Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus. In the method, a terminal is dually connected to a first access network node and a second access network node, and the first access network node can obtain, from the terminal, delay information of reordering downlink data packets by the terminal, and determines a downlink offloading policy on the basis of the delay information. The described downlink data packets are received by the terminal by means of a first split bearer. The downlink offloading policy indicates how to use an MCG resource and an SCG resource to send a data packet on a second split bearer. The second split bearer relies on the first access network node and the second access network node. A data packet sent by means of the second split bearer is received by the first split bearer. On the basis of the described delay information, the first access network node can learn of the reordering situation of the data packets in the first split bearer on the terminal side, so as to more comprehensively learn of the transmission performance of downlink data, thereby obtaining a rational downlink offloading policy, and further increasing a data packet transmission rate and improving user experience.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411998505.1, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 31, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In communication systems, dual connectivity (DC) technology is introduced to improve data transmission rates. Through dual connectivity, a terminal can communicate with multiple access network nodes. Among these access network nodes, the access network node whose control plane is connected to the core network is called the master node (MN), and the access network node whose control plane is not connected to the core network is called the secondary node (SN).

[0004] In dual-connectivity scenarios, data radio bearers (DRBs) can be categorized into three types: master cell group (MCG) bearers, secondary cell group (SCG) bearers, and split bearers. For MCG bearers, the network-side packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) anchor point is at the MN or SN, and air interface data transmission utilizes MCG resources. For SCG bearers, the network-side PDCP anchor point is at the MN or SN, and air interface data transmission utilizes both MCG and SCG resources. For split bearers, the network-side PDCP anchor point is at the MN or SN, and air interface data transmission utilizes both MCG and SCG resources.

[0005] Therefore, when using split bearers to transmit data packets, it is necessary to split the data packets, such as determining whether to use MCG resources or SCG resources for transmission. Currently, the data packet splitting strategy for split bearers is unreasonable, resulting in low data packet transmission rates and affecting user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reasonably split and divide data packets in a carrier, thereby improving data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the network side, such as a first access network node on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip or chip system) in the first access network node, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network node.

[0009] Taking the application of this method to a first access network node as an example, the method includes: receiving first information from the terminal and determining a downlink offloading strategy based on the first information. The first information indicates the delay information for the terminal to reorder the first downlink data packets received through the first split bearer. The downlink offloading strategy indicates how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the second split bearer. The second split bearer relies on both the first and second access network nodes. The terminal has dual connections with both the first and second access network nodes. Data packets sent through the second split bearer are received by the first split bearer.

[0010] Based on the method provided in the first aspect above, the first access network node can obtain from the terminal the delay information of the reordering of the first downlink data packets received through the first split bearer. Based on this delay information, the first access network node can know the reordering status of data packets in the first split bearer on the terminal side, thereby gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the downlink data transmission performance. Therefore, it can obtain a reasonable downlink traffic splitting strategy, thereby improving the downlink data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the reordering, the number of times the reordering timer is started during the reordering process, or the timing information of the reordering timer during the reordering process.

[0012] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can specifically obtain the delay information of the terminal reordering the first downlink data packet, and / or the number of times the reordering timer is started when the terminal reorders the first downlink data packet, and / or the timing information of the reordering timer started when the terminal reorders the first downlink data packet, so that the first access network node can know the specific situation of the first downlink data reordering and thus obtain a downlink diversion strategy suitable for the current channel.

[0013] Optionally, the above reordering process is executed by the terminal's packet data aggregation layer protocol layer.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second message instructing the terminal to report the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer.

[0015] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can instruct the terminal to report the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer, so that the first access network node can determine the downlink traffic splitting strategy.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first downlink data packets, the identification information of the first downlink data packets, the information of the first time period, or the first indication information; wherein, the first time period is the time period during which the terminal counts the first information, and the first indication information indicates whether the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer is counted at the cell group level.

[0017] Based on the above possible implementations, when the second information includes the quantity information of the first downlink data packets, the first access network node can instruct the terminal to count the first information based on the indicated quantity of data packets. When the second information includes the identification information of the first downlink data packets, the first access network node can instruct the terminal to count the first information based on the indicated first downlink data packets. When the second information includes information about a first time period, the first access network node can instruct the terminal to count the first information within the first time period. When the second information includes first indication information, the first access network node can instruct the terminal to count the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer at the cell group level, or not at the cell group level.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: obtaining third information, which includes one or more of the following: downlink signal quality of the first access network node, downlink signal quality of the second access network node, service quality requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node for processing downlink data in the second split bearer, latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing downlink data in the second split bearer, downlink air interface latency information between the first access network node and the terminal, or downlink air interface latency information between the second access network node and the terminal; the above-mentioned determination of the downlink offloading strategy based on the first information includes: determining the downlink offloading strategy based on the first information and the third information.

[0019] Based on the above possible implementation methods, in addition to the first information, the first access network node can also combine one or more of the above information to determine the downlink offloading strategy in order to obtain a downlink offloading strategy suitable for the current channel.

[0020] Optionally, the downlink offloading strategy is used to reduce the packet transmission latency on the second split bearer, and / or increase the packet throughput on the second split bearer, and / or reduce the packet error rate on the second split bearer. The first access network node can obtain a downlink offloading strategy that meets the above requirements through a corresponding algorithm, or through an artificial intelligence (AI) model.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending downlink offloading strategy information to the second access network node.

[0022] Based on the above possible implementations, the first access network node can indicate a downlink offloading strategy to the second access network node, so that the second access network node can send data packets according to the downlink offloading strategy. For example, when the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node, or when the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node, the first access network node can indicate the downlink offloading strategy to the second access network node.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second indication information from a second access network node, the second indication information indicating the downlink offloading strategy actually used by the second access network node, the second indication information being used to update the downlink offloading strategy.

[0024] Based on the above possible implementations, after the second access network node learns of the downlink offloading policy, it can either execute the policy or not. Therefore, the second access network node can indicate to the first access network node the downlink offloading policy it actually uses, so that the first access network node can refer to the downlink offloading policy actually used by the second access network node when updating the downlink offloading policy in the future.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first access network node sending data packets according to the downlink offloading strategy.

[0026] Based on the above possible implementations, the first access network node can use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the second split bearer according to the downlink offloading strategy. For example, when the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node, or when the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node, the first access network node can use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the second split bearer according to the downlink offloading strategy.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, X... The following are possible interpretations: Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be transmitted using primary cell group resources; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be transmitted using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources.

[0028] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the flexibility and diversity of the downlink offloading strategy determined by the first access network node can be improved.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from the terminal, the fourth information indicating delay information for reordering second downlink data packets received through the first split bearer, the fourth information being used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0032] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can again feed back the delay information of the downlink data packets received through the first split bearer, so that the first access network node can update the downlink traffic splitting strategy, so that the downlink traffic splitting strategy can adapt to the changes in the downlink channel in a timely manner, thereby ensuring user experience.

[0033] Secondly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an AI processor, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)).

[0034] Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, the method includes: acquiring first information and sending the first information to a first access network node or a second access network node. The first information indicates the delay information for reordering first downlink data packets received by the terminal through a first split bearer. The first information is used to determine a downlink offloading strategy, which indicates how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on a second split bearer. The second split bearer relies on both the first and second access network nodes, and data packets sent through the second split bearer are received by the first split bearer. The terminal has dual connections with both the first and second access network nodes.

[0035] Based on the method provided in the second aspect above, the terminal can instruct the first access network node or the second access network node on the delay information of reordering the first downlink data packets received through the first split bearer. This allows the first access network node or the second access network node to know the reordering status of data packets in the first split bearer on the terminal side, thereby gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the downlink data transmission performance. Therefore, the first access network node or the second access network node can obtain a reasonable downlink traffic offloading strategy, thereby improving the downlink data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the reordering, the number of times the reordering timer is started during the reordering process, or the timing information of the reordering timer during the reordering process.

[0037] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can send the delay information of the terminal reordering the first downlink data packet, and / or the number of times the reordering timer is started when the terminal reorders the first downlink data packet, and / or the timing information of the reordering timer started when the terminal reorders the first downlink data packet, to the first access network node or the second access network node, so that the first access network node can know the specific situation of the first downlink data reordering and thus obtain a downlink diversion strategy suitable for the current channel.

[0038] Optionally, the above reordering process is executed by the terminal's packet data aggregation layer protocol layer.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information indicating the delay information for reporting data packet reordering on the first split bearer.

[0040] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can determine whether to report the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer to the first access network node.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first downlink data packets, the identification information of the first downlink data packets, the information of the first time period, or the first indication information; wherein, the first time period is the time period during which the terminal counts the first information, and the first indication information indicates whether the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer is counted at the cell group level.

[0042] Based on the above possible implementations, when the second information includes the quantity information of the first downlink data packets, the terminal can determine to count the first information based on the indicated quantity of data packets. When the second information includes the identification information of the first downlink data packets, the terminal can determine to count the first information based on the first downlink data packets indicated by the first access network node. When the second information includes information about a first time period, the terminal can determine to count the first information for the first time period. When the second information includes first indication information, the terminal can determine to count the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer at the cell group level, or not to count the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer at the cell group level.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, X... The following are possible interpretations: Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be transmitted using primary cell group resources; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be transmitted using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources.

[0044] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the flexibility and diversity of the downlink offloading strategy determined by the first access network node can be improved.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fourth information to a first access network node or a second access network node, the fourth information indicating the delay information for reordering the second downlink data packets received by the terminal through the first split bearer, the fourth information being used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0048] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can again feed back the delay information of the downlink data packets received through the first split bearer, so that the first access network node can update the downlink traffic splitting strategy, so that the downlink traffic splitting strategy can adapt to the changes in the downlink channel in a timely manner, thereby ensuring user experience.

[0049] Thirdly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as a first access network node on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip or chip system) in the first access network node, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network node.

[0050] Taking the application of this method to a first access network node as an example, the method includes: receiving first information from a second access network node, and sending uplink traffic splitting policy information to the terminal or the second access network node. The first information includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing the first uplink data packet. The terminal has dual connections with both the first and second access network nodes. The uplink traffic splitting policy instructs the terminal on how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node.

[0051] Based on the method provided in the third aspect above, the first access network node can obtain retransmission information of the first uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, and / or, delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing the first uplink data packet. Based on the retransmission information and / or the delay information, the first access network node can understand the transmission performance of the uplink data packet at the second access network node, thereby indicating an uplink splitting strategy suitable for the current channel to the terminal or the second access network node to improve the uplink data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0052] It should be understood that the uplink offloading policy is ultimately intended to be communicated to the terminal. Therefore, the first access network node can forward the uplink offloading policy information to the terminal through the second access network node, or the first access network node can send the uplink offloading policy information directly to the terminal without going through the second access network node.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node; or, retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node.

[0054] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can obtain the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node, and / or the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node, thereby determining the uplink traffic splitting strategy based on the obtained retransmission information.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending second information to the second access network node, the second information instructing the second access network node to send one or more of the following: retransmission information of data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing data packets in the second split bearer.

[0056] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node may instruct the second access network node to report the above retransmission information and / or the above delay information.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first uplink data packet, the identification information of the first uplink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the process information to which the first uplink data packet belongs; wherein, the first time period is the time period during which the second access network node collects the first information.

[0058] Based on the above possible implementations, when the second information includes the quantity information of the first uplink data packets, the first access network node can instruct the second access network node to count the first information based on the indicated quantity of data packets. When the second information includes the identification information of the first uplink data packets, the first access network node can instruct the second access network node to count the first information based on the indicated first uplink data packets. When the second information includes information about a first time period, the first access network node can instruct the second access network node to count the first information within the first time period. When the second information includes the process information to which the first uplink data packets belong, the first access network node can instruct the second access network node to count the first information based on the indicated process. Optionally, the process information to which the first uplink data packets belong may include the quantity of the process and / or the identification of the process.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first delay information from a terminal, the first delay information indicating the delay of the terminal in sorting data packets on a first split bearer, the first delay information being used to determine an uplink splitting strategy.

[0060] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can determine the uplink traffic offloading strategy by combining the first delay information.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: obtaining third information, which is used to determine the uplink splitting strategy. The third information includes one or more of the following: the uplink signal quality of the terminal, the quality of service requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, the uplink air interface delay between the first access network node and the terminal, the uplink air interface delay between the second access network node and the terminal, or the delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node for processing uplink data in the second split bearer.

[0062] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can determine the uplink traffic offloading strategy by combining one or more of the above information.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information from a second access network node, the first indication information indicating whether uplink offloading policy information is allowed to be sent to the terminal; if the first indication information indicates that uplink offloading policy information is allowed to be sent to the terminal, sending uplink offloading policy information to the terminal or the second access network node, including: sending uplink offloading policy information to the terminal; if the first indication information indicates that uplink offloading policy information is not allowed to be sent to the terminal, sending uplink offloading policy information to the terminal or the second access network node, including: sending uplink offloading policy information to the second access network node.

[0064] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can send uplink traffic offloading strategy information to the terminal or the second access network node according to the instructions of the second access network node.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, X... The value of Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0066] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the flexibility and diversity of the uplink traffic offloading strategy determined by the first access network node can be improved.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from the second access network node, the fourth information including one or more of the following: retransmission information of the second uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the second uplink data packet; the fourth information is used to update the uplink splitting strategy.

[0070] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can again feed back the retransmission information of the uplink data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, and / or, one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node can process the latency information of the uplink data packets, so that the first access network node can update the uplink diversion strategy, so that the uplink diversion strategy can adapt to the changes in the uplink channel in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the user experience.

[0071] Fourthly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the network side, such as a second access network node on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip or chip system) in the second access network node, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second access network node.

[0072] Taking the application of this method to a second access network node as an example, the method includes: obtaining first information and sending the first information to a first access network node. The first information includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of a first uplink data packet received on a second split bearer in the second access network node, or latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing the first uplink data packet. The first information is used to determine an uplink traffic splitting strategy, which instructs the terminal how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer. The terminal has dual connections with both the first and second access network nodes. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node.

[0073] Based on the method provided in the fourth aspect above, the second access network node can send retransmission information of the first uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node to the first access network node, and / or, one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node can process the delay information of the first uplink data packet, so that the first access network node can understand the transmission performance of the uplink data packet at the second access network node, thereby indicating to the terminal an uplink diversion strategy suitable for the current channel to improve the uplink data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node; or, retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node.

[0075] Based on the above possible implementations, the second access network node can send the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node, and / or the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node, so that the first access network node can determine an appropriate uplink offloading strategy based on the above information.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information from a first access network node, the second information instructing the second access network node to send one or more of the following: retransmission information of data packets received on a second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing data packets in the second split bearer.

[0077] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can determine to collect retransmission information of data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, and / or, one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node can process the latency information of data packets in the second split bearer.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first uplink data packet, the identification information of the first uplink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the process information to which the first uplink data packet belongs; wherein, the first time period is the time period during which the second access network node collects the first information.

[0079] Based on the above possible implementations, when the second information includes the quantity information of the first uplink data packets, the second access network node can count the first information based on the quantity of data packets indicated by the first access network node. When the second information includes the identification information of the first uplink data packets, the second access network node can determine to count the first information based on the first uplink data packets indicated by the first access network node. When the second information includes information about a first time period, the second access network node can determine to count the first information within the first time period. When the second information includes the process information to which the first uplink data packets belong, the second access network node can determine to count the first information based on the process indicated by the first access network node. Optionally, the process information to which the first uplink data packets belong may include the quantity of the process and / or the identifier of the process.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first indication message to a first access network node, the first indication message indicating whether uplink traffic offloading strategy is allowed to be sent to the terminal.

[0081] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can determine whether to send the uplink traffic splitting strategy information to the terminal or the second access network node.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the first indication information indicates that uplink traffic offloading policy is not allowed to be sent to the terminal. The method further includes: receiving uplink traffic offloading policy information from the first access network node; and sending the uplink traffic offloading policy information to the terminal.

