Communication method and apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method comprises: determining a queue pair (QP) parameter on the basis of access network-side information corresponding to a session of a terminal device, wherein the QP parameter is used for remote direct memory access (RDMA) transmission of data of the terminal device; and sending the QP parameter. In embodiments of the present application, when data transmission between a terminal device and an application server needs to be performed by means of RDMA, a QP parameter can be determined on the basis of access network-side information corresponding to a session, so that the QP parameter can better match transmission configuration conditions, resource configuration conditions, signal quality conditions, and the like on a network side, thereby improving the performance of RDMA data transmission.

Description

Communication methods, devices and computer-readable storage media

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410978115.1, filed on July 19, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and Computer-Readable Storage Medium", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Remote direct memory access (RDMA) is a data transfer technology that enables direct data transfer between two nodes in a storage area (such as RAM) without operating system intervention. Therefore, RDMA features high bandwidth, low latency, and low CPU overhead.

[0004] RDMA data transmission involves a large number of parameter selections, and different parameter selections will have different impacts on the overall transmission performance (such as latency, throughput, etc.). Therefore, how to select the best parameters to improve the performance of RDMA data transmission is a concern in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application discloses a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium. When data transmission between a terminal device and an application server requires the use of RDMA, relevant RDMA parameters can be generated based on access network side information, which can improve the performance of RDMA data transmission.

[0006] The first aspect discloses a communication method that can be applied to network devices (such as access network devices, session management network elements, data analysis network elements, etc.), components within network devices (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, or functional modules), logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device, and communication systems that may include session management network elements, terminal devices, access network devices, etc. The following description uses an application to a network device as an example. The communication method may include: determining queue pair (QP) parameters based on access network-side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device; the QP parameters being used for remote direct data acquisition (RDMA) transmission of data from the terminal device; and sending the QP parameters.

[0007] In this embodiment, when data transmission between the terminal device and the application server requires RDMA, the network device can be triggered to determine the QP parameters based on the access network information corresponding to the session. Subsequently, the terminal device and the application server can transmit data based on these QP parameters. Since access network information is considered when determining the QP parameters, the resulting QP parameters are more adapted to the access network's transmission environment, such as better matching the network's transmission configuration, resource configuration, and / or signal quality, thereby improving the performance of RDMA data transmission.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the determination of QP parameters based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device includes: determining QP parameters based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device and the RDMA information corresponding to the session; the RDMA information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: RDMA transmission type, RDMA protocol type, RDMA service type, and RDMA protocol information.

[0009] In this embodiment, multiple RDMA transmission protocols and RDMA service types can be flexibly supported. The QP parameters corresponding to different RDMA information can be different. Therefore, the accuracy of the determined QP parameters can be guaranteed by combining the RDMA information corresponding to the session.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, retransmission count configured by the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and access network side resource information.

[0011] In this embodiment, since the access network side includes a data transmission mechanism (such as reordering and retransmission), and the end-to-end also includes an RDMA transmission mechanism (such as flow control and retransmission), considering the access network side's transmission configuration (such as reordering time, the number of retransmissions configured at the RLC layer, and the number of retransmissions configured at the MAC layer) can avoid conflicts between the RDMA configuration and the access network side configuration. For example, if the RDMA timeout retransmission time is shorter than the access network side's reordering time, repeated retransmissions may be triggered, thereby improving the performance of data RDMA data transmission. Furthermore, considering access network side resource information can make fuller use of access network side resources (such as air interface resources), improving access network side resource utilization efficiency.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information of the session.

[0013] In this embodiment of the application, different sessions may correspond to different quality of service (QoS) requirements, such as different throughput and latency requirements. Accordingly, the access network side will also have different configurations for sessions with different QoS. Therefore, the network device can determine the access network side information corresponding to the session based on the session's QoS information in order to further determine the QP parameters.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the QP parameter includes one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate; multiple delay ranges, and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and a statistical window size for delay, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

[0015] In this embodiment, the determined QP parameters may include flow control parameters, retransmission parameters, etc., which can achieve better flow control and retransmission control, thereby ensuring data transmission performance. Furthermore, configuring different transmission rates for different latency ranges allows the sender to control the transmission rate in real time based on the latency, which is equivalent to controlling the transmission rate in real time based on network transmission conditions, enabling faster adaptation to real-time changes in the air interface.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, sending the QP parameter includes sending the QP parameter to the terminal device and / or application function network element.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method is performed by an access network device or a data analysis network element, and the method further includes: receiving first indication information from a session management network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the determination of QP parameters.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving RDMA information corresponding to the session from the session management network element, wherein the RDMA information corresponding to the session is used to determine the QP parameter.

[0019] In this embodiment of the application, the session management network element can trigger the access network device or data analysis network element to determine the QP parameters, and can provide relevant information for determining the QP parameters, such as RDMA information.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method is executed by a data analysis network element or a session management network element, and the method further includes: sending a second indication message to an access network device, the second indication message being used to request access network side information corresponding to the session (that is, the second indication message being used to indicate the provision of access network side information corresponding to the session); and receiving the access network side information corresponding to the session from the access network device.

[0021] In this embodiment of the application, the access network device can be instructed to provide access network-side information corresponding to the session by sending a second indication message to the access network device, so as to determine the QP parameters.

[0022] The second aspect discloses a communication method that can be applied to a terminal device / application function network element (AF), or to components within the AF (e.g., processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module), or to logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the AF's functions. The following description uses an application to an AF as an example. This communication method may include: receiving a queue pair of QP parameters, where the QP parameters are determined based on access network side information corresponding to the AF's session, and the QP parameters are used for Remote Direct Data Acquisition (RDMA) transmission of the AF's data; and sending the QP parameters during the establishment of the RDMA connection.

[0023] In this embodiment, when data transmission occurs between the terminal device and the application server, the QP parameters determined by the network device based on the access network side information corresponding to the session can be used. Since these QP parameters are more adapted to the access network side's transmission environment, such as better matching the network side's transmission configuration, resource configuration, and / or signal quality, the performance of RDMA data transmission can be improved.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a third indication message to a session management network element, the third indication message being used to indicate that communication is conducted using RDMA.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending RDMA information corresponding to the session to the session management network element, wherein the RDMA information corresponding to the session is used to determine the QP parameter.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, retransmission count configured by the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and access network side resource information.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information of the session.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the QP parameter includes one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate; multiple delay ranges, and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and the size of a statistical window for delay, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

[0029] It should be noted that the technical solution of the second aspect of this application may correspond to the solution of the first aspect, and the relevant beneficial effects can be referred to the beneficial effects of the first aspect.

[0030] The third aspect discloses a communication method that can be applied to a session management network element, or to components within the session management network element (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, or functional modules), or to logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the session management network element's functions. The following description uses an application to a session management network element as an example. This communication method may include: receiving third indication information from a terminal device or application function network element, the third indication information indicating that communication should be performed using Remote Direct Data Acquisition (RDMA); and sending first indication information to an access network device or data analysis network element, the first indication information indicating the determination of queue pair (QP) parameters, the QP parameters being determined based on access network-side information corresponding to the terminal device's session, and the QP parameters being used for RDMA transmission of data from the terminal device.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving RDMA information corresponding to the session from the terminal device or the application function network element, wherein the RDMA information corresponding to the session is used to determine the QP parameter.

[0032] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending the RDMA information corresponding to the session to the access network device or the data analysis network element.

[0033] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending the quality of service information of the session to the access network device or the data analysis network element.

[0034] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network-side information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, retransmission count configured by the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and access network-side resource information.

[0035] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information of the session.

[0036] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the QP parameter includes one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate; multiple delay ranges, and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and the size of a statistical window for delay, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

[0037] It should be noted that the technical solution of the third aspect of this application may correspond to the solution of the first aspect, and the relevant beneficial effects can be referred to the beneficial effects of the first aspect.

[0038] The fourth aspect discloses a communication device, which can be a network device (such as an access network device, a session management network element, a data analysis network element, etc.) or a component within a network device (e.g., a processor, a chip, a chip system, a circuit, or a functional module). The communication device includes: a processing unit for determining queue pair (QP) parameters based on access network-side information corresponding to a session of a terminal device, the QP parameters being used for remote direct data acquisition (RDMA) transmission of data from the terminal device; and a sending unit for sending the QP parameters.

[0039] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically used to: determine QP parameters based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device and the RDMA information corresponding to the session; the RDMA information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: RDMA transmission type, RDMA protocol type, RDMA service type, and RDMA protocol information.

[0040] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, retransmission count configured by the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and access network side resource information.

[0041] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information of the session.

[0042] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the QP parameter includes one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate; multiple delay ranges, and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and the size of a delay statistics window, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

[0043] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the sending unit is specifically used to: send the QP parameter to the terminal device and / or application function network element.

[0044] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device is an access network device or a data analysis network element, and the communication device further includes: a receiving unit for receiving first indication information from a session management network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the determination of QP parameters.

[0045] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the receiving unit is further configured to receive RDMA information corresponding to the session from the session management network element, the RDMA information corresponding to the session being used to determine the QP parameter.

[0046] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication device is a data analysis network element or a session management network element. The first transmitting unit is further configured to transmit second indication information to the access network device, the second indication information being used to indicate the provision of access network side information corresponding to the session. The receiving unit is further configured to receive the access network side information corresponding to the session from the access network device.

[0047] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the receiving unit is further configured to receive third indication information from the terminal device or application function network element and / or RDMA information corresponding to the session, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate that communication is performed using RDMA.

[0048] The fifth aspect discloses a communication device, which may be a terminal equipment / application function network element (AF) or a component (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module) within the terminal equipment / application function network element. The communication device includes: a receiving unit for receiving queue pair QP parameters, the QP parameters being determined based on access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal equipment, and the QP parameters being used for remote direct data acquisition (RDMA) transmission of data for the terminal equipment; and a sending unit for sending the QP parameters during the establishment of an RDMA connection.

[0049] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transmitting unit is further configured to send third indication information to the session management network element, the third indication information being used to indicate that communication is conducted using RDMA.

