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

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a data transmission method and apparatus, and a communication device and a storage medium. The method comprises: a first node receiving first information sent by a first network element and second information sent by one or more second nodes, wherein the first information includes address information of all terminals which access the first node, and the second information includes address information of all terminals which access corresponding second nodes; and the first node receiving first data from a first terminal, and determining, on the basis of the first information and / or the second information, whether to transmit the first data by means of the first node and / or the second node.

Description

A data transmission method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411639763.0, filed on November 15, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a data transmission method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0004] Currently, all data communication for all services requires traversing the core network. When terminals needing to communicate via data access the same base station, data transmission still needs to be relayed through the core network. This not only wastes resources but also easily increases latency. This problem becomes more pronounced as the types of services increase. Especially for services with low mobility requirements but high latency and / or throughput requirements, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) or Virtual Reality (VR), the traditional method of relying solely on the core network for data routing and communication cannot adequately serve these services.

[0005] When terminals requiring communication are located within the coverage area of ​​adjacent base stations or base stations with interfaces, the technology of local data exchange via a single base station cannot meet the requirements. Data transmission between these terminals still needs to be addressed through the core network, resulting in no reduction in overall latency. Furthermore, with the evolution of network architecture, in addition to interfaces between base station nodes, there may be other suitable interfaces between nodes that can meet the data transmission needs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a data transmission method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium.

[0007] The technical solution of this disclosure embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0008] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a data transmission method applied to a first node, the method comprising: the first node receiving first information sent by a first network element and second information sent by one or more second nodes; the first information including address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information including address information of all terminals accessing the corresponding second node; the first node receiving first data from a first terminal, and deciding whether to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

[0009] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first data includes the address information of the second terminal; the step of deciding whether to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information includes: the first node querying the first information and / or the second information based on the address information of the second terminal; if the first information and / or the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, determining to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node; if neither the first information nor the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, determining not to transmit the first data through the first node and the second node.

[0010] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, determining to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node when the first information and / or the second information includes the address information of the second terminal includes: determining to transmit the first data through the first node when the first information includes the address information of the second terminal; and / or, determining to transmit the first data through the second node when the second information includes the address information of the second terminal.

[0011] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, after determining that the first data is transmitted through the first node, the method further includes: the first node sending the first data to the second terminal;

[0012] And / or, after determining that the first data is transmitted through the second node, the method further includes: the first node forwarding the first data to the second node corresponding to the second information, so that the second node corresponding to the second information can send the first data to the second terminal.

[0013] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, after determining that the first data will not be transmitted through the first node and the second node, the method further includes: the first node sending the first data to the second network element, so that the second network element sends the first data to the second terminal.

[0014] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first node receives second information sent by one or more second nodes, including: the first node sending third information to one or more second nodes respectively, the third information being used to query the second information of the corresponding second node; and the first node receiving the second information sent by each second node respectively.

[0015] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: the first node receiving fourth information sent by the first network element, the fourth information including updated address information of the terminal accessing the first node; and the first node updating the first information based on the fourth information.

[0016] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: the first node sending the first information to the one or more second nodes respectively.

[0017] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first node and the second node exchange information through a first interface; wherein, the first interface is an existing communication interface or a newly added communication interface between the functional units of the first node and the second node.

[0018] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, when the first interface is a newly added communication interface, before the first node and the second node exchange information through the first interface, the method further includes: the first node sending fifth information to the second node, the fifth information being used to request the establishment of the first interface; the first node receiving sixth information sent by the second node, the sixth information being used to respond to the establishment of the first interface.

[0019] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the functional unit is: a central unit (CU), a distribution unit (DU), or a new functional unit.

[0020] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a data transmission method applied to a first network element. The method includes: sending first information to a first node and sending second information to a second node, wherein the first information includes address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes address information of all terminals accessing the second node, so that the first node can decide whether to transmit data from the terminals through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

[0021] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: sending fourth information to the first node, and / or sending seventh information to the second node, wherein the fourth information includes address information of an updated terminal accessing the first node, so that the first node can update the first information; and the seventh information includes address information of an updated terminal accessing the second node, so that the second node can update the second information.