[0083] Based on the above possible implementation methods, if the first indication information indicates that uplink traffic offloading policy is not allowed to be sent to the terminal, the first access network node can send the uplink traffic offloading policy information to the second access network node, so that the second access network node forwards the uplink traffic offloading policy information to the terminal.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, X... The value of Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0085] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the flexibility and diversity of the uplink traffic offloading strategy determined by the first access network node can be improved.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fourth information to the first access network node, the fourth information including one or more of the following: retransmission information of the second uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the second uplink data packet; the fourth information is used to update the uplink splitting strategy.

[0089] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second access network node can again feed back the retransmission information of the uplink data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, and / or, one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node can process the latency information of the uplink data packets, so that the first access network node can update the uplink diversion strategy, so that the uplink diversion strategy can adapt to the changes in the uplink channel in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the user experience.

[0090] Fifthly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal that is responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a circuit or chip in the terminal that is responsible for processing functions (such as a GPU, an AI processor, or an ASIC).

[0091] Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, the method includes: receiving uplink traffic splitting policy information from a first access network node or a second access network node, and sending data packets according to the uplink traffic splitting policy. The uplink traffic splitting policy instructs the terminal on how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer. The uplink traffic splitting policy is determined by the first access network node based on first information sent by the second access network node. The first information includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the first uplink data packets. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node. The terminal has dual connections with both the first and second access network nodes.

[0092] Based on the method provided in the fifth aspect above, the terminal can obtain an uplink offloading strategy from either the first or second access network node, and transmit data packets on the first split bearer using primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources according to the uplink offloading strategy. The uplink offloading strategy is determined based on retransmission information of the first uplink data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, and / or, latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node that process the first uplink data packets. This retransmission information and / or latency information reflects the transmission performance of the uplink data packets at the second access network node. Therefore, based on this information, an uplink offloading strategy suitable for the current channel can be determined. The terminal can then transmit data packets based on this uplink strategy, thereby improving the uplink data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node; or, retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node.

[0094] Based on the above possible implementations, the second access network node can send the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node, and / or the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node, so that the first access network node can determine an appropriate uplink offloading strategy based on the above information.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first delay information to a first access network node, the first delay information indicating the delay of the terminal in sorting data packets on the first split bearer, the first delay information being used to determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy.

[0096] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can also determine the uplink traffic offloading strategy by combining the first delay information.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, X... The value of Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0098] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the flexibility and diversity of the uplink traffic offloading strategy determined by the first access network node can be improved.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0101] Sixthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC).

[0102] Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, the method includes: receiving first information, determining an uplink offloading strategy based on the first information, and sending data packets on the first split bearer using primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources according to the uplink offloading strategy. The first information indicates one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node processing the first uplink data packet in the second split bearer; the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal; the number of times the first access network node starts a reordering timer for the first uplink data packet; the timing information of the reordering timer started by the first access network node for the first uplink data packet; the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing the second uplink data packet in the second split bearer; the uplink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal; the number of times the second access network node starts a reordering timer for the second uplink data packet; or the timing information of the reordering timer started by the second access network node for the second uplink data packet. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node. The terminal has dual connections with both the first and second access network nodes.

[0103] Based on the method provided in the sixth aspect above, the terminal can obtain one or more of the aforementioned information and determine an uplink offloading strategy based on this information. Based on this information, the terminal can understand the transmission performance of uplink data packets at the first access network node and / or the second access network node. Therefore, the terminal can determine an uplink offloading strategy suitable for the current channel to improve the uplink data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0104] In one possible implementation, one or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer or packet data convergence protocol layer; one or more protocol layers on the second access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer or packet data convergence protocol layer.

[0105] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can obtain the latency information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the first access network node, and / or, the latency information of the first uplink data packet at the packet data aggregation protocol layer of the first access network node, and / or, the latency information of the second uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node, and / or, the latency information of the second uplink data packet at the packet data aggregation protocol layer of the second access network node, and thus determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy according to the above latency.

[0106] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information instructing the terminal to determine an uplink traffic offloading strategy.

[0107] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can determine its own uplink traffic offloading strategy according to the instructions of the first instruction information.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending terminal capability information, which indicates the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

[0109] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can send its capability information to the first access network node or the second access network node to indicate the terminal's ability to reason about the uplink traffic splitting strategy, so that the first access network node or the second access network node can determine whether the terminal should determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, X... The value of Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0111] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the flexibility and diversity of the uplink traffic offloading strategy determined by the terminal can be improved.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: obtaining second information, the second information indicating one or more of the following: the uplink signal quality of the terminal, the quality of service requirement corresponding to the first split bearer, or the delay of the terminal in sorting data packets on the first split bearer; the second information is used to determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy.

[0113] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can also determine the uplink traffic offloading strategy according to one or more of the above information.

[0114] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is the master node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the second access network node is the secondary node; or, the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the master node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information, the fourth information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node processing the third uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the number of times the first access network node starts a reordering timer for the third uplink data packet, the timing information of the reordering timer started by the first access network node for the third uplink data packet, the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing the fourth uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal, the number of times the second access network node starts a reordering timer for the fourth uplink data packet, or the timing information of the reordering timer started by the second access network node for the fourth uplink data packet; the fourth information is used to update the uplink splitting strategy.

[0117] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can again obtain information related to the transmission performance of uplink data packets at the first access network node and / or the second access network node, so that the terminal can update the uplink traffic splitting strategy, enabling the uplink traffic splitting strategy to adapt to changes in the uplink channel in a timely manner, thereby ensuring user experience.

[0118] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the network side, such as a first access network node on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip or chip system) in the first access network node, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network node.

[0119] Taking the application of this method to a first access network node as an example, the method includes: obtaining third information and sending the third information to the terminal. The third information indicates one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node processing the first uplink data packet in the second split bearer; the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal; the number of times the first access network node starts a reordering timer for the first uplink data packet; or the timing information of the reordering timer started by the first access network node for the first uplink data packet. The third information is used to determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy, which instructs the terminal how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node. The terminal has dual connections with both the first and second access network nodes.

[0120] Based on the method provided in the seventh aspect above, the first access network node can indicate one or more of the above information to the terminal so that the terminal can understand the transmission performance of the uplink data packet at the first access network node, thereby determining the uplink diversion strategy that conforms to the current channel, so as to improve the uplink data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0121] In one possible implementation, one or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: a radio link control layer, or a packet data convergence protocol layer.

[0122] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can indicate to the terminal the delay information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the first access network node, and / or the delay information of the first uplink data packet at the packet data aggregation protocol layer of the first access network node, so that the terminal can determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy according to the above delay.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first indication message, which instructs the terminal to determine an uplink traffic splitting strategy.

[0124] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can determine whether it should determine the uplink traffic offloading strategy itself.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving capability information of the terminal, the capability information indicating the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

[0126] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can determine whether the uplink traffic splitting strategy should be determined by the terminal based on the traffic splitting strategy reasoning capability of the terminal.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, X... The value of Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0128] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the flexibility and diversity of the uplink traffic offloading strategy determined by the terminal can be improved.

[0129] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0130] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fifth information to the terminal, the fifth information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing the third uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the number of times the first access network node starts a reordering timer for the third uplink data packet, or the timing information of the reordering timer started by the first access network node for the third uplink data packet; the fifth information is used to update the uplink splitting strategy.

[0132] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can send the relevant information on the transmission performance of the uplink data packet at the first access network node to the terminal again, so that the terminal can update the uplink traffic splitting strategy and make the uplink traffic splitting strategy adapt to the changes in the uplink channel in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the user experience.

[0133] Eighthly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC).

[0134] Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, the terminal is dual-connected with both the first access network node and the second access network node. The method includes: receiving first information, which indicates one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node for processing the first downlink data packet in the second split bearer, the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the second downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal; sending downlink offloading strategy information, which is determined according to the first information. The downlink offloading strategy indicates how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the second split bearer, and the second split bearer relies on the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0135] Based on the method provided in the eighth aspect above, the terminal can obtain one or more of the aforementioned information and determine a downlink offloading strategy based on this information. Based on the aforementioned information, the terminal can understand the transmission performance of downlink data packets at the first access network node and / or the second access network node. Therefore, the terminal can determine a downlink offloading strategy that conforms to the current channel to improve the downlink data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0136] In one possible implementation, one or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer or packet data convergence protocol layer; one or more protocol layers on the second access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer or packet data convergence protocol layer.

[0137] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can obtain the latency information of the first downlink data packet at the radio link control layer of the first access network node, and / or, the latency information of the first downlink data packet at the packet data aggregation protocol layer of the first access network node, and / or, the latency information of the second downlink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node, and / or, the latency information of the second downlink data packet at the packet data aggregation protocol layer of the second access network node, and thus determine the downlink traffic splitting strategy according to the above latency.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, which instructs the terminal to determine a downlink offloading strategy.

[0139] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can determine its own downlink offloading strategy according to the instructions of the first instruction information.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending terminal capability information, which indicates the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

[0141] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can send its capability information to the first access network node or the second access network node to indicate the terminal's ability to reason about the downlink offloading strategy, so that the first access network node or the second access network node can determine whether the terminal should determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, X... The following are possible interpretations: Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be transmitted using primary cell group resources; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be transmitted using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources.

[0143] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the flexibility and diversity of the downlink offloading strategy determined by the terminal can be improved.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: obtaining second information, which includes one or more of the following: downlink signal quality of the first access network node, downlink signal quality of the second access network node, service quality requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, or delay information for the reordering of downlink data packets received by the terminal through the first split bearer; data packets sent through the second split bearer are received by the first split bearer; the second information is used to determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0145] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can also determine the downlink offloading strategy according to one or more of the above information.

[0146] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second indication information, the second indication information indicating the downlink offloading strategy actually used by the first access network node or the second access network node, the second indication information being used to update the downlink offloading strategy.

[0147] Based on the above possible implementation methods, after the first access network node or the second access network node obtains the downlink offloading policy indicated by the terminal, it may or may not execute the policy. Therefore, the first access network node or the second access network node may indicate to the terminal the downlink offloading policy it actually uses, so that the terminal can refer to the downlink offloading policy actually used by the first access network node or the second access network node when updating the downlink offloading policy in the future.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0149] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fourth information, the fourth information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing a third downlink data packet in the second split bearer, the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node in processing a fourth downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal; the fourth information is used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0151] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can again obtain information related to the transmission performance of downlink data packets at the first access network node and / or the second access network node, so that the terminal can update the downlink traffic splitting strategy, enabling the downlink traffic splitting strategy to adapt to changes in the downlink channel in a timely manner, thereby ensuring user experience.

[0152] Ninthly, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to the network side, such as a first access network node on the network side, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip or chip system in the first access network node, or a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network node.

[0153] Taking the application of this method to a first access network node as an example, the method includes: obtaining third information, the third information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing the first downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal; sending third information to the terminal, the third information being used to determine a downlink offloading strategy, the downlink offloading strategy indicating how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the second split bearer, the second split bearer relying on the first access network node and the second access network node, and the terminal having dual connections with the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0154] Based on the method provided in the ninth aspect above, the first access network node can indicate one or more of the above information to the terminal, so that the terminal can understand the transmission performance of downlink data packets at the first access network node, thereby determining a downlink offloading strategy that conforms to the current channel, so as to improve the downlink data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0155] In one possible implementation, one or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: a radio link control layer, or a packet data convergence protocol layer.

[0156] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can indicate to the terminal the delay information of the first downlink data packet at the radio link control layer of the first access network node, and / or the delay information of the first downlink data packet at the packet data aggregation protocol layer of the first access network node, so that the terminal can determine the downlink offloading strategy according to the above delay.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a first indication message to the terminal, the first indication message instructing the terminal to determine a downlink offloading strategy.

[0158] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the terminal can determine the downlink offloading strategy by reasoning itself according to the instructions of the first access network node.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving capability information of the terminal, the capability information indicating the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

[0160] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can learn about the terminal's traffic splitting strategy reasoning capability, thereby determining whether the terminal should determine the downlink traffic splitting strategy.

[0161] In one possible implementation, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, X... The following are possible interpretations: Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be transmitted using primary cell group resources; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink offloading strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be transmitted using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources.

[0162] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the flexibility and diversity of the downlink offloading strategy determined by the terminal can be improved.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the method further includes receiving information about the downlink offloading strategy from the terminal.

[0164] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can send data packets according to the downlink offloading strategy.

[0165] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second indication message to the terminal, the second indication message indicating the downlink offloading strategy actually used by the first access network node, the second indication message being used to update the downlink offloading strategy.

[0166] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can indicate to the terminal the downlink offloading strategy actually used by the first access network node, so that the terminal can refer to it when updating the downlink offloading strategy in the future.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is the primary node, the second access network node is the secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is the secondary node, the second access network node is the primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0169] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a fifth message to the terminal, the fifth message indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing the third downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal; the fifth message is used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0170] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the first access network node can send the relevant information on the transmission performance of downlink data packets at the first access network node to the terminal again, so that the terminal can update the downlink offloading strategy and make the downlink offloading strategy adapt to the changes in the downlink channel in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the user experience.

[0171] In a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the first aspect. The communication apparatus may be a first access network node as described in the first aspect, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) within the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0173] In one possible implementation, a communication module is configured to receive first information from a terminal, the first information indicating delay information for reordering first downlink data packets received by the terminal via a first split bearer; and a processing module is configured to determine a downlink offloading strategy based on the first information, the downlink offloading strategy indicating how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on a second split bearer, the second split bearer relying on the first access network node and the second access network node, the terminal having dual connections with both the first access network node and the second access network node, and data packets sent via the second split bearer being received by the first split bearer.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the reordering, the number of times the reordering timer is started during the reordering process, or the timing information of the reordering timer during the reordering process.

[0175] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send a second message indicating the delay information for reporting data packet reordering on the first split bearer.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first downlink data packet, the identification information of the first downlink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the first indication information; wherein, the first time period is the period during which the terminal counts the first information, and the first indication information indicates whether the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer is counted at the cell group level.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to acquire third information, which includes one or more of the following: downlink signal quality of the first access network node, downlink signal quality of the second access network node, service quality requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node for processing downlink data in the second split bearer, latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing downlink data in the second split bearer, downlink air interface latency information between the first access network node and the terminal, or downlink air interface latency information between the second access network node and the terminal; the processing module is specifically configured to determine the downlink offloading strategy based on the first information and the third information.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the communication module is also used to send information about the downlink offloading strategy to the second access network node.

[0179] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive second indication information from the second access network node, the second indication information indicating the downlink offloading strategy actually used by the second access network node, the second indication information being used to update the downlink offloading strategy.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources. X is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that the first Y data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that during the fourth time period, the first X data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that during the fifth time period, the first Y data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the first condition are transmitted using primary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the second condition are transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the first condition are transmitted using primary cell group resources, and data packets with frame numbers satisfying the second condition are transmitted using secondary cell group resources.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is a primary node, the second access network node is a secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, the second access network node is a primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive fourth information from the terminal, the fourth information indicating the delay information for reordering second downlink data packets received by the terminal through the first split bearer, the fourth information being used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0184] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the second aspect above. The communication device may be a terminal as described in the second aspect above, or a communication module / processing module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC). The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the communication device is dual-connected to both a first access network node and a second access network node. A processing module is used to acquire first information, which indicates the delay information for reordering first downlink data packets received by the terminal via a first split bearer. A communication module is used to send the first information to either the first or second access network node. This first information is used to determine a downlink offloading strategy, which indicates how to use primary and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on a second split bearer. This second split bearer relies on both the first and second access network nodes, and data packets sent via the second split bearer are received by the first split bearer.

[0187] In one possible implementation, the first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the reordering, the number of times the reordering timer is started during the reordering process, or the timing information of the reordering timer during the reordering process.

[0188] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive second information indicating delay information for reporting data packet reordering on the first split bearer.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first downlink data packet, the identification information of the first downlink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the first indication information; wherein, the first time period is the period during which the terminal counts the first information, and the first indication information indicates whether the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer is counted at the cell group level.

[0190] In one possible implementation, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources. X is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that the first Y data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that during the fourth time period, the first X data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that during the fifth time period, the first Y data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the first condition are transmitted using primary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the second condition are transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the first condition are transmitted using primary cell group resources, and data packets with frame numbers satisfying the second condition are transmitted using secondary cell group resources.

