] For example, FIG14 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1400 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1400 may correspond to the DU, energy-saving node or aggregation node (i.e., the first communication device, the second communication device or the third communication device) described in the above methods 800, 1000 and 1200. It may also be a chip or component applied to the DU, energy-saving node or aggregation node. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 1400 is used to execute the various actions or processes performed by the DU, energy-saving node or aggregation node in any possible implementation of the above methods 800, 1000 and 1200.

[0304] As shown in Figure 14, the communication device 1400 may include a processing unit 1410 and a transceiver unit 1420. The transceiver unit 1420 is used to perform specific signal transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 1410. The processing unit may also be called a processing module, and the transceiver unit may also be called a communication unit or a communication module.

[0305] In some embodiments:

[0306] The communication device 1400 can correspond to the energy-saving node described in methods 800, 1000, and 1200, or it can be a chip or component applied to the energy-saving node. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 1400 is used to execute the actions or processing procedures performed by the energy-saving node in any possible implementation of methods 800, 1000, and 1200. The communication device 1400 includes a first baseband processing unit, which is a PHY_low processing unit.

[0307] For example, the transceiver unit 1420 is used to receive first indication information from the second communication device (i.e., DU).

[0308] The processing unit 1410 is used to: shut down the first baseband processing unit according to the first instruction information.

[0309] The transceiver unit 1420 is also used to: send first RF data to a third communication device (i.e., a convergence node). The first baseband processing unit is used to process RF type data before shutdown. The first RF data belongs to the RF type data. The first RF data includes user plane data and control plane data corresponding to the cell carried by the first communication device.

[0310] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can receive first instruction information from DU, and then shut down the internal PHY_low processing unit according to the first instruction information. It can also send the RF data that was originally processed by its internal PHY_low processing unit to the aggregation node for processing. While ensuring that the data can be processed and transmitted normally, the energy-saving effect of the communication device can be improved, and the energy consumption of the communication device can be further reduced.

[0311] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit 1420 is further configured to: receive second RF data from a third communication device, the second RF data being of that RF type, and the second RF data including user plane data and control plane data corresponding to the cell carried by the first communication device.

[0312] In some possible implementations, before receiving the first indication information from the second communication device, the transceiver unit 1420 is further configured to: receive data stream configuration information from the second communication device;

[0313] The processing unit 1410 is also configured to: establish a data stream transmission link with a third communication device based on data stream configuration information, wherein the data stream transmission link is used to transmit first RF data or second RF data.

[0314] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is also used to indicate: a first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and a second moment when the first RF data is sent to the third communication device; or, a first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and a third moment when the second RF data is received from the third communication device; wherein the interval between the first moment and the second moment is within a preset time range; or, the interval between the first moment and the third moment is within a preset time range.

[0315] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit in the communication device 1400 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the previous text in conjunction with the energy-saving node (i.e., eRU) related embodiments of method 800, method 1000, and method 1200. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0316] In other embodiments:

[0317] The communication device 1400 can correspond to the DU described in methods 800, 1000, and 1200, or it can be a chip or component applied to the DU. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 1400 is used to execute the actions or processing procedures performed by the DU in any possible implementation of methods 800, 1000, and 1200. Optionally, the communication device 1400 includes a PHY_low processing unit.

[0318] For example, the transceiver unit 1420 is used to: send a first indication message to the first communication device (i.e., the energy-saving node), the first indication message being used to instruct: shut down the first baseband processing unit included in the first communication device, the first baseband processing unit being used to process RF type data before shutdown, the RF type data including user plane data and control plane data corresponding to the cell carried by the first communication device. The first baseband processing unit is a PHY_low processing unit.

[0319] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can send a first instruction message to an energy-saving node. The energy-saving node can then shut down its internal PHY_low processing unit according to the first instruction message, thereby improving the energy-saving effect of the energy-saving node and further reducing the energy consumption of the communication device.

[0320] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is also used to instruct: the first communication device to send first RF data to the third communication device, or the first communication device to receive second RF data from the third communication device, wherein the first RF data or the second RF data belongs to that RF type. In this implementation, the communication device can also instruct the transfer of RF data originally processed by the PHY_low processing unit inside the energy-saving node to the third communication device (aggregation node) for processing, which can ensure that the data of the first communication device can be processed and transmitted normally, and ensure that communication can proceed normally.

