Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: acquiring first information, wherein the first information comprises the type of a first function and / or the type of a first task, the first task is associated with the first function, and the first function comprises an artificial intelligence function and / or a sensing function; and executing the first task on the basis of the first information. According to the method, a new logic unit in a network device executes artificial intelligence and sensing functions, so that the computing power requirement or energy consumption on the network device can be reduced, and the impact on a communication function undertaken by the network device can be reduced.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410787462.6, filed on June 17, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] From 2G to 5G, the main function of wireless communication systems has been to provide reliable communication. Looking towards future communication systems, the industry expects them to support new services beyond communication. For example, wireless communication systems can provide sensing capabilities, enabling new industries such as digital cities, advanced autonomous driving, and collaborative robots through environmental reconstruction. Furthermore, with the booming development of artificial intelligence (AI) services, wireless communication systems can provide better support for users' AI services. This includes wireless communication devices providing computing power for users' AI services, solving the problem that user terminal devices cannot support AI services due to limited computing power or energy consumption, or that the AI ​​service experience is poor.

[0004] In existing network architectures, base stations provide communication or connectivity functions for UEs. These base stations can be either centralized or distributed. Taking a distributed base station as an example, its logical components include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). AI-related functions can be executed by the CU. However, this architecture leads to new AI-related functions sharing hardware with communication functions, consuming CU computing power or energy, and thus affecting communication functions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method that helps reduce the impact of new features on network devices and improve communication efficiency.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising: acquiring first information, wherein the first information includes a type of a first function and / or a type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, the first function including an artificial intelligence function and / or a perception function; and executing the first task according to the first information.

[0007] In this application, the method can be applied to a network device or a first logic unit; in one possible design, the method can be executed by the network device or implemented by a component of the network device (e.g., the network device's processor, circuit, chip, or chip system);

[0008] In one possible design, the method is applied to a first logic unit. For example, the method can be executed by the first logic unit or implemented by functional components within the first logic unit (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, etc. within the first logic unit); wherein the first logic unit is used to implement the artificial intelligence function and / or perception function, and the first logic unit is connected to the aggregation unit CU; or, the method is applied to a network device, the network device including the first logic unit and the aggregation unit CU.

[0009] By using the above method, new functions that were originally executed by the aggregation unit (CU) in the network device are transferred to the first logic unit for execution, thereby reducing the computing power requirements or energy consumption of the CU and minimizing the impact on the communication functions undertaken by the CU.

[0010] In one possible design, the method further includes: generating or parsing a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes the first information; or, generating or parsing a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the RRC protocol layer, or the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

[0011] Using the above method, new functional data related to AI or perception can be transmitted using the first protocol layer, which reduces the burden on the protocol layers in the existing communication protocol stack architecture and reduces the complexity of data transmission.

[0012] In one possible design, the first protocol layer message further includes at least one of the following: the type or segmentation information of the payload; the type of the payload includes data payload or control information payload; the segmentation information indicates at least one of the following: whether it is segmented, segment number, or whether it is the last segment.

[0013] By using the above method, when the first protocol layer message carries segmentation information, the receiving end can correctly merge the segmented payload, thereby improving the accuracy of data transmission.

[0014] In one possible design, the type of the first function includes at least one of the following types: network-supported artificial intelligence services, artificial intelligence-supported network services, or sensing services.

[0015] In this application, in addition to AI and perception-related functions, other new functions that may affect the existing network device architecture can also be implemented through the first logical unit, reducing the risk of potentially affecting communication functions.

[0016] In one possible design, the first protocol layer message or the RRC message is carried on at least one of the following bearers: signaling radio bearer, data radio bearer, or first type bearer.

[0017] In one possible design, the signaling radio bearer is used to carry signaling data corresponding to the first function; the data radio bearer is used to carry service data corresponding to the first function; and the first type bearer is used to carry signaling data and / or service data corresponding to the first function.

[0018] Using the above method, when transmitting relevant data between network devices and terminals, different data types can be distinguished by different types of bearers. Therefore, the data type information does not need to be indicated in the transmitted information, thereby reducing transmission costs and improving transmission efficiency.

[0019] In one possible design, the first type carries multiple first types; each of the multiple first type carriers corresponds to a type of the first function.

[0020] Using the above method, when transmitting relevant data between network devices and terminals, different first function types can be distinguished by different types of bearers. Therefore, the type information of the first function does not need to be indicated in the transmitted information, thereby reducing transmission costs and improving transmission efficiency.

[0021] In one possible design, when the method is applied to the first logic unit, the first logic unit is connected to the distributed unit DU; and / or, the first logic unit is connected to the radio frequency unit RU.

[0022] In one possible design, the first logic unit communicates with the aggregation unit CU via interface messages and / or communication tunnels; and / or the first logic unit communicates with the distributed unit DU via interface messages or communication tunnels; and / or the first logic unit communicates with the radio frequency unit RU via interface messages or communication tunnels.

[0023] In one possible design, the type of the interface message corresponds to the type of the first function; there are multiple interface messages; each of the multiple interface messages corresponds to a type of the first function.

[0024] Using the above method, when transmitting relevant data between the first logic unit and CU, DU or RU, different first function types can be distinguished through different interface messages. Therefore, the type of the first function does not need to be indicated in the transmitted information, thereby reducing transmission costs and improving transmission efficiency.

[0025] In one possible design, there are multiple communication tunnels; each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a type of the first function; and / or, each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a type of the first task; and / or, each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a terminal.

[0026] Using the above method, when transmitting relevant data between the first logic unit and CU, DU or RU, different types of first functions, first tasks or different terminals can be distinguished through different communication tunnels, which can reduce the cost of information indication and improve transmission efficiency.

[0027] In one possible design, the aggregation unit CU includes an aggregation unit and a control plane protocol CU-CP and an aggregation unit and a user plane protocol CU-UP; the first logic unit communicates with the aggregation unit CU through interface messages and / or communication tunnels, including: the first logic unit communicates with the CU-CP through interface messages, and / or the first logic unit communicates with the CU-UP through communication tunnels.

[0028] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending reception information corresponding to the first information, wherein the reception information indicates the recipient of the payload.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a convergence unit (CU), such as a convergence unit CU or components (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) within the convergence unit CU. Taking the application of this method to a CU as an example, the method includes: acquiring first information, wherein the first information includes a type of a first function and a type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence functions and / or perception functions; and sending the first information.

