Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: on the basis of a delay of a first LCH, a terminal device determining first priority information from among at least one piece of priority information associated with the first LCH, wherein the delay of the first LCH is within the range of delays associated with the first priority information; and further, the terminal device sending data of the first LCH on the basis of the first priority information, wherein the data of the first LCH comprises data between a first terminal and at least one second terminal. On the basis of the technical solution, when selecting first priority information, a terminal device takes into consideration a link transmission delay in a tethering scenario, such that when selecting an LCH, the terminal device can more rationally take into consideration the impact of a delay of data of the LCH during link transmission, thereby improving the experience of a tethering service and user satisfaction.

Description

A communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411999036.5, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on December 31, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Aimed at the 5.5 generation (5.5) th 5.5G or next-generation mobile communication systems have wide-area deterministic service requirements for autonomous driving, connected vehicles, extended reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI) agents. For example, there is a deterministic requirement for end-to-end latency or latency jitter, such as the total end-to-end communication latency not exceeding X ms.

[0004] Taking XR services as an example, current XR services have a wide range of outdoor applications, such as gaming, video calls, and short video / movie viewing. As shown in Figure 1, in such scenarios, there are usually no fixed wireless fidelity (WIFI) access points to provide network services, and current mainstream XR devices have their own WIFI / Bluetooth modules and generally do not have cellular mobile modules. Therefore, fifth-generation (5G) XR is required. th 5G devices (such as mobile phones) act as access points to provide network services to XR devices. Specifically, 5G devices themselves are equipped with Wi-Fi / Bluetooth modules, which can provide hotspot access to XR devices at any time. In this case, XR devices can be called tethered devices of 5G devices.

[0005] Because there is a certain delay in the link transmission between 5G devices (such as user equipment (UE)) and tethered devices, using the existing delay-aware logical channel prioritization (delay-aware LCP) mechanism may affect the experience of tethering services and reduce user satisfaction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method that takes into account the link transmission latency in tethering scenarios, thereby improving the experience and user satisfaction of tethering services.

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to a first terminal. Specifically, it can be executed by the first terminal or by components of the first terminal (such as chips, circuits, or chip systems). In this application, the first terminal and the terminal device can be interchanged. For ease of description, the terminal device will be used to refer to the first device in the following embodiments.

[0008] The method includes: determining first priority information from at least one priority information associated with the first logical channel (LCH) based on the delay of the first logical channel (LCH), the at least one priority information being associated with at least one delay, the delay of the first LCH being within the range of the delay associated with the first priority information, wherein the delay of the first LCH is associated with the delay between a first terminal and at least one second terminal; and transmitting data of the first LCH based on the first priority information, the data of the first LCH including data between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal.

[0009] In the technical solution of this application, the terminal device learns the association between at least one priority information and at least one delay. Then, based on the delay of the first LCH within the delay range associated with the first priority information, it selects the first priority information from the at least one priority information and further sends the data of the first LCH according to the first priority information. Based on the above technical solution, when selecting the first priority information, the link transmission delay in the tethering scenario is considered, allowing for a more reasonable consideration of the impact of the LCH data's link transmission delay when selecting the LCH, thereby improving the experience and user satisfaction of the tethering service.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the at least one priority information is associated with at least one remaining time threshold, and the method further includes: determining that the remaining time of the first LCH is less than a first remaining time threshold, wherein the first remaining time threshold is the remaining time threshold associated with the first priority information. Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to ensure that delay-critical data is prioritized for transmission to the base station, thereby improving the experience of tethering services and enhancing user satisfaction.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining the at least one priority information.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the priority information includes a priority value, and obtaining the at least one priority information includes: receiving at least one priority value sent by a network device.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the priority information includes difference information, and obtaining the at least one priority information includes: receiving the at least one difference information from a network device; or, obtaining the at least one difference information through a protocol-predefined method.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first priority information includes first difference information, which is used to determine the value of the first priority.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving the value of the second priority of the first LCH sent by the network device; the first difference information is used to determine the value of the first priority, including: the first difference information and the value of the second priority are used to determine the value of the first priority. Based on the above technical solution, the terminal device can determine the value of the first priority according to the first difference information and the value of the second priority. That is to say, the terminal device can autonomously adjust the priority of sending the first LCH. Furthermore, the terminal device also considers the link transmission latency in the tethering scenario when selecting the first difference information, so that when selecting the LCH according to the autonomously determined LCH priority, the impact of the data of the LCH on the link transmission latency can be more reasonably considered, thereby improving the experience of tethering services and user satisfaction.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the latency of the first LCH is associated with the latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal, including: the latency of the first LCH is the maximum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, the latency of the first LCH is the minimum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, the latency of the first LCH is the average value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal.

[0017] Secondly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to a network device, specifically, it can be executed by the network device or by components of the network device (such as chips, circuits, or chip systems).

[0018] The method includes: receiving data from a first LCH, the first LCH data including data between a first terminal and at least one second terminal, the latency of the first LCH data satisfying a latency associated with first priority information, the first priority information being one of at least one priority information associated with the first LCH, wherein the latency of the first LCH is within the range of the latency associated with the first priority information, and the latency of the first LCH is associated with the latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal.

