Communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method, an apparatus and a system. For example, the method can be applied to scenarios with high service requirements, such as XR. In the method, indication information is used to indicate a QoS flow having an adjustment capability, so as to further determine a recommended rate. In this way, the rate can be adjusted in a targeted manner, which not only meets service requirements, solves congestion that may be generated during data transmission and improves user experience, but also avoids resource waste.

Description

Communication methods, devices and systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510014866.6, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 3, 2025, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method, apparatus, and system. Background Technology

[0003] With increasing demands for communication services, more and more application scenarios are placing higher requirements on data transmission rates. For example, extended reality (XR) services often involve multiple service streams, such as video, audio, gesture, and control streams. Among these, video stream transmission is the most complex and consumes the most bandwidth; at 1080p@60fps, approximately 2-3 Mbps of bandwidth is required. For future 4K and 8K high-definition video, even greater bandwidth is needed. A common problem users encounter is congestion when there are many users at a base station, causing video or other media streams to stutter, resulting in a degraded user experience. Therefore, how to adjust the transmission rate in a timely manner to meet user needs is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system that enables terminal devices to quickly access the network and reduces access latency.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by an access network device, or by a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the access network device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device. This application does not limit this approach. The following description uses an access network device as an example.

[0006] The method includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment; and sending second indication information to a terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate a first rate, the first rate being used to receive first data on the first quality of service flow, the first quality of service flow belonging to the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment.

[0007] In this method, the recommended rate is further determined by indicating the QoS flow with adjustment capability through the indication information. This allows for targeted rate adjustment, which can not only meet business needs and solve the congestion that may occur during data transmission, but also avoid resource waste.

[0008] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates an identifier of a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment, or the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment.

[0009] In other words, the first indication information can directly indicate the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment.

[0010] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service stream supports rate adjustment, including: the first indication information indicates a candidate rate for receiving data on the first quality of service stream.

[0011] In other words, the first indication information can indirectly indicate the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment.

[0012] In summary, the methods for providing the first instruction information are flexible and diverse.

[0013] In one implementation, the candidate rates include at least two rates arranged in order of priority.

[0014] In one implementation, the first rate is the rate with the highest priority among the candidate rates.

[0015] This approach provides candidate rates along with priority information, making it easier for network devices to determine the optimal recommended rate and promptly meet business needs.

[0016] In one implementation, the first rate is determined based on the first indication information, including: the first rate is determined based on network resource usage and the candidate rate.

[0017] In this method, the current network resource usage is also considered when determining the first rate, which can allocate the rate more reasonably, avoiding both resource waste and resource congestion.

[0018] In one implementation, the first rate is less than the second rate, where the second rate is the rate at which the access network device receives second data on the first quality of service stream before the uplink congestion occurs, the second data is the data transmitted before the uplink congestion occurs, and the first data is the data to be transmitted on the first quality of service stream after the uplink congestion occurs; or, the first rate is less than or equal to the maximum bit rate (MBR), and the first data is the data to be transmitted on the first quality of service stream after the uplink congestion is resolved.

[0019] In this approach, rate adjustment is used in scenarios where data transmission is congested. It can promptly alleviate congestion, avoid service delays such as time-frequency stuttering, and improve user experience. Rate adjustment can also be used after congestion is resolved, provided that resource usage allows, to adjust the rate to an optimal level to provide users with better service, such as a clearer time-frequency experience.

[0020] In one implementation, the second indication information indicates a first index, which corresponds to the first rate; or, the second indication information indicates a second index and a first multiple, which corresponds to a third rate, and the third rate and the first multiple are used to determine the first rate.

[0021] It should be understood that the method by which the second indication information indicates the rate also applies to the scenario where the first indication information indicates the rate. However, the method of indicating the rate through indication information is not limited to this.

[0022] In this method, the rate is indicated by an index, or by an index and a multiple, which saves overhead compared to directly indicating the rate.

[0023] In one implementation, the first indication information comes from the terminal device, and the first indication information is XR UAI, RRC, or MAC CE.

[0024] In this approach, the terminal device reports the Quality of Service flow that supports rate adjustment, reusing existing signaling to further reduce signaling overhead.

[0025] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, the value of which is determined based on a third rate and an offset value. The offset value is related to the size of the header of each layer of the protocol stack, and the third rate is the rate corresponding to the encoder.

[0026] In this approach, the size of the headers of each layer of the protocol stack is taken into account when reporting the rate, which enables the terminal device and the access network device to align their rates and improves the accuracy of the access network device's interpretation.

[0027] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, which is supported by both the terminal device and the server.

[0028] In this approach, the rates reported by the terminal devices are all agreed upon in advance with the server and are supported by each other. In the event of rate adjustments, the quality of services can be guaranteed as much as possible to avoid a decline in user experience.

[0029] In one implementation, the first indication information is received after the QoS flow is successfully established.

[0030] This method provides a triggering condition for the first indication information. However, this application is not limited to this.

[0031] In one implementation, the first indication information comes from the core network device, and the first indication information is received after the establishment of the dedicated quality of service flow is successful. The first quality of service flow is the dedicated quality of service flow.

[0032] In this approach, the core network equipment instructs the access network equipment on the Quality of Service (QoS) flow that supports rate adjustment. This reduces the burden on terminal equipment and lowers its power consumption.

[0033] Secondly, a method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the terminal device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. This application does not limit this. The following description uses a terminal device as an example.

[0034] The method includes: sending a first indication message to an access network device, the first indication message being used to indicate a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment; receiving a second indication message, the second indication message being used to indicate a first rate, the first rate being used to send first data on a first quality of service flow, the first quality of service flow belonging to the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment.

[0035] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates an identifier of a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment, or the first indication information indicates that a first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment.

[0036] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service stream supports rate adjustment, including: the first indication information indicates a candidate rate for receiving data on the first quality of service stream.

[0037] In one implementation, the candidate rates include at least two rates arranged in order of priority.

[0038] In one implementation, the first rate is the rate with the highest priority among the candidate rates.

[0039] In one implementation, the second indication information indicates a first index, which corresponds to the first rate; or, the second indication information indicates a second index and a first multiple, which corresponds to a third rate, and the third rate and the first multiple are used to determine the first rate.

[0040] In one implementation, the first indication information is UAI, RRC, or MAC CE.

[0041] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, and the method further includes: determining the value of the candidate rate based on a third rate and an offset value, wherein the offset value is related to the size of the header of each layer of the protocol stack, and the third rate is the rate corresponding to the encoder.