[0050] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit RDMA information corresponding to the session to the session management network element, wherein the RDMA information corresponding to the session is used to determine the QP parameter.

[0051] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the sending unit is further configured to send the service quality information of the session to the access network device or the data analysis network element.

[0052] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network-side information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, retransmission count configured by the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and access network-side resource information.

[0053] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information of the session.

[0054] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the QP parameter includes one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate; multiple delay ranges, and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and the size of a statistical window for delay, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

[0055] The sixth aspect discloses a communication device, which may be a session management network element or a component within the session management network element (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or functional module). The communication device includes: a receiving unit for receiving third indication information from a terminal device or an application function network element, the third indication information indicating that communication is performed using Remote Direct Data Acquisition (RDMA); and a sending unit for sending first indication information to an access network device or a data analysis network element, the first indication information indicating the determination of queue pair (QP) parameters, the QP parameters being determined based on access network-side information corresponding to the terminal device's session, and the QP parameters being used for RDMA transmission of data from the terminal device.

[0056] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the receiving unit is further configured to receive RDMA information corresponding to the session from the terminal device or the application function network element, the RDMA information corresponding to the session being used to determine the QP parameter.

[0057] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transmitting unit is further configured to transmit the RDMA information corresponding to the session to the access network device or the data analysis network element.

[0058] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the sending unit is further configured to send the service quality information of the session to the access network device or the data analysis network element.

[0059] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network-side information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, retransmission count configured by the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and access network-side resource information.

[0060] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information of the session.

[0061] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the QP parameter includes one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate; multiple delay ranges, and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and the size of a statistical window for delay, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

[0062] The seventh aspect discloses a communication system comprising an access network device and a session management network element, wherein the access network device is configured to implement the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, and the session management network element is configured to implement the methods provided in the third aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0063] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication system may further include terminal equipment and / or application function network elements for implementing the methods provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0064] The eighth aspect discloses a communication system, which includes an access network device, a data analysis network element, and a session management network element. The data analysis network element is used to implement the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The session management network element is used to implement the methods provided in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The access network device is used to provide access network side information corresponding to a session to the data analysis network element.

[0065] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication system may further include terminal equipment and / or application function network elements for implementing the methods provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0066] The ninth aspect discloses a communication system, which includes an access network device and a session management network element. The session management network element is used to implement the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The access network device is used to provide access network side information corresponding to a session to the session management network element.

[0067] In conjunction with the ninth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication system may further include terminal equipment and / or application function network elements for implementing the methods provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0068] The tenth aspect discloses a communication device, including a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used to receive and transmit data; the processor invokes a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory to implement the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0069] The eleventh aspect discloses a communication device, including a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used to receive and transmit data; the processor invokes a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory to implement the methods provided in the second aspect above and any possible embodiments of the second aspect.

[0070] The twelfth aspect discloses a communication device, including a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used to receive and transmit data; the processor invokes a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory to implement the methods provided in the third aspect above and any possible embodiments of the third aspect.

[0071] As one possible implementation, the communication device disclosed in the eighth aspect, the communication device disclosed in the ninth aspect, and the communication device disclosed in the tenth aspect may include one or more processors.

[0072] Optionally, the communication device disclosed in the tenth aspect, the eleventh aspect, and the twelfth aspect further include one or more memories.

[0073] The thirteenth aspect discloses a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or computer instructions that, when executed, implement the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, or implement the methods provided in the second aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, or implement the methods provided in the third aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0074] The fourteenth aspect discloses a chip including a processor for executing a program stored in a memory, wherein when the program is executed, the chip performs the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, or performs the methods provided in the second aspect and any possible embodiments thereof, or performs the methods provided in the third aspect and any possible embodiments thereof.

[0075] As one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the chip.

[0076] The fifteenth aspect discloses a computer program product comprising computer program code that, when executed, causes the methods provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be performed, or causes the methods provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be performed, or causes the methods provided in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be performed.

[0077] It should be understood that the implementation and beneficial effects of the above-mentioned aspects or any possible implementation methods of this application can be referred to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0078] The accompanying drawings are provided to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. The drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0079] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device disclosed in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0088] This application discloses a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium, which can improve the performance of RDMA data transmission. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the relevant content, terms or nouns involved in this application will be briefly introduced below.

[0090] I. Future Network Data Transmission Requirements

[0091] With the continuous development of communication and computer technologies, future networks (such as 6G) will face increasingly greater data transmission demands, such as for high-definition video, virtual reality, cloud gaming, and immersive extended reality (XR). Meanwhile, for applications like real-time interaction, remote collaboration, and automation in future networks, low latency is crucial. Therefore, future networks need to achieve millisecond-level or even lower latency to ensure real-time performance and user experience. In short, future networks need to be able to handle massive amounts of data traffic simultaneously while maintaining low latency; that is, they need to have both high throughput and low latency.

[0092] Furthermore, for future scenarios involving network-computer collaboration and convergence, nodes / devices in the future network will require significant computational power, such as training artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models. In high-speed data transmission scenarios, the large volume of input / output (I / O) operations also consumes substantial central processing unit (CPU) resources, potentially impacting the network's computing capabilities. Therefore, low CPU overhead is also a requirement for data transmission in future networks.

[0093] II. Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA)

[0094] RDMA is a data transfer technology designed to address the high-throughput and low-latency data transfer requirements in network transmission. RDMA allows direct data transfer between two nodes' storage areas (such as RAM) without operating system intervention, essentially allowing the local node to "directly" access the remote node's storage. This data transfer method bypasses multiple memory copies performed by the operating system, thus achieving low-latency and high-bandwidth (BW) data transfer. Furthermore, this method reduces CPU resource consumption, resulting in low CPU overhead. RDMA can also be referred to as Remote Direct Address Access, Remote Direct Memory Access, etc.

[0095] RDMA protocols include Infiniband (IB), RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE), and Internet Wide Area RDMA (iWARP). All three protocols conform to the RDMA standard and share the same upper-layer interface (Verbs), but they differ at different layers.

[0096] The following section introduces the relevant concepts in RDMA.

[0097] RDMA uses work queues (WQs) to queue a series of service requests. There are two types of work queues: a send queue for sending operations and a receive queue for receiving operations. In RDMA, the basic entity or object of communication is the queue pair (QP), which includes a send work queue and a receive work queue. Generally, the send work queue stores instructions that cause data to be transferred between one user's memory and another user's memory; that is, it stores send tasks. The receive work queue stores instructions on where to place data received from another user; that is, it stores receive tasks. It should be understood that a node can include one or more QPs. Each QP on a node includes a corresponding queue pair number (QPN), which uniquely identifies a QP on a node.

[0098] RDMA data transmission includes connection-oriented and datagram-based methods. For connection-oriented services, one QP is fully associated with another. For datagram services, a single QP can be used to send and receive messages to and from any appropriate QP on any node. During RDMA communication establishment, QP information and other relevant information are exchanged between the two nodes.

[0099] RDMA data transmission includes both reliable and unreliable types. For reliable services, the transmission guarantees that each message is delivered exactly once in order without errors. To provide this level of reliability, the receiving QP can acknowledge with either a positive acknowledgment (ACK) or a negative acknowledgment (NAK). For unreliable services, the transmission cannot guarantee that all data will be delivered, and the receiving QP may not acknowledge with either ACK or NAK.

[0100] Based on connectivity and reliability, RDMA supports four different service types / transmission modes: reliable connection (RC), unreliable connection (UC), reliable datagram (RD), and unreliable datagram (UD). In RDMA, each QP is configured with a specific operation class, which is also the service type. The source QP and the destination QP must be configured with the same service type to communicate normally.

[0101] III. Flow Control Technology of RDMA

[0102] RDMA's flow control algorithms include the data center quantized congestion notification (DCQCN) algorithm and the bottleneck bandwidth and round-trip propagation time (BBR) algorithm. The DCQCN algorithm and the BBR algorithm will be introduced below.

[0103] The congestion control mechanism provided by the DCQCN algorithm involves the forwarding device (such as a switch) detecting queue congestion. If the queue depth of the forwarding device exceeds a certain threshold, the forwarding device sends a message with an explicit congestion notification (ECN) tag to the receiving end. Upon receiving the ECN-tagged message, the receiving end can send congestion notification packets (CNPs) to the sending end to notify it to reduce its transmission rate. For example, the DCQCN algorithm may include two thresholds: a low threshold and a high threshold. When the queue depth of the forwarding device is below the low threshold, the forwarding device forwards packets / data packets normally. When the queue depth is above the low threshold but below the high threshold, the forwarding device tags packets / data packets with a certain probability. When the queue depth is above the high threshold, the forwarding device can tag all packets / data packets with the ECN tag.

[0104] The core idea of ​​the BBR algorithm is that there is a relationship between network latency and the amount of data transmitted. Given a fixed round-trip time (RTT), there exists a maximum bandwidth point. When the amount of data transmitted exceeds the maximum bandwidth, the network RTT will increase accordingly. Therefore, the core of the BBR algorithm is to find the maximum network bandwidth with the minimum RTT, that is, to find the parameters of maximum bandwidth (max BW) and minimum latency (min RTT). The product of maximum bandwidth and minimum latency yields the bandwidth-delay product (BDP), which measures the maximum capacity of data that can be stored in a network link. In its implementation, the BBR algorithm alternately samples and measures bandwidth and RTT, taking the maximum bandwidth and minimum RTT over a period of time as estimates to find an optimal point for both bandwidth and latency.

[0105] In BBR (Browser-Based Flow Control) flow control, the maximum allowable transmission rate may be set based on a specific BDP (Browser DP value) (such as the BDP value required by the service) and combined with the RTT (Round-Trip Time) latency information that the network can guarantee. The accuracy of the maximum transmission rate setting determines the data transmission performance. Similarly, for DCQCN (Distributed Data Capture Network), due to the uncontrollable nature of air interface latency, the rate control method based on ECN-CNP may not be able to reduce the transmission rate in time, leading to network congestion. If this results in congestion at the base station, it will cause packet loss. Therefore, in this embodiment, a maximum transmission rate can also be set for DCQCN to avoid network congestion.