[0191] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0192] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is a primary node, the second access network node is a secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, the second access network node is a primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0193] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send fourth information to the first access network node or the second access network node, the fourth information indicating the delay information for reordering the second downlink data packets received by the terminal through the first split bearer, the fourth information being used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0194] In a twelfth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the third aspect above. The communication apparatus may be a first access network node as described in the third aspect, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) within the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0195] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the third aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0196] In one possible implementation, the processing module is configured to control the communication module to receive first information from the second access network node. The first information includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the first uplink data packet. The processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send uplink traffic splitting policy information to the terminal or the second access network node. The terminal is dual-connected to both the first access network node and the second access network node. The uplink traffic splitting policy instructs the terminal on how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node.

[0197] In one possible implementation, the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node; or, retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node.

[0198] In one possible implementation, a communication module is configured to send second information to the second access network node, the second information instructing the second access network node to send one or more of the following: retransmission information of data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing data packets in the second split bearer.

[0199] In one possible implementation, the second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first uplink data packet, the identification information of the first uplink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the process information to which the first uplink data packet belongs; wherein, the first time period is the time period during which the second access network node collects the first information.

[0200] In one possible implementation, a communication module is configured to receive first delay information from the terminal, the first delay information indicating the delay of the terminal in sorting data packets on the first split bearer, the first delay information being used to determine the uplink splitting strategy.

[0201] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to acquire third information for determining the uplink splitting strategy. The third information includes one or more of the following: the uplink signal quality of the terminal, the quality of service requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the uplink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal, or latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node for processing uplink data in the second split bearer.

[0202] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive first indication information from the second access network node, the first indication information indicating whether uplink offloading policy information is allowed to be sent to the terminal; if the first indication information indicates that uplink offloading policy information is allowed to be sent to the terminal, the processing module is specifically configured to control the communication module to send the uplink offloading policy information to the terminal; if the first indication information indicates that uplink offloading policy information is not allowed to be sent to the terminal, the processing module is specifically configured to control the communication module to send the uplink offloading policy information to the second access network node.

[0203] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources. X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is a primary node, the second access network node is a secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, the second access network node is a primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0206] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive fourth information from the second access network node, the fourth information including one or more of the following: retransmission information of the second uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the second uplink data packet; the fourth information is used to update the uplink splitting strategy.

[0207] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the fourth aspect above. The communication apparatus may be a second access network node as described in the fourth aspect, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) within the second access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second access network node. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0208] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the fourth aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the fourth aspect described above and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0209] In one possible implementation, a processing module is configured to acquire first information, which includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of a first uplink data packet received on a second split bearer in a second access network node, or latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the first uplink data packet; a communication module is configured to send the first information to a first access network node, which is used to determine an uplink traffic splitting strategy. The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the terminal how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer. The terminal is dual-connected to both the first access network node and the second access network node. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node; or, retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive second information from the first access network node, the second information instructing the second access network node to send one or more of the following: retransmission information of data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing data packets in the second split bearer.

[0212] In one possible implementation, the second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first uplink data packet, the identification information of the first uplink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the process information to which the first uplink data packet belongs; wherein, the first time period is the time period during which the second access network node collects the first information.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send a first indication message to the first access network node, the first indication message indicating whether an uplink offloading strategy is allowed to be sent to the terminal.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the first indication information indicates that uplink offloading policy is not allowed to be sent to the terminal. The communication module is also used to receive the uplink offloading policy information from the first access network node; the communication module is also used to send the uplink offloading policy information to the terminal.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources. X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is a primary node, the second access network node is a secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, the second access network node is a primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0218] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send fourth information to the first access network node, the fourth information including one or more of the following: retransmission information of the second uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the second uplink data packet; the fourth information is used to update the uplink splitting strategy.

[0219] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the fifth aspect above. The communication device may be a terminal as described in the fifth aspect above, or a communication module / processing module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC). The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the communication device is dual-connected to both a first access network node and a second access network node. A communication module is configured to receive uplink offloading policy information from either the first or second access network node. This uplink offloading policy instructs the terminal on how to use primary and secondary cell group resources to transmit data packets on the first split bearer. A processing module is configured to control the communication module to transmit data packets according to the uplink offloading policy. The uplink offloading policy is determined by the first access network node based on first information sent by the second access network node. This first information includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing the first uplink data packet. Data packets transmitted through the first split bearer are received by either the second split bearer in the second access network node or the second split bearer in the first access network node.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the retransmission information of the first uplink data packet includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node; or, retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node.

[0223] In one possible implementation, a communication module is used to send first delay information to the first access network node, the first delay information indicating the delay of the terminal in sorting data packets on the first split bearer, the first delay information being used to determine the uplink splitting strategy.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources. X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is a primary node, the second access network node is a secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, the second access network node is a primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0227] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the sixth aspect above. The communication device can be a terminal or a communication module / processing module within a terminal as described in the sixth aspect above, or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC). The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the communication device is dually connected to both a first access network node and a second access network node. The communication module is configured to receive first information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node processing a first uplink data packet in the second split bearer; the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal; the number of times the first access network node initiates a reordering timer for the first uplink data packet; the timing information of the reordering timer; and the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access node processing a second uplink data packet in the second split bearer. The first information includes: uplink air interface delay between the second access network node and the terminal; the number of times the second access network node starts a reordering timer for the second uplink data packet; or the timing information of the reordering timer started by the second access network node for the second uplink data packet; a processing module, used to determine an uplink traffic splitting strategy based on the first information; and a communication module, further used to send data packets on the first split bearer using primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources according to the uplink traffic splitting strategy. The data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node.

[0230] In one possible implementation, one or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer, or packet data convergence protocol layer; one or more protocol layers on the second access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer, or packet data convergence protocol layer.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive first indication information, which instructs the terminal to determine an uplink offloading strategy.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the communication module is also used to send capability information of the terminal, which indicates the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources. X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to acquire second information indicating one or more of the following: the uplink signal quality of the terminal, the quality of service requirement corresponding to the first split bearer, or the delay of the terminal in sorting data packets on the first split bearer; the second information is used to determine the uplink splitting strategy.

[0235] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is a master node, the master cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the second access network node is a secondary node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, the second access network node is a master node, the master cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive fourth information, which indicates one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing the third uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the number of times the first access network node starts a reordering timer for the third uplink data packet, the timing information of the reordering timer started by the first access network node for the third uplink data packet, the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node in processing the fourth uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal, the number of times the second access network node starts a reordering timer for the fourth uplink data packet, or the timing information of the reordering timer started by the second access network node for the fourth uplink data packet; the fourth information is used to update the uplink splitting strategy.

[0238] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the seventh aspect above. The communication apparatus may be a first access network node as described in the seventh aspect, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) within the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0239] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the seventh aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the seventh aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0240] In one possible implementation, a processing module is configured to acquire third information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node for processing the first uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the number of times the first access network node starts a reordering timer for the first uplink data packet, or the timing information of the reordering timer; a communication module is configured to send the third information to the terminal, the third information being used to determine an uplink traffic splitting strategy, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructing the terminal how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer, the data packets sent through the first split bearer being received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or being received by the second split bearer in the first access network node, the terminal having dual connections with both the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0241] In one possible implementation, one or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: a radio link control layer, or a packet data convergence protocol layer.

[0242] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send a first indication message that instructs the terminal to determine the uplink offloading strategy.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive capability information of the terminal, which indicates the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources. X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using primary cell group resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources; or, the uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets on the first split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using secondary cell group resources.

[0245] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0246] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is a primary node, the second access network node is a secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, the second access network node is a primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send fifth information to the terminal, the fifth information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing the third uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the number of times the first access network node starts a reordering timer for the third uplink data packet, or the timing information of the reordering timer started by the first access network node for the third uplink data packet; the fifth information is used to update the uplink splitting strategy.

[0248] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the method provided in the eighth aspect above. The communication device may be a terminal as described in the eighth aspect above, or a communication module / processing module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), or a circuit or chip within a terminal responsible for processing functions (such as a GPU, AI processor, or ASIC). The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0249] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the eighth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the eighth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0250] In one possible implementation, the communication device is dually connected to a first access network node and a second access network node. A processing module controls the communication module to receive first information, which indicates one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node processing a first downlink data packet in a second split bearer; the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal; the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing a second downlink data packet in a second split bearer; or the downlink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal. The processing module is further configured to control the communication module to send downlink offloading strategy information, which is determined based on the first information. The downlink offloading strategy indicates how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the second split bearer, which relies on the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0251] In one possible implementation, one or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer, or packet data convergence protocol layer; one or more protocol layers on the second access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer, or packet data convergence protocol layer.

[0252] In one possible implementation, a communication module is configured to receive first indication information, which instructs the terminal to determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0253] In one possible implementation, a communication module is used to send capability information of the terminal, which indicates the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources. X is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that the first Y data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that during the fourth time period, the first X data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that during the fifth time period, the first Y data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the first condition are transmitted using primary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the second condition are transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the first condition are transmitted using primary cell group resources, and data packets with frame numbers satisfying the second condition are transmitted using secondary cell group resources.

[0255] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to acquire second information, which includes one or more of the following: the downlink signal quality of the first access network node, the downlink signal quality of the second access network node, the quality of service requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, or the delay information of the terminal for reordering downlink data packets received through the first split bearer; the data packets sent through the second split bearer are received by the first split bearer; the second information is used to determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0256] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive second indication information, which indicates the downlink offloading strategy actually used by the first access network node or the second access network node, and the second indication information is used to update the downlink offloading strategy.

[0257] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0258] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is a primary node, the second access network node is a secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, the second access network node is a primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0259] In one possible implementation, a communication module is configured to receive fourth information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing a third downlink data packet in the second split bearer, the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node in processing a fourth downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal; the fourth information is used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0260] Eighteenthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method provided in the ninth aspect above. The communication apparatus may be a first access network node as described in the ninth aspect, a module (e.g., processor, circuit, chip, or chip system) within the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-described method, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0261] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the ninth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The communication module may also be referred to as an interface unit, used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the ninth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication module may include interface circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0262] In one possible implementation, a processing module is configured to acquire third information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing the first downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal; a communication module is configured to send the third information to the terminal, the third information being used to determine a downlink offloading strategy, the downlink offloading strategy indicating how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the second split bearer, the second split bearer relying on the first access network node and the second access network node, and the terminal having dual connections with the first access network node and the second access network node.

[0263] In one possible implementation, one or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: a radio link control layer, or a packet data convergence protocol layer.

[0264] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send a first indication message to the terminal, the first indication message instructing the terminal to determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0265] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to receive capability information of the terminal, which indicates the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

[0266] In one possible implementation, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources. X is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that the first Y data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that during the fourth time period, the first X data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that during the fifth time period, the first Y data packets on the second split bearer are transmitted using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the first condition are transmitted using primary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the second condition are transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, the downlink traffic offloading policy indicates that on the second split bearer, data packets with frame numbers satisfying the first condition are transmitted using primary cell group resources, and data packets with frame numbers satisfying the second condition are transmitted using secondary cell group resources.

[0267] In one possible implementation, the communication module is also used to receive information about the downlink offloading strategy from the terminal.

[0268] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send a second indication message to the terminal, the second indication message indicating the downlink offloading strategy actually used by the first access network node, the second indication message being used to update the downlink offloading strategy.

[0269] In one possible implementation, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node.

[0270] In one possible implementation, the first access network node is a primary node, the second access network node is a secondary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, the second access network node is a primary node, the primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

[0271] In one possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to send fifth information to the terminal, the fifth information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing the third downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal; the fifth information is used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0272] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects by executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, and / or by means of logic circuitry. The communication device can be a network-side device as described in the first aspect above (such as a first access network node, a module in the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node); or, the communication device can be a terminal-side device as described in the second aspect above (such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for processing functions); or, the communication device can be a network-side device as described in the third aspect above (such as a first access network node, a module in the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node); or, the communication device can be a network-side device as described in the fourth aspect above (such as a second access network node, a module in the second access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second access network node); or, the communication device can be a terminal-side device as described in the fifth aspect above (such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module in a terminal). The communication device can be a terminal-side device as described in the sixth aspect above (such as a terminal or a communication / processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions); or, the communication device can be a network-side device as described in the seventh aspect above (such as a first access network node, a module in the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node); or, the communication device can be a terminal-side device as described in the eighth aspect above (such as a terminal or a communication / processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions); or, the communication device can be a network-side device as described in the ninth aspect above (such as a first access network node, a module in the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node).

[0273] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0274] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. The processor and memory are integrated together; alternatively, the memory is independent of the processor.

[0275] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the processor and / or memory also include an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0277] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0278] In a twentieth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device can be a network-side device as described in the first aspect above (such as a first access network node, a module in the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node); or, the communication device can be a terminal-side device as described in the second aspect above (such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for processing functions); or, the communication device can be a network-side device as described in the third aspect above (such as a first access network node, a module in the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node); or, the communication device can be a network-side device as described in the fourth aspect above (such as a second access network node, a module in the second access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second access network node); or, the communication device can be a terminal-side device as described in the fifth aspect above (such as a terminal or a communication module / processing module in a terminal). The communication device can be a terminal-side device as described in the sixth aspect above (such as a terminal or a communication / processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions); or, the communication device can be a network-side device as described in the seventh aspect above (such as a first access network node, a module in the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node); or, the communication device can be a terminal-side device as described in the eighth aspect above (such as a terminal or a communication / processing module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for processing functions); or, the communication device can be a network-side device as described in the ninth aspect above (such as a first access network node, a module in the first access network node, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first access network node).

[0279] In one possible implementation, the number of the aforementioned processors can be one or more.

[0280] In one possible implementation, the processor also includes an AI module for implementing AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can implement AI functions through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. The AI ​​module could be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0281] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0282] In a twenty-first aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0283] In a twenty-second aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0284] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a first access network node for performing the method described in the first aspect, or a terminal for performing the method described in the second aspect.

[0285] In a twentieth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a first access network node for performing the method described in the third aspect above, a second access network node for performing the method described in the fourth aspect above, or a terminal for performing the method described in the fifth aspect above.

[0286] In a twentieth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a terminal for performing the method described in the sixth aspect above, or a first access network node for performing the method described in the seventh aspect above.

[0287] In a twentieth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the following: a terminal for performing the method described in the eighth aspect above, or a first access network node for performing the method described in the ninth aspect above.

[0288] The technical effects of any possible implementation of aspects 10 to 26 can be found in the technical effects of any one of aspects 1 to 9 above, or different possible implementations of any one of aspects, and will not be repeated here.

[0289] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0290] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) provided in this application;

[0291] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), DU and radio unit (RU) provided in this application;

[0292] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the framework for the application of AI in a communication system provided in this application;

[0293] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of the data transmission direction provided in this application;

[0294] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of the DRB provided in this application;

[0295] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided in this application;

[0296] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0297] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the communication method provided in this application (II).

[0298] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0299] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0300] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application.

[0301] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0302] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0303] Before introducing the technical solution of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in this application are explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0304] 1. Terminal

[0305] In this application, the terminal can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. The terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld, or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as on ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal can communicate with one or more core networks via access network nodes. A terminal can also be called a terminal device. Terminal devices can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), personal communication service (PCS) telephone, cordless telephone, session initiation protocol (SIP) telephone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), subscriber unit (SU), subscriber station (SS), mobile station, remote station (RS), access point (AP), remote terminal (RT), access terminal (AT), user terminal (UT), user agent (UA), etc., or devices used to provide voice or data connectivity to users. The UE includes handheld devices, in-vehicle devices (e.g., cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.) or computing devices with wireless communication capabilities. For example, the UE can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), satellite terminal, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities.UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless modem, a point-of-sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a robotic arm, workshop equipment, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in intelligent transportation, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, a roadside unit (RSU) with terminal functionality, or a flying device (e.g., a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. A terminal can also be other devices with terminal functionality; for example, a terminal can be a device that acts as a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0306] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into a user's clothing or accessories. For example, wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also devices that achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include devices that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on only one type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0307] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is connecting objects to networks through communication technologies, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and machine-to-machine interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine-type communication (MTC).