[0022] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a data transmission apparatus, which is applied to a first node. The apparatus includes: a first communication unit and a first processing unit; wherein,

[0023] The first communication unit is configured to receive first information sent by a first network element and second information sent by one or more second nodes; the first information includes address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes address information of all terminals accessing the corresponding second node; it is also configured to receive first data from a first terminal.

[0024] The first processing unit is configured to decide whether to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

[0025] Fourthly, this disclosure also provides a data transmission apparatus applied to a first network element. The apparatus includes a second communication unit configured to send first information to a first node and second information to a second node, respectively. The first information includes address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes address information of all terminals accessing the second node, so that the first node can decide whether to transmit data from the terminals through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

[0026] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the data transmission method described in the first or second aspect of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a network device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the steps of the data transmission method described in the first or second aspect of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer program product, including computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the steps of the data transmission method described in the first or second aspect of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] The data transmission method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium provided in this disclosure include: a first node receiving first information sent by a first network element and second information sent by one or more second nodes; the first information includes address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes address information of all terminals accessing the corresponding second node; receiving first data from a first terminal, and deciding whether to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second information based on the first information and / or the second information. By adopting the technical solution of this disclosure, the first node obtains and stores the address information of all terminals under its own node, and obtains and stores the address information of all terminals under adjacent second nodes, thereby achieving local data transmission across multiple nodes through the cooperation of adjacent nodes. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figures 1a and 1b are schematic diagrams of IP address allocation in the prior art;

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of data transmission in the prior art;

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of the data transmission method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of the data transmission method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an interactive flow of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another interaction flow of the data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figures 7a and 7b are schematic diagrams of the system architecture in the data transmission method of this disclosure embodiment;

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of the data transmission device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of the data transmission device according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the hardware composition structure of a network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0041] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as GSM (Global System of Mobile communication), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or 5G systems. Optionally, a 5G system or 5G network can also be referred to as a New Radio (NR) system or NR network.

[0042] For example, the communication system used in this disclosure embodiment may include network devices and terminal devices (also referred to as terminals, communication terminals, etc.); the network device may be a device that communicates with the terminal device. The network device can provide communication coverage within a certain area and can communicate with terminals located within that area. Optionally, the network device may be a base station in various communication systems, such as an evolved Node B (eNB) in an LTE system, or a gNB in ​​a 5G or NR system.

[0043] It should be understood that devices with communication functions in the network / system of this application embodiment can be referred to as communication devices. Communication devices may include network devices and terminals with communication functions. Network devices and terminal devices can be the specific devices described above, which will not be repeated here. Communication devices may also include other devices in the communication system, such as network controllers, mobility management entities, and other network entities. This disclosure embodiment does not limit this.

[0044] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this document. The term "and / or" in this document merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0045] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0046] Before providing a detailed description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, a brief explanation of the current data exchange methods will be given first.

[0047] Currently, the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the User Equipment (UE) is allocated and managed by the Session Management Function (SMF) of the core network. The UE obtains its IP address through Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages. During the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment process, after the initial establishment of the N4 session with the User Plane Function (UPF) (such as the PDU Session Anchor (PSA)), the SMF sends a PDU session establishment acceptance message (NAS message) to the UE, carrying the IP address allocated to the UE. This message is then transparently transmitted to the base station by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and then to the UE by the base station, as shown in Figure 1a.

[0048] Alternatively, the UE can obtain an IP address via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) messages. In the PDU session establishment accept message (NAS message), the SMF sends the IP address 0.0.0.0 to the UE. After the PDU session is established, the UE can obtain an IP address from the core network through the DHCP process, as shown in Figure 1b.

[0049] However, IP addresses are allocated and managed by the core network and are transmitted transparently through the Radio Access Network (RAN). However, the RAN does not store the IP addresses of the UEs. When UEs need to communicate with each other, the addressing process needs to go through the core network before reaching the target UE, as shown in Figure 2.

