Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In the communication method, a second network function sends first information to a first network function, the first information being used for configuring data boost handling for a first SDF; and the first network function performs data boost handling on the first SDF on the basis of the first information. By means of the solution of the present disclosure, data boost handling for SDFs is achieved.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] In communication technologies such as 5G, mobile media services, online extended reality (XR), online games, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute increasing traffic to communication networks.

[0003] Currently, data boost handling can be used to accelerate the transmission of service data flow (SDF).

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] In communication systems, how to accelerate the processing of SDF data is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0006] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a first network function. The method includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF; and performing data acceleration processing on the first SDF according to the first information.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a terminal. The method includes: receiving downlink data packets in a first SDF; and performing data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF based on a reflective QoS indicator (RQI) contained in the downlink data packets.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a second network function. The method includes: sending first information to a first network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a third network function. The method includes: receiving second information sent by a first network function, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for a first SDF, the first SDF being an SDF requiring data acceleration processing; and / or receiving first information sent by a fourth network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first SDF.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, performed by a fourth network function. The method includes: receiving first information sent by a second network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF; and sending the first information to a third network device.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, executed by a core network, wherein the core network includes at least one of a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function. The method includes at least one of the following: implementing the communication method of the first aspect through the first network function; implementing the communication method of the third aspect through the second network function; implementing the communication method of the fourth aspect through the third network function; and implementing the communication method of the fifth aspect through the third network function.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, which is deployed with a first network function. The network device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive first information, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF; and a processing module configured to perform data acceleration processing on the first SDF according to the first information.

[0014] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, the terminal comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive downlink data packets in a first SDF; and a processing module configured to perform data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF according to RQI contained in the downlink data packets.

[0015] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, which deploys a second network function. The network device includes a transceiver module configured to send first information to a first network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF.

[0016] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, which is deployed with a third network function. The network device includes: a transceiver module configured to perform at least one of the following: receiving second information sent by a first network function, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for a first SDF, the first SDF being an SDF that requires data acceleration processing; and receiving first information sent by a fourth network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first SDF.

[0017] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided, which is deployed with a fourth network function. The network device includes: a transceiver module configured to: receive first information sent by a second network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF; and send the first information to a third network device.

[0018] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: one or more processors; a memory storing instructions; and, when executed by the communication device, the instructions enable the communication device to implement the steps of the communication method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0019] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first network function, a terminal, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function; the first network function is used to implement the communication method described in the first aspect; the terminal is used to implement the communication method described in the second aspect; the second network function is used to implement the communication method described in the third aspect; the third network function is used to implement the communication method described in the fourth aspect; and the fourth network function is used to implement the communication method described in the fifth aspect.

[0020] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0021] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0022] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the steps of the communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0023] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the steps of the communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0024] According to embodiments of this disclosure, accelerated data processing for SDF is achieved.

[0025] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0027] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of one implementation of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 is another interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a chip structure provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0037] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is applied to a first network function. The communication method includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF; and performing data acceleration processing on the first SDF according to the first information.

[0038] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a first network function receives first information, and the first information is used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF. The first network function can determine how to accelerate the data of the first SDF based on the first information. Thus, during the data acceleration processing of the first SDF according to the first information, the network can relatively accurately perceive the data acceleration requirement, effectively implementing data acceleration processing for the first SDF, thereby improving the QoS guarantee and quality of experience (QoE) of XR services and even immersive communication services.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first Quality of Service (QoS) stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in the header of the downlink data packet in the first SDF; and / or, the first information is carried in the third rule associated with the first SDF.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information carried in the header of the downlink data packet includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing; and third indication information for indicating a QoS authorization update for the first SDF.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending second information to a third network function based on third indication information included in the first information, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for the first SDF.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information carried in the third rule includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, data acceleration processing is performed on the first SDF according to the first information, including at least one of the following: data acceleration processing is performed on downlink data packets in the first SDF according to the first information; and a reflection QoS indicator RQI is added to the downlink data packets in the first SDF according to the first information, wherein the RQI is used to indicate data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, according to the first information, RQI is added to the downlink data packets in the first SDF, including the following: RQI is added to each downlink data packet in the first SDF, and the RQI in each downlink data packet is also used to indicate data acceleration processing for each downlink data packet, the direction of data acceleration processing indicated by the first information includes uplink and downlink; RQI is added to the first N downlink data packets in the first SDF, and the RQI in the first N downlink data packets is used to indicate data acceleration processing for uplink data packets in the first SDF, the direction of data acceleration processing indicated by the first information includes uplink, and N is a positive integer.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: after adding RQI to the first N downlink data packets, stopping the addition of RQI to other downlink data packets in the first SDF.

[0047] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is applied to a terminal. The communication method includes: receiving downlink data packets in a first SDF; and performing data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF based on RQI contained in the downlink data packets.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, data acceleration processing is performed on uplink data packets in the first SDF based on the RQI contained in the downlink data packets, including the following: performing data acceleration processing on uplink data packets based on the RQI contained in each downlink data packet in the first SDF; performing data acceleration processing on uplink data packets based on the RQI contained in the first N downlink data packets in the first SDF, where N is a positive integer.

[0050] In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is applied to a second network function. The communication method includes: sending first information to a first network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second network function sends first information to the first network function, and the first information is used to configure data acceleration processing for the first SDF. The first network function can determine how to accelerate the data of the first SDF based on the first information. Thus, during the data acceleration processing of the first SDF according to the first information, the network can relatively accurately perceive the data acceleration requirement, effectively implementing data acceleration processing for the first SDF, thereby improving the QoS guarantee and quality of experience (QoE) of XR services and even immersive communication services.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in the header of the downlink data packet in the first SDF.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing; and third indication information for indicating a QoS authorization update for the first SDF.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to a first network function includes: sending first information to a fourth network function, wherein the first information is sent to the first network function via the fourth network function and the third network function.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0057] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is applied to a third network function. The communication method includes: receiving second information sent by a first network function, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for a first SDF, the first SDF being an SDF requiring data acceleration processing; and / or, receiving first information sent by a fourth network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first SDF.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information is sent by the first network function based on the first information, the first information including third indication information, the third indication information being used to instruct the second network device to perform a QoS authorization update for the first SDF.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, receiving first information sent by the fourth network function includes: receiving a first policy control and charging (PCC) rule and a second rule associated with a first SDF sent by the fourth network function, wherein the second rule supports data acceleration processing, and at least one of the first rule and the second rule carries the first information.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, after receiving the first information sent by the fourth network function, the method further includes: sending the first information to the first network function.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to a first network function includes: binding a first rule to a first QoS flow and binding a second rule to a second QoS flow, wherein the first rule and the second rule are associated with a first SDF, and the second rule supports data acceleration processing; sending a third rule associated with the first SDF to the first network function, wherein the third rule carries the first information, and the third rule includes at least one of the rules corresponding to the first QoS flow and the rules corresponding to the second QoS flow, wherein the second QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing.

[0065] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is applied to a fourth network function. The communication method includes: receiving first information sent by a second network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF; and sending the first information to a third network device.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to a third network device includes: sending a first rule and a second rule associated with a first SDF to the third network device, wherein the second rule supports data acceleration processing, and at least one of the first rule and the second rule carries the first information.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This communication method is applied to a core network, wherein the core network includes at least one of a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function; wherein the communication method includes at least one of the following: implementing the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect and its embodiments through the first network function; implementing the communication method as described in any one of the third aspect and its embodiments through the second network function; implementing the communication method as described in any one of the fourth aspect and its embodiments through the third network function; and implementing the communication method as described in any one of the fifth aspect and its embodiments through the third network function.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device. The network device has a first network function deployed on it. The network device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive first information, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF; and a processing module configured to perform data acceleration processing on the first SDF according to the first information.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in the header of the downlink data packet in the first SDF; and / or, the first information is carried in the third rule associated with the first SDF.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information carried in the header of the downlink data packet includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing; and third indication information for indicating a QoS authorization update for the first SDF.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to send second information to a third network function based on third indication information included in the first information, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for the first SDF.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information carried in the third rule includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform at least one of the following: performing data acceleration processing on downlink data packets in the first SDF according to first information; and adding a reflection QoS indication RQI to the downlink data packets in the first SDF according to the first information, wherein the RQI is used to indicate data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: adding an RQI to each downlink data packet in the first SDF, wherein the RQI in each downlink data packet is also used to indicate data acceleration processing for each downlink data packet, and the direction of the data acceleration processing indicated by the first information includes uplink and downlink; adding an RQI to the first N downlink data packets in the first SDF, wherein the RQI in the first N downlink data packets is used to indicate data acceleration processing for uplink data packets in the first SDF, and the direction of the data acceleration processing indicated by the first information includes uplink, where N is a positive integer.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to stop adding RQI to other downlink packets in the first SDF after adding RQI to the first N downlink packets.

[0079] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal. The terminal includes: a transceiver module configured to receive downlink data packets in a first SDF; and a processing module configured to perform data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF according to the RQI contained in the downlink data packets.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform one of the following: perform data acceleration processing on uplink data packets based on the RQI contained in each downlink data packet in the first SDF; and perform data acceleration processing on uplink data packets based on the RQI contained in the first N downlink data packets in the first SDF, where N is a positive integer.

