Data transmission method and apparatus, and device, chip and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application is a data transmission method, which is applied to a first sub-terminal. The method comprises: sending first information to a head node, wherein the first information is used for requesting or indicating the switching of a transmission mode of first data to a target transmission mode, the first data is sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal, the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and when the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal by means of the head node. On the basis of the method in the embodiments of the present application, first information can be used to request or indicate the switching of a transmission mode of first data to a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in the first transmission mode, the first data can be forwarded (or routed) by a head node without needing to go through forwarding by a core network device. Therefore, by switching the transmission mode of the first data, whether the first data needs to be forwarded by the core network device can be flexibly controlled, thereby flexibly controlling a transmission delay of the first data.

Description

A data transmission method, device, apparatus, chip and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communication, in particular to a data transmission method, device, apparatus, chip and storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, the routing of local service data needs the participation of a core network. For example, for local service data from terminal #1 to terminal #2, the transmission of the data needs to pass through terminal #1, a base station (gNB), a user plane function (UPF), the gNB and terminal #2 in sequence. It can be seen that the local service data sent by terminal #1 needs to be forwarded by the UPF, thereby causing a long data transmission delay.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a data transmission method, device, apparatus, chip and storage medium.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a data transmission method applied to a first sub-terminal, the method comprising: sending first information to a head node, the first information being used to request or indicate that the transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in the case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0006] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a data transmission method applied to a head node, the method comprising: receiving first information from a first sub-terminal, the first information being used to request or indicate that the transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in the case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0007] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission method applied to a head node, the method comprising: sending first information to a first sub-terminal, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission method applied to a first sub-terminal, the method comprising: receiving first information from a head node, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission method applied to a core network device, the method comprising: sending first information to a head node, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission method applied to a head node, the method comprising: receiving first information from a core network device, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first communication unit configured to send first information to a head node, the first information being used to request or indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the apparatus and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a second communication unit configured to receive first information from a first sub-terminal, the first information being used to request or indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the apparatus.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a third communication unit configured to send first information to a first sub-terminal, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the apparatus.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a fourth communication unit configured to receive first information from a head node, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the apparatus and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0015] In a eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a fifth communication unit configured to send first information to a head node, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a sixth communication unit configured to receive first information from a core network device, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the apparatus.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a memory configured to store a computer program; a processor connected to the memory, configured to call and run the computer program from the memory, and implement the method according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect; and a transceiver configured to receive and send information in a process of transmitting information between the device and other devices.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, comprising: a processor configured to call and run a computer program from a memory, so that a device installed with the chip implements the method according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect; and a transceiver configured to receive and send information in a process of transmitting information between the device or the chip.

[0019] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium configured to store a computer program, the computer program causing a computer to implement the method according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect.

[0020] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, the transmission mode of the first data can be switched to the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode through the first information, and in the first transmission mode, the first data can be forwarded (or routed) by the head node without the forwarding of the core network device. Therefore, by switching the transmission mode of the first data, whether the first data needs to pass through the forwarding of the core network device can be flexibly controlled, so that the transmission delay of the first data can be flexibly controlled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the application and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the application and together with the description serve to explain the application. In the drawings:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a micro-domain terminal (sub-UE) communicating with a wide-area network (macro network) through an HP according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a deployment schematic diagram of a WAB technology according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a 5G virtual network group according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of several data forwarding methods of a UPF according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG. 6 is an architecture diagram of LIPA or SIPTO according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a flow schematic diagram of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of two data transmission methods according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a flow schematic diagram of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG. 10 is a flow schematic diagram of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a possible implementation flow schematic diagram of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG. 12 is another possible implementation flow schematic diagram of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG. 13 is another possible implementation flow schematic diagram of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG. 14 is a structural composition schematic diagram of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG. 15 is a structural composition schematic diagram of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG. 16 is a structural composition schematic diagram of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, a communication system 100 can include a terminal device 110 and a network device 120. The network device 120 can communicate with the terminal device 110 through an air interface. The terminal device 110 and the network device 120 support multi-service transmission.

[0047] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are only exemplarily described with respect to the communication system 100, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. That is, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, an LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), an Internet of Things (IoT) system, a Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, an enhanced Machine-Type Communications (eMTC) system, a 5G communication system (also referred to as a New Radio (NR) communication system), a 6G communication system, or a future communication system, etc.

[0048] In the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the network device 120 can be an access network device that communicates with the terminal device 110. The access network device can provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area and can communicate with the terminal device 110 (e.g., a UE) located in the coverage area.

[0049] The network device 120 can be an Evolutional Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG RAN) device, or a base station (gNB) in an NR system, or a base station in a 6G system, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN), or a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a hub, a switch, a bridge, a router, or a network device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0050] The terminal device 110 can be any terminal device, including but not limited to a terminal device that uses a wired or wireless connection with the network device 120 or other terminal devices.

[0051] For example, the terminal device 110 can refer to an access terminal, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. The access terminal can be a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, an IoT device, a satellite handset, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device having wireless communication functions, a computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, a terminal device in a 6G network, or a terminal device in a future evolution network, etc.

[0052] The terminal device 110 can be used for Device to Device (D2D) communication.

[0053] The communication system 100 can further include a core network device 130 in communication with the network device 120, which can be a 5G core (5GC) device, for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), for another example, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), for another example, a User Plane Function (UPF), for another example, a Session Management Function (SMF). In some embodiments, the core network device 130 can also be an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) device of an LTE network, for example, a Session Management Function + Core Packet Gateway (SMF + PGW-C) device. It should be understood that the SMF + PGW-C can simultaneously implement the functions that can be implemented by the SMF and the PGW-C. In the process of network evolution, the above-mentioned core network device can also be called other names, or new network entities can be formed by dividing the functions of the core network, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitation.

[0054] The various functional units in the communication system 100 can also establish a connection for communication through a next generation (NG) interface.

[0055] For example, a terminal device establishes an air interface connection with an access network device through an NR interface, for transmission of user plane data and control plane signaling; the terminal device can establish a control plane signaling connection with an AMF through an NG interface 1 (N1 for short); an access network device, such as a next generation wireless access base station (gNB), can establish a user plane data connection with a UPF through an NG interface 3 (N3 for short); the access network device can establish a control plane signaling connection with the AMF through an NG interface 2 (N2 for short); the UPF can establish a control plane signaling connection with an SMF through an NG interface 4 (N4 for short); the UPF can exchange user plane data with a data network through an NG interface 6 (N6 for short); the AMF can establish a control plane signaling connection with the SMF through an NG interface 11 (N11 for short); and the SMF can establish a control plane signaling connection with a PCF through an NG interface 7 (N7 for short).

[0056] FIG. 1 exemplarily shows one network device, one core network device, and two terminal devices. Optionally, the communication system 100 can include multiple network devices, and each network device can include other numbers of terminal devices within its coverage range, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0057] It should be noted that FIG. 1 only shows a system to which the embodiments of the present application are applied in the form of an example, and of course, the method shown in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other systems. In addition, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this paper. The term "and / or" in this paper is only to describe the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this paper generally represents that the front and rear associated objects have an "or" relationship. It should also be understood that the "indication" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be direct indication or indirect indication, and can also mean an associated relationship. For example, A indicates B, which can mean that B can be obtained by A, for example, B can be obtained by A; it can also mean that A indirectly indicates B, for example, A indicates C, and B can be obtained by C; it can also mean that A and B have an associated relationship. It should also be understood that the "corresponding" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can mean that there is a direct or indirect corresponding relationship between the two, or it can mean an associated relationship between the two, or it can mean an indication and being indicated, configuration and being configured, and the like. It should also be understood that the "predefined" or "predefined rule" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be realized by pre-saving the corresponding code, table or other means that can be used to indicate related information in the device (for example, including terminal equipment and network equipment), and the specific implementation manner of the present application is not limited. For example, the predefined can mean defined in the protocol. It should also be understood that the "protocol" in the embodiments of the present application can mean a standard protocol in the communication field, which can include the LTE protocol, the NR protocol, and the related protocol applied to the future communication system, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0058] In order to facilitate the understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the related technologies of the embodiments of the present application are described below, and the following related technologies can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application in any way, which all belong to the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0059] 1, Local data service and non-local data service

[0060] The IMT-2030+ Vision and Demand White Paper mentions six potential application scenarios for 6G, including immersive experience, digital twin, and intelligent interaction. In addition to traditional performance indicators, 6G is required to have ultra-high speed, ultra-high transmission reliability, ultra-low latency, ultra-dense connectivity, and ultra-low power consumption. However, supporting these extreme performance requirements simultaneously across the entire network would significantly increase network burden and operational costs, making it unfeasible. Given that these specific application scenarios are typically deployed in smaller areas and have strong local data business attributes, providing localized extreme data service support in small areas is an important direction for meeting 6G scenario requirements. Wireless access network networking concepts such as wide-area micro-area fusion and subnetworks have been proposed for 6G. Data from terminals can be aggregated in micro-areas, and a header point (HP) can be introduced for each micro-area. Micro-area terminals can interact with wide-area networks or other micro-area terminals through HPs, thereby reducing the load and maintenance costs of wide-area networks and improving spectrum resource utilization.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a micro-area terminal (sub-UE) communicating with a wide-area network (macro network) through an HP according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] Micro-area terminal / sub-UE service types can be divided into two categories: one is micro-area local service, which is limited to local services in the micro-area in terms of generation, transmission, and processing. The other is non-local service, which is generated in the micro-area but processed outside the micro-area, or generated outside the micro-area but intended for a node in the micro-area. Such services typically have medium latency requirements of milliseconds or are latency-insensitive, and can ultimately be processed through a wide-area network.

[0063] Micro-area local service transmission includes data transmission between micro-area terminals and micro-area HPs, as well as optional data transmission between micro-area terminals (e.g., under the control and coordination of the micro-area HP). Compared to traditional wide-area network transmission, micro-area local service data has a shorter transmission path, making it easier to achieve ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability, and other extreme performance requirements. In a wide-area micro-area fusion networking architecture, signaling connections between the micro-area HP (representing the entire micro-area network) and the wide-area access network (AN) and the wide-area core network (CN) are required.

[0064] In addition to supporting micro-domain local service transmission, it is also necessary to support non-local service transmission between micro-domain terminals and wide-area networks, fully utilize wide-area network cloud computing resources, balance micro-domain and wide-area network load, and more effectively and flexibly process various services of micro-domain terminals. In addition, micro-domain non-local services also include inter-micro-domain service transmission, such as information transmission between a terminal of one micro-domain and a terminal of another micro-domain, or information transmission between two micro-domain HPs, and the like. For micro-domain non-local services, micro-domain HPs can be used to forward to the wide-area network based on a relay mode.

[0065] Currently, technologies capable of supporting local data service processing locally include 5G virtual network (Virtual Network, VN) groups, LTE local IP access (Local IP Access, LIPA) / selected IP traffic offload (Selected IP Traffic Offload, SIPTO), and Rel-19 wireless access backhaul (Wireless Access Backhaul, WAB).

[0066] 2、WAB

[0067] FIG. 3 is a deployment schematic diagram of the WAB technology provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0068] In the current Rel-19 stage, WAB technology is under research. Similar to Rel-18 mobile access backhaul integration (Mobile IAB), WAB is still based on the assumption of single-hop backhaul (Single-hop Backhaul). In addition to having UE functions (WAB-MT), WAB nodes also have complete gNB functions (WAB-gNB). WAB can provide local services outside the WAB node by deploying a local UPF next to the WAB node containing complete gNB functions, but whether the UPF function is supported in the WAB node is still under discussion.

[0069] 3、5G VN group / 5G local area network (Local Area Network, LAN)

[0070] As shown in FIG. 4, 5G Virtual-Network Group (5G VN Group) is a key concept in 5G network for implementing 5G LAN-type service. Through 5G VN Group, enterprises or organizations can create a private and isolated network space, enabling member UEs to communicate with each other and access shared resources, similar to traditional LAN environment. 5G VN Group provides a mechanism to enable a class of data traffic from a specific application or service to a terminal to be offloaded at the access network connection point close to the terminal attachment, without affecting other traffic to and from the same terminal. Traffic forwarding within 5G VN Group is implemented through the internal interface "5G VN internal" of UPF, which adopts a two-step process of detection and forwarding to ensure that data packets are correctly forwarded from the sender to the receiver. 5G VN Group identifies and distinguishes different groups through 5G VN Group identities, supports unicast, broadcast and multicast communication services, enabling member UEs to enjoy rich communication experience. Member UEs access 5G VN Group through Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, each session only provides access to one 5G VN Group, and the UE does not need to be specially marked for data packets, thereby avoiding the impact on the UE and reducing the burden on the UE implementation.

[0071] In 5G network, SMF is responsible for configuring UPF to apply different traffic forwarding methods to implement data routing between PDU sessions within a single 5G VN Group.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of several data forwarding methods of UPF provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, the data forwarding methods of UPF include: local forwarding, N6-based forwarding and N19-based forwarding.

[0073] 1) Local forwarding: If different member UEs within a 5G VN Group share the same UPF, traffic can be forwarded locally through the UPF. This means that traffic does not need to be forwarded through external interfaces, but is routed directly within the local UPF.

[0074] 2) N6-based forwarding: In this method, uplink and downlink traffic within a 5G VN Group is forwarded to or from a data network through N6 interface connecting core network and data network.

[0075] 3) N19-based forwarding: N19 interface is used when uplink and downlink traffic within a 5G VN group needs to be forwarded between different UPFs. N19 is a shared user plane tunnel connecting UPFs within the same 5G VN group, allowing efficient traffic forwarding between different sessions within the group.

[0076] Overall, 5G VN group implements a UPF-level local traffic forwarding solution, which enables 5G network to flexibly handle traffic routing requirements in different scenarios, whether within a local UPF, or through N6 or N19 interface communication with external networks or different UPFs, suitable for 5G application scenarios that require local network characteristics.

[0077] 4、LTE LIPA / SIPTO

[0078] Local IP Access (LIPA) and Selected IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO) are traffic flow data management functions proposed in LTE, with basically the same functions and network architecture, and similar problems to be solved, used to implement local and close-range deployment, avoid core network data transmission bottlenecks, bring low latency and high bandwidth transmission capabilities to mobile networks, and meet user demand for high-speed data access and innovative services.

[0079] LIPA and SIPTO were initially proposed based on home or enterprise network base stations (H(e)NB), and later SIPTO was extended to traffic splitting applicable to macro networks. LIPA allows UEs in a home or enterprise network to directly access resources within the home / enterprise through the H(e)NB by deploying a local gateway (L-GW) in the H(e)NB, and the user plane does not need to pass through the operator network other than the H(e)NB. SIPTO allows specific traffic to be split and directly access the Internet through the H(e)NB or macro base station at a location close to the UE attached to the access network. SIPTO can achieve traffic offloading in a local network by selecting a local gateway co-deployed with the (H)eNB or an independent gateway, or by selecting a gateway in a location geographically close to the UE attached to the access network to achieve traffic offloading through the mobile operator's core network packet data network gateway (P-GW).

[0080] Figure 6 shows an architecture diagram of LIPA or SIPTO in the case of co-deployment of a local gateway (L-GW) function and a home or enterprise network base station (H(e)NB).

[0081] Overall, LTE LIPA / SIPTO also implements a gateway level local service forwarding solution, and in order to better support local service forwarding, LTE LIPA / SIPTO requires the gateway to sink to the access network side.

[0082] The above briefly describes the related technologies / terms involved in the present application, which will not be repeated in the following embodiments.

[0083] Currently, the routing of local service data requires the participation of the core network. For example, for local service data from terminal #1 to terminal #2, the data transmission needs to pass through terminal #1, base station (gNB), user plane function (UPF), base station (gNB), and terminal #2 in sequence. It can be seen that the local service data sent by terminal #1 needs to be forwarded by the UPF, resulting in a long data transmission delay.

[0084] Therefore, the present application provides a data transmission method, device, equipment, chip and storage medium. In the method, the terminal device can send first information to the head node, the first information being used to request or indicate switching the transmission mode of first data to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal. The target transmission mode is the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode, and in the case that the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0085] According to the method of the present application, the transmission mode of the first data can be switched to the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode through the first information, and in the first transmission mode, the first data can be forwarded (or routed) by the head node without the need for forwarding by the core network device. Therefore, by switching the transmission mode of the first data, it can be flexibly controlled whether the first data needs to be forwarded by the core network device, thereby flexibly controlling the transmission delay of the first data.