[0050] Based on this, this disclosure provides a data transmission method. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the data transmission method of this disclosure; as shown in Figure 3, the method includes:

[0051] Step 101: The first node receives first information sent by the first network element and second information sent by one or more second nodes; the first information includes the address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes the address information of all terminals accessing the corresponding second node;

[0052] Step 102: The first node receives first data from the first terminal and decides whether to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

[0053] Accordingly, Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart of the data transmission method according to an embodiment of this disclosure; as shown in Figure 4, the method includes:

[0054] Step 201: The first network element sends first information to the first node and second information to the second node. The first information includes the address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes the address information of all terminals accessing the second node, so that the first node can decide whether to transmit data from the terminals through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

[0055] In this embodiment, both the first node and the second node can be referred to as local nodes. Local nodes can be geographically adjacent nodes or nodes that have communication interfaces with each other. Geographically adjacent nodes specifically refer to nodes being adjacent within their coverage areas. In some optional embodiments, both the first node and the second node are access network nodes (or access network devices, access network elements, etc.). For example, an access network node can be a base station. Therefore, the first node and the second node can be adjacent base stations.

[0056] The first node and the second node are local nodes, which are related to the connected terminal. When the first terminal connects to the first node, the first node serves as the local node of the first terminal; if the second node is an adjacent node of the first node or a node that has a communication interface with the first node, then the second node can also serve as the local node of the first terminal.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first network element is a core network element, which has the function of allocating and / or managing the address information (such as IP addresses) of terminals. In other optional embodiments, the first network element may also be called the core network, core network element, network function, network device, network node, node, etc., as long as it can realize the function of the first network element. This embodiment does not limit the name of the first network element.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first node and the second node, acting as local nodes, obtain and store the address information of all terminals under their respective nodes through interaction with the first network element of the core network. Furthermore, adjacent nodes (such as the first node and the second node) exchange the address information of all terminals under their respective nodes through interaction. This allows the first node to obtain the address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and also to obtain the address information of all terminals under one or more adjacent second nodes. For example, the terminal address information may be the terminal's IP address; in other optional embodiments, the address information may also include other logical address information of the terminal, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0059] In some alternative embodiments, the first node receives second information sent by one or more second nodes, including: the first node sending third information to one or more second nodes respectively, the third information being used to query the second information of the corresponding second node; and the first node receiving the second information sent by each second node respectively.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first node can actively send third information to other adjacent second nodes to request to query or obtain the second information of the second node; after receiving the second information, the second node sends the address information of all the terminals it stores to the first node.

[0061] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an interactive flow of a data transmission method according to an embodiment of this disclosure; as shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

[0062] Step 301: The first network element sends a notification message about the UE's IP address to the local node.

[0063] Here, the local node can be any access network node (such as a base station). Taking the data transmission scenario for the first terminal as an example, the local node may include the first node accessed by the first terminal and / or a second node adjacent to the first node or having a communication interface.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first network element is a core network element, which has the function of allocating and / or managing the address information (such as IP address) of the terminal. For example, in a 5G system, the first network element can be an SMF (Software Management Function). During the process of a UE initiating a PDU session establishment, the SMF allocates an IP address to the UE. Thus, the SMF allocates and manages IP addresses for all UEs within its management scope. The SMF can determine the base station accessed by each UE and the IP address allocated to each UE. Then, the SMF can send the IP addresses of all UEs under each base station to the corresponding base station.

[0065] Here, the first network element and the local node can transmit information via interface messages. Taking the first network element as the SMF as an example, the SMF can first send the UE's IP address information notification message to the AMF through the interface between the SMF and the AMF, and then the AMF will send the UE's IP address information notification message to the local node.

[0066] Step 302: The local node stores the IP address information of the UE under the node.

[0067] Step 303: The local node sends a success response message to the first network element.

[0068] In some optional embodiments, the method further includes: the first network element sending fourth information to the first node, and / or sending seventh information to the second node, wherein the fourth information includes the address information of the updated terminal accessing the first node, so that the first node can update the first information; and the seventh information includes the address information of the updated terminal accessing the second node, so that the second node can update the second information.

[0069] Accordingly, the method further includes: the first node receiving fourth information sent by the first network element, the fourth information including the address information of the updated terminal accessing the first node; and the first node updating the first information based on the fourth information.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first network element is responsible for the allocation and management of the UE's IP address information; when the IP address of a UE changes, the first network element sends the updated IP address information of the UE to the corresponding local node, triggering the local node to update the stored IP address information of the UE.