[0030] Using the above method, the CU in the network device only performs information sending or forwarding for new AI and perception-related functions, without performing the corresponding tasks, thereby reducing computing power consumption and energy consumption, and minimizing the impact on communication functions.

[0031] In one possible design, the method further includes: generating or parsing a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes the first information; or, generating or parsing a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the RRC protocol layer, or the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the PDCP protocol layer.

[0032] In one possible design, the first protocol layer message further includes at least one of the following: the type or segmentation information of the payload; the type of the payload includes data payload or control information payload; the segmentation information indicates at least one of the following: whether it is segmented, segment number, or whether it is the last segment.

[0033] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving reception information corresponding to the first information, wherein the reception information indicates the recipient of the first information.

[0034] For example, the received information may include the recipient's identifier, or other information that may indicate the recipient's identity or address, which is not limited herein.

[0035] In one possible design, sending the first information includes: sending the first information based on the received information.

[0036] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending transmission information corresponding to the first information, wherein the transmission information indicates the sender of the payload.

[0037] For example, the information sent may include the sender's identifier, or other information that may indicate the sender's identity or address, which is not limited herein.

[0038] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to terminal devices, such as terminals or communication modules within terminals, or circuits or chips in terminals responsible for communication functions (such as modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores). Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, the method includes: acquiring first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function and the type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence functions and / or perception functions; and sending the first information.

[0039] In one possible design, the method further includes: generating or parsing a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes the first information; or, generating or parsing a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the RRC protocol layer, or the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the PDCP protocol layer.

[0040] In one possible design, the method further includes: performing the first task.

[0041] Fourthly, at least one embodiment of this application also provides a communication device disposed in a network device or a first logic unit. In one possible design, the communication device may include modules, units, or means corresponding to each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. The operations performed by this communication device and its beneficial effects can be found in the methods and beneficial effects described in the first aspect above.

[0042] In one possible design, the communication device includes: a processing unit and a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being used to acquire first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function, the type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence function and / or perception function.

[0043] The processing unit is used for all operations other than the processing and transmission operations performed by the network device or the first logic unit described in the first aspect. For example, the processing unit is used to perform a first task based on the first information.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first logical unit is used to implement artificial intelligence functions and / or sensing functions, and the first logical unit is connected to the aggregation unit CU; or, the network device includes the first logical unit and the aggregation unit CU.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to generate or parse a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes first information; or, generate or parse a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the RRC protocol layer, or the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the PDCP protocol layer.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first protocol layer message further includes at least one of the following: the type or segmentation information of the payload; the type of payload includes data payload or control information payload; the segmentation information indicates at least one of the following: whether it is segmented, segment number or whether it is the last segment.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the type of the first function includes at least one of the following types: network-supported artificial intelligence services, artificial intelligence-supported network services, or sensing services.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first protocol layer message or RRC message is carried on at least one of the following bearers: signaling radio bearer, data radio bearer, or first type bearer.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the signaling radio bearer is used to carry signaling data corresponding to the first function; the data radio bearer is used to carry service data corresponding to the first function; and the first type bearer is used to carry signaling data and / or service data corresponding to the first function.

[0050] In one possible implementation, there are multiple first type carriers; each of the multiple first type carriers corresponds to a type of first function.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the first logic unit is connected to the distributed unit DU; and / or, the first logic unit is connected to the radio frequency unit RU.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first logic unit is connected to the aggregation unit CU, including: the first logic unit communicates with the aggregation unit CU through interface messages and / or communication tunnels; the first logic unit is connected to the distributed unit DU, including: the first logic unit communicates with the distributed unit DU through interface messages or communication tunnels; the first logic unit is connected to the radio frequency unit RU, including: the first logic unit communicates with the radio frequency unit RU through interface messages or communication tunnels.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the type of the interface message corresponds to the type of the first function. There are multiple interface messages; each of the multiple message interfaces corresponds to a type of the first function.

[0054] In one possible implementation, there are multiple communication tunnels; each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a type of first function; and / or, each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a first task; and / or, each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a terminal.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the aggregation unit CU includes an aggregation unit and a control plane protocol CU-CP and an aggregation unit and a user plane protocol CU-UP; the first logic unit communicates with the aggregation unit CU through interface messages and / or communication tunnels, including: the first logic unit communicates with the CU-CP through interface messages, and / or the first logic unit communicates with the CU-UP through communication tunnels.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used to send received information corresponding to the first information, wherein the received information indicates the recipient of the payload.

[0057] Fifthly, at least one embodiment of this application also provides a communication device disposed in a CU. In one possible design, the communication device may include modules, units, or means corresponding to each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. The operations performed by this communication device and its beneficial effects can be found in the methods and beneficial effects described in the second aspect above.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to acquire first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function, the type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence function and / or perception function; the transceiver unit is also used to send the first information.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to generate or parse a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes first information; or, generate or parse a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the RRC protocol layer, or the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the PDCP protocol layer.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the first protocol layer message further includes at least one of the following: the type or segmentation information of the payload; the type of payload includes data payload or control information payload; the segmentation information indicates at least one of the following: whether it is segmented, segment number or whether it is the last segment.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive received information corresponding to the first information, wherein the received information indicates the recipient of the first information.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send first information based on the received information.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used to send transmission information corresponding to the first information, wherein the transmission information indicates the sender of the payload.

[0064] In a sixth aspect, at least one embodiment of this application also provides a communication device disposed in a terminal device. In one possible design, the communication device may include modules, units, or means that correspond one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect. The modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to acquire first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function, the type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence functions and / or perception functions; and to send the first information.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to generate or parse a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes first information; or, generate or parse a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the RRC protocol layer, or the first protocol layer is a protocol layer above the PDCP protocol layer.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is also used to perform the first task.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, the application provides a communication device comprising one or more processors. The one or more processors are capable of executing part or all of a computer program or instructions stored in a memory necessary for implementing the functions described in the first aspect above. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect above.

[0069] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0070] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0071] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal, a communication module in a terminal, or a chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC or SIP chip that contains a modem module.

[0072] Eighthly, the application provides a communication device comprising one or more processors. The one or more processors are executable, in whole or in part, of a computer program or instructions stored in a memory necessary for implementing the functions described in the second aspect above. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect above.

[0073] Ninthly, the application provides a communication device comprising one or more processors. The one or more processors are executable, in whole or in part, of a computer program or instructions stored in a memory necessary for implementing the functions described in the third aspect above. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect above.