[0042] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, which is a rate jointly supported by the terminal device and the server.

[0043] In one implementation, sending the first indication information includes: sending the first indication information in response to a successful QoS flow establishment.

[0044] The second aspect is the implementation on the terminal device side, which corresponds to the first aspect. The explanations, supplements, and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the first aspect also apply to the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] Thirdly, a method is provided, which can be executed by, for example, a core network device, or by a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the core network device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the core network device. This application does not limit this approach. The following description uses a core network device as an example.

[0046] The method includes: acquiring first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment; and sending the first indication information to an access network device.

[0047] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates an identifier of a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment, or the first indication information indicates that a first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment.

[0048] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment, including: the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, the candidate rate being a candidate rate for data transmission on the first quality of service flow.

[0049] In one implementation, the candidate rates include at least two rates arranged in order of priority.

[0050] The third aspect is the implementation on the core network equipment side, which corresponds to the first aspect. The explanations, supplements, and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the first aspect also apply to the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] Fourthly, an apparatus is provided, comprising a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information indicating a Quality of Service (QoS) flow supporting rate adjustment; the transceiver module is further configured to send second indication information to a terminal device, the second indication information indicating a first rate determined based on the first indication information, the first rate being used to receive first data on a first QoS flow, the first QoS flow belonging to the QoS flow supporting rate adjustment.

[0052] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates an identifier of a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment, or the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment.

[0053] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service stream supports rate adjustment, including: the first indication information indicates a candidate rate for receiving data on the first quality of service stream.

[0054] In one implementation, the candidate rates include at least two rates arranged in order of priority.

[0055] In one implementation, the first rate is the highest priority rate among the candidate rates. In another implementation, the first rate is determined based on the first indication information, including: the first rate is determined based on network resource usage and the candidate rates.

[0056] In one implementation, the first rate is less than the second rate, where the second rate is the rate at which the access network device receives second data on the first quality of service stream before the uplink congestion occurs, the second data is the data transmitted before the uplink congestion occurs, and the first data is the data to be transmitted on the first quality of service stream after the uplink congestion occurs; or, the first rate is less than or equal to the maximum bit rate (MBR), and the first data is the data to be transmitted on the first quality of service stream after the uplink congestion is resolved.

[0057] In one implementation, the second indication information indicates a first index, which corresponds to the first rate; or, the second indication information indicates a second index and a first multiple, which corresponds to a third rate, and the third rate and the first multiple are used to determine the first rate.

[0058] In one implementation, the first indication information comes from the terminal device, and the first indication information is XR UAI, RRC, or MAC CE.

[0059] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, the value of which is determined based on a third rate and an offset value. The offset value is related to the size of the headers of each layer of the protocol stack and the size of the IP header. The third rate is the rate corresponding to the encoder.

[0060] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, which is supported by both the terminal device and the server.

[0061] In one implementation, the first indication information is received after the QoS flow is successfully established.

[0062] In one implementation, the first indication information comes from the core network device, and the first indication information is received after the establishment of the dedicated quality of service flow is successful. The first quality of service flow is the dedicated quality of service flow.

[0063] The fourth aspect is the implementation on the device side, which corresponds to the first aspect. The explanations, supplements, and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the first aspect also apply to the fourth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0064] Fifthly, an apparatus is provided, comprising a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send first indication information to a terminal device, the first indication information indicating a Quality of Service (QoS) flow supporting rate adjustment; the transceiver module is further configured to receive second indication information indicating a first rate, the first rate being determined based on the first indication information, the first rate being used to send first data on a first QoS flow, the first QoS flow belonging to the QoS flow supporting rate adjustment.

[0065] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates an identifier of a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment, or the first indication information indicates that a first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment.

[0066] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service stream supports rate adjustment, including: the first indication information indicates a candidate rate for receiving data on the first quality of service stream.

[0067] In one implementation, the candidate rates include at least two rates arranged in order of priority.

[0068] In one implementation, the first rate is the highest priority rate among the candidate rates. In another implementation, the second indication information indicates a first index, which corresponds to the first rate; or, the second indication information indicates a second index and a first multiple, where the second index corresponds to a third rate, and the third rate and the first multiple are used to determine the first rate.

[0069] In one implementation, the first indication information is UAI, RRC, or MAC CE.

[0070] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, and the method further includes: determining the value of the candidate rate based on a third rate and an offset value, wherein the offset value is related to the size of the header of each layer of the protocol stack, and the third rate is the rate corresponding to the encoder.

[0071] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, which is a rate jointly supported by the terminal device and the server.

[0072] In one implementation, sending the first indication information includes: sending the first indication information in response to a successful QoS flow establishment.

[0073] The fifth aspect is the implementation on the device side corresponding to the second aspect. The explanations, supplements, and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the second aspect also apply to the fifth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0074] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to acquire first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a quality of service flow supporting rate adjustment; the transceiver module is further configured to transmit the first indication information to an access network device.

[0075] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates an identifier of a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment, or the first indication information indicates that a first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment.

[0076] In one implementation, the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment, including: the first indication information indicates a candidate rate for transmitting data on the first quality of service flow.

[0077] In one implementation, the candidate rates include at least two rates arranged in order of priority.

[0078] The sixth aspect is the implementation on the device side corresponding to the third aspect. The explanations, supplements, and descriptions of the beneficial effects of the third aspect also apply to the sixth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0079] A seventh aspect provides an apparatus including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect described above. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a memory. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0080] In one implementation, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0081] In another implementation, the device is a chip configured in a terminal device. When the device is a chip configured in a terminal device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0082] Eighthly, an apparatus is provided, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions or data in the memory to implement the methods in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a memory. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0083] In one implementation, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0084] In another implementation, the device is a chip configured in a satellite. When the device is a chip configured in a satellite, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0085] A ninth aspect provides a processor, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute a method in any possible implementation of any aspect.

[0086] In specific implementation, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be input pins, the output circuit can be output pins, and the processing circuit can be transistors, gate circuits, flip-flops, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0087] In a tenth aspect, an apparatus is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory and to receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0088] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0089] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of any of the preceding aspects.

[0090] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0091] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system including one or more processors for calling and executing instructions stored in memory, causing the methods in any of the above aspects or any possible implementations of the above aspects to be executed. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0092] The chip system may include input circuits or interfaces for transmitting information or data, and output circuits or interfaces for receiving information or data.