[0071] In this embodiment, the transmission of the first data through the first node or the second node can also be referred to as local transmission of the first data. Local transmission specifically refers to data transmission without forwarding through core network elements. Referring to the example shown in Figure 2, if data is sent from UE1 to UE2, the data arrives at the RAN, is then sent by the RAN to the UPF, and then by the UPF to the data network (DN); from the DN, through the UPF and RAN, it reaches UE2. However, using the technical solution of this embodiment, data forwarding can be performed directly on the access network side without going through core network elements, as shown in the example in Figure 2, without going through UPF, DN, or other network elements.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first node obtains and stores the address information of all terminals under its own node, and obtains and stores the address information of all terminals under the adjacent second node. Through the cooperation of the adjacent nodes, when the first data is received from the first terminal, the first node determines whether to transmit the first data through the first node or the second node based on the address information of all terminals under its own node and / or the address information of all terminals under the adjacent second node. That is, it determines whether to transmit the first data locally, thereby realizing local data transmission across multiple nodes.

[0073] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first data includes the address information of the second terminal; the step of deciding whether to transmit the first data through the first node or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information includes: the first node querying the first information and / or the second information based on the address information of the second terminal; if the first information and / or the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, determining to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node; if neither the first information nor the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, determining not to transmit the first data through the first node or the second node.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first node can query the address information of all terminals under its own node (i.e., first information) and / or the address information of all terminals under the adjacent second node (i.e., second information) based on the address information of the destination terminal (i.e., the second terminal) in the first data from the first terminal. If the first information and / or the second information include the address information of the second terminal, it indicates that the second terminal is connected to the first node and / or the second node, that is, it can transmit or forward local data. Correspondingly, if neither the first information nor the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, it indicates that the second terminal is not connected to the first node and is not connected to the second node, that is, the node connected to by the second terminal is not adjacent to the first node or has a communication interface, and it can be determined that it cannot transmit or forward local data.

[0075] In some optional embodiments, determining to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node when the first information and / or the second information includes the address information of the second terminal includes: determining to transmit the first data through the first node when the first information includes the address information of the second terminal; and / or, determining to transmit the first data through the second node when the second information includes the address information of the second terminal.

[0076] In some alternative embodiments, after determining that the first data is transmitted through the first node, the method further includes: the first node sending the first data to the second terminal; and / or, after determining that the first data is transmitted through the second node, the method further includes: the first node forwarding the first data to the second node corresponding to the second information, so that the second node corresponding to the second information can send the first data to the second terminal.

[0077] In this embodiment, if the first information includes the address information of the second terminal, it indicates that the second terminal and the first terminal are both connected to the first node, and the first node can directly send the first data to the second terminal. If the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, it indicates that the second terminal is connected to the second node, and the first node can forward the first data to the second node through the communication interface between the first node and the second node, so that the second node can send the first data to the second terminal.

[0078] In some alternative embodiments of this disclosure, after determining that the first data will not be transmitted through the first node or the second node, the method further includes: the first node sending the first data to the second network element, so that the second network element sends the first data to the second terminal.

[0079] In this embodiment, if neither the first information nor the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, it indicates that the second terminal is neither connected to the first node nor to the second node. That is, the node connected to by the second terminal is not adjacent to the first node or has a communication interface with it. Therefore, it can be determined that local data transmission or forwarding is not possible. Referring to the example shown in Figure 2, the first data needs to be sent to the second terminal through a core network element. As an example, in a 5G system, the second network element may include a UPF (User-Defined Frame) to forward the first data.

[0080] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another interaction flow of the data transmission method according to an embodiment of this disclosure; as shown in Figure 6, the method includes:

[0081] Step 401: The first node and the adjacent second node exchange information. The first node sends a query message to the adjacent second node containing the IP address information of all terminals connected to the second node.

[0082] Here, the query information sent by the first node can be periodic, such as sending query information according to a pre-set period to update IP address information. Alternatively, the query information can be event-driven, such as the first node sending a query information to the adjacent second node based on whether there is a data transmission request.