[0019] In the technical solution of this application, the network device receives data from a first LCH sent by a terminal device. The latency of the first LCH satisfies the latency associated with the first priority information, and the latency of the first LCH is within the range associated with the first priority information. Based on the above technical solution, when selecting the first priority information, the terminal device can consider the link transmission latency in the tethering scenario, so that the impact of the data transmission latency of the LCH on the link can be more reasonably considered when selecting the LCH, thereby improving the experience of tethering services and user satisfaction.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the at least one priority information is associated with at least one remaining time threshold, where the remaining time of the first LCH is less than a first remaining time threshold, and the first remaining time threshold is the remaining time threshold associated with the first priority information. Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to ensure that delay-critical data is prioritized for transmission to the base station, improving the experience of tethering services and enhancing user satisfaction.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending the at least one priority information to the terminal device.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the priority information includes a priority value.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the priority information includes difference information.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first priority information includes first difference information, which is used to determine the value of the first priority.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending the value of the second priority of the first LCH to the terminal device; the first difference information is used to determine the value of the first priority, including: the first difference information and the value of the second priority are used to determine the value of the first priority. Based on the above technical solution, the terminal device can determine the value of the first priority according to the first difference information and the value of the second priority received from the base station. That is to say, the terminal device can autonomously adjust the priority of sending the first LCH. Furthermore, the terminal device also considers the link transmission latency in the tethering scenario when selecting the first difference information, so that when selecting the LCH according to the autonomously determined LCH priority, the impact of the data of the LCH on the link transmission latency can be more reasonably considered, thereby improving the experience of tethering services and user satisfaction.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the latency of the first LCH is associated with the latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal, including: the latency of the first LCH is the maximum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, the latency of the first LCH is the minimum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, the latency of the first LCH is the average value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal.

[0027] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which can be a first terminal device or a component of the first terminal device (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system). The device includes units or modules for performing the methods provided in the first aspect or its implementations.

[0028] Specifically, the device includes: a processing unit, configured to determine first priority information from at least one priority information associated with the first logical channel (LCH) based on the delay of the first logical channel (LCH), wherein the at least one priority information is associated with at least one delay, and the delay of the first LCH is within the range of the delay associated with the first priority information, wherein the delay of the first LCH is associated with the delay between a first terminal and at least one second terminal; and a transceiver unit, configured to transmit data of the first LCH based on the first priority information, wherein the data of the first LCH includes data between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal.

[0029] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the at least one priority information is associated with at least one remaining time threshold, and the processing unit is further configured to: determine that the remaining time of the first LCH is less than a first remaining time threshold, wherein the first remaining time threshold is the remaining time threshold associated with the first priority information.

[0030] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: obtain the at least one priority information.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the priority information includes a priority value, and the transceiver unit is specifically used to: receive at least one priority value sent by the network device.

[0032] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the priority information includes difference information, and the transceiver unit is specifically used to: receive the at least one difference information from the network device; or, obtain the at least one difference information through a protocol-predefined method.

[0033] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first priority information includes first difference information, which is used to determine the value of the first priority.

[0034] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive the value of the second priority of the first LCH sent by the network device; the first difference information is used to determine the value of the first priority, including: the first difference information and the value of the second priority are used to determine the value of the first priority.

[0035] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the latency of the first LCH is associated with the latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal, including: the latency of the first LCH is the maximum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, the latency of the first LCH is the minimum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, the latency of the first LCH is the average value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal.

[0036] Fourthly, a communication apparatus is provided, which may be a network device or a component of a network device (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system). The apparatus includes units or modules for performing the methods provided in the second aspect or its implementations described above.

[0037] Specifically, the device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving data from a first LCH, the first LCH data including data between a first terminal and at least one second terminal, the latency of the first LCH data satisfying a latency associated with first priority information, the first priority information being one of at least one priority information associated with the first LCH, wherein the latency of the first LCH is within the range of the latency associated with the first priority information, and the latency of the first LCH is associated with the latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal.

[0038] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the at least one priority information is associated with at least one remaining time threshold, wherein the remaining time of the first LCH is less than a first remaining time threshold, and the first remaining time threshold is the remaining time threshold associated with the first priority information.

[0039] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send the at least one priority information to the terminal device.

[0040] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the priority information includes the priority value.

[0041] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the priority information includes difference information.

[0042] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first priority information includes first difference information, which is used to determine the value of the first priority.

[0043] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send the value of the second priority of the first LCH to the terminal device; the first difference information is used to determine the value of the first priority, including: the first difference information and the value of the second priority are used to determine the value of the first priority.

[0044] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the latency of the first LCH is associated with the latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal, including: the latency of the first LCH is the maximum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, the latency of the first LCH is the minimum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, the latency of the first LCH is the average value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal.

[0045] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor for executing a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to perform the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory for storing the program or instructions.

[0046] In one implementation, the device is a first terminal device or a network device.

[0047] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a first terminal device or network device.

[0048] When the method provided in this application is executed by a chip, this application does not limit the specific number of chips implementing the method. For example, it can be executed by one chip, or by two or more chips. Furthermore, when the number of chips implementing the method is two or more, the chip manufacturers are not limited; they can be from the same manufacturer or different manufacturers.

[0049] For example, the device includes a communication interface through which the at least one processor obtains a computer program or instructions stored in a memory. The communication interface may be implemented in hardware or software.

[0050] Sixthly, a processor is provided for executing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a node, the program code including methods for performing any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0053] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0054] Ninthly, a communication system is provided, comprising at least two of the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the network device mentioned above.

[0055] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of aspects three through nine and any of their implementations can be referenced from aspects one through two and any of their implementations. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a tethering scenario.

[0057] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application.

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the new radio (NR) protocol stack and network element modules on the base station side.

[0059] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the O-RAN system applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0060] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0062] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0065] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1200 according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include a core network 200 and an Internet 300.

[0070] RAN100 may include at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 2, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 2). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating some or all of the logical functions of the core network equipment and some or all of the logical functions of the RAN node.