[0106] IV. RDMA Retransmission Technology

[0107] RDMA retransmission mechanisms include Go-Back-N (GBN) and the improved RoCE NIC (IRN).

[0108] GBN's retransmission mechanism is a pipelined reliable transmission protocol. It allows the sender to send multiple data packets without waiting for acknowledgments, but when a packet times out, it needs to retransmit all subsequent data packets consecutively, starting from the timed-out packet. The GBN protocol typically uses only one retransmission timeout (RTO) timer to track the earliest unacknowledged data packet in the transmission window. If the acknowledgment (ACK) for that packet does not arrive before the timeout timer expires, the sender will retransmit all unacknowledged data packets in the window.

[0109] IRN employs a selective retransmission mechanism, allowing for the selective retransmission of lost data packets when packet loss occurs. To ensure retransmission efficiency, IRN includes two timeout retransmission timers: a long RTO and a short RTO. The short RTO handles situations that might increase short message tail latency, while the long RTO avoids excessive spurious retransmissions. In practice, IRN uses either the long or short RTO based on the number of data packets transmitted in the network, i.e., the number of packets in flight. If the number of packets exceeds a set threshold, the long RTO is used; otherwise, the short RTO is used. Packets in flight can be understood as data packets that have been sent but have not yet been acknowledged.

[0110] V. QP Attributes and QP State Switching

[0111] As described above, in RDMA technology, the basic entity or object of communication is the QP (Quality Point). When communication is required, both the sending and receiving ends need to create a QP, and then communication is based on the QP. During QP creation, corresponding attributes (or parameters) are set for the QP. QP parameters can include QP state (qp_state), maximum transfer unit (MTU), Q_Key (q_key), QPN (qp_num), RTO / timeout, and maximum transmit rate / rate limit. The settings of parameters such as RTO and maximum transmit rate determine the subsequent data transmission performance. Typically, during the link establishment process between the sending and receiving ends, they exchange information to determine the QP parameters to be used in this transmission, such as RTO and rate limit.

[0112] In RDMA, if the QP parameters are set incorrectly during QP creation, the subsequent modification process is complex and time-consuming. Typically, after QP creation, if modifications to QP parameters are needed, the QP state must be switched before modifications can be made. For example, during RDMA link establishment, after initial QP parameter settings are completed, the system switches from the initialized (INIT) state to the ready to receive (RTR) and ready to send (RTS) states. If subsequent QP parameter modifications are needed, the QP must be switched to the send queue drained (SQD) state. In this state, the QP will process the current tasks in the queue according to the current QP parameters and will not accept new tasks. Only after all contents of the current queue are drained can QP parameter modifications be made.

[0113] As described above, accurately setting QP parameters (such as RTO, rate limit, etc.) during QP creation has a significant impact on subsequent data transmission. Typically, RDMA is used in wired link scenarios, where QP parameters are usually set by technical personnel based on experience. However, this embodiment considers applying RDMA technology to wireless scenarios, specifically in communication between terminal devices and application servers. Since wireless data transmission is more complex, involving the air interface, setting QP parameters in wireless scenarios is also more difficult.

[0114] In this embodiment, to ensure data transmission performance of RDMA in wireless scenarios, when the server and terminal device need to perform RDMA communication, the sending or receiving end can request the network side to generate corresponding QP parameters. The network side can determine appropriate QP parameters by combining access network side information related to the current session with the terminal device (such as reordering time, retransmission count, resource configuration, etc.). This approach allows the QP parameters to better match the network side's configuration, thereby improving the subsequent RDMA transmission performance.

[0115] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the system architecture of the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0116] Some scenarios in this application embodiment are illustrated using the 5th Generation (5G) communication network as an example. However, it should be understood that the solutions in this application embodiment can also be applied to other communication networks, such as future communication networks, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions / devices in other communication networks.

[0117] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a 5G network system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the system architecture may include user equipment and various network entities, which will be described in detail below.

[0118] User equipment (UE), also known as terminal equipment, terminal, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), customer premise equipment (CPE), etc., is a device with wireless communication capabilities that can provide voice and / or data connectivity services to users. Terminal devices can include handheld terminals, laptops, roadside units (RSUs), subscriber units, cellular phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, tablet computers, tags, wireless modems, other processing devices connected to wireless modems, handheld devices, laptop computers, cordless phones or wireless local loop (WLL) stations, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, and remote medical devices. Wireless terminals can be used in various applications, including smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, flying devices (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, and airplanes), or other network-connected devices. Terminal devices can be fixed or mobile, deployed on land (indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted), on water (such as ships), or in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites).

[0119] The Radio Access Network (RAN) is a network composed of multiple 5G-RAN nodes, used to implement radio physical layer functions, resource scheduling and radio resource management, radio access control, and mobility management functions. The 5G-RAN can connect to the User Plane Function (UPF) via the User Plane Interface (N3) to transmit data from terminal devices. The 5G-RAN can also establish a control plane signaling connection with the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) via the Control Plane Interface (N2) to implement functions such as radio access bearer control. It should be understood that 5G-RAN nodes are also access network equipment / RAN elements, primarily providing access for terminal devices. Access network equipment can include radio access network (RAN) equipment and access node (AN) equipment. RAN equipment is mainly radio network equipment in the 3GPP network, while AN equipment can be access network equipment not defined by 3GPP. RAN equipment can include various types of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small cells), relay stations, access points, and balloon stations. RAN equipment can also be radio controllers, vehicle-mounted equipment, transmission and reception points (TRPs), radio network controllers (RNCs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeBs, or home Node Bs, HNBs), base band units (BBUs), and access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, etc., in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios.

[0120] In some deployments, access network equipment (such as gNB) may include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). Access network equipment may also include radio units (RUs). It is understood that the CU can implement some of the functions of the access network equipment, the DU can implement some of the functions of the access network equipment, and the CU can be used to control the operation of one or more DUs. For example, the CU can implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers, and also the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. The DU implements the functions of the radio link control (RLC) and media access control (MAC) layers, and can also implement some physical (PHY) layer functions (such as higher physical, higher PHY) layers) or all physical layer functions. The RU can be used to implement some physical layer functions (such as lower physical, lower PHY) layers) and radio frequency functions. For a detailed description of each of the above protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0121] The AMF (Automatic Facilitation Module) is primarily responsible for signaling processing, such as access control, mobility management, attach and detach functions, and gateway selection. When an AMF network element provides services to a session in a terminal device, it provides control plane storage resources for that session, as well as storage for the session identifier and the SMF network element identifier associated with the session identifier.

[0122] The Session Management Function (SMF) is primarily responsible for the control plane functions of UE session management, including the selection of User Plane Functions (UPF), Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, user plane network element redirection, Quality of Service (QoS) management / control, obtaining policies and charging control (PCC) policies from the Policy Control Function (PCF), and bearer establishment, modification, and release.

[0123] The UPF is primarily responsible for forwarding and receiving user data in terminal devices. It can receive user data from the data network (DN) and transmit it to the terminal device through the access network equipment, or it can receive user data from the terminal device through the access network equipment and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions that provide services to the terminal device in the UPF network element can be managed and controlled by the SMF network element.

[0124] The Unified Data Management (UDM) network element is primarily used to manage and control user data, such as subscription information management. This includes retrieving subscription information from the Unified Data Repository (UDR) and providing it to other network elements (such as the AMF); generating 3GPP authentication credentials for the UE; and registering and maintaining the network elements currently serving the UE, such as the AMF currently serving the UE. The UDR is also one of the network elements in the 5G core network, mainly used to store user data, including subscription data accessed by the UDM, policy information accessed by the PCF, structured data used for capability exposure, and application data accessed by the Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0125] The authentication server function (AUSF) is used to perform security authentication on the UE when it accesses the network.

[0126] The network slice selection function (NSSF) selects a set of slice instances for the UE, determines the AMF set and allowed NSSAI for the UE, etc.

[0127] PCF primarily supports providing a unified policy framework to control network behavior, and provides policy rules to control layer network functions (such as AMF, SMF, etc.). PCF is also responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to the policies.

[0128] Application function (AF) network elements primarily interact with core network elements to provide services. For example, they interact with policy and control functions (PCF) for service policy control, interact with network capabilities information or provide application information to the network, and provide data network access point information to the PCF to generate routing information for corresponding data services.

[0129] It should be noted that the architecture in Figure 1 is merely illustrative, and other devices / network elements may also be included in the architecture shown in Figure 1. This application embodiment does not limit this. For example, it may also include a network data analytics function (NWDAF). The NWDAF network element can provide data analysis functions for other network elements in the core network. The NWDAF network element can have data collection, training, analysis, and inference functions. It can be used to collect relevant data from network elements, third-party service servers, terminal devices, or network management systems, perform analysis and training based on the relevant data, and provide data analysis results to network elements, third-party service servers, terminal devices, or network management systems. These analysis results can assist the network in selecting service quality parameters, or assist the network in performing traffic routing, or assist the network in selecting data transmission strategies, etc. In this application embodiment, the NWDAF network element can also determine the corresponding QP parameters based on access network side information. For example, other network elements (NFs) in the core network (such as SMFs) can request QP parameters from the NWDAF. After receiving the request, the NWDAF can collect data from the relevant network elements and train an artificial intelligence (AI) model. Then, it can use the AI ​​model to infer the QP parameters and feed back the determined QP parameters to the corresponding NF.

[0130] It is understood that the aforementioned network elements or functions can be implemented in the form of hardware, computer software, or a combination of hardware and computer software. For example, the aforementioned network element or function can be implemented by a single device, multiple devices working together, or a functional module within a single device; this application does not specifically limit this. Furthermore, the aforementioned "network element" can also be referred to as an entity, device, or module, etc., and this application does not limit this. Moreover, for ease of description, the description of "network element" is omitted in some of the following descriptions. For example, an SMF network element is abbreviated as SMF; in this case, "SMF" should be understood as an SMF network element or an SMF entity, and the same understanding should be applied to other network elements or functions. That is to say, function, functional network element, and functional entity can be equivalent; for example, UDM, UDM network element, and UDM entity can be equivalent.