[0086] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the present application, the technical solutions of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above related technologies can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, which all belong to the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application include at least part of the following contents.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7, the method can include the following steps:

[0088] S701, the first sub-terminal sends first information to the head node, the first information is used to request or indicate to switch a transmission mode of first data to a target transmission mode, the first data is sent by the first sub-terminal and received by the second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0089] In the embodiment, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node, and correspondingly, the head node can receive the first information from the first sub-terminal. The first information can be used to request or indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode, the first data is sent by the first sub-terminal and received by the second sub-terminal.

[0090] That is, the first sub-terminal can request or indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode by sending the first information to the head node. The first data can also be understood as data sent by the first sub-terminal (source terminal) to the second sub-terminal (target terminal).

[0091] In some embodiments, switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode means switching the transmission mode of the first data from the third transmission mode to the target transmission mode. In this case, the first information can be used to request or indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data from the third transmission mode to the target transmission mode. In one possible case, the third transmission mode is the first transmission mode, and the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode; in another possible case, the third transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

[0092] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode can be the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode.

[0093] In some embodiments, in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data can be sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node. That is, in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the devices through which the first data passes during transmission include the first sub-terminal, the head node, and the second sub-terminal. In this transmission mode, the first data can not need to pass through the forwarding of the core network device, so that the transmission delay of the first data can be reduced. Therefore, by switching the transmission mode of the first data, whether the first data needs to pass through the forwarding of the core network device can be flexibly controlled, so that the transmission delay of the first data can be flexibly controlled.

[0094] Exemplarily, in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the first transmission manner, the devices through which the first data passes in the transmission process can comprise: the first sub-terminal, the head node, and the second sub-terminal. FIG. 8(a) illustrates an example of the first transmission manner. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the first sub-terminal can send the first data to the head node, and then the head node sends the first data to the second sub-terminal. In some scenarios, the first transmission manner can also be referred to as a “local transmission manner”.

[0095] In embodiments of the present application, the head node can be, for example, a base station or a Radio Access Network (RAN) node.

[0096] In some embodiments, in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the second transmission manner, the first data can be sent to the second sub-terminal by the head node and the core network device.

[0097] Exemplarily, in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the second transmission manner, the devices through which the first data passes in the transmission process can comprise: the first sub-terminal, the head node, the core network device, the head node, and the second sub-terminal. FIG. 8(b) illustrates an example of the second transmission manner. In some scenarios, the second transmission manner can also be referred to as a “non-local transmission manner”.

[0098] In some embodiments, the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner),

[0099] In some embodiments, in a case where the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), the first sub-terminal sends the first information to the head node, including, in a case where a first condition is met, the first sub-terminal sends the first information to the head node. Alternatively, in a case where the first condition is met, the first sub-terminal can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the second transmission manner (for example, from the first transmission manner to the second transmission manner).

[0100] Exemplarily, the first condition can comprise one or more of the following 11) to 18):

[0101] 11) The upper layer of the first sub-terminal indicates to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0102] That is, if the upper layer of the first sub-terminal indicates to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or indicate to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0103] In some embodiments, the granularity indicated by the upper layer (i.e., the granularity of the first data) can be a first granularity. That is, the upper layer can indicate to switch the transmission manner of the first data of the first granularity sent from the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal to the target transmission manner.

[0104] As an example, the first granularity can be one of the following:

[0105] A service flow granularity, i.e., the first data can be a service flow or correspond to a service flow;

[0106] A QoS flow granularity, i.e., the first data can be a QoS flow or correspond to a QoS flow;

[0107] A service type granularity, i.e., the first data can be data corresponding to a certain (or several) service type(s);

[0108] A service granularity, i.e., the first data can be data corresponding to a certain (or several) service(s), in which case the first data can correspond to an identification (ID) of the certain (or several) service(s);

[0109] A PDU session granularity, i.e., the first data can be a PDU session;

[0110] A link granularity, i.e., the first data can be data transmitted through a first connection, and the first connection can be a connection between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0111] 12) A packet delay budget (PDB) of the first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0112] That is, if the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or indicate to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0113] It can be understood that in the case where the PDB of the first data is large, it can be considered that the transmission delay requirement of the first data is low (i.e., the transmission delay is allowed to be relatively high), and therefore, the first data can not need to be transmitted using the first transmission manner (the local transmission manner). In this case, by switching the transmission manner of the first data to the second transmission manner (the non-local transmission manner), it is beneficial to reduce the load of the head node.

[0114] As an example, the PDB of the first data can comprise one or more of: a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal, i.e., an end-to-end PDB (E2E PDB); a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device; and a PDB of the first data from the head node to the second sub-terminal, which can be provided by the head node, for example.

[0115] In some embodiments, in determining whether the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the granularity of the determination (i.e., the granularity of the first data) can be one of: a QoS flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a Radio Link Control (RLC) channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; and a packet granularity.

[0116] In some embodiments, the determining can be performed at a Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) / Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) / RLC / Media Access Control (MAC) layer.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first threshold can be configured by the head node (e.g., via dedicated Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or System Information Block (SIB)), pre-configured, defined by a protocol, or indicated by an upper layer.

[0118] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the first threshold can be one of: a QoS flow granularity; a bearer granularity; an RLC channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a data priority level granularity; and a Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP) level granularity. In some embodiments, the first threshold can be configured uniformly, i.e., without granularity.

[0119] As an example, if the configuration granularity of the first threshold is a QoS flow granularity, it means that the first threshold can be used to determine whether the PDB of the first data of the QoS flow granularity is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0120] As another example, if the configuration granularity of the first threshold is data priority level granularity, it means that the same first threshold can be applicable to data of the same priority. For example, if the first threshold corresponding to data priority #1 is threshold #1, if the priority of the first data is data priority #1, the first sub-terminal can determine whether the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to threshold #1, and if it is greater than or equal to threshold #1, the first information can be sent.

[0121] As another example, if the configuration granularity of the first threshold is RSRP level granularity, it means that the same first threshold can be applicable to first data transmitted within the same geographical range corresponding to the same RSRP level. For example, the RSRP level within geographical range #1 is level #1, and the first threshold corresponding to level #1 is threshold #2, if the first sub-terminal is located within the geographical range #1 when transmitting the first data, the first sub-terminal can determine whether the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to threshold #2, and if it is greater than or equal to threshold #2, the first information can be sent.

[0122] The meaning represented by other configuration granularities of the first threshold can be understood with reference to the above examples, which will not be repeated here.

[0123] 13) The link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0124] That is, if the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node is less than or equal to the second threshold, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode. The link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node can be obtained, for example, according to layer 1 (L1) or layer 3 (L3) measurement results.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second threshold can be configured by the head node (such as by dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or preconfigured.

[0126] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the second threshold can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the second threshold can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0127] 14) The link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal is less than or equal to a third threshold.

[0128] That is, if the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal is less than or equal to the third threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or indicate switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode. The link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal may, for example, be obtained according to a layer 1 or layer 3 measurement result.

[0129] In some embodiments, the second threshold value and the third threshold value can be the same or different.

[0130] It can be understood that in some scenarios, due to the difference in transmission power of uplink and downlink (different power control mechanisms), and the difference in data transmission capability of terminal devices (such as the first sub-terminal) and the head node, the second threshold value and the third threshold value can be different.

[0131] In some embodiments, the third threshold value can be configured by the head node (such as through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or preconfigured.

[0132] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the third threshold value can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the third threshold value can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0133] 15) The link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal is less than or equal to a fourth threshold value.

[0134] That is, if the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal is less than or equal to the fourth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or indicate switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode. The link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal may, for example, be obtained according to a layer 1 or layer 3 measurement result.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can obtain the link signal quality by measuring one or more of the following information sent by the second sub-terminal: data channel information; control channel information; discovery information; synchronization information; reference signal information.

[0136] In some embodiments, the fourth threshold value can be configured by the head node (such as through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or preconfigured.

[0137] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the fourth threshold value can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the fourth threshold value can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0138] It can be understood that if the cases in 13), 14) and 15) occur, it indicates that the distance between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal can be far, or in other words, the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal can not belong to the same local service group, in which case the processing delay requirement of the first data is low (that is, the allowed delay is relatively high), and therefore, the first data can not need to be transmitted using the first transmission mode (local transmission mode).

[0139] 16) In the first time length, the first sub-terminal continuously receives a first number of negative feedbacks (such as PDCP / RLC / Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) negative feedbacks) from the head node and / or the second sub-terminal, and the first number is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold value.

[0140] An example is that in the first time length, if the first sub-terminal continuously receives N times of negative feedbacks from the head node, and N is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node.

[0141] Another example is that in the first time length, if the first sub-terminal continuously receives N times of negative feedbacks from the second sub-terminal, and N is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node.

[0142] Still another example is that in the first time length, if the first sub-terminal continuously receives N times of negative feedbacks (which can include negative feedbacks from the head node and the second sub-terminal), and N is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node.

[0143] It can be understood that in the first time length, if the first sub-terminal continuously receives more negative feedbacks from the head node and / or the second sub-terminal, it indicates that the reliability of the data transmission using the first transmission mode (local transmission mode) is poor, and therefore, the transmission mode of the first data can be switched to the second transmission mode (non-local transmission mode). In the second transmission mode, since the first data needs to pass through the core network device, the core network device can take certain strategies to improve the transmission reliability of the first data.

[0144] 17) The first sub-terminal occurs a first event

[0145] 18) The second sub-terminal occurs a first event.

[0146] That is, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node if the first event occurs in the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal. The first event can include one of the following: a radio link failure (RLF), a handover (HO), an RRC connection reestablishment, and a beam failure (BF).

[0147] In some embodiments, whether the first event occurs in the second sub-terminal can be indicated by the head node to the first sub-terminal.

[0148] It can be understood that if the first event occurs in the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal, it means that the connection state between the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal and the head node can change. Therefore, if the first transmission mode is used, the first data can not be successfully sent to the second sub-terminal, and thus the transmission mode of the first data can be switched to the second transmission mode.

[0149] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode (local transmission mode).

[0150] In some embodiments, in the case where the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode (local transmission mode), the first sub-terminal sends the first information to the head node, including, in the case where the second condition is met, the first sub-terminal sends the first information to the head node. Alternatively, in the case where the second condition is met, the first sub-terminal can determine to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the first transmission mode (for example, from the second transmission mode to the first transmission mode).

[0151] Exemplarily, the second condition can include one or more of the following 21) to 26):

[0152] 21) The upper layer of the first sub-terminal indicates to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0153] That is, if the upper layer of the first sub-terminal indicates to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0154] In some embodiments, the granularity of the upper layer indication (i.e., the granularity of the first data) can be a first granularity. That is, the upper layer can indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first granularity of data sent by the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal to the target transmission mode. As an example, the first granularity can be one of the following: a service flow granularity, a QoS flow granularity, a service type granularity, a service granularity, a PDU session granularity, and a connection granularity.

[0155] 22) The PDB of the first data is less than or equal to a sixth threshold value.

[0156] That is, if the PDB of the first data is less than or equal to the sixth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or instruct to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0157] It can be understood that in the case that the PDB of the first data is small, it can be considered that the transmission delay requirement of the first data is high (that is, the transmission delay is required to be low), and therefore the transmission mode of the first data can be switched to the first transmission mode (local transmission mode) to reduce the transmission delay of the first data.

[0158] As an example, the PDB of the first data can include one or more of the following: the PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal, that is, the end-to-end PDB (E2E PDB); the PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device; and the PDB of the first data from the head node to the second sub-terminal, which can be provided by the head node, for example.

[0159] In some embodiments, in the process of determining whether the PDB of the first data is less than or equal to the sixth threshold value, the granularity of the determination (that is, the granularity of the first data) can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; and packet granularity.

[0160] In some embodiments, the determination process can be performed at the SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC layer.

[0161] In some embodiments, the sixth threshold value can be configured by the head node (such as by dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration), or pre-configured, or defined by a protocol, or indicated by an upper layer.

[0162] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the sixth threshold value can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; data priority level granularity; and RSRP level granularity. In some embodiments, the sixth threshold value can be uniformly configured, that is, without granularity.

[0163] 23) The link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold value.

[0164] That is, if the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or instruct to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode. The link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node can be obtained according to layer 1 or layer 3 measurement results, for example.

[0165] In some embodiments, the seventh threshold value can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0166] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the seventh threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; traffic priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the seventh threshold value can be configured uniformly, i.e., without granularity.

[0167] 24) The link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal is greater than or equal to an eighth threshold value.

[0168] That is, if the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or indicate switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode. The link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal can be obtained, for example, according to the measurement results of layer 1 or layer 3.

[0169] In some embodiments, the eighth threshold value and the seventh threshold value can be the same or different.

[0170] In some embodiments, the eighth threshold value can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0171] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the eighth threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; traffic priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the eighth threshold value can be configured uniformly, i.e., without granularity.

[0172] 25) The link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal is greater than or equal to a ninth threshold value.

[0173] That is, if the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first information to the head node to request or indicate switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode. The link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal can be obtained, for example, according to the measurement results of layer 1 or layer 3.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can obtain the link signal quality by measuring one or more of the following information sent by the second sub-terminal: data channel information; control channel information; discovery information; synchronization information; reference signal information.

[0175] In some embodiments, the ninth threshold value can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0176] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the ninth threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the ninth threshold value can be configured uniformly, i.e., without granularity.

[0177] It can be understood that, if the cases in 23), 24), and 25) occur, it indicates that the distance between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal can be close, or in other words, the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal can belong to the same local service group, and in this case, the first data is local service data, and thus a lower transmission delay is required. By switching the transmission mode of the first data to the first transmission mode (local transmission mode), the transmission delay of the first data can be reduced.

[0178] 26) In the first time length, a first number of positive feedbacks (such as PDCP / RLC / HARQ positive feedbacks) are continuously received from the head node and / or the first sub-terminal, and the first number is greater than or equal to a tenth threshold value.

[0179] It can be understood that, in the first time length, if the first sub-terminal continuously receives more positive feedbacks from the head node and / or the second sub-terminal, it indicates that the reliability of the data transmission using the local transmission mode is higher, and thus the transmission mode of the first data can be switched to the first transmission mode (local transmission mode), so that the transmission delay of the first data can be reduced while ensuring the transmission reliability of the first data.

[0180] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the first sub-terminal receiving second information from the head node. The second information is used to indicate the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal.

[0181] Exemplarily, the head node can send the second information to the first sub-terminal before receiving the first information from the first sub-terminal. Accordingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the second information from the head node before sending the first information to the head node. Thus, the first sub-terminal can determine whether the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission mode based on the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal.

[0182] In some embodiments, the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal can be measured by the second sub-terminal, and the second sub-terminal can report the measurement result (i.e., the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal) to the head node if a measurement reporting condition configured by the network is met. Then, the head node can send second information to the first sub-terminal to indicate the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal. The second information can be carried by, for example, RRC signaling, MAC control element (MAC CE), or downlink control information (DCI).

[0183] For example, the measurement result is periodically reported, and the measurement reporting condition can be considered to be met if a time interval between the last time the measurement result is reported and the current time reaches a period. In this case, the second sub-terminal can report the measurement result to the head node again.

[0184] For another example, the measurement reporting condition can include a specific event being triggered. That is, if the specific event is triggered, the second sub-terminal can report the measurement result to the head node. In some embodiments, the specific event can be configured by the head node.

[0185] In some embodiments, the method can further include that the head node sends fourth information to the core network device.

[0186] For example, after receiving the first information from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send fourth information to the core network device in response to the first information. Accordingly, the core network device can receive the fourth information from the head node. The fourth information can be used to request or indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode.

[0187] In some embodiments, after receiving the fourth information from the head node, the core network device can send fifth information and / or fourth configuration to the head node in response to the fourth information. Accordingly, the head node can receive the fifth information and / or the fourth configuration from the core network device.

[0188] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used to indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode.

[0189] In some embodiments, the fourth configuration can be used for the head node to send the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission mode.

[0190] For example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), the fourth configuration can be used to configure a non-local path / policy / mapping of the first data, so that after the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, the head node can transmit (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal based on the fourth configuration using the non-local transmission manner.

[0191] For example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner), the fourth configuration can be used to configure a local path / policy / mapping of the first data, so that after the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, the head node can transmit (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal based on the fourth configuration using the local transmission manner.

[0192] In some embodiments, the method can further include: the head node sending third information to the first sub-terminal, and accordingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the third information from the head node. The third information can be used to indicate that the transmission manner of the first data is switched to the target transmission manner.