[0071] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, a future communications network, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0072] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals 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), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0073] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network devices, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access the communication system wirelessly. Multiple RAN nodes in communication system 1000 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, in Figure 2, network element 120i can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, in Figure 1, network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0074] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0075] In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a future communication network, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 2, 110a), a micro base station or an indoor station (as shown in Figure 2, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node 110 can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0076] It should be understood that base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. Base stations and terminals can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0077] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing parts of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as the baseband unit (BBU). The CU and DU nodes separate the gNB's protocol layers; some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0078] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the new radio (NR) protocol stack and network element modules on the base station side. As shown in Figure 3, the CU (Center Unit) deploys the radio resource control (RRC) layer, PDCP layer, and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer in the protocol stack; the DU (Dedicated Unit) deploys the radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical layer (PHY) layer in the protocol stack. Therefore, the CU has the processing capabilities of RRC, PDCP, and SDAP. The DU has the processing capabilities of RLC, MAC, and PHY. A base station can consist of one CU and one or more DUs. The CU and DU are connected via the F1 interface, and one DU can only connect to one CU. One DU can support one or more cells, and one cell can only be supported by one DU.

[0079] It is understood that the above functional division is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on CU and DU. RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRU), active antenna units (AAU), or remote radio heads (RRH). CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0080] In different systems, RAN nodes can have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). It should be understood that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. The main feature of the O-RAN architecture is the separation of software and hardware, realizing the virtualization of network functions and the standardization of hardware. In addition, O-RAN also introduces artificial intelligence (AI). It should be noted that 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. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software module. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the RAN node. For ease of description, a network device or base station is used as an example of a RAN node in this application.

[0081] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the O-RAN system applicable to the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the O-RAN system includes: CU (CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU.

[0082] The aforementioned network elements (also referred to as nodes) can be interconnected. For example, CU-CP and CU-UP are connected to DU via interfaces, and DU and RU are connected via interfaces. For a detailed description of the interfaces shown in Figure 4, please refer to existing standards, which will not be repeated here.

[0083] It should be noted that the correspondence between the O-RAN access network equipment (network element module) and its achievable protocol layer functions can be found in Table 1.

[0084] Table 1. Correspondence between ORAN access network equipment (network element modules) and their achievable protocol layer functions

[0085] Core network equipment refers to equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support to terminals. Examples of core network equipment include: access and mobility management function (AMF) entities, session management function (SMF) entities, user plane function (UPF) entities, etc., which will not be listed here. The AMF entity is responsible for terminal access management and mobility management; the SMF entity is responsible for session management, such as user session establishment; and the UPF entity can be a user plane function entity, primarily responsible for connecting to external networks. It should be noted that in this application, entities can also be referred to as network elements or functional entities. For example, an AMF entity can also be called an AMF network element or an AMF functional entity, and similarly, an SMF entity can also be called an SMF network element or an SMF functional entity. For ease of description, this application uses AMF network elements and / or SMF network elements as examples.

[0086] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the network device can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the network device, or by a control subsystem containing network device functions. This control subsystem containing network device functions can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. The functions of the terminal can also be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device containing terminal functions. The functions of the core network device can also be executed by modules within the core network device, or by a device containing core network device functions. It should be understood that the core network device can also be referred to as a core network element.

[0087] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application are explained below.

[0088] Tethering (or Tethering): In the field of communications, tethering refers to a network sharing technology. Specifically, assuming terminal 1 has a cellular module and can access a cellular network, tethering technology means that terminal 1 can share its connected cellular network wirelessly or via wired connection with other terminal devices (referred to as terminal 2) that do not have a cellular module. Terminal 2 can then communicate with the base station through terminal 1, meaning terminal 2 can use terminal 1's cellular network for packet data transmission. Terminal 1, which provides tethering functionality, can be called a tethering device, and terminal 2, which uses tethering functionality, can be called a tethered device. Furthermore, users can enable the tethering function of terminal 1 through operation commands; users of devices with tethering functionality can be called tethering users. The communication scenario described above, consisting of terminal 1, terminal 2, and the base station, can be called a tethering scenario. Among them, the cellular module can be a module that supports cellular networks, which can be networks provided by the 3rd generation (3G) mobile communication system, the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the 5th generation (5G) communication system or the New Radio (NR) system, or networks provided by future communication systems, etc.

[0089] For future mobile communication systems, tethering functionality has broad and deterministic business needs in areas such as autonomous driving and connected vehicles (e.g., real-time perception services), extended reality (XR) (e.g., interactive cloud gaming, video calls, short videos, movie watching), and artificial intelligence (e.g., chatGPT).

[0090] For example, Figure 1 illustrates a tethering scenario using XR services as an example. As shown in Figure 1, since current mainstream XR devices typically do not have cellular modules but have modules such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) or Bluetooth, and 5G devices (such as mobile phones) also come standard with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules, the XR device can connect to the 5G device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The 5G device can act as an access point, accessing the core network through a base station. During its own data communication, the 5G device can provide cellular network services to the XR device. In this case, the XR device can be referred to as a tethered device of the 5G device.

[0091] For example, the XR device in this application refers to a device that integrates one or more technologies of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). The XR device can be a smart wearable device, such as a head-mounted display or AR glasses, or it can be a non-wearable device, such as an AR tablet or a desktop VR headset.

[0092] Licensed and unlicensed spectrum: The spectrum used by wireless communication systems is divided into two categories: licensed spectrum and unlicensed spectrum. In the tethering scenario described above, terminal 2 and terminal 1 can communicate using short-range communication technology, which uses the unlicensed spectrum. Terminal 1 and the base station can communicate using a cellular network, which uses the licensed spectrum.

[0093] Specifically, within the licensed spectrum, terminal 1 uses spectrum resources based on base station scheduling. Base station scheduling, based on contention-free scheduling, ensures controllable network demand guarantees. For example, the base station can obtain Quality of Service (QoS) parameters from the core network and perform air interface transmission / scheduling based on the QoS parameters provided by the core network, guaranteeing communication quality.