[0131] It should be understood that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to communication systems of various radio access technologies (RATs), such as: fifth generation (5G) systems, transitional systems between 5G and sixth generation (6G) communication systems (the transitional system can also be called 5.5G communication systems), and networks that integrate multiple systems; of course, they can also be systems of future communication networks, such as 6G or even seventh generation (7G) systems, etc.

[0132] It should be noted that the system architecture, network architecture, and business scenarios (or application scenarios) described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0133] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the overall concept of the embodiments of this application will be described by way of example below.

[0134] As described above, the data transmission environment in wireless RDMA scenarios is more complex, involving air interface transmission. Therefore, to ensure data transmission efficiency, in this embodiment, when the UE, application server, etc., need to transmit data, they can request relevant QP parameters from the network side. The network side can determine suitable QP parameters by combining relevant configuration information from the access network side (such as reordering time, retransmission count configured at the RLC layer, etc.), resource configuration, and service quality information. In other words, the core network side / access network side can participate in the establishment of QP attributes and provide appropriate QP parameters. For example, as shown in Figure 2, when RDMA is needed for data transmission between the terminal device and the application server (such as a video server or game server), the network side can directly / indirectly provide QP parameters (such as rate limiting, RTO, etc.). Then, the terminal device and application server can establish a QP based on the QP parameters provided by the network side, and subsequently, the terminal device and application server can transmit data based on the established QP. In this embodiment, the QP parameter can also be called the RDMA parameter, which mainly includes parameters related to RDMA transmission, such as timeout retransmission time (RTO), rate limit, maximum number of retransmissions, etc. This embodiment does not limit these parameters.

[0135] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant content of the embodiments of this application is provided below. In the embodiments of this application, when data transmission based on RDMA is required, the terminal device, application function network element, etc., can trigger the network side to determine the corresponding QP parameters. For the network side, the QP attribute can be determined by the access network side based on access network side information, or by the SMF based on access network side information, or by the NWDAF based on access network side information, or by other related network elements based on access network side information. Depending on the situation, the overall process of cooperation between various network elements to determine the QP parameters may also differ. Therefore, for ease of understanding, the overall process of the technical solution provided by the embodiments of this application is first illustrated by way of Figure 3, and then different embodiments are described for different situations.

[0136] Specifically, please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0137] 301. The network device determines the QP parameter based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The QP parameter is used for the RDMA transmission of data of the terminal device.

[0138] In this embodiment of the application, in a wireless RDMA transmission scenario, the user plane can perform data transmission based on the RDMA protocol, such as data transmission between a terminal device and an application service (AS) based on the RDMA protocol. In this case, to ensure the transmission performance of RDMA, the network device can determine appropriate QP parameters based on access network side information. These QP parameters can be used for RDMA data transmission between the terminal device and the application server.

[0139] Each session of a terminal device can include corresponding access network side information, and the access network side information for different sessions of the terminal device can be different or the same. Therefore, QP parameters can be associated with the terminal device's sessions, and different sessions of the terminal device can each include their own corresponding QP parameters. In this case, the network device can determine the QP parameters based on the access network side information corresponding to the terminal device's session; that is, for different sessions of the terminal device, the QP parameters for each session can be determined separately based on the access network side information corresponding to each session. It should be understood that a terminal device's session can be a protocol data unit (PDU) session.

[0140] In some possible implementations, a session of a terminal device may include one or more QoS flows, and the access network side information corresponding to different QoS flows may be different or the same. In this case, the network device determining the QP parameters based on the access network side information corresponding to the terminal device's session may include: determining the QP parameters based on the access network side information corresponding to the QoS flows of the terminal device's session, where each QoS flow may include its own corresponding QP parameters, which are used for RDMA transmission of the data of the corresponding QoS flow.

[0141] In this embodiment, the access network-side information corresponding to the session or the access network-side information corresponding to the QoS flow used to determine the QP parameters can be access network-side information related to data transmission. For example, the access network-side information corresponding to the session / QoS flow may include one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the RLC layer, retransmission count configured by the MAC layer, and access network-side resource information. The reordering time can be the reordering time configured by the PDCP layer, or it can be the reordering time configured by the RLC layer. For example, in 5G, it can be the reordering time configured by the PDCP layer, and in 4G, it can be the reordering time configured by the RLC layer. The access network-side resource information corresponding to the session / QoS flow may include information about resources reserved for that session / QoS flow, such as information about reserved air interface resources. It is understood that the reordering time, retransmission count configured by the RLC layer, retransmission count configured by the MAC layer, and access network-side resource information may be different for different sessions or different QoS flows. The retransmission count configured in the RLC layer can be understood as the maximum number of retransmissions in the RLC layer, and the retransmission count configured in the MAC layer can be understood as the maximum number of retransmissions in the MAC layer.

[0142] It should be noted that, in addition to information such as reordering time, retransmission count configured at the RLC layer, retransmission count configured at the MAC layer, and access network-side resource information, access network-side information related to data transmission may also include RLC layer timeout retransmission time, MAC layer timeout retransmission time, signal quality of the terminal device, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) adopted by the terminal device, buffer status of the access network device, quality of service that the access network device can guarantee (such as the guaranteed transmission rate), historical transmission information (such as the historical transmission information of the access network device), and other relevant information. This application embodiment does not limit these aspects. The signal quality of the terminal device may include the reference signal received power (RSRP) and signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of the area where the terminal device is currently located.

[0143] In some possible implementations, the access network-side information corresponding to a session can be determined based on the session's Quality of Service (QoS) information, i.e., based on the session's QoS. Different QoS values ​​can correspond to different access network-side information. The session's QoS can include latency (e.g., upper latency limit, lower latency limit), bandwidth (e.g., upper bandwidth limit, lower bandwidth limit), packet loss rate, etc. Different QoS values ​​have different QoS requirements for data transmission. For example, the session's QoS can include multiple levels, and different levels can correspond to different reordering times, retransmission counts configured at the RLC layer, retransmission counts configured at the MAC layer, etc. Similarly, the access network-side information corresponding to a QoS flow can also be determined based on the QoS flow's QoS information, i.e., based on the QoS of the QoS flow. The QoS of the QoS flow can include latency, bandwidth, packet loss rate, etc. In some embodiments, the session's QoS / QoS flow's QoS can be understood as the service's QoS. Different services can have different QoS values; for example, game applications, video applications, and voice applications have different QoS requirements.

[0144] The QP parameters determined by the network device may include flow control parameters, retransmission parameters, and other parameters related to RDMA data transmission. For example, the QP parameters determined by the network device may include one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate (ratelimit); multiple delay ranges and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and a statistical window size for delay, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of packets. It should be understood that the above QP parameters are merely illustrative, and in some possible implementations, more QP parameters may be included, such as the long RTO / short RTO enabling threshold for the IRN algorithm, the high and low thresholds for the DCQCN algorithm, the congestion window size, etc.

[0145] In some possible implementations, the QP parameters corresponding to a session are also associated with the RDMA information corresponding to the session. In this case, the network device can determine the QP parameters based on the access network side information and the RDMA information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. Specifically, different RDMA information may correspond to different data transmission methods; therefore, different RDMA information can correspond to different QP parameters. In this case, the network device can determine which QP parameters are included based on the RDMA information corresponding to the session, and then determine the values ​​of the relevant QP parameters based on the access network side information corresponding to the session. That is, the network device can determine the QP parameters associated with the RDMA information corresponding to the session based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. For example, the RDMA information may include one or more of the following: RDMA transmission type, RDMA protocol type, RDMA service type, and RDMA protocol information. In other words, different RDMA transmission types, and / or different RDMA protocol types, and / or different RDMA service types, and / or different RDMA protocol information (such as retransmission algorithms, flow control algorithms, etc.) can correspond to different QP parameters. RDMA transmission types can include lossless and lossy, RDMA protocol types can include IB, iWARP, RoCE, etc., RDMA service types can include UD, RC, UC, RD, etc., and RDMA protocol information can include corresponding retransmission algorithms (such as GBN, IRN, etc.) and congestion control / flow control algorithms (such as DCQCN, BBR, and flow control algorithms based on ACK response delay, etc.). For example, assuming the RDMA information corresponding to a session includes RDMA protocol information, if the RDMA protocol information includes the GBN retransmission algorithm, then the QP parameters corresponding to the session can include the timeout retransmission time corresponding to the GBN algorithm. If the RDMA protocol information includes the IRN retransmission algorithm, then the QP parameters corresponding to the session can include the long RTO and short RTO corresponding to the IRN algorithm. Similarly, if the RDMA protocol information also includes the DCQCN or BBR flow control algorithm, then the QP parameters corresponding to the session can include the maximum transmission rate (ratelimit).

[0146] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the QP parameter "multiple delay ranges and the corresponding transmission rate for each delay range" is described below. Here, the delay range can be an ACK response delay range. Different ACK response delay ranges can correspond to different network transmission conditions (such as network congestion). Therefore, different transmission rates can be configured for different ACK response delay ranges. This allows the sending end (such as an application server) to control the transmission rate in real time based on the ACK response delay, which is equivalent to controlling the transmission rate in real time based on network transmission conditions, thereby improving data transmission efficiency. Further, the QP parameter "statistical window size for delay" can be the size of the statistical window used by the sending end to calculate the ACK response delay. This statistical window size can be a first duration (e.g., 10ms), a first data volume (e.g., 10 megabytes), or a first number of packets (e.g., 1000 packets / data packets). The sending end can calculate the corresponding average ACK response delay based on the statistical window size, then determine which delay range the average ACK response delay falls within, and then adjust the transmission rate to the transmission rate corresponding to that delay range. In some embodiments, the size of the statistical window can be set by the sending end (such as the terminal device / AS). In the embodiments of this application, the above-described method of adjusting the sending rate based on multiple ACK reply delay ranges can be called a flow control algorithm based on ACK reply delay.