[0082] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device. The network device has a second network function deployed on it. The network device includes a transceiver module configured to send first information to a first network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is carried in the header of the downlink data packet in the first SDF.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing; and third indication information for indicating a QoS authorization update for the first SDF.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to send first information to a fourth network function, the first information being sent to the first network function via the fourth network function and the third network function.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0088] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device. The network device deploys a third network function. The network device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive second information sent by a first network function, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for a first SDF, the first SDF being an SDF requiring data acceleration processing; and / or, to receive first information sent by a fourth network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first SDF.

[0089] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0090] In some embodiments of the tenth aspect, the second information is sent by the first network function based on the first information, and the first information includes third indication information, which is used to instruct the second network device to perform a QoS authorization update for the first SDF.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive a first rule and a second rule associated with a first SDF sent by a fourth network function, the second rule supporting data acceleration processing, and at least one of the first rule and the second rule carrying first information.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to send first information to the first network function after receiving first information sent by the fourth network function.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the network device further includes a processing module; the processing module is configured to bind a first rule to a first QoS flow and to bind a second rule to a second QoS flow, the first rule and the second rule being associated with a first SDF, the second rule supporting data acceleration processing; the transceiver module is further configured to send a third rule associated with the first SDF to a first network function, the third rule carrying first information, the third rule including at least one of the rule corresponding to the first QoS flow and the rule corresponding to the second QoS flow, wherein the second QoS flow is used to implement data acceleration processing.

[0096] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device. The network device is equipped with a fourth network function. The network device includes: a transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a second network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF; and to send the first information to a third network device.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the data acceleration processing includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration processing, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information for indicating the duration of data acceleration processing; and second indication information for indicating the direction of data acceleration processing.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to send a first rule and a second rule associated with a first SDF to a third network device, wherein the second rule supports data acceleration processing, and at least one of the first rule and the second rule carries first information.

[0100] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects and their embodiments.

[0101] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes: a first network function for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the first aspects and embodiments; a terminal for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the second aspects and embodiments; a second network function for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the third aspects and embodiments; a third network function for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the fourth aspects and embodiments; and a fourth network function for implementing the communication method as described in any one of the fifth aspects and embodiments.

[0102] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer storage medium. The computer storage medium stores instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects and their embodiments.

[0103] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product. When executed by a communication device, the computer program product causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects and their embodiments.

[0104] In a sixteenth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects and their embodiments.

[0105] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform a communication method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects and their embodiments.

[0106] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, computer program products, computer programs, chips, and chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0107] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method, information processing method, data processing method, and data acceleration processing method can be used interchangeably; terms such as terminal, communication device, data processing device, data acceleration processing device, network device, communication equipment, network function, and network entity can be used interchangeably; and terms such as communication system, information processing system, and data processing system can be used interchangeably.

[0108] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0109] In the embodiments disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0110] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0111] In the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as “a,” “one,” “a kind,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “this,” etc., can mean “one and only one,” or “one or more,” “at least one,” etc. For example, when articles such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are used in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0112] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0113] In some embodiments, terms such as “at least one (at least one, at least one item, at least one)” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0115] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0116] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. As another example, if the object being described is "information", then "third information" and "first information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0117] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0120] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0121] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0122] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0123] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0124] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0126] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0127] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0128] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0129] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network 103.

[0130] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0131] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device 102 may include at least one of the following: an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), an open RAN, a cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, and an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0133] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. By adopting the CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of the access network device 102 can be separated. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, and the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0134] In some embodiments, the CU and DU can be centrally deployed on one access network device 102 or distributed across multiple access network devices 102.

[0135] In some embodiments, the access network device may be implemented using one or more access network devices 102. An access network device 102 may include a CU and at least one DU. A CU may be connected to multiple DUs, and a DU may only be connected to one CU.

[0136] In some embodiments, the core network 103 may be a single device including a first network function 1031, a second network function 1032, a third network function 1033, a fourth network function 1034, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network function 1031, the second network function 1032, the third network function 1033, the fourth network function 1034, etc. Network functions may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: evolved packet core (EPC), 5G core network (5GCN), next-generation core (NGC), and 6G core network.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may be a user plane network function.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may be, for example, a user plane function (UPF).

[0139] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may be used to implement functions such as user plane (UP) data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, bandwidth limiting, and UP QoS processing, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0140] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may include an application function (AF) and / or an application server (AS). In one embodiment, the AF and AS may be deployed centrally or independently, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0141] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may be implemented by an application server and used to provide application services, and its name is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the second network function 1035 may also be used to provide support for user-subscribed services, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0142] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may be, for example, a control plane network function.

[0143] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0144] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may be used for functions such as session management, execution of control policies issued by the policy control function (PCF), selection of UPF, and allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for terminals, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0145] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may be, for example, a control plane network function.

[0146] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may be, for example, a PCF.

[0147] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may be used to support a unified policy framework and provide policy rules, the name of which is not limited thereto.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may be located outside the core network 103 or inside the core network 103, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0149] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 described above may be a 5G communication system, a 6G communication system, etc. It should be noted that the communication system 100 may also be other communication systems, and this disclosure does not specifically limit them.

[0150] In Figures 1B and 1C, the architecture of communication system 100 is illustrated using a 5G communication system as an example. Here, terminal 101 can be a UE, and access network device 102 can be a RAN.

[0151] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of one implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in the form of reference points. N1 is the reference point between the UE and AMF. N2 is the reference point between the RAN and AMF. N3 is the reference point between the RAN and UPF. N4 is the reference point between the SMF and UPF. N5 is the reference point between the PCF and AF. N6 is the reference point between the UPF and the data network (DN). N7 is the reference point between the SMF and PCF. N11 is the reference point between the AMF and SMF. N15 is the reference point between the SMF and PCF. Uu is the interface between the UE and the RAN. It should be noted that the NEF is not shown in Figure 1B. However, all network functions in the communication system can interact with the NEF.

[0152] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1C, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in a service-based interface manner. Namf is the service-based interface provided by AMF. Nsmf is the service-based interface provided by SMF. Nnef is the service-based interface provided by NEF. Npcf is the service-based interface provided by PCF. Naf is the service-based interface provided by AF.

[0153] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0154] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0155] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), 6G, computing power network (CPN), computing-aware network (CAN), computing first network (CFN), metro computing network (MCN), future radio access (FRA), new-radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), global system for mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, ultra-mobile broadband (UMB), and IEEE. IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi, registered trademark), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX, registered trademark), IEEE 802.20, ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth, registered trademark), public land mobile network (PLMN), device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G, or a combination of 5G and 6G).

[0156] In some cases, mobile media services, online AR / VR and other XR services, online games, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute increasingly higher traffic to communication networks. XR services involve multimodal data streams. Multimodal data describes data input from the same device or different devices (including sensors) for the same service / application, which may be output to one or more destination device terminals. The data streams in multimodal data often have a certain degree of correlation, or even a strong correlation, such as the synchronization of audio and video streams, or the synchronization of haptic and visual senses. The data streams of these media services themselves, the relationships between the data streams, and the network transmission requirements of these service data streams all share some common characteristics. Effective identification and utilization of these characteristics will be more conducive to network and service transmission and control, and will also contribute to service assurance and user experience.

[0157] In further scenarios, XRM services and eXtended Reality and interactive media services require communication systems to comprehensively consider the QoS characteristics of service data streams. These QoS characteristics include, for example, at least one of the following: whether parameters such as delay-sensitive guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data streams, guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet delay budget (PDB), and default maximum data burst volume (MDBV) can be simultaneously met and consistently maintained. This involves ensuring consistent QoS authorization and execution across multiple XRM data streams from a single terminal and across multiple terminals.

[0158] In some embodiments, the XRM service data flow (SDF) can be processed based on PDU sets, thereby enhancing QoS awareness and assurance of the SDF and improving the user's quality of experience (QoE).

[0159] In some embodiments, in systems such as 4G, 5G, 6G, and V2X, the AF (Active Front-End) can provide PDU set-specific QoS characteristics and protocol descriptions. In some embodiments, the PDU set-specific QoS characteristics may include at least one of the following: PDU set delay budget (PSDB), PDU set error rate (PSER), and PDU set integrated handling information (PSIHI). Then, the SMF (Service Provider Framework) and UPF (User Provider Framework) can combine the protocol descriptions provided by the AF with header extensions to extend the packet headers of the PDUs in the SDF's PDU set to carry PDU set information. The carried PDU information can be used by the access network for PDU set-based QoS control.

[0160] In some embodiments, the PDU set information may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number, the starting or ending PDU of the PDU set, the PDU sequence number within the PDU set, the number of PDUs within the PDU set, the importance of the PDU set, and the size of the PDU set. Here, the importance of the PDU set is used to characterize the importance of a PDU set relative to other PDU sets in the same QoS flow.

[0161] Understandably, the UPF performs SDF-to-QoS flow mapping based on the PDR and maps (or encapsulates) interrelated PDUs into a PDU set. Furthermore, the UPF can apply the same QoS policy to all PDU sets within the QoS flow. For example, the UPF can apply the same PDU set QoS parameters to all PDU sets within the QoS flow. In one example, the UPF can map the application flow to the QoS flow based on packet detection information in the PDR. Some PDUs in the QoS flow can be associated with media components (e.g., intra-coded frames and prediction frames), and the UPF classifies these PDUs as belonging to a PDU set and controls them accordingly.