[0094] In unlicensed spectrum, communication devices can use spectrum resources in a contention-based manner. One possible approach is for communication devices to compete for channels using a listen-before-talk (LBT) mechanism, thereby gaining access to unlicensed spectrum resources. For example, in Wi-Fi networks, regulations require contention-based scheduling, which is a mechanism for preempting resources based on channel access. Because the outcome of channel access is random, demand guarantees in Wi-Fi networks are uncontrollable. Table 2 presents some performance test results for Wi-Fi 6.

[0095] Table 2

[0096] As can be seen from the above, the latency and latency jitter in WIFI networks fluctuate greatly, indicating instability.

[0097] Delay Status Reporting (DSR): In the current protocol, Terminal 1 can report the delay status information of the logical channel group (LCG) to the base station via DSR. For example, the delay status information includes data volume information (or data volume information with urgent delay) and remaining time. Among them, the data volume information (or data volume information with urgent delay) can also be called delay-critical data volume information.

[0098] Remaining time: This is the minimum remaining time among all PDCP discard timers running in all buffered but untransmitted Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) Service Data Units (SDUs) within a logical channel group (LCG). When the minimum remaining time among all buffered but untransmitted PDCP SDUs within that LCG is less than the remaining time threshold corresponding to that LCG, the UE triggers the aforementioned DSR.

[0099] Logical channel prioritization (LCP) is a concept in wireless communication used to determine the transmission order and priority of different logical channels. A logical channel is a logical connection on top of a physical channel, used to transmit different types of data, such as control information and data packets. By setting logical channel priorities, critical data can be ensured to be transmitted preferentially when network congestion occurs, thereby improving communication reliability and efficiency.

[0100] Delay-Aware Logical Channel Priority (Delay Aware LCP): While the Delay-Sensitive Relay (DSR) mechanism allows base stations to be aware of the existence of delay-critical data, it cannot guarantee that delay-critical data will necessarily be transmitted before non-delay-critical data because non-delay-critical data may also exist simultaneously. To overcome this drawback, the Delay-Aware LCP mechanism currently introduces the configuration of additional LCH priorities (e.g., multiple LCH priorities for one LCH). This additional LCH priority is used to transmit delay-critical data: specifically, when delay-critical data exists in an LCH, for example, when the remaining time of the LCH is less than the remaining time threshold configured for the LCH, the LCH is considered to contain delay-critical data. The remaining time of the LCH can be the minimum remaining time among all PDCP discard timers running in all PDCP SDUs that are cached but not transmitted in the LCH.

[0101] As mentioned in the background section, due to the latency in the link transmission between 5G devices and tethered devices, using the existing delay-aware LCP mechanism may affect the experience of tethering services and reduce user satisfaction.

[0102] Based on this, this application aims to provide a communication method that takes into account the link transmission latency in tethering scenarios, thereby improving the experience and user satisfaction of tethering services.

[0103] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes at least the following steps. It should be noted that the terminal device described below can also be a first terminal. For ease of understanding, the term "terminal device" will be used consistently in the following description.

[0105] S510, the terminal device determines the first priority information from at least one priority information associated with the first LCH based on the latency of the first LCH.

[0106] Specifically, in this application, the first LCH is associated with at least one priority information, and the at least one priority information is associated with at least one delay. The terminal device determines the first priority information from the at least one priority information based on the delay of the first LCH being within the range of delays associated with the first priority information. It should be noted that the delay of the first LCH being within the range of delays associated with the first priority information can also be understood as the first priority information being associated with a first delay among the at least one delay, and the delay of the first LCH belonging to the first delay.

[0107] In this application, the latency of the first LCH is associated with the latency between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0108] It should be understood that at least one priority information is associated with at least one delay, or it can be understood that there is a correlation between at least one priority information and at least one delay. Here, "associated" can be replaced by "mapping", "corresponding", etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0109] In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the association between at least one priority information and at least one delay can be pre-configured, or it can be sent to the terminal device by the network device through information interaction. It should be understood that this application does not limit this.

[0110] It should be noted that the latency of the first LCH is related to the latency between the terminal device and at least one second terminal, including the following scenarios:

[0111] In scenario one, the latency of the first LCH is the maximum latency between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0112] In scenario two, the latency of the first LCH is the minimum latency between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0113] In scenario three, the latency of the first LCH is the average latency between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0114] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the first LCH is also used to carry data between the terminal device and at least one second terminal. Therefore, the latency of the first LCH is related to the latency between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0115] The delay can be a delay value, a delay jitter, or a delay range (e.g., a delay range of 3ms-5ms). Correspondingly, the first delay can be a first delay value, a first delay jitter, or a first delay range. That is to say, in this embodiment, at least one priority information is associated with at least one delay, which can be understood as at least one priority information being associated with at least one delay value; or at least one priority information being associated with at least one delay jitter; or at least one priority information being associated with at least one delay range.

[0116] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, latency jitter refers to the difference between the latency of a short-range link and a predefined (or pre-configured) latency. Latency jitter can be positive or negative. Here, "short-range" can be understood as short-range communication methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite telemetry. Correspondingly, a short-range link refers to the short-range communication link used by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite telemetry during data transmission.

[0117] For example, let's take latency as the latency value:

[0118] In the first scenario, the latency value of the first LCH is the maximum latency value between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0119] In the second scenario, the latency value of the first LCH is the minimum latency value between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0120] In scenario three, the latency value of the first LCH is the average of the latency values ​​between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0121] For example, let's take latency jitter as an example:

[0122] In scenario one, the latency jitter of the first LCH is the maximum latency jitter between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0123] In the second scenario, the latency jitter of the first LCH is the minimum latency jitter between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0124] In scenario three, the latency jitter of the first LCH is the average latency jitter between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0125] For example, taking latency as the latency range:

[0126] In the first scenario, the latency range of the first LCH is the maximum value of the latency range between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0127] In the second scenario, the latency range of the first LCH is the minimum latency range between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0128] In scenario three, the latency range of the first LCH is the average of the latency ranges between the terminal device and at least one second terminal.