[0074] Tenthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions or programs that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to execute the methods of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0075] Eleventhly, this application provides a computer program product, the computer program product including a computer program or instructions, and instructions for the method in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, any possible implementation of the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the three aspects when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer. Attached Figure Description

[0076] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the network device provided in this application;

[0079] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a protocol stack structure provided in this application;

[0080] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of another protocol stack structure provided in this application;

[0081] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another protocol stack structure provided in this application;

[0082] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of another network device structure provided in this application;

[0083] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of another network device structure provided in this application;

[0084] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in this application;

[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the protocol layer message format provided in this application;

[0086] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of another protocol stack structure provided in this application;

[0087] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of another protocol stack structure provided in this application;

[0088] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in this application;

[0089] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application; and

[0090] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0091] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, system, storage medium, and computer program product to improve communication accuracy. The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] The technical solution of this application can be applied to terrestrial networks (TN), non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or scenarios where NTN and TN are integrated. NTN systems can be, for example, satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), etc. TN systems can be, for example, 4th generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., long term evolution (LTE) systems), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., new radio (NR) systems), and future mobile communication systems, etc.

[0093] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the network architecture of the embodiments of this application will be described below. Please refer to Figure 1A, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system applied in the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that Figure 1A is a possible, non-limiting system schematic diagram. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include the Internet 300. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1A, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1A). Terminal 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network elements in core network 200 and RAN nodes 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions, or they can be a single physical device integrating some core network element functions and some RAN node 110 functions. Terminals can be interconnected with each other, and RAN nodes 110 can be interconnected with each other via wired or wireless means. Figure 1A is only a schematic diagram; this communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1A.

[0094] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0095] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as radio access network equipment, access network device, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1A can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1A can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0096] In one possible scenario, RAN node 110 can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. RAN node 110 can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1A, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1A, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, RAN node 110 can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the radio access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of RAN node 110 in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). RAN node 110 in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of RAN node 110.

[0097] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes 110 collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node 110 implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node 110 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), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately 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).

[0098] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0099] A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0100] For ease of description, the following description uses a base station as an example of RAN node 110. Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. Base stations and terminals can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0101] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1A can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1A can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1A can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0102] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0103] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0104] In the embodiments of this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This apparatus can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a terminal device is the terminal device, and the terminal device is a UE (User Equipment) as an example, to describe the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0105] The network devices involved in the embodiments of this application include base stations (BS), which can be devices deployed in the RAN capable of communicating with terminal devices. Optionally, the radio access network can also be simply referred to as the access network. Base stations may take various forms, such as macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, or access points. The base stations involved in the embodiments of this application can be base stations in 5G systems, base stations in LTE systems, base stations in future communication systems, or base stations in other systems, without limitation. Among them, the base station in the 5G system can also be called a transmission reception point (TRP) or a next-generation node B (gNB or gNodeB).

[0106] In the embodiments of this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This apparatus can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device is a network device, and a base station is used as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0107] For example, taking a gNB as the base station, the base station and the UE can communicate using the air interface. The network architecture and / or protocol stack for communication between other types of base stations and UEs are similar to or the same as those for communication between the base station and UE, and will not be described in detail here.

[0108] A base station is part of the RAN (Radio Access Network) and is used for wireless communication with the UE (User Equipment). For example, Figure 1B shows a possible RAN architecture (e.g., in a 5G system). Optionally, the RAN in a 5G system can be called a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN). As shown in Figure 1B, the RAN can communicate or exchange data with the core network (CN) through the NG interface. The RAN can include one or more base stations. Different base stations can communicate or exchange data through the Xn-C interface. For any given base station, it can be an integrated base station, i.e., a complete module, entity, network element, or device; or it can include multiple modules, entities, network elements, or devices. For example, a base station can include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). This design can be called CU and DU separation, or CU / DU separation. The CU of a base station can also be denoted as gNB-CU, and the DU of a base station can also be denoted as gNB-DU. The CU and DU of a base station can communicate, exchange data, or interact with information through the F1 port. A base station can include one or more CUs. A base station may include one or more DUs. A DU may connect to a CU. A CU may connect to one or more DUs. For other base stations, the core network, and / or UEs, the components of a base station can be considered as that base station. For example, if a base station consists of CUs and DUs, then for other base stations, the core network, and / or UEs, the CUs and DUs of that base station can be considered as that base station.

[0109] In the embodiments of this application, the interface between any two network elements or any two entities in the RAN can be wired or wireless. That is, the interface can be a wired interface, such as an optical fiber or cable, or it can be a wireless interface. This application embodiment does not impose any restrictions. Different interfaces can have the same or different forms, which is not limited.

[0110] In this embodiment, the interface between any two network elements or entities in the RAN is used for the exchange of data or information between the two network elements or entities. This embodiment does not limit the name of the interface; for example, the interface can be called the z-th interface, where z is a positive integer. The value of z is different for different interfaces.

[0111] Optionally, for a CU in a base station, the CU can be a complete module, entity, network element, or device, or the CU can include multiple modules, entities, network elements, or devices. For example, the CU can include a CU-CP (control plane) and a CU-UP (user plane). This design can be called CP and UP separation, or CP / UP separation. The CU-CP of the base station can also be referred to as gNB-CU-CP, and the CU-UP of the base station can also be referred to as gNB-CU-UP. Exemplarily, Figure 2 shows a structural example diagram of a base station. As shown in Figure 2, a base station can include one CU-CP. A base station can include one or more CU-UPs. A CU-UP can connect to one CU-CP, and a CU-CP can connect to one or more CU-UPs. The interface between the CU-UP and CU-CP can be called an E1 port. A DU can connect to one CU-CP, and a CU-CP can connect to one or more DUs. The interface between the DU and CU-CP can be called an F1-C port. A DU can connect to one or more CU-UPs. A CU-UP can connect to one or more DUs. The interface between DU and CU-UP can be called the F1-U port.

[0112] To facilitate understanding of the relevant content of the embodiments of this application, some terms and processes involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. This part is only for the purpose of understanding and should not be regarded as a disclosure or specific limitation of the technical solution of this application.

[0113] 1. Protocol Stack

[0114] Figure 3A shows an example of the protocol stack used when the base station and the UE interact with each other on the user plane. This interaction involves the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical Layer (PHY) layer on both the base station and UE sides.