[0308] The terminal in this application can be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit (OBU), or telematics box (T-BOX) built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, on-board unit, or T-BOX. The terminal can also be a complete vehicle device. Therefore, this application can be applied to vehicle networking, such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X), long-term evolution vehicle (LTE-V), and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V).

[0309] 2. Access network node

[0310] In this application, an access network node can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, enabling terminals to achieve wireless access. An access network node can be, for example, a node in a RAN (Radio Ranging Area Network) or a node in an open RAN (Open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN). An access network node can also be referred to as an access network device, RAN node, RAN entity, access node, or network device, etc. Access network nodes include, but are not limited to: evolved base stations (NodeB, eNB, or e-NodeB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE), evolved base stations (ng-eNB) in Next Generation LTE, base stations (gNodeB or gNB) in New Radio (NR), transmitting points (TP) or transmission receiving points / transmission reception points (TRP), base stations in subsequent evolutions of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), base stations in future mobile communication systems, satellites, access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, and network equipment in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems of mobile switching centers. These can be deployed on low-altitude platforms, high-altitude platforms, or satellites. Base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small stations, relay stations, or balloon stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same technology mentioned above, or networks using different technologies mentioned above. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located TRPs. Access network nodes can also be devices that function as base stations in D2D communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Access network nodes can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. Access network nodes can also be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-CP1s, CU-CP2s, CU-UPs, RUs, RSUs with base station functions, wired access gateways, or core network elements, etc. Access network nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, machine-to-machine communication devices, or vehicle-mounted devices, etc. For example, the access network device in V2X technology can be an RSU. The following explanation uses the access network node as a base station as an example. The multiple access network nodes can be base stations of the same type or different types.Base stations can communicate with terminals directly, or they can communicate with terminals through relay stations.

[0311] In this application, the RU can be used to implement radio frequency (RF) signal transmission and reception functions. The RU can be included in RF equipment or RF units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). The RU can implement some physical layer functions and RF functions in the 3GPP standard. The physical layer functions that the RU can implement include one or more of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.

[0312] It is understandable that in some scenarios, the roles of access network nodes and terminals are relative. For example, a helicopter or drone, which is usually configured as a terminal, can also be configured as a mobile base station, and the equipment accessing the RAN via the helicopter or drone is configured as a terminal.

[0313] It is understood that CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, CU-CP1, CU-CP2, DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, CU-CP1 can also be called O-CU-CP1, CU-CP2 can also be called O-CU-CP2, DU can also be called O-DU, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, CU-CP1, CU-CP2, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, CU-CP1, CU-CP2, DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0314] In this application, CU and DU can be understood as a logical functional division of the base station. CU and DU can be physically separate or deployed together, such as both being deployed in a baseband unit (BBU). Multiple DUs can share a single CU, or a single DU can connect to multiple CUs; ​​there are no restrictions.

[0315] For example, taking multiple DUs sharing one CU as an example, the connection relationship between the CU and DU can be shown in Figure 1A. In Figure 1A, two DUs can share one CU, and the CU and DU can be connected through an interface (such as the F1 interface). The CU can communicate with the core network, and the DU can communicate with the terminal (not shown in Figure 1A).

[0316] In this application, CU and DU can be distinguished according to the protocol layer of the wireless network.

[0317] One possible design is that the CU can implement the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer in the 3GPP standard. The CU can also implement the functions of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. The DU can implement the functions of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer in the 3GPP standard. The DU can also implement some or all physical layer functions, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation. It is understood that the CU can be classified as a network device in the access network or a network device in the core network; no restriction is placed here.

[0318] It should be understood that the above division of CU and DU processing functions is merely an example. In specific applications, CU and DU can also be divided in other ways. For example, CU or DU can be divided into functions with more protocol layers. Alternatively, CU or DU can be divided into partial processing functions with protocol layers.

[0319] In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer can be set in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer can be set in the DU.

[0320] In another design, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to business type or other system requirements. For example, based on latency, functions whose processing time needs to meet latency requirements can be placed in the DU, while functions whose processing time does not need to meet the latency requirements can be placed in the CU.

[0321] In another design, the CU can also have one or more functions of the core network.

[0322] Furthermore, one or more CUs can be configured centrally or separately. For example, CUs can be located on the network side for convenient centralized management. DUs can have multiple radio frequency functions, or these functions can be configured remotely.

[0323] In this application, the functionality of the CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. Implementing the functionality of the CU by different entities can be understood as further dividing the functionality of the CU.

[0324] One possible design is that the CU can be further divided into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP can implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. CU-UP can implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0325] For example, in an ORAN scenario, the connection relationships between CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU can be shown in Figure 1B. The network architecture shown in Figure 1B includes a non-real-time RIC, a near-real-time RIC communicating with the non-real-time RIC, CU-CP and CU-UP communicating with the near-real-time RIC, DU communicating with CU-CP and CU-UP, and RU communicating with the DU. CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU can communicate with each other through corresponding interfaces. For example, CU-CP and CU-UP communicate through the E1 interface, CU-CP and DU communicate through the F1-c interface, and CU-UP and DU communicate through the F1-u interface. RU can communicate with terminals, and CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU can jointly implement the functions of a base station. The non-real-time RIC, and / or near-real-time RIC, can achieve intelligent and automated RAN operation and maintenance by introducing AI. The non-real-time RIC can handle services with long latency requirements, such as big data analysis and AI model training; the near-real-time RIC can handle services with short latency requirements, such as traditional RAN-side services like radio resource management and handover. Non-real-time RICs and / or near-real-time RICs can also have AI inference capabilities.

[0326] Another possible design is that the CU can be further divided into CU-CP1, CU-CP2, and CU-UP. CU-CP1 can have radio resource management functions, CU-CP2 has RRC layer functions, and PDCP-C functions. PDCP-C functions can include control plane signaling at the PDCP layer. For example, CU-CP1 can be responsible for generating signaling, and CU-CP2 can be responsible for sending the signaling generated by CU-CP1, such as sending the signaling to the terminal's RRC layer.

[0327] 3. AI

[0328] AI is a technology that simulates the human brain to perform complex calculations. With the improvement of data storage and computing power, solutions have been proposed to apply AI to communication systems to improve network performance and user experience.

[0329] For example, the framework for applying AI in a communication system can be shown in Figure 1C. The data collection module can collect and store data from one or more communication devices, such as access network nodes, terminals, and network operation, administration, and management (OAM) equipment. For instance, the data collection module can collect network operation data monitored by access network nodes / OAM equipment, such as network load and channel quality; it can also collect data measured by terminals, such as channel quality. Therefore, the data collection module can serve as a database for AI model training and / or data analysis and inference.

[0330] The model training module can analyze the training data provided by the data collection module to obtain the AI ​​model. For example, the AI ​​module can have the function of predicting changes in the RAN side network, such as load prediction, UE path prediction, and data flow offloading strategy prediction.

[0331] The model inference module can use AI models to provide reasonable AI-based predictions about network operation based on inference data provided by the data collection module, or guide the network to make policy adjustments. These policy adjustments are planned uniformly by the actor module and sent to multiple network entities for execution. Furthermore, the network's performance after applying the relevant policies can be input back into the data collection module for storage.

[0332] One or more of the aforementioned data collection, model training, model inference, or execution modules can possess machine learning computing capabilities, and therefore can be called AI modules. AI modules can be deployed in one or more of the following devices: access network nodes, terminals, or OAM devices. Of course, an AI module can also function as a standalone network element. For CU-DU separated network architectures, AI modules can be deployed in CUs, CU-CPs, CU-CP1s, near-real-time RICs, or non-real-time RICs.

[0333] Understandably, when the AI ​​module is deployed on an OAM device, the communication between the AI ​​module and the access network node can reuse the northbound interface in conventional technologies; when the AI ​​module is deployed on an access network node, it can reuse interfaces such as F1, Xn, and Uu in conventional technologies; when the AI ​​module is an independent network entity, the communication link between the AI ​​module and the OAM device, access network node, or terminal can be re-established based on a wired or wireless link. When the CP and UP of the CU are separated, the CP can be responsible for receiving the AI ​​model and performing AI inference and policy generation functions. When the CU-CP is further divided into CU-CP1 and CU-CP2, CU-CP1 can be responsible for receiving the AI ​​model, performing subsequent AI inference functions, and generating specific interactive signaling. This interactive signaling can be sent by CU-CP2.

[0334] 4. Protocol Architecture

[0335] In this application, the protocol architecture can be divided into a user plane protocol stack and a control plane protocol stack. The user plane protocol stack refers to the protocol suite used for user data transmission. For example, the user plane protocol stack may include the PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, and SDAP layer. The control plane protocol stack refers to the protocol suite used for system control signaling transmission. For example, the control plane protocol stack may include the non-access-stratum (NAS), RRC layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer.

[0336] Understandably, the layers in the protocol stack can also be replaced with entities. For example, the PDCP layer can be replaced with a PDCP entity. This application mainly relates to the user plane protocol stack, so the functions of each layer in the user plane protocol stack are described below as examples.

[0337] For example, the PHY layer can be responsible for one or more functions such as encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, or multi-antenna mapping. The MAC layer can be responsible for one or more functions such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), uplink scheduling, and downlink scheduling. The RLC layer can be responsible for one or more functions such as segmentation, reassembly, or retransmission processing. The PDCP layer can be responsible for one or more functions such as header compression / decompression, security (e.g., encryption, integrity protection), or in-order delivery. In-order delivery can include packet sorting or packet reordering.

[0338] Data transmitted between the terminal and the access network node can be processed through some or all of the protocol layers, including the PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, and SDAP layer.

[0339] For example, at the sending end, after the SDAP layer obtains the data to be transmitted, it submits it to the corresponding PDCP layer. For data received from the SDAP layer (e.g., PDCP service data units (SDUs)), the PDCP layer can process it to obtain PDCP protocol data units (PDUs), and then submit the PDCP PDUs to the corresponding RLC layer. For data received from the PDCP layer (e.g., RLC SDUs), the RLC layer can process it to obtain RLC PDUs, and then submit the RLC PDUs to the corresponding MAC layer. For data received from the RLC layer (e.g., MAC SDUs), the MAC layer can process it to obtain MAC PDUs, and then submit the MAC PDUs to the PHY layer. The PHY layer can then perform air interface transmission.

[0340] Correspondingly, at the receiving end, after the PHY layer receives data (e.g., a transport block (TB)), it delivers the data to the MAC layer. For data received from the PHY (e.g., a TB or a MAC PDU), the MAC layer can process it to obtain a MAC SDU, and then deliver the MAC SDU to the corresponding RLC layer. For data received from the MAC layer (e.g., an RLC PDU), the RLC layer can process it to obtain an RLC SDU, and then deliver the RLC SDU to the corresponding PDCP layer. For data received from the RLC layer (e.g., a PDCP PDU), the PDCP layer can process it to obtain a PDCP SDU, and then deliver the PDCP SDU to the SDAP layer. For data received from the PDCP layer (e.g., an SDAP PDU), the SDAP layer can process it to obtain an SDAP SDU, and then deliver the SDAP PDU to the upper layer (e.g., the application layer).

[0341] For example, the transmission directions of downlink and uplink data can be illustrated in Figure 1D. Figure 1D is drawn using a non-separated network architecture as an example. The above description of data transmission directions also applies to network architectures with separated CU and DU, or network architectures with separated CP and UP of the CU. The protocol layers deployed by CU, DU, CU-CP, CU-UP, CU-CP1, and CU-CP2 can be referred to the corresponding descriptions above, and will not be repeated here.

[0342] In this application, "data" and "data packet" are interchangeable, and this will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0343] As can be seen from the above introduction, it takes a certain amount of time from the time the data is received by the sending end to the time the data arrives at the receiving end. The transmission delay of data packets will be described below for both uplink and downlink directions. The transmission delays described below are all in DRB granularity. For example, the transmission delay of a downlink data packet refers to the transmission delay of a downlink data packet within a DRB, and the transmission delay of an uplink data packet refers to the transmission delay of an uplink data packet within a DRB.

[0344] 5. Downlink data packet transmission delay

[0345] In this application, the transmission delay of downlink data packets may include the delay of one or more protocol layers deployed on the access network node processing downlink data packets (denoted as delay #1), and the downlink air interface delay between the access network node and the terminal (denoted as delay #2). The above two delays are described below using examples of a non-separated network architecture and a network architecture with separated CP and UP of the CU.

[0346] For non-separated network architectures, access network nodes can deploy PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer and SDAP layer.

[0347] One possible design is that the aforementioned delay #1 may include the time between the access network node receiving the data packet from the NG interface and the corresponding PDCP PDU being sent to the access network node's RLC layer (denoted as D1.1), and the time between the access network node receiving the PDCP PDU from its RLC layer and the data in the PDCP PDU being scheduled to be sent to the access network node's MAC layer (denoted as D1.2).

[0348] The aforementioned delay #2 includes the time from when the SDU of the RLC layer of the access network node arrives at the MAC layer to when the access network node receives the HARQ acknowledgment (ACK) message from the terminal regarding the data in the SDU, or the time from when the SDU of the RLC layer of the access network node arrives at the MAC layer of the DU to when the access network node receives the RLC layer ACK message from the terminal regarding the data in the SDU.

[0349] Understandably, in unacknowledged mode (UM), the terminal sends a HARQ message. In acknowledged mode (AM), the terminal sends a message from the RLC layer.

[0350] For the CU's CP and UP separated network architecture, the CU-UP can deploy the PDCP layer and SDAP layer, while the DU can deploy the MAC layer and RLC layer. Optionally, the DU can also deploy the PHY layer.

[0351] One possible design is that the aforementioned delay #1 may include the delay of CU-UP (denoted as D2.1), the downlink delay of the F1-u interface (denoted as D2.2), and the delay within the DU (denoted as D2.3).

[0352] The CU-UP latency includes the time from when the CU receives a data packet from the NG user plane (NG-U) interface to when the data packet is sent to the DU.

[0353] The downlink latency of the F1-u interface includes the time from when the data packet is sent from the CU-UP's general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol (GTP) egress endpoint to the DU, until the CU receives feedback from the DU that the DU has successfully received the data packet. This time is further reduced by the DU processing latency (such as the latency within the DU) and then divided by 2.

[0354] The latency within a DU includes the time from when the DU's RLC layer receives the PDCP PDU from the F1 interface until the data in the PDCP PDU is scheduled to be sent to the MAC layer.

[0355] The aforementioned delay #2 includes the time from when the SDU of the RLC layer of the DU arrives at the MAC layer of the DU until the DU receives a HARQ ACK message from the terminal for the data in the SDU, or the time from when the SDU of the RLC layer of the DU arrives at the MAC layer of the DU until the DU receives an RLC layer ACK message from the terminal for the data in the SDU.

[0356] 6. Uplink data packet transmission delay

[0357] In this application, the transmission delay of uplink data packets may include the delay of terminal data processing (denoted as delay #3), the uplink air interface delay between the access network node and the terminal (denoted as delay #4), and the delay of one or more protocol layers deployed on the access network node processing uplink data packets (denoted as delay #5). The above two delays are described below using examples of a non-separated network architecture and a network architecture with separated CP and UP of the CU.

[0358] For non-separated network architectures, access network nodes can deploy PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer and SDAP layer.

[0359] The aforementioned delay #3 may include the delay in the terminal's PDCP layer sorting data packets, for example, the time between the terminal's PDCP layer receiving a data packet from the upper layer and the data packet being granted an uplink grant and sent to the terminal's MAC layer.

[0360] The aforementioned delay #4 may include the time from when the terminal schedules and sends the uplink data packet from the MAC layer to when the RLC layer of the access network node receives the uplink data packet.