[0321] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit 1420 is used to: send second indication information to the third communication device, the second indication information indicating that the third communication device sends second RF data to the first communication device, or that the third communication device receives first RF data from the first communication device, wherein the first RF data or the second RF data belongs to that RF type data. In this implementation, the communication device can also instruct the third communication device (aggregation node) to process the RF data that would normally be processed by the PHY_low processing unit inside the energy-saving node, further ensuring that the data of the first communication device can be processed and transmitted normally, thus ensuring that communication can proceed normally.

[0322] In some possible implementations, before sending the first instruction information to the first communication device, the transceiver unit 1420 is configured to: send data stream configuration information to the first communication device and the third communication device, the data stream configuration information being used to establish a data stream transmission link between the third communication device and the first communication device, the data stream transmission link being used to transmit first RF data or second RF data.

[0323] In some possible implementations, before sending the first indication information to the first communication device, the transceiver unit 1420 is configured to: send cell information carried by the first communication device to the third communication device, the cell information including at least one of: cell identifier, frequency point corresponding to the cell, bandwidth corresponding to the cell, user information accessed within the cell, and resource configuration corresponding to the user accessed within the cell.

[0324] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is also used to indicate: a first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and a second moment when the first communication device sends the first RF data to the third communication device; or, a first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and a third moment when the first communication device receives the second RF data from the third communication device; wherein the interval between the first moment and the second moment is within a preset time range; or, the interval between the first moment and the third moment is within a preset time range.

[0325] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit in the communication device 1400 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the previous description of the DU related to the relevant embodiments of method 800, method 1000 and method 1200. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0326] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1420 may include a receiving unit (module) and a sending unit (module) for performing the steps of receiving and sending information by the DU, energy-saving node or aggregation node in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0327] Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a storage unit. The transceiver unit 1420 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit is used to store instructions executed by the transceiver unit 1420 and the processing unit 1410. The transceiver unit 1420, the processing unit 1410, and the storage unit are coupled to each other. The storage unit stores instructions, the processing unit 1410 executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, and the transceiver unit 1420 performs specific signal transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 1410.

[0328] Optionally, the storage unit may store one or more of the information processed by the processing unit, the parameters used by the processing unit, or the information generated during processing.

[0329] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1420 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit may be a memory. The processing unit 1410 may be implemented by a processor. As shown in FIG15, the communication device 1500 may include a processor 1510, a memory 1520, and a transceiver 1530.

[0330] The communication device 1400 shown in Figure 14 or the communication device 1500 shown in Figure 15 can implement the steps performed by the DU, energy-saving node, or aggregation node described in the aforementioned methods 800, 1000, and 1200. Similar descriptions can be found in the descriptions of the corresponding methods described above. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0331] It should also be understood that the communication device 1400 shown in Figure 14 or the communication device 1500 shown in Figure 15 can be a DU, an energy-saving node or a convergence node, or the DU, energy-saving node or convergence node can include the communication device 1400 shown in Figure 14 or the communication device 1500 shown in Figure 15.

[0332] The energy-saving node includes a baseband processing unit (PHY_low), and the aggregation node also includes a baseband processing unit (PHY_low).

[0333] It should also be understood that the division of units in the above communication equipment is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the communication equipment can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the communication equipment. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, and its function can be called and executed by a processing element of the communication equipment. Here, the processing element can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0334] In one example, a unit in any of the above communication devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more DSPs, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in a communication device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0335] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0336] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), EPROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (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).

[0337] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned energy-saving node, aggregation node, and DU.

[0338] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means.

[0339] This application also provides a computer-readable medium for storing computer program code, the computer program including instructions for performing any of the data processing methods provided in the embodiments of this application. The readable medium may be the memory described in the examples above, and this application does not limit this to such methods.

[0340] This application also provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause an energy-saving node, a convergence node, or a DU to perform operations corresponding to the energy-saving node, convergence node, or DU in the above-described method.

[0341] This application also provides a chip comprising a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, and the communication unit may be, for example, an input / output interface, pins, or circuitry. The processing unit can execute computer instructions to cause a chip within a communication device (e.g., an energy-saving node, a convergence node, or a DU) to perform any of the data processing methods provided in this application.

[0342] Optionally, any of the communication devices provided in the above embodiments of this application may include the chip.

[0343] Optionally, the computer instructions are stored in a storage unit.