[0129] It should be noted that the latency mentioned above, such as latency value, latency jitter, or latency range, can be obtained through actual measurement or through prediction. It should be understood that this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0130] S520, the terminal device sends the data of the first LCH according to the first priority information, and the network device receives the data of the first LCH accordingly.

[0131] Specifically, after determining the first priority information, the terminal device sends the data for the first LCH according to the priority corresponding to the first priority information (e.g., priority 1). This can be understood as the priority of the first LCH being the priority corresponding to the first priority information (e.g., priority 1). Assuming the terminal device has multiple LCHs, such as the first LCH, second LCH, and third LCH, after determining that the first LCH has a priority of priority 1, the terminal device sequentially selects an LCH from these multiple LCHs according to their priority order and sends the data corresponding to that LCH to the network device. A specific example will illustrate this below.

[0132] For example, in one possible implementation, if the priority of the first LCH (priority 1) is higher than the priorities of the other LCHs, the terminal device selects the first LCH from multiple LCHs and sends the data of the first LCH to the network device. In this embodiment, sending the data of the first LCH to the network device can also be understood as the terminal device selecting the first LCH from multiple LCHs.

[0133] For example, in another possible implementation, if the priority of the first LCH (i.e., the first priority) is lower than the priorities of the other LCHs, for instance, the third LCH has a higher priority than the second LCH, and the second LCH has a higher priority than the first LCH. The following scenarios may occur when a terminal device sends data to a network device:

[0134] In one scenario, assuming resources are only sufficient for one LCH, the terminal device selects a third LCH from among multiple LCHs and then sends the data from the third LCH to the network device. That is, in this case, the terminal device may not send the data from the first LCH to the network device.

[0135] In another scenario, assuming resources are only sufficient for two LCHs, the terminal device selects the third and second LCHs sequentially from multiple LCHs according to priority, and then sends the data from the third and second LCHs to the network device. That is, in this case, the terminal device may not send the data from the first LCH to the network device.

[0136] In another scenario, considering the resource capacity to support three LCHs, the terminal device selects the third LCH, the second LCH, and the first LCH sequentially from multiple LCHs according to priority, and then sends the data from the third LCH, the second LCH, and the first LCH together to the network device.

[0137] For example, in another possible implementation, assuming that the priority of the first LCH (i.e., the first priority) is higher than the priority of the second LCH but lower than the priority of the third LCH, the terminal device may send data to the network device in the following ways:

[0138] In one scenario, assuming sufficient resources for only one LCH, the terminal device selects the third LCH from multiple LCHs according to priority and sends the data from the third LCH to the network device. That is, in this case, the terminal device may not send the data from the first LCH to the network device.

[0139] In another scenario, where resources are only sufficient for two LCHs, the terminal device selects the third LCH and the first LCH from multiple LCHs in order of priority, and sends the data from the third LCH and the data from the first LCH together to the network device.

[0140] In another scenario, considering the resource capacity to support three LCHs, the terminal device selects the third LCH, first LCH, and second LCH in order of priority. Subsequently, the terminal device sends the data from the third LCH, the first LCH, and the second LCH together to the network device.

[0141] It should be noted that, generally speaking, the higher the priority value, the lower the priority level, and vice versa. The priority order mentioned above refers to the order from high to low priority. It should be understood that this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0142] It should also be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the data of the first LCH includes data between the terminal device and at least one second terminal. The inclusion of data between the terminal device and at least one second terminal in the first LCH data can be understood as including other data besides the data between the terminal device and at least one second terminal; for example, the other data may be the non-critical data described above. Furthermore, the data of the second LCH can be understood as data between the terminal device and at least one third terminal. The data of the third LCH can be understood as data between the terminal device and at least one fourth terminal, wherein the third terminal and the second terminal are all different. It should be understood that the relevant descriptions of the data of the second LCH and the third LCH can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the data of the first LCH above.

[0143] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the data of the first LCH can be carried in the MAC PDU, that is, the terminal device can carry the data of the first LCH in the MAC PDU and send it to the network device.

[0144] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the at least one priority information mentioned above is also associated with at least one remaining time threshold. Specifically, the association of at least one priority information with at least one remaining time threshold can be understood in the following two ways:

[0145] Case 1: At least one priority information is associated with a remaining time threshold, that is, one or more priority information are associated with the same remaining time threshold.

[0146] Scenario 2: Multiple priority information is associated with multiple remaining time thresholds, that is, multiple priority information is associated with multiple remaining time thresholds. Here, "associated" can be replaced with "mapping", "corresponding", etc., and this application does not restrict this.

[0147] In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the association between at least one priority information and at least one remaining time threshold may be pre-configured, or it may be sent to the terminal device by the network device through information interaction. It should be understood that this application does not limit this.

[0148] Optionally, before step S520, the method may further include: the terminal device determining that the remaining time of the first LCH is less than a first remaining time threshold.

[0149] It should be noted that, corresponding to scenario one above, in one possible implementation, the first remaining time threshold is a remaining time threshold jointly associated with all priority information. Corresponding to scenario two above, in one possible implementation, the first remaining time threshold is the remaining time threshold associated with the first priority information.