[0193] In a possible manner, after the head node receives the first information from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send third information to the first sub-terminal in response to the first information. In this case, the head node can not need to send the fourth information to the core network device.

[0194] In another possible manner, after the head node receives the first information from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send the fourth information to the core network device, and after receiving the fifth information and / or the fourth configuration from the core network device, the head node can send the third information to the first sub-terminal.

[0195] In some embodiments, the method can further include: the head node sending first configuration to the first sub-terminal, and accordingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the first configuration from the head node. The first configuration can be used for the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data using the target transmission manner. In this way, after the first sub-terminal receives the first configuration from the head node, the first sub-terminal can transmit the first data using the target transmission manner based on the first configuration.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first configuration is related to the fourth configuration. That is, the head node can determine the first configuration based on the fourth configuration from the core network device, and then send the first configuration to the first sub-terminal.

[0197] In some embodiments, the head node can determine the first configuration by itself. For example, in a case where the core network device does not send the fourth configuration to the head node, the head node can determine the first configuration by itself, and send the first configuration to the first sub-terminal.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first configuration can include one or more of the following:

[0199] bearer configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0200] RLC channel configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0201] logical channel configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0202] configured grant (CG) resource configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0203] security configuration (or reconfiguration) (e.g., key configuration / reconfiguration).

[0204] In some embodiments, the first information can comprise one or more of the following 31) to 34):

[0205] 31) information of the first data, i.e., information of the data that needs to be switched to the target transmission manner.

[0206] For example, in the case that the first data is a data flow / QoS flow / bearer / RLC channel / logical channel / packet / PDU session, the information of the first data can be information (e.g., an identifier) of the data flow / QoS flow / bearer / RLC channel / logical channel / packet / PDU session.

[0207] For another example, in the case that the first data is data transmitted through a first connection, the information of the first data can be information (e.g., an identifier) of the first connection. The first connection can be a connection between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0208] 32) a reason for the switching.

[0209] For example, in the case that the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), the reason for the switching can comprise one or more of the above 11) to 18).

[0210] For another example, in the case that the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner), the reason for the switching can comprise one or more of the above 21) to 28).

[0211] 33) link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node.

[0212] 34) link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first information is the first data, a configuration used by the first sub-terminal when transmitting the first data, and / or packet header information of the first data, for requesting or indicating that the transmission manner of the first data is switched to the target transmission manner.

[0214] In some embodiments, the head node can send the second configuration and the third configuration to the first sub-terminal before receiving the first information from the first sub-terminal. Accordingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the second configuration and the third configuration from the head node before sending the first information to the head node. The second configuration can be used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission mode, and the third configuration can be used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission mode.

[0215] That is, the head node can pre-configure the first sub-terminal with configurations for sending the first data using the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode. Alternatively, the head node can pre-configure the first sub-terminal with configurations for sending the first data using the local transmission mode and configurations for sending the first data using the non-local transmission mode. In this way, if the first sub-terminal determines to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the first transmission mode, the first sub-terminal can send the first data (first information) to the head node using the second configuration; if the first sub-terminal determines to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the second transmission mode, the first sub-terminal can send the first data (first information) to the head node using the third configuration, so that the head node can identify whether the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode according to the configuration used by the first sub-terminal when sending the first data (first information) and / or the packet header information of the first data.

[0216] For example, if the configuration used by the first sub-terminal when sending the first data is the second configuration, the head node can know that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the first transmission mode, or in other words, the head node can know that the first data (first information) is used to request or indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the first transmission mode.

[0217] For another example, if the configuration used by the first sub-terminal when sending the first data is the third configuration, the head node can know that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the second transmission mode, or in other words, the head node can know that the first data (first information) is used to request or indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the second transmission mode.

[0218] In some embodiments, in the case where the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode (non-local transmission mode), if the first information is the first data, the head node can send the first data to the core network device.

[0219] That is, in the case where the head node learns that the transmission manner of the first data needs to be switched to the non-local transmission manner, if the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send the first data to the core network device. For example, after the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, if there already exists a non-local path (i.e., a path for transmitting the first data from the head node to the core network device in the non-local transmission manner) of the first data, the head node can send the first data to the core network device through the non-local path. In this case, the head node can not need to send the fourth information to the core network device.

[0220] In some embodiments, the granularity of the first data can be one of the following:

[0221] Service flow granularity, i.e., the first data can be a service flow or correspond to a service flow;

[0222] QoS flow granularity, i.e., the first data can be a QoS flow or correspond to a QoS flow;

[0223] Bearing granularity, i.e., the first data can be a bearing or correspond to a bearing;

[0224] Packet granularity, i.e., the first data can be a packet or correspond to a packet;

[0225] RLC channel granularity, i.e., the first data can be an RLC channel or correspond to an RLC channel;

[0226] Logical channel granularity, i.e., the first data can be a logical channel or correspond to a logical channel;

[0227] Service type granularity, i.e., the first data can be data corresponding to a certain (or several) service type;

[0228] Service granularity, i.e., the first data can be data corresponding to a certain (or several) service;

[0229] PDU session granularity, i.e., the first data can be a PDU session or correspond to a PDU session;

[0230] Connection granularity, i.e., the first data can be data transmitted through a first connection, and the first connection can be a connection between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0231] According to the method of the embodiment, the terminal device (e.g., the first sub-terminal) can switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode by sending the first information request or the indication, that is, whether the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched can be determined by the terminal device, thereby enhancing the decision-making power of the terminal device and enabling the terminal device to flexibly control the transmission delay of the first data. In addition, the terminal device autonomously determines whether the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched, which also reduces the signaling reporting process to the head node to a certain extent, thereby reducing the signaling overhead.

[0232] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9, the method can include the following steps:

[0233] S901, the head node sends first information to the first sub-terminal, the first information being used to indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by the second sub-terminal; and the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode, and in the case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0234] In the embodiment, the head node can send the first information to the first sub-terminal, and correspondingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the first information from the head node. The first information can be used to indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to a target transmission mode, and the first data is sent by the first sub-terminal and received by the second sub-terminal.

[0235] That is, the head node can indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to a target transmission mode by sending the first information to the first sub-terminal. The first data can also be understood as data sent by the first sub-terminal (source terminal) to the second sub-terminal (target terminal).

[0236] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode can be the first transmission mode (local transmission mode) or the second transmission mode (non-local transmission mode).

[0237] In some embodiments, in the case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data can be sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node. That is, in the case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the devices through which the first data passes during transmission include the first sub-terminal, the head node, and the second sub-terminal. In this transmission mode, the first data can not need to pass through the forwarding of the core network device, thereby reducing the transmission delay of the first data. Therefore, by switching the transmission mode of the first data, whether the first data needs to pass through the forwarding of the core network device can be flexibly controlled, thereby flexibly controlling the transmission delay of the first data.

[0238] In some embodiments, in a case that the transmission manner of the first data is the second transmission manner, the first data can be sent to the second sub-terminal by the head node and the core network device.

[0239] Wherein, other descriptions about the first transmission manner (local transmission manner) and the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner) can refer to the related descriptions in the brief description of embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0240] In some embodiments, the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner).

[0241] In some embodiments, in a case that the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), before sending the first information to the first sub-terminal, the head node can determine whether to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner according to one or more of the following 41) to 48).

[0242] 41) PDB of the first data.

[0243] For example, in a case that the PDB of the first data is large (such as greater than a certain threshold), the head node can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0244] It can be understood that in a case that the PDB of the first data is large, it can be considered that the transmission delay requirement of the first data is low (that is, the transmission delay is allowed to be relatively high), and therefore, the first data can not need to be transmitted by using the first transmission manner (local transmission manner). In this case, by switching the transmission manner of the first data to the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), it is beneficial to reduce the load of the head node.

[0245] As an example, the PDB of the first data can include one or more of the following: PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal (denoted as first PDB); PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device (denoted as second PDB); PDB of the first data from the core network device to the head node (denoted as third PDB); PDB of the first data from the head node to the second sub-terminal.

[0246] Wherein, the first PDB and the second PDB can be provided by the first sub-terminal, for example; the third PDB can be provided by the core network device, for example.

[0247] 42) Link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node.

[0248] For example, in a case that the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node is small (such as less than a certain threshold), the head node can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0249] 43) the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal.

[0250] For example, in the case that the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal is small (e.g. less than a certain threshold), the head node can determine to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0251] 44) the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0252] For example, in the case that the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal is small (e.g. less than a certain threshold), the head node can determine to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0253] It can be understood that, in the case that the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node is small, or the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal is small, or the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal is small, it can be indicated that the distance between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal can be far, or in other words, the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal can not belong to the same local service group, in which case, the processing delay requirement of the first data is low (i.e. the allowed delay is relatively high), and therefore, the first data can not need to be transmitted using the first transmission mode (local transmission mode).

[0254] 45) the number of consecutive negative feedbacks (e.g. PDCP / RLC / HARQ negative feedbacks) received from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within a first time length.

[0255] For example, in the case that the number of consecutive negative feedbacks received by the head node from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within a first time length reaches N, the head node can determine to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0256] It can be understood that, in the case that the head node receives a large number of negative feedbacks from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within a first time length, it can be indicated that the reliability of the data transmission using the first transmission mode (local transmission mode) is poor, and therefore, the transmission mode of the first data can be switched to the second transmission mode (non-local transmission mode). In the second transmission mode, the first data needs to pass through the core network device, and therefore, the core network device can take certain strategies to improve the transmission reliability of the first data.

[0257] 46) the load condition of the head node.

[0258] For example, in the case that the load of the head node is large, the head node can determine to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode (the second transmission mode) to reduce the load of the head node.

[0259] 47) whether the first event occurs in the first sub-terminal, the first event comprising one of: RLF, HO, RRC connection reestablishment, and BF.

[0260] For example, if the first event occurs in the first sub-terminal, the head node can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0261] 48) whether the first event occurs in the second sub-terminal, the first event comprising one of: RLF, HO, RRC connection reestablishment, and BF.

[0262] For example, if the first event occurs in the second sub-terminal, the head node can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0263] It can be understood that if the first event occurs in the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal, it indicates that the connection state between the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal and the head node can change, and therefore, if the first transmission manner is used, the first data can not be successfully sent to the second sub-terminal, and therefore, the transmission manner of the first data can be switched to the second transmission manner.

[0264] In some embodiments, in the case that the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), the method can further comprise: sending, by the head node, the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device.

[0265] That is, if the head node determines to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner, after the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send the first data to the core network device. For example, after the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, if there is a non-local path (i.e., a path for transmitting the first data from the head node to the core network device under the non-local transmission manner) of the first data, the head node can send the first data to the core network device through the non-local path.

[0266] In some embodiments, the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner).

[0267] In some embodiments, in the case that the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner), before the head node sends the first information to the first sub-terminal, the head node can determine whether to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner according to one or more of the following 51) to 56).

[0268] 51) the PDB of the first data.

[0269] For example, in the case that the PDB of the first data is small (e.g., less than a certain threshold), the head node can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0270] It can be understood that, in the case that the PDB of the first data is small, it can be considered that the transmission delay requirement of the first data is high (that is, the transmission delay is required to be low), and therefore, the transmission mode of the first data can be switched to the first transmission mode (local transmission mode) to reduce the transmission delay of the first data.

[0271] As an example, the PDB of the first data can include one or more of the following: the PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal (denoted as a first PDB); the PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device (denoted as a second PDB); the PDB of the first data from the core network device to the head node (denoted as a third PDB); and the PDB of the first data from the head node to the second sub-terminal.

[0272] For example, the first PDB and the second PDB can be provided by the first sub-terminal, and the third PDB can be provided by the core network device.

[0273] 52) the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node.

[0274] For example, in the case that the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node is high (e.g., greater than a certain threshold), the head node can determine to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0275] 53) the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal.

[0276] For example, in the case that the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal is high (e.g., greater than a certain threshold), the head node can determine to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0277] 54) the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0278] For example, in the case that the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal is high (e.g., greater than a certain threshold), the head node can determine to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0279] It can be understood that if the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node is high, or the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal is high, or the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal is high, it indicates that the distance between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal can be close, or in other words, the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal can belong to the same local service group, in which case the first data is local service data, and thus a lower transmission delay is required. By switching the transmission mode of the first data to the first transmission mode (local transmission mode), the transmission delay of the first data can be reduced.

[0280] 55) the number of consecutive positive feedbacks (such as PDCP / RLC / HARQ positive feedbacks) received from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within the first time length;

[0281] For example, if the number of consecutive positive feedbacks received by the head node from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within the first time length reaches N, it can be determined to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0282] It can be understood that if the head node receives more positive feedbacks from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within the first time length, it indicates that the reliability of data transmission using the local transmission mode is high, and thus the transmission mode of the first data can be switched to the first transmission mode (local transmission mode), so as to reduce the transmission delay of the first data while ensuring the transmission reliability of the first data.

[0283] 56) the load condition of the head node.

[0284] For example, if the load of the head node is small, it can be determined to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode (the first transmission mode) to reduce the transmission delay of the first data.

[0285] In some embodiments, the method can further include that the first sub-terminal sends the PDB of the first data to the head node. (For example, the first sub-terminal can send the PDB of the first data before receiving the first information from the head node.)

[0286] The PDB of the first data may, for example, include the PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal (first PDB), and / or the PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device (second PDB). Thus, the head node can determine whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode based on the PDB of the first data.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can send the PDB of the first data to the head node if the first condition is met.

[0288] Exemplarily, in a case that the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), the first condition can comprise: the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold. That is, if the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the first sub-terminal can send the PDB of the first data to the head node.

[0289] Exemplarily, in a case that the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner), the first condition can comprise: the PDB of the first data is less than or equal to a second threshold. That is, if the PDB of the first data is less than or equal to the second threshold, the first sub-terminal can send the PDB of the first data to the head node.

[0290] In some embodiments, in the process of judging whether the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and / or in the process of judging whether the PDB of the first data is less than or equal to the second threshold, the granularity of the judgment (i.e. the granularity of the first data) can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; packet granularity.

[0291] In some embodiments, the above judgment process can be performed at the SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC layer.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first threshold / second threshold can be configured by the head node (such as through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration), or pre-configured, or protocol-defined, or indicated by an upper layer.

[0293] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the first threshold / second threshold can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; data priority level granularity; RSRP level granularity. In some embodiments, the first threshold / second threshold can be uniformly configured, i.e. without granularity.

[0294] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: the first sub-terminal sending a measurement result to the head node (for example, the first sub-terminal can send the measurement result before receiving the first information from the head node).

[0295] Wherein, the measurement result can comprise, for example: the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node, and / or the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal. Thus, the head node can determine whether to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner based on the measurement result.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can send the measurement result to the head node in a case that a second condition is met.

[0297] In some embodiments, the second condition can comprise: a predetermined measurement reporting occasion has arrived. For example, the measurement result is periodically reported, and in a case where a time interval between a last time of reporting the measurement result and a current time reaches a period, it can be considered that the predetermined measurement reporting occasion has arrived, and the first sub-terminal can send the measurement result to the head node again.

[0298] In some embodiments, the second condition can comprise: a specific event is triggered. That is, if the specific event is triggered, the first sub-terminal can send the measurement result to the head node. In some embodiments, the specific event can be configured by the head node.

[0299] For example, in a case where the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode (non-local transmission mode), the specific event can comprise: the measurement result is less than or equal to a third threshold. That is, if the measurement result is less than or equal to the third threshold, the first sub-terminal can send the measurement result to the head node.

[0300] For example, in a case where the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode (local transmission mode), the specific event can comprise: the measurement result is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold. That is, if the measurement result is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, the first sub-terminal can send the measurement result to the head node.

[0301] In some embodiments, the third threshold / fourth threshold can be configured by the head node (such as through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0302] In some embodiments, a configuration granularity of the third threshold / fourth threshold can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the third threshold / fourth threshold can be uniformly configured, that is, without granularity.

[0303] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: the head node receiving one or more of the following 61) to 64) (for example, can be received before sending the first information to the first sub-terminal):

[0304] 61) PDB of the first data.

[0305] For example, the PDB of the first data can comprise one or more of: a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal (first PDB); a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device (second PDB); a PDB of the first data from the core network device to the head node (third PDB). For example, the first PDB and the second PDB can be provided by the first sub-terminal; the third PDB can be provided by the core network device.

[0306] 62) the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node. This information can be provided by the first sub-terminal, for example.

[0307] 63) the link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal. This information can be provided by the second sub-terminal, for example.