[0093] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including the aforementioned terminal equipment and network equipment (including access network equipment and core network equipment). Optionally, the communication system may further include other equipment that communicates with the terminal equipment and / or network equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0094] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system;

[0095] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device;

[0096] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a QFI mapping relationship;

[0097] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the implementation of an interaction flow of the communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the implementation of an interaction flow of the communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 8 is another schematic block diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0102] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) systems, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, sidelink communication systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, or new radio access technology (NR). Among these, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networking. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit the scope of these applications.

[0104] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication system 100 may include network devices, such as network device 110 shown in Figure 1. The communication system 100 may also include terminal devices, such as terminal device 120 shown in Figure 1. Network device 110 and terminal device 120 can communicate via a wireless link.

[0105] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary network device 110 and a terminal device 120. Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include multiple network devices and / or multiple terminal devices.

[0106] The network equipment in this application can be network-side equipment such as access network equipment and core network equipment. Access network equipment is sometimes also called access node. Access network equipment has wireless transceiver capabilities and is used to communicate with terminals. Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs) in the above-mentioned communication systems, next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, access network equipment or modules of access network equipment in Open RAN (ORAN) systems, satellites in NTN communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems. Access network equipment can also be modules or units that can implement some of the functions of a base station. Access network equipment can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, access network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, or vehicle-mounted equipment, etc. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). Multiple access network devices in a communication system can be base stations of the same type or different types. Base stations can communicate with terminals directly or via relay stations. Terminals can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the access network equipment. In this application, access network equipment is referred to as network equipment; unless otherwise specified, network equipment refers to access network equipment.

[0107] In this application, the means for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or a means capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system. This means can be installed in or connected to the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0108] The terminal device in this application can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device providing voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. For example, the terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, or satellite communication, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, hot air balloon, ship, robot, robotic arm, or smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device.

[0109] In this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or any apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system. This apparatus can be installed in or connected to the terminal device. In the technical solutions provided in this application, the example of a terminal device being used to implement the functions of a terminal device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0110] Network devices and / or terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the application scenarios of the network devices and terminals. Network devices and terminals can be deployed in the same or different scenarios; for example, both can be deployed on land simultaneously; or the network device can be deployed on land while the terminal device is deployed on water, etc., and so on.

[0111] In practical applications, multiple network devices can collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different network devices each implementing some of the functions of a base station. For example, network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0112] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, 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), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, and RU can implement different protocol layer functions.

[0113] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an access network device. As an implementation example, as shown in Figure 2, the access network device may include at least one CU and at least one DU. This design can be referred to as CU and DU separation. One CU can be connected to one or more DUs. CU and DU can be separated according to the protocol layer of the wireless network: for example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above (e.g., RRC layer and SDAP layer, etc.) are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer, etc.) are set in the DU; or, for another example, the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer are set in the DU, without limitation. When the CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when the CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the PDCP layer control plane functions, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the PDCP layer user plane functions. This application does not limit the names of CU and DU. The above division of CU and DU processing functions according to the protocol layer is just one example; other methods can also be used.

[0114] The CU can be connected to the core network. Optionally, the CU can have some of the functions of the core network.

[0115] Furthermore, some functions of the DU can be separated. As shown in Figure 2, this function can be implemented by a radio unit (RU). The RU can have radio frequency (RF) functionality. This application does not limit the name of the RU. The DU and RU can be split or separated at the PHY layer. For example, the DU can implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU can implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or implement both lower-level functions and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the PHY layer include functions closer to the MAC layer, and lower-level functions in the PHY layer include functions closer to the RF layer. For example, higher-level functions in the PHY layer include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling, or modulation / demodulation. Lower-level functions in the PHY layer include one or more of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT) / inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc. The RU can communicate with the terminal device via the air interface using RF signals. The pre-coding function of the PHY layer code can be located in the DU or the RU. The separation between the DU and RU can be done in various ways without restriction. An interface exists between the DU and RU. For example, depending on the separation method, the interface between the DU and RU can be a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) interface or an Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI) interface.

[0116] Optionally, any one of CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU can be a software module, a hardware structure, or a combination of software and hardware structures, without limitation. The different entities can exist in the same or different forms. For example, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU are software modules, and RU is a hardware structure. For the sake of brevity, all possible combinations are not listed here. These modules and the methods they execute are also within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, when the method of the embodiments of this application is executed by an access network device, it can be specifically executed by at least one of CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, or RU.

[0117] In addition to the aforementioned access network equipment, this application also involves the core network (CN) on the network side. For example, the core network may include application functions (AFs). An AF is similar to an application server, interacting with other 5G core network control plane network functions (NFs) and providing service capabilities. AFs can exist for different application services and can be owned by an operator or a trusted third party.

[0118] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terminology used in this application will be briefly explained first. Optionally, the explanation of some terms may also refer to the explanations in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard protocol.

[0119] 1. Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and PDU Session

[0120] PDUs are information exchanged between peer layers using protocol layers. For example, information exchange between source and destination devices, between application layers, between transport layers, between network layers, between data link layers, and between physical layers are all transmitted via PDUs. For instance, PDUs can be transmitted through a PDU session. A PDU session refers to the process of communication between a user terminal (UE) and a data network (DN). Once a PDU session is established, a data transmission channel between the UE and the DN is established. A PDU session is similar to the PDP context in 2G / 3G and the bearer context in 4G. The PDU session stores important information related to billing, such as user plane data routing, quality of service (QoS), billing, slicing, and rate. PDU sessions include processes such as establishment, modification, and release. The specific execution flow of these processes can be found in the protocol descriptions, and will not be elaborated here.

[0121] 2. Data Radio Bearer (DRB)

[0122] A radio bearer (RB) is the collective term for the different protocol entities and configurations allocated by the base station to the UE, including PDCP protocol entities, RLC protocol entities, MAC protocol entities, and a series of resources allocated to the PHY. The RB is the channel (including PHY, MAC, RLC, and PDCP) connecting the radio interface to the eNodeB and the UE; all data transmitted on the radio interface must pass through the RB. There are two types of radio bearers: signaling radio bearers (SRBs) and DRBs. Each has its own specific function, and this layered structure ensures the effectiveness of radio transmission.

[0123] DRB stands for Data Radio Bearer, which handles packet processing in the Radio Interface (Uu). The DRB is responsible for providing the same packet forwarding processing for (user) packets. In a wireless network, the gNB maps the DRB to QoS.