[0344] Optionally, the storage unit can be an internal storage unit within the chip, such as a register or cache. Alternatively, it can be an external storage unit within the communication device, such as a ROM or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, like RAM. The processor mentioned above can be a CPU, microprocessor, ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of programs described above. The processing unit and storage unit can be decoupled and located on different physical devices, connected via wired or wireless means to implement their respective functions, thus supporting the chip in implementing the various functions described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit and the memory can also be coupled to the same device.

[0345] The processor mentioned above can be a CPU, microprocessor, ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of programs in the aforementioned data processing methods. The processing unit and storage unit can be decoupled and disposed on different physical devices, connected via wired or wireless means to implement their respective functions, thereby supporting the chip in implementing the various functions described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit and the memory can also be coupled to the same device.

[0346] In this application, various objects such as messages / information / devices / systems / communication devices / actions / operations / processes may be named. It is understood that these specific names do not constitute a limitation on the relevant objects. The names may be changed depending on the scenario, context, or usage habits. The understanding of the technical meaning of the technical terms in this application should be mainly determined from their functions and technical effects embodied / performed in the technical solution.

[0347] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, communication devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0348] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, communication devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the communication device 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; the indirect coupling or communication connection of communication devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0349] 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.

[0350] 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.

[0351] 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 method of data processing, characterized by, Applied to a first communication device, the first communication device including a first baseband processing unit, the method includes: Receive the first instruction information from the second communication device: According to the first instruction information, the first baseband processing unit is turned off; The first radio frequency (RF) data is sent to the third communication device. The first baseband processing unit is used to process RF type data before shutdown. The first RF data belongs to the RF type data and includes user plane data and control plane data corresponding to the cell carried by the first communication device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The system receives second RF data from the third communication device. The second RF data belongs to the RF type data and includes user plane data and control plane data corresponding to the cell carried by the first communication device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before receiving the first indication information from the second communication device, the method further includes: Receive data stream configuration information from the second communication device; According to the data stream configuration information, a data stream transmission link is established between the third communication device and the data stream transmission link, which is used to transmit the first RF data or the second RF data.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first indication information is also used to indicate: The first moment of shutting down the first baseband processing unit and the second moment of sending the first RF data to the third communication device; or, the first moment of shutting down the first baseband processing unit and the third moment of receiving the second RF data from the third communication device; Wherein, the interval between the first time and the second time is within a preset time range; or, the interval between the first time and the third time is within a preset time range.

5. A method of data processing, characterized by, Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: Send a first instruction message to the first communication device, the first instruction message being used to instruct: shut down the first baseband processing unit included in the first communication device, the first baseband processing unit being used to process RF type data before shutdown, the RF type data including user plane data and control plane data corresponding to the cell carried by the first communication device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The first indication information is also used to indicate: The first communication device sends first RF data to the third communication device, or the first communication device receives second RF data from the third communication device, wherein the first RF data or the second RF data belongs to the RF type data.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second indication message to a third communication device, the second indication message being used to indicate: The third communication device sends second RF data to the first communication device, or the third communication device receives first RF data from the first communication device, wherein the first RF data or the second RF data belongs to the RF type data.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Before sending the first indication information to the first communication device, the method further includes: Data stream configuration information is sent to the first communication device and the third communication device. The data stream configuration information is used to establish a data stream transmission link between the third communication device and the first communication device. The data stream transmission link is used to transmit the first RF data or the second RF data.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, Before sending the first indication information to the first communication device, the method further includes: The cell information carried by the first communication device is sent to the third communication device. The cell information includes at least one of the following: cell identifier, frequency point corresponding to the cell, bandwidth corresponding to the cell, user information accessed within the cell, and resource configuration corresponding to the user accessed within the cell.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The first indication information is also used to indicate: The first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and the second moment when the first communication device sends the first RF data to the third communication device; or, the first moment when the first baseband processing unit is turned off and the third moment when the first communication device receives the second RF data from the third communication device. Wherein, the interval between the first time and the second time is within a preset time range; or, the interval between the first time and the third time is within a preset time range.

11. A communication system, characterized by The communication system includes a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and the second communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized by include: A unit for performing the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or a unit for performing the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 10.

13. A communication device, characterized by It includes at least one processor and interface circuitry, the at least one processor being configured to perform: the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 10.

14. A communication device, characterized by include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform: the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10.

16. A chip, characterized in that, Includes: a processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is mounted to perform: the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10.

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