[0308] 64) the link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal. This information can be provided by the first sub-terminal, for example.

[0309] Further, the head node can determine whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode according to one or more of the information in 61) to 64).

[0310] In some embodiments, before the head node sends the first information to the first sub-terminal, the method can further comprise: the head node sending second information to the core network device, and correspondingly, the core network device can receive the second information from the head node. The second information is used to request or indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode.

[0311] In some embodiments, after the core network device receives the second information from the head node, the core network device can send third information and / or the first configuration to the head node in response to the second information, and correspondingly, the head node can receive the third information and / or the first configuration from the core network device.

[0312] In some embodiments, the third information can be used to indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first configuration can be used for the head node to send the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission mode.

[0314] For example, in the case that the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode (non-local transmission mode), the first configuration can be used to configure a non-local path of the first data, so that after the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the non-local transmission mode based on the first configuration.

[0315] For another example, in the case that the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode (local transmission mode), the first configuration can be used to configure a local path of the first data, so that after the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the local transmission mode based on the first configuration.

[0316] In some embodiments, the method can further include: sending, by the head node, a second configuration to the first sub-terminal, and accordingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the second configuration from the head node. The second configuration can be used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission mode. In this way, after receiving the second configuration from the head node, the first sub-terminal can send the first data using the target transmission mode based on the second configuration.

[0317] In some embodiments, the second configuration is related to the first configuration. That is, the head node can determine the second configuration based on the first configuration from the core network device, and then send the second configuration to the first sub-terminal.

[0318] In some embodiments, the head node can determine the second configuration by itself. For example, in the case that the core network device does not send the first configuration to the head node, the head node can determine the second configuration by itself and send the second configuration to the first sub-terminal.

[0319] In some embodiments, the second configuration can include one or more of the following:

[0320] bearer configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0321] RLC channel configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0322] logical channel configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0323] CG resource configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0324] security configuration (or reconfiguration) (such as key configuration / reconfiguration).

[0325] In some embodiments, the method can further include: sending, by the head node, a third configuration and a fourth configuration to the first sub-terminal (for example, the head node can send the third configuration and the fourth configuration to the first sub-terminal before sending the first information to the first sub-terminal). Accordingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the third configuration and the fourth configuration from the head node (for example, the terminal device can receive the third configuration and the fourth configuration from the head node before receiving the first information from the head node). The third configuration can be used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission mode; the fourth configuration can be used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission mode.

[0326] That is, the head node can pre-configure the first sub-terminal with configurations for sending the first data using the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode. Or, the head node can pre-configure the first sub-terminal with configurations for sending the first data using the local transmission mode and configurations for sending the first data using the non-local transmission mode.

[0327] Further, if the head node determines to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner, the head node can send the first information to the first sub-terminal to indicate to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first information can comprise information of the first data. In this way, after the first sub-terminal receives the first information, the first sub-terminal can learn that the data which needs to be switched to the target transmission manner is the first data according to the indication of the first information, and thus can use a corresponding configuration (the third configuration or the fourth configuration) to send the first data.

[0329] For example, in a case where the first data is a QoS flow / bearer / logical channel, the information of the first data can be an identifier (ID) of the QoS flow / bearer / logical channel.

[0330] For example, in a case where the first data is a QoS flow / bearer / logical channel, the information of the first data can be an identifier (ID) of the QoS flow / bearer / logical channel.

[0331] For example, in a case where the first data is data transmitted through a first connection, the information of the first data can be an identifier of the first connection. The first connection can be a connection between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0332] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: the first sub-terminal sending the first data to the head node using the target transmission manner. Correspondingly, the head node can receive the first data from the first sub-terminal. Further, the head node can send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission manner.

[0333] In some embodiments, the granularity of the first data can be one of the following:

[0334] Service flow granularity, i.e., the first data can be a service flow or correspond to a service flow;

[0335] QoS flow granularity, i.e., the first data can be a QoS flow or correspond to a QoS flow;

[0336] Bearer granularity, i.e., the first data can be a bearer or correspond to a bearer;

[0337] Packet granularity, i.e., the first data can be a packet or correspond to a packet;

[0338] RLC channel granularity, i.e., the first data can be an RLC channel or correspond to an RLC channel;

[0339] Logical channel granularity, i.e., the first data can be a logical channel or correspond to a logical channel;

[0340] Service type granularity, i.e., the first data can be data corresponding to a certain (or several) service type;

[0341] service granularity, i.e., the first data can be data corresponding to a service (or several services);

[0342] PDU session granularity, i.e., the first data can be a PDU session or corresponding to a PDU session;

[0343] connection granularity, i.e., the first data can be data transmitted through a first connection, and the first connection can be a connection between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0344] According to the method of the embodiment, the head node can switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode by sending the first information, that is, whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data can be determined by the head node. Since the head node is an intermediate node for data forwarding, it can know the conditions of the two links (the link between the first sub-terminal and the head node, and the link between the head node and the second sub-terminal), has better control over the Access Stratum (AS) configuration / resource, and thus, determining whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data by the head node is beneficial to guarantee the stability of the overall communication system.

[0345] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a third method of data transmission according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10, the method can include the following steps:

[0346] S1001, the core network device sends first information to the head node, the first information being used to indicate that the transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0347] In the embodiment, the core network device can send the first information to the head node, and accordingly, the head node can receive the first information from the core network device. The first information can be used to indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode, and the first data is sent by the first sub-terminal and received by the second sub-terminal.

[0348] That is, the core network device can indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode by sending the first information to the head node. The first data can also be understood as data sent by the first sub-terminal (source terminal) to the second sub-terminal (target terminal).

[0349] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode can be the first transmission mode (local transmission mode) or the second transmission mode (non-local transmission mode).

[0350] In some embodiments, in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the first transmission manner, the first data can be sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node. That is, in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the first transmission manner, the devices through which the first data passes in the transmission process include the first sub-terminal, the head node, and the second sub-terminal. In this transmission manner, the first data can not need to pass through the forwarding of the core network device, thereby reducing the transmission delay of the first data. Therefore, by switching the transmission manner of the first data, whether the first data needs to pass through the forwarding of the core network device can be flexibly controlled, thereby the transmission delay of the first data can be flexibly controlled.

[0351] In some embodiments, in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the second transmission manner, the first data can be sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node and the core network device.

[0352] In some embodiments, in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the first transmission manner, the first data can be sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0353] In some embodiments, the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner).

[0354] In some embodiments, the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner).

[0355] In some embodiments, before sending the first information to the head node, the core network device can determine whether to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner according to one or more of the following 71) to 74).

[0356] 71) the PDB of the first data.

[0357] For example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), if the PDB of the first data is large (such as greater than a certain threshold), the core network device can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner. For another example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner), if the PDB of the first data is small (such as less than a certain threshold), the core network device can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0358] It can be understood that, in a case where the PDB of the first data is large, it can be considered that the demand for the transmission delay of the first data is low (that is, the transmission delay is allowed to be relatively high), and therefore, the first data can not need to be transmitted using the first transmission manner (local transmission manner). In this case, by switching the transmission manner of the first data to the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), it is beneficial to reduce the load of the head node.

[0359] As an example, the PDB of the first data can comprise one or more of: a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the second sub-terminal (denoted as a first PDB); a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device (denoted as a second PDB); a PDB of the first data from the core network device to the head node; a PDB of the first data from the head node to the second sub-terminal (denoted as a third PDB).

[0360] In some embodiments, the method can further comprise: receiving, by the core network device, the PDB of the first data (e.g., the core network device can receive the PDB of the first data before sending the first information to the head node).

[0361] In some embodiments, the first PDB and the second PDB can be provided by the first sub-terminal.

[0362] As an example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), the first sub-terminal can send the first PDB and / or the second PDB to the head node in a case where the first PDB and / or the second PDB is greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0363] As an example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner), the first sub-terminal can send the first PDB and / or the second PDB to the head node in a case where the first PDB and / or the second PDB is less than or equal to the second threshold value.

[0364] In some embodiments, in determining whether the first PDB and / or the second PDB is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and / or in determining whether the first PDB and / or the second PDB is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the granularity of the determination (i.e., the granularity of the first data) can be one of: QoS flow granularity; packet granularity; PDU session granularity.

[0365] In some embodiments, the third PDB can be provided by the head node. For example, the head node can send the PDB of the first data (the third PDB) to the core network device before receiving the first information from the core network device.

[0366] 72) whether the first sub-terminal undergoes a handover.

[0367] For example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), if the first sub-terminal undergoes a handover, the core network device can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0368] 73) whether the second sub-terminal undergoes a handover.

[0369] For example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), if the second sub-terminal undergoes switching, the core network device can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0370] It can be understood that if the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal undergo switching, it indicates that the connection state between the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal and the head node changes, and therefore, if the first transmission manner (local transmission manner) is used, the first data can not be successfully sent to the second sub-terminal, and therefore, the transmission manner of the first data can be switched to the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner).

[0371] 74) The load condition of the core network device.

[0372] An example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), if the load of the core network device is small, the core network device can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner, so as to reduce the load of the head node.

[0373] Another example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner), if the load of the core network device is large, the core network device can determine to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner, so as to reduce the load of the core network device and reduce the transmission delay of the first data.

[0374] In some embodiments, the method can further include: the core network device sending a first configuration to the head node. Accordingly, the head node can receive the first configuration from the core network device. The first configuration can be used for the head node to send the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission manner.

[0375] For example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner (non-local transmission manner), the first configuration can be used to configure a non-local path of the first data, so that after the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the non-local transmission manner based on the first configuration.

[0376] For another example, in a case where the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner (local transmission manner), the first configuration can be used to configure a local path of the first data, so that after the head node receives the first data from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the local transmission manner based on the first configuration.

[0377] In some embodiments, the method can further include: sending, by the head node, second information to the first sub-terminal, and accordingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the second information from the head node. The second information can be used to indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode.

[0378] In some embodiments, the second information can include: information of the first data, such as an identifier corresponding to the first data. The information of the first data can be used to indicate that the data that needs to switch the transmission mode is the first data.

[0379] In some embodiments, the method can further include: sending, by the head node, second configuration to the first sub-terminal, and accordingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the second configuration from the head node. The second configuration can be used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission mode. In this way, after receiving the second configuration from the head node, the first sub-terminal can send the first data using the target transmission mode based on the second configuration.

[0380] In some embodiments, the second configuration is related to the first configuration. That is, the head node can determine the second configuration based on the first configuration from the core network device, and then send the second configuration to the first sub-terminal.

[0381] In some embodiments, the head node can determine the second configuration by itself. For example, in the case that the core network device does not send the first configuration to the head node, the head node can determine the second configuration by itself and send the second configuration to the first sub-terminal.

[0382] In some embodiments, the second configuration can include one or more of the following:

[0383] bearer configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0384] RLC channel configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0385] logical channel configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0386] CG resource configuration (or reconfiguration);

[0387] security configuration (or reconfiguration) (such as key configuration / reconfiguration).

[0388] In some embodiments, the method can further include: sending, by the head node, third configuration and fourth configuration to the first sub-terminal (for example, the head node can send the third configuration and the fourth configuration before receiving the first information from the core network device). Accordingly, the first sub-terminal can receive the third configuration and the fourth configuration from the head node. The third configuration can be used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission mode; the fourth configuration can be used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission mode.

[0389] That is, the head node can pre-configure the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data in the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode. Alternatively, the head node can pre-configure the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data in the local transmission mode and the non-local transmission mode.

[0390] Further, if the core network device determines to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode, the core network device can send first information to the head node to indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0391] In some embodiments, the first information can include information of the first data, such as an identifier corresponding to the first data. In this way, after the head node receives the first information, the head node can know, according to the indication of the first information, that the data that needs to be switched to the target transmission mode is the first data.

[0392] Further, the head node can send second information to the first sub-terminal to indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode. In this way, after the first sub-terminal receives the second information, the first sub-terminal can know, according to the indication of the second information, that the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission mode, and thus can use the corresponding configuration (the third configuration or the fourth configuration) to transmit the first data.

[0393] In some embodiments, the granularity of the information of the first data indicated in the first information and the granularity of the information of the first data indicated in the second information can be the same or different.

[0394] In some embodiments, the granularity of the first data can be one of the following:

[0395] Service flow granularity, that is, the first data can be a service flow or correspond to a service flow;

[0396] QoS flow granularity, that is, the first data can be a QoS flow or correspond to a QoS flow;

[0397] Bearing granularity, that is, the first data can be a bearing or correspond to a bearing;

[0398] Packet granularity, that is, the first data can be a packet or correspond to a packet;

[0399] RLC channel granularity, that is, the first data can be an RLC channel or correspond to an RLC channel;

[0400] Logical channel granularity, that is, the first data can be a logical channel or correspond to a logical channel;

[0401] Service type granularity, that is, the first data can be data corresponding to a certain service type (or several service types);

[0402] service granularity, i.e., the first data can be data corresponding to a service (or several services);

[0403] PDU session granularity, i.e., the first data can be a PDU session or data corresponding to a PDU session;

[0404] connection granularity, i.e., the first data can be data transmitted through a first connection, and the first connection can be a connection between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0405] According to the method of the embodiment, the core network device can indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode by sending the first information, that is, whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data can be determined by the core network device. Since data not passing through the core network can cause some concerns about whether the data is safe, traffic billing, etc., determining whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data by the core network device can solve the above concerns to some extent.

[0406] The above introduces the data transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present application. In order to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the possible implementation schemes of the data transmission method applicable to the embodiments of the present application are introduced below in conjunction with examples.

[0407] FIG. 11 is a possible implementation flowchart of the data transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11, the implementation flowchart can include the following steps:

[0408] S1101, the first sub-terminal sends first request / indication information to a head node (such as xNB).

[0409] The first request / indication information can be used to request / indicate to switch the transmission mode of the data sent by the first sub-terminal to the target terminal. In some embodiments, the first request / indication information can also be used to request reconfiguration (RRC reconfiguration) of the head node. As an example, the first request / indication information can be RRC signaling, MAC CE, or uplink control information (UCI) information.

[0410] For ease of description, the data sent by the first sub-terminal to the target terminal is referred to as the first data in the following. In the embodiments of the present application, the target terminal can be, for example, the second sub-terminal.

[0411] In some embodiments, the first request / indication information can be used to request / indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0412] In one implementation (denoted as implementation #11), the target transmission manner is a non-local transmission manner. That is, the first request / instruction information can be used to request / instruct to switch the transmission manner of the first data to a non-local transmission manner (e.g., from a local transmission manner to a non-local transmission manner).

[0413] In another implementation (denoted as implementation #12), the target transmission manner is a local transmission manner. That is, the first request / instruction information can be used to request / instruct to switch the transmission manner of the first data to a local transmission manner (e.g., from a non-local transmission manner to a local transmission manner).

[0414] It should be appreciated that the introduction of the local transmission manner and the non-local transmission manner can refer to the relevant description in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0415] In some embodiments, the first information can comprise one or more of the following a1) to a3):

[0416] a1) information of the first data, that is, information of the data that needs to be switched.

[0417] For example, information of the data flow / QoS flow / bearer / RLC channel / logical channel / packet / PDU session / link that needs to be switched. Wherein, the information of the link that needs to be switched, that is, the information of the link used to transmit the first data.

[0418] a2) a reason for switching.

[0419] a3) a measurement report.

[0420] The measurement report may, for example, comprise: a link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the head node, and / or a link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the target terminal.

[0421] For implementation #11, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / instruction information to the head node in the case that a first condition is met. Exemplarily, the first condition can comprise one or more of the following b1) to b8):

[0422] b1) an upper layer of the first sub-terminal instructs to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0423] That is, if the upper layer of the first sub-terminal instructs to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / instruction information to the head node.

[0424] In some embodiments, the granularity of the upper layer instruction (that is, the granularity of the first data) can be a first granularity. That is, the upper layer can instruct to switch the transmission manner of the first granularity of data sent by the first sub-terminal to the target terminal to the target transmission manner.

[0425] As an example, the first granularity can be one of the following: service flow granularity; QoS flow granularity; service type granularity; service granularity (i.e., the data requiring switching corresponds to a service ID); PDU session granularity; connection granularity (i.e., the data requiring switching corresponds to a connection between the first sub-terminal and the target terminal, or in other words, the data requiring switching is data transmitted through the connection).

[0426] b2) the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0427] That is, if the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node.