[0124] 3. QoS

[0125] To provide different qualities of service (QoS) for different services, wireless networks offer QoS. QoS management is a control mechanism for wireless networks to meet the quality requirements of different services. It is an end-to-end process that requires the cooperation of all network nodes along the route from initiator to responder to ensure service quality. Air interface QoS management features provide different end-to-end QoS for various services and users with different needs.

[0126] QoS flows represent the finest-grained QoS control from the 5G core network to the terminal. Each QoS flow is identified by a QoS flow identifier (QFI). Within a PDU session, each QoS flow's QFI is unique. The core network notifies the gNodeB of the corresponding 5G QoS Identifier (5QI) for each QoS flow, specifying the QoS attribute or type of this QoS flow. The gNodeB maps QoS flows to radio bearers (RBs). The mapping between QoS flows and RBs can be many-to-one or one-to-one. Logical channels and DRBs have a one-to-one mapping.

[0127] As shown in Figure 3, logical channels are represented by logical channel identities (LCIDs). In the figure, LCID1 is mapped to DRB1, and DRB1 is mapped to QFI1 and QFI2. Data in QFI1 is sent through port 1, and data in QFI2 is sent through port 2. LCID2 is mapped to DRB2, and DRB2 is mapped to QFI3. QFI3 is sent through port 3. Ports 1 through 3 belong to the application layer.

[0128] 4. Bitrate

[0129] Bit rate, also known as bit depth or bit rate, is the amount of data transmitted per unit of time, such as the amount of video (or audio) data. The unit of bit rate is bits per second (bps, also referred to as b / s below), typically kbps (kilobits per second, kb / s) or Mbps (megabits per second, Mb / s). For example, different bit rates determine the degree to which the encoder compresses the video, and are a key factor in determining the final video quality and file size. A lower bit rate indicates a higher degree of compression and lower image quality. A higher bit rate generally results in higher video quality but a larger video file size.

[0130] The rate in this application can be understood as the amount of data transmitted per unit time on a QoS stream, or the amount of data transmitted per unit time on a DRB.

[0131] 5. Encoder

[0132] In digital signal processing, analog signals are often sampled, quantized, and encoded to ultimately convert them into digital signals for computer processing. An encoder is a tool used to convert input data into a specific format. Many applications (such as video processing, audio processing, and image processing) use encoders to optimize data transmission and storage. Encoders can be one-to-one with data rates. For example, encoder A supports encoding at 30 Mbps, while encoder B supports encoding at 60 Mbps.

[0133] One possible scenario is that XR services often involve multiple service streams, including video, audio, gesture, and control streams. Among these, the video stream is the most complex and consumes the most bandwidth. For example, a 1080p@60fps stream requires approximately 2-3 Mbps of bandwidth. For subsequent 4K and 8K high-definition video, even greater bandwidth is required. Here, fps is the frame rate unit, representing the number of frames per second. 1080p refers to the resolution.

[0134] A common problem users encounter in these scenarios is that data transmission congestion can occur when there are many users, leading to stuttering in video or other media streams and a degraded user experience. The Release 19 (R19) document also includes a discussion of congestion control, specifically how to quickly notify the UE (User Equipment) of the stuttering when network congestion occurs, enabling the UE to perform rate adaptation. For example, the network side can quickly notify the UE to perform uplink rate adaptation through control signaling at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer.

[0135] However, only data streams with encoding capabilities have the ability to adjust their rates. Assuming that QoS flow1, identified by QFI1 in Figure 3, is a video stream with an encoding format such as H.264 and a current rate of 10Mb / s, this QoS flow1 can only be rate-adjusted if it supports other rates. If QoS flow2, identified by QFI2, is an attitude control flow without encoding capabilities, it does not have rate-adjustment capabilities. When the network notifies the UE of uplink rate adaptation, it does not know which QoS flows have rate-adjustment capabilities, which can easily lead to rate matching problems. It can also easily cause resource waste. For example, the base station may not know the multiple rate-adjustment capabilities associated with a QoS flow that supports rate adjustment. For instance, if the current transmission rate (i.e., bit rate) on QFI1 is 10Mb / s, the supported rates on this flow may be 10Mb / s, 4Mb / s, and 768kb / s. Because the base station lacks information about the rates supported by the QoS flow, it may notify the UE that the recommended rate is 6Mb / s, while the next rate that the UE supports on this flow is 4Mb / s, which results in a waste of resources.

[0136] In view of this, this application provides a communication method in which a network device can obtain the rate capability of a terminal device in a timely manner to match an appropriate rate adjustment strategy, thereby saving resources while meeting user needs in a timely manner.

[0137] The solution provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the corresponding flowcharts. It is understood that the illustrative flowcharts provided in this application primarily use different devices (e.g., terminal devices, network devices) as examples of the execution subjects of this interactive illustration to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive illustrations. For example, the devices (e.g., terminal devices, network devices) in the illustrative flowcharts can also be chips, chip systems, or processors that support the implementation of this method on the device, or logic modules or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the device.

[0138] As a general statement, the message or signaling interactions involved in the interaction process of this application embodiment can be standard messages or signaling or newly introduced messages or signaling. This application embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0139] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 400 according to an embodiment of this application. It can be understood that the terminal device in Figure 4 can be any of the terminal devices in Figure 1, or it can refer to a device within the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). The access network device can be any of the access network devices in Figure 1, or it can refer to a device within the access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system). As shown in Figure 4, the method 400 includes the following steps:

[0140] S410, the access network device receives first indication information, which is used to indicate a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment.

[0141] The first instruction information comes from the terminal device or the core network device. The different senders of the first instruction information correspond to different implementation processes, which will be explained in detail later.

[0142] The Quality of Service (QoS) flow that supports rate adjustment mentioned above can be understood as having multiple data transmission rates on that QoS flow, which can be adjusted (or switched) in certain scenarios. In other words, this QoS flow has the capability to adjust its rate. Specifically, regarding the encoder, this means that the QoS flow can support selecting different encoders for data encoding and transmission.

[0143] It should be noted that this application uses Quality of Service (QoS) flow as an example for illustration, but it is not limited to this. For example, replacing QoS flow with DRB would also be applicable. Referring to the previous introduction, there is a mapping relationship between DRB and QoS flow. The difference between the two lies in the granularity of rate adjustment, that is, rate adjustment is performed at the granularity of QoS flow or at the granularity of DRB.