[0115] Figure 3B shows an example of the protocol stack used when the base station and the UE interact with each other in the control plane. This interaction involves the radio resource control (RRC) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer on both the base station and UE sides.

[0116] In this embodiment, the RRC layer can be used to control air interface radio resources and air interface connections. The SDAP layer can be used to map quality of service (QoS) flows to data radio bearers (DRBs). Here, the QoS flow refers to a service data flow with specific QoS requirements.

[0117] In this embodiment of the application, when the control plane and user plane include protocol layers with the same name, such as PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer or PHY layer, for the network side (e.g., base station side) or UE side, it indicates that the corresponding protocol layer supports both user plane functions and control plane functions.

[0118] Figure 4 shows an example of the air interface protocol stack on the base station side when CP / UP is separated. As shown in Figure 4, the two RLC layers located in DU implement control plane functions and user plane functions respectively; the MAC layer and PHY layer located in DU can implement control plane functions and user plane functions simultaneously; the RRC layer and control plane PDCP layer are located in CU-CP, and the SDAP and user plane PDCP layers are located in CU-UP.

[0119] 2. Radio Bearer (RB)

[0120] The Radio Bearer (RB) is the collective term for the different protocol entities and configurations allocated by the base station to the UE, including PDCP protocol entities, RLC protocol entities, MAC protocol entities, and a series of resources allocated to the PHY. The RB is the channel (including PHY, MAC, RLC, and PDCP) connecting the radio interface to the base station and the UE; all data transmitted on the radio interface must pass through the RB.

[0121] There are two types of radio bearers: Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB) and DRB. Each has its own function, and the layering ensures the effectiveness of radio transmission. For example, SRB can be used for RRC signaling transmission, while DRB can be used to provide forwarding processing for data packets.

[0122] In existing network architectures, base stations provide communication / connectivity functions for UEs. These base stations can be centralized or distributed. Taking a distributed base station as an example, its logical components include a CU and a DU. The CU supports protocol layers such as RRC, SDAP, and PDCP, while the DU supports RLC, MAC, and PHY protocol layers. In this scenario, to support new functions, such as sensing or Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing functions—specifically, new functions including at least one of the following: AI functions to improve communication performance (also known as AI4Net or AI4RAN), AI functions to provide computing / inference services for UE AI services (also known as Net4AI or RAN4AI), and sensing functions—these new functions can be carried on existing CUs or DUs. However, this architecture leads to new functions sharing hardware with communication functions. New functions are essentially computing functions, requiring flexible and scalable general-purpose computing hardware, while communication functions are essentially communication signal processing functions, requiring dedicated hardware to provide reliability. The two types of services have fundamentally different hardware requirements, making it difficult to meet the needs of both types of services with a single set of hardware. Furthermore, implementing new functions in the existing architecture will consume the computing power of the CU or DU, that is, the ability of the CU or DU to perform computing and data processing, which will affect the communication function.

[0123] To support the new functions described above while minimizing the impact on communication functions, at least one embodiment of this application provides a network device. Figures 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of the network device structure provided in at least one embodiment of this application. This network device can be a base station as described above. As shown in Figure 5A, network device 501 includes a CU, a DU, a remote radio unit (RU), and a first logical unit (shown as a service unit (SU) in the figure). For ease of description, the first logical unit will be described below as SU. It should be noted that SU is merely one possible example of the name of the first logical unit and is not considered a limitation of this application.

[0124] The SU is used to implement artificial intelligence functions and / or perception functions. Specifically, the SU has one or more of the following new functions: AI functions to improve communication performance, AI functions to provide computing / inference services for the AI ​​services of the UE, or perception functions.

[0125] For example, there is an interface or communication tunnel between the SU and the CU for communicating with the SU of the CU, UE, DU, RU, core network elements and adjacent network devices, that is, the SU communicates with the CU through interface messages and / or communication tunnels;

[0126] For example, the SU may also have an interface or communication tunnel with the DU for interaction between the SU and the DU, i.e. the SU communicates with the CU through interface messages and / or communication tunnels;

[0127] For example, the SU may also have an interface or communication tunnel with the RU for interaction between the SU and the RU, that is, the SU communicates with the RU through interface messages and / or communication tunnels;

[0128] For example, a SU may also have an interface or communication tunnel with a neighboring SU for interaction between SUs. SUs can communicate with terminals through CU, DU, or RU.

[0129] It should be noted that the communication tunnel mentioned above can also be called a communication channel, communication link, or communication pipeline, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit the use of this name.

[0130] As shown in Figure 5B, unlike Figure 5A, the CU in Figure 5B is divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. Correspondingly, in Figure 5A, the SU uses the CU to realize the interaction process with the DU, RU, UE, and core network functional elements. In Figure 5B, some of this interaction is completed through CU-CP, and the rest through CU-UP. For example, the interaction of control signaling between the SU and the UE and core network elements is completed through CU-CP, while the interaction of data is completed through CU-UP. The interaction between the SU and the DU and RU can all be completed through CU-UP. The direct connection interaction between the SU and core network elements remains unchanged.

[0131] For example, the SU communicates with the CU-CP via interface messages, and the SU communicates with the CU-UP via a communication tunnel.

[0132] For another example, the SU communicates with the CU-UP via interface messages, and the SU communicates with the CU-CP via a communication tunnel.

[0133] As another example, SU communicates with CU-UP and CU-CP via interface messages.

[0134] As another example, the SU communicates with the CU-UP and CU-CP via a communication tunnel.

[0135] In Figures 5A and 5B, the specific form of SU can be one or more of the following forms: circuit, chip, chip system, baseband, memory or processor.

[0136] It should be noted that in this application, the SU can be set in an integrated base station, or an independent logical unit connected to the integrated base station, or an independent logical unit set separately from the CU, DU or RU in a distributed base station. This application does not limit this.

[0137] At least one embodiment of this application also provides a communication method. Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the communication method can be applied, for example, to network device 501 or network device 502, or it can also be applied to SU; Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by at least one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the communication method includes steps S601 and S602.

[0138] Step S601: Obtain first information, wherein the first information includes the type of the first function, the type of the first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence function and / or perception function;

[0139] The first function can be, for example, a new function as described above, namely at least one of AI4Net function, Net4AI or perception function. The type of the first function indicates that it is a specific function among the three new functions. The first task corresponds to the first function, such as Net4AI service initiation, AI task allocation, perception configuration, AI data collection, perception data collection or AI model training, etc.