[0428] As an example, the PDB of the first data can include one or more of the following: the PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal (E2E PDB); the PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device; the PDB of the first data from the head node to the target terminal.

[0429] In some embodiments, in the process of determining whether the PDB of the first data is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the granularity of the determination (i.e., the granularity of the first data) can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; packet granularity.

[0430] In some embodiments, the determination process can be performed at the SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC layer.

[0431] In some embodiments, the first threshold can be configured by the head node (such as through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration), or pre-configured, or defined by a protocol, or indicated by an upper layer.

[0432] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the first threshold can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; data priority level granularity; RSRP level granularity. In some embodiments, the first threshold can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0433] b3) the link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the head node is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0434] That is, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node if the link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the head node is less than or equal to a second threshold. The link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the head node can be obtained according to a layer 1 (L1) or layer 3 (L3) measurement result, for example.

[0435] In some embodiments, the second threshold can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0436] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the second threshold can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the second threshold can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0437] b4) the link signal quality from the head node to the target terminal is less than or equal to a third threshold.

[0438] That is, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node if the link signal quality from the head node to the target terminal is less than or equal to a third threshold. The link signal quality from the head node to the target terminal can be obtained according to a layer 1 (L1) or layer 3 (L3) measurement result, for example.

[0439] In some embodiments, the second threshold and the third threshold can be the same or different.

[0440] It can be understood that in some scenarios, due to the difference in transmission power between uplink and downlink (different power control mechanisms), and the difference in data transmission capability between the terminal device (e.g., the first sub-terminal) and the head node, the second threshold and the third threshold can be different.

[0441] In some embodiments, the third threshold can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0442] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the third threshold can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the third threshold can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0443] In some embodiments, the link signal quality from the head node to the target terminal can be measured by the target terminal, and the target terminal can report the measurement result to the head node if a network-configured measurement reporting condition is met, and the head node can further indicate the first sub-terminal (e.g., through RRC signaling, MAC CE, or DCI signaling) with the measurement result. The measurement reporting condition can include periodic reporting or event-based reporting, for example.

[0444] b5) the link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal is less than or equal to a fourth threshold value.

[0445] That is, if the link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal is less than or equal to a fourth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node. The link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal may, for example, be obtained according to a Layer 1 (L1) or Layer 3 (L3) measurement result.

[0446] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can obtain the link signal quality by measuring one or more of the following information sent by the target terminal: data channel information; control channel information; discovery information; synchronization information; reference signal information.

[0447] In some embodiments, the fourth threshold value can be configured by the head node (such as by dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0448] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the fourth threshold value can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the fourth threshold value can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0449] b6) the first sub-terminal experiences RLF, HO, RRC connection reestablishment, or BF.

[0450] That is, if the first sub-terminal experiences RLF, HO, RRC connection reestablishment, or BF, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node. That is, in the case of RLF, HO, RRC connection reestablishment, or BF of the first sub-terminal, the transmission mode of the first data can default to a non-local transmission mode.

[0451] b7) the target terminal experiences RLF, HO, RRC connection reestablishment, or BF.

[0452] That is, if the target terminal experiences RLF, HO, RRC connection reestablishment, or BF, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node. That is, in the case of RLF, HO, RRC connection reestablishment, or BF of the target terminal, the transmission mode of the first data can default to a non-local transmission mode.

[0453] In some embodiments, whether the target terminal experiences RLF, HO, RRC connection reestablishment, or BF can be indicated by the head node to the first sub-terminal.

[0454] b8) the first sub-terminal receives consecutive PDCP / RLC / HARQ negative feedback N times from the head node and / or the target terminal within a certain time period.

[0455] For implementation #12, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node if a second condition is met. Exemplarily, the second condition can include one or more of the following c1) to c6):

[0456] c1) The upper layer of the first sub-terminal indicates to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0457] That is, if the upper layer of the first sub-terminal indicates to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node.

[0458] In some embodiments, the granularity of the upper layer indication (i.e., the granularity of the first data) can be a first granularity. That is, the upper layer can indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first granularity of data from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal to the target transmission mode.

[0459] As an example, the first granularity can be one of the following: service flow granularity; QoS flow granularity; service type granularity; service (i.e., the data to be switched corresponds to a service ID) granularity; PDU session granularity; connection granularity (i.e., the data to be switched corresponds to a connection between the first sub-terminal and the target terminal, or in other words, the data to be switched is data transmitted through the connection).

[0460] c2) The PDB of the first data is less than or equal to a sixth threshold value.

[0461] That is, if the PDB of the first data is less than or equal to the sixth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node.

[0462] As an example, the PDB of the first data can include one or more of the following: the PDB (E2E PDB) of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal; the PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device; the PDB of the first data from the head node to the target terminal.

[0463] In some embodiments, in the process of determining whether the PDB of the first data is less than or equal to the sixth threshold value, the granularity of the determination (i.e., the granularity of the first data) can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; packet granularity.

[0464] In some embodiments, the determination process can be performed at the SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC layer.

[0465] In some embodiments, the sixth threshold value can be configured by the head node (such as through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration), or preconfigured, or defined by a protocol, or indicated by the upper layer.

[0466] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the sixth threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; data priority level granularity; RSRP level granularity. In some embodiments, the sixth threshold value can be configured uniformly, i.e., without granularity.

[0467] c3) the link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the head node is greater than or equal to a seventh threshold value.

[0468] That is, if the link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the head node is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node. The link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the head node can be obtained, for example, according to layer 1 or layer 3 measurement results.

[0469] In some embodiments, the seventh threshold value can be configured by the head node (such as through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or preconfigured.

[0470] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the seventh threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the seventh threshold value can be configured uniformly, i.e., without granularity.

[0471] c4) the link signal quality from the head node to the target terminal is greater than or equal to an eighth threshold value.

[0472] That is, if the link signal quality from the head node to the target terminal is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold value, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node. The link signal quality from the head node to the target terminal can be obtained, for example, according to layer 1 or layer 3 measurement results.

[0473] In some embodiments, the seventh threshold value and the eighth threshold value can be the same or different.

[0474] It can be understood that in some scenarios, due to the difference in transmission power of uplink and downlink (different power control mechanisms), and the difference in data transmission capability of terminal devices (such as the first sub-terminal) and the head node, the seventh threshold value and the eighth threshold value can be different.

[0475] In some embodiments, the eighth threshold value can be configured by the head node (such as through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or preconfigured.

[0476] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the eighth threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the eighth threshold value can be configured uniformly, i.e., without granularity.

[0477] In some embodiments, the link signal quality of the head node to the target terminal can be measured by the target terminal, and the target terminal can report the measurement result to the head node if a measurement reporting condition configured by the network is met, and the head node can further instruct the first sub-terminal (e.g., by RRC signaling, MAC CE or DCI signaling) to the first sub-terminal. The measurement reporting condition may, for example, include periodic reporting or event-based reporting.

[0478] c5) The link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the target terminal is greater than or equal to a ninth threshold.

[0479] That is, if the link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the target terminal is greater than or equal to the ninth threshold, the first sub-terminal can send the first request / indication information to the head node. The link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the target terminal may, for example, be obtained according to the measurement result of layer 1 (L1) or layer 3 (L3).

[0480] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can obtain the link signal quality by measuring one or more of the following information sent by the target terminal: data channel information; control channel information; discovery information; synchronization information; reference signal information.

[0481] In some embodiments, the ninth threshold can be configured (e.g., by dedicated RRC signaling or SIB) or pre-configured by the head node.

[0482] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the ninth threshold can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the ninth threshold can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0483] c6) The first sub-terminal receives consecutive PDCP / RLC / HARQ positive feedback N times from the head node and / or the target terminal within a certain time length.

[0484] S1102, the head node sends second request / indication information to the core network device.

[0485] After the head node receives the first request / indication information from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send the second request / indication information to the core network device. The second request / indication information can be used to request / indicate switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0486] In some embodiments, for implementation #11, if there is a non-local path for the first data (i.e., a path for transmitting the first data from the head node to the core network device in a non-local transmission manner), the head node can send the first data to the core network device through the non-local path after receiving the first data from the first sub-terminal. In this case, the head node can not need to send the second request / indication information to the core network device, i.e., S1102 can not need to be performed. Accordingly, if there is no non-local path for the first data, the head node needs to send the second request / indication information to the core network device.

[0487] S1103, the core network device sends third indication information and / or first configuration to the head node.

[0488] The third indication information can be used to instruct to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner. The first configuration can be used for the head node to send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission manner.

[0489] For example, for implementation #11, the first configuration can be used to configure a non-local path / policy / mapping for the first data, so that the head node can send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the non-local transmission manner based on the first configuration.

[0490] For example, for implementation #12, the first configuration can be used to configure a local path / policy / mapping for the first data, so that the head node can send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the local transmission manner based on the first configuration.

[0491] S1104, the head node sends fourth indication information and / or second configuration to the first sub-terminal.

[0492] In this step, the head node can send the fourth indication information and / or the second configuration (reconfiguration information) to the first sub-terminal.

[0493] The fourth indication information can be used to instruct to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner. The second configuration can be used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission manner.

[0494] In some embodiments, the head node can determine the second configuration based on the first configuration, or, in the case that the core network device does not send the first configuration, the head node can determine the second configuration by itself.

[0495] In some embodiments, the second configuration can configure (or reconfigure) one or more of the following for the transmission of the first data:

[0496] bearer configuration (reconfiguration);

[0497] RLC channel configuration (reconfiguration);

[0498] Logical channel configuration (reconfiguration);

[0499] CG resource configuration (reconfiguration);

[0500] Security configuration (reconfiguration) (e.g. configuration / reconfiguration of keys).

[0501] S1105, the first sub-terminal sends the first data using the target transmission mode.

[0502] In this step, the first sub-terminal can send the first data using the target transmission mode based on the second configuration.

[0503] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the above steps S1102 and S1103 can be omitted (not performed). That is, after receiving the first request / indication information, the head node can not need to send the second request / indication information to the core network device. Correspondingly, the core network device can not need to send the third indication information and / or the first configuration to the head node. In this case, after receiving the first request / indication information, the head node can send the fourth indication information and / or the second configuration to the first sub-terminal in response to the first request / indication information.

[0504] In some embodiments, the head node can pre-configure the first sub-terminal with configurations for sending the first data in the local transmission mode and the non-local transmission mode. For example, before the first sub-terminal sends the first request / indication information, the head node has configured the first sub-terminal with a configuration for sending the first data in the local transmission mode (denoted as the third configuration), and a configuration for sending the first data in the non-local transmission mode (denoted as the fourth configuration). In this case, the first sub-terminal does not need to wait for the head node to send the second configuration, and if the first condition is met, the first sub-terminal can directly use the fourth configuration to send the first data, and if the second condition is met, the first sub-terminal can directly use the third configuration to send the first data. In this way, the head node can identify whether the transmission mode of the first data is switched according to the configuration used by the first sub-terminal when sending the first data, and / or the packet header of the first data packet. For example, if the head node identifies that the first sub-terminal uses the third configuration when sending the first data, it can be known that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the local transmission mode; for another example, if the head node identifies that the first sub-terminal uses the fourth configuration when sending the first data, it can be known that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the non-local transmission mode.

[0505] According to the method of the embodiment, the terminal device (e.g., the first sub-terminal device) can determine whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data based on a certain condition (e.g., the first condition / the second condition), thereby increasing the decision-making right of the terminal device. In addition, the terminal device autonomously determines whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data based on a certain condition, which also reduces the signaling reporting process to the head node to a certain extent.

[0506] FIG. 12 is another possible implementation flow of the data transmission method provided by the embodiment of the application. As shown in FIG. 12, the implementation flow can include the following steps:

[0507] S1201, the first sub-terminal device and / or the core network device sends a report to the head node.

[0508] In some embodiments, the report sent by the first sub-terminal device to the head node can include one or more of the following: a PDB (denoted as a first PDB) of the first data transmitted from the first sub-terminal device to the target terminal device; a PDB (denoted as a second PDB) of the first data transmitted from the first sub-terminal device to the core network device; a link signal quality of the first sub-terminal device to the head node; and a link signal quality of the first sub-terminal device to the target terminal device.

[0509] In some embodiments, the report sent by the core network device to the head node may, for example, include a PDB of the first data transmitted from the core network device to the head node.

[0510] In some embodiments, S1201 can be omitted (not performed).

[0511] S1202, the head node determines whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data to a target transmission mode.

[0512] In one implementation (denoted as implementation #21), the target transmission mode is a non-local transmission mode.

[0513] In another implementation (denoted as implementation #22), the target transmission mode is a local transmission mode.

[0514] For implementation #21, the head node can determine whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode (non-local transmission mode) according to one or more of the following d1) to d7).

[0515] d1) a PDB of the first data.

[0516] As an example, the PDB of the first data can comprise one or more of: a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal (first PDB); a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device (second PDB); a PDB of the first data from the core network device to the head node; a PDB of the first data from the head node to the target terminal.

[0517] In some embodiments, the first PDB and / or the second PDB can be sent by the first sub-terminal to the head node by reporting in S1201.

[0518] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can send the first PDB and / or the second PDB to the head node if the first PDB and / or the second PDB is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0519] In some embodiments, in the process of determining whether the first PDB and / or the second PDB is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the granularity of the determination (i.e. the granularity of the first data) can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; packet priority level granularity; RSRP level granularity.

[0520] In some embodiments, the determining process can be performed at SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC layer.

[0521] In some embodiments, the first threshold can be configured by the head node (e.g. by dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration), or pre-configured, or defined by protocol, or indicated by upper layer.

[0522] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the first threshold can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; packet priority level granularity; RSRP level granularity. In some embodiments, the first threshold can be configured uniformly, i.e. without granularity.

[0523] In some embodiments, the PDB of the first data from the core network device to the head node can be sent by the core network device to the head node by reporting in S1201.

[0524] d2) the link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the head node.

[0525] In some embodiments, the link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the head node can be sent by the first sub-terminal to the head node by reporting in S1201.

[0526] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can report the measurement result (i.e., the link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the head node) to the head node if a measurement reporting condition (e.g., periodic reporting or event-based reporting) is met. The measurement result can be a layer 1 or layer 3 measurement result. In some embodiments, the event can be configured by the head node. For example, the event can include that the measurement result is less than or equal to a second threshold value. That is, if the measurement result is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the first sub-terminal can report the measurement result to the head node.

[0527] In some embodiments, the second threshold value can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or preconfigured.

[0528] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the second threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the second threshold value can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0529] d3) link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal.

[0530] In some embodiments, the link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal can be sent by the first sub-terminal to the head node through reporting in S1201.

[0531] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can report the measurement result (i.e., the link signal quality from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal) to the head node if a measurement reporting condition (e.g., periodic reporting or event-based reporting) is met. The measurement result can be a layer 1 or layer 3 measurement result. In some embodiments, the event can be configured by the head node. For example, the event can include that the measurement result is less than or equal to a third threshold value. That is, if the measurement result is less than or equal to the third threshold value, the first sub-terminal can report the measurement result to the head node.

[0532] In some embodiments, the third threshold value can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or preconfigured.

[0533] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the third threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the third threshold value can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0534] d4) link signal quality from the head node to the target terminal.

[0535] In some embodiments, the link signal quality from the head node to the target terminal can be sent by the target terminal to the head node through reporting.

[0536] In some embodiments, the target terminal can report the measurement result (i.e. the link quality from the head node to the target terminal) to the head node if a measurement reporting condition (e.g. periodic reporting or event-based reporting) is met. The measurement result can be a layer 1 or layer 3 measurement result. In some embodiments, the event can be configured by the head node. For example, the event can include that the measurement result is less than or equal to a fourth threshold. That is, if the measurement result is less than or equal to the fourth threshold, the target terminal can report the measurement result to the head node.

[0537] In some embodiments, the fourth threshold can be configured by the head node (e.g. by dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0538] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the fourth threshold can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; traffic priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the fourth threshold can be configured uniformly, i.e. without granularity.

[0539] d5) whether the first sub-terminal and / or the target terminal has experienced RLF, HO, RRC connection re-establishment or BF.

[0540] For example, if the first sub-terminal and / or the target terminal has experienced RLF, HO, RRC connection re-establishment or BF, the head node can determine that it is necessary to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode (non-local transmission mode).

[0541] d6) the number of consecutive PDCP / RLC / HARQ negative feedbacks received by the head node from the first sub-terminal and / or the target terminal within a certain time duration.

[0542] For example, if the head node has received N consecutive PDCP / RLC / HARQ negative feedbacks from the first sub-terminal and / or the target terminal within a certain time duration, it can be determined that it is necessary to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode (non-local transmission mode).