[0162] In some embodiments, the RAN may perform PDU-based processing based on the proprietary QoS parameters and protocol descriptions of the PDU set provided by 5GC and AF, as well as the enhanced packet headers identified and marked by UPF.

[0163] In some embodiments, data boosting handling can be performed for scenarios where the flow characteristics or flow patterns of the SDF (Service Flow Provider) for services such as XRM (Extended Flow Management) change dynamically. During data boosting handling, the QoS characteristics of the QoS flow can be updated to adapt to the acceleration or fallback of the SDF's flow characteristics or flow patterns. QoS characteristics may include, for example, 5QI or other characteristics. During this process, the QoS characteristics corresponding to all SDFs in the QoS flow are updated accordingly. In some cases, the filter information between the AF (Agent Filter) and UPF (UPF) is enhanced (via PCF and SMF) to detect the "expedited transfer indication" in the N6 metadata for QoS flow mapping. The PCF / SMF authorizes a rule for an additional non-GBR 5QI used with reflective QoS. This non-GBR 5QI is configured with a higher priority value and better QoS characteristics than the normal 5QI.

[0164] However, only when the UPF recognizes the expedited transfer indication carried in a specific downlink data packet can it know that data acceleration processing is needed for that downlink data packet to provide high QoS guarantees. However, the UPF cannot perceive whether subsequent downlink data packets also require high QoS guarantees, let alone whether subsequent uplink data packets also require high QoS guarantees. It is evident that the network side cannot accurately perceive the data's need for accelerated processing.

[0165] Therefore, how to perform efficient QoS processing on SDF for services with data acceleration is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0166] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in this embodiment can be applied to a communication system 100. As shown by the solid lines in Figure 2, the communication method of this embodiment includes steps S201 to S213.

[0167] In step S201, the second network function 1032 sends third information to the fourth network function 1034.

[0168] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 receives third information.

[0169] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to request QoS processing for the first SDF. In some embodiments, the first SDF may require data acceleration processing.

[0170] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to request QoS control for the transmission of PDUs in the first SDF of the first service.

[0171] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, and it may be, for example, request information, QoS request information, QoS requirement information, etc.

[0172] In some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: QoS requirements and fourth indication information. It should be noted that the third information may also include other information, which is not specifically limited in this disclosure.

[0173] In some embodiments, the QoS requirements included in the third information may be QoS requirements related to the first SDF.

[0174] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information can be used to instruct the execution of data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the first indication information can be used to implement data acceleration processing on the first SDF. In some embodiments, the first indication information can be used to determine the QoS policy associated with the data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0175] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth indication information is not limited, and it may be, for example, an accelerated transfer indication, an accelerated processing indication, a QoS improvement indication, etc.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first SDF may include the SDF of a first service. In some embodiments, the first service may include immersive communication services, extended reality multimedia (XRM) services, etc.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may directly or indirectly send the fourth instruction information to the fourth network function 1034.

[0178] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may be an AF (Agent Function), and the fourth network function 1034 may be a PCF (Programmable Component Function). In one example, the AF may directly send the fourth indication information to the PCF. In another example, the AF may send the fourth indication information to the NEF (Network Functional Component Function), and the NEF may send the fourth indication information to the PCF.

[0179] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information and / or QoS requirements can be used by the fourth network function 1034 to authorize and identify data acceleration processing.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may also send at least one of the following to the fourth network function 1034: the identifier of the first service, the address and / or identifier of the terminal 101, the identifier of the fourth network function 1034, the application identifier of the first service, the flow description, the data network name (DNN), the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), and the QoS parameters.

[0181] In some embodiments, the identifier of the first service can be used to identify a data stream or a group of data streams of the first service. In some embodiments, the identifier of the first service can be a multimodal service identifier, which can then be used to identify all data streams in the service group. In some embodiments, the data stream or group of data streams of the first service can be a service data stream or a group of service data streams.

[0182] In some embodiments, the process of the second network function 1032 sending third information to the fourth network function 1034 can be implemented as follows: the second network function 1032 sends third information to the fourth network function 1034. In one example, the AF can be an untrusted network function. In this case, the AS can send third information to the AF; the AF can authenticate the AF request and send the third information to the PCF. In one example, the AF can be a trusted network function. In this case, the AS can send third information to the AF, and then the AF sends the third information to the PCF.

[0183] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in the AF request. In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may send an AF session resource request. This AF session resource request may carry the third information. In some embodiments, the AF session resource request may be an Nnef_AFSessionwithQoS_Create request message.

[0184] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may send third information in different ways.

[0185] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may send the third information via: sending through a time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) or sending directly. In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may determine to send the third information to the fourth network function 1034 via TSCTSF.

[0186] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 can send third information to the TSCTSF via the service-based interface Ntsftsf, and then the TSCTSF can send the third information to the fourth network function 1034 via the service-based interface Npcf. In one example, the second network function 1032 can send the third information to the TSCTSF via the Ntsctsf_QoSandTSCAssistance_Create request message, and then the TSCTSF can send the third information to the fourth network function 1034 via the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message or the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request message.

[0187] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may determine to send the third information directly to the fourth network function 1034. In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may send the third information to the fourth network function 1034 through a service-based interface NPCF. In one example, the second network function 1032 may send the third information to the fourth network function 1034 through an NPCF_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message.

[0188] In step S202, the fourth network function 1034 performs a policy decision.

[0189] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may perform policy decisions based on received third information. In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may perform policy decisions while taking into account the third information. In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may perform policy decisions based on the third information and / or local configuration information.

[0190] In some embodiments, the execution of policy decisions by the fourth network function 1034 may take into account local configuration information. In some embodiments, local configuration information may include at least one of the following: operator policies and operation administration and maintenance (OAM) configuration.

[0191] In some embodiments, the execution of the policy decision of the fourth network function 1034 may take into account the fourth indication information. In some embodiments, the policy decision of the fourth network function 1034 may be implemented based on at least the fourth indication information. In some embodiments, upon receiving the fourth indication information, the fourth network function 1034 may determine rules related to data acceleration processing for the first SDF, taking into account the fourth indication information.

[0192] In some embodiments, the rules associated with the data acceleration processing of the first SDF may include a first rule and a second rule. In some embodiments, both the first rule and the second rule associated with the first SDF may be rules authorized by the fourth network function 1034 for the first SDF.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first rule may correspond to the normal processing of the first SDF. In some embodiments, when no data acceleration processing is performed on the first SDF, the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first rule may be applied to the first SDF.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second rule may correspond to the accelerated processing of the first SDF. In some embodiments, during the data acceleration processing of the first SDF, the QoS characteristics corresponding to the second rule may be applied to the first SDF.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first rule and the second rule can be bound to different QoS flows. These different QoS flows can have different QoS characteristics. The QoS flow bound to the first rule can be used for normal processing of the first SDF. The QoS flow bound to the second rule can be used for data acceleration processing of the first SDF.

[0196] In some embodiments, the QoS flow bound by the second rule may have a higher priority and / or better QoS characteristics compared to the QoS flow bound by the first rule.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first rule and the second rule may include policy and charging control (PCC) rules. It is understood that the first rule and the second rule may also be other rules, and this disclosure does not specifically limit them.

[0198] In some embodiments, the second rule may be new. In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may determine a new second rule. In some embodiments, the second rule may be updated. In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may determine to update an existing second rule.

[0199] In some embodiments, the QoS feature corresponding to the above rules (such as the first rule and the second rule) may be a 5QI. In one example, the above QoS feature may include one or more 5QIs. In some embodiments, the above QoS feature may correspond to a 5QI. In some embodiments, the QoS feature may be identified by a 5QI. In one example, different QoS features may correspond to different 5QIs.

[0200] In some embodiments, QoS features may correspond to QoS profiles. In some embodiments, QoS features may be identified by QoS profiles. In some embodiments, different QoS features may correspond to different QoS profiles. In some embodiments, a QoS profile may include PDU set QoS parameters. In one example, a QoS feature may correspond to PDU set QoS parameters. In some embodiments, different QoS features may correspond to PDU set QoS parameters in different QoS profiles. It is understood that PDU set QoS parameters may be independent of 5QI.

[0201] In some embodiments, 5QI can be used to represent a set of standard QoS characteristics. Different 5QI values ​​can correspond to different QoS characteristics.

[0202] In some embodiments, 5QI can be an unsigned integer value. In one example, the value of 5QI can range from 0 to 255.

[0203] In some embodiments, QoS features have corresponding priority information and / or mapping information. In some embodiments, different QoS features may have the same or different priorities. In some embodiments, different QoS features may have the same or different mapping information.

[0204] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may authenticate the first SDF by performing policy decisions.

[0205] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may determine that data acceleration processing is supported by performing a policy decision. In some embodiments, supporting data acceleration processing may be considered as data acceleration processing being enabled or triggered.

[0206] In step S203, the fourth network function 1034 sends the fourth information to the third network function 1033.

[0207] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may receive fourth information.

[0208] In some embodiments, the fourth information can be used to configure the first rule and the second rule associated with the first SDF.

[0209] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to determine that the first rule is bound to the first QoS flow and the second rule is bound to the second QoS flow.

[0210] In some embodiments, the fourth information can be used by the third network function 1033 for QoS management.