[0361] The aforementioned delay #5 may include the time from when the RLC layer of the access network node receives the first segment of SDU data sent by the MAC layer of the access network node to when the corresponding data packet is sent to the PDCP layer of the access network node (denoted as D3.1), and the time from when the PDCP layer of the access network node receives the data packet to when the data packet is sorted and sent to the upper layer (denoted as D3.2).

[0362] For the CU's CP and UP separated network architecture, the CU-UP can deploy the PDCP layer and SDAP layer, while the DU can deploy the MAC layer and RLC layer. Optionally, the DU can also deploy the PHY layer.

[0363] The aforementioned delay #3 may include the delay in the terminal's PDCP layer sorting data packets, for example, the time between the terminal's PDCP layer receiving a data packet from the upper layer and the data packet being granted an uplink grant and sent to the terminal's MAC layer.

[0364] The aforementioned delay #4 may include the time from when the terminal schedules and sends the uplink data packet at the MAC layer to when the RLC layer of the DU receives the uplink data packet.

[0365] The aforementioned delay #5 may include RLC packet delay (denoted as D4.1), uplink delay of the F1-u interface (denoted as D4.2), and PDCP layer reordering delay (denoted as D4.3).

[0366] The RLC packet delay can include the time from when the RLC layer of the DU receives the first segment of data from the MAC layer of the DU to when the corresponding data packet is sent from the DU to the CU-UP.

[0367] The uplink latency of the F1-u interface can include the time from when the DU starts sending a data packet to the CU-CP to when it receives a successful reception of the data packet from the CU-CP, and the CU-CP processing latency should be subtracted and then divided by 2.

[0368] The PDCP layer reordering delay can include the time from when the PDCP layer of CU-CP receives the PDCP PDU until the corresponding data is sorted and sent to the upper layer.

[0369] It should be understood that the above division of the downlink data packet transmission delay, or the time period included in the downlink data packet transmission delay, is merely exemplary. In specific applications, other division methods are also possible and are not limited.

[0370] 7. Dual-connection technology

[0371] Dual connectivity technology allows multiple access network nodes to simultaneously provide data transmission services to a single terminal. In other words, based on dual connectivity technology, a terminal can simultaneously establish communication connections with cells belonging to different access network nodes. Among these access network nodes, the access network node whose control plane is connected to the core network is called the MN, and the access network node whose control plane is not connected to the core network is called the SN. Both the MN and SN have the ability to send and receive data with the terminal. One or more cells managed by the MN can be called the MCG, and one or more cells managed by the SN can be called the SCG. For ease of description, this application uses the example of a terminal with dual connectivity to two access network nodes, one of which is the primary node and the other is the secondary node, for illustration.

[0372] In this application, the terminal can have dual connectivity with access network nodes of different technologies. For example, the terminal can support dual connectivity with access network nodes of both LTE and NR networks, such as EN-DC (EUTRA-NR dual connectivity), NGEN-DC (next generation E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity), or NE-DC (NR-E-UTRA dual connectivity). It should be understood that the terminal can also support dual connectivity with access network nodes of both LTE and future networks, or with access network nodes of both NR and future networks.

[0373] In this application, the terminal can also have dual connectivity with access network nodes using the same technology. For example, the terminal can support dual connectivity with access network nodes in an NR network, such as NR-DC (NR-NR dual connectivity). It should be understood that the terminal can also support dual connectivity with access network nodes in an LTE network, or with access network nodes in future networks.

[0374] In summary, dual connectivity encompasses multiple connectivity methods, which can be termed MR-DC (multi-RAT dual connectivity). For ease of description, this application uses NR-DC as an example. In NR-DC, the terminal uses NR technology to access the MCG and SCG, and the MN and SN also communicate with the core network via NR technology.

[0375] In dual-connectivity scenarios, DRBs can be categorized into MCG bearers, SCG bearers, and split bearers.

[0376] MCG bearers can be provided with air interface resources by MN. Depending on the different PDCP anchor points on the network side, MCG bearers can be divided into MN-terminated MCG bearers and SN-terminated MCG bearers.

[0377] An MCG bearer terminated by an MN can refer to a network-side PDCP anchor point located at the MN, where air interface data transmission uses MCG resources. MCG resources are air interface transmission resources provided by the MN. For example, MCG bearer 101 in Figure 1E is an MCG bearer terminated by an MN, with its PDCP anchor point at MN 10. When MCG bearer 101 is used to process downlink data packets, downlink data packets sent through MCG bearer 101 can be received by MCG bearer 121; when MCG bearer 101 is used to process uplink data packets, it can receive uplink data packets sent through MCG bearer 121. MCG bearer 101 relies on / belongs to MN 10, and MCG bearer 121 relies on / belongs to terminal 12.

[0378] A SN-terminated MCG bearer can refer to a network-side PDCP anchor point located at the SN, where air interface data transmission uses MCG resources. For example, in Figure 1E, MCG bearer 111 is an SN-terminated MCG bearer with a PDCP anchor point at SN 11. When MCG bearer 111 is used to process downlink data packets, downlink data packets sent through MCG bearer 111 can be received by MCG bearer 121; when MCG bearer 111 is used to process uplink data packets, MCG bearer 111 can receive uplink data packets sent through MCG bearer 121. MCG bearer 111 relies on / belongs to SN 11, and MCG bearer 121 relies on / belongs to terminal 12.

[0379] SCG bearers can be provided with air interface resources by the SN. Depending on the different PDCP anchor points on the network side, SCG bearers can be divided into MN-terminated SCG bearers and SN-terminated SCG bearers.

[0380] An SCG bearer terminated by an MN can refer to a network-side PDCP anchor point located at MN, where air interface data transmission uses SCG resources. SCG resources are air interface transmission resources provided by the SN. For example, SCG bearer 102 in Figure 1E is an SCG bearer terminated by an MN, with its PDCP anchor point at MN 10. When SCG bearer 102 is used to process downlink data packets, downlink data packets sent through SCG bearer 102 can be received by SCG bearer 122; when SCG bearer 102 is used to process uplink data packets, it can receive uplink data packets sent through SCG bearer 122. SCG bearer 102 is based on / belongs to MN 10, and SCG bearer 122 is based on / belongs to terminal 12.

[0381] A SN-terminated SCG bearer can refer to a network-side PDCP anchor point located at the SN, where air interface data transmission uses SCG resources. For example, SCG bearer 112 in Figure 1E is an SN-terminated SCG bearer with a PDCP anchor point at SN 11. When SCG bearer 112 is used to process downlink data packets, downlink data packets sent through SCG bearer 112 can be received by SCG bearer 122; when SCG bearer 112 is used to process uplink data packets, SCG bearer 112 can receive uplink data packets sent through SCG bearer 122. SCG bearer 112 relies on / belongs to SN 11, and SCG bearer 122 relies on / belongs to terminal 12.

[0382] Split bearers can be provided with air interface resources by MN and SN. Depending on the different PDCP anchor points on the network side, split bearers can be divided into MN-terminated split bearers and SN-terminated split bearers.

[0383] A split bearer terminated by an MN can refer to a PDCP anchor point on the network side located at MN, where air interface data transmission uses MCG and SCG resources. For example, split bearer 103 in Figure 1E is a split bearer terminated by an MN, with its PDCP anchor point at MN 10. Split bearer 103 relies on / belongs to MN 10 and SN 11, meaning that part of split bearer 103 is located at MN 10, and part is located at SN 11. MN 10 and SN 11 can communicate through an interface (such as the Xn interface). When split bearer 103 is used to process downlink data packets, downlink data packets sent through split bearer 103 can be received by split bearer 123; when split bearer 103 is used to process uplink data packets, split bearer 103 can receive uplink data packets sent through split bearer 123. Split bearer 123 relies on / belongs to terminal 12.

[0384] A split bearer terminated by an SN can refer to a PDCP anchor point on the network side located at the SN, where air interface data transmission uses MCG and SCG resources. For example, split bearer 113 in Figure 1E is a split bearer terminated by an SN, with its PDCP anchor point at SN 11. Split bearer 113 relies on / belongs to both MN 10 and SN 11; that is, part of split bearer 113 is located at MN 10, and part is located at SN 11. MN 10 and SN 11 can communicate through an interface (such as the Xn interface). When split bearer 113 is used to process downlink data packets, downlink data packets sent through split bearer 113 can be received by split bearer 123; when split bearer 113 is used to process uplink data packets, split bearer 113 can receive uplink data packets sent through split bearer 123. Split bearer 123 relies on / belongs to terminal 12.

[0385] As can be seen from the above introduction, when using split bearers to transmit data packets, it is necessary to split the data packets to determine whether to use MCG resources or SCG resources for transmission. For example, for downlink transmission, MN 10 (or SN 11) needs to determine whether to process the data through the protocol layer of MN 10 (such as MN RLC, MN MAC, etc.) and send it to terminal 12, or to process the data through the protocol layer of SN 11 (such as SN RLC, SN MAC, etc.) and send it to terminal 12. Similarly, for uplink transmission, terminal 12 needs to determine whether to process the data through MN RLC and MN MAC and send it to MN 10, or to process the data through SN RLC and SN MAC and send it to SN 11.

[0386] Currently, the packet splitting strategy for split bearers is unreasonable, which leads to low packet transmission rates and affects user experience.

[0387] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides various communication methods. The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0388] The method provided in this application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) system, an LTE system, a 5th generation (5G) communication system, a WiFi system, a 3GPP-related communication system, a communication system evolved after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. 5G can also be referred to as NR. The method provided in this application is described below using the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2 as an example. Figure 2 is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0389] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 20 provided in this application. In Figure 2, the communication system 20 includes a terminal 203 and access network nodes 201 to 202 that are communicatively connected to the terminal 203 via dual-connection technology. For a detailed description of the terminal 203, access network nodes 201 to 202, and the dual-connection technology, please refer to the preceding descriptions of the terminal, access network nodes, and dual-connection technology; these details will not be repeated here.

[0390] In Figure 2, access network node 201 is MN, and access network node 202 is SN. Access network nodes 201 and 202 can maintain the second split bearer, and terminal 203 can maintain the first split bearer. In other words, the second split bearer depends on / belongs to access network nodes 201 and 202, and the first split bearer depends on / belongs to terminal 203.

[0391] For downlink transmission, data sent via the second split bearer is received by the first split bearer. If the second split bearer is an MN-terminated split bearer (e.g., the second split bearer is split bearer 103 in Figure 1E, and the first split bearer is split bearer 123 in Figure 1E), then access network node 201 can obtain information related to the transmission delay of downlink data packets in the second split bearer, determine a downlink splitting strategy based on the obtained information, and send data packets on the second split bearer using MCG and SCG resources according to the downlink splitting strategy. Alternatively, access network node 202 (or terminal 203) can obtain information related to the transmission delay of downlink data packets in the second split bearer, determine a downlink splitting strategy based on the obtained information, and indicate the downlink splitting strategy to access network node 201, so that access network node 201 can send data packets on the second split bearer using MCG and SCG resources according to the downlink splitting strategy.

[0392] If the second split bearer is a SN-terminated split bearer (e.g., the second split bearer is split bearer 113 in Figure 1E, and the first split bearer is split bearer 123 in Figure 1E), then the access network node 202 can obtain information related to the transmission delay of downlink data packets in the second split bearer, determine a downlink splitting strategy based on the obtained information, and send data packets on the second split bearer using MCG and SCG resources according to the downlink splitting strategy. Alternatively, the access network node 201 (or terminal 203) can obtain information related to the transmission delay of downlink data packets in the second split bearer, determine a downlink splitting strategy based on the obtained information, and indicate the downlink splitting strategy to the access network node 202, so that the access network node 202 can send data packets on the second split bearer using MCG and SCG resources according to the downlink splitting strategy.

[0393] For uplink transmission, data sent via the first split bearer is received by the second split bearer. The second split bearer can be an MN-terminated split bearer (e.g., the second split bearer is split bearer 103 in Figure 1E, and the first split bearer is split bearer 123 in Figure 1E), or the second split bearer can be an SN-terminated split bearer (e.g., the second split bearer is split bearer 113 in Figure 1E, and the first split bearer is split bearer 123 in Figure 1E). The terminal 203 can obtain information related to the transmission performance of uplink data packets in the first split bearer (e.g., data packet delay information, and / or data packet retransmission information), determine an uplink splitting strategy based on the obtained information, and send data packets on the first split bearer using MCG and SCG resources according to the uplink splitting strategy. Alternatively, access network node 201 (or access network node 202) can obtain information related to the transmission performance of uplink data packets in the first split bearer, determine the uplink splitting strategy based on the obtained information, and indicate the uplink splitting strategy to terminal 203, so that terminal 203 can use MCG resources and SCG resources to send data packets on the first split bearer according to the uplink splitting strategy.

[0394] It is understood that the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, the communication system 20 may also include other devices, and the number of access network nodes and terminals can be determined according to specific needs without limitation. Furthermore, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0395] Optionally, the access network node or terminal in Figure 2 of this application may also be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. This application does not make any specific limitation in this regard.

[0396] Optionally, the related functions of the access network node or terminal in Figure 2 of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a single device. This application does not impose specific limitations on these functions. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0397] The method provided in this application will now be described in conjunction with the communication system 20 shown in Figure 2 above.

[0398] It is understood that in the following embodiments of this application, the first access network node can be MN (access network node 201 in communication system 20 shown in FIG2), and the second access network node can be SN (access network node 202 in communication system 20 shown in FIG2). Alternatively, in the following embodiments of this application, the second access network node can be MN (access network node 201 in communication system 20 shown in FIG2), and the first access network node can be SN (access network node 202 in communication system 20 shown in FIG2). The terminal in the downlink embodiment of this application can be terminal 203 in communication system 20 shown in FIG2.

[0399] It is understood that in this application, the terminal and / or access network node (such as the first access network node or the second access network node) may perform some or all of the steps in this application. These steps are merely examples, and this application may also perform other steps or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in this application, and it is possible that not all the steps in this application need to be performed.

[0400] It is understood that the methods described below in this application are illustrated using terminals and access network nodes as the execution subjects of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by the communication / processing module in the terminal or the circuit or chip (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a SoC chip / SIP chip containing a modem core, or a GPU / AI processor / ASIC) in the terminal responsible for communication / processing functions; the method executed by the access network node in this application can also be implemented by modules (such as circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the access network node, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network node.

[0401] First, we will introduce the specific process by which the network side (such as the first access network node) determines the downlink traffic offloading strategy.

[0402] As shown in Figure 3, a communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0403] S301: The terminal sends first information to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the first information from the terminal.

[0404] One possible implementation is that the terminal acquires the first information and sends the first information to the first access network node.

[0405] The first information may indicate the delay information for the terminal to reorder the first downlink data packets received via the first split bearer. For example, the first information indicates the delay information for the terminal's PDCP layer to reorder the first downlink data packets received via the first split bearer. A description of the PDCP layer can be found in the foregoing description of the technical terms involved in this application.

[0406] The first split bearer relies on / belongs to the terminal. Data packets received by the terminal through the first split bearer are sent by the second split bearer. The second split bearer relies on / belongs to the first access network node and the second access network node. The terminal has dual connections with both the first and second access network nodes. In other words, data packets sent by the first and second access network nodes through the second split bearer are received by the terminal's first split bearer.

[0407] One possible design is that the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by MN, or a split bearer terminated by SN.

[0408] For example, taking the split bearer shown in Figure 1E as an example, if the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by MN, then the second split bearer can be split bearer 103 in Figure 1E, and the first split bearer is split bearer 123 in Figure 1E; if the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by SN, then the second split bearer can be split bearer 113 in Figure 1E, and the first split bearer is split bearer 123 in Figure 1E. Wherein, the first access network node is MN 10 in Figure 1E, the second access network node is SN 11 in Figure 1E, and the terminal is terminal 12 in Figure 1E; or, the first access network node is SN 11 in Figure 1E, the second access network node is MN 10 in Figure 1E, and the terminal is terminal 12 in Figure 1E.

[0409] Understandably, the first downlink data packet may include one or more downlink data packets, such as one or more PDCP PDUs.

[0410] One possible design is that the first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the terminal reordering the first downlink data packets, the number of times the reordering timer is started during the terminal's reordering of the first downlink data packets, or the timing information of the reordering timer during the terminal's reordering of the first downlink data packets.

