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

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. The method is executed by a first node, and comprises: sending first information, wherein the first information indicates first processing for a first data packet, and the first processing comprises at least one of the following: marking PDU set information in the first data packet, and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet, wherein the first data packet comprises a downlink data packet in a first data stream. By means of the solution of the present disclosure, QoS and QoE of data communication can be improved.

Description

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

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

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

[0003] In related technologies, due to the characteristics of high throughput, low latency, and high reliability requirements of XRM and eXtended Reality and interactive media services, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the quality of service (QoS) characteristics of a specific service data flow (SDF) within a service. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a first node. The method includes: sending first information, wherein the first information indicates first processing for a first data packet, the first processing including at least one of: marking PDU set information in the first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a second node. The method includes: receiving first information, wherein the first information indicates first processing for a first data packet, the first processing including at least one of: marking PDU set information in the first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a third node. The method includes: sending second information to a first node, wherein the second information instructs the first node to perform a first process, the first process including at least one of: marking PDU set information in a first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is applied to a communication system. The communication system includes a first node, a second node, and a third node. The method includes: the third node sending second information to the first node, wherein the second information instructs the first node to perform a first processing for a first data packet; the first node sending first information to the second node, wherein the first information instructs the first processing for the first data packet; wherein the first processing includes at least one of: marking PDU set information in the first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. This communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a first node, a second node, and a third node. The first node is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect. The second node is configured to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided. The program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When executed by a communication device, the program or instructions implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When this computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the QoS and QoE of data communication can be improved.

[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0018] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of one implementation of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3D is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0032] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a first node. The method includes: sending first information, wherein the first information indicates first processing for a first data packet, the first processing including at least one of: marking PDU set information in the first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the first node can instruct the network to perform first processing on downlink data packets in the first data stream by sending first information, including the identification and marking of PDU set information. Thus, even if the downlink data packets from the application server themselves do not have PDU set-based QoS characteristics, the network can still perform PDU set marking on the downlink data stream, thereby supporting resource processing and optimization at the PDU set granularity, optimizing resource scheduling or network congestion scenarios, and improving the QoS and QoE of the communication system.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set indicated by the PDU set information does not have dedicated QoS characteristics.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; indication of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU sequence number in the PDU set; PDU set size; PDU set importance.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the first process was successfully executed; second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates that the second node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet; and third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates that the first node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is sent via the control plane and / or the user plane.

[0038] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the above method further includes: receiving second information sent by a third node, wherein the second information instructs the first node to perform the first process.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information indicates that the first node performs first processing on the first data packet; and protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

[0040] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a second node. The method includes: receiving first information, wherein the first information indicates first processing for a first data packet, the first processing including at least one of: marking PDU set information in the first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the second node can obtain first information provided by the first node, instructing the network to perform first processing on downlink data packets in the first data stream, including the identification and marking of PDU set information. Based on the first information, the second node can know that the downlink data packets have undergone the first processing in the network, or even that the second node has been triggered to mark the PDU set information. Thus, even if the downlink data stream from the application server itself does not have QoS characteristics based on PDU sets, the network can still implement PDU set marking on the downlink data stream, thereby supporting resource processing and optimization at the PDU set granularity, optimizing resource scheduling or network congestion scenarios, and improving the QoS and QoE of the communication system.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set indicated by the PDU set information does not have dedicated QoS characteristics.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; indication of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU sequence number in the PDU set; PDU set size; PDU set importance.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is received via the control plane and / or the user plane.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the first process was successfully executed; second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates that the second node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet; and third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates that the first node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes: sending third information to a fourth node, wherein the third information is used to request the first processing to be performed on the first data packet.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following: fifth indication information, wherein the fifth indication information indicates that a first processing needs to be performed on the first data packet; and protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

[0048] In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This method is executed by a third node. The method includes: sending second information to a first node, wherein the second information instructs the first node to perform a first process, the first process including at least one of: marking PDU set information in a first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the third node can send second information to the first node to instruct the first node to perform first processing on the downlink data packets in the first data stream, including the identification and marking of PDU set information. Thus, even if the downlink data packets from the application server themselves do not have PDU set-based QoS characteristics, the network can still implement PDU set marking on the downlink data stream, thereby supporting resource processing and optimization at the PDU set granularity, optimizing resource scheduling or network congestion scenarios, and improving the QoS and QoE of the communication system.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set indicated by the PDU set information does not have dedicated QoS characteristics.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; indication of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU sequence number in the PDU set; PDU set size; PDU set importance.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information indicates that the first node performs first processing on the first data packet; and protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes at least one of the following: receiving third information sent by a fourth node, wherein the third information is used to request the first data packet to be processed first; receiving fourth information sent by a first device, wherein the fourth information indicates the first device's support capability for the first data packet marked with PDU set information.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following: fifth indication information, wherein the fifth indication information indicates that the first processing needs to be performed on the first data packet; and protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes at least one of the following: receiving first information sent by a receiving node, wherein the first information indicates first processing for a first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the first process was successfully executed; second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates that the second node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet; and third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates that the first node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0057] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is applied to a communication system. The communication system includes a first node, a second node, and a third node. The method includes: the third node sending second information to the first node, wherein the second information instructs the first node to perform a first processing for a first data packet; the first node sending first information to the second node, wherein the first information instructs the first processing for the first data packet; wherein the first processing includes at least one of: marking PDU set information in the first data packet, and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0058] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is a first node. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: transmit first information, wherein the first information indicates first processing for a first data packet, the first processing including at least one of: marking PDU set information in the first data packet, and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set indicated by the PDU set information does not have dedicated QoS characteristics.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; indication of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU sequence number in the PDU set; PDU set size; PDU set importance.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the first process was successfully executed; second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates that the second node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet; and third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates that the first node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is sent via the control plane and / or the user plane.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive second information sent by a third node, wherein the second information instructs the first node to perform a first process.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information indicates that the first node performs first processing on the first data packet; and protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