[0211] In some embodiments, the name of the fourth information is not limited, and it may be, for example, rule information, configuration information, etc.

[0212] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes fourth indication information. In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be used to indicate that the second rule supports accelerated data processing.

[0213] In some embodiments, the fourth information may further include at least one of the following: the QoS characteristic corresponding to the first rule, the QoS characteristic corresponding to the second rule, the QoS characteristic priority information corresponding to the first rule, the QoS characteristic mapping information corresponding to the first rule, the QoS characteristic priority information corresponding to the second rule, and the QoS characteristic mapping information corresponding to the second rule.

[0214] In some embodiments, the QoS feature corresponding to the first rule can be a QoS feature used for non-data acceleration processing. It is understood that the QoS feature corresponding to the first rule can be the QoS feature corresponding to the first SDF without triggering data acceleration processing. In one example, the QoS feature corresponding to the first rule can be an existing QoS feature in the first rule corresponding to the first SDF.

[0215] In some embodiments, the QoS characteristic corresponding to the second rule may be superior to the QoS characteristic corresponding to the first rule. In one example, the 5QI value corresponding to the QoS characteristic of the second rule may be less than the 5QI value corresponding to the QoS characteristic of the first rule.

[0216] It should be noted that the fourth information may also include the first rule, the second rule, and other information, but this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0217] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 can send fourth information to the third network function 1033 through the service-based interface Npcf. In one example, the fourth network function 1034 can send the fourth information to the third network function 1033 through an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message.

[0218] In step S204, the third network function 1033 performs QoS flow binding.

[0219] In some embodiments, a third network function binds rules to QoS flows. In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 binds a first rule to a first QoS flow and a second rule to a second QoS flow. In some embodiments, the second QoS flow can be used to implement data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the second QoS flow can be used to implement data acceleration processing of a first SDF. In some embodiments, the second QoS flow applies a reflection QoS mechanism. In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the first QoS flow can correspond to smaller bandwidth, larger latency, higher bit error rate, etc. In one example, the 5QI value corresponding to the QoS characteristics of the first QoS flow can be greater than the 5QI value corresponding to the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow.

[0220] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may bind rules to QoS flows based on the received fourth information. In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may bind a first rule to a first QoS flow and a second rule to a second QoS flow, taking into account the fourth information. In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may bind a first rule to a first QoS flow and a second rule to a second QoS flow, taking into account the fourth indication information.

[0221] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may perform binding based on fourth information and / or local configuration information.

[0222] In some embodiments, local configuration information may include at least one of the following: carrier policy and OAM configuration.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first rule and the second rule correspond to the first SDF. Thus, the binding between the first rule and the second rule and the QoS flow enables the binding between the first SDF and the first QoS flow and the second QoS flow. In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 can determine whether to map the first SDF to the first QoS flow and to the second QoS flow.

[0224] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may determine the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow.

[0225] In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow may be determined based on fourth information and / or local configuration information. In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow may be determined based on fourth indication information included in the fourth information. In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow may be determined based on the QoS characteristics corresponding to the second rule included in the fourth information. In one example, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow may be selected from the QoS characteristics corresponding to the second rule. In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow may be determined based on local configuration information. In one example, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow may be a specific QoS characteristic determined based on local configuration information. In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow may be determined based on both the fourth information and local configuration information. In one example, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow may be selected from the QoS characteristics corresponding to the second rule with reference to local configuration. In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may preferentially determine the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow based on the fourth information.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second QoS flow may be a new QoS flow. In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow determined by the third network function 1033 may be different from the QoS characteristics of existing QoS flows. In this case, the second QoS flow may be a new QoS flow.

[0227] In some embodiments, the second QoS flow may be used solely for binding the second rule. In some embodiments, when a second rule is bound to a new second QoS flow, no other rules will be bound to that second QoS flow.

[0228] In some embodiments, the second QoS flow may be an existing QoS flow. In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow determined by the third network function 1033 may be the same as the QoS characteristics of an existing QoS flow. In this case, the second QoS flow may be an existing QoS flow.

[0229] In some embodiments, taking the second rule as an example of a PCC rule, all PCC rules bound to the second QoS flow support data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, all SDFs bound to the second QoS flow require data acceleration processing. In some embodiments, the second QoS flow can be used only for SDFs that require data acceleration processing. This means that SDFs that do not support data acceleration processing or their corresponding PCC rules will not be bound to the second QoS flow, but will be bound to the first QoS flow instead.

[0230] In some embodiments, taking the second rule as an example of a PCC rule, a PCC rule with enabled data acceleration processing (such as the second rule) and a PCC rule without enabled data acceleration processing (such as the first rule) are not bound to the same QoS flow. In some embodiments, the QoS flow bound to the PCC rule with enabled data acceleration processing (such as the second QoS flow) and the QoS flow bound to the PCC rule without enabled data acceleration processing (such as the first QoS flow) are different QoS flows. In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the QoS flow bound to the PCC rule with enabled data acceleration processing (such as the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow) may be superior to the QoS characteristics of the QoS flow bound to the PCC rule without enabled data acceleration processing (such as the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow). In one example, the 5QI value of the QoS flow bound to the PCC rule with enabled data acceleration processing may be less than the 5QI value of the QoS flow bound to the PCC rule without enabled data acceleration processing, which is a different QoS flow.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first QoS flow may be indicated by a first QoS flow identifier (QFI), and the second QoS flow may be indicated by a second QFI. In some embodiments, the QoS flow binding performed by the third network function 1033 may further include binding a first rule to the first QFI and binding a second rule to the second QFI.

[0232] In some embodiments, the QoS flow association performed by the second network function 1032 may further include binding a first rule to a first PDR and binding a second rule to a second PDR. In some embodiments, the first PDR may be determined based on a first PCC rule and associated with a first QoS flow. In some embodiments, the second PDR may be determined based on a second PCC rule and associated with a second QoS flow. The first PDR and the second PDR may be used by the third network function 1033 to perform QoS processing on the first SDF.

[0233] In step S205, the third network function 1033 sends the fifth information to the first network function 1031.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may receive the fifth information.

[0235] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used to configure the first network function 1031 for QoS processing.

[0236] In some embodiments, the fifth information can be used to implement the mapping from the first SDF to the second QoS flow.

[0237] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used by the first network function 1031 to perform packet filtering. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used by the first network function 1031 to perform traffic mapping for a first service.

[0238] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used by the first network function 1031 to determine the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow.

[0239] In some embodiments, the name of the fifth piece of information is not limited, and it may be, for example, QoS configuration information, mapping configuration information, etc.

[0240] In some embodiments, the fifth information includes fourth indication information. In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be used to indicate that the second rule supports accelerated data processing.

[0241] In some embodiments, the fifth information may further include at least one of the following: the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first PCC rule, the QoS characteristics corresponding to the second PCC rule, the QoS characteristics of the first QoS flow, and the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow.

[0242] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may include a fourth rule. The fourth rule may be used for traffic mapping of the first SDF.

[0243] In some embodiments, the fourth rule may be a packet detection rule (PDR). In some embodiments, the fourth rule may include the PDR corresponding to the first QoS flow and the PDR corresponding to the second QoS flow.

[0244] In some embodiments, the fourth rule may be determined by the third network function 1033 based on at least one of the first and second rules.

[0245] In some embodiments, at least one of the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first PCC rule, the second PCC rule, the first QoS flow, and the second QoS flow may be included in the fourth rule. In some embodiments, at least one of the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first PCC rule, the second PCC rule, the first QoS flow, and the second QoS flow may be independent of the fourth rule.

[0246] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 can send the fifth information to the first network function 1031 via an N4 session. In one example, the third network function 1033 can send the fifth information to the first network function 1031 via an N4 session modification request message.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 can directly obtain the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow from the fifth information. In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 can select the QoS characteristics for the second QoS flow from the QoS characteristics corresponding to the second PCC rule in the fifth information.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may reject the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow contained in the fifth information. In some embodiments, when rejecting the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow in the fifth information, the first network function 1031 may determine new QoS characteristics for the second QoS flow based on the QoS characteristics corresponding to the second PCC rule and / or local configuration information. In some embodiments, the newly determined QoS characteristics for the second QoS flow may be used directly. For example, the first network function 1031 may directly use the newly determined QoS characteristics for the QoS processing of the second QoS flow. In some embodiments, the newly determined QoS characteristics for the second QoS flow require authorization. For example, the first network function 1031 may send the newly determined QoS characteristics for the second QoS flow to the third network function 1033 and / or the fourth network function 1034, so that the third network function 1033 and / or the fourth network function 1034 authorize the newly determined QoS characteristics. Afterwards, the first network function 1031 may use the authorized new first QoS characteristics for the QoS processing of the second QoS flow. In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may send newly determined QoS characteristics for the second QoS flow to the access network device 102, so that the access network device 102 may confirm the newly determined QoS characteristics or send them to the third network function 1033 and / or the fourth network function 1034 for authorization.

[0249] In some embodiments, after the third network function 1033 obtains newly determined QoS characteristics (e.g., 5QI and / or 5QI information) reported by the first network function 1031 and / or the access network device 102, the third network function 1033 may perform QoS synchronization or update. In one example, the third network function 1033 may synchronize or update at least one of the second, fourth, and fifth rules based on the received new QoS characteristics. In some embodiments, the fifth rule may be used by the access network device 102 to implement QoS processing. In one example, the fifth rule may be a QoS profile.