[0147] The following provides an exemplary description of how network devices determine QP parameters based on access network-side information corresponding to the session of a terminal device. Since the access network includes data transmission mechanisms (such as reordering and retransmission), network devices need to consider the access network's transmission configuration and resource configuration when determining relevant QP parameters. This includes considering one or more of the following: the reordering time configured by the access network device for the session, the number of retransmissions configured by the RLC layer, the number of retransmissions configured by the MAC layer, and the QoS information that the access network device can guarantee. For example, assuming the required retransmission algorithm is the GBN algorithm, the QP parameters that the network device needs to determine may include an RTO. In one possible implementation, the network device can determine the RTO based on the reordering time configured by the access network device for the session. For example, assuming the reordering time on the access network side (such as PDCP layer reordering time or RLC layer reordering time) is T1 (e.g., 10ms), the network device can determine that the RTO can be a value greater than or equal to T1, such as T1 + the estimated link transmission time. This is because if the RTO is less than T1, there might be a situation where the access network side is still performing PDCP layer reordering, but the sending end has already determined that the data packet has timed out and needs to be retransmitted. This would lead to more false retransmissions, thus affecting data transmission efficiency. As another example, assuming the retransmission algorithm to be used is the IRN algorithm, in this case, the QP parameters that the network device needs to determine can include a long RTO, a short RTO, and the threshold for enabling long / short RTO, etc. In one possible implementation, the network device can determine the long RTO based on factors such as the reordering time configured for the session by the access network device, the number of retransmissions configured at the RLC layer, the number of retransmissions configured at the MAC layer, and the QoS information that the access network device can guarantee. Alternatively, it can determine the long RTO threshold based on factors such as the access network device's buffer status (e.g., buffer size) and historical transmission data. A short RTO can also be determined based on the average measured value of the air interface RTT, the QoS information corresponding to the session, the access network device's buffer status, and historical transmission data. For example, assuming the RLC layer retransmission count is 4 and the reordering time is set to 20ms, considering the transmission delays of N3 and N6, the long RTO can be set to 30ms. For scenarios with a small amount of data transmission, such as when the number of data packets is less than the first threshold, a short RTO can be used. When the maximum number of RLC retransmissions is 4, the short RTO setting can consider the time for two RLC retransmissions, such as setting the short RTO to the time for two RLC retransmissions plus the transmission delays of N3 and N6, such as 15ms. For another example, assuming the required flow control algorithm is the DCQCN algorithm, the QP parameters that the network device needs to determine may include the maximum transmission rate. In one possible implementation, the network device can determine the maximum transmission rate based on the QoS information that the access network device can guarantee (such as the guaranteed air interface transmission rate) and the QoS information corresponding to the session.For example, if the maximum flow bit rate (MFBR) in the QoS corresponding to a session is 100 Mb / s, then the maximum transmission rate of QP can be set to 100 Mb / s to match the QoS of the session. As another example, assuming the required flow control algorithm is the BBR algorithm, the QP parameters that the network device needs to determine can also include the maximum transmission rate. For example, the network device can determine the maximum transmission rate based on the QoS information corresponding to the session (such as BDP) and the QoS information that the access network device can guarantee (such as the guaranteed air interface RTT). For example, if the given BDP value in the QoS corresponding to the session is 1000 kilobits (Kb), the minimum transmission delay that the access network device can guarantee is 5 ms, and the transmission delays of N3 and N6 are 5 ms, then based on the formula BDP = bandwidth * delay, the maximum bandwidth can be determined to be 100 Mb / s, which means the maximum transmission rate is 100 Mb / s. For another example, suppose the network device needs to determine multiple latency ranges and the corresponding transmission rate for each latency range. In one possible implementation, the network device can determine multiple latency ranges and the corresponding transmission rate for each latency range based on the QoS information corresponding to the session, the signal quality of the terminal device, the reordering time configured for the session by the access network device, the number of retransmissions configured by the RLC layer, the number of retransmissions configured by the MAC layer, historical transmission data, etc. For example, in historical transmission cases, when the latency is between 30-50ms, there are almost no retransmissions, indicating that the network transmission environment is relatively good and there is no congestion. Therefore, it is possible to set a higher transmission rate when the latency is between 30-50ms, such as sending at the agreed maximum transmission rate. Historically, when the latency was between 50-100ms, there were a few retransmissions, indicating a deteriorating network environment and some congestion. Therefore, when the latency was between 50-100ms, a lower transmission rate could be set, such as 0.5 times the agreed maximum transmission rate, to avoid packet loss and exacerbate network congestion. Conversely, when the latency was greater than 100ms, there were a large number of retransmissions, indicating an even worse network environment and more severe congestion. Therefore, when the latency was greater than 100ms, an even lower transmission rate could be set, such as 0.3 times the agreed maximum transmission rate, to avoid packet loss and exacerbate network congestion.

[0148] It should be noted that the methods for determining relevant QP parameters in the above examples are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In specific implementations, suitable QP parameters can be calculated using various algorithms or formulas based on relevant information from the access network side. Alternatively, in some cases, a parameter table can be configured, which includes the correspondence between different access network side information and QP parameters.

[0149] In this embodiment, the terminal device or application function network element can trigger the network device to determine the QP parameters. For example, the terminal device or application function network element can send third indication information and / or RDMA information corresponding to the session to the session management network element. The third indication information can be used to indicate that communication should be performed using RDMA, and the RDMA information corresponding to the session can be used to determine the QP parameters. In some embodiments, the RDMA information corresponding to the session can also implicitly indicate that communication should be performed using RDMA. Accordingly, the session management network element can receive the third indication information and / or RDMA information corresponding to the session from the terminal device or application function network element, and can determine that the terminal device needs to use RDMA for data transmission based on the third indication information and / or RDMA information corresponding to the session. Then, the session management network element can determine the QP parameters corresponding to the session or trigger other network elements (such as RAN, NWDAF) to determine the QP parameters corresponding to the session. In some possible implementations, the third indication information and / or RDMA information corresponding to the session can be carried in a session establishment request message (PDU session establishment request message) or an application function request message (AFrequest message).

[0150] It is understood that the aforementioned network devices can be access network devices or core network devices, such as SMF network elements, NWDAF network elements, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. Furthermore, when the network devices are different, the relevant interaction processes may differ.

[0151] Specifically, when the aforementioned network device is an access network device or a data analysis network element, that is, when the QP parameters are generated by the access network device or the data analysis network element, the session management network element can send first indication information to the access network device or the data analysis network element. This first indication information can be used to indicate the determination of the QP parameters. Correspondingly, the access network device or the data analysis network element can receive the first indication information from the session management network element and then determine the relevant QP parameters based on the access network side information.

[0152] In some possible implementations, the session management network element may also send session-related RDMA information and / or session-related quality of service information to the access network device or data analysis network element. Correspondingly, the access network device or data analysis network element may receive session-related RDMA information and / or session-related quality of service information from the session management network element. For example, after receiving relevant messages (such as the aforementioned third indication information and / or session-related RDMA information) from the terminal device or application function network element, the session management network element may send first indication information, session-related RDMA information, session-related quality of service information, etc., to the access network device or data analysis network element.

[0153] When the aforementioned network device is a data analysis network element or a session management network element, that is, when the QP parameters are determined by the data analysis network element or the session management network element, before determining the QP parameters, the data analysis network element or the session management network element can send second indication information to the access network device. The second indication information can be used to instruct the provision of access network-side information corresponding to the session. Accordingly, the access network device can receive the second indication information from the data analysis network element or the session management network element, and then can send the access network-side information corresponding to the session to the data analysis network element or the session management network element based on the second indication information.

[0154] 302. Network devices send QP parameters.

[0155] After determining the QP parameters based on the access network side information corresponding to the terminal device's session, the network device can send the QP parameters to the terminal device (UE) and / or application function network element (AF). Correspondingly, the terminal device (UE) and / or application function network element (AF) can receive the QP parameters from the network device, which are determined based on the access network side information corresponding to the terminal device's session.

[0156] The process of sending the QP parameter to the UE and / or Application Function (AF) can differ depending on whether the network device is an access network device, an SMF network element, or an NWDAF network element. For example, when the network device is an access network device, after determining the QP parameter, the access network device can directly send the QP parameter to the UE, or it can send the QP parameter to an SMF network element, which can then send the QP parameter to the UE. For an application function network element, after determining the QP parameter, the access network device can send the QP parameter to an SMF network element, which can then send the QP parameter to the application function network element, such as the SMF network element sending the QP parameter to the application function network element via an NEF network element. As another example, when the network device is an SMF network element, after determining the QP parameter, the SMF network element can send the QP parameter to the UE. For application function network elements, after the SMF network element determines the QP parameter, it can send the QP parameter to the application function network element, such as by the SMF network element sending the QP parameter to the application function network element through the NEF network element. As another example, when the network device is an NWDAF network element, for the terminal device, after the NWDAF network element determines the QP parameter, it can send the QP parameter to the SMF, and then the SMF network element can send the QP parameter to the terminal device. Similarly, for application function network elements, after the NWDAF network element determines the QP parameter, it can send the QP parameter to the SMF network element, and then the SMF network element can send the QP parameter to the application function network element, such as by the SMF network element sending the QP parameter to the application function network element through the NEF network element.

[0157] It is understood that the above method of sending QP parameters is merely an illustrative example and does not constitute a limitation. For example, in a specific implementation, sending QP parameters to the terminal device may also involve network elements such as AMF. If the AMF needs to pass through the QP parameters to the access network device, the access network device may then send the QP parameters to the terminal device.

[0158] 303. The terminal device and / or application server perform RDMA data transmission based on this QP parameter.

[0159] After receiving the QP parameter from the network device, the terminal device (UE) and / or application server (AS) can perform RDMA data transmission based on the QP parameter, such as downstream data transmission. For example, during the establishment of an RDMA connection, the terminal device (UE) / application server (AS) can send the QP parameter, such as the terminal device sending the QP parameter to the application server, or the application server sending the QP parameter to the terminal device.

[0160] In some possible implementations, after obtaining the QP parameters, the terminal device can create a QP based on the QP parameters and then perform data transmission based on the created QP. The application server operates similarly.