[0411] Understandably, the first or second access network node can send data packets in sequence, but these data packets may not arrive at the terminal in order. Therefore, after receiving the data packets, the terminal can reorder them; this process is called "reordering." Reordering can be performed by the PDCP layer. For example, when a data packet is detected to have arrived out of order, the PDCP layer can start a reordering timer to wait for the missing data packet. If the reordering timer expires and the data packet has not arrived, the PDCP layer determines that the data packet reception failed and delivers the already received data packets to the upper layer.

[0412] The following section uses the PDCP layer of the terminal to perform reordering as an example to explain the meaning of each piece of information included in the first information.

[0413] The aforementioned duration information may include a first duration. The first duration is the time taken for the terminal's PDCP layer to reorder the first downlink data packet. For example, when the first downlink data packet includes one downlink data packet, the first duration is the time from when the terminal's PDCP layer receives the first downlink data packet to when the first downlink data packet is ordered and sent to the upper layer (such as the terminal's SDAP layer). When the first downlink data packet includes multiple downlink data packets, the first duration is the time from when the terminal's PDCP layer receives the first downlink data packet among the multiple downlink data packets to when the multiple downlink data packets are ordered and sent to the upper layer; alternatively, the terminal's PDCP layer may, for each downlink data packet, calculate the duration from receipt to ordering and sending to the upper layer, and determine the maximum or minimum value among these durations as the first duration, or determine the average value of these durations as the first duration.

[0414] Optionally, the first duration is also related to the first time period. For example, the first duration is the time during which the terminal's PDCP layer reorders the first downlink data packets within the first time period. The first time period can be understood as the time period during which the terminal collects the first information, or the time period during which the terminal receives the first downlink data packets.

[0415] It is understandable that when the terminal calculates the first duration, it can do so at the cell group level or not, without any restrictions.

[0416] For example, when the terminal performs statistics at the cell group level, it can determine a first duration for the first downlink data packet transmitted using MCG resources and the first downlink data packet transmitted using SCG resources, such as determining two first durations. In this case, the first access network node can know the actual transmission performance of MCG resources and the actual transmission performance of SCG resources, thereby determining a more reasonable traffic offloading strategy.

[0417] For example, when the terminal does not perform statistics at the cell group level, the terminal uniformly determines a first duration for the first downlink data packet transmitted using MCG resources and the first downlink data packet transmitted using SCG resources, such as determining a single first duration. In this case, the first access network node can know the overall transmission performance of MCG and SCG resources to determine whether the current traffic splitting strategy is appropriate, such as whether the current traffic splitting strategy meets service requirements. In addition, it can also simplify the terminal implementation.

[0418] The above count information includes the first count. The first count is the number of times the terminal's PDCP layer starts the reordering timer during the reordering of the first downlink data packets. Alternatively, the first count is the number of times the terminal's PDCP layer starts the reordering timer during the reordering of the first downlink data packets within the first time period.

[0419] Understandably, when performing the initial count, the terminal can choose to count at the cell group level or not; there are no restrictions. When counting at the cell group level, the terminal can determine the initial count separately for the first downlink data packets transmitted using MCG resources and those transmitted using SCG resources, resulting in two separate initial counts. When counting without using the cell group level, the terminal can determine the initial count uniformly for both the first downlink data packets transmitted using MCG resources and those transmitted using SCG resources, resulting in a single initial count.

[0420] The timing information mentioned above may include a first timing or a first numerical value.

[0421] The first timing includes the timing of each reordering timer started by the terminal's PDCP layer during the reordering of the first downlink data packets. Alternatively, the first timing includes the timing of each reordering timer started by the terminal's PDCP layer during the reordering of the first downlink data packets within a first time period. Alternatively, the first timing includes the duration taken for the first downlink data packet to trigger A reordering timers. Alternatively, the first timing includes the duration taken for the first downlink data packet to trigger A reordering timers within a first time period, where A is a positive integer. Alternatively, the first timing includes the duration taken for B data packets to trigger C reordering timers, where B and C are positive integers. Alternatively, the first timing is the maximum, minimum, or average timing of the reordering timers started during the above reordering process. Taking the above reordering process with 3 reordering timers started as an example, if the timing of the first started reordering timer is T1, the timing of the second started reordering timer is T2, and the timing of the third started reordering timer is T3, then the first timing can be the maximum, minimum, or average value among T1 to T3.

[0422] Optionally, the aforementioned C-times reordering timer can be a C-times reordering timer whose timing belongs to a certain timing interval (such as xx ms~yy ms).

[0423] Optionally, A, B, or C mentioned above can be configured by the first access network node or determined by the terminal itself.

[0424] The first value is the number of data packets whose reordering timer triggered by the first downlink data packet meets certain conditions. For example, the first value is the number of data packets whose reordering timer triggered by the first downlink data packet is greater than or equal to the second timer. Or, the first value is the number of data packets whose reordering timer triggered by the first downlink data packet meets certain conditions within the first time period. Or, the first value is the number of data packets that trigger E reordering timers. Or, the first value is the number of data packets that trigger E reordering timers within the first time period. Where E is a positive integer, and E can be configured by the first access network node or determined by the terminal itself. Or, the first value is the proportion of reordering timers whose timers fall within a certain interval (e.g., aa ms to bb ms) among the reordering timers triggered by the first downlink data packet. Or, the first value is the number of reordering timers whose timers fall within a certain interval (e.g., aa ms to bb ms) among the reordering timers triggered by the first downlink data packet.

[0425] It is understandable that the aforementioned duration information, frequency information, or timing information can be obtained by the terminal through a single statistical analysis, or it can be the maximum, minimum, or average value obtained by the terminal through multiple statistical analyses, without any restrictions.

[0426] Optionally, the first information may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first split bearer, the identifier of the second split bearer, the identifier of the first logical channel group (LCG) corresponding to the first split bearer, or the identifier of the second LCG corresponding to the second split bearer.

[0427] Understandably, when the first information includes the identifier of the first split bearer, the first access network node can determine that the first information is statistically analyzed for the first split bearer, and based on the correspondence between the first split bearer and the second split bearer, it can determine that the first information is used to determine the downlink offloading strategy for the second split bearer. When the first information includes the identifier of the second split bearer, the first access network node can determine that the first information is used to determine the downlink offloading strategy for the second split bearer. When the first information includes the identifier of the first LCG, the first access network node can determine the LCG corresponding to the first split bearer. When the first information includes the identifier of the second LCG, the first access network node can determine the LCG corresponding to the second split bearer.

[0428] S302: The first access network node determines the downlink offloading strategy based on the first information.

[0429] The downlink splitting strategy indicates how to use MCG and SCG resources to send data packets on the second split bearer.

[0430] When the first access network node is MN and the second access network node is SN, MCG resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and SCG resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node.

[0431] Understandably, based on the first information, the first access network node can know the reordering of data packets in the first split bearer on the terminal side, thereby gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the downlink data transmission performance and obtaining a reasonable downlink traffic splitting strategy. This allows MCG and SCG resources to be fully utilized, thereby improving data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0432] Optionally, the downlink offloading strategy is used to reduce the packet transmission latency on the second split bearer, and / or increase the packet throughput on the second split bearer, and / or reduce the packet error rate on the second split bearer. The first access network node can obtain a downlink offloading strategy that meets the above requirements through a corresponding algorithm, or through an AI model. An introduction to the AI ​​model can be found in the preceding description of the technical terms involved in this application.

[0433] Understandably, in addition to the initial information, the first access network node can also combine other information to determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0434] One possible implementation is that the first access network node obtains the third information and determines the downlink offloading strategy based on the first information and the third information.

[0435] The third information includes one or more of the following: the downlink signal quality of the first access network node, the downlink signal quality of the second access network node, the quality of service (QoS) requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, the latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node for processing downlink data in the second split bearer (denoted as latency information #1), the latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing downlink data in the second split bearer (denoted as latency information #2), the downlink air interface latency information between the first access network node and the terminal (denoted as latency information #3), or the downlink air interface latency information between the second access network node and the terminal (denoted as latency information #4).

[0436] The downlink signal quality of the first access network node can be measured by the terminal and fed back to the first access network node. The downlink signal quality of the second access network node can be measured by the terminal, fed back to the second access network node, and then sent by the second access network node to the first access network node; or the downlink signal quality of the second access network node can be measured by the terminal and sent to the first access network node.

[0437] The quality of service requirements corresponding to the second split bearer may include requirements for transmission latency, and / or throughput, and / or packet error rate, so that the first access network node can obtain a downlink offloading strategy that meets the above quality of service requirements.

[0438] One or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: RLC layer or PDCP layer. One or more protocol layers on the second access network node include one or more of the following: RLC layer or PDCP layer. The content of latency information #1 and latency information #2 can be found in the previous description of latency #1. The content of latency information #3 and latency information #4 can be found in the previous description of latency #2. Furthermore, the latency here can be obtained by the first / second access network node through a single statistical analysis, or it can be the maximum, minimum, or average value obtained by the first / second access network node through multiple statistical analyses; there are no restrictions. The first / second access network node can statistically analyze the latency over a period of time, or it can statistically analyze the latency of a certain number of data packets.

[0439] Understandably, based on the downlink signal quality of the first access network node and the second access network node, the first access network node can determine the signal quality on MCG and SCG resources; based on delay information #1 to delay information #4, the first access network node can determine the transmission delay of downlink data on the second split bearer; based on the service quality requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, the second access network node can determine the requirements that the downlink offloading strategy needs to meet, such as reducing transmission delay and / or increasing throughput and / or reducing packet error rate. Therefore, based on the first and third information, the first access network node can obtain a more reasonable downlink offloading strategy, enabling MCG and SCG resources to be fully utilized, thereby further improving data packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0440] One possible design is that the downlink splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of packets on the second split bearer to be sent using MCG resources and a second percentage of packets to be sent using SCG resources; or, the downlink splitting strategy instructs the ratio of packets sent using MCG resources to packets sent using SCG resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink splitting strategy instructs the ratio of packets sent using SCG resources to packets sent using MCG resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second period or a third period, wherein the second period is the period during which packets are sent using MCG resources on the second split bearer and the third period is the period during which packets are sent using MCG resources on the second split bearer. The following are possible time periods for transmitting data packets using SCG resources on the bearer: Alternatively, the downlink splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using MCG resources, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using SCG resources, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using MCG resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; or, the downlink splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using SCG resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; or, the downlink splitting strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame number (sequence number, SN) satisfies the first condition to be transmitted using MCG resources; or, the downlink splitting strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame number satisfies the second condition to be transmitted using SCG resources; or, the downlink splitting strategy instructs data packets on the second split bearer whose frame number satisfies the first condition to be transmitted using MCG resources and data packets whose frame number satisfies the second condition to be transmitted using SCG resources.

[0441] Understandably, the first and second conditions can differ. For example, the first condition might be a data packet with an odd frame number, and the second condition might be a data packet with an even frame number. Alternatively, the first condition might be a data packet with an even frame number, and the second condition might be a data packet with an odd frame number. Or, the first condition might be a data packet whose frame number modulo M1 equals N1 (e.g., SN mod M1 = N1), and the second condition might be a data packet whose frame number modulo M2 equals N2 (e.g., SN mod M2 = N2). Here, `mod` represents the modulo operation, M1 and M2 are positive integers, and N1 and N2 are 0 or positive integers. M1 and M2 must be different, and / or N1 and N2 must be different.

[0442] It should be understood that the above are merely examples of downlink offloading strategies. In specific applications, downlink offloading strategies can take other forms without limitation.

[0443] Understandably, if the first access network node is MN, the second access network node is SN, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by MN, or if the first access network node is SN, the second access network node is MN, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by SN, then the first access network node can use MCG resources and SCG resources to send data packets on the second split bearer according to the downlink traffic splitting strategy. For example, the first access network node determines whether each PDCP PDU uses MCG resources or SCG resources according to the downlink traffic splitting strategy.

[0444] For example, taking the following traffic splitting policy as an example, which instructs the first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be sent using MCG resources and the second percentage of data packets to be sent using SCG resources, when the first access network node sends data on the second split bearer, it controls the first percentage of data packets to be sent using MCG resources and the second percentage of data packets to be sent using SCG resources.

[0445] For example, taking the downstream traffic splitting policy indicating the second and third time periods as an example, when the first access network node sends data on the second split bearer, it uses MCG resources to send data packets in the second time period and SCG resources to send data packets in the third time period.

[0446] Understandably, if the first access network node is SN, the second access network node is MN, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by MN; or, if the first access network node is MN, the second access network node is SN, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by SN, then the first access network node can indicate the downlink offloading policy to the second access network node. For example, the first access network node can send downlink offloading policy information to the second access network node. After receiving the downlink offloading policy information, the second access network node can use MCG resources and SCG resources to send data packets on the second split bearer according to the downlink offloading policy. For example, the second access network node determines whether each PDCP PDU uses MCG resources or SCG resources based on the downlink offloading policy.

[0447] One possible design is that the downlink offloading strategy information includes relevant parameters of the downlink offloading strategy, and / or the identifier of the downlink offloading strategy, so that the second access network node can determine the specific offloading strategy.

[0448] For example, the first access network node and the second access network node can pre-store multiple downlink traffic offloading strategies. The first access network node can send the identifier of the downlink traffic offloading strategy to the second access network node, and the second access network node can determine the specific traffic offloading strategy based on the identifier.

[0449] For example, if a downlink traffic splitting policy instructs a first percentage of packets on a second split bearer to be sent using MCG resources and a second percentage of packets to be sent using SCG resources, the downlink traffic splitting policy information may include the first percentage and the second percentage. Optionally, the downlink traffic splitting policy information may also include an identifier for the policy.

[0450] For example, taking the ratio of packets sent using MCG resources to packets sent using SCG resources on the second split bearer as an example, the downlink traffic splitting policy information may include the aforementioned ratio. Optionally, the downlink traffic splitting policy information may also include an identifier of the policy.

[0451] For example, taking the ratio of packets sent using SCG resources to packets sent using MCG resources on the second split bearer as an example, the downlink traffic splitting policy information may include the aforementioned ratio. Optionally, the downlink traffic splitting policy information may also include an identifier of the policy.

[0452] For example, if the downlink offloading policy indicates at least one of a second or third time period, then if the downlink offloading policy indicates the second time period, the information of the downlink offloading policy may include the identifier / index of the time unit in which the second time period is located; if the downlink offloading policy indicates the third time period, then the information of the downlink offloading policy may include the identifier / index of the time unit in which the third time period is located; if the downlink offloading policy indicates both the second and third time periods, then the information of the downlink offloading policy may include the identifier / index of the time unit in which the second time period is located, and the identifier / index of the time unit in which the third time period is located. The aforementioned time unit may include a segment of resources in the time domain, for example, a symbol, time slot, subframe, or frame. Optionally, the information of the downlink offloading policy may also include the identifier of the policy.

[0453] For example, if the downlink routing policy instructs the first X packets on the second split bearer to be sent using MCG resources, the downlink routing policy information may include the value of X. Optionally, the downlink routing policy information may also include an identifier for the policy.

[0454] For example, if the downlink routing policy instructs the first Y packets on the second split bearer to be sent using SCG resources, the downlink routing policy information may include the value of Y. Optionally, the downlink routing policy information may also include an identifier for the policy.

[0455] For example, if the downlink traffic splitting policy indicates that the first X packets on the second split bearer are sent using MCG resources during the fourth time period, the information of the downlink traffic splitting policy may include the identifier / index of the time unit in which the fourth time period is located, and the value of X. Optionally, the information of the downlink traffic splitting policy may also include the identifier of the policy.

[0456] For example, if the downlink traffic splitting policy indicates that the first Y packets on the second split bearer are sent using SCG resources during the fifth time period, the downlink traffic splitting policy information may include the identifier / index of the time unit where the fifth time period is located, and the value of Y. Optionally, the downlink traffic splitting policy information may also include the identifier of the policy.