[0140] Step S602: Execute the first task based on the first information. After receiving the first information and the data of the first task related to the first information, the SU or network device executes the first task, wherein the network device executes the first task through the SU configured in the network device.

[0141] This application sets up a new logical unit to allocate new function-related tasks that were previously executed by the aggregation unit (CU) to the service unit (SU), thereby avoiding the new function from consuming the computing power of the CU and reducing the impact on the communication functions undertaken by the CU.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the first information can be obtained in several ways. For example, the first information can be received from the terminal, and correspondingly, the terminal generates and sends the first information; in this case, the terminal initiates a first task corresponding to the first function. Another example is that the first information can be generated and sent by a network device or a Substation (SU), and correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information; in this case, the network device or SU initiates a first task corresponding to the first function.

[0143] In one possible implementation, the first information can be transmitted via RRC messages or other protocol layer messages, such as messages of the newly defined Service Protocol (ServP) layer (i.e., protocol data units (PDUs) of the ServP protocol layer). That is, the RRC message or the ServP protocol layer message includes the first information. The ServP protocol layer can be, for example, a higher-level protocol layer located above the RRC protocol layer.

[0144] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a ServP protocol layer message format provided in at least one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the ServP protocol layer message is divided into a service message header and a service message body. The information carried in the service message header may include the type of the first function, the payload type, and segmentation information. The service message body carries the type of the first task (shown as packet type in the figure) and the payload (i.e., the data corresponding to the first task). It should be noted that the type of the first function, the payload type, and the segmentation information may not be carried in the service message header. For example, if the data related to the task corresponding to the message is small and the transmission of all data can be completed without segmentation, then the service message header may not carry segmentation information.

[0145] For example, the type of the first function may be, for example, AI4Net function, Net4AI or perception function;

[0146] As another example, the payload type is used to indicate whether the payload is a data payload or a control information payload;

[0147] For example, the segmentation information is used to indicate at least one of the following: whether it is segmented, segment number, or whether it is the last segment. Specifically, when the payload corresponding to the first task is too long (or the data is too large), it cannot be sent by a single message. Therefore, the payload needs to be segmented and sent in multiple messages. At this time, the message needs to carry segmentation information so that the receiving end can correctly merge the payload.

[0148] For example, the type of the first task is used to indicate the task type corresponding to different first functions. Taking AI4Net as an example, the type of the first task includes one or more of the following types: AI model training, AI data (including inference data, training data, or regulatory data) collection, AI prediction, or AI model lifecycle management (LCM); taking Net4AI as an example, the type of the first task includes one or more of the following types: Net4AI business initiation, task allocation configuration (or model configuration), or AI task result transmission; taking Net4AI as an example, the type of the first task includes one or more of the following types: perception configuration, perception measurement, perception data acquisition, or perception assistance.

[0149] For example, after obtaining the type of the first task, the receiver of the ServP protocol layer message can call the module, unit or circuit corresponding to the type of the first task to process the payload in the ServP protocol layer message.

[0150] Figures 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams of the protocol stack structure provided in at least one embodiment of this application. The process of transmitting the new function-related data mentioned above between the terminal and the network device in this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8A and 8B. This process is divided into two scenarios according to the different ways of transmitting the first information.

[0151] Scenario 1: Transmitting new feature-related data through the ServP protocol layer.

[0152] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the ServP protocol layer can be carried on the terminal and different logical units. For example, the ServP protocol layer can be carried on the terminal and the SU (Figure 8A), or the ServP protocol layer can be carried on the terminal and the CU (Figure 8B). In both ways, the terminal needs to generate or parse the ServP protocol layer message.

[0153] Referring to Figure 8A, when the ServP protocol layer is carried on the terminal and the SU, the SU is also used to generate or parse ServP protocol layer messages. The following is an explanation through a specific example.

[0154] Example 1: Taking the terminal initiating the first task corresponding to the first function as an example, after the terminal obtains the payload and the first information corresponding to the payload, it packages the payload and the first information corresponding to the payload into a ServP protocol layer message through the ServP protocol layer, and then sends the generated ServP protocol layer message to the network device. After the CU in the network device obtains the ServP protocol layer message, it forwards the ServP protocol layer message to the SU. The SU parses the ServP protocol layer message to obtain the payload and executes the first task corresponding to the payload.

[0155] Example 2: Taking the network device initiating the first task corresponding to the first function as an example, after the SU in the network device obtains the payload and the first information corresponding to the payload, it packages the payload and the first information corresponding to the payload into a ServP protocol layer message through the ServP protocol layer, and then sends the generated ServP protocol layer message to the CU. The CU forwards the ServP protocol layer message. The terminal receives the ServP protocol layer message from the network device, parses the ServP protocol layer message to obtain the payload, and executes the first task corresponding to the payload.

[0156] In Examples 1 and 2 above, the transmission of ServP protocol layer messages between the terminal and the network device can be carried out through a bearer. For example, the first protocol layer message is carried on one or more of the following bearers: SRB, DRB, or New Radio Bearer (NRB). The New Radio Bearer is used to carry signaling data (payload of the corresponding control information type) and / or service data (payload of the corresponding data type) related to the AI4Net function, Net4AI, or sensing function mentioned above. The New Radio Bearer is a bearer type that is different from SRB and DRB.

[0157] For example, when the payload type of the ServP protocol layer message is control information type, it is transmitted via SRB; when the payload type of the ServP protocol layer message is data type, it is transmitted via DRB.

[0158] For another example, when the payload type corresponding to the ServP protocol layer message is control information type, it is transmitted through a newly defined bearer; when the payload type corresponding to the ServP protocol layer message is data type, it is transmitted through DRB.

[0159] For another example, when the payload type corresponding to the ServP protocol layer message is control information type, it is transmitted via SRB; when the payload type corresponding to the ServP protocol layer message is data type, it is transmitted via a newly defined bearer.

[0160] As another example, all ServP protocol layer messages are transmitted through a newly defined bearer, that is, the newly defined bearer is used to carry signaling data and service data corresponding to the first function.