[0250] In some embodiments, after the fourth network function 1034 receives newly determined QoS characteristics (e.g., 5QI and / or 5QI information) reported by the first network function 1031 and / or the access network device 102, the fourth network function 1034 may perform QoS synchronization or update. In one example, the fourth network function 1034 may synchronize or update the second rule based on the received new QoS characteristics.

[0251] In step S206, the third network function 1033 sends the sixth information to the access network device 102.

[0252] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may receive the sixth information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the sixth information may be used to indicate QoS-related information.

[0254] In some embodiments, the sixth information may include at least one of the following: the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first PCC rule, the QoS characteristics corresponding to the second PCC rule, the QoS characteristics of the first QoS flow, and the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow.

[0255] In some embodiments, the sixth information may include at least one of the following: the fourth instruction information, the fifth rule, and the sixth rule.

[0256] In some embodiments, the fifth rule can be used by the access network device 102 to implement QoS processing. In one example, the fifth rule can be a QoS profile.

[0257] In some embodiments, the sixth rule can be used by terminal 101 to implement QoS processing. In one example, the sixth rule can be a QoS rule.

[0258] In some embodiments, at least one of the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first PCC rule, the second PCC rule, the first QoS flow, and the second QoS flow may be included in the fifth rule and / or the sixth rule. In some embodiments, at least one of the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first PCC rule, the second PCC rule, the first QoS flow, and the second QoS flow may be independent of the fifth rule. In some embodiments, at least one of the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first PCC rule, the second PCC rule, the first QoS flow, and the second QoS flow may be included in the sixth rule. In some embodiments, at least one of the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first PCC rule, the second PCC rule, the first QoS flow, and the second QoS flow may be independent of the sixth rule.

[0259] In step S207, the access network device 102 sends the seventh information to the terminal 101.

[0260] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive seventh information.

[0261] In some embodiments, the seventh information can be used by terminal 101 to perform QoS processing.

[0262] In some embodiments, the seventh information may be used for mapping the first SDF to the first QoS flow or the second QoS flow.

[0263] In some embodiments, the seventh information can be used by terminal 101 to perform packet filtering. In some embodiments, the seventh information can be used by terminal 101 to perform traffic mapping for the first service.

[0264] In some embodiments, the seventh information may be used by terminal 101 to determine at least one of the QoS characteristics of the first QoS stream and the QoS characteristics of the second QoS stream.

[0265] In some embodiments, the name of the seventh information is not limited, and it may be, for example, QoS configuration information, mapping configuration information, etc.

[0266] In some embodiments, the seventh information may include at least one of the following: the QoS characteristics corresponding to the first PCC rule, the QoS characteristics corresponding to the second PCC rule, the QoS characteristics of the first QoS flow, and the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow.

[0267] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may include the sixth rule.

[0268] In step S208, terminal 101 interacts with the second network function 1032.

[0269] In some embodiments, uplink and / or downlink data can be transmitted between the terminal 101 and the second network function 1032.

[0270] It is understandable that in step S208, the first SDF of the first service may not require data acceleration processing. In one example, the uplink and downlink data of the first SDF have low QoS requirements. For example, the first SDF may have a small data payload. In this case, the uplink and / or downlink data in the first SDF can be mapped to the first QoS stream.

[0271] In some embodiments, terminal 101 can interact with AS for data.

[0272] In step S209, the second network function 1032 determines to perform data acceleration processing.

[0273] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may determine to perform data acceleration processing on the first SDF based on the application requirements of the first service. In some embodiments, data acceleration processing may involve completing the transmission of a large amount of data in a relatively short period of time. It is understood that data acceleration processing is intended for situations with large data volumes and / or high latency requirements.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first SDF may include uplink data and / or downlink data. In some embodiments, data acceleration processing may be applied to uplink data and / or downlink data. In some embodiments, data acceleration processing may be applied to packets of uplink data (uplink packets) and / or downlink data (downlink packets).

[0275] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may determine to perform data acceleration processing on uplink packets in the first SDF. In one example, the second network function 1032 may require the terminal 101 to send video, high-definition images, etc., related to the first service.

[0276] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may determine to perform data acceleration processing on downlink data packets in the first SDF. In one example, the second network function 1032 may send video, high-definition images, etc., related to the first service to the terminal 101.

[0277] In step S210, the second network function 1032 sends downlink data packets to the first network function 1031.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may receive downlink data packets.

[0279] In some embodiments, the downlink data packet may include fourth indication information and first information to enable the transmission of the first information on the user plane. In some embodiments, the fourth indication information and the first information may be carried in the extended header (EH) of the downlink packet data unit (PDU).

[0280] In some embodiments, the first information is used to configure accelerated data processing for the first SDF.

[0281] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and it may be, for example, auxiliary information, configuration information, acceleration processing configuration information, acceleration processing auxiliary information, etc.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first instruction information, second instruction information, and third instruction information.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first indication information is used to indicate the duration of data acceleration processing on the first SDF. In one embodiment, the first indication information is used to indicate the duration of data acceleration processing on uplink and / or downlink data packets in the first SDF. In one example, the first indication information may include a time window of the data boosting. In one embodiment, the data boosting time window may be 2 seconds (s), 1 hour (h), etc.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first indication information can be used to configure a timer associated with the first SDF for data acceleration processing, such as a data boost timer. In one embodiment, before the boost timer expires, the first SDF can undergo data acceleration processing and be mapped to a second QoS stream. After the timer expires, the data acceleration processing of the first SDF ends, and the first SDF falls back to the first QoS stream. In some embodiments, the first indication information can be used to configure a data boost timer associated with uplink and / or downlink packets of the first SDF. In one embodiment, before the timer expires, uplink and / or downlink packets of the first SDF can undergo data acceleration processing and be mapped to a second QoS stream. After the timer expires, the data acceleration processing of the first SDF ends, and the uplink and / or downlink packets of the first SDF fall back to the first QoS stream.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first indication information can be used to configure a reflective QoS timer associated with the first SDF. In one embodiment, the first indication information can be used to reset the reflective QoS timer, start the reflective QoS timer, pause the reflective QoS timer, trigger a reflective QoS timer update, etc. In some embodiments, the reflective QoS timer is associated with the session to which the first SDF belongs.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first indication information can be used by the first network function 1031 to determine whether to apply a reflection QoS mechanism to the first SDF. In one embodiment, during the duration indicated by the first indication information, the first network function 1031 can perform data acceleration processing on the downlink packets of the first SDF and apply the reflection QoS mechanism.

[0287] In some embodiments, the second indication information is used to indicate the direction of data acceleration processing. In one embodiment, the direction of data acceleration processing may include uplink and / or downlink. In one embodiment, the direction of data acceleration processing is uplink, indicating that uplink data packets in the first SDF need to undergo data acceleration processing. In one embodiment, the direction of data acceleration processing is downlink, indicating that downlink data packets in the first SDF need to undergo data acceleration processing. In one embodiment, the direction of data acceleration processing is both uplink and downlink, indicating that both uplink and downlink data packets in the first SDF need to undergo data acceleration processing.

[0288] In some embodiments, the third indication information can be used to instruct a QoS authorization update for the first SDF. In one embodiment, when uplink and / or downlink data packets in the first SDF require stable high QoS guarantees, the first information may include the third indication information to indicate that data acceleration for the uplink and / or downlink data packets of the first SDF needs to be immediate and last for a long period of time. Thus, the second network function 1032 instructs the first network function 1031 to trigger a QoS authorization update process to update the uplink and / or downlink data packets of the first SDF to a better QoS flow, so that the uplink and / or downlink data packets of the first SDF can stably obtain high QoS guarantees, rather than just being supported by data acceleration processing for a period of time.

[0289] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 can directly send downlink data packets to the first network function 1031. In one embodiment, the second network function 1032 sends downlink data packets to the first network function 1031 via the N6 interface.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first information can also be sent to the first network function 1031 via other paths. In one embodiment, the first information can be sent from the second network function 1032 to the first network function 1031 via steps S201, S203, and S205. In one example, the second network function 1032 sends the first information to the fourth network function 1034 carrying the third information, and the fourth network function 1034 then sends the first information to the third network function 1033 carrying the first information in the first rule and / or the second rule. The third network function sends the first information to the first network function 1031 carrying the third rule, thus realizing the transmission of the first information on the control plane. In one embodiment, the third rule can be at least one of the rule corresponding to the first QoS flow and the rule corresponding to the second QoS flow. In one example, the rule corresponding to the first QoS flow and the rule corresponding to the second QoS flow can be PDR. In some embodiments, when the first information is transmitted on the control plane, the downlink data packet in the first SDF in step S210 does not carry the first information.

[0291] In some embodiments, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG2, step S201 can be replaced by step S201a, step S203 can be replaced by step S203a, step S205 can be replaced by step S205a, and step S210 can be replaced by step S210a.

[0292] In step S211, the first network function 1031 performs data acceleration processing on the first SDF.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 performs data acceleration processing on the first SDF based on the first information. In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 can map the first SDF to a second QoS flow based on the first information. In one example, the first network function 1031 can apply the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow to the first SDF based on the first information.