[0457] For example, if the downlink traffic splitting policy instructs a second split bearer that data packets with frame numbers satisfying a first condition are sent using MCG resources, and data packets with frame numbers satisfying a second condition are sent using SCG resources, then if the first condition is that the data packet's frame number modulo M1 equals N1, and the second condition is that the data packet's frame number modulo M2 equals N2, then the downlink traffic splitting policy information may include M1, M2, N1, and N2. Optionally, the downlink traffic splitting policy information may also include the policy's identifier.

[0458] Optionally, the downlink offloading strategy information may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first split bearer, the identifier of the second split bearer, the identifier of the first LCG, or the identifier of the second LCG.

[0459] It should be understood that after receiving the downlink offloading policy information, the second access network node may choose to implement the policy or not. If the second access network node does not implement the policy, it may send a second indication message to the first access network node. The second indication message indicates the actual downlink offloading policy used by the second access network node and can be used to update the downlink offloading policy. Therefore, after receiving the second indication message, the first access network node can update its downlink offloading policy accordingly.

[0460] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 3, the first access network node may instruct the terminal to report the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer, so that the first access network node can determine the downlink offloading strategy. For example, the first access network node sends second information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second information from the first access network node. The second information indicates the delay information for reporting data packet reordering on the first split bearer.

[0461] One possible design is that the second information includes one or more of the following: the number of first downlink data packets, the identification information of the first downlink data packets, the information of the first time period, or the first indication information.

[0462] The quantity information of the first downlink data packet may include the quantity P of the first downlink data packet, so that the terminal can count the first information in S301 based on the P downlink data packets.

[0463] The identification information of the first downlink data packet may include the identifier of the first downlink data packet, so that the terminal can perform the first information in S301 based on these downlink data packets.

[0464] The first time period is the period during which the terminal collects the first information in S301, or the first time period can be understood as the period during which the terminal receives the first downlink data packet. The information in the first time period may include the identifier / index of the time unit in which the first time period is located, so that the terminal can collect the aforementioned first information in the first time period.

[0465] The first indication information indicates whether to calculate the packet reordering delay information on the first split bearer at the cell group level. For example, the first indication information includes 1 bit. When the value of this 1 bit is "0", it indicates that the packet reordering delay information on the first split bearer is not calculated at the cell group level; when the value of this 1 bit is "1", it indicates that the packet reordering delay information on the first split bearer is calculated at the cell group level, and vice versa. Based on the first indication information, the terminal can determine whether to calculate the first information at the cell group level.

[0466] Understandably, if the second information includes the quantity information of the first downlink data packets and the information of the first time period, the terminal can determine that the first information is calculated based on P downlink data packets in the first time period. If the second information includes the identification information of the first downlink data packets and the information of the first time period, the terminal can determine that the first information is calculated based on the aforementioned downlink data packets in the first time period.

[0467] It should be understood that the above are merely examples of parameters carried by the second information. In specific applications, the second information may carry more or fewer parameters than those described above. For example, the second information may also carry one or more of the following: the values ​​of A, B, C, xx, yy, E, aa, or bb in S301.

[0468] Optionally, the second information may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first split bearer, the identifier of the second split bearer, the identifier of the first LCG, or the identifier of the second LCG.

[0469] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 3, the terminal may send fourth information to the first access network node. This fourth information may instruct the terminal on the delay information for reordering the second downlink data packets received via the first split bearer. This fourth information can be used to update the aforementioned downlink offloading strategy. After receiving the fourth information, the first access network node can re-determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0470] The fourth information includes similar content to the first information, and you can refer to the above description of the first information. The process by which the first access network node re-determines the downlink offloading strategy based on the fourth information is similar to the process by which the first access network node determines the downlink offloading strategy based on the first information, and you can refer to the corresponding description above.

[0471] Optionally, the terminal can continuously report the delay information of reordering downlink data packets received through the first split bearer, so that the first access network node can know the current transmission performance of MCG and SCG resources in a timely manner. When the transmission performance degrades, the downlink splitting strategy can be updated in a timely manner, so that the downlink splitting strategy can adapt to the changes in the downlink channel in a timely manner to ensure user experience.

[0472] Understandably, if the first access network node is SN and the second access network node is MN, the first access network node can also indicate the updated downlink offloading policy to the second access network node. Optionally, the first access network node can also indicate the reason for updating / adjusting the downlink offloading policy, such as the previous policy being unreasonable, the previous policy having large transmission delays, etc.

[0473] Understandably, the first access network node in the method shown in Figure 3 can be replaced by the second access network node, and vice versa. In other words, the second access network node can also determine the downlink offloading strategy. Furthermore, the terminal can also determine the downlink offloading strategy, which will be explained in detail below.

[0474] As shown in Figure 4, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0475] S401: The terminal obtains first information from the first access network node and / or the second access network node.

[0476] One possible design involves a terminal with dual connections to both a first access network node and a second access network node. The first information indicates one or more of the following: the latency (denoted as the first latency) of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node processing a first downlink data packet in the second split bearer; the downlink air interface latency (denoted as the second latency) between the first access network node and the terminal; the latency (denoted as the third latency) of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing a second downlink data packet in the second split bearer; or the downlink air interface latency (denoted as the fourth latency) between the second access network node and the terminal.

[0477] One or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: RLC layer or PDCP layer. One or more protocol layers on the second access network node include one or more of the following: RLC layer or PDCP layer. For a description of the first and third delays, please refer to the previous description of delay #1. For a description of the second and fourth delays, please refer to the previous description of delay #2.

[0478] One possible implementation is that the first access network node acquires third information and sends it to the terminal. The third information indicates one or more of the following: a first delay or a second delay. After receiving the third information, the terminal can obtain the first delay and / or the second delay.

[0479] For example, the third information may include each delay included in the first delay (such as D1.1 to D1.2, or D2.1 to D2.3), or the third information may include the sum of all delays included in the first delay, thereby indicating the first delay. The third information may include the value of the second delay, thereby indicating the second delay.

[0480] Optionally, the third information may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first split bearer, the identifier of the second split bearer, the identifier of the first LCG corresponding to the first split bearer, or the identifier of the second LCG corresponding to the second split bearer.

[0481] One possible implementation is that the second access network node acquires the sixth information and sends it to the terminal. The sixth information indicates one or more of the following: a third delay or a fourth delay. After receiving the sixth information, the terminal can obtain the third delay and / or the fourth delay.

[0482] For example, the sixth information may include each delay included in the third delay (such as D1.1 to D1.2, or D2.1 to D2.3), or the sixth information may include the sum of all delays included in the third delay, thereby indicating the third delay. The sixth information may include the value of the fourth delay, thereby indicating the fourth delay.

[0483] Optionally, the sixth information may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first split bearer, the identifier of the second split bearer, the identifier of the first LCG corresponding to the first split bearer, or the identifier of the second LCG corresponding to the second split bearer.

[0484] Understandably, after obtaining the first information, the terminal can determine the downlink offloading strategy based on that information. This downlink offloading strategy can indicate how to use MCG and SCG resources to send data packets on the second split bearer.

[0485] When the first access network node is MN and the second access network node is SN, MCG resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and SCG resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node.

[0486] The second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the MN; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the SN. The second split bearer relies on the first access network node and the second access network node. Data transmitted through the second split bearer is received by the terminal's first split bearer. The first split bearer relies on / belongs to the terminal. A description of the first and second split bearers can be found in the method shown in Figure 3.

[0487] Understandably, this first information allows the terminal to gain a more comprehensive understanding of downlink data transmission performance. Therefore, based on this first information, the terminal can develop a reasonable downlink traffic offloading strategy, ensuring that MCG and SCG resources are fully utilized, thereby improving packet transmission rate and user experience.

[0488] Optionally, the downlink offloading strategy is used to reduce the packet transmission latency on the second split bearer, and / or increase the packet throughput on the second split bearer, and / or reduce the packet error rate on the second split bearer. The terminal can obtain a downlink offloading strategy that meets the above requirements through a corresponding algorithm, or through an AI model. An introduction to the AI ​​model can be found in the preceding description of the technical terms involved in this application.

[0489] Understandably, in addition to the primary information, the terminal can also combine other information to determine the downlink routing strategy.

[0490] One possible implementation involves the terminal acquiring second information and determining a downlink offloading strategy based on the first and second information. The second information includes one or more of the following: the downlink signal quality of the first access network node, the downlink signal quality of the second access network node, the quality of service requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, or the latency information for the terminal to reorder downlink data packets received through the first split bearer.

[0491] The downlink signal quality of the first access network node and the downlink signal quality of the second access network node can be measured by the terminal. The service quality requirements corresponding to the second split bearer may include transmission delay requirements, and / or throughput requirements, and / or packet error rate requirements, so that the terminal can obtain a downlink offloading strategy that meets the above service quality requirements. This requirement may be indicated to the terminal by the first access network node or the second access network node.

[0492] The delay information for the terminal to reorder downlink data packets received through the first split bearer can be determined by the terminal itself. This delay information may include one or more of the following: the duration of the terminal's downlink data packet reordering, the number of times the reordering timer is started during the downlink data packet reordering process, or the timing information of the reordering timer during the downlink data packet reordering process. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in S301.

[0493] One possible design is that the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of packets on the second split bearer to be sent using MCG resources and a second percentage of packets to be sent using SCG resources; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of packets sent using MCG resources to packets sent using SCG resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the ratio of packets sent using SCG resources to packets sent using MCG resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which packets are sent using MCG resources on the second split bearer and the third time period is the period during which packets are sent using SCG resources on the second split bearer; or, the downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X packets on the second split bearer to be sent using MCG resources, where X is a positive integer. The following options are provided: 1. The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y packets on the second split bearer to be sent using SCG resources, where Y is a positive integer; 2. The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X packets on the second split bearer to be sent using MCG resources during the fourth time period, where X is a positive integer; 3. The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y packets on the second split bearer to be sent using SCG resources during the fifth time period, where Y is a positive integer; 4. The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using MCG resources; 5. The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be sent using SCG resources; 6. The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs packets on the second split bearer whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using MCG resources and packets on the second condition to be sent using SCG resources.

[0494] It should be understood that the above are merely examples of downlink offloading strategies. In specific applications, downlink offloading strategies can take other forms without limitation.

[0495] Optionally, the first access network node or the second access network node may instruct the terminal to determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0496] As an example, when the first access network node is MN, the first access network node sends a first indication message to the terminal. This first indication message instructs the terminal to determine the downlink offloading strategy. After receiving the first indication message, the terminal confirms that it is responsible for determining the downlink offloading strategy.

[0497] As another example, when the second access network node is MN, the second access network node sends a first indication message to the terminal. The first indication message instructs the terminal to determine the downlink offloading strategy. After receiving the first indication message, the terminal confirms that it is responsible for determining the downlink offloading strategy.

[0498] For example, the first indication information mentioned above may include 1 bit, and when the value of this 1 bit is "0" or "1", it instructs the terminal to determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0499] Optionally, the terminal may report its inference capabilities to the first access network node or the second access network node so that the first access network node or the second access network node can determine whether the terminal should determine the downlink offloading strategy.

[0500] For example, the terminal sends its capability information to a first access network node or a second access network node. This capability information indicates the terminal's ability to infer downlink traffic splitting strategies. After receiving this capability information, the first or second access network node can determine the terminal's ability to infer downlink traffic splitting strategies and thus configure whether to allow the terminal to determine downlink traffic splitting strategies.

[0501] As an example, the aforementioned capability information includes 1 bit, which indicates whether the terminal has the capability for traffic splitting strategy reasoning. For instance, a value of "0" indicates that the terminal does not have the capability for traffic splitting strategy reasoning, while a value of "1" indicates that the terminal has the capability for traffic splitting strategy reasoning, and vice versa.

[0502] As another example, the capability information indicates one or more of the following: whether the terminal has inference capability, the duration of inference that the terminal can perform, the number of data packets (such as PDCP PDUs) that the terminal can infer, or how many DRB inference offloading strategies the terminal can perform.

[0503] Optionally, the first access network node or the second access network node may indicate whether to allow the terminal to report its inferred downlink offloading policy. When the first access network node or the second access network node indicates that the terminal is allowed to report its inferred downlink offloading policy, the terminal may send uplink offloading policy information to the first access network node or the second access network node.

[0504] Understandably, if the first access network node is MN, the second access network node is SN, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by MN, or if the first access network node is SN, the second access network node is MN, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by SN, then the terminal can indicate the downlink offloading strategy to the first access network node, so that the first access network node can use MCG and SCG resources to send data packets on the second split bearer according to the downlink offloading strategy. For example, this application can execute S402a and S403a, i.e., mode one in Figure 4.

[0505] Understandably, if the first access network node is SN, the second access network node is MN, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by MN, or if the first access network node is MN, the second access network node is SN, and the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by SN, then the terminal can indicate the downlink offloading strategy to the second access network node, so that the second access network node can use MCG and SCG resources to send data packets on the second split bearer according to the downlink offloading strategy. For example, this application can execute S402b and S403b, i.e., mode two in Figure 4.

[0506] S402a: The terminal sends downlink offloading policy information to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the downlink offloading policy information from the terminal.

[0507] Understandably, the downlink offloading strategy information includes relevant parameters of the downlink offloading strategy and / or the identifier of the downlink offloading strategy, so that the second access network node can determine the specific offloading strategy. Optionally, the downlink offloading strategy information may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first split bearer, the identifier of the second split bearer, the identifier of the first LCG corresponding to the first split bearer, or the identifier of the second LCG corresponding to the second split bearer. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in the method shown in Figure 3.

[0508] S403a: The first access network node uses MCG and SCG resources to send data packets on the second split bearer according to the downlink splitting strategy. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the aforementioned data packets.

[0509] One possible implementation is that the first access network node determines whether each PDCP PDU uses MCG resources or SCG resources based on the downlink offloading strategy.

[0510] It should be understood that after receiving the downlink offloading policy information, the first access network node may choose to implement the policy or not. If the first access network node does not implement the policy, it may send a second indication message to the terminal. The second indication message indicates the actual downlink offloading policy used by the first access network node and can be used to update the downlink offloading policy. Therefore, after receiving the second indication message, the terminal can update the downlink offloading policy.

[0511] S402b: The terminal sends downlink offloading policy information to the second access network node. Correspondingly, the second access network node receives the downlink offloading policy information from the terminal.

[0512] Understandably, the downlink offloading strategy information includes relevant parameters of the downlink offloading strategy and / or the identifier of the downlink offloading strategy, so that the second access network node can determine the specific offloading strategy. Optionally, the downlink offloading strategy information may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the first split bearer, the identifier of the second split bearer, the identifier of the first LCG, or the identifier of the second LCG. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in the method shown in Figure 3.

[0513] S403b: The second access network node uses MCG and SCG resources to send data packets on the second split bearer according to the downlink splitting strategy. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the aforementioned data packets.

[0514] One possible implementation is that the second access network node determines whether each PDCP PDU uses MCG resources or SCG resources based on the downlink offloading strategy.

[0515] It should be understood that after receiving the downlink offloading policy information, the second access network node may choose to implement the policy or not. If the second access network node does not implement the policy, it may send a second indication message to the terminal. The second indication message indicates the actual downlink offloading policy used by the second access network node and can be used to update the downlink offloading policy. Therefore, after receiving the second indication message, the terminal can update the downlink offloading policy accordingly.

[0516] Optionally, in one possible implementation of the method shown in Figure 4, the terminal can obtain fourth information from the first access network node and / or the second access network node. This fourth information is used to update the aforementioned downlink offloading strategy; that is, the terminal can redetermine the downlink offloading strategy based on the fourth information.

[0517] One possible design is that the fourth information indicates one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing the third downlink data packet in the second split bearer, the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node in processing the fourth downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal.

[0518] One possible implementation involves the first access network node acquiring the fifth information and sending it to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the fifth information. The fifth information indicates one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node processing the third downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal. The fifth information is used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0519] One possible implementation involves the second access network node acquiring the seventh information and sending it to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the seventh information. The seventh information indicates one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing the fourth downlink data packet in the second split bearer, or the downlink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal. The seventh information is used to update the downlink splitting strategy.