[0161] In this application, ServP protocol layer messages corresponding to different first function types or different first task types can share a bearer. In this case, in order for the receiving end to obtain the content carried by the message more accurately, it is necessary to indicate the type of the first function and / or the type of the first task in the ServP protocol layer message. ServP protocol layer messages corresponding to different first function types or different first task types may also not share a bearer. Taking the transmission of ServP protocol layer messages through newly defined bearers as an example, there can be multiple newly defined bearers, each of which corresponds to a type of first function, as shown in Table 1 below:

[0162] Table 1

[0163] As shown in Table 1, newly defined bearers numbered 1 to 3 are used to transmit ServP protocol layer messages corresponding to AI4Net functions, newly defined bearers numbered 4 or 5 are used to transmit ServP protocol layer messages corresponding to Net4AI functions, and newly defined bearers numbered 6 or 7 are used to transmit ServP protocol layer messages corresponding to sensing functions. The sending end can select the corresponding newly defined bearer to transmit ServP protocol layer messages based on the type of the first function. Correspondingly, the receiving end can directly determine the type of the first function corresponding to the received protocol layer message based on the sequence number of the received newly defined bearer. In this case, the type of the first function does not need to be indicated in the ServP protocol layer message; the receiving end can obtain the type of the first function based on the different received bearers.

[0164] Similarly, new bearers with different sequence numbers can also correspond to different types of first tasks or different payload types. The receiving end can obtain the type of the first task or the type of the payload based on the different bearers received. In this case, the type of payload does not need to be indicated in the ServP protocol layer message.

[0165] It should be noted that the sequence number of the newly defined bearer is only used to distinguish different bearers. In the specific implementation process, other methods can be used to distinguish different bearers, such as indexing, marking, etc. The sequence number does not mean a restriction on the type of the newly defined bearer. The same newly defined bearer can also change the first function type corresponding to the bearer ServP protocol layer message under the action of instructions.

[0166] Furthermore, when ServP protocol layer messages are not transmitted through newly defined bearers, the first function type or first task type corresponding to different ServP protocol layer messages can also be distinguished by different DRBs or SRBs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0167] In Examples 1 and 2 above, data transmission between SU ​​and CU, DU or RU within the network device can be achieved through Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) and / or GPRS Tunneling Protocol for the user plane (GTP-U).

[0168] For example, when the payload type corresponding to the ServP protocol layer message is control information type, it is transmitted via SCTP; when the payload type corresponding to the ServP protocol layer message is data type, it is transmitted via GTP-U.

[0169] For another example, when the payload type corresponding to the ServP protocol layer message is control information type, it is transmitted via GTP-U; when the payload type corresponding to the ServP protocol layer message is data type, it is transmitted via SCTP.

[0170] For another example, ServP protocol layer messages are all transmitted via GTP-U;

[0171] As another example, ServP protocol layer messages are all transmitted via SCTP.

[0172] SCTP connects logical units through interfaces, such as SU communicating with CU, DU, or RU through interface messages; GTP-U connects logical units through tunnels, such as SU communicating with CU, DU, or RU through a communication tunnel (GTP-U tunnel).

[0173] Taking the transmission of ServP protocol layer messages via GTP-U as an example, CU, DU, RU, and SU can initiate the establishment of GTP-U tunnels. These GTP-U tunnels can be created for a specific first task or a specific UE to transmit data for a specific service function. That is, each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a first task, and / or each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a terminal. Different GTP-U tunnels can distinguish different first functions; that is, each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a type of first function. When transmitting messages on a transmission tunnel established for a specific UE, a specific first task, or a specific first function, payload type information can be carried to ensure that the receiving end can correctly process the received messages.

[0174] Taking the example that all ServP protocol layer messages are transmitted via SCTP, different interface messages can be defined for different primary functions, and the type information of the payload can be further indicated in the interface message. That is, there are multiple interface messages, and each of the multiple interface messages corresponds to a type of primary function.

[0175] When there is no direct connection between the SU and DU and / or RU, data transmission between the SU and CU, or between the CU and RU or DU, can be performed by sending corresponding receive information or transmit information. The receive information indicates the recipient of the payload, and the transmit information indicates the sender of the payload. Specifically, the SU sends receive information to the CU, and the CU receives the transmit information, obtains the recipient indicated by the receive information, and sends transmit information corresponding to the first information to that recipient. Taking the SU sending data to the DU through the CU as an example, when the SU sends the data to the CU, in addition to indicating the type of the corresponding first function and the type of payload, it also needs to indicate that the information is intended for the DU. After receiving the data, the CU transmits it to the DU through the CU-DU interface. Optionally, when the CU transmits the data to the DU, it also needs to indicate that the data comes from the SU. Furthermore, the same process applies when the DU transmits data to the RU, which will not be elaborated further in this application. Specifically, the indication information can be explicit or implicit through a specially established transmission channel. For example, the SU initiates the establishment of a transmission channel between itself and the CU, and the receiver of all data transmitted through this transmission channel is the DU.

[0176] This application improves transmission efficiency by ensuring a unified understanding of the transmitted data between the sending and receiving ends through interface messages, transmission pipelines, and carrying indication information within the data. It should be noted that the aforementioned SCTP or GTP-U protocols are examples of protocol layers used for data transmission and do not imply limitations on this application. This application can also transmit new function-related data through other protocols, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and this application makes no such limitation.

[0177] Referring to Figure 8B, when the ServP protocol layer is carried on the terminal and the CU, the CU is responsible for generating or parsing ServP protocol layer messages. In this case, unlike in Figure 8A, the data transmitted between the CU and SU is no longer ServP protocol layer messages, but rather the payload corresponding to the first task. The SU sends relevant information corresponding to the payload to the CU. This information may include the first information mentioned above, or it may include various information in the message header mentioned above, such as the type of the first function, the payload type, or segmentation information. This method enables the CU to correctly generate ServP protocol layer messages. Furthermore, when the payload is too large, the CU segments the ServP protocol layer messages. The remaining processes can be referred to in the descriptions of Examples 1 and 2 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0178] This application reduces the burden on the protocol layer in the existing communication protocol stack architecture, lowers complexity, and improves communication efficiency by defining a new protocol layer to transmit data with new functions.

[0179] Scenario 2: Transmitting new feature-related data via RRC messages.

[0180] Unlike Scenario 1, the data related to the new function mentioned above is no longer transmitted through the newly defined protocol layer, but through the RRC protocol layer in the existing protocol stack architecture. When transmitting data between the terminal and the network device, the terminal or network device puts the payload related to the new function into the RRC message, thereby completing the interaction between the terminal and the network device.