[0543] d7) the local transmission load situation of the head node.

[0544] For example, if the local transmission load of the head node is large, it can be determined that it is necessary to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode (non-local transmission mode).

[0545] For implementation #22, the head node can determine whether it is necessary to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode (local transmission mode) according to one or more of the following e1) to e7).

[0546] e1) the PDB of the first data.

[0547] As an example, the PDB of the first data can comprise one or more of: a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal (first PDB); a PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device (second PDB); a PDB of the first data from the core network device to the head node; a PDB of the first data from the head node to the target terminal.

[0548] In some embodiments, the first PDB and / or the second PDB can be sent by the first sub-terminal to the head node by reporting in S1201.

[0549] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can send the first PDB and / or the second PDB to the head node if the first PDB and / or the second PDB is less than or equal to a fifth threshold.

[0550] In some embodiments, in the process of determining whether the first PDB and / or the second PDB is less than or equal to the fifth threshold, the granularity of the determination (i.e. the granularity of the first data) can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; packet priority level granularity; RSRP level granularity.

[0551] In some embodiments, the determination process can be performed at SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC layer.

[0552] In some embodiments, the fifth threshold can be configured by the head node (e.g. by dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration), or pre-configured, or defined by protocol, or indicated by upper layer.

[0553] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the fifth threshold can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; packet priority level granularity; RSRP level granularity. In some embodiments, the fifth threshold can be configured uniformly, i.e. without granularity.

[0554] e2) the link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the head node.

[0555] In some embodiments, the link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the head node can be sent by the first sub-terminal to the head node by reporting in S1201.

[0556] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can report the measurement result (i.e. the link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the head node) to the head node if a measurement reporting condition (e.g. periodic reporting or event-based reporting) is met. The measurement result can be a layer 1 or layer 3 measurement result. In some embodiments, the event can be configured by the head node. For example, the event can comprise: the measurement result is greater than or equal to a sixth threshold. That is, if the measurement result is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, the first sub-terminal can report the measurement result to the head node.

[0557] In some embodiments, the sixth threshold value can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0558] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the sixth threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; traffic priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the sixth threshold value can be configured uniformly, i.e., without granularity.

[0559] e3) Link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the target terminal.

[0560] In some embodiments, the link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the target terminal can be sent by the first sub-terminal to the head node through reporting in S1201.

[0561] In some embodiments, the first sub-terminal can report the measurement result (i.e., the link signal quality of the first sub-terminal to the target terminal) to the head node if a measurement reporting condition (e.g., periodic reporting or event-based reporting) is met, which can be a layer 1 or layer 3 measurement result. In some embodiments, the event can be configured by the head node. For example, the event can include that the measurement result is greater than or equal to a seventh threshold value. That is, if the measurement result is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold value, the first sub-terminal can report the measurement result to the head node.

[0562] In some embodiments, the seventh threshold value can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or pre-configured.

[0563] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the seventh threshold value can be one of: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; traffic priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the seventh threshold value can be configured uniformly, i.e., without granularity.

[0564] e4) Link signal quality of the head node to the target terminal.

[0565] In some embodiments, the link signal quality of the head node to the target terminal can be sent by the target terminal to the head node through reporting.

[0566] In some embodiments, the target terminal can report the measurement result (i.e., the link signal quality of the head node to the target terminal) to the head node if a measurement reporting condition (e.g., periodic reporting or event-based reporting) is met, which can be a layer 1 or layer 3 measurement result. In some embodiments, the event can be configured by the head node. For example, the event can include that the measurement result is greater than or equal to an eighth threshold value. That is, if the measurement result is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold value, the target terminal can report the measurement result to the head node.

[0567] In some embodiments, the eighth threshold value can be configured by the head node (e.g., through dedicated RRC signaling or SIB configuration) or preconfigured.

[0568] In some embodiments, the configuration granularity of the eighth threshold value can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; bearer granularity; RLC channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service priority level granularity. In some embodiments, the eighth threshold value can be uniformly configured, i.e., without granularity.

[0569] e5) The number of times that the head node receives consecutive PDCP / RLC / HARQ positive feedbacks from the first sub-terminal and / or the target terminal within a certain time length.

[0570] For example, if the head node receives N consecutive PDCP / RLC / HARQ positive feedbacks from the first sub-terminal and / or the target terminal within a certain time length, it can be determined that the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission mode (local transmission mode).

[0571] e6) The local transmission load situation of the head node.

[0572] For example, if the local transmission load of the head node is small, it can be determined that the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission mode (local transmission mode).

[0573] S1203, the head node sends second request / indication information to the core network device.

[0574] In the case where the head node determines that the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission mode, the core network device can be sent second request / indication information. The second request / indication information can be used to request / indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode.

[0575] In some embodiments, in the case where the head node determines that the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched to the non-local transmission mode, if there is a non-local path of the first data (i.e., a path for transmitting the first data from the head node to the core network device under the non-local transmission mode), after receiving the first data from the first sub-terminal, the head node can send the first data to the core network device through the non-local path. In this case, the head node can not need to send the second request / indication information to the core network device, i.e., S1203 does not need to be performed. Accordingly, if there is no non-local path of the first data, the head node needs to send the second request / indication information to the core network device.

[0576] S1204, the core network device sends third indication information and / or first configuration to the head node.

[0577] The third indication information can be used to instruct to switch the transmission manner of the first data to a target transmission manner. The first configuration can be used for the head node to transmit (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission manner.

[0578] For example, for implementation #21, the first configuration can be used to configure a non-local path for the first data, so that the head node can transmit (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the non-local transmission manner based on the first configuration.

[0579] For example, for implementation #22, the first configuration can be used to configure a local path for the first data, so that the head node can transmit (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the local transmission manner based on the first configuration.

[0580] S1205, the head node sends fourth indication information and / or second configuration to the first sub-terminal.

[0581] In this step, the head node can send the fourth indication information and / or the second configuration (reconfiguration information) to the first sub-terminal.

[0582] The fourth indication information can be used to instruct to switch the transmission manner of the first data to a target transmission manner. The second configuration can be used for the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data using the target transmission manner.

[0583] As an example, the fourth indication information can be sent through RRC signaling, MAC CE or DCI signaling, and the second configuration can be sent through RRC signaling.

[0584] In some embodiments, the head node can determine the second configuration based on the first configuration, or, in the case that the core network device does not send the first configuration, the head node can determine the second configuration by itself.

[0585] In some embodiments, the second configuration can configure (or reconfigure) one or more of the following for the transmission of the first data:

[0586] bearer configuration (reconfiguration);

[0587] RLC channel configuration (reconfiguration);

[0588] logical channel configuration (reconfiguration);

[0589] CG resource configuration (reconfiguration);

[0590] security configuration (reconfiguration) (such as configuration / reconfiguration of keys).

[0591] S1206, the first sub-terminal transmits the first data using the target transmission manner.

[0592] In this step, the first sub-terminal can send the first data using the target transmission mode based on the second configuration.

[0593] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the above steps S1203 and S1204 can be omitted (not performed). That is, the head node can not need to send the second request / indication information to the core network device in the case of determining that the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission mode. Correspondingly, the core network device can not need to send the third indication information and / or the first configuration to the head node.

[0594] In some embodiments, the head node can pre-configure the configuration (denoted as the third configuration) for the terminal device to send the first data in the local transmission mode, and the configuration (denoted as the fourth configuration) for the terminal device to send the first data in the non-local transmission mode. In this way, the head node can indicate the information of the first data (i.e., the data that needs to be switched) to the first sub-terminal through the MAC CE or the DCI information in the case of determining that the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission mode. For example, the ID (such as the QoS flow ID / bearer ID / logical channel (LCH) ID / connection ID, etc.) corresponding to the first data can be indicated. In this way, the first sub-terminal can send the first data using the configuration corresponding to another transmission mode (i.e., the target transmission mode) after receiving the indication.

[0595] According to the method of the present embodiment, since the local transmission is data forwarding by the head node, the head node as an intermediate node can know the conditions of the two links (the link between the first sub-terminal and the head node, and the link between the head node and the target terminal), has better control over the AS configuration / resource, and thus it is beneficial to guarantee the stability of the overall communication system to determine whether to switch the transmission mode of the data by the head node.

[0596] FIG. 13 is another possible implementation flow diagram of the data transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 13, the implementation flow can include the following steps:

[0597] S1301, the first sub-terminal and / or the head node sends a report to the core network device.

[0598] In some embodiments, the report sent by the first sub-terminal to the core network device can include one or more of the following: the PDB (denoted as the first PDB) of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal; and the PDB (denoted as the second PDB) of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device.

[0599] In some embodiments, the report sent by the head node to the core network device can include the PDB of the first data from the head node to the target terminal.

[0600] In some embodiments, S1301 can be omitted (not performed).

[0601] S1302, the core network device determines whether the transmission manner of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission manner.

[0602] In one implementation manner (denoted as implementation manner #31), the target transmission manner is a non-local transmission manner.

[0603] In another implementation manner (denoted as implementation manner #32), the target transmission manner is a local transmission manner.

[0604] In some embodiments, the head node can determine whether the transmission manner of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission manner according to one or more of the following f1) to f3).

[0605] f1) PDB of the first data.

[0606] As an example, the PDB of the first data can include one or more of the following: PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the target terminal (first PDB); PDB of the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device (second PDB); PDB of the first data from the core network device to the head node; PDB of the first data from the head node to the target terminal.

[0607] In some embodiments, the first PDB and / or the second PDB can be sent by the first sub-terminal to the core network device by reporting in S1301.

[0608] In some embodiments, for implementation manner #31, the first sub-terminal can send the first PDB and / or the second PDB to the head node in a case that the first PDB and / or the second PDB is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0609] In some embodiments, for implementation manner #32, the first sub-terminal can send the first PDB and / or the second PDB to the head node in a case that the first PDB and / or the second PDB is less than or equal to a second threshold.

[0610] In some embodiments, in the process of determining whether the first PDB and / or the second PDB is greater than or equal to the first threshold, and / or in the process of determining whether the first PDB and / or the second PDB is less than or equal to the second threshold, the granularity of the determination (i.e. the granularity of the first data) can be one of the following: QoS flow granularity; packet granularity; PDU session granularity.

[0611] In some embodiments, the PDB of the first data from the head node to the target terminal can be sent by the head node to the core network device by reporting in S1301.

[0612] f2) whether the first sub-terminal and / or the target terminal has HO.

[0613] For example, if the first sub-terminal and / or the target terminal has HO, the core network device can determine that it is needed to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the non-local transmission mode.

[0614] f3) the load status of the core network device.

[0615] For example, if the load of the core network device is large, it can be determined that it is needed to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the local transmission mode.

[0616] For example, if the load of the core network device is small, it can be determined that it is needed to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the non-local transmission mode.

[0617] S1303, the core network device sends first indication information and / or first configuration to the head node.

[0618] The first indication information can be used to indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode. The first configuration can be used for the head node to send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission mode.

[0619] For example, in the case where the core network device determines that it is needed to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the non-local transmission mode, the first configuration can be used to configure a non-local path of the first data, so that the head node can send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the non-local transmission mode based on the first configuration.

[0620] For example, in the case where the core network device determines that it is needed to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the local transmission mode, the first configuration can be used to configure a local path of the first data, so that the head node can send (forward) the first data from the first sub-terminal using the local transmission mode based on the first configuration.

[0621] S1304, the head node sends second indication information and / or second configuration to the first sub-terminal.

[0622] In this step, the head node can send the second indication information and / or the second configuration (reconfiguration information) to the first sub-terminal.

[0623] The second indication information can be used to indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode. The second configuration can be used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission mode. The second configuration can be determined based on the first configuration, or can be determined by the head node itself.

[0624] As an example, the second indication information can be sent through RRC signaling, MAC CE or DCI signaling, for example; and the second configuration can be sent through RRC signaling, for example.

[0625] In some embodiments, the second configuration can configure (or reconfigure) one or more of the following for the transmission of the first data:

[0626] bearer configuration (reconfiguration);

[0627] RLC channel configuration (reconfiguration);

[0628] logical channel configuration (reconfiguration);

[0629] CG resource configuration (reconfiguration);

[0630] security configuration (reconfiguration) (such as configuration / reconfiguration of keys).

[0631] S1305, the first sub-terminal transmits the first data using the target transmission mode.

[0632] In this step, the first sub-terminal can transmit the first data using the target transmission mode based on the second configuration.

[0633] In some embodiments, the head node can be pre-configured by the core network device with a configuration (denoted as a third configuration) for the terminal device to transmit the first data in the local transmission mode, and a configuration (denoted as a fourth configuration) for the terminal device to transmit the first data in the non-local transmission mode. In this way, when the core network device determines that the transmission mode of the first data needs to be switched to the target transmission mode, it can indicate the information of the first data (i.e., the data that needs to be switched) to the head node, which in turn indicates the information of the first data to the first sub-terminal through MAC CE or DCI information. For example, the ID (such as QoS flow ID / bearer ID / LCH ID / connection ID, etc.) corresponding to the first data can be indicated. In this way, after receiving the indication, the first sub-terminal can transmit the first data using the configuration corresponding to the other transmission mode (i.e., the target transmission mode).

[0634] According to the method of the present embodiment, since the data does not pass through the core network, there are some concerns about whether the data is safe, traffic billing, etc. Therefore, determining whether to switch the transmission mode of the data by the core network device can solve the above concerns to some extent.

[0635] Currently, the support for local services needs the participation of the core network, that is, routing and forwarding need to be performed at the UPF level, which cannot meet the requirements of 6G for lower latency, large-scale connection, and flexible deployment. To this end, the embodiments of the present application consider local service processing based on a Radio Access Network (RAN) node (base station). Further, in the case of considering that the RAN node participates in local service processing, the embodiments of the present application give a scheme for switching the data transmission mode, so as to flexibly control the transmission latency of the first data.

[0636] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device (such as the first child terminal), the header node (such as the base station), and the core network device are respectively considered as the triggering party of the data transmission mode switching, and the triggering condition and the corresponding signaling interaction process under each triggering mode are considered. Among them, the scheme triggered by the terminal device further enhances the decision-making position of the terminal device in the network and improves the flexibility of the terminal device; the scheme triggered by the header node can adjust the transmission scheme in time according to the AS status in the network, so that the service can be processed differently under different conditions to achieve the best performance; the scheme triggered by the core network device can enhance the control of the core network over the service.

[0637] It should be noted that in some scenarios, the above method can be implemented on the header node based on the networking concept of a subnet. In this case, all child terminal devices (child UEs) associated with the header node can constitute a local service group. That is, the above header node can be a header node in a certain subnet, in which case the above first child terminal and target terminal (second child terminal) can be two child terminal devices associated with the header node, wherein the header node, the first child terminal and the target terminal belong to the same subnet, and the first child terminal and the target terminal can constitute a local service group.

[0638] In some scenarios, the above method can also be implemented without being based on the networking concept of a subnet, but applied on a general base station (gNB), or in other words, the above header node can be a general base station. In this case, the pairing relationship / group relationship (such as the group relationship of a local service group) can be maintained by the network.

[0639] The preferred embodiments of the present application are described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the present application is not limited to the specific details of the above-described embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present application, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present application, and these simple modifications all belong to the protection scope of the present application. For example, in the above-described specific embodiments, various specific technical features described in the embodiments can be combined in any appropriate manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, various possible combination manners are not described again in the present application. For another example, various different embodiments of the present application can also be combined in any manner, as long as it does not deviate from the idea of the present application, and it should also be considered as disclosed in the present application. For another example, under the premise of no conflict, each embodiment described in the present application and / or technical features in each embodiment can be combined with any prior art, and the technical solutions obtained after combination should also fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0640] It should also be understood that, in various method embodiments of the present application, the magnitude of the sequence number of the above-described processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terms "downlink", "uplink" and "sidelink" are used to represent the transmission direction of signals or data, wherein "downlink" is used to represent the first direction of the transmission direction of signals or data from the station to the user equipment of the cell, "uplink" is used to represent the second direction of the transmission direction of signals or data from the user equipment of the cell to the station, and "sidelink" is used to represent the third direction of the transmission direction of signals or data from the user equipment 1 to the user equipment 2. For example, "downlink signal" represents that the transmission direction of the signal is the first direction. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" is only used to describe the association relationship of the associated objects, and means that there can be three relationships. Specifically, A and / or B can represent three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. In addition, the character " / " in this paper generally represents that the front and rear associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0641] Based on the foregoing embodiments, the embodiments of the present application provide corresponding data transmission apparatuses.