[0065] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is a second node. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive first information, wherein the first information indicates first processing for a first data packet, the first processing including at least one of: marking PDU set information in the first data packet, identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set indicated by the PDU set information does not have dedicated QoS characteristics.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; indication of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU sequence number in the PDU set; PDU set size; PDU set importance.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is received via the control plane and / or the user plane.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the first process was successfully executed; second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates that the second node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet; and third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates that the first node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0070] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the sixth aspect, the above method further includes: sending third information to a fourth node, wherein the third information is used to request the first processing to be performed on the first data packet.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following: fifth indication information, wherein the fifth indication information indicates that first processing needs to be performed on the first data packet; and protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device is a third node. The communication device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send second information to a first node, wherein the second information instructs the first node to perform a first process, the first process including at least one of: marking PDU set information in a first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set indicated by the PDU set information does not have dedicated QoS characteristics.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number; indication of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU sequence number in the PDU set; PDU set size; PDU set importance.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information indicates that the first node performs first processing on the first data packet; and protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to perform at least one of the following: receiving third information sent by a fourth node, wherein the third information is used to request the first data packet to be processed first; receiving fourth information sent by a first device, wherein the fourth information indicates the first device's support capability for the first data packet marked with PDU set information.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following: fifth indication information, wherein the fifth indication information indicates that a first processing needs to be performed on the first data packet; and protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module is further configured to perform at least one of the following: receiving first information sent by a node, wherein the first information indicates first processing for a first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the first process was successfully executed; second indication information, wherein the second indication information indicates that the second node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet; and third indication information, wherein the third indication information indicates that the first node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0080] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. This communication device is used to perform the communication methods described in any of the first, second, third, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0081] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a first node, a second node, and a third node. The first node is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the first aspect and its possible embodiments. The second node is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the second aspect and its possible embodiments. The third node is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the third aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0082] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any of the first, second, third, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0083] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product. The program product includes at least one of a program and instructions. When executed by a communication device, the program or instructions implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the first, second, third, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0084] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program. When this computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication methods described in any of the first, second, third, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0085] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication methods described in any of the first, second, third, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0086] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, and chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] This disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method can be used interchangeably; terms such as communication device, communication equipment, network equipment, network function, and network entity can be used interchangeably; and terms such as communication system and information processing system can be used interchangeably.

[0088] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0089] In the embodiments disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0090] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0091] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0092] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0093] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0094] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0095] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0096] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0097] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0098] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0099] In some embodiments, terms such as “greater than,” “more than,” “higher than,” and “exceeding” can be used interchangeably; terms such as “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably; terms such as “less than,” “less than,” and “lower than” can be used interchangeably; and terms such as “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below” can be used interchangeably.

[0100] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0101] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0102] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0103] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0104] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0105] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0106] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0107] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0108] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0109] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, a first device 102, and a core network 103.

[0110] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may be an access network device. In some embodiments, the first device 102 may be a radio access network device. In some embodiments, the first device 102 may be an access network device employing other technologies. For example, the first device 102 may be a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF), a trusted non-3GPP gateway function (TNGF), or a wireless access gateway function (W-AGF).

[0112] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0113] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architectures. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0114] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0115] In some embodiments, the core network 103 may be a single device, including a first node 1031, a second node 1032, a third node 1033, a fourth node 1034, a fifth node 1035, a sixth node 1036, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or some of the first node 1031, the second node 1032, the third node 1033, the fourth node 1034, the fifth node 1035, the sixth node 1036, etc. The nodes in the core network 103 may be virtual or physical. The core network 103 may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0116] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may be a user plane network element or a data plane network element.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may be, for example, a user plane function (UPF). In one example, the first node 1031 located on the user plane may be a PDU session anchor (PSA) UPF.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 can be used to implement functions such as user plane (UP) data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, bandwidth limiting, and UP QoS processing, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0119] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may be a control plane and / or user plane network element.

[0120] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may include, for example, an application function (AF) and / or an application server (AS).

[0121] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may be implemented by an application server and used to provide application services, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0122] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 can be used to provide application services and support.

[0123] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may be, for example, a control plane network element.

[0124] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0125] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 can be used for functions such as session management, execution of PCF-issued control policies, selection of UPF, and allocation of UE Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0126] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may be, for example, a control plane element.

[0127] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may be, for example, a policy control function (PCF).

[0128] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can be used to support a unified policy framework and provide policy rules, the name of which is not limited thereto.

[0129] In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may be, for example, a user plane network element.

[0130] In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may be, for example, a network exposure function (NEF).

[0131] In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 can be used to ensure the security of external applications to the 3GPP network, and provide external applications with QoS customization capabilities, mobility state time subscription, AF request distribution, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0132] In some embodiments, the sixth node 1036 may be, for example, a control plane element.

[0133] In some implementations, the sixth node 1036 may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0134] In some embodiments, the sixth node 1036 can be used to perform mobility management, non-access stratum mobility management (NAS MM) signaling processing, NAS session management (SM) signaling routing, security anchor point and security context management, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may be located outside the core network 103, or inside the core network 103, or partially inside and partially outside the core network 103. This disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0136] In some embodiments, AF and AS in the second node 1032 can be deployed centrally or independently, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0137] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 described above may be a 5G communication system. It should be noted that the communication system 100 may also be other communication systems, such as a 4G communication system or a 6G communication system, and this disclosure does not specifically limit the types of communication systems used.