[0294] In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow may correspond to 5QI. The 5QI can be used to identify or index the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow. In some embodiments, the 5QI can be replaced by QFI. In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 can determine the 5QI or QFI corresponding to the second QoS flow for the first SDF.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 can perform packet inspection processing on downlink data packets according to the PDR, and for downlink data packets (i.e., the first downlink data packets) that detect the fourth indication information, perform data acceleration processing on the first SDF according to the first information. In some embodiments, since the first downlink data packet contains the fourth indication information, it indicates that the first downlink data packet needs data acceleration processing. Based on this, the first network function 1031 can map the first downlink data packet to the second QoS stream according to the first information, so that the downlink data of the first SDF is mapped to the second QoS stream.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first information may include first indication information. In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may perform data acceleration processing only on the first downlink data packets. Each downlink data packet in the first SDF contains fourth indication information, that is, each downlink data packet in the first SDF is a first downlink data packet. Based on this, during the duration indicated by the first indication information, the first network function 1031 may perform data acceleration processing on each first downlink data packet. In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may perform data acceleration processing on the first downlink data packet and subsequent downlink data packets. After receiving one or more first downlink data packets, the first network function 1031 may determine that the downlink data of the first SDF needs data acceleration processing. Thus, during the duration indicated by the first indication information, regardless of whether subsequent downlink data packets contain fourth indication information, the first network function 1031 may perform data acceleration processing on the first downlink data packet and subsequent downlink data packets.

[0297] In some embodiments, when the first network function 1031 accelerates downlink data packets, it can map the downlink data packets to a second QoS stream and apply a reflection QoS mechanism to the first SDF. At this time, the uplink data packets in the first SDF apply the QoS characteristics of the second QoS.

[0298] In some embodiments, a reflection QoS mechanism may be applied to the first SDF for the duration indicated by the first indication information. In one embodiment, the first network function 1031 may add an RQI to each downlink data packet for the duration indicated by the first indication information to indicate that the uplink data packet applies the QoS features of the second QoS.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first information may include second indication information. In some embodiments, where the second indication information indicates that the direction of data acceleration processing is downlink, each downlink data packet in the first SDF contains fourth indication information. Then, the first network function 1031 can perform data acceleration processing on each downlink data packet. In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may also mark each downlink data packet and send it to the access network device 102 to instruct the access network device 102 to perform data acceleration processing on these downlink data packets. In one example, the first network function 1031 can add fourth indication information to the downlink data packets sent to the access network device 102 to indicate that the data packet requires data acceleration processing, thereby enabling the access network device 102 to perform data acceleration processing on the downlink data packets.

[0300] In some embodiments, when the first information includes first indication information and second information, if the second indication information indicates that the direction of data acceleration processing is downlink, the first network function 1031 can perform data acceleration processing on each downlink data within the duration indicated by the first indication information, mark each downlink data packet, and send it to the access network device 102.

[0301] In some embodiments, when the second indication information indicates that the direction of data acceleration processing is uplink, the downlink data packets in the first SDF do not contain the fourth indication information. Then, after receiving the first information, the first network function 1031 can perform data acceleration processing on the first N (N is a positive integer) downlink data packets and add RQI to these N downlink data packets to instruct the terminal 101 to perform data acceleration processing on the uplink data packets in the first SDF. In some embodiments, after adding RQI to the first N downlink data packets, the first network function 1031 stops adding RQI to other downlink data packets and maps the remaining downlink data packets to the first QoS stream.

[0302] In some embodiments, when the first information includes first indication information and second information, if the second indication information indicates that the direction of data acceleration processing is uplink, the first network function 1031 can perform data acceleration processing on the first N downlink data packets within the duration indicated by the first indication information, and add RQI to these N downlink data packets.

[0303] In some embodiments, when the second indication information indicates that the direction of data acceleration processing is downlink and uplink, the downlink data packets in the first SDF all contain the fourth indication information. Then, the first network function 1031 can perform data acceleration processing on each downlink data packet and add RQI to each downlink data packet to instruct the terminal 101 to perform data acceleration processing on the uplink data packets in the first SDF.

[0304] In some embodiments, when the first information includes first indication information and second information, if the second indication information indicates that the direction of data acceleration processing is uplink and downlink, the first network function 1031 can perform data acceleration processing on each downlink data within the duration indicated by the first indication information and add RQI to each downlink data packet.

[0305] In some embodiments, when the first information includes third indication information, the first network function 1031 may send second information to the third network function 1033, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for the first SDF. In one embodiment, the third network function 1033 updates the QoS authorization for the first SDF according to the third information, so that the first SDF obtains a stable high QoS guarantee, rather than only receiving support for data acceleration processing for a period of time.

[0306] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may add an RQI field to a downlink data packet. In one example, the first network function 1031 may update the RQI field in the downlink data packet.

[0307] In some embodiments, the RQI may be carried in the downlink data packet of the first SDF. In some embodiments, the RQI may be carried in the extension header of the PDU.

[0308] In some embodiments, RQI can be used to instruct terminal 101 to determine the QoS characteristics corresponding to uplink data based on the QoS characteristics corresponding to downlink data. In some embodiments, RQI can be used to instruct terminal 101 to determine the QoS characteristics of the first SDF in the uplink direction itself.

[0309] In step S212, the first network function 1031 sends downlink data to the terminal 101.

[0310] In some embodiments, terminal 101 receives downlink data.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 can send downlink data to the terminal 101 via a second QoS stream. In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 can map downlink data from a first SDF into a second QoS stream and send it to the terminal 101.

[0312] In some embodiments, the downlink data packets sent by the first network function 1031 to the terminal 101 may include at least one of the following: RQI, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS stream (or the corresponding 5QI / QFI).

[0313] In step S213, terminal 101 sends uplink data to the second network function 1032.

[0314] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may perform data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF based on the RQI contained in the downlink data packets.

[0315] In some embodiments, one or more downlink data packets in the first SDF may contain RQI. In this case, the terminal 101 may map the uplink data of the first SDF to the second QoS stream for uplink transmission.

[0316] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may obtain the QoS characteristics of the second QoS stream through the seventh information in step S207 and / or the downlink data in step S213.

[0317] In some embodiments, during the execution of a timer for reflection QoS, terminal 101 may perform data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF. In some embodiments, after the timer for reflection QoS expires, the terminal ends the data acceleration processing on the uplink data of the first SDF.

[0318] In some embodiments, the downlink data packets obtained by terminal 101 from the first network function 1031 contain RQI. In this case, terminal 101 may determine to employ reflection QoS. Terminal 101 may perform data acceleration processing on the uplink data packets in the first SDF.

[0319] In some embodiments, the QoS characteristics of the second QoS flow corresponding to the first SDF in the uplink direction and the QoS characteristics in the downlink direction may be the same.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first SDF can be accelerated multiple times. In one embodiment, after the data acceleration processing of the first SDF is completed, the first SDF can be accelerated again. In one embodiment, the first SDF can be accelerated multiple times during the execution of the first service.

[0321] In some embodiments, after the data acceleration processing of the first SDF through steps S201 to S213 is completed, the first network function 1031 can switch the first SDF from the second QoS stream to the first QoS stream. Thereafter, the first network function 1031 can determine whether to perform data acceleration processing on the first SDF again based on whether the downlink data packets of the subsequently received first SDF contain fourth indication information. In one embodiment, after the current data acceleration processing of the first SDF is completed, the first network function 1031 receives another downlink data packet of the first SDF containing fourth indication information; at this time, the first network function 1031 performs data acceleration processing on the first SDF again. In one embodiment, the first network function 1031 can repeat steps S201 to S213 to switch the first SDF from the first QoS stream to the second QoS stream again.

[0322] The communication method of this embodiment of the present disclosure is realized through the above steps S201 to S213.

[0323] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to S213. For example, step S201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S203 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S211 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. It should be noted that the possible standalone embodiments consisting of one or more steps S201 to S213 are not limited thereto.

[0324] In some embodiments, at least two of steps S201 to S213 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously. For example, steps S205 and S206 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0325] In some embodiments, steps S202, S203, S204, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, and S213 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0326] In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S204, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, and S213 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0327] In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S203, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S211, S212, and S213 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0328] In some embodiments, steps S201, S202, S203, S204, S205, S206, S207, S208, S209, S210, S212, and S213 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0329] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2 may be referred to.

[0330] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0331] In some embodiments, the terms "uplink", "uplink", and "physical uplink" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "downlink", "downlink", and "physical downlink", as well as the terms "sidelink", "sidelink", "sidelink communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", and "direct link communication".

[0332] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0333] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0334] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “get,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0335] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0336] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0337] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0338] In some embodiments, the terms “traffic”, “flow”, “stream”, and “data stream” can be used interchangeably.

[0339] In some embodiments, terms such as "service" and "business" can be used interchangeably.

[0340] In some embodiments, terms such as "QoS characteristics," "QoS parameters," and "QoS rules" can be used interchangeably.

[0341] In some embodiments, terms such as “authorization,” “certification,” “verification,” “inspection,” and “authentication” can be used interchangeably.

[0342] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0343] Figure 3 is another interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 3, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S301 to S302.

[0344] In step S301, the second network function 1032 sends the first information to the first network function 1031.