[0144] One possible approach is to use the first indication information to indicate the identifier of the Quality of Service (QoS) flow that supports rate adjustment, i.e., QFI, to indicate the QoS flow that supports rate adjustment. For example, there may be four QoS flows that can be used for data transmission: QoS flow A, QoS flow B, QoS flow C, and QoS flow D. The identifier for QoS flow A is QFI 1, for QoS flow B it is QFI 2, for QoS flow C it is QFI 3, and for QoS flow D it is QFI 4. The first indication information indicates QFI 1, QFI 2, and QFI 3, i.e., it indicates that the QoS flows that support rate adjustment are QoS flow A, QoS flow B, and QoS flow C. Simultaneously, it indicates that QoS flow D does not support rate adjustment.

[0145] Another possible approach is that the first indication information indicates whether the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment. The first quality of service flow belongs to at least one quality of service flow, which includes quality of service flows that support rate adjustment. In other words, the first indication information indicates whether one or more quality of service flows support rate adjustment.

[0146] For example, the first indication information indicates "true" or "false," where true indicates that the QoS flow supports rate adjustment, and false indicates that the QoS flow supports rate adjustment. For instance, the first indication information could be a single bit, the value of which indicates whether a QoS flow supports rate adjustment. A bit value of 1 indicates that the QoS flow supports rate adjustment; a bit value of 0 indicates that the QoS flow does not support rate adjustment. In this example, the first indication information can be carried within the QoS flow configuration information. For example, the QoS flow configuration information carries one or more of the following: QoS flow duration information, QFI, PDU session ID, QoS rule(s) and associated UL protocol description(s) (if available), QoS rule operation, QoS flow level QoS parameters (if needed for the QoS flow(s) associated with the QoS rule(s)), session aggregate maximum bit rate (session-AMBR), always-on PDU session granted, and port management information container, along with first indication information. Upon receiving this first indication information, the access network device can determine whether the QoS flow identified by the QFI supports or does not support rate adjustment.

[0147] In another example, the first indication information includes multiple bits, the number of which is the same as the number of QoS flows to be indicated. These multiple bits correspond one-to-one with multiple QoS flows, and the value of each bit indicates whether the corresponding QoS flow supports rate adjustment. For example, if five QoS flows need to be indicated, the first indication information includes five bits: bit A, bit B, bit C, bit D, and bit E. Bit A corresponds to QoS flow A, bit B to QoS flow B, bit C to QoS flow C, bit D to QoS flow D, and bit E to QoS flow E. If these five bits have a value of 11100, it indicates that QoS flows A, B, and C support rate adjustment, while QoS flows D and E do not. Optionally, the correspondence between the bits and QoS flows can be configured or predefined. For example, the bit order can be consistent with the QoS flow order. In this example, the first indication information can be newly added or reused from existing signaling; there are no limitations.

[0148] It should be understood that the number of bits, their values, and the meanings they represent are all examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0149] Both of the above possible methods can be said to directly indicate the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment through the first indication information. The following describes a method that indirectly indicates the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment through the first indication information.

[0150] Another possible approach is that the first indication information indicates a candidate rate, which is a candidate rate for receiving data on the first quality of service (QoS) stream. In other words, any candidate rate can be used to transmit data on the first QoS stream. Furthermore, the first indication information also needs to indicate the correspondence between the candidate rate and the first QoS stream, i.e., the candidate rate is used for the first QoS stream. Optionally, the number of candidate rates can be greater than or equal to two. However, if there is currently a used rate, the number of candidate rates can also be one, indicating that in addition to supporting the current data transmission rate, one candidate rate is also supported.

[0151] In this way, access network devices can clearly understand the relationship between Quality of Service (QoS) flows and the different rates they support. Similarly, when the first indication information indicates the rates supported by more QoS flows, it should also clearly indicate the relationship between these rates and each QoS flow.

[0152] Optionally, if the candidate rates include multiple rates (e.g., the number of rates is greater than or equal to 2), these multiple rates can be arranged according to priority order. For example, they can be arranged in order of priority from high to low, or in order of priority from low to high.

[0153] It should be understood that the access network device should clearly define the priority information corresponding to each of the multiple rates. This priority information can be indicated to the access network device by the terminal device or core network device, or it can be pre-agreed upon by the terminal device and / or core network device and the access network device, such as pre-agreing that candidate rates are indicated in descending order of priority. The priority of each candidate rate can be determined based on service requirements or depend on the specific implementation. This application is not limited to this.

[0154] The following describes some implementations of the first indication information rate.

[0155] For example, the first indication information indicates the index corresponding to the candidate rate. That is, the first index corresponds to the first rate. It is understood that the correspondence between the rate and the index should be agreed upon by the sender and receiver of the first indication information. Alternatively, the correspondence between the rate and the index should be consistent throughout the communication system, such as between terminal devices, access network devices, and core network devices. This correspondence can be predefined or configured; it is not limited.

[0156] In another example, the first indication information indicates a second index and a first multiple. This second index corresponds to a rate (i.e., a third rate), and this third rate, along with the first multiple, is used to determine a rate (e.g., the first rate). For example, the first indication information indicates index 2 and a multiple of 2. According to the above correspondence, index 2 corresponds to 50 kb / s, so the first indication information actually indicates 50 kb / s * 2 = 100 kb / s.

[0157] In another example, the first indication information indicates an index (e.g., index A) and a ratio, which is the ratio of the rate corresponding to index A to the rate that the first indication information actually indicates. For example, the first indication information indicates index 2 and 1 / 2. According to the above correspondence, index 2 corresponds to 50kb / s, so the first indication information actually indicates 50kb / s * 1 / 2 = 25kb / s.

[0158] It should be understood that all methods capable of indicating a rate are within the scope of protection of this application, such as those using difference relationships, logarithmic relationships, reference rates, etc., without limitation.

[0159] An example of the correspondence between the above rates and indices is given here, but it is not intended to limit this application. The correspondence is shown in Table 1.

[0160] Table 1. Correspondence between rate and index

[0161] It should be understood that Table 1 only shows a partial correspondence between indices and rates. Others will not be discussed here.

[0162] In one possible implementation, if the first indication information is from the terminal device, then the first indication information may be uplink assistant information (UAI), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or media access control control element (MAC CE).