[0181] For example, the RRC message includes first information, namely, indicating the type of the first function and / or the type of the first task via the RRC message.

[0182] As another example, referring to Scenario 1, RRC messages are transmitted between terminals and network devices via bearers, and different types of first functions, first tasks, or payloads can be distinguished by different bearers.

[0183] For example, the CU in the terminal or network device performs the task of generating or parsing RRC messages, and the SU sends the payload corresponding to the first task to the CU and indicates that the payload corresponds to one or more of the following information: the type of the first function, the type of the first task, or the type of the payload.

[0184] Other processes related to data transmission within network devices and between terminals and network devices in Scenario 2 can be referred to in Scenario 1, and will not be elaborated here.

[0185] In the open RAN architecture, the execution entity of the method shown in Figure 6 can be a RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) or a device that can support the RIC to perform this function, such as a chip.

[0186] For example, in this network device, the CU is divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. The RIC and CU-CP can communicate, for example, based on SCTP, and the RIC and CU-UP can communicate, for example, based on GTP-U. The functions performed by the SU in the scenarios described above can be performed by the RIC.

[0187] For example, in the scenario described above, under the open RAN architecture, the ServP protocol layer can be set in the RIC;

[0188] For example, in the second scenario described above, under the open RAN architecture, the ServP protocol layer can be set in CU-UP, and / or, in CU-UP, the functions performed by the CU in the second scenario can be performed by CU-CP, for example.

[0189] It should be noted that the establishment of the tunnel between CU-UP and RIC needs to be completed through signaling interaction between CU-CP and RIC. That is, CU-CP informs RIC of the tunnel endpoint information provided by CU-UP, and RIC allocates tunnel endpoint information and informs CU-CP, which in turn informs CU-UP.

[0190] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in at least one embodiment of this application. The method is applied to a CU. As shown in Figure 9, the method includes steps S901-S902.

[0191] Step S901: Obtain first information, wherein the first information includes the type of the first function, the type of the first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence function and / or perception function;

[0192] Step S902: Send the first message.

[0193] For a description of the first information, the first function, the first task, and the data transmitted within the network device, please refer to the previous description of the method shown in Figure 6. This application will not repeat it here.

[0194] In this application, the CU no longer performs tasks related to the first function, but only forwards data related to the first function (such as first information), or parses the corresponding message or message to obtain data and then sends it, thereby reducing the computational burden of the CU and reducing the impact on the communication function.

[0195] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be combined to implement the combined solution. Optionally, some operations in the process of each method embodiment can be arbitrarily combined, and / or the order of some operations can be arbitrarily changed. Furthermore, the execution order between the steps of each process is merely exemplary and does not constitute a limitation on the execution order between steps; other execution orders are also possible. It is not intended to indicate that the execution order is the only possible order in which these operations can be performed. Those skilled in the art will conceive of various ways to reorder the operations described herein. In addition, it should be pointed out that the process details involved in a certain embodiment of this document are also applicable to other embodiments in a similar manner, or different embodiments can be combined.

[0196] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application. This communication device can be used to implement any possible function in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0197] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1010.

[0198] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver unit 1020.

[0199] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1000 may also include a storage unit 1030.

[0200] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver unit 1020 and a storage unit 1030.

[0201] The communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the network device or SU in the above method embodiments.

[0202] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 is used to acquire first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function, the type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence function and / or perception function.

[0203] The processing unit 1010 is used to perform all operations other than the processing and transmitting / receiving operations performed by the network device or SU (first logical unit) in the preceding embodiments. For example, the processing unit 1010 is used to perform a first task based on first information. The storage unit 1030 is used to store any data, computer instructions, and / or computer programs that may be involved in the embodiments of this application. A more detailed description of the processing unit 1010 and the transmitting / receiving unit 1020 can be found in the relevant description in the method embodiment shown in FIG6.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the first logical unit is used to implement artificial intelligence functions and / or sensing functions, and the first logical unit is connected to the aggregation unit CU; or, the network device includes the first logical unit and the aggregation unit CU.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1010 is further configured to generate or parse a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes first information; or, generate or parse a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes first information; the first protocol layer is a newly defined protocol layer located above the RRC protocol layer.

[0206] In one possible implementation, the first protocol layer message further includes at least one of the following: the type or segmentation information of the payload; the type of payload includes data payload or control information payload; the segmentation information indicates at least one of the following: whether it is segmented, segment number or whether it is the last segment.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the type of the first function includes at least one of the following types: network-supported artificial intelligence services, artificial intelligence-supported network services, or sensing services.

[0208] In one possible implementation, the first protocol layer message or RRC message is carried on at least one of the following bearers: signaling radio bearer, data radio bearer, or first type bearer.

[0209] In one possible implementation, the signaling radio bearer is used to carry signaling data corresponding to the first function; the data radio bearer is used to carry service data corresponding to the first function; and the first type bearer is used to carry signaling data and / or service data corresponding to the first function.

[0210] In one possible implementation, there are multiple first type carriers; each of the multiple first type carriers corresponds to a type of first function.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the first logic unit is connected to the distributed unit DU; and / or, the first logic unit is connected to the radio frequency unit RU.

[0212] In one possible implementation, the first logic unit is connected to the aggregation unit CU, including: the first logic unit communicating with the aggregation unit CU through interface messages and / or communication tunnels; and / or the first logic unit communicating with the distributed unit DU through interface messages or communication tunnels; and / or the first logic unit communicating with the radio frequency unit RU through interface messages or communication tunnels.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the type of the interface message corresponds to the type of the first function. There are multiple interface messages; each of the multiple message interfaces corresponds to a type of the first function.

[0214] In one possible implementation, there are multiple communication tunnels; each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a type of first function; and / or, each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a first task; and / or, each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to a terminal.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the aggregation unit CU includes an aggregation unit and a control plane protocol CU-CP and an aggregation unit and a user plane protocol CU-UP; the first logic unit communicates with the aggregation unit CU through interface messages and / or communication tunnels, including: the first logic unit communicates with the CU-CP through interface messages, and / or the first logic unit communicates with the CU-UP through communication tunnels.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 is further configured to transmit received information corresponding to the first information, wherein the received information indicates the recipient of the payload.

[0217] The communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the CU in the above method embodiments.