[0150] Specifically, before the terminal device sends the first LCH data according to the first priority information, the terminal device needs to further determine that the remaining time of the first LCH is less than a first remaining time threshold. Only under these circumstances will the terminal device send the first LCH data according to the first priority information. In other words, in this case, the terminal device determines that the first LCH data is delay-critical data and sends the first LCH data to the network device according to the priority corresponding to the first priority information. For details on how the terminal device sends the first LCH data to the network device according to the priority corresponding to the first priority information, please refer to the relevant description above.

[0151] Conversely, if the terminal device further determines that the remaining time of the first LCH is greater than or equal to the first remaining time threshold, the terminal device will not send the data of the first LCH according to the priority corresponding to the first priority information (e.g., priority 1), but will instead send the data of the first LCH using the second priority (e.g., priority 2). In other words, in this case, the terminal device determines that the data of the first LCH is non-delay-critical data, and subsequently sends the data of the first LCH using the second LCH priority.

[0152] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the first LCH is associated with only two priority information: a first priority information (e.g., priority 1) and a second priority information (which can be understood as the initial configured priority, e.g., priority 0). In this implementation, the priority information is not associated with latency; for example, the first priority information is not associated with latency. In this case, the terminal device sends the data of the first LCH according to the first priority information (e.g., priority 1). It should be noted that the relevant description of the terminal device sending the data of the first LCH according to the first priority information can be found in the preceding text.

[0153] Optionally, before step S510, the method may further include: the terminal device obtaining at least one priority information.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the priority information includes priority values. In this implementation, the terminal device obtains at least one priority value by having the network device send at least one priority value to the terminal device, and the terminal device receiving the at least one priority value accordingly. In this embodiment, at least one priority value is associated with at least one delay, meaning there is a correlation between at least one priority value and at least one delay. Further, the terminal device determines a first priority value from the at least one priority value based on the delay of the first LCH. The delay of the first LCH is within the range of delays associated with the first priority value. Subsequently, the terminal device sends the data of the first LCH based on the first priority value.

[0155] Specifically, after determining the value of the first priority, the terminal device sends the data of the first LCH according to the priority corresponding to the value of the first priority (e.g., priority 1). This can be understood as the priority of the first LCH being the priority corresponding to the value of the first priority (e.g., priority 1). Assuming the terminal device has multiple LCHs, such as the first LCH, the second LCH, and the third LCH, after determining that the priority of the first LCH is priority 1, the terminal device selects an LCH from these multiple LCHs sequentially according to their priority order and sends the data corresponding to that LCH to the network device. A specific example will be used to illustrate this below.

[0156] For example, in one possible implementation, if the priority of the first LCH (priority 1) is higher than the priorities of the other LCHs, the terminal device selects the first LCH from multiple LCHs and sends the data of the first LCH to the network device. In this embodiment, sending the data of the first LCH to the network device can also be understood as the terminal device selecting the first LCH from multiple LCHs.

[0157] For example, in another possible implementation, if the priority of the first LCH (i.e., the first priority) is lower than the priorities of the other LCHs, for instance, the third LCH has a higher priority than the second LCH, and the second LCH has a higher priority than the first LCH. The following scenarios may occur when a terminal device sends data to a network device:

[0158] In one scenario, assuming resources are only sufficient for one LCH, the terminal device selects a third LCH from among multiple LCHs and then sends the data from the third LCH to the network device. That is, in this case, the terminal device may not send the data from the first LCH to the network device.

[0159] In another scenario, assuming resources are only sufficient for two LCHs, the terminal device selects the third and second LCHs sequentially from multiple LCHs according to priority, and then sends the data from the third and second LCHs to the network device. That is, in this case, the terminal device may not send the data from the first LCH to the network device.

[0160] In another scenario, considering the resource capacity to support three LCHs, the terminal device selects the third LCH, the second LCH, and the first LCH sequentially from multiple LCHs according to priority, and then sends the data from the third LCH, the second LCH, and the first LCH together to the network device.

[0161] For example, in another possible implementation, assuming that the priority of the first LCH (i.e., the first priority) is higher than the priority of the second LCH but lower than the priority of the third LCH, the terminal device may send data to the network device in the following ways:

[0162] In one scenario, assuming sufficient resources for only one LCH, the terminal device selects the third LCH from multiple LCHs according to priority and sends the data from the third LCH to the network device. That is, in this case, the terminal device may not send the data from the first LCH to the network device.

[0163] In another scenario, where resources are only sufficient for two LCHs, the terminal device selects the third LCH and the first LCH from multiple LCHs in order of priority, and sends the data from the third LCH and the data from the first LCH together to the network device.

[0164] In another scenario, considering the resource capacity to support three LCHs, the terminal device selects the third LCH, first LCH, and second LCH in order of priority. Subsequently, the terminal device sends the data from the third LCH, the first LCH, and the second LCH together to the network device.

[0165] It should be understood that the above examples are merely illustrative and this application does not impose any limitations on them.

[0166] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the value of the at least one priority is also associated with at least one remaining time threshold. That is, there is a correlation between the value of at least one priority and at least one remaining time threshold. Specifically, when the terminal device determines the value of the first priority based on the delay of the first LCH, it further needs to determine that the remaining time of the first LCH is less than a first remaining time threshold, where the first remaining time threshold is the remaining time threshold associated with the value of the first priority. It should be noted that a detailed description of this implementation can be found above, and for simplicity, it will not be repeated here.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the priority information includes difference information. In this implementation, the terminal device obtains at least one difference information through the following two methods:

[0168] In one approach, the network device sends at least one difference information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the at least one difference information accordingly.

[0169] Alternatively, the at least one difference information can be predefined by the protocol, meaning that the terminal device obtains at least one difference information through a predefined protocol method.

[0170] Further, the terminal device determines first difference information from at least one difference information based on the delay of the first LCH, wherein the delay of the first LCH is within the range of the delay associated with the first difference information. Subsequently, the terminal device determines a value of a first priority based on the first difference information.