[0520] Understandably, the fourth piece of information includes similar content to the first piece of information, and you can refer to the above description of the first piece of information. The fifth piece of information includes similar content to the third piece of information, and you can refer to the above description of the third piece of information. The seventh piece of information includes similar content to the sixth piece of information, and you can refer to the above description of the sixth piece of information. The process by which the terminal re-determines the downlink offloading strategy based on the fourth piece of information is similar to the process by which the terminal determines the downlink offloading strategy based on the first piece of information, and you can refer to the corresponding description above.

[0521] Optionally, the first access network node / second access network node can continuously send the latency of their respective protocol layers processing downlink data in the second split bearer, and / or the air interface latency between themselves and the terminal, so that the terminal can promptly know the current transmission performance of MCG and SCG resources. When the transmission performance degrades, the downlink offloading strategy can be updated in a timely manner, so that the downlink offloading strategy can adapt to the changes in the downlink channel in a timely manner to ensure user experience.

[0522] Understandably, after updating the downlink offloading policy, the terminal can also indicate the updated downlink offloading policy to the first or second access network node, so that the first or second access network node can send data packets according to the updated downlink offloading policy. Optionally, the terminal can also indicate the reason for updating / adjusting the downlink offloading policy, such as the previous policy being unreasonable, the previous policy having large transmission delays, etc.

[0523] The above describes the process by which the first access network node, the second access network node, or the terminal determines the downlink offloading strategy. In this application, the first access network node, the second access network node, or the terminal can also determine the uplink offloading strategy. This will be explained in detail below.

[0524] First, the specific process by which the network side (such as the first access network node) determines the uplink traffic splitting strategy is described. In the method shown in Figures 5 and 6 below, the terminal has dual connections with both the first and second access network nodes. Data packets sent by the terminal through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node. The first split bearer relies on / belongs to the terminal. The second split bearer relies on / belongs to both the first and second access network nodes. The second split bearer is either an MN-terminated split bearer or an SN-terminated split bearer.

[0525] For example, taking the split bearer shown in Figure 1E as an example, if the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by MN, then the second split bearer can be split bearer 103 in Figure 1E, and the first split bearer is split bearer 123 in Figure 1E; if the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by SN, then the second split bearer can be split bearer 113 in Figure 1E, and the first split bearer is split bearer 123 in Figure 1E. Wherein, the first access network node is MN 10 in Figure 1E, the second access network node is SN 11 in Figure 1E, and the terminal is terminal 12 in Figure 1E; or, the first access network node is SN 11 in Figure 1E, the second access network node is MN 10 in Figure 1E, and the terminal is terminal 12 in Figure 1E.

[0526] As shown in Figure 5, another communication method provided in this application may include the following steps:

[0527] S501: The second access network node sends first information to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the first information from the second access network node.

[0528] One possible implementation is that the second access network node obtains the first information and sends the first information to the first access network node, such as by sending the first information to the first access network node through the Xn interface.

[0529] One possible design is that the first information may include one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the first uplink data packet.

[0530] Understandably, when the first access network node is MN and the second access network node is SN, the second access network node receives the first uplink data packet through SCG resources; when the first access network node is SN and the second access network node is MN, the second access network node receives the first uplink data packet through MCG resources.

[0531] The retransmission information mentioned above may include one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the RLC layer of the second access network node (denoted as the first retransmission information); or, retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the MAC layer of the second access network node (denoted as the second retransmission information).

[0532] For example, the first uplink data packet includes multiple RLC PDUs, and the first retransmission information includes the automatic repeat request (ARQ) retransmission rate of the multiple RLC PDUs at the RLC layer of the second access network node, or the first retransmission information includes the ARQ retransmission rate of the multiple RLC PDUs at the RLC layer of the second access network node within a first time period.

[0533] For example, the first uplink data packet includes multiple MAC PDUs, and the second retransmission information includes the HARQ retransmission rate of the multiple MAC PDUs at the MAC layer of the second access network node, or includes the proportion of HARQ ACK messages of the multiple MAC PDUs relative to HARQ negative acknowledgement (NACK) messages, or includes the proportion of HARQ NACK messages of the multiple MAC PDUs relative to HARQ ACK messages, or includes the HARQ retransmission rate of the multiple MAC PDUs at the MAC layer of the second access network node during the first time period, or includes the proportion of HARQ ACK messages of the multiple MAC PDUs relative to HARQ NACK messages during the first time period, or includes the proportion of HARQ NACK messages of the multiple MAC PDUs relative to HARQ ACK messages during the first time period.

[0534] When collecting statistics on the second retransmission information, the second access network node can collect statistics on one or more HARQ processes corresponding to the second split bearer, or it can collect the maximum, minimum or average value corresponding to the multiple HARQ processes.

[0535] The aforementioned latency information can indicate the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node in processing the first uplink data packet. A description of this latency can be found in the preceding description of latency #5. To indicate the aforementioned latency, the latency information may include the latency of each protocol layer processing data (e.g., D3.1–D3.2, or D4.1–D4.3), or the sum of the latency of each protocol layer processing data.

[0536] Understandably, the retransmission information and / or delay information included in the first information can be obtained by the second access network node through a single statistical analysis, or it can be the maximum, minimum, or average value obtained by the second access network node through multiple statistical analyses, without any restrictions. Furthermore, the second access network node can collect the first information over a period of time, or it can collect the first information corresponding to a certain number of data packets.

[0537] Optionally, the terminal sends first delay information to the first access network node. Correspondingly, the first access network node receives the first delay information from the terminal. The first delay information indicates the delay in the terminal's sorting of data packets on the first split bearer. For example, this delay includes the time from when the terminal receives a data packet from the upper layer at its PDCP layer to when the data packet receives uplink authorization and is sent to the terminal's MAC layer. This first delay information can be used to determine an uplink traffic splitting strategy.

[0538] Understandably, this latency can be obtained by the terminal through a single statistical analysis, or it can be the maximum, minimum, or average value obtained by the terminal through multiple statistical analyses, without any restrictions. Furthermore, the terminal can calculate the latency for sorting data packets on the first split bearer over a period of time, or it can calculate the latency for sorting a certain number of data packets on the first split bearer.

[0539] Optionally, the first information may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the second split bearer, or the identifier of the second LCG corresponding to the second split bearer.

[0540] S502: The first access network node sends uplink traffic offloading policy information to the termina...

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first access network node, the method includes: Receive first information from the terminal, the first information indicating the delay information of the terminal for reordering the first downlink data packets received through the first split bearer; Based on the first information, a downlink offloading strategy is determined. The downlink offloading strategy indicates how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the second split bearer. The second split bearer relies on the first access network node and the second access network node. The terminal is dual-connected to both the first access network node and the second access network node. Data packets sent through the second split bearer are received by the first split bearer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which instructs the terminal to report the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first downlink data packet, the identification information of the first downlink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the first indication information; The first time period is the period during which the terminal collects the first information, and the first indication information indicates whether to collect the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer at the granularity of cell group.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain third information, which includes one or more of the following: downlink signal quality of the first access network node, downlink signal quality of the second access network node, service quality requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node for processing downlink data in the second split bearer, latency information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing downlink data in the second split bearer, downlink air interface latency information between the first access network node and the terminal, or downlink air interface latency information between the second access network node and the terminal; The step of determining the downlink offloading strategy based on the first information includes: Based on the first information and the third information, the downlink diversion strategy is determined.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The downlink traffic offloading strategy information is sent to the second access network node.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a second indication information from the second access network node, the second indication information indicating the downlink offloading policy actually used by the second access network node, and the second indication information is used to update the downlink offloading policy.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, wherein the terminal is dually connected to a first access network node and a second access network node, the method includes: Obtain first information, the first information indicating the delay information of the terminal for reordering the first downlink data packets received through the first split bearer; The first information is sent to either the first access network node or the second access network node. The first information is used to determine the downlink offloading strategy. The downlink offloading strategy indicates how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the second split bearer. The second split bearer relies on the first access network node and the second access network node. Data packets sent through the second split bearer are received by the first split bearer.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, which indicates the delay information for reporting data packet reordering on the first split bearer.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first downlink data packet, the identification information of the first downlink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the first indication information; The first time period is the period during which the terminal collects the first information, and the first indication information indicates whether to collect the delay information of data packet reordering on the first split bearer at the granularity of cell group.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: the duration of the reordering, the number of times the reordering timer is started during the reordering process, or the timing information of the reordering timer during the reordering process.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the second split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, The downlink traffic splitting strategy indicates the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, The downlink traffic splitting strategy indicates the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, The downlink traffic splitting strategy indicates at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which data packets are transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or, The downlink traffic offloading strategy instructs the first X data packets on the second split bearer to be sent using the primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer. or, The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the second split bearer to be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or... The downlink traffic offloading strategy indicates that during the fourth time period, the first X data packets on the second split bearer are sent using the primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer. or, The downlink traffic offloading strategy indicates that during the fifth time period, the first Y data packets on the second split bearer are sent using the secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer. or, The downlink traffic offloading strategy instructs data packets with frame numbers meeting the first condition to be transmitted using primary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or... The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets with frame numbers meeting the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the second split bearer; or... The downlink traffic splitting strategy instructs that on the second split bearer, data packets whose frame numbers meet the first condition are sent using primary cell group resources, and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition are sent using secondary cell group resources.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first access network node, the method includes: Receive first information from the second access network node, the first information including one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the first uplink data packet; The uplink traffic offloading policy information is sent to the terminal or the second access network node. The terminal is dual-connected with both the first access network node and the second access network node. The uplink traffic offloading policy instructs the terminal on how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message to the second access network node, the second message instructing the second access network node to send one or more of the following: retransmission information of data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing data packets in the second split bearer.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first uplink data packet, the identification information of the first uplink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the process information to which the first uplink data packet belongs; wherein, the first time period is the time period during which the second access network node counts the first information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives first delay information, which indicates the delay of the terminal in sorting data packets on the first split bearer, and the first delay information is used to determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain third information, which is used to determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy. The third information includes one or more of the following: the uplink signal quality of the terminal, the quality of service requirements corresponding to the second split bearer, the uplink air interface delay between the first access network node and the terminal, the uplink air interface delay between the second access network node and the terminal, or the delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node for processing uplink data in the second split bearer.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first indication information from the second access network node, the first indication information indicating whether it is allowed to send uplink traffic offloading policy information to the terminal; When the first indication information indicates that uplink offloading policy information is allowed to be sent to the terminal, sending uplink offloading policy information to the terminal or the second access network node includes: sending the uplink offloading policy information to the terminal; When the first indication information indicates that uplink traffic offloading policy information is not allowed to be sent to the terminal, sending uplink traffic offloading policy information to the terminal or the second access network node includes: sending the uplink traffic offloading policy information to the second access network node.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second access network node, the method includes: Obtain first information, which includes one or more of the following: retransmission information of the first uplink data packet received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing the first uplink data packet; The first information is sent to the first access network node. The first information is used to determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy. The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the terminal how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer. The terminal is dual-connected with the first access network node and the second access network node. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second information received from the first access network node instructs the second access network node to send one or more of the following: retransmission information of data packets received on the second split bearer in the second access network node, or delay information of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node for processing data packets in the second split bearer.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second information includes one or more of the following: the quantity information of the first uplink data packet, the identification information of the first uplink data packet, the information of the first time period, or the process information to which the first uplink data packet belongs; wherein, the first time period is the time period during which the second access network node counts the first information.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first indication message to the first access network node, the first indication message indicating whether to allow sending an uplink traffic offloading strategy to the terminal.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates that uplink traffic offloading policies are not allowed to be sent to the terminal, and the method further includes: Receive information about the uplink traffic offloading strategy from the first access network node; The uplink traffic splitting strategy information is sent to the terminal.

23. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that, The retransmission information of the first uplink data packet includes one or more of the following: The retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the radio link control layer of the second access network node; or, The retransmission information of the first uplink data packet at the media access control layer of the second access network node.

24. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 23, characterized in that, The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy indicates the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy indicates the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy indicates at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which the primary cell group resources are used to send data packets on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which the secondary cell group resources are used to send data packets on the first split bearer; or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using the primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer. or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using the secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or... The uplink traffic offloading strategy indicates that during the fourth time period, the first X data packets on the first split bearer are sent using the primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer. or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy indicates that during the fifth time period, the first Y data packets on the first split bearer will be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or... The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or... The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or... The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs that on the first split bearer, data packets whose frame numbers meet the first condition are sent using the primary cell group resources, and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition are sent using the secondary cell group resources.

25. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, wherein the terminal is dually connected to a first access network node and a second access network node, the method includes: Receive first information, the first information indicating one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node processing the first uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the number of times the first access network node starts a reordering timer for the first uplink data packet, the timing information of the reordering timer, the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the second access network node processing the second uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the second access network node and the terminal, the number of times the second access network node starts a reordering timer for the second uplink data packet, or the timing information of the reordering timer started by the second access network node for the second uplink data packet; Determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy based on the first information; According to the uplink traffic splitting strategy, data packets on the first split bearer are sent using primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources. Data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, One or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer, or packet data convergence protocol layer; One or more protocol layers on the second access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer, or packet data convergence protocol layer.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal receives a first instruction message, which instructs the terminal to determine an uplink traffic offloading strategy.

28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the terminal's capability information, which indicates the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain second information, which indicates one or more of the following: the uplink signal quality of the terminal, the quality of service requirement corresponding to the first split bearer, or the delay of the terminal in sorting data packets on the first split bearer; The second information is used to determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy.

30. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: (First access network node) Obtain third information, which indicates one or more of the following: the latency of one or more protocol layers deployed on the first access network node in processing the first uplink data packet in the second split bearer, the uplink air interface latency between the first access network node and the terminal, the number of times the first access network node starts a reordering timer for the first uplink data packet, or the timing information of the reordering timer. The third information is sent to the terminal. The third information is used to determine the uplink traffic splitting strategy. The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the terminal how to use primary cell group resources and secondary cell group resources to send data packets on the first split bearer. The data packets sent through the first split bearer are received by the second split bearer in the second access network node, or by the second split bearer in the first access network node. The terminal is dual-connected to the first access network node and the second access network node.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, One or more protocol layers on the first access network node include one or more of the following: radio link control layer, or packet data convergence protocol layer.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first instruction message, which instructs the terminal to determine the uplink traffic offloading strategy.

33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal's capability information is received, which indicates the terminal's ability to reason about traffic splitting strategies.

34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33, characterized in that, The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs a first percentage of data packets on the first split bearer to be transmitted using primary cell group resources, and a second percentage of data packets to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources; or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy indicates the ratio of data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy indicates the ratio of data packets transmitted using secondary cell group resources to data packets transmitted using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy indicates at least one of a second time period or a third time period, wherein the second time period is the period during which the primary cell group resources are used to send data packets on the first split bearer, and the third time period is the period during which the secondary cell group resources are used to send data packets on the first split bearer; or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first X data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using the primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer. or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs the first Y data packets on the first split bearer to be sent using the secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or... The uplink traffic offloading strategy indicates that during the fourth time period, the first X data packets on the first split bearer are sent using the primary cell group resources, where X is a positive integer. or, The uplink traffic splitting strategy indicates that during the fifth time period, the first Y data packets on the first split bearer will be sent using secondary cell group resources, where Y is a positive integer; or... The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets whose frame numbers meet the first condition to be sent using primary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or... The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition to be transmitted using secondary cell group resources on the first split bearer; or... The uplink traffic splitting strategy instructs that on the first split bearer, data packets whose frame numbers meet the first condition are sent using the primary cell group resources, and data packets whose frame numbers meet the second condition are sent using the secondary cell group resources.

35. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that, The second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the primary node; or, the second split bearer is a split bearer terminated by the secondary node. The first access network node is a primary node, and the second access network node is a secondary node. The primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node; or, the first access network node is a secondary node, and the second access network node is a primary node. The primary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the second access network node, and the secondary cell group resources belong to the air interface transmission resources of the first access network node.

36. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 35.

37. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 35.

38. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 35.

39. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 35.

Images