[0642] FIG. 14 is a structural composition schematic diagram one of a data transmission apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application, applied to a first sub-terminal, as shown in FIG. 14, the data transmission apparatus 1400 (hereinafter referred to as apparatus 1400) includes:

[0643] The first communication unit 1401 is configured to send first information to the head node, the first information being used to request or indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the apparatus 1400 and received by the second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0644] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node and the core network device.

[0645] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 1401 is further configured to send the first information to the head node in a case where a first condition is met, the first condition including one or more of the following: an upper layer of the apparatus 1400 indicating that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode; a packet delay budget (PDB) of the first data being greater than or equal to a first threshold; a link signal quality between the apparatus 1400 and the head node being less than or equal to a second threshold; a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal being less than or equal to a third threshold; a link signal quality between the apparatus 1400 and the second sub-terminal being less than or equal to a fourth threshold; a first number of negative feedbacks being continuously received from the head node and / or the second sub-terminal within a first time length, and the first number being greater than or equal to a fifth threshold; a first event occurring in the apparatus 1400; a first event occurring in the second sub-terminal; wherein the first event includes one of the following: a radio link failure (RLF), a handover (HO), a radio resource control (RRC) connection reestablishment, and a beam failure (BF).

[0646] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

[0647] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 1401 is further configured to send the first information to the head node in a case where a second condition is met, the second condition including one or more of the following: an upper layer of the apparatus 1400 indicating that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode; a PDB of the first data being less than or equal to a sixth threshold; a link signal quality between the apparatus 1400 and the head node being greater than or equal to a seventh threshold; a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal being greater than or equal to an eighth threshold; a link signal quality between the apparatus 1400 and the second sub-terminal being greater than or equal to a ninth threshold; a first number of positive feedbacks being continuously received from the head node and / or the apparatus 1400 within a first time length, and the first number being greater than or equal to a tenth threshold.

[0648] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 1401 is further configured to receive, before the sending of the first information to the head node, second information from the head node, the second information being used to indicate a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal.

[0649] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 1401 is further configured to receive third information from the head node, the third information being used to indicate a switching of a transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0650] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 1401 is further configured to receive a first configuration from the head node, the first configuration being used for the apparatus 1400 to send the first data using the target transmission mode.

[0651] In some embodiments, the first configuration comprises one or more of the following: a bearer configuration; a radio link control channel configuration; a logical channel configuration; a configured grant resource configuration; a security configuration.

[0652] In some embodiments, the first information comprises one or more of the following: information of the first data; a reason for the switching; a link signal quality between the apparatus 1400 and the head node; a link signal quality between the apparatus 1400 and the second sub-terminal.

[0653] In some embodiments, the first information is the first data, a configuration used by the apparatus 1400 when sending the first data, and / or packet header information of the first data, which is used to request or indicate a switching of a transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0654] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 1401 is further configured to receive, before the sending of the first information to the head node, second information from the head node, the second information being used to indicate a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal.

[0655] In some embodiments, the granularity of the first data is one of the following: a service flow granularity; a quality of service flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a data packet granularity; a radio link control channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a service type granularity; a service granularity; a protocol data unit session granularity; a connection granularity.

[0656] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a head node, as shown in FIG. 1500, the data transmission apparatus 1500 (hereinafter referred to as apparatus 1500) comprises:

[0657] The second communication unit 1501 is configured to receive first information from the first sub-terminal, the first information being used to request or indicate to switch a transmission mode of first data to a target transmission mode, the first data being transmitted by the first sub-terminal and received by the second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is transmitted to the second sub-terminal by the apparatus 1500.

[0658] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode, the first data is transmitted to the second sub-terminal by the apparatus 1500 and the core network device.

[0659] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

[0660] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 1501 is further configured to, before the receiving the first information from the first sub-terminal, transmit second information to the first sub-terminal, the second information being used to indicate a link signal quality between the apparatus 1500 and the second sub-terminal.

[0661] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 1501 is further configured to transmit fourth information to the core network device, the fourth information being used to request or indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0662] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 1501 is further configured to receive fifth information and / or fourth configuration from the core network device; the fifth information being used to indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode; and the fourth configuration being used for the apparatus 1500 to transmit the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission mode.

[0663] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 1501 is further configured to transmit first configuration to the first sub-terminal, the first configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data using the target transmission mode, and the first configuration being related to the fourth configuration.

[0664] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 1501 is further configured to transmit first configuration to the first sub-terminal, the first configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data using the target transmission mode.

[0665] In some embodiments, the first configuration comprises one or more of: a bearer configuration; a radio link control channel configuration; a logical channel configuration; a configured grant resource configuration; a security configuration.

[0666] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 1501 is further configured to send third information to the first sub-terminal, the third information being used to indicate switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0667] In some embodiments, the first information comprises one or more of: information of the first data; a reason for switching; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the apparatus 1500; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0668] In some embodiments, the first information is the first data, a configuration used by the first sub-terminal when sending the first data, and / or packet header information of the first data, which is used to request or indicate switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0669] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 1501 is further configured to, before receiving the first information from the first sub-terminal, send a second configuration and a third configuration to the first sub-terminal; the second configuration is used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission mode; the third configuration is used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission mode.

[0670] In some embodiments, the first information is the first data, and the second communication unit 1501 is further configured to send the first data to the core network device.

[0671] In some embodiments, the granularity of the first data is one of: a service flow granularity; a quality of service flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a data packet granularity; a radio link control channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a service type granularity; a service granularity; a protocol data unit session granularity; a connection granularity.

[0672] FIG. 16 is a structural composition schematic diagram of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a head node. As shown in FIG. 16, the data transmission apparatus 1600 (hereinafter referred to as apparatus 1600) comprises:

[0673] The third communication unit 1601 is configured to send first information to the first sub-terminal, the first information being used to indicate that the transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by the second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode, and the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal by the device 1600 in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode.

[0674] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal by the device 1600 and the core network equipment in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode.

[0675] In some embodiments, the device 1600 further includes a processing unit configured to determine whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode according to one or more of the following before the first information is sent to the first sub-terminal: a packet delay budget (PDB) of the first data; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the device 1600; a link signal quality between the device 1600 and the second sub-terminal; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal; a number of consecutive negative feedbacks received from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within a first time period; a load condition of the device 1600; whether a first event occurs in the first sub-terminal; and whether a first event occurs in the second sub-terminal; and wherein the first event includes one of the following: a radio link failure (RLF), a handover (HO), a radio resource control (RRC) connection reestablishment, and a beam failure (BF).

[0676] In some embodiments, the third communication unit 1601 is further configured to send the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network equipment.

[0677] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

[0678] In some embodiments, the device 1600 further includes a processing unit configured to determine whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode according to one or more of the following before the first information is sent to the first sub-terminal: a PDB of the first data; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the device 1600; a link signal quality between the device 1600 and the second sub-terminal; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal; a number of consecutive positive feedbacks received from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within a first time period; and a load condition of the device 1600.

[0679] In some embodiments, the third communication unit 1601 is further configured to, before the sending of the first information to the first sub-terminal, receive one or more of the following information: a PDB of the first data; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the apparatus 1600; a link signal quality between the apparatus 1600 and the second sub-terminal; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

[0680] In some embodiments, the third communication unit 1601 is further configured to, before the sending of the first information to the first sub-terminal, send second information to a core network device, the second information being used to request or indicate switching a transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

[0681] In some embodiments, the third communication unit 1601 is further configured to receive third information and / or a first configuration from the core network device, the third information being used to indicate switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode, and the first configuration being used for the apparatus 1600 to send the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission mode.

[0682] In some embodiments, the third communication unit 1601 is further configured to send a second configuration to the first sub-terminal, the second configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission mode, and the second configuration being related to the first configuration.

[0683] In some embodiments, the third communication unit 1601 is further configured to send a second configuration to the first sub-terminal, the second configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission mode.

[0684] In some embodiments, the second configuration comprises one or more of the following: a bearer configuration; a radio link control channel configuration; a logical channel configuration; a configured grant resource configuration; a security configuration.

[0685] In some embodiments, the third communication unit 1601 is further configured to, before the sending of the first information to the first sub-terminal, send a third configuration and a fourth configuration to the first sub-terminal, the third configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission mode, and the fourth configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission mode.

[0686] In some embodiments, the first information comprises information of the first data.

[0687] In some embodiments, the third communication unit 1601 is further configured to receive the first data from the first sub-terminal, and the transmission mode of the first data is the target transmission mode.

[0688] In some embodiments, the granularity of the first data is one of: service flow granularity; quality of service flow granularity; bearer granularity; packet granularity; radio link control channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service type granularity; service granularity; protocol data unit session granularity; and connection granularity.

[0689] FIG. 17 is a structural composition diagram of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a first sub-terminal. As shown in FIG. 17, the data transmission apparatus 1700 (hereinafter referred to as apparatus 1700) comprises:

[0690] The fourth communication unit 1701 is configured to receive first information from a head node, the first information being used to indicate that the transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the apparatus 1700 and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in the case that the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0691] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and in the case that the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node and a core network device.

[0692] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

[0693] In some embodiments, the fourth communication unit 1701 is further configured to, before receiving the first information from the head node, send a packet delay budget (PDB) of the first data to the head node; or, in the case that a first condition is met, send the PDB of the first data to the head node.

[0694] In some embodiments, the fourth communication unit 1701 is further configured to, before receiving the first information from the head node, send a measurement result to the head node; or, in the case that a second condition is met, send the measurement result to the head node; wherein the measurement result comprises: a link signal quality between the apparatus 1700 and the head node, and / or a link signal quality between the apparatus 1700 and the second sub-terminal.

[0695] In some embodiments, the fourth communication unit 1701 is further configured to receive a second configuration from the head node, the second configuration being used by the apparatus 1700 to transmit the first data using the target transmission mode.

[0696] In some embodiments, the second configuration comprises one or more of: a bearer configuration; a radio link control channel configuration; a logical channel configuration; a configured grant resource configuration; a security configuration.

[0697] In some embodiments, the fourth communication unit 1701 is further configured to, before the receiving the first information from the head node, receive a third configuration and a fourth configuration from the head node, the third configuration being used by the apparatus 1700 to transmit the first data using the first transmission mode, and the fourth configuration being used by the apparatus 1700 to transmit the first data using the second transmission mode.

[0698] In some embodiments, the first information comprises information of the first data.

[0699] In some embodiments, the fourth communication unit 1701 is further configured to transmit the first data to the head node using the target transmission mode.

[0700] In some embodiments, the granularity of the first data is one of: a service flow granularity; a quality of service flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a packet granularity; a radio link control channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a service type granularity; a service granularity; a protocol data unit session granularity; a connection granularity.

[0701] FIG. 18 is a structural component diagram of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a core network device. As shown in FIG. 18, the data transmission apparatus 1800 (hereinafter referred to as apparatus 1800) comprises:

[0702] The fifth communication unit 1801 is configured to transmit first information to a head node, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being transmitted by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is transmitted to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

[0703] In some embodiments, the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode, the first data is transmitted to the second sub-terminal through the head node and the apparatus 1800.

[0704] In some embodiments, the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner.

[0705] In some embodiments, the apparatus 1800 further includes a processing unit configured to determine whether to switch the transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner according to one or more of the following before sending the first information to the head node: a packet delay budget (PDB) of the first data; whether the first sub-terminal is switched; whether the second sub-terminal is switched; and a load condition of the apparatus 1800.

[0706] In some embodiments, the fifth communication unit 1801 is further configured to receive the PDB of the first data before sending the first information to the head node.

[0707] In some embodiments, the fifth communication unit 1801 is further configured to send a first configuration to the head node, where the first configuration is used by the head node to send the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission manner.

[0708] In some embodiments, the first information includes information of the first data.

[0709] In some embodiments, the granularity of the first data is one of the following: service flow granularity; quality of service flow granularity; bearer granularity; data packet granularity; radio link control channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service type granularity; service granularity; protocol data unit session granularity; and connection granularity.

[0710] FIG. 19 is a structural composition diagram of a data transmission apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a head node. As shown in FIG. 19, a data transmission apparatus 1900 (hereinafter referred to as apparatus 1900) includes:

[0711] A sixth communication unit 1901 configured to receive first information from a core network device, where the first information is used to indicate that the transmission manner of first data is switched to a target transmission manner, the first data is sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and the target transmission manner is a first transmission manner or a second transmission manner, and in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the first transmission manner, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal by the apparatus.

[0712] In some embodiments, the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner, and in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the second transmission manner, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal by the apparatus 1900 and the core network device.

[0713] In some embodiments, the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner.

[0714] In some embodiments, the sixth communication unit 1901 is further configured to, before the receiving the first information from the core network device, send, to the core network device, a PDB of the first data.

[0715] In some embodiments, the sixth communication unit 1901 is further configured to receive a first configuration from the core network device, the first configuration being used by the apparatus 1900 to send the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission manner.

[0716] In some embodiments, the sixth communication unit 1901 is further configured to send, to the first sub-terminal, a second configuration, the second configuration being used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission manner, the second configuration being related to the first configuration.

[0717] In some embodiments, the sixth communication unit 1901 is further configured to send, to the first sub-terminal, a second configuration, the second configuration being used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission manner.

[0718] In some embodiments, the second configuration comprises one or more of: a bearer configuration; a radio link control channel configuration; a logical channel configuration; a configured grant resource configuration; a security configuration.

[0719] In some embodiments, the sixth communication unit 1901 is further configured to, before the receiving the first information from the core network device, send, to the first sub-terminal, a third configuration and a fourth configuration; the third configuration being used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission manner; the fourth configuration being used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission manner.

[0720] In some embodiments, the sixth communication unit 1901 is further configured to send, to the first sub-terminal, second information, the second information being used to indicate to switch a transmission manner of the first data to the target transmission manner.

[0721] In some embodiments, the second information comprises information of the first data.

[0722] In some embodiments, the first information comprises information of the first data.

[0723] In some embodiments, a granularity of the first data is one of: a service flow granularity; a quality of service flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a data packet granularity; a radio link control channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a service type granularity; a service granularity; a protocol data unit session granularity; a connection granularity.

[0724] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above description of the data transmission apparatus of the embodiments of the present application can be understood with reference to the description of the data transmission method of the embodiments of the present application.

[0725] FIG. 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a first sub-terminal, or can also be a head node, or can also be a core network device. The communication device 2000 shown in FIG. 20 includes a processor 2010, which can invoke and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiments of the present application.

[0726] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 20, the communication device 2000 can further include a memory 2020. The processor 2010 can invoke and run a computer program from the memory 2020 to implement the method in the embodiments of the present application.

[0727] The memory 2020 can be a separate device independent of the processor 2010, or can be integrated in the processor 2010.

[0728] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 20, the communication device 2000 can further include a transceiver 2030, and the processor 2010 can control the transceiver 2030 to communicate with other devices, specifically, to send information or data to other devices, or to receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0729] The transceiver 2030 can include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 2030 can further include an antenna, and the number of antennas can be one or more.

[0730] Optionally, the communication device 2000 can be specifically a first sub-terminal of the embodiments of the present application, and the communication device 2000 can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first sub-terminal in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application, which will not be described herein for the sake of brevity.

[0731] Optionally, the communication device 2000 can be specifically a head node of the embodiments of the present application, and the communication device 2000 can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the head node in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application, which will not be described herein for the sake of brevity.

[0732] Optionally, the communication device 2000 can be specifically a core network device of the embodiments of the present application, and the communication device 2000 can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the core network device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application, which will not be described herein for the sake of brevity.

[0733] FIG. 21 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 2100 shown in FIG. 21 includes a processor 2110, which can invoke and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0734] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 21, the chip 2100 can further include a memory 2120. The processor 2110 can invoke and run a computer program from the memory 2120 to implement the method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0735] The memory 2120 can be a separate device independent of the processor 2110, or can be integrated in the processor 2110.

[0736] Optionally, the chip 2100 can further include an input interface 2130. The processor 2110 can control the input interface 2130 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, can acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0737] Optionally, the chip 2100 can further include an output interface 2140. The processor 2110 can control the output interface 2140 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, can output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0738] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the first sub-terminal according to an embodiment of the present application, and can implement the corresponding procedures implemented by the first sub-terminal in the methods according to embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0739] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the head node according to an embodiment of the present application, and can implement the corresponding procedures implemented by the head node in the methods according to embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not described herein.