[0161] For example, suppose the QP parameters include multiple latency ranges and the corresponding transmission rate for each latency range. In this case, when the application server sends data to the terminal device, it can calculate the ACK response latency in real time based on a statistical window, and then adjust the transmission rate based on the calculated ACK response latency. For lost data packets, the ACK response latency can be calculated based on the timeout retransmission time. It should be noted that under this flow control method, the sending end can adjust the packet sending speed based on the real-time ACK response latency, thus enabling it to adapt more quickly to real-time changes / situations on the air interface.

[0162] It is understood that RDMA transmission can be end-to-end, that is, for terminal devices, application servers, etc. This application does not limit the data transmission between the terminal device and the access network device, or between the access network device and the UPF. For example, when creating a session, a data radio bearer (DRB) can be established between the terminal device and the access network device, and a GTP-U (GPRS tunneling protocol-userplane) tunnel can be established between the access network device and the user plane element (UPF).

[0163] In the above processing flow, during the wireless RDMA connection establishment process, network devices can determine the corresponding QP parameters based on access network side information. This ensures that the determined QP parameters are more accurate, such as better matching the access network side's transmission configuration and adapting better to the current access network side's transmission environment. This improves RDMA data transmission performance and ensures the normal operation of wireless RDMA services. Furthermore, since access network side resources can be considered when determining QP parameters, these resources (such as air interface resources) can be utilized more fully to meet service transmission requirements, thus improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0164] The overall scheme of the embodiments of this application has been introduced above based on Figure 3. However, since the subjects that determine the QP parameters are different, the overall interaction process is also different. Therefore, the following describes the situation of determining the QP parameters for access network equipment, SMF network element, and NWDAF network element through Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 3 respectively.

[0165] Example 1

[0166] Example 1 describes the processing flow of an access network device determining QP parameters based on access network side information. In Example 1, during session establishment, session modification, etc., the access network device can be triggered to determine QP parameters. The access network device can then return the determined QP parameters to the terminal device and / or AF, so that the terminal device and / or AS can perform data transmission based on the QP parameters. Specifically, please refer to Figure 4, which is a flowchart illustrating another communication method disclosed in this application. As shown in Figure 4, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0167] 401. The terminal device sends a session creation request message / session modification request message to the SMF, including third indication information and RDMA information corresponding to the session. The third indication information is used to indicate that communication is conducted using RDMA.

[0168] In this embodiment, data transmission between the terminal device and the application server can be performed using RDMA. For example, when creating / modifying a session, the terminal device can include third indication information and the corresponding RDMA information in the session creation request message / session modification request message. The third indication information can indicate that RDMA should be used for communication, and the corresponding RDMA information may include the required RDMA transmission type, RDMA protocol type, RDMA service type, retransmission algorithm, flow control algorithm, etc. The corresponding RDMA information is associated with QP parameters; different RDMA information may correspond to different QP parameters, and the corresponding RDMA information can be used to determine the QP parameters later. It should be understood that in some possible implementations, the session creation request message / session modification request message may not carry the third indication information; the corresponding RDMA information may implicitly indicate that RDMA should be used for communication, or the third indication information may be the corresponding RDMA information itself.

[0169] It should be noted that in some cases, the session modification request message may not carry the third-party indication information and the RDMA information corresponding to the session. For example, when initially creating a session, if the session creation request message carries the third-party indication information and the RDMA information corresponding to the session, the SMF can save the relevant information, such as storing the third-party indication information and the RDMA information in the session context. Later, when modifying the session, if the RDMA information does not need to be modified (e.g., the session modification request message does not include new RDMA information), then the session modification request message may not carry the third-party indication information and the RDMA information corresponding to the session. However, in this case, if the session modification request message includes new quality of service information (e.g., requested QoS), then the network side can be triggered to determine new QP parameters based on the new quality of service information.

[0170] It is understandable that terminal devices can send session creation request messages / session modification request messages to SMF through access network devices and AMF.

[0171] In some possible implementations, the AF may also send an Application Function Request (AFrequest) to the SMF, triggering the SMF to instruct the access network device to determine the QP parameters. For example, the AF may send an AF request to the SMF, which may include third indication information and RDMA information corresponding to the session. It should be understood that in some cases, the AF may send the AF request to the SMF through the NEF.

[0172] 402.SMF obtains the user's contract information.

[0173] After receiving a session creation request message / session modification request message from the terminal device, the SMF can determine whether the terminal device needs to use RDMA for subsequent data transmission based on the third indication information contained therein. The SMF can obtain the terminal device's subscription data, such as querying the PDU session type subscribed to by the terminal device and the supported RDMA protocol types.

[0174] 403.SMF retrieves SM policy information.

[0175] SMF can obtain session-related SM policy information from PCF to facilitate related processing based on the SM policy information.

[0176] Understandably, steps 402 and 403 are optional.

[0177] 404. The SMF sends a first indication message, service quality information corresponding to the session, and RDMA information corresponding to the session to the access network equipment. The first indication message is used to indicate the determination of QP parameters.

[0178] After determining that the terminal device needs to use RDMA for subsequent communication, the SMF can trigger the access network device to generate relevant QP parameters. For example, the SMF can send the access network device a first indication message, session-related Quality of Service (QoS) information, and session-related RDMA information. The first indication message can be used to instruct the access network device to determine the QP parameters. The session-related QoS information and RDMA information can be used to determine the QP parameters. The session-related QoS information can be the QoS information of the relevant service, such as the QoS information of voice services or game services. It should be noted that, in addition to the session-related QoS information and RDMA information, the SMF can also send other information to the access network device for determining the QP parameters, such as service-related information.

[0179] In one possible implementation, the first indication information, the service quality information corresponding to the session, and the RDMA information corresponding to the session can be carried in the same message, which can be used to request the access network device to determine the QP parameters.

[0180] It is understandable that the SMF can send the first indication information, the service quality information corresponding to the session, and the RDMA information corresponding to the session to the access network equipment through the AMF, such as through transparent transmission via the AMF.

[0181] 405. The access network device determines the QP parameters based on the access network side information and the RDMA information corresponding to the session. The access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information corresponding to the session.

[0182] The method for determining the QP parameters in step 405 is similar to that in step 301 above. Please refer to the relevant description in step 301 above, and it will not be repeated here.

[0183] It should be noted that after the access network device determines the QP parameters, there are two ways to return the QP parameters to the terminal device. The first method can be found in steps 406a and 407a, and the second method can be found in steps 406b and 407b.

[0184] 406a. The access network device sends a fourth indication message to the SMF, which is used to indicate that the QP parameters have been successfully determined.

[0185] In Method 1, after the access network device determines the QP parameters, it can send a fourth indication message to the SMF. This fourth indication message can indicate that the QP parameters have been successfully determined, or it can indicate that the QP parameters have been successfully determined and sent to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the SMF can receive the fourth indication message from the access network device and, based on this message, know that the access network device has successfully generated the QP parameters.

[0186] In some possible implementations, after the access network device determines the QP parameters, it can send a response message to the SMF, which may include fourth indication information.

[0187] It is understandable that access network devices can send fourth indication information to SMF through AMF, such as through AMF transparent transmission.

[0188] 407a. The access network device sends the QP parameter to the terminal device.

[0189] In Method 1, after determining the QP parameter, the access network device can also send the QP parameter to the terminal device. In some possible implementations, after determining the QP parameter, the access network device can also send the QP parameter to the AF / AS.

[0190] It should be noted that the execution order between steps 406a and 407a is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Step 406a can be executed first, or step 407a can be executed first, or steps 406a and 407a can be executed simultaneously.

[0191] It should be understood that the response message of step 406a or 406b may correspond to the request message of step 404.

[0192] 406b. The access network device sends the QP parameter to the SMF.

[0193] In Method 2, after determining the QP parameters, the access network device can send the QP parameters to the SMF. In some possible implementations, after determining the QP parameters, the access network device can send a response message to the SMF, which may include the QP parameters determined by the access network device.

[0194] It is understandable that access network devices can send this QP parameter to SMF through AMF, such as through AMF pass-through.

[0195] 407b.SMF sends this QP parameter to the terminal device.

[0196] After receiving the QP parameters determined by the access network device, the SMF can send the QP parameters to the terminal device. In some possible implementations, the SMF can also send the QP parameters to the AF / AS after receiving the QP parameters determined by the access network device.

[0197] Understandably, the SMF can send the QP parameter to the terminal device through the AMF and access network equipment.

[0198] 408. The terminal device interacts with the AS to exchange RDMA connection establishment information and establish an RDMA link. This RDMA connection establishment information includes the QP parameter.

[0199] After the terminal device or AS receives the QP parameters determined by the access network device, the terminal device and the AS can exchange RDMA connection establishment information to establish an RDMA link. The exchanged RDMA connection establishment information may include the QP parameters determined by the access network device. For example, after receiving the QP parameters, the terminal device can synchronize these QP parameters to the AS, and then the terminal device and the AS can establish an RDMA link based on these QP parameters. As another example, after receiving the QP parameters, the AS can synchronize these QP parameters to the terminal device, and then the terminal device and the AS can also establish an RDMA link based on these QP parameters. Alternatively, in some cases, both the terminal device and the AS can obtain the QP parameters determined by the access network device. In this case, after the terminal device and the AS exchange other relevant RDMA connection establishment information (such as port information), an RDMA link can be established. It should be understood that an RDMA link can also be referred to as an RDMA connection.

[0200] After the terminal device establishes an RDMA link with the AS, the terminal device and the AS can transmit uplink and / or downlink data via RDMA. Furthermore, during the transmission of uplink and / or downlink data, flow control and data retransmission can be performed based on the QP parameters determined by the access network equipment.