[0083] Here, we will use an example where there are two second nodes, denoted as second node 1 and second node 2. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the number of second nodes; the number of second nodes adjacent to the first node can be at least one.

[0084] Step 402: The second node feeds back the stored terminal IP address information to the first node.

[0085] Step 403: After receiving the IP address information of the terminals of each second node, the first node stores or updates it.

[0086] Step 404: When a terminal with data transmission needs to transmit data, that is, the first node receives the data packet of UE1, which carries the IP address of UE2, the target terminal.

[0087] Step 405: The first node searches for the stored terminal IP information, including the IP address information of the terminals under this node and the IP address information of the terminals under all adjacent second nodes.

[0088] Step 406a: If the IP address information of UE2 is within the range of cooperating multiple nodes, such as the IP address of UE2 being within the IP address information of all terminals of the second node 1, then the first node forwards the data packet to the second node 1, and the second node 1 sends the data packet to UE2 to complete the data transmission.

[0089] Step 406b: If UE2, which needs to perform data communication, is not located within the range of cooperating multi-nodes, that is, if the IP address of UE2 is not within the range of IP address information under this node and IP address information of terminals under all adjacent second nodes, then the first node will send the data packet to the core network, and the core network will forward the data to UE2, thereby completing the data transmission.

[0090] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: the first node sending the first information to the one or more second nodes respectively.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first node and the second node exchange information through an interface. In addition to the first node being able to obtain the second information sent by the second node through the interface, the first node can also send the first information to the second node through the interface.

[0092] In some alternative embodiments, the first node and the second node exchange information through a first interface; wherein, the first interface is an existing communication interface or a newly added communication interface between the functional units of the first node and the second node.

[0093] In some alternative embodiments, the functional unit is a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a new functional unit.

[0094] As an example, taking the base station as the first local node, message interaction and coordination between multiple nodes are completed through the Xn interface between CUs. As shown in Figure 7a, the terminal's IP address information can be stored in the CU of the base station, and the coordination of multiple base station nodes is carried out through message interaction via the Xn interface to complete local data transmission within the range of multiple base station nodes.

[0095] As the architecture changes and evolves, new functional units or interfaces may be introduced. The embodiments disclosed herein can also be applied to new architectural scenarios.

[0096] As another example, taking the DU of the base station as the first local node, message interaction and coordination between multiple nodes can be completed through the newly added Xd interface between DUs, as shown in Figure 7b. The IP address information of the terminal can be stored in the DU, and multi-node coordination can be carried out through message interaction via the Xd interface, enabling local data transmission within the scope of multiple DU nodes.

[0097] In some alternative embodiments, when the first interface is a newly added communication interface, before the first node and the second node exchange information through the first interface, the method further includes: the first node sending fifth information to the second node, the fifth information being used to request the establishment of the first interface; the first node receiving sixth information sent by the second node, the sixth information being used to respond to the establishment of the first interface.

[0098] In this embodiment, when the first interface is a newly added communication interface, the first node and the second node need to establish the first interface before exchanging information; the first interface can also be called a link or communication link. The first node can establish the first interface by sending a request message to the second node to establish the first interface, and the second node can send a response message corresponding to the request message to the first node.

[0099] Based on the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a data transmission device, which is applied to a first node. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of the data transmission device according to an embodiment of this disclosure; as shown in Figure 8, the device includes: a first communication unit 11 and a first processing unit 12; wherein,

[0100] The first communication unit 11 is configured to receive first information sent by a first network element and second information sent by one or more second nodes; the first information includes address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes address information of all terminals accessing the corresponding second node; it is also configured to receive first data from a first terminal.

[0101] The first processing unit 12 is configured to decide whether to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

[0102] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first data includes the address information of the second terminal; the first processing unit 12 is configured to query the first information and / or the second information based on the address information of the second terminal; if the first information and / or the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, determine to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node; if neither the first information nor the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, determine not to transmit the first data through the first node and the second node.

[0103] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first processing unit 12 is configured to determine, when the first information includes the address information of the second terminal, to transmit the first data through the first node; and / or, when the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, to determine to transmit the first data through the second node.