[0138] Figures 1B and 1C illustrate the architecture of a communication system using a 5G communication system as an example. Here, terminal 101 can be a UE, and access network equipment can be a RAN.

[0139] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the architecture of one implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in the form of reference points. N1 is the reference point between the UE and AMF. N2 is the reference point between the RAN and AMF. N3 is the reference point between the RAN and UPF. N4 is the reference point between the SMF and UPF. N5 is the reference point between the PCF and AF. N6 is the reference point between the UPF and the data network (DN). N7 is the reference point between the SMF and PCF. N11 is the reference point between the AMF and SMF. N15 is the reference point between the SMF and PCF. Uu is the interface between the UE and the RAN. It should be noted that the NEF is not shown in Figure 1B. However, each network element in the communication system can interact with the NEF.

[0140] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another implementation of the communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1C, the architecture of the 5G communication system is presented in a service-based interface manner. Namf is the service-based interface provided by AMF. Nsmf is the service-based interface provided by SMF. Nnef is the service-based interface provided by NEF. Npcf is the service-based interface provided by PCF. Naf is the service-based interface provided by AF.

[0141] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0142] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or some of the main components in the communication system 100, but are not limited thereto. The main components shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system 100 may include all or some of the main components in FIG1, or may include other main components other than those in FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main component are arbitrary. Each main component may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main components is illustrative. The main components may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0143] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0144] In some cases, mobile media services, online AR / VR and other XR services, online games, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute increasingly higher traffic to communication networks. XR services involve multimodal data streams. Multimodal data describes data input from the same device or different devices (including sensors) for the same service / application, which may be output to one or more destination device terminals. The data streams in multimodal data often have a certain degree of correlation, or even a strong correlation, such as the synchronization of audio and video streams, or the synchronization of haptic and visual senses. The data streams of these media services themselves, the relationships between the data streams, and the network transmission requirements of these service data streams all share some common characteristics. Effective identification and utilization of these characteristics will be more conducive to network and service transmission and control, and will also contribute to service assurance and user experience.

[0145] In further scenarios, XRM services and interactive media services require communication systems to comprehensively consider the QoS characteristics of service data streams. These QoS characteristics include, for example, at least one of the following: whether parameters such as delay-sensitive guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data streams, guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet PDU set delay budget (PDB), and default maximum data burst volume (MDBV) can be simultaneously met and consistently maintained. This involves ensuring consistent QoS authentication and execution across multiple XRM data streams from a single terminal and across multiple terminals.

[0146] In some embodiments, the SDF of XRM can support PDU set-based processing, thereby enhancing QoS awareness and assurance of the SDF and improving the user's quality of experience (QoE).

[0147] In some embodiments, such as 4G, 5G, 6G, and V2X systems, the AF (Active Front-End) can provide PDU set QoS parameters and a protocol description. In some embodiments, the PDU set QoS parameters may include at least one of the following: PDU set delay budget (PSDB), PDU set error rate (PSER), and PDU set integrated handling information (PSIHI). Then, the SMF (Service Provider Framework) and UPF (User Provider Framework) can combine the protocol description and header extensions provided by the AF to extend the packet headers of the PDUs in the SDF's PDU set to carry PDU set information. The carried PDU information can be used by the access network for PDU set-based QoS control.

[0148] In some embodiments, the PDU set information may include at least one of the following: PDU set sequence number, the starting or ending PDU of the PDU set, the PDU sequence number within the PDU set, the number of PDUs within the PDU set, the importance of the PDU set, and the size of the PDU set. Here, the importance of the PDU set is used to characterize the importance of a PDU set relative to other PDU sets in the same QoS flow.

[0149] In some embodiments, there may be scenarios where QoS enhancement based on PDU sets is not supported. In these cases, no PDU set QoS parameters are provided, especially downlink PDU set QoS parameters such as PSER, PSDB, and PSIHI. How can the network support PDU set-level granular processing, such as performing scheduling or packet loss processing based on PDU set importance differences in the RAN to optimize resource scheduling or network congestion scenarios? Current communication systems cannot support PDU set-level resource processing and network resource optimization in such scenarios to improve network QoS and user service experience (QoE).

[0150] Therefore, in specific scenarios, how to achieve resource processing and network resource optimization at the PDU set granularity for business data streams is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0151] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2A, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S2101 to S2110.

[0152] In step S2101, the second node 1032 sends third information to the fourth node 1034.

[0153] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may send third information. In some embodiments, the third information may be sent by the second node 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0154] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may receive third information. In some embodiments, the third information may be received by the fourth node 1034, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may determine that a first data packet of a first data stream of a first service needs to undergo first processing. In some embodiments, the first data stream may include one or more SDFs in the first service. In some embodiments, the first data packet may include PDUs in one or more SDFs of the first service. In some embodiments, the first data packet may be a downlink data packet. In some embodiments, each PDU in the first data packet may have a header. For example, the header of the PDU may be header extensions (HE), or extension headers (EH).

[0156] In some embodiments, the first process may include at least one of the following: marking PDU set information in the first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0157] In some embodiments, marking PDU set information in the first data packet can refer to adding PDU set information to the first data packet. In some embodiments, the PDU set information can be added to the header of the first data packet. For example, the PDU set information can be added to the header extension of the first data packet.