[0345] The optional implementation of step S301 can also be found in the optional implementations of steps S201 to S205 in Figure 2, the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first information can be directly sent from the second network function 1032 to the first network function 1031. In one embodiment, the first information can be carried in the header of the downlink datagram of the first SDF. In one embodiment, the first information may include at least one of first indication information, second indication information, and third indication information.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first information may be sent from the second network function 1032 to the first network function 1031 via the fourth network function 1034 and the third network function 1033. In one embodiment, the first information may carry at least one of a first rule and a second rule associated with the first SDF, and may also carry a third rule associated with the first SDF. In one embodiment, the first information may include at least one of a first instruction information and a second instruction information.

[0348] In step S302, the first network function 1031 performs data acceleration processing on the first SDF according to the first information.

[0349] The alternative implementation of step S302 can also be found in the alternative implementation of step S211 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may perform data acceleration processing on downlink data packets in the first SDF based on the first information.

[0351] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 can add RQIs to downlink data packets in the first SDF according to first information to instruct the terminal to perform data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF. In one embodiment, the first network function 1031 can add RQIs to each downlink data packet in the first SDF, and the RQI in each downlink data packet is also used to instruct data acceleration processing on each downlink data packet. The direction of data acceleration processing indicated by the first information includes uplink and downlink. In one example, after adding RQIs to the first N downlink data packets, the first network function 1031 stops adding RQIs to other downlink data packets in the first SDF. In one embodiment, the first network function 1031 can add RQIs to the first N downlink data packets in the first SDF, and the RQIs in the first N downlink data packets are used to instruct data acceleration processing on uplink data packets in the first SDF. The direction of data acceleration processing indicated by the first information includes uplink.

[0352] In some embodiments, the above steps and their optional implementations may also refer to the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, which will not be repeated here.

[0353] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of specific implementation.

[0354] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the communication method may involve an AS requesting a 5GS QoS upgrade by using a reflection QoS feature. As shown in Figure 4, the communication method includes steps S401 to S405.

[0355] In step S401, the PDU session establishment process and the AF session request process under the QoS requirements of SDF are executed.

[0356] In some embodiments, 5GS supports authorizing two PCC rules for a single SDF (i.e., the first SDF), including a second PCC rule (i.e., the second rule) with a higher QoS authorization. The second PCC rule is bound to a non-GBR 5QI with reflection QoS applied.

[0357] In some embodiments, the AF (i.e., the second network function) (directly or through the NEF) provides the PCF (i.e., the first network function) with an acceleration transfer indication (i.e., the fourth indication information) and QoS requirements to assist in the authorization and identification of data acceleration.

[0358] In some embodiments, auxiliary information may be provided by the AF to the UPF via the PCF and SMF (e.g., carried in an N4 rule from the SMF).

[0359] In some embodiments, the PCF may include an acceleration transfer indication in one or two authorized PCC rules (i.e., the first rule and / or the second rule) against the SMF to request the identification and switching of traffic that has enabled data acceleration.

[0360] In some embodiments, auxiliary information may be included in one or two authorized PCC rules.

[0361] In some embodiments, based on acceleration transfer indications (and auxiliary information) in the PCC rules and / or local configuration, the SMF performs the binding between two PCC rules and two QoS flows, and instructs the UPF to identify and enable data acceleration. In some embodiments, for traffic that triggers and identifies data acceleration, the second non-GBR 5QI is configured with a higher priority value and better QoS compared to a normal 5QI with a first PCC rule that does not have data acceleration authorization.

[0362] In some embodiments, the UPF can execute rules, including accelerated transfer instructions, to accelerate downlink SDF processing based on the instructions of the SMF.

[0363] In step S402 (including steps S402a and S402b), after PCC and QoS authorization and the binding of PCC rules with QoS flows, the UE (i.e., the terminal) sends uplink data to the AS (i.e., the second network function) or receives downlink data from the AS. The UE can use an authenticated QoS flow or a default QoS flow.

[0364] In step S403 (including steps S403a and S403b), based on application requirements in the AS, the AS instructs the UE to send data files with higher resolution (e.g., videos, pictures). Because the AS detects that the amount of data from the UE will increase, and the timely receipt of this information is crucial for the application, the AS can include this request in the metadata to accelerate the data transfer to 5GS.

[0365] In some embodiments, the AS may provide an accelerated transfer instruction to the UPF. This accelerated transfer instruction is carried in the N6 PDU header of the downlink SDF.

[0366] In some embodiments, auxiliary information is carried in the N6 PDU header of the DL SDF and provided to the UPF to take into account data acceleration processing. For example, switching the SDF from a first QFI to a second QFI with a higher priority value and better QoS, applying RQI marking to the DL PDU of the SDF, or stopping RQI marking.

[0367] In some embodiments, the auxiliary information includes at least one of the following: a time window for data enhancement (such as first indication information); a direction for data enhancement (such as second indication information), for example, DL or UL or (DL and UL); and an indication of a QoS authorization update request (such as third indication information).

[0368] In some embodiments, the data enhancement time window indicates the duration of data enhancement to the network (such as a UPF), for example, 2 minutes or 2 hours, to assist data enhancement processing. In one example, the assisting information is used for at least one of the following: data enhancement timer configuration; considering reflective QoS timer value updates to trigger reflective QoS timer value updates, such as through a PDU session modification process; considering RQI tags to assist the UPF in determining whether to apply or stop applying RQI tags.

[0369] In some embodiments, the direction of data augmentation, such as DL or UL or (DL and UL), indicates the direction of data augmentation processing.

[0370] In one example, if both DL and UL need to be accelerated, the UPF will mark the RQI of each DL PDU to trigger the application of 5QI with higher priority and higher QoS for both UL and DL PDUs.

[0371] In one example, if only UL is to be accelerated, after the UPF identifies and tags the first or more DL PDUs to trigger a QFI with a high QoS profile and a reflection QoS with high quality of service, the UPF can stop applying RQI tags to this SDF (e.g., by removing the indication to use reflection QoS from the QER associated with the DL PDR). UL data enhancement (applying a high QoS QFI) will continue until the RQ timer expires.

[0372] In one example, if only DL needs to be accelerated, the UPF will use an accelerated transmission indication to identify each DL PDU to switch the DL PDU to 5QI, which has a higher priority value and higher QoS. Optionally, the UPF will tag the accelerated transmission indication for each DL PDU to the NG-RAN for QoS processing and management.

[0373] In some embodiments, a QoS grant update request indication is used to indicate that the data enhancement is immediate and lasts for a long period of time to trigger a QoS update process, so that the SDF can stably obtain high QoS grants, rather than just being supported by data acceleration processing for a period of time.

[0374] In step S404, based on the SMF's indication and considering the peer-to-peer rule indication, the UPF identifies the accelerated transfer indication carried in the N6 PDU header of the downlink SDF, switches the SDF from the first QFI to a second QFI with a higher priority value and better licensed QoS, and applies reflection QoS. For example, the UPF switches the SDF from the first QFI to the second QFI with a higher priority value and better licensed QoS to apply RQI marking to the downlink PDU of the SDF.

[0375] In some embodiments, auxiliary information is provided to the UPF in the N6 PDU header of the DL SDF to account for data acceleration processing. For example, switching the SDF from a first QFI to a second QFI with a higher priority value and higher QoS, applying RQI marking to the DL PDU of the SDF, or stopping RQI marking.

[0376] In some embodiments, when the UPF detects an “accelerated transmission indication” provided by the AS in the PDU EH (e.g., data enhancement, burst size change, time change to the next burst, required dynamic QoS), the UPF switches the SDF from the first QFI to a second QFI with a higher priority value and better QoS, applying the RQI tag directly or via the NEF to the DL packets of the SDF.

[0377] In some embodiments, based on authorization for data enhancement processing with reflection QoS and N4 rules from the SMF, the UPF selects a new 5QI (e.g., a higher quality 5QI) to perform subsequent UL / DL transmissions, marking the reflection QoS indication in the DL PDU. Alternatively, this is based on an accelerated transmission indication received from the AS and / or local configuration in the UPF / OAM.

[0378] In some embodiments, the UPF can perform subsequent uplink and / or downlink transfers by selecting a QoS flow with a higher quality 5QI (e.g., 5QI-6) established in step S401.

[0379] In steps S405 and S406 (including steps S406a and S406b), upon receiving a downlink data packet with RQI, the UE transfers the associated uplink SDF from the default QoS stream to a QFIQoS stream with RQI.

[0380] In some embodiments, if the timer for reflected QoS times out and / or the RQI is not marked in the downlink packet, the UE can transfer the associated SDF from the QoS stream with a higher QFI back to the default QoS stream.

[0381] In some embodiments, where an RQI received from the downlink SDF is mapped to the downlink QoS stream, the UE replaces the 5QI with one of the candidate 5QIs (certified by the PCF or indicated by the SMF / UPF) for the uplink SDF, or transfers the relevant uplink data from the default QoS stream to the target QoS stream with the RQI.

[0382] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0383] This disclosure also provides communication apparatuses for implementing any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device in any of the above methods.

[0384] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0385] In this disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0386] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 500 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 501 and a processing module 502.

[0387] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a first network function 1031. In one embodiment, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to receive first information, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first SDF. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S205, S210, S212) performed by the first network function 1031 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform data acceleration processing on the first SDF according to the first information. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S211) performed by the first network function 1031 in any of the above methods, excluding communication steps such as sending and / or receiving, which will not be elaborated here.