[0104] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first communication unit 11 is further configured to send the first data to the second terminal after the first processing unit 12 determines that the first data has been transmitted through the first node; and / or, after the first processing unit 12 determines that the first data has been transmitted through the second node, forward the first data to the second node corresponding to the second information, so that the second node corresponding to the second information can send the first data to the second terminal.

[0105] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first communication unit 11 is further configured to send the first data to the second network element after the first processing unit 12 determines that the first data will not be transmitted through the first node or the second node, so that the second network element can send the first data to the second terminal.

[0106] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first communication unit 11 is configured to send third information to one or more second nodes respectively, the third information being used to query the second information of the corresponding second node; and to receive the second information sent by each second node respectively.

[0107] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first communication unit 11 is further configured to receive fourth information sent by the first network element, the fourth information including the address information of the updated terminal accessing the first node;

[0108] The first processing unit 12 is further configured to update the first information based on the fourth information.

[0109] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first communication unit 11 is further configured to send the first information to the one or more second nodes respectively.

[0110] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the first communication unit 11 interacts with the second node through a first interface; wherein, the first interface is an existing communication interface or a newly added communication interface between functional units of the first node and the second node.

[0111] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, when the first interface is a newly added communication interface, the first communication unit 11 is further configured to send a fifth message to the second node before interacting with the second node through the first interface, the fifth message being used to request the establishment of the first interface; and to receive a sixth message sent by the second node, the sixth message being used to respond to the establishment of the first interface.

[0112] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the functional unit is: a central unit (CU), a distribution unit (DU), or a new functional unit.

[0113] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first processing unit 12 in the device can be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) in practical applications; the first communication unit 11 in the device can be implemented by a communication module (including: basic communication kit, operating system, communication module, standardized interface and protocol, etc.) and a transceiver antenna in practical applications.

[0114] This disclosure also provides a data transmission device, which is applied to a first network element. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of the data transmission device according to an embodiment of this disclosure; as shown in Figure 9, the device includes: a second communication unit 21, configured to send first information to a first node and second information to a second node, the first information including address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information including address information of all terminals accessing the second node, so that the first node can decide whether to transmit data from the terminals through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

[0115] In some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the second communication unit 21 is further configured to send fourth information to the first node and / or send seventh information to the second node, wherein the fourth information includes the address information of the updated terminal accessing the first node for the first node to update the first information; and the seventh information includes the address information of the updated terminal accessing the second node for the second node to update the second information.

[0116] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the second communication unit 21 in the device can be implemented in practical applications through a communication module (including: basic communication kit, operating system, communication module, standardized interface and protocol, etc.) and a transceiver antenna.

[0117] It should be noted that the data transmission device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules. In practical applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the data transmission device and the data transmission method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0118] This disclosure also provides a network device, which is a first node or a first network element. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the hardware composition structure of the network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the network device includes a memory 32, a processor 31, and a computer program stored in the memory 32 and executable on the processor 31. When the processor 31 executes the program, it implements the steps of the data transmission method applied to the first node or the first network element according to the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0119] Optionally, the network device may also include at least one network interface 33. The various components of the network device are coupled together via a bus system 34. It is understood that the bus system 34 is used to enable communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 34 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, all buses are labeled as bus system 34 in Figure 10.

[0120] It is understood that memory 32 can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM).The memory 32 described in the embodiments of this disclosure is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0121] The methods disclosed in the above embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to or implemented by processor 31. Processor 31 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in processor 31 or by instructions in software form. The processor 31 may be a general-purpose processor, DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. Processor 31 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in memory 32. Processor 31 reads information from memory 32 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in conjunction with its hardware.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the network device may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory 32 including a computer program, which can be executed by a processor 31 of a network device to perform the steps described in the foregoing method. The computer-readable storage medium may be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM; or it may be various devices including one or any combination of the above-mentioned memories.

[0124] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this disclosure embodiment stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the data transmission method applied to a first node or a first network element according to the present disclosure embodiment.

[0125] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that can be executed by a network device (such as the processor 31 of the network device) to complete the steps of any of the aforementioned data transmission methods.

[0126] The methods disclosed in the several method embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method embodiments.