[0171] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the terminal device locally stores at least one difference information and an association relationship between at least one priority value. After determining the first difference information, the terminal device determines the value of the first priority based on the first difference information and the association relationship.

[0172] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the network device sending a second priority to the terminal device, and the terminal device receiving the second priority accordingly. It should be understood that the first priority is different from the second priority. After receiving the second priority, the terminal device determines the value of the first priority based on the first difference information and the second priority. For example, the value of the first priority is equal to the second priority minus the first difference information. It should be noted that the first difference information can be a positive or negative number. Finally, the terminal device sends the data of the first LCH according to the value of the first priority. It should be noted that the relevant description of the terminal device sending the data of the first LCH according to the value of the first priority can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0173] Based on the above technical solution, the link transmission latency in tethering scenarios can be taken into account, thereby improving the experience and user satisfaction of tethering services.

[0174] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the method may include at least the following steps. For ease of understanding, the network device is used as a base station and the terminal device is used as a UE for the description.

[0175] S610, the base station sends the configuration of the first LCH to the UE, and the UE receives the configuration of the first LCH accordingly.

[0176] Specifically, the configuration of the first LCH indicates at least one priority value. This indication of at least one priority value can be understood in the following ways:

[0177] Example 1: The configuration of the first LCH includes at least one priority value.

[0178] Example 2: There is an association between the configuration of the first LCH and at least one priority value. After receiving the configuration of the first LCH, the UE determines the at least one priority value associated with the configuration of the first LCH based on the configuration of the first LCH and the obtained association. It should be understood that the above association can be sent by the base station to the UE, or it can be predefined by the protocol, and this application does not limit it.

[0179] Optionally, in one possible implementation, at least one priority value is associated with at least one delay. A description of the association between at least one priority value and at least one delay can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0180] Optionally, in one possible implementation, at least one priority value is associated with at least one remaining time threshold. A description of the association between at least one priority value and at least one remaining time threshold can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0181] S620, the UE determines that the first LCH contains tethering service (connection service) or tethering data (connection data).

[0182] S630, the UE determines the value of the first priority from at least one priority value associated with the first LCH based on the delay of the first LCH.

[0183] S640, the UE sends the first LCH data to the base station according to the first priority value.

[0184] It should be noted that steps S630 and S640 are similar to the relevant parts of steps S510 and S520 described above, and will not be repeated here for the sake of simplicity.

[0185] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in another embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the method may include at least the following steps.

[0186] S710, the UE obtains at least one difference information. It should be noted that the relevant description regarding the UE obtaining at least one difference information can be found in the preceding text, and will not be repeated here.

[0187] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the at least one difference information is associated with at least one time delay range. A description of the association between at least one difference information and at least one time delay range can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0188] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the at least one difference information is associated with at least one remaining time threshold. A description of the association between at least one difference information and at least one remaining time threshold can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0189] S720: The base station sends the second priority to the UE, and the UE receives the second priority accordingly.

[0190] S730, the UE determines that the first LCH contains tethering service (connection service) or tethering data (connection data).

[0191] S740, the UE determines the value of the first priority from at least one priority value associated with the first LCH based on the delay of the first LCH.

[0192] Specifically, the terminal device further determines a first difference information from at least one difference information based on the delay of the first LCH, wherein the delay of the first LCH is within the range of the delay associated with the first difference information. Subsequently, the terminal device determines a first priority value based on the first difference information.

[0193] S750, the UE sends the first LCH data to the base station according to the first priority value.

[0194] It should be noted that the relevant descriptions of steps S740 and S750 can be found in the corresponding parts of steps S510 and S520 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0195] Based on the above technical solution, the link transmission latency in tethering scenarios can be taken into account, thereby improving the experience and user satisfaction of tethering services.

[0196] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in another embodiment of this application. This method may include at least the following steps. It should be noted that the network device may include DU, RU, and CU. This communication method 800 corresponds to communication method 600; for simplicity, only the differences between the two are listed below.

[0197] S810, the CU sends the configuration message of the first LCH to the UE, and the UE receives the configuration message of the first LCH accordingly.

[0198] Specifically, the CU first sends the configuration message for the first LCH to the DU, then the DU sends the configuration message for the first LCH to the RU, and subsequently the RU sends the configuration message for the first LCH to the UE. A description of the configuration message for the first LCH can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0199] S840, the UE sends the first LCH data to the RU according to the first priority information, and the RU receives the first LCH data accordingly.

[0200] Specifically, the UE first sends the first LCH data to the DU, and then the DU sends the first LCH data to the RU.

[0201] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in another embodiment of this application. This method may include at least the following steps. It should be noted that the network device may include DU, RU, and CU. This communication method 900 corresponds to communication method 700; for simplicity, only the differences between the two are listed below.

[0202] S910, the CU sends at least one difference information to the UE, and correspondingly, the UE receives at least one difference information.

[0203] Specifically, the CU first sends at least one difference information to the DU, then the DU sends at least one difference information to the RU, and subsequently the RU sends at least one difference information to the UE. A description of the at least one difference information can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0204] It should be noted that step S910 is an optional step.

[0205] S920, the CU sends the second priority to the UE.

[0206] Specifically, the CU sends the second priority to the DU, the DU sends the first priority to the RU, and then the RU sends the second priority to the UE.

[0207] S950, the UE sends the first LCH data to the DU according to the first priority information.

[0208] Specifically, the UE first sends the first LCH data to the RU, and then the RU sends the first LCH data to the DU.

[0209] The method embodiments provided by this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 5 to 9. The device embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[0210] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the apparatuses in Figures 10 to 12 include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software.

[0211] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the communication device 1000 can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device and network device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0212] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may include a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020.