[0158] In some embodiments, identifying PDU set information in the first data packet may refer to identifying PDU set information from the first data packet. In some embodiments, identifying PDU set information in the first data packet may refer to identifying PDU set information from the header of the first data packet.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first process may refer to simply marking and / or identifying PDU set information, but this PDU set information is not associated with QoS features. In some embodiments, the PDU set indicated by the PDU set information does not have dedicated QoS features. In some embodiments, no specific QoS features are configured for the first data packet marked with PDU set information. In some embodiments, the QoS features may include PDU set QoS parameters, particularly downlink PDU set QoS parameters, such as PSER, PSDB, PSIHI, etc. In one example, the PDU set indicated by the PDU set information does not have downlink PDU set QoS parameters including PSER, PSDB, PSIHI.

[0160] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to indicate that a first processing is required for a first data packet of a first service. In some embodiments, the third information may be used to indicate a request to perform the first processing on the first data packet. In some embodiments, the third information may be used to indicate a desire to perform the first processing on the first data packet. In some embodiments, the third information may be used to indicate that the first data packet contains PDU set information.

[0161] In some embodiments, the third information may include at least one of the following: fifth instruction information, protocol description information.

[0162] In some embodiments, the fifth indication information may be used to indicate that a first processing is required on the first data packet. In some embodiments, the fifth indication information may be used to indicate that the first data packet requires a first processing. In some embodiments, the fifth indication information may be used to indicate that an operation of only marking PDU set information needs to be performed on the first data packet.

[0163] In some embodiments, the protocol description information, also known as the protocol description (PD), can be used to indicate the protocol associated with the first data packet. In some embodiments, the protocol description information can be used to indicate the transport protocol used by the SDF containing the first data packet.

[0164] In some embodiments, the fifth indication information and the protocol description information can be two separate pieces of information. In some embodiments, the fifth indication information can be included in the protocol description information. For example, the protocol description information may include the fifth indication information to indicate the first processing applied to the first data packet while indicating the transport protocol associated with the first data packet.

[0165] In some embodiments, the process of the second node 1032 sending third information to the fourth node 1034 can be implemented as follows: the second node 1032 sends the third information to the fourth node 1034 through the fifth node 1035. In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may be an untrusted node. In this case, the second node 1032 may send the third information to the fifth node 1035; the fifth node 1035 may authenticate the second node 1032, and send the third information to the fourth node 1034 if the authentication is successful. In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may be a trusted node. In this case, the second node 1032 may send the third information to the fifth node 1035, and the fifth node 1035 sends the third information to the fourth node 1034.

[0166] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in the AF request. In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may send an AF session resource request. This AF session resource request may carry the third information. In some embodiments, the AF session resource request may be an AF session resource creation request. For example, the AF session resource request may be an Nnef_AFSessionwithQoS_Create request message. In some embodiments, the AF session resource request may be an AF session resource update request. For example, the AF session resource request may be an Nnef_AFSessionwithQoS_Update request message.

[0167] In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may send the third information in different ways. In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may determine the way to send the third information based on the information and / or parameters received from the second node 1032.

[0168] In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may send third information in the following ways: by sending via time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) or by sending directly.

[0169] In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may determine to send third information to the fourth node 1034 via the TCSTSF. In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may send the third information to the TSCTSF via the service-based interface Ntsftsf, and then the TSCTSF may send the third information to the fourth node 1034 via the service-based interface Npcf. In one example, the fifth node 1035 may send the third information to the TSCTSF via the Ntsctsf_QoSandTSCAssistance_Create request message, and then the TSCTSF may send the third information to the fourth node 1034 via the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message or the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update request message.

[0170] In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may determine to send the third information directly to the fourth node 1034. In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may send the third information to the fourth node 1034 through the service-based interface Npcf. In one example, the fifth node 1035 may send the third information to the fourth node through the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request message.

[0171] In some embodiments, while sending the first information, the second node 1032 may also send service information of the first service to the fourth node 1034. The service information may include at least one of the following: QoS requirements, the identifier of terminal 101, the address of terminal 101, the identifier of the second node 1032, a flow description, a data network name (DNN), and single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). It should be noted that the second node 1032 may also send other information to the fourth node 1034, but this embodiment does not specifically limit this information.

[0172] In step S2102, the fourth node 1034 performs a strategy decision.

[0173] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may perform policy decisions based on the received third information and / or service information, and / or the configuration information of the fourth node 1034.

[0174] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include at least one of the following: local configuration, operator policy, and operation administration and maintenance (OAM) configuration.

[0175] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can determine the first rule through policy decision-making.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first rule may include a policy and charging control (PCC) rule. It is understood that the first rule may also be other rules, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this type of rule.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first rule may be a new PCC rule. In some embodiments, the first rule may be an updated PCC rule.

[0178] In some embodiments, based on the third information, the fourth node 1034 may determine that the first data packet needs to undergo first processing. In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may determine to send the third information to the third node 1033.

[0179] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may determine on its own that the first data packet needs to be processed first. In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may determine that the first data packet needs to be processed first based on configuration information even without receiving third information.

[0180] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may send an authorization result to the second node 1032. In some embodiments, the authorization result may be that the second node 1032's AF request has been authorized. For example, the authorization result may be that the fourth node 1034 determines that the first data packet needs to undergo first processing. In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may send a response message to the fifth node 1035. For example, the fourth node 1034 may send an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Update response message to the fifth node 1035. In some embodiments, the fifth node 1035 may send a response message to the second node 1032. For example, the fifth node 1035 may send an Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create response message or an Nnef_AFSessionWithQoS_Update response message to the second node 1032. These response messages may carry the authorization result.

[0181] In step S2103, the fourth node 1034 sends third information to the third node 1033.