[0740] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a system chip, a system-on-chip, a chip system or a system-on-chip, etc.

[0741] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer storage medium storing one or more programs, which can be executed by one or more processors to implement the methods according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0742] FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 2200 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 22, the communication system 2200 includes a first sub-terminal 2210, a head node 2220 and a core network device 2230.

[0743] The first sub-terminal 2210 can be configured to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the first sub-terminal in the above method, the head node 2220 can be configured to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the head node in the above method, and the core network device 2230 can be configured to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the core network device in the above method. For brevity, details are not repeated here.

[0744] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits or instructions in the form of software in the processor. The processor described above can be a general processor, a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), a field programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component. The disclosed methods, steps and logic block diagrams in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware code processor execution, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the code processor. The software module can be located in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0745] It is to be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Among them, the nonvolatile memory can be a read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), a programmable read-only memory (Programmable ROM, PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (Erasable PROM, EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (Electrically EPROM, EEPROM) or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM) used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (Static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (Dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (Synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (Double Data Rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (Enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (Synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM) and direct memory bus random access memory (Direct Rambus RAM, DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the system and method described herein is intended to include, but not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0746] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memory is exemplary but not limiting, for example, the memory in the embodiments of the present application can also be static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (synch link DRAM, SLDRAM) and direct memory bus random access memory (Direct Rambus RAM, DR RAM) and the like. That is, the memory in the embodiments of the present application is intended to include, but not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0747] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer readable storage medium for storing the computer program.

[0748] Optionally, the computer readable storage medium can be applied to the first sub-terminal in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program makes the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the first sub-terminal in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0749] Optionally, the computer readable storage medium can be applied to the head node in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program makes the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the head node in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0750] Optionally, the computer readable storage medium can be applied to the core network device in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program makes the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the core network device in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0751] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product comprising computer program instructions.

[0752] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the first sub-terminal in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program instructions make the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the first sub-terminal in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0753] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the head node in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program instructions make the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the head node in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0754] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the core network device in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program instructions make the computer execute the corresponding process realized by the core network device in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0755] The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program.

[0756] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the first sub-terminal in the embodiment of the present application, and when the computer program runs on the computer, the computer executes the corresponding process realized by the first sub-terminal in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0757] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the head node in the embodiments of the present application, and when the computer program runs on the computer, the computer is caused to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the head node in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not repeated here.

[0758] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the core network device in the embodiments of the present application, and when the computer program runs on the computer, the computer is caused to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the core network device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For brevity, details are not repeated here.

[0759] Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solutions. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0760] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and details are not repeated here.

[0761] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be realized by other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0762] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, i.e., can be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Part or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of the present application according to actual needs.

[0763] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0764] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application or the parts of the technical solutions that essentially contribute to the prior art or the parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0765] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A data transmission method applied to a first sub-terminal, the method comprising: sending first information to a head node, the first information being used to request or indicate switching a transmission mode of first data to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; and wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein: the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node and a core network device. The sending of the first information to the head node comprises: in a case where a first condition is met, sending the first information to the head node, the first condition comprising one or more of the following: an upper layer of the first sub-terminal indicating switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode; a packet delay budget (PDB) of the first data being greater than or equal to a first threshold; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node being less than or equal to a second threshold; a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal being less than or equal to a third threshold; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal being less than or equal to a fourth threshold; a first quantity of negative feedbacks being continuously received from the head node and / or the second sub-terminal within a first time length, and the first quantity being greater than or equal to a fifth threshold; a first event occurring in the first sub-terminal; and a first event occurring in the second sub-terminal. The first event comprises one of the following: a radio link failure (RLF), a handover (HO), a radio resource control (RRC) connection reestablishment, and a beam failure (BF). 4.The method of claim 1, wherein: the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The sending of the first information to the head node comprises: in a case where a second condition is met, sending the first information to the head node, the second condition comprising one or more of the following: an upper layer of the first sub-terminal indicating switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode; a PDB of the first data being less than or equal to a sixth threshold; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node being greater than or equal to a seventh threshold; a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal being greater than or equal to an eighth threshold; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal being greater than or equal to a ninth threshold; and a first quantity of positive feedbacks being continuously received from the head node and / or the first sub-terminal within a first time length, and the first quantity being greater than or equal to a tenth threshold. Before the sending of the first information to the head node, the method further comprises: receiving second information from the head node, the second information being used to indicate a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5. The method of claim 4, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, ​ ​ 7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The method further includes: receiving third information from the head node, the third information being used to indicate switching a transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The method further includes: receiving first configuration from the head node, the first configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission mode.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first configuration comprises one or more of: bearer configuration; radio link control channel configuration; logical channel configuration; configured grant resource configuration; security configuration.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first information comprises one or more of: information of the first data; reason for switching; link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node; link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first information is the first data, configuration used by the first sub-terminal when sending the first data, and / or packet header information of the first data, used to request or indicate switching a transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, Before the sending the first information to the head node, the method further includes: receiving second configuration and third configuration from the head node; the second configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission mode; the third configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission mode.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a granularity of the first data is one of: service flow granularity; quality of service flow granularity; bearer granularity; data packet granularity; radio link control channel granularity; logical channel granularity; service type granularity; service granularity; protocol data unit session granularity; connection granularity.

14. A data transmission method applied to a head node, the method comprising: receiving first information from a first sub-terminal, the first information being used to request or indicate switching a transmission mode of first data to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, in a case that the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, in a case that the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node and a core network device.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, Before the receiving the first information from the first sub-terminal, the method further includes: sending second information to the first sub-terminal, the second information being used to indicate a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal.

18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein, The method further comprises: sending fourth information to a core network device, the fourth information being used to request or indicate switching a transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving fifth information and / or fourth configuration from the core network device; The fifth information is used to indicate switching the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode; and the fourth configuration is used for the head node to send the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission mode.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The method further comprises: sending first configuration to the first sub-terminal, the first configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission mode, the first configuration being related to the fourth configuration.

21. The method of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein, The method further comprises: sending first configuration to the first sub-terminal, the first configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission mode.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein The first configuration comprises one or more of: a bearer configuration; a radio link control channel configuration; a logical channel configuration; a configured grant resource configuration; a security configuration.

23. The method of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein, The method further comprises: sending third information to the first sub-terminal, the third information being used to indicate switching a transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

24. The method of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein The first information comprises one or more of: information of the first data; a reason for switching; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

25. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein The first information is the first data, a configuration used by the first sub-terminal when sending the first data, and / or a packet header information of the first data, used to request or indicate switching a transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The method further comprises, before the receiving the first information from the first sub-terminal: sending second configuration and third configuration to the first sub-terminal; The second configuration is used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission mode; The third configuration is used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission mode.

27. The method of claim 15, wherein, The first information is the first data, the method further comprises: sending the first data to the core network device.

28. The method of any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein The granularity of the first data is one of: a service flow granularity; a quality of service flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a data packet granularity; a radio link control channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a service type granularity; a service granularity; a protocol data unit session granularity; a connection granularity.

29. A data transmission method applied to a head node, the method comprising: sending first information to the first sub-terminal, the first information being used to indicate to switch a transmission mode of first data to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by the second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein, the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node and the core network device.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein, Before the sending of the first information to the first sub-terminal, the method further comprises: determining whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode according to one or more of the following: a packet delay budget (PDB) of the first data; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node; a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal; a number of consecutive negative feedbacks received from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within a first time duration; a load condition of the head node; whether a first event occurs at the first sub-terminal; whether a first event occurs at the second sub-terminal; wherein the first event comprises one of the following: a radio link failure (RLF), a handover (HO), a radio resource control (RRC) connection reestablishment, and a beam failure (BF).

32. The method of claim 30 or 31, wherein, The method further comprises: sending the first data from the first sub-terminal to the core network device.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein, the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein, Before the sending of the first information to the first sub-terminal, the method further comprises: determining whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode according to one or more of the following: a PDB of the first data; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node; a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal; a number of consecutive positive feedbacks received from the first sub-terminal and / or the second sub-terminal within a first time duration; a load condition of the head node.

35. The method of any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein, Before the sending of the first information to the first sub-terminal, the method further comprises: receiving one or more of the following information: a PDB of the first data; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node; a link signal quality between the head node and the second sub-terminal; a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

36. The method of any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein, Before the sending of the first information to the first sub-terminal, the method further comprises: sending second information to a core network device, the second information being used to request or indicate to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving third information and / or a first configuration from the core network device; the third information is used to indicate to switch a transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode; and the first configuration is used for the head node to transmit the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission mode.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a second configuration to the first sub-terminal, the second configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data using the target transmission mode, and the second configuration being related to the first configuration.

39. The method of claims 29-37, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a second configuration to the first sub-terminal, the second configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data using the target transmission mode.

40. The method of claim 38 or 39, wherein, the second configuration comprises one or more of: a bearer configuration; a radio link control channel configuration; a logical channel configuration; a configured grant resource configuration; a security configuration.

41. The method of any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein, Before the sending the first information to the first sub-terminal, the method further comprises: sending a third configuration and a fourth configuration to the first sub-terminal; the third configuration is used for the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data using the first transmission mode; the fourth configuration is used for the first sub-terminal to transmit the first data using the second transmission mode.

42. The method of any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein, the first information comprises information of the first data.

43. The method of any one of claims 29 to 42, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving the first data from the first sub-terminal, the transmission mode of the first data being the target transmission mode.

44. The method of any one of claims 29 to 43, wherein, a granularity of the first data is one of: a service flow granularity; a quality of service flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a packet granularity; a radio link control channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a service type granularity; a service granularity; a protocol data unit session granularity; a connection granularity.

45. A data transmission method applied to a first sub-terminal, the method comprising: receiving first information from a head node, the first information being used to indicate to switch a transmission mode of first data to a target transmission mode, the first data being transmitted by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case that the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is transmitted to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein, the target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and in a case that the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode, the first data is transmitted to the second sub-terminal through the head node and a core network device.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein, the target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

48. The method of any one of claims 45-47, wherein, Before the receiving the first information from the head node, the method further comprises: sending a packet delay budget (PDB) of the first data to the head node; or In a case where a first condition is met, a PDB of the first data is sent to the head node.

49. The method of any one of claims 45-48, wherein, Before the first information from the head node is received, the method further includes: sending a measurement result to the head node; or In a case where a second condition is met, the measurement result is sent to the head node. The measurement result includes a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node, and / or a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal.

50. The method of any one of claims 45-49, wherein, The method further includes: receiving a second configuration from the head node, the second configuration being used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission mode.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein The second configuration includes one or more of the following: a bearer configuration; a radio link control channel configuration; a logical channel configuration; a configured grant resource configuration; a security configuration.

52. The method of any one of claims 45 to 49, wherein, Before the first information from the head node is received, the method further includes: receiving a third configuration and a fourth configuration from the head node; The third configuration is used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission mode; The fourth configuration is used by the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission mode.

53. The method of any one of claims 45 to 52, wherein The first information includes information of the first data.

54. The method of any one of claims 45-53, wherein, The method further includes: sending the first data to the head node using the target transmission mode.

55. The method of any one of claims 45 to 54, wherein The granularity of the first data is one of the following: a service flow granularity; a quality of service flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a data packet granularity; a radio link control channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a service type granularity; a service granularity; a protocol data unit session granularity; a connection granularity.

56. A data transmission method applied to a core network device, the method comprising: sending first information to a head node, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; The target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein The target transmission mode is the second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the second transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node and the core network device.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein The target transmission mode is the first transmission mode.

59. The method of any one of claims 56-58, wherein, Before the first information is sent to the head node, the method further includes: determining whether to switch the transmission mode of the first data to the target transmission mode according to one or more of the following: a packet delay budget (PDB) of the first data; whether the first sub-terminal has switched; and whether a link signal quality between the first sub-terminal and the head node is less than a threshold. whether handover of the second sub-terminal occurs; a load condition of the core network device.

60. The method of any one of claims 56-59, wherein, Before the sending of the first information to the head node, the method further includes: receiving a PDB of the first data.

61. The method of any one of claims 56-60, wherein, The method further includes: sending a first configuration to the head node, the first configuration being used for the head node to send the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission manner.

62. The method of any one of claims 56-61, wherein, the first information comprises information of the first data.

63. The method of any one of claims 56-62, wherein, a granularity of the first data is one of: a service flow granularity; a quality of service flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a packet granularity; a radio link control channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a service type granularity; a service granularity; a protocol data unit session granularity; a connection granularity.

64. A data transmission method applied to a head node, the method comprising: receiving first information from a core network device, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission manner of first data is switched to a target transmission manner, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission manner is a first transmission manner or a second transmission manner, in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the first transmission manner, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein, the target transmission manner is the second transmission manner, in a case where the transmission manner of the first data is the second transmission manner, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the network device and the core network device.

66. The method of claim 64, wherein, the target transmission manner is the first transmission manner.

67. The method of any one of claims 64-66, wherein, Before the receiving of the first information from the core network device, the method further includes: sending a PDB of the first data to the core network device.

68. The method of any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein, The method further includes: receiving a first configuration from the core network device, the first configuration being used for the head node to send the first data from the first sub-terminal using the target transmission manner.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein, The method further includes: sending a second configuration to the first sub-terminal, the second configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission manner, the second configuration being related to the first configuration.

70. The method of any one of claims 64 to 68, wherein, The method further includes: sending a second configuration to the first sub-terminal, the second configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the target transmission manner.

71. The method of claim 69 or 70, wherein, the second configuration comprises one or more of: a bearer configuration; a radio link control channel configuration; a logical channel configuration; a configured grant resource configuration; a security configuration.

72. The method of any one of claims 64 to 68, wherein, Before the receiving of the first information from the core network device, the method further includes: sending a third configuration and a fourth configuration to the first sub-terminal; the third configuration being used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the first transmission manner; The fourth configuration is used for the first sub-terminal to send the first data using the second transmission mode.

73. The method of any one of claims 64 to 72, wherein, The method further comprises: sending second information to the first sub-terminal, the second information being used to indicate that the transmission mode of the first data is switched to the target transmission mode.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein, The second information comprises information of the first data.

75. The method of any one of claims 64 to 74, wherein, The first information comprises information of the first data.

76. The method of any one of claims 64 to 75, wherein, The granularity of the first data is one of: a service flow granularity; a quality of service flow granularity; a bearer granularity; a packet granularity; a radio link control channel granularity; a logical channel granularity; a service type granularity; a service granularity; a protocol data unit session granularity; a connection granularity.

77. A data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a first communication unit configured to send first information to a head node, the first information being used to request or indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the apparatus and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node.

78. A data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a second communication unit configured to receive first information from a first sub-terminal, the first information being used to request or indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the apparatus.

79. A data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a third communication unit configured to send first information to a first sub-terminal, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the apparatus.

80. A data transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a fourth communication unit configured to receive first information from a head node, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by the apparatus and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node. 81.A data transmission apparatus, comprising: a fifth communication unit configured to send first information to a head node, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the head node. 82.A data transmission apparatus, comprising: a sixth communication unit configured to receive first information from a core network device, the first information being used to indicate that a transmission mode of first data is switched to a target transmission mode, the first data being sent by a first sub-terminal and received by a second sub-terminal; wherein the target transmission mode is a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, and in a case where the transmission mode of the first data is the first transmission mode, the first data is sent to the second sub-terminal through the apparatus. 83.A communication device, comprising: a memory for storing a computer program; a processor connected to the memory, for invoking and running the computer program from the memory, to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 28, or the method of any one of claims 29 to 44, or the method of any one of claims 45 to 55, or the method of any one of claims 56 to 63, or the method of any one of claims 64 to 76; a transceiver for receiving and sending information in the process of transceiving information with other devices. 84.A chip, comprising: a processor for invoking and running a computer program from a memory, so that a device installed with the chip implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 28, or the method of any one of claims 29 to 44, or the method of any one of claims 45 to 55, or the method of any one of claims 56 to 63, or the method of any one of claims 64 to 76; a transceiver for receiving and sending information in the process of transceiving information with devices or chips. 85.A computer readable storage medium for storing a computer program, the computer program causing a computer to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 13, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 28, or the method of any one of claims 29 to 44, or the method of any one of claims 45 to 55, or the method of any one of claims 56 to 63, or the method of any one of claims 64 to 76.

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