[0201]

Example 2

[0202] Example 2 describes the processing flow of the SMF determining QP parameters based on access network side information. In Example 2, during session establishment, session modification, etc., the SMF can be triggered to determine the QP parameters. The SMF can then return the determined QP parameters to the terminal device and / or AF, so that the terminal device and / or AS can perform data transmission based on the QP parameters. Specifically, please refer to Figure 5, which is a flowchart of another communication method disclosed in this application. As shown in Figure 5, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0203] 501. The terminal device sends a session creation request message / session modification request message to the SMF, including third indication information and RDMA information corresponding to the session. The third indication information is used to indicate that communication is conducted using RDMA.

[0204] In some possible implementations, the AF may also send an Application Function Request (AFrequest) to the SMF, triggering the SMF to determine the QP parameters. For example, the AF may send an Application Function Request to the SMF, which may include third-party indication information and RDMA information corresponding to the session.

[0205] 502.SMF obtains the user's contract information.

[0206] 503.SMF obtains SM policy information.

[0207] Understandably, steps 502 and 503 are optional.

[0208] 504. The SMF sends a second indication message and service quality information corresponding to the session to the access network equipment. The second indication message is used to indicate the access network side information corresponding to the session.

[0209] After determining that the terminal device needs to use RDMA for subsequent communication, the SMF can obtain the access network-side information corresponding to the session from the access network device to enable the SMF to determine the QP parameters. For example, the SMF can send a second indication message and session-related quality of service information to the access network device. The second indication message is used to instruct the access network device to provide the session-related access network-side information, that is, to instruct the access network device to open the relevant access network-side information. It should be noted that, in addition to the aforementioned second indication message and session-related quality of service information, the SMF can also send session-related RDMA information to the access network device to enable the access network device to provide the access network-side information required to determine the QP parameters.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the second indication information and the service quality information corresponding to the session can be carried in the same message, which can be used to request the access network device to provide or open access network-side information for determining QP parameters.

[0211] It is understandable that the SMF can send the second indication information and the service quality information corresponding to the session to the access network equipment through the AMF, such as through transparent transmission via the AMF.

[0212] 505. The access network device sends the access network side information corresponding to the session to the SMF.

[0213] After receiving the second indication information from the SMF, the access network device can provide / open relevant access network-side information to the SMF based on the second indication information. For example, in some cases, the access network device can determine the access network-side information corresponding to a portion of the session based on the service quality information corresponding to the session, such as the MAC layer retransmission count, RLC layer retransmission count, and reordering time configured for the corresponding session based on the service quality information. Of course, the access network-side information may also include the signal quality of the terminal device, the resources reserved for the terminal device, and the access network-side buffer status.

[0214] In some possible implementations, after receiving the quality of service information corresponding to the session, the access network device can also establish a data radio bearer (DRB) to facilitate subsequent data transmission.

[0215] 506.SMF determines QP parameters based on the access network side information and RDMA information corresponding to the session.

[0216] The method for determining the QP parameters in step 506 is similar to that in step 301 above. Please refer to the relevant description in step 301 above, and it will not be repeated here.

[0217] 507.SMF sends the specified QP parameters to the terminal device.

[0218] After determining the QP parameter, the SMF can send the QP parameter to the terminal device. In some possible implementations, the SMF can also send the QP parameter to the AF / AS.

[0219] Understandably, the SMF can send the QP parameter to the terminal device through the AMF and access network equipment.

[0220] 508. The terminal device interacts with the AS to exchange RDMA connection establishment information and establish an RDMA link. This RDMA connection establishment information includes the QP parameter.

[0221]

Example 3

[0222] Example 3 describes the processing flow of NWDAF determining QP parameters based on access network side information. In Example 3, during session establishment, session modification, etc., SMF can trigger NWDAF to determine QP parameters. Then, NWDAF can return the determined QP parameters to SMF, which can then send them to the terminal device and / or AF, so that the terminal device and / or AS can perform data transmission based on the QP parameters. Specifically, please refer to Figure 6, which is a flowchart of another communication method disclosed in this application. As shown in Figure 6, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0223] 601. The terminal device sends a session creation request message / session modification request message to the SMF, including third indication information and RDMA information corresponding to the session. The third indication information is used to indicate that communication is conducted using RDMA.

[0224] In some possible implementations, the AF may also send an application function request (AFrequest) to the SMF, triggering the SMF to instruct the NWDAF to determine the QP parameters. For example, the AF may send an application function request to the SMF, which may include third-party instruction information and RDMA information corresponding to the session.

[0225] 602.SMF obtains the user's contract information.

[0226] 603.SMF obtains SM policy information.

[0227] Understandably, steps 602 and 603 are optional.

[0228] 604. The SMF sends the first indication information, the service quality information corresponding to the session, and the RDMA information corresponding to the session to the NWDAF. The first indication information is used to indicate the determination of QP parameters.

[0229] In this embodiment of the application, NWDAF can provide a service to determine QP parameters, and other network elements (such as SMF) can access the service provided by NWDAF to determine QP parameters.

[0230] After determining that the terminal device needs to use RDMA for subsequent communication based on the third indication information, the SMF can trigger the NWDAF to generate relevant QP parameters. For example, the SMF can send the first indication information, the service quality information corresponding to the session, and the RDMA information corresponding to the session to the NWDAF. The first indication information can be used to instruct the determination of QP parameters, that is, to instruct the NWDAF to determine the QP parameters.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the first indication information, the service quality information corresponding to the session, and the RDMA information corresponding to the session can be carried in the same message, which can be used to request NWDAF to determine the QP parameters.

[0232] 605. NWDAF sends a second indication message and service quality information corresponding to the session to the access network device. The second indication message is used to indicate the access network side information corresponding to the session.

[0233] After receiving the first indication information, the NWDAF can determine that QP parameters need to be provided for the SMF. Then, the NWDAF can obtain the access network-side information corresponding to the session from the access network device to facilitate the NWDAF's determination of the QP parameters. For example, the NWDAF can send a second indication information and session-related quality of service information to the access network device, whereby the second indication information instructs the provision of the session-related access network-side information. It should be noted that, in addition to the aforementioned second indication information and session-related quality of service information, the NWDAF can also send session-related RDMA information, etc., to the access network device to facilitate the access network device in providing the access network-side information required to determine the QP parameters.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the second indication information and the service quality information corresponding to the session can be carried in the same message, which can be used to request the access network device to provide or open access network-side information for determining QP parameters.

[0235] It is understandable that NWDAF can send the second indication information and the service quality information corresponding to the session to the access network device through AMF, such as through AMF pass-through.

[0236] 606. The access network device sends the access network side information corresponding to the session to the NWDAF.

[0237] After receiving the second indication information from NWDAF, the access network device can provide / open relevant access network side information to NWDAF based on the second indication information.

[0238] 607. NWDAF determines QP parameters based on the access network side information and the RDMA information corresponding to the session.

[0239] The method for determining the QP parameters in step 607 is similar to that in step 301 above. Please refer to the relevant description in step 301 above, and it will not be repeated here.

[0240] 608.NWDAF sends the specified QP parameters to the terminal device.

[0241] For example, after determining the QP parameter, the NWDAF can return the QP parameter to the SMF. After receiving the QP parameter returned by the NWDAF, the SMF can send the QP parameter to the terminal device. In some possible implementations, the NWDAF can also send the QP parameter to the AF / AS.

[0242] 609. The terminal device interacts with the AS to exchange RDMA connection establishment information and establish an RDMA link. This RDMA connection establishment information includes the QP parameter.

[0243] It should be noted that the relevant information (i.e., the same or similar information) and related descriptions in the different embodiments described above can be referenced from each other.

[0244] The foregoing mainly describes the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. It is understood that the aforementioned terminal devices, SMF, NWDAF, access network devices, AF, etc., may include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function in order to achieve the corresponding functions. Based on the units and steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0245] This application embodiment can divide the terminal device, SMF, NWDAF, access network device, AF, etc. into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0246] Figure 7 shows a possible structural diagram of a communication device 700, where each functional module is divided according to its corresponding function. The communication device 700 includes a processing unit 701 and a transmitting unit 702, and may also include a receiving unit 703. In one possible design, the communication device 700 can be the aforementioned network device, or a chip within the network device, or a processing system, chip system, circuit, or functional module within the network device, etc. Wherein:

[0247] Processing unit 701 is used to determine queue pair QP parameters based on access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The QP parameters are used for remote direct data acquisition (RDMA) transmission of the data of the terminal device.

[0248] The sending unit 702 is used to send the QP parameter.

[0249] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 701 is specifically used to: determine QP parameters based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device and the RDMA information corresponding to the session; the RDMA information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: RDMA transmission type, RDMA protocol type, RDMA service type, and RDMA protocol information.

[0250] In one possible implementation, the access network-side information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, retransmission count configured by the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and access network-side resource information.

[0251] In one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information of the session.

[0252] In one possible implementation, the QP parameter includes one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate; multiple delay ranges, and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and the size of the delay statistics window, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

[0253] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 702 is specifically used to send the QP parameter to the terminal device and / or application function network element.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the communication device is an access network device or a data analysis network element, and the communication device further includes: a receiving unit 703, for receiving first indication information from a session management network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the determination of QP parameters.

[0255] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 703 is further configured to receive RDMA information corresponding to the session from the session management network element, and the RDMA information corresponding to the session is used to determine the QP parameter.

[0256] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a data analysis network element or a session management network element. The first transmitting unit is further configured to send a second indication information to the access network device, the second indication information being used to indicate the provision of access network side information corresponding to the session. The receiving unit 703 is further configured to receive the access network side information corresponding to the session from the access network device.

[0257] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 703 is further configured to receive third indication information from the terminal device or application function network element and / or RDMA information corresponding to the session, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate that communication is performed using RDMA.

[0258] For details on the specific operation of each unit in the above-mentioned communication device 700, please refer to the description of the network device in the above method embodiment or other related descriptions, such as the description of the network device in Figure 3, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0259] Figure 8 shows a possible structural schematic diagram of the communication device 800. The communication device 800 includes a receiving unit 801 and a transmitting unit 802. In one possible design, the communication device 800 can be the aforementioned terminal device / AF, or it can be a chip in the terminal device / AF, or it can be a processing system, chip system, circuit, or functional module in the terminal device / AF, etc. Wherein:

[0260] The receiving unit 801 is used to receive queue pair QP parameters, which are determined based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The QP parameters are used for remote direct data acquisition (RDMA) transmission of the data of the terminal device.