[0127] The features disclosed in the several product embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new product embodiments.

[0128] The features disclosed in the several method or device embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method or device embodiments.

[0129] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as: multiple units or components can be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection between the various components shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0130] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0131] In addition, each functional unit in the various embodiments of this disclosure can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can be a separate unit, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit; the integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it performs the steps of the above method embodiments. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program code, such as mobile storage devices, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0133] Alternatively, if the integrated units described above are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as mobile storage devices, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0134] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A data transmission method, the method being applied to a first node, the method comprising: The first node receives the first information sent by the first network element and the second information sent by one or more second nodes; The first information includes the address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes the address information of all terminals accessing the corresponding second node; The first node receives first data from the first terminal and decides whether to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first data includes the address information of the second terminal; the step of deciding whether to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information includes: The first node queries the first information and / or the second information based on the address information of the second terminal; If the first information and / or the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, it is determined that the first data is transmitted through the first node and / or the second node; If neither the first information nor the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, it is determined that the first data will not be transmitted through the first node and the second node.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The step of determining to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node when the first information and / or the second information includes the address information of the second terminal includes: If the first information includes the address information of the second terminal, it is determined that the first data will be transmitted through the first node; and / or, If the second information includes the address information of the second terminal, it is determined that the first data will be transmitted through the second node.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, After determining that the first data is transmitted through the first node, the method further includes: the first node sending the first data to the second terminal; And / or, after determining that the first data is transmitted through the second node, the method further includes: the first node forwarding the first data to the second node corresponding to the second information, so that the second node corresponding to the second information can send the first data to the second terminal.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, After determining that the first data will not be transmitted through the first node and the second node, the method further includes: The first node sends the first data to the second network element, so that the second network element can send the first data to the second terminal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first node receives second information sent by one or more second nodes, including: The first node sends third information to one or more second nodes, and the third information is used to query the second information of the corresponding second node; The first node receives the second information sent by each of the second nodes.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The first node receives fourth information sent by the first network element, the fourth information including the updated address information of the terminal accessing the first node; The first node updates the first information based on the fourth information.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The first node sends the first information to the one or more second nodes respectively.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first node and the second node exchange information through a first interface; wherein, The first interface is an existing communication interface or a newly added communication interface between the functional units of the first node and the second node.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, When the first interface is a newly added communication interface, before the first node and the second node exchange information through the first interface, the method further includes: The first node sends a fifth message to the second node, the fifth message being used to request the establishment of the first interface; The first node receives the sixth information sent by the second node, the sixth information being used to respond to the establishment of the first interface.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The functional units are: central unit CU, distribution unit DU, or new functional units.

12. A data transmission method, the method being applied to a first network element, the method comprising: The system sends a first message to a first node and a second message to a second node. The first message includes the address information of all terminals connected to the first node, and the second message includes the address information of all terminals connected to the second node. The first node then decides whether to transmit data from the terminals through the first node and / or the second node based on the first message and / or the second message.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The method further includes: Send a fourth message to the first node, and / or send a seventh message to the second node, wherein the fourth message includes the address information of the updated terminal accessing the first node, so that the first node can update the first message; and the seventh message includes the address information of the updated terminal accessing the second node, so that the second node can update the second message.

14. A data transmission apparatus, the apparatus being applied to a first node, the apparatus comprising: A first communication unit and a first processing unit; wherein... The first communication unit is configured to receive first information sent by a first network element and second information sent by one or more second nodes; the first information includes address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes address information of all terminals accessing the corresponding second node; it is also configured to receive first data from a first terminal. The first processing unit is configured to decide whether to transmit the first data through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

15. A data transmission apparatus, the apparatus being applied to a first network element, the apparatus comprising: The second communication unit is configured to send first information to a first node and second information to a second node, respectively. The first information includes address information of all terminals accessing the first node, and the second information includes address information of all terminals accessing the second node, so that the first node can decide whether to transmit data from the terminals through the first node and / or the second node based on the first information and / or the second information.

16. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11; or, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 13.

17. A network device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11; or, the processor executes the program to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 13.

18. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11; or, the computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 13.

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