[0163] In this implementation, the candidate rate indicated by the first indication information also needs to consider other factors. For example, the value of this candidate rate is determined based on the rate corresponding to the encoder (i.e., the third rate) and an offset value. This offset value is related to the size of the headers of each layer of the protocol stack. In other words, the rate value supported by the QoS flow indicated to the access network device is not simply the rate corresponding to the encoder. The aforementioned protocol stack layers, such as the Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Radio Link Control (RLC), and Media Access Control (MAC), can indicate the bandwidth actually required for uplink transmission by the terminal device, enabling the network device to provide a more accurate recommended rate.

[0164] Furthermore, the rates indicated in the first instruction information are supported by both the terminal device and the server. In other words, these rates are negotiated and agreed upon by the terminal device and the server. The server here could be an AF (Automatic Field Control).

[0165] Optionally, the first indication information is received upon successful establishment of the QoS flow. That is, in response to the successful establishment of the QoS flow corresponding to the QFI, the terminal device sends the first indication information to the core network device, and the core network receives the first indication information after the successful establishment of the QoS flow.

[0166] In another possible implementation, the first indication information originates from the core network device. This first indication information is received after the establishment of a dedicated quality of service flow, which is a dedicated quality of service flow. That is, in response to the successful establishment of the dedicated quality of service flow, the core network device sends the first indication information to the access network device, and the access network device receives the first indication information after the dedicated quality of service flow has been successfully established.

[0167] It should be understood that in the above example, the first indication information indicates the rate as an implementation of indicating which QoS flows support rate adjustment. This application is not limited to this. For example, the sending of the first indication information is to indicate the rate supported by the QoS flow. However, once the indication information is received, it can be understood as the QoS flow being able to support rate adjustment.

[0168] S420, the access network device determines a first rate based on the first indication information, the first rate being used to receive first data on the first quality of service stream.

[0169] The first rate is determined differently for the two scenarios, as follows:

[0170] Method A: In the event of congestion, the first rate is less than the second rate. The second rate is the rate at which the access network device received the second data on the first quality of service stream before the uplink congestion occurred. The second data is the data transmitted before the uplink congestion occurred. The first rate can be used to transmit the first data, which is the data to be transmitted on the first quality of service stream after the uplink congestion occurs. In other words, the core network device selects a rate less than the rate used before or during the congestion from the rates indicated by the first indication information as the rate for subsequent data transmission.

[0171] For example, the first indication information indicates rates of 10Mb / s, 4Mb / s, and 768kb / s, respectively. These rates are all supported by QoS flow A. Before congestion occurs, data is transmitted at a rate of 10Mb / s on QoS flow A. If congestion occurs, the core network device can choose a rate of 4Mb / s for subsequent data transmission. Of course, the core network device can also choose a rate of 768kb / s for subsequent data transmission. This application does not limit the specific candidate rate selection. For example, any rate that can resolve congestion can be selected. At the same time, it is preferable if the rate can meet business needs and minimize the reduction in user experience.

[0172] Among them, core network equipment can sense whether current service transmission is congested. For details on how it senses congestion, please refer to current technologies, which will not be elaborated here.

[0173] Option B: After congestion is cleared, the first rate is less than or equal to the maximum bit rate (MBR). The first rate can be used to transmit the first data, which is the data to be transmitted on the first Quality of Service (QoS) flow after uplink congestion is cleared. That is, after congestion is cleared, the rate selected by the core network equipment does not need to exceed the MBR. Of course, this also needs to be a rate supported by the QoS flow of the transmitted data.

[0174] In other words, the rate adjustment scheme proposed in this application is applicable to both congestion-prone and congestion-relief scenarios.

[0175] It should be understood that in the above example, the first rate is determined from the candidate rates indicated by the first indication information, and this application is not limited to this. For example, the first rate may be determined based on network resources and the aforementioned candidate rates. The final value of the first rate may or may not be one of the aforementioned candidate rates; that is, the aforementioned candidate rates are considered as factors in determining the first rate, but the first rate does not necessarily belong to these candidate rates.

[0176] When the candidate rates include multiple rates, and these rates are arranged according to priority, the access network device can determine the first rate based on the priority. For example, the access network device can determine the rate with the highest priority as the first rate and instruct it to the terminal device. This can provide a better rate and meet the current service needs of the terminal device as much as possible.

[0177] It should be understood that S420 is an optional step.

[0178] S430, the access network device sends a second instruction information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the second instruction information accordingly.

[0179] The second indication information is used to indicate the first rate. Optionally, the way the second indication information indicates the first rate can refer to some implementations of the first indication information indicating the rate in S410, which will not be repeated here.

[0180] It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of devices involved in the information transmission process. For example, when an access network device sends second indication information to a terminal device, it means that the flow of the second indication information is from the access network device to the terminal device. Other devices may also participate in the transmission process of the second indication information, acting as intermediaries for the second indication information. Alternatively, it may only involve the access network device and the terminal device.

[0181] In this method, core network devices promptly obtain information on whether the QoS flow supports rate adjustment and further determine the rates supported by the QoS flow, enabling flexible rate adjustment in different scenarios. For example, in the event of congestion, it can promptly alleviate congestion and reduce data transmission latency; once congestion is resolved, it can promptly restore a higher rate to transmit data to meet business needs, thereby improving the user experience.

[0182] To facilitate understanding of the implementation of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the following uses UE as an example of a terminal device, G-NB as an example of an access network device, and CN as an example of a core network device to illustrate two interaction processes.

[0183] Figure 5 illustrates an interactive flow where the UE reports the rates supported on the QoS flow to the G-NB. As shown in Figure 5, the steps of communication method 500 are as follows:

[0184] S510, a PDU session is established between the UE, G-NB, and CN.

[0185] The specific process of establishing a PDU session can be found in current technological advancements and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0186] S520, the UE sends a service initialization signaling to the CN, and correspondingly, the CN receives the service initialization signaling.

[0187] The initial signaling for this service is used to negotiate the encoders supported by both the UE and the server, as well as the corresponding rates of the encoders. This signaling can also trigger the CN to establish a proprietary QoS flow.

[0188] S530, CN sends message A to UE, and correspondingly, UE receives message A.

[0189] Message A indicates the bandwidth (or maximum rate) allocated to QoS flow A. For example, message A may also carry the identifier of QoS flow A, such as QFI1. Message A can also be a PDU session modify instruction.

[0190] S540, CN sends message B to UE, and correspondingly, UE receives message B.

[0191] Message B is used to indicate the bandwidth (or maximum rate) allocated to QoS flow B. For example, message B may also carry the identifier of QoS flow B, such as QFI2. Message B can be a PDU session modify instruction.