[0261] The transmitting unit 802 is used to transmit the QP parameter during the RDMA connection establishment process.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 802 is further configured to send third indication information to the session management network element, the third indication information being used to indicate that communication is conducted using RDMA.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 802 is further configured to send the RDMA information corresponding to the session to the session management network element, and the RDMA information corresponding to the session is used to determine the QP parameter.

[0264] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 802 is also used to send the service quality information of the session to the access network device or the data analysis network element.

[0265] In one possible implementation, the access network-side information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, retransmission count configured by the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and access network-side resource information.

[0266] In one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information of the session.

[0267] In one possible implementation, the QP parameter includes one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate; multiple delay ranges, and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and the size of the delay statistics window, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

[0268] The specific operation of each unit in the above-mentioned communication device 800 can be found in the description of the terminal device / AF in the above method embodiment, such as the description of the terminal device / AF in Figure 3, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0269] In another possible design, the communication device 800 can be the aforementioned SMF, or a chip within the SMF, or a processing system, chip system, circuit, or functional module within the SMF, etc. Wherein:

[0270] The receiving unit 801 is used to receive third indication information from a terminal device or application function network element, the third indication information being used to indicate that communication is performed using the Remote Data Direct Acquisition (RDMA) method.

[0271] The sending unit 802 is used to send first indication information to the access network device or the data analysis network element. The first indication information is used to indicate the determination queue pair QP parameter. The QP parameter is determined based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The QP parameter is used for RDMA transmission of the data of the terminal device.

[0272] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 801 is further configured to receive RDMA information corresponding to the session from the terminal device or the application function network element, the RDMA information corresponding to the session being used to determine the QP parameter.

[0273] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 802 is also used to send the RDMA information corresponding to the session to the access network device or the data analysis network element.

[0274] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 802 is also used to send the service quality information of the session to the access network device or the data analysis network element.

[0275] In one possible implementation, the access network-side information corresponding to the session includes one or more of the following: reordering time, retransmission count configured by the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, retransmission count configured by the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and access network-side resource information.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on the service quality information of the session.

[0277] In one possible implementation, the QP parameter includes one or more of the following: timeout retransmission time; maximum transmission rate; multiple delay ranges, and the transmission rate corresponding to each delay range; and the size of the delay statistics window, which is a first duration, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

[0278] The specific operation of each unit in the above-mentioned communication device 800 can be found in the description of the SMF in the above method embodiment, such as the description of the SMF in Figures 3, 4 and 6, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0279] In one possible implementation, in the communication devices 700 and 800 described above, the transmitting unit can be a transmitter, and the receiving unit can be a receiver. The transmitting and receiving units can be integrated into a single device, such as a transceiver. Exemplarily, the communication devices 700 and 800 may also include a processing unit, which can be one or more processors / logic circuits. During the execution of the above method, the process of transmitting information (such as transmitting first indication information) can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the information. When outputting the information, the processor can output the information to the transceiver for transmission. After being output by the processor, the information may require further processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information (such as receiving first indication information) in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor receiving the input information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it to the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may require further processing before being input to the processor. In this embodiment of the application, the processor and transceiver may be coupled, etc. The connection method between the processor and transceiver is not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0280] In another possible implementation, in the above-mentioned communication devices 700 and 800, the transmitting unit can be an output interface and the receiving unit can be an input interface. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc.

[0281] Figure 9 shows a possible hardware structure diagram of the communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 900 may include a communication interface 904 and at least one processor 902. Optionally, it may also include a bus 903. Further optionally, it may also include at least one memory 901, wherein the memory 901, the processor 902, and the communication interface 904 can be connected through the bus 903.

[0282] The memory 901 provides storage space, which can store data such as the operating system and computer programs. The memory 901 can be one or a combination of several of the following: random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM).

[0283] Processor 902 is a module that performs arithmetic and / or logical operations. Specifically, it can be one or a combination of processing modules such as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), microprocessor unit (MPU), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), and complex programmable logic device (CPLD).

[0284] The communication interface 904 is used to receive and / or transmit data to external sources. It may include a wired link interface such as an Ethernet cable, or a wireless link interface (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, general wireless transmission, etc.). Optionally, the communication interface 904 may also include a transmitter (such as an RF transmitter, antenna, etc.) or a receiver coupled to the interface.

[0285] In one design, the communication device 900 can be used to perform the functions of the network device in the foregoing embodiments. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 3 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0286] In another design, the communication device 900 can be used to perform the functions of the terminal device / AF in the aforementioned embodiments. For details, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 3 above, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0287] In another design, the communication device 900 can be used to perform the functions of the SMF in the aforementioned embodiments. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 3, 4, and 6 above; further details will not be repeated here.

[0288] In one possible design, memory 901 may store instructions, which may be computer programs that run on processor 902, causing communication device 900 to perform operations performed by network device, terminal device / AF, or SMF in any of the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 3-6 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0289] It should be noted that the communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 is only one implementation of the embodiment of this application. In actual applications, the communication device 900 may include more or fewer components, which is not limited here.

[0290] It should be understood that the transmission in the embodiments of this application can be direct or indirect. Direct transmission means that one device or module directly sends information / data to the corresponding device or module, while indirect transmission means that one device or module sends information / data to the corresponding device or module through other devices or modules.

[0291] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily indicate the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand, explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects and are not used to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, it may include a series of steps or units, or optionally, steps or units not listed, or optionally other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. It is also understandable that, for an architecture with multiple devices or modules, if one device or module generates a piece of information and another device or module uses that information, there are multiple ways for the other device to obtain that information. For example, the device or module that generated the information may send the information directly to the device or module that used the information (equivalent to direct sending), or the device or module that generated the information may send the information to the device or module that used the information through other devices or modules (equivalent to indirect sending).

[0292] It is understood that the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to this application and not all of them. It should be understood that some exemplary embodiments are described as processes or methods depicted as flowcharts. Although the flowcharts describe operations (or steps) as sequential processes, many of these operations can be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of the operations can be rearranged. The process can be terminated when its operation is completed, but may also have additional steps not included in the drawings. The process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subroutine, etc.

[0293] The terms “component,” “module,” “system,” “unit,” etc., used in this specification are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a unit can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, a thread of execution, a program, and / or distributed between two or more computers. Furthermore, these units can be executed from various computer-readable media on which various data structures are stored. For example, a unit can communicate via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from a second unit interacting with another unit between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network; for example, the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0294] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solution of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: determining a queue pair (QP) parameter based on access network side information corresponding to a session of a terminal device, the QP parameter being used for remote direct memory access (RDMA) transmission of data of the terminal device; sending the QP parameter.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determining of the QP parameter based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device comprises: determining the QP parameter based on the access network side information corresponding to the session of the terminal device and RDMA information corresponding to the session; the RDMA information corresponding to the session comprises one or more of the following: an RDMA transmission type, an RDMA protocol type, an RDMA service type, and RDMA protocol information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The access network side information corresponding to the session comprises one or more of the following: a reordering time, a number of retransmissions configured by a radio link control (RLC) layer, a number of retransmissions configured by a medium access control (MAC) layer, and access network side resource information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on quality of service (QoS) information of the session.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The QP parameter comprises one or more of the following: a timeout retransmission time; a maximum transmission rate; a plurality of delay ranges and a transmission rate corresponding to each delay range in the plurality of delay ranges; a statistical window size of a delay, the statistical window size being a first time length, a first data volume, or a first number of messages.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The sending of the QP parameter comprises: sending the QP parameter to the terminal device and / or an application function network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method is performed by an access network device or a data analysis network element, and the method further comprises: receiving first indication information from a session management network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the determination of the QP parameter.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving the RDMA information corresponding to the session from the session management network element, the RDMA information corresponding to the session being used to determine the QP parameter.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method is performed by a data analysis network element or a session management network element, and the method further comprises: sending second indication information to an access network device, the second indication information being used to request the access network side information corresponding to the session; receiving the access network side information corresponding to the session from the access network device.

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving a queue pair (QP) parameter, the QP parameter being determined based on access network side information corresponding to a session of a terminal device, the QP parameter being used for remote direct memory access (RDMA) transmission of data of the terminal device; sending the QP parameter in a process of establishing an RDMA connection.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further comprises: sending third indication information to a session management network element, the third indication information being used to indicate that communication is performed in an RDMA manner.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending RDMA information corresponding to the session to the session management network element, the RDMA information corresponding to the session being used to determine the QP parameter.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The access network side information corresponding to the session comprises one or more of the following: a reordering time, a number of retransmissions configured by a radio link control (RLC) layer, a number of retransmissions configured by a medium access control (MAC) layer, and access network side resource information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The access network side information corresponding to the session is determined based on quality of service (QoS) information of the session.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The QP parameter comprises one or more of the following: a timeout retransmission time; maximum sending rate; a plurality of delay ranges, and a sending rate corresponding to each delay range in the plurality of delay ranges; a statistical window size of the delay, the statistical window size being a first time length or a first data amount or a first message quantity.

16. A communication system, characterized by The application further provides a device for implementing the method of any one of claims 1-9, and a terminal device or an application function network element for implementing the method of any one of claims 10-15.

17. A communications device, characterized by The application further provides a device including a processor, a memory and a communication interface; the communication interface is used for receiving and sending data; the processor is coupled with the memory, and the processor invokes computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory to implement the method of any one of claims 1-9 or the method of any one of claims 10-15.

18. A communications device, characterized by The application further provides a device including one or more functional modules, the one or more functional modules being used for implementing the method of any one of claims 1-9 or the method of any one of claims 10-15.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The application further provides a computer readable storage medium storing computer programs or computer instructions, the computer programs or computer instructions being executed by a processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1-9 or the method of any one of claims 10-15.

20. A computer program product, characterised in that, The application further provides a computer program product including computer program codes or computer instructions, the computer program codes or computer instructions being executed to implement the method of any one of claims 1-9 or the method of any one of claims 10-15.

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