[0182] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may send third information. In some embodiments, the third information may be sent by the fourth node 1034, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0183] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may receive third information. In some embodiments, the third information may be received by the third node 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0184] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in the first rule. In one example, the fourth node 1034 may send the first rule to the third node 1033, and the first rule contains the third information.

[0185] In some embodiments, the third information can be independent of the first rule. In this case, the third information can be sent to the third node 1033 together with the first rule, or separately from the first rule.

[0186] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can send third information to the third node 1033 through the service-based interface Npcf.

[0187] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can initiate an SM policy association modification process. In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can send an SM policy association modification request message to the third node 1033. In one example, the fourth node 1034 can send third information to the third node 1033 via an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message. In some embodiments, the third node 1033 can send an SM policy association modification response message to the fourth node 1034. In one example, the third node 1033 can send an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response message to the fourth node 1034.

[0188] In some embodiments, upon receiving a first rule, the third node 1033 can determine at least one of the following based on the first rule: a QoS profile, QoS rules, and packet detection rules (PDR). In some embodiments, the QoS profile is used to configure the first device 102 to perform QoS processing. In some embodiments, the QoS rules are used to configure the terminal 101 to perform QoS processing. In some embodiments, the PDR is used to configure the first node 1031 to perform QoS processing.

[0189] In some embodiments, based on third information, the third node 1033 may determine that the first data packet needs to undergo first processing.

[0190] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 can determine on its own that the first data packet needs to be processed first. In some embodiments, the third node 1033 can determine that the first data packet needs to be processed first based on its own configuration information even without receiving third information.

[0191] In some embodiments, the configuration information may include at least one of the following: local configuration, carrier policy, and OAM configuration.

[0192] In step S2104, the third node 1033 sends the sixth information to the first device 102.

[0193] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may send a sixth message. In some embodiments, the sixth message may be sent by the third node 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may receive the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information may be received by the first device 102, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0195] In some embodiments, the sixth information may be used to request the first device 102's support capability for the first processing. In some embodiments, the sixth information may be used to indicate the need for support for the first processing of the first data packet.

[0196] In some embodiments, the process of the third node 1033 sending the sixth information to the first device 102 can be implemented as follows: the third node 1033 sends the sixth information to the sixth node 1036 through the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message; the sixth node 1036 sends the sixth information to the first device 102 through the N2 message.

[0197] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may also send QoS profiles and / or QoS rules to the first device 102.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may perform QoS processing on the first data packet according to the received QoS profile. For example, the first device 102 may map the first data packet from a QoS stream to access a dedicated resource according to the QoS profile.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may send the received QoS rules to the terminal 101. The terminal 101 may then perform QoS processing on the first data packet according to the QoS rules.

[0200] In step S2105, the first device 102 sends the fourth information to the third node 1033.

[0201] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may send a sixth message. In some embodiments, the sixth message may be sent by the third node 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first device 102 may receive the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information may be received by the first device 102, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0203] In some embodiments, upon receiving the sixth information, the first device 102 may send the fourth information to the third node 1033. In some embodiments, the first device 102 may send the fourth information to the third node 1033 independently. For example, the first device 102 may send the fourth information to the third node 1033 based on its own configuration information.

[0204] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the first device 102 may include at least one of the following: local configuration, carrier policy, and OAM configuration.

[0205] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to indicate whether the first device 102 supports a first data stream employing the first processing. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to indicate the first device 102's ability to support a first data packet tagged with PDU set information. In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to indicate whether the first device 102 has the ability to process a first data packet tagged with PDU set information.

[0206] In some embodiments, the fourth information may indicate that the first device 102 supports the first data packet tagged with PDU set information. For example, the fourth information may indicate that the first device 102 supports the first data packet tagged with PDU set information through a first value. In some embodiments, the fourth information may indicate that the first device 102 does not support the first data packet tagged with PDU set information. For example, the fourth information may indicate that the first device 102 does not support the first data packet tagged with PDU set information through a second value.

[0207] In some embodiments, the process of the first device 102 sending the sixth information to the third node 1033 can be implemented as follows: the first device 102 sends the fourth information to the sixth node 1036 through the N2 message; the sixth node 1036 sends the fourth information to the third node 1033 through the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0208] It should be noted that steps S2104 and S2105 are optional. In some embodiments, steps S2104 and S2105 may not be executed, or only step S2105 may be executed. In some embodiments, it may be assumed by default that the first device 102 supports the first processing of the first data packet. In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may obtain the capability information of the first device 102 in advance, and determine that the first device 102 supports the first processing of the first data packet based on the capability information.

[0209] In step S2106, the third node 1033 sends the second information to the first node 1031.

[0210] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may send second information. In some embodiments, the second information may be sent by the third node 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may receive the second information. In some embodiments, the second information may be received by the first node 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0212] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the first data packet needs to be processed and the fourth information indicates that the first device 102 supports the first data packet marked with PDU set information, the third node 1033 may send the second information to the first node 1031.

[0213] In some embodiments, the second information may be determined by the third node 1033 based on the third information and / or local configuration and / or operator policies.

[0214] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to instruct the first data packet to undergo a first process. In some embodiments, the second information may be used to instruct the first node 1031 to perform the first process.

[0215] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: fourth instruction information and protocol description information.

[0216] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be used to instruct the first processing to be performed on the first data packet. In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be used to trigger the first node 1031 to perform the first processing on the first data packet.