[0213] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device and the network device in the above method embodiments, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to execute the transceiver steps of the terminal device and the network device, and the processing unit 1020 is used to execute the processing steps of the terminal device and the network device.

[0214] For a more detailed description of the transceiver unit 1010 and the processing unit 1020, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0215] Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a storage unit 1030 for storing instructions.

[0216] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that the communication device 1100 can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device and network device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0217] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 includes at least one processor 1110 and a transceiver 1120. The processor 1110 is coupled to a memory and is used to execute instructions stored in the memory to control the transceiver 1120 to transmit and / or receive signals. Optionally, the communication device 1100 also includes a memory 1130 for storing instructions.

[0218] It should be understood that the processor 1110 and memory 1130 described above can be combined into a single processing device, with the processor 1110 executing the program code stored in the memory 1130 to achieve the aforementioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 1130 can be integrated into the processor 1110 or independent of the processor 1110.

[0219] It should also be understood that transceiver 1120 may include a receiver (or receiver unit) and a transmitter (or transmitter unit). Transceiver 1120 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more. Transceiver 1120 may also be an antenna interface or an interface circuit.

[0220] When the communication device 1100 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit can be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0221] Optionally, the communication device 1100 can be a terminal device or a network device, and correspondingly, the transceiver 1120 can be a transceiver circuit.

[0222] Optionally, the communication device 1100 can be a chip used in terminal equipment or network equipment, and correspondingly, the transceiver 1120 can be an input / output interface.

[0223] For example, when the communication device 1100 is a chip of a terminal device or a network device, the chip implements the functions of the terminal device or the network device in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal device or the network device, and this information is sent to the terminal device or the network device by other devices; or, the chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal device or the network device, and this information is sent to other devices by the terminal device or the network device.

[0224] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1200 according to an embodiment of this application. The chip system 1200 here can also be a system composed of circuits. The chip system 1200 shown in Figure 12 includes: logic circuit 1210 and input / output interface 1220. The logic circuit is used to couple with the input interface and transmit data through the input / output interface to execute the method described in Figures 2 to 11.

[0225] The logic circuit 1210 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1200. The logic circuit 1210 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 1200 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 1220 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1200, outputting processed information from the chip system 1200, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1200 for processing.

[0226] As one solution, the chip system 1200 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device and network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0227] For example, logic circuit 1210 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the terminal device and network device in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 1220 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device and network device in the above method embodiments.

[0228] This application also provides a processing apparatus, including a processor and an interface. The processor can be used to execute the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0229] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be a chip. 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.

[0230] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be executed by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in mature storage media in the art, such as random access registers, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. Since the storage medium is located in memory, the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method; to avoid repetition, these will not be described in detail here.

[0231] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0232] 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.

[0233] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments shown in FIG5 to FIG9.

[0234] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments shown in FIG5 to FIG9.

[0235] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a system, which includes the aforementioned terminal device and network device.

[0236] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the 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. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0237] In the embodiments mentioned 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.

[0238] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0239] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] 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.

[0241] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0242] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0243] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0244] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: First priority information is determined from at least one priority information associated with the first logical channel (LCH) based on the delay of the first logical channel (LCH), the at least one priority information being associated with at least one delay, the delay of the first LCH being within the range of the delay associated with the first priority information, wherein the delay of the first LCH is associated with the delay between the first terminal and at least one second terminal. The data of the first LCH is sent according to the first priority information, and the data of the first LCH includes data between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one priority information is associated with at least one remaining time threshold, and the method further includes: It is determined that the remaining time of the first LCH is less than a first remaining time threshold, where the first remaining time threshold is the remaining time threshold associated with the first priority information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the at least one priority information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The priority information includes a priority value, and obtaining the at least one priority information includes: Receive at least one priority value sent by the network device.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The priority information includes difference information, and obtaining the at least one priority information includes: Receive at least one difference information from the network device; or, The at least one difference information is obtained through a predefined method in the protocol.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first priority information includes first difference information, which is used to determine the value of the first priority.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the value of the second priority of the first LCH sent by the network device; The first difference information is used to determine the value of the first priority, including: The first difference information and the value of the second priority are used to determine the value of the first priority.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The latency of the first LCH is associated with the latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal, including: The latency of the first LCH is the maximum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, The latency of the first LCH is the minimum latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, The latency of the first LCH is the average latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The system receives data from a first LCH (Local Gateway), which includes data between a first terminal and at least one second terminal. The latency of the first LCH data satisfies a latency associated with first priority information, where the first priority information is one of at least one priority information associated with the first LCH. The delay of the first LCH is within the range of the delay associated with the first priority information, and the delay of the first LCH is associated with the delay between the first terminal and at least one second terminal.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one priority information is associated with at least one remaining time threshold. The remaining time of the first LCH is less than the first remaining time threshold, which is the remaining time threshold associated with the first priority information.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send at least one priority information to the terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The priority information includes the priority value.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The priority information includes difference information.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first priority information includes first difference information, which is used to determine the value of the first priority.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the value of the second priority of the first LCH to the terminal device; The first difference information is used to determine the value of the first priority, including: The first difference information and the value of the second priority are used to determine the value of the first priority.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that, The latency of the first LCH is associated with the latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal, including: The latency of the first LCH is the maximum value of the latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, The latency of the first LCH is the minimum latency between the first terminal and the at least one second terminal; or, The latency of the first LCH is the average latency between the first terminal and at least one second terminal.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor for executing a computer program stored in a memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 or the method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 16.

18. A chip, characterized in that, The device includes a processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for executing the computer program stored in the memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the processor for executing the computer program stored in the memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is performed or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16 is performed.

20. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, when run on a computer, This causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 16 to be performed.

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