[0192] S550, the UE sends message C to the G-NB, and the G-NB receives message C accordingly.

[0193] Message C is an example of the first indication information mentioned above. Message C indicates that the terminal device supports three rates on QoS flow A, namely 10Mb / s, 4Mb / s, and 768kb / s. Message C carries the identifier of QoS flow A, such as QFI 1. Message C can be UAI. For details about message C, please refer to the explanation of the first indication information in Figure 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0194] S560, data transmission between UE and G-NB is congested.

[0195] Among them, G-NB can detect whether congestion has occurred.

[0196] S570, the G-NB sends message D to the UE, and the UE receives message D accordingly.

[0197] Message D is used to indicate the recommended rate determined by the G-NB. For example, the G-NB, combining network resource usage and the rate indicated by message C, determines the recommended rate to be 4Mb / s and instructs the UE through message D. Message D can also carry the identifier of the QoS flow that needs to be adjusted. For example, carrying QFI 1 indicates that the recommended rate is for QFI 1.

[0198] Furthermore, the G-NB has 6Mb / s of bandwidth that can be allocated to QFI 1, but among the adjustable rates less than 10Mb / s supported by the UE, the maximum is 4Mb / s. Thus, the G-NB can choose to recommend a rate of 4Mb / s, which saves resources for the G-NB.

[0199] Specifically, the method by which G-NB determines the recommended rate can be found in Figure 4. Message D can be found in the relevant explanation of the second indication information in Figure 4.

[0200] S580, the UE adjusts the speed of QFI 1 according to message D.

[0201] Specifically, the UE can use an encoder corresponding to 4Mb / s for data transmission.

[0202] It should be understood that "QFI rate adjustment" in this application specifically refers to rate adjustment of the transmission rate within the QoS flow identified by the QFI. For other similar sections in this document, please refer to the explanation here.

[0203] In this scheme, the UE promptly reports the QoS flow-supported rate to the G-NB, which facilitates the G-NB to adjust the rate in a timely manner in the event of congestion, so as to relieve congestion as soon as possible and avoid data transmission delays that could affect the user experience.

[0204] Figure 6 illustrates another interactive flow. Unlike Figure 5, Figure 6 shows the QoS-supported rate transmitted from the CN to the G-NB. As shown in Figure 6, the steps of communication method 600 are as follows:

[0205] S610, a PDU session is established between the UE, G-NB, and CN.

[0206] S620, the UE sends a service initialization signaling to the CN, and the CN receives the service initialization signaling accordingly.

[0207] For S610-S620, please refer to the descriptions of S510-S520; they will not be repeated here.

[0208] S630, CN sends message G to G-NB, and correspondingly, G-NB receives message G.

[0209] Message G is an example of the first indication information mentioned above. Message G indicates that the terminal device supports three rates on QoS flow A, namely 10Mb / s, 4Mb / s, and 768kb / s. Message G carries the identifier of QoS flow A, such as QFI 1. Message G can be a PDU session modification command. The PDU session modification command can carry information such as the PDU session ID, QFI, and QoS rules. For more information on message G, please refer to the explanation of the first indication information in Figure 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0210] S640, G-NB establishes DRB1 with UE.

[0211] This DRB1 corresponds to QFI 1.

[0212] S650, CN sends message H to G-NB, and correspondingly, G-NB receives message H.

[0213] Message H is an example of the first indication information mentioned above. Message H indicates that the terminal device supports three rates on QoS flow B, namely 4Mb / s and 768kb / s. Message H carries the identifier of QoS flow B, such as QFI 2. Message H can be a PDU session modification command. The PDU session modification command can carry information such as the PDU session identifier, QFI, and QoS rules. For details about message H, please refer to the explanation of the first indication information in Figure 4 and the explanation of message G in S630. It will not be elaborated here.

[0214] S660, G-NB establishes DRB2 with UE.

[0215] This DRB2 corresponds to QFI 2.

[0216] S670, data is transmitted between the UE and the G-NB.

[0217] For example, the UE and G-NB can transmit data at a rate of 10Mb / s on QFI 1 and at a rate of 4Mb / s on QFI 2.

[0218] S680, data transmission between the UE and G-NB is congested.

[0219] Among them, G-NB can detect whether congestion has occurred.

[0220] S690, G-NB sends message J to UE, and correspondingly, UE receives message J.

[0221] Message J is used to indicate the recommended rate determined by the G-NB. For example, the G-NB, combining network resource usage and the rate indicated by message G, determines that the recommended rate for QFI 1 is 4Mb / s and instructs the UE through message J. Message J can also carry the identifier of the QoS flow that needs rate adjustment; for example, carrying QFI 1 indicates that the recommended rate is for QFI 1. Optionally, message G can also indicate that the recommended rate for QFI 2 is 768kb / s.

[0222] Specifically, the method by which G-NB determines the recommended rate can be found in Figure 4. Message J can be found in the relevant explanation of the second indication information in Figure 4.

[0223] S580, the UE adjusts the speed of QFI1 and QFI2 according to message J.

[0224] Specifically, the UE can use a 4Mb / s encoder for data transmission on QFI 1 and a 768kb / s encoder for data transmission on QFI 2.

[0225] In this implementation, the CN indicates the rates supported by each QoS flow to the G-NB, enabling the G-NB to adjust rates promptly in case of congestion, quickly alleviate congestion, and avoid data transmission delays that could affect user experience. Simultaneously, it eliminates the need for the UE to report rates to the G-NB, saving UE power consumption.

[0226] It should be understood that the numerical values ​​in this application are for illustrative purposes only and not as limiting factors.

[0227] It should also be understood that the flowcharts or scenario diagrams shown in Figures 1 to 6 are for ease of understanding only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the examples shown. In fact, those skilled in the art can make equivalent transformations based on the examples in Figures 1 to 6 to obtain more implementation methods.

[0228] The communication methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The apparatus embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8. It should be understood that the apparatus of the embodiments of this application can execute the various communication methods described in the foregoing embodiments of this application; that is, the specific working processes of the various products described below can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0229] In the embodiments described above, the terminal device may execute some or all of the steps in each embodiment; the network device may execute some or all of the steps in each embodiment. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application. Moreover, the sequence number of each step does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0230] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the device 700 may include a communication module 720. The communication module 720 can implement corresponding communication functions, which can be internal communication functions of the device 700 or communication functions between the device 700 and other devices. Optionally, the communication module 720 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a transceiver module. Optionally, the device 700 further includes a processing module 710. The processing module 710 can implement corresponding processing functions.