[0217] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may include a field. This field may indicate, through a first value, that a first process is performed on the first data packet. It is understood that, in this case, the field only indicates that the first process is performed on the first data packet, without distinguishing whether the specific processing method is to mark the PDU set information in the first data packet or to identify the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0218] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be used to instruct the first node 1031 to perform one of the following: marking the PDU set information of the first data packet, or identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0219] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may have a field. This field can indicate the marking of PDU set information in the first data packet by a first value, and can indicate the identification of PDU set information in the first data packet by a second value. It is understood that when the second node 1032 provides the third information, the fourth indication information can indicate the identification of PDU set information in the first data packet by the second value of this field. This is because the second node 1032 can mark PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0220] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be independent of the protocol description information. In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be included in the protocol description information.

[0221] In some embodiments, the content of the third information may be the same as the content of the second information. For example, the third information may include fourth instruction information or protocol description information. Thus, the third information can also be used to indicate the execution of the first processing on the first data. It is understood that, in this case, the second information can be considered to be sent by the second node 1032, and after passing through the fourth node 1034 and the third node 1033, it is finally received by the first node 1031.

[0222] In some embodiments, the second information can be sent from the third node 1033 to the first node 1031 via an N4 message. In some embodiments, the third node 1033 can send an N4 session establishment request message to the first node 1031. The second information can be carried in the N4 session establishment request message. In some embodiments, the third node 1033 can send an N4 session modification request message to the first node 1031. The second information can be carried in the N4 session modification request message.

[0223] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may also send a PDR to the first node 1031.

[0224] In some embodiments, the second information may be independent of the PDR. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second information may be included in the PDR.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may send an N4 session establishment response message to the third node 1033. In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may send an N4 session modification response message to the third node 1033.

[0226] In step S2107, the first node 1031 performs the first process.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may determine to perform the first process based on the received second information. In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may determine to perform the first process based on the fourth instruction information and / or protocol description information.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may also consider local configuration and / or OAM configuration and / or carrier policies to determine whether it supports the first processing of the first data stream. Only in this case can the first node 1031 perform the first processing.

[0229] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may instruct the first processing to be performed on the first data packet. In this case, the first node 1031 may perform the first processing on the first data packet of the first data stream from the second node 1032. In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may instruct the identification of PDU set information to be performed on the first data packet.

[0230] In some embodiments, the header of the first data packet sent by the second node 1032 may carry PDU set information. In this case, the first node 1031 can identify the PDU set information of the first data packet based on the second information. In some embodiments, the second node 1032 can detect the first data packet to identify the PDU set information in the header of the first data packet.

[0231] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may indicate that a first processing step is performed on the first data packet. In this case, the first node 1031 may perform the first processing step on the first data packet from the first data stream of the second node 1032. In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may indicate that a PDU set information marker is performed on the first data packet.

[0232] In some embodiments, the header of the first data packet sent by the second node 1032 may not carry PDU set information. In this case, the first node 1031 can mark the PDU set information on the first data packet according to the second information. In some embodiments, the second node 1032 can detect the first data packet and mark the PDU set information in the header of the first data packet.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may support first processing of the first data packet, and the header of the first data packet from the second node 1032 may carry PDU set information. In this case, the first node 1031 may determine, according to protocol agreement and / or local configuration and / or operator policy, whether the operation of marking the PDU set information of the first data packet is performed by the first node 1031 or the second node 1032. In one example, according to protocol agreement, in this case, the operation of marking the PDU set information of the first data packet may be performed by the second node 1032 by default. In other words, the first node 1031 may use the PDU set information carried in the first data packet from the second node 1032 by default. In one example, a priority may be obtained based on protocol agreement and / or local configuration and / or operator policy, and the first node 1031 may determine, according to the priority, whether the operation of marking the PDU set information of the first data packet is performed by the first node 1031 or the second node 1032. In other words, the first node 1031 can determine whether to use the PDU set information carried in the first data packet from the second node 1032 or to mark the PDU set information in the first data packet itself, based on this priority.

[0234] In step S2108, the first node 1031 sends the first information to the third node 1033.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may send first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be sent by the first node 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0236] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be received by the third node 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate a first process for the first data packet. In some embodiments, the first information may be used to indicate the status of the first process for the first data packet.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first information may include first indication information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first indication information may indicate whether the first process was successfully executed. In some embodiments, the first indication information may be used to indicate whether the first node 1031 successfully executed the first process. In some embodiments, the first indication information may be used to notify the first node 1031 whether the first process was successfully executed. In some embodiments, the first indication information may be used to indicate whether the first node 1031 successfully identified the PDU set information in the first data packet. In some embodiments, the first indication information may be used to indicate whether the first node 1031 successfully marked the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first indication information may indicate that the first node 1031 has successfully performed the first process. For example, the first indication information may indicate that the first node 1031 has successfully performed the first process through a first value.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first indication information may indicate that the first node 1031 failed to perform the first process. For example, the first indication information may indicate that the first node 1031 failed to perform the first process through a second value.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first information may further include cause information. The cause information can be used to indicate why the first node 1031 failed to perform the first process. It is understood that when the first indication information indicates that the first node 1031 failed to perform the first process, the first information may include cause information; otherwise, the first information may not include cause information.

[0243] In some embodiments, different failure reasons can be indicated by their respective reason values. In this case, the reason information may include reason values ​​to indicate the reason why the first node 1031 failed to perform the first process.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first information may be transmitted on the control plane.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first information can be sent to the third node 1033 via an N4 message.

[0246] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 can obtain the first information through step S2108. In some embodiments, the third node 1033 can determine whether the first node 1031 has successfully executed the first process based on the first information. Thus, the third node 1033 can determine the status of the first node 1031 related to the first processing of the first data packet. For example, the status may include: unable to execute the first process, or executing the first process.