[0388] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a second network function 1032. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to send first information to a first network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S208, S210, S213) performed by the second network function 1032 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S209) performed by the second network function 1032 in any of the above methods, excluding the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving, which will not be elaborated here.

[0389] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a third network function 1033. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to: receive second information sent by a first network function, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for a first SDF, the first SDF being an SDF requiring data acceleration processing; and / or, receive first information sent by a fourth network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first SDF. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S203, S205, S206) performed by the second network function 1032 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S204) performed by the third network function 1033 in any of the above methods, excluding the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving, which will not be elaborated here.

[0390] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a fourth network function 1034. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to: receive first information sent by a second network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for a first SDF; and send the first information to a third network device. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S203) performed by the fourth network function 1034 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S202) performed by the third network function 1033 in any of the above methods, excluding the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving, which will not be elaborated here.

[0391] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a terminal 101. In one embodiment, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to receive downlink data packets in the first SDF. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S207, S208, S212, S213) performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform data acceleration processing on the first SDF according to the first information. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of the steps other than the communication steps (e.g., step S211) performed by the first network function 1031 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0392] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0393] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0394] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0395] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0396] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceivers 6102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S201, S203, S205, S206, S207, S208, S210, S212, S213, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S202, S204, S209, S211, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0397] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0398] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (6) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (7) others, etc.

[0399] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0400] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0401] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 12201.

[0402] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S201, S203, S205, S206, S207, S208, S210, S212, S213, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S202, S204, S209, S211, but not limited thereto).

[0403] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0404] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0405] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by a communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0406] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0407] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0408] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method performed by a first network function, wherein, The method includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first service data stream SDF; Based on the first information, the first SDF is subjected to data acceleration processing.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The data acceleration process includes switching the first SDF from a first Quality of Service (QoS) stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration process, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first information is carried in the header of the downlink data packet in the first SDF; and / or, the first information is carried in the third rule associated with the first SDF.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first information carried in the header of the downlink data packet includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate the duration of the data acceleration processing; The second instruction information is used to indicate the direction of the accelerated data processing; The third instruction information is used to instruct the first SDF to perform a QoS authorization update.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the third indication information included in the first information, a second information is sent to the third network function, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for the first SDF.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first information carried in the third rule includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate the duration of the data acceleration processing; The second instruction information is used to indicate the direction of the accelerated data processing.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The step of performing data acceleration processing on the first SDF based on the first information includes at least one of the following: Based on the first information, perform data acceleration processing on the downlink data packets in the first SDF; Based on the first information, a Reflection QoS Indicator (RQI) is added to the downlink data packets in the first SDF. The RQI is used to instruct the terminal to perform data acceleration processing on the uplink data packets in the first SDF.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The step of adding RQI to the downlink data packets in the first SDF based on the first information includes the following: An RQI is added to each downlink data packet in the first SDF. The RQI in each downlink data packet is also used to indicate data acceleration processing for each downlink data packet. The direction of the data acceleration processing indicated by the first information includes uplink and downlink. An RQI is added to the first N downlink data packets in the first SDF. The RQI in the first N downlink data packets is used to indicate data acceleration processing for uplink data packets in the first SDF. The direction of the data acceleration processing indicated by the first information includes uplink, and N is a positive integer.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further includes: After adding RQI to the first N downlink data packets, the addition of RQI to other downlink data packets in the first SDF is stopped.

10. A communication method performed by a terminal, wherein, The method includes: Receive downlink data packets from the first service data stream SDF; Based on the Reflection Quality of Service (QoS) Indicator (RQI) contained in the downlink data packet, the uplink data packet in the first SDF is subjected to data acceleration processing.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The data acceleration process includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration process, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The step of accelerating the uplink data packets in the first SDF based on the RQI contained in the downlink data packets includes the following: Based on the RQI contained in each downlink data packet in the first SDF, the uplink data packet is subjected to data acceleration processing; Based on the RQI contained in the first N downlink data packets in the first SDF, the uplink data packets are subjected to data acceleration processing, where N is a positive integer.

13. A communication method performed by a second network function, wherein, The method includes: Send first information to the first network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first service data stream SDF.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The data acceleration process includes switching the first SDF from a first Quality of Service (QoS) stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration process, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The first information is carried in the header of the downlink data packet in the first SDF.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate the duration of the data acceleration processing; The second instruction information is used to indicate the direction of the accelerated data processing; The third instruction information is used to instruct the first SDF to perform a QoS authorization update.

17. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, Sending the first information to the first network function includes: The first information is sent to the fourth network function, and the first information is sent to the first network function through the fourth network function and the third network function.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate the duration of the data acceleration processing; The second instruction information is used to indicate the direction of the accelerated data processing.

19. A communication method performed by a third network function, wherein, The method includes: Receive second information sent by a first network function, the second information being used to request a Quality of Service (QoS) authorization update for a first service data stream SDF, wherein the first SDF is an SDF requiring data acceleration processing; and / or, Receive first information sent by the fourth network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first SDF.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The data acceleration process includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration process, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The second information is sent by the first network function based on the first information. The first information includes third indication information, which is used to instruct the second network device to perform a QoS authorization update on the first SDF.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The first information also includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate the duration of the data acceleration processing; The second instruction information is used to indicate the direction of the accelerated data processing.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The first information received from the fourth network function includes: The system receives a first rule and a second rule associated with the first SDF sent by the fourth network function. The second rule supports data acceleration processing, and at least one of the first rule and the second rule carries the first information.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate the duration of the data acceleration processing; The second instruction information is used to indicate the direction of the accelerated data processing.

25. The method according to claim 19, 23 or 24, wherein, After receiving the first information sent by the fourth network function, the method further includes: Send the first information to the first network function.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, Sending the first information to the first network function includes: Bind the first rule to the first QoS stream and bind the second rule to the second QoS stream. The first rule and the second rule are associated with the first SDF. The second rule supports data acceleration processing. Send a third rule associated with the first SDF to the first network function. The third rule carries the first information and includes at least one of the rule corresponding to the first QoS flow and the rule corresponding to the second QoS flow. The second QoS stream is used to implement the data acceleration processing.

27. A communication method performed by a fourth network function, wherein, The method includes: Receive first information sent by the second network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first service data stream SDF; Send the first information to the third network device.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The data acceleration process includes switching the first SDF from a first QoS stream to a second QoS stream, the second QoS stream being used to implement the data acceleration process, and the second QoS stream applying a reflection QoS mechanism.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: The first indication information is used to indicate the duration of the data acceleration processing; The second instruction information is used to indicate the direction of the accelerated data processing.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein, Sending the first information to the third network device includes: Send the first policy and charging control rule and the second rule associated with the first SDF to the third network device, wherein the second rule It supports accelerated data processing, and at least one of the first rule and the second rule carries the first information.

31. A communication method, executed by a core network, wherein, The core network includes at least one of a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function; The method includes at least one of the following: The communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented through the first network function; The communication method as described in any one of claims 13 to 18 is implemented through the second network function; The communication method as described in any one of claims 19 to 26 is implemented through the third network function; The communication method as described in any one of claims 27 to 30 is implemented through the third network function.

32. A network device, configured with a first network function, wherein, The network device includes: The transceiver module is configured to receive first information, which is used to configure accelerated data processing of the first service data stream SDF. The processing module is configured to perform data acceleration processing on the first SDF based on the first information.

33. A terminal, wherein, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive downlink data packets in the first service data stream SDF; The processing module is configured to perform data acceleration processing on the uplink data packets in the first SDF based on the Reflection Quality of Service (QoS) Indicator (RQI) contained in the downlink data packets.

34. A network device, configured with a second network function, wherein, The network device includes: The transceiver module is configured to send first information to a first network function, wherein the first information is used to configure accelerated data processing of the first service data stream SDF.

35. A network device, configured with a third network function, wherein, The network device includes: The send / receive module is configured to perform at least one of the following: Receive second information sent by the first network function, the second information being used to request a QoS authorization update for the first service data stream SDF, the first SDF being an SDF that requires data acceleration processing; Receive first information sent by the fourth network function, the first information being used to configure data acceleration processing for the first SDF.

36. A network device, configured with a fourth network function, wherein, The network device includes: The transceiver module is configured to: receive first information sent by the second network function, wherein the first information is used to configure data acceleration processing for the first service data stream SDF; and send the first information to the third network device.

37. A communication device, comprising: One or more processors; A memory that stores instructions; When the instruction is executed by the communication device, the communication device performs at least one of the following: The communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 12; The communication method as described in any one of claims 13 to 18; The communication method as described in any one of claims 19 to 26; The communication method as described in any one of claims 27 to 30.

38. A communication system comprising at least one of the following: A first network function is used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; A second network function is used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 13 to 18; A third network function is used to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 19 to 26; A fourth network function is provided for implementing the communication method as described in any one of claims 27 to 30; A terminal for implementing the communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 12.

39. A computer storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs at least one of the following: The communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 12; The communication method as described in any one of claims 13 to 18; The communication method as described in any one of claims 19 to 26; The communication method as described in any one of claims 27 to 30.

40. A computer program product comprising instructions, wherein, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs at least one of the following: The communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 12; The communication method as described in any one of claims 13 to 18; The communication method as described in any one of claims 19 to 26; The communication method as described in any one of claims 27 to 30.

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