[0218] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 is used to acquire first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function, the type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence function and / or perception function; the transceiver unit 1020 is also used to send the first information.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1010 is used to generate or parse a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes first information; or, to generate or parse a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; the first protocol layer is a newly defined protocol layer located above the RRC protocol layer.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the first protocol layer message further includes at least one of the following: payload type or segmentation information; the payload type includes data payload or control information payload; the segmentation information indicates at least one of the following: whether it is segmented, segmentation number, or whether it is the last segment. In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 is further configured to receive reception information corresponding to the first information, wherein the reception information indicates the recipient of the first information.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 is further configured to send first information based on the received information.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 is further configured to transmit transmission information corresponding to the first information, wherein the transmission information indicates the sender of the payload.

[0223] The communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1020 is used to acquire first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function, the type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence function and / or perception function; and to send the first information.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1010 is used to generate or parse a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes first information; or, to generate or parse a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; the first protocol layer is a newly defined protocol layer located above the RRC protocol layer.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1010 is also used to perform the first task.

[0227] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1020 can be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuitry, etc.

[0228] The processing unit 1010 may be a processor (or a processing circuit), such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more CPUs.

[0229] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application. This communication device can be used to implement any possible function in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0230] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 includes at least one processor 1110. In one possible implementation, the communication device 1100 may further include interface circuitry 1120.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1130.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1130 and an interface circuit 1120.

[0233] In some embodiments, the processor 1110 and the memory 1130 are coupled to each other; and / or, the processor 1110 and the interface circuit 1120 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1120 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The memory 1130 may be used to store computer instructions executed by the processor 1110, or to store input data required by the processor 1110 to execute computer instructions, or to store data generated by the processor 1110 after executing computer instructions.

[0234] The communication device shown in Figures 10 and 11 is only an example, and in actual applications, the communication device may have more or fewer components than shown in Figures 10 and 11, may combine two or more components, or may have different component configurations. In Figures 10 and 11, the processing unit may also be called a processing module or processor; the transceiver unit may also be called a transceiver module or transceiver; and the storage unit may also be called a storage module or memory.

[0235] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0236] The method steps in this application embodiment can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a network device or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a network device or terminal.

[0237] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0238] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0239] It is 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.

[0240] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function and / or the type of a first task, the first task being associated with the first function, and the first function including artificial intelligence function and / or perception function; Send the first information, or execute the first task based on the first information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first logic unit, which is used to implement the artificial intelligence function and / or perception function, and the first logic unit is connected to the aggregation unit CU. or, The method is applied to a network device, which includes the first logic unit and the aggregation unit (CU).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the method is applied to the network device, it is characterized in that, The method further includes: Generate or parse a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes the first information; or, Generate or parse a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; The first protocol layer is a protocol layer located above the RRC protocol layer, or the first protocol layer is a protocol layer located above the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first protocol layer message also includes at least one of the following: Information on the type or segmentation of the payload; The type of payload includes data payload or control information payload; the segmentation information indicates at least one of the following: whether it is segmented, segment number, or whether it is the last segment.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The type of the first function includes at least one of the following types: The network supports artificial intelligence services, and artificial intelligence supports network services or sensing services.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first protocol layer message or the RRC message is carried in at least one of the following bearers: Signaling radio bearer, data radio bearer, or Type I bearer.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The signaling radio bearer is used to carry signaling data corresponding to the first function; The data wireless bearer is used to carry service data corresponding to the first function; The first type of bearer is used to carry signaling data and / or service data corresponding to the first function.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first type carries multiple; Each of the plurality of first-type bearers corresponds to a type of the first function.

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein when the method is applied to the first logic unit, it is characterized in that, The first logic unit is connected to the distributed unit DU; and / or, The first logic unit is connected to the radio frequency unit RU.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first logic unit communicates with the aggregation unit CU via interface messages and / or communication tunnels; and / or The first logic unit communicates with the distributed unit DU via interface messages or a communication tunnel; and / or The first logic unit communicates with the radio frequency unit RU through interface messages or communication tunnels.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The type of the interface message corresponds to the type of the first function; There are multiple interface messages; Each of the multiple interface messages corresponds to a type of the first function.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, There are multiple communication tunnels; Each of the plurality of communication tunnels corresponds to one type of the first function; and / or, Each of the plurality of communication tunnels corresponds to one of the first tasks; And / or, Each of the multiple communication tunnels corresponds to one terminal.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The aggregation unit CU includes the aggregation unit and control plane protocol CU-CP and the aggregation unit and user plane protocol CU-UP; The first logic unit communicates with the aggregation unit CU via interface messages and / or communication tunnels, including: The first logic unit communicates with the CU-CP via interface messages, and / or The first logic unit communicates with the CU-UP through a communication tunnel.

14. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send receiving information corresponding to the first information, wherein the receiving information indicates the recipient of the payload.

15. A communication method applied to a convergence unit (CU), characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function and the type of a first task, the first task is associated with the first function, and the first function includes artificial intelligence function and / or perception function; Send the first message.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: generating or parsing a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes the first information; or... Generate or parse a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; The first protocol layer is a protocol layer located above the RRC protocol layer, or the first protocol layer is a protocol layer located above the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first protocol layer message also includes at least one of the following: Information on the type or segmentation of the payload; The type of payload includes data payload or control information payload; the segmentation information indicates at least one of the following: whether it is segmented, segment number, or whether it is the last segment.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive receiving information corresponding to the first information, wherein the receiving information indicates the recipient of the first information.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Sending the first information includes: The first information is sent according to the received information.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a transmission message corresponding to the first information, wherein the transmission message indicates the sender of the payload.

21. A communication method applied to a terminal device, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain first information, wherein the first information includes the type of a first function and the type of a first task, the first task is associated with the first function, and the first function includes artificial intelligence function and / or perception function; Send the first information, or execute the first task based on the first information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Generate or parse a first protocol layer message, wherein the first protocol layer message includes the first information; or, Generate or parse a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message, wherein the RRC message includes the first information; The first protocol layer is a protocol layer located above the RRC protocol layer, or the first protocol layer is a protocol layer located above the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, or units for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20, or units for performing the method as claimed in claim 21 or 22.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor is configured to invoke computer instructions in memory to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, or to perform the method or claim as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20, or to perform the method as claimed in claim 21 or 22.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions or programs that, when executed on a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or implement the method or claim as described in any one of claims 15 to 20, or implement the method as described in claim 21 or 22.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, or to perform the method or claim as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20, or to perform the method as claimed in claim 21 or 22.

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