[0247] In step S2109, the third node 1033 sends the first information to the fourth node 1034.

[0248] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may send the first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be sent by the third node 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0249] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be received by the fourth node 1034, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0250] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may send the received first information to the fourth node 1034.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first information may be transmitted on the control plane.

[0252] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can obtain the first information through step S2109. In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can determine whether the first node 1031 has successfully executed the first process based on the first information. Thus, the fourth node 1034 can determine the status of the first node 1031 related to the first processing of the first data packet. For example, the status may include: unable to execute the first process, or executing the first process.

[0253] In step S2110, the fourth node 1034 sends the first information to the second node 1032.

[0254] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may send first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be sent by the fourth node 1034, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0255] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be received by the second node 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0256] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can send the received first information to the second node 1032.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first information may be transmitted on the control plane.

[0258] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can send the first information to the second node 1032 through the fifth node 1035.

[0259] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 can obtain the first information through step S2110. In some embodiments, the second node 1032 can determine whether the first node 1031 has successfully executed the first process based on the first information. Thus, the second node 1032 can determine the status of the first node 1031 related to the first processing of the first data packet. For example, the status may include: unable to execute the first process, or executing the first process.

[0260] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 that obtains the first information through the control plane may be an AF.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 can send the first information to the second node 1032 through the user plane or the data plane. In this case, the second node 1032 can be AS or other entities.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may add first information to the header of the uplink data packet of the first service, so that the first information arrives at the second node 1032 along with the uplink data packet. In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may obtain the first information from the header of the uplink data packet.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first information can be provided to the second node 1032 through network exposure. In some embodiments, the network can actively expose the first information to the second node 1032. For example, the first information can be exposed to the second node 1032 through the fifth node 1035.

[0264] The communication method of this disclosure embodiment can be implemented through steps S2101 to S2110.

[0265] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2110. For example, step S2106 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2108 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S2106 and S2108 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S2106, S2107 and S2108 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S2101, S2103 and S2106 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and a combination of steps S2108, S2109 and S2110 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0266] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2107, S2108, S2109, and S2110 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0267] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0268] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2B, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S2201 to S2206.

[0269] In step S2201, the fourth node 1034 sends third information to the third node 1033.

[0270] The optional implementation of step S2201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0271] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 may determine to perform the first processing on the first data packet, taking into account local configuration and / or operator policies. It is understood that the fourth node 1034 may not receive the third information from the second node 1032 at this time.

[0272] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the first processing is to be performed on the first data packet, the fourth node 1034 may determine the third information.

[0273] In some embodiments, the third information may include fifth indication information. In some embodiments, the fifth indication information may be used to indicate that a first processing is required on the first data packet. In some embodiments, the fifth indication information may be used to indicate that the first data packet requires first processing. In some embodiments, the fifth indication information may be used to indicate that an operation of only marking PDU set information needs to be performed on the first data packet.

[0274] In some embodiments, the fourth node 1034 can send third information to the third node 1033 through the service-based interface Npcf.

[0275] In step S2202, the third node 1033 sends the second information to the first node 1031.

[0276] The optional implementation of step S2202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may determine to perform the first processing on the first data packet.

[0278] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may have capability information of the first device 102. For example, the third node 1033 may pre-acquire and store capability information of the first device 102. This capability information may include information indicating whether the first device 102 supports the first data packet after the first processing. The third node 1033 can determine whether the first device 102 supports the first data packet after the first processing based on this capability information.

[0279] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may determine to perform first processing on the first data packet based on the received third information, taking into account local configuration and / or operator policies, and if it is determined that the first device 102 supports the first data packet after the first processing.

[0280] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may determine to perform the first processing on the first data packet, taking into account local configuration and / or operator policies, and determining that the first device 102 supports the first data packet after the first processing. It is understood that the third node 1033 may not obtain third information from the second node 1032 or the third node 1033 at this time.

[0281] In some embodiments, the second information may include fourth indication information.

[0282] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be used to instruct the first processing to be performed on the first data packet. In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may be used to trigger the first node 1031 to perform the first processing on the first data packet.

[0283] In some embodiments, the fourth indication information may include a field. This field may indicate, through a first value, that the first processing should be performed on the first data packet. It is understood that, in this case, the field indicates that the first processing should be performed on the first data packet.

[0284] In some embodiments, the second information can be sent from the third node 1033 to the first node 1031 via an N4 message. In some embodiments, the third node 1033 can send an N4 session modification request message to the first node 1031. The second information can be carried in the N4 session modification request message.

[0285] In step S2203, the first node 1031 performs the first process.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may determine to perform the first process based on the received second information. In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may determine to perform the first process based on the fourth indication information.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may also consider local configuration and / or OAM configuration and / or carrier policies to determine whether it supports the first processing of the first data stream. Only in this case can the first node 1031 perform the first processing.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may perform detection of the first data packet from the second node 1032 according to local configuration and / or operator policies.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may detect the first data packet based on the PDR associated with the SDF of the first service and / or the operator's policy.