[0231] Optionally, the device 700 further includes a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data; the processing module 710 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device 700 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0232] In one possible design, the device 700 may correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiments, or a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the terminal device. The device 700 can be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the terminal device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0233] For example, the communication module 720 is configured to send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment; the communication module 720 is also configured to receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate a first rate, the first rate being determined based on the first indication information, the first rate being used to send first data on a first quality of service flow, the first quality of service flow belonging to the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment.

[0234] The processing module 710 can also be used to adjust the encoder based on the second indication information.

[0235] The above are merely examples; for detailed steps or procedures, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0236] In one possible design, the device 700 may correspond to the access network device in the above method embodiments, or a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the access network device. The device 700 can be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the access network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0237] For example, the processing module 710 is used to determine that congestion has occurred, determine that congestion has been relieved, determine a first rate, determine second indication information, etc.

[0238] The communication module 720 is configured to receive first indication information, which indicates a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment; and to send second indication information, which indicates a first rate, which is determined based on the first indication information, and is used to receive first data on the first quality of service flow, wherein the first quality of service flow belongs to the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment.

[0239] In one possible design, the device 700 may correspond to the core network device in the above method embodiments, or a component (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) configured in the core network device. The device 700 can be used to perform the steps or processes performed by the access network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0240] For example, the processing module 710 is used to obtain first indication information, etc., the first indication information being used to indicate a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment;

[0241] The communication module 720 is used to send the first indication information.

[0242] The above are merely examples; for detailed steps or procedures, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments.

[0243] Figure 8 is another schematic block diagram of the apparatus 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. The apparatus 800 may be a chip, chip system, or processor, etc., used in a terminal device or network device to implement the above-described methods. The apparatus 800 can be used to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above-described method embodiments.

[0244] As shown in Figure 8, the device 800 may include one or more processors 810, which may also be referred to as processing units or processing modules, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 810 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the device 800 (e.g., a base station, baseband chip, user, user chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0245] In an alternative design, the processor 810 may also store instructions and / or data that can be executed by the processor 810 to cause the device 800 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0246] In another alternative design, the device 800 may include a communication interface 820 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 820 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0247] Optionally, the device 800 may include one or more memories 830, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 810, causing the device 800 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 830 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 810 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 810 and the memories 830 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0248] It should be understood that, in one possible design, the steps in the method embodiments provided in this application can be implemented by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0249] In one implementation, the device 800 may correspond to the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The processor 810 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 830, and when the processor 810 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 810 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device.

[0250] In another implementation, the device 800 may correspond to the network device in the above method embodiments and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes executed by the network device in the above method embodiments. The processor 810 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 830, and when the processor 810 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 810 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the network device.

[0251] In another implementation, the device 800 may correspond to the core network device in the above method embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes executed by the network device in the above method embodiments. The processor 810 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory 830, and when the processor 810 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 810 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the network device.

[0252] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be one or more chips. For example, the processing device can be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0253] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0254] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0255] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When these computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated.

[0256] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0257] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0258] In summary, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the technical solution of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to access network equipment, the method includes: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment; Send a second indication message to the terminal device. The second indication message is used to indicate a first rate. The first rate is used to receive first data on a first quality of service stream, which belongs to the quality of service stream that supports rate adjustment.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates the identifier of the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment, or the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment, including: The first indication information indicates a candidate rate for receiving data on the first quality of service stream.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The candidate rates include at least two rates, which are arranged in order of priority.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first rate is less than the second rate, where the second rate is the rate at which the access network device received the second data on the first quality of service stream before the uplink congestion occurred, the second data is the data transmitted before the uplink congestion occurred, and the first data is the data to be transmitted on the first quality of service stream after the uplink congestion occurred, or... The first rate is less than or equal to the maximum bit rate (MBR), and the first data is the data to be transmitted on the first quality of service stream after the uplink congestion is cleared.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the first index, which corresponds to the first rate; Alternatively, the second indication information indicates a second index and a first multiple, the second index corresponding to a third rate, the third rate and the first multiple being used to determine the first rate.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first indication information comes from the terminal device, and the first indication information is Uplink Assist Information (UAI), Radio Link Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control (MAC) CE.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates the candidate rate. The candidate rate is determined based on the third rate and the offset value. The offset value is related to the size of the header of each layer of the protocol stack, and the third rate is the rate corresponding to the encoder.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates a candidate rate, which is supported by both the terminal device and the server.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The first indication information is received after the QoS flow is successfully established.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first indication information comes from the core network device. The first indication information is received after the establishment of the dedicated quality of service flow is successful. The first quality of service flow is the dedicated quality of service flow.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Send a first indication message to the access network device, wherein the first indication message is used to indicate a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment; Receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate a first rate, the first rate being used to send first data on a first quality of service stream, the first quality of service stream belonging to the quality of service stream that supports rate adjustment.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates the identifier of the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment, or the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment, including: The first indication information indicates a candidate rate for sending data on the first quality of service stream.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The candidate rates include at least two rates, which are arranged in order of priority.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the first index, which corresponds to the first rate; Alternatively, the second indication information indicates a second index and a first multiple, the second index corresponding to a third rate, the third rate and the first multiple being used to determine the first rate.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The first indication information is UAI, RRC, or MAC CE.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates a candidate rate, and the method further includes: The candidate rate is determined based on the third rate and the offset value, wherein the offset value is related to the size of the header of each layer of the protocol stack, and the third rate is the rate corresponding to the encoder.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates a candidate rate, which is a rate jointly supported by the terminal device and the server.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The sending of the first instruction information includes: In response to the successful establishment of the QoS flow, the first indication information is sent.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to core network equipment, the method includes: Obtain first indication information, which is used to indicate a quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment; Send the first indication information to the access network device.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates the identifier of the quality of service flow that supports rate adjustment, or the first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first indication information indicates that the first quality of service flow supports rate adjustment, including: The first indication information indicates a candidate rate for data transmission on the first quality of service stream.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The candidate rates include at least two rates, which are arranged in order of priority.

25. An apparatus, characterized in that, The device includes a processor coupled to a memory storing a program or instructions, the processor executing the program or instructions to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, they cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

27. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes the apparatus as described in claim 25.

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