[0290] In some embodiments, after detecting the first data packet, the first node 1031 can determine that the first data packet carries PDU set information. In some embodiments, the second node 1032 marks the PDU set information in the header of the first data packet. In this case, the first node 1031 can determine that its first processing of the first data packet is to identify the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0291] In some embodiments, after inspecting the first data packet, the first node 1031 can determine that the first data packet does not carry PDU set information. In some embodiments, the second node 1032 does not mark the PDU set information in the header of the first data packet. In this case, the first node 1031 can determine, based on local configuration and / or operator policies, whether the first node 1031 or the second node 1032 will perform the marking of the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may determine that it itself has marked the PDU set information on the first data packet. This means that the second node 1032 does not need to mark the PDU set information on the first data packet. In some embodiments, if the first node 1031 determines that it itself has marked the PDU set information on the first data packet, the first node 1031 may begin to perform the first operation.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may determine that the second node 1032 marks the PDU set information in the first data packet. This means that the first node 1031 performs the identification of the PDU set information in the first data packet.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may support first processing of the first data packet, and the header of the first data packet from the second node 1032 may carry PDU set information. In this case, the first node 1031 may determine, according to protocol agreement and / or local configuration and / or operator policy, whether the operation of marking the PDU set information of the first data packet is performed by the first node 1031 or the second node 1032. In one example, according to protocol agreement, in this case, the operation of marking the PDU set information of the first data packet may be performed by the second node 1032 by default. In other words, the first node 1031 may use the PDU set information carried in the first data packet from the second node 1032 by default. In one example, a priority may be obtained based on protocol agreement and / or local configuration and / or operator policy, and the first node 1031 may determine, according to the priority, whether the operation of marking the PDU set information of the first data packet is performed by the first node 1031 or the second node 1032. In other words, the first node 1031 can determine whether to use the PDU set information carried in the first data packet from the second node 1032 or to mark the PDU set information in the first data packet itself, based on this priority.

[0295] In step S2204, the first node 1031 sends the first information to the third node 1033.

[0296] The optional implementation of step S2204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may send first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be sent by the first node 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0298] In some embodiments, the third node 1033 may receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be received by the third node 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: first instruction information, second instruction information, and third instruction information.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first indication information may indicate whether the first node 1031 successfully performed the first process. In some embodiments, the first process performed by the first node 1031 is to mark PDU set information in the first data packet, then the first indication information may indicate whether the first node 1031 successfully marked the PDU set information. In some embodiments, the first process performed by the first node 1031 is to identify PDU set information in the first data packet, then the first indication information may indicate whether the first node 1031 successfully identified the PDU set information.

[0301] In some implementations, in the event of a failure, the initial information may also include the cause information.

[0302] In some embodiments, the second indication information may be used to indicate that the second node 1032 marks the PDU set information for the first data packet.

[0303] In some embodiments, the third indication information may be used to indicate that the first node 1031 marks the PDU set information for the first data packet.

[0304] It is understandable that the second and third instruction information can be chosen as the instruction. In other words, the first information can include either the second or the third instruction information.

[0305] In some embodiments, the second and third indication information may be carried in different fields. For example, the first information may include a field to carry the second indication information. Or, the first information may include a second field to carry the third indication information.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second and third indication information can be represented by different values ​​of the same field. For example, the first information may include a field. If the field has a first value, it represents the second indication information. If the field has a second value, it represents the third indication information.

[0307] In some embodiments, the first information may include second indication information, and the first information may be used to request or notify the second node 1032 of the header tag PDU set information of the first data packet.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first information may include third indication information, and the first information may be used to notify the second node 1032 of the header tag PDU set information of the first data packet by the first node 1031.

[0309] In step S2205, the third node 1033 sends the first information to the fourth node 1034.

[0310] The optional implementation of step S2205 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0311] In step S2206, the fourth node 1034 sends the first information to the second node 1032.

[0312] The optional implementation of step S2206 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first information can be transmitted from the first node 1031 to the second node 1032 via the control plane through the third node 1033, the fourth node 1034, and the fifth node 1035.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 can send the first information to the second node 1032 through the user plane or the data plane. In this case, the second node 1032 can be AS or other entities.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may add first information to the header of the uplink data packet of the first service, so that the first information arrives at the second node 1032 along with the uplink data packet. In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may obtain the first information from the header of the uplink data packet.

[0316] In some embodiments, when the first information includes second indication information, the second node 1032 may mark the header of the first data packet with PDU set information.

[0317] In some embodiments, when the first information includes third indication information, the second node 1032 may not mark the PDU set information in the header of the first data packet.

[0318] In some embodiments, when the first information includes first indication information and / or cause information, the second node 1032 may determine the status or result of the first node 1031 performing the first process based on the first indication information and / or cause information.

[0319] The communication method of this embodiment can be implemented through steps S2201 to S2206.

[0320] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2206. For example, step S2202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, a combination of steps S2202 and S2204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and a combination of steps S2202, S2203 and S2204 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0321] In some embodiments, steps S2201, S2203, S2204, S2205, and S2206 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0322] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0323] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0324] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0325] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0326] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0327] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0328] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0329] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0330] In some embodiments, the terms "service", "business", and "traffic" can be used interchangeably.

[0331] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3A, the method includes steps S3101 to S3104.

[0332] In step S3101, the third node 1033 sends the second information to the first node 1031.

[0333] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, step S2202 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] In step S3102, the first node 1031 sends the first information to the third node 1033.

[0335] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, step S2204 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0336] In step S3103, the third node 1033 sends the first information to the fourth node 1034.

[0337] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, step S2205 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] In step S3104, the fourth node 1034 sends the first information to the second node 1032.

[0339] The optional implementation of step S3104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2A, step S2206 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 can send first information to the third node 1033 through control. For example, the first node 1031 can send the first information to the second node 1032 through the third node 1033 and the fourth node 1034.

[0341] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0342] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3B, the method includes steps S3201 to S3202.

[0343] In step S3201, the third node 1033 sends the second information to the first node 1031.

[0344] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, step S2202 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0345] In step S3202, the first node 1031 sends the first information to the second node 1032.

[0346] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2A, step S2204 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 can send first information to the second node 1032 via a user. For example, the first node 1031 can send the first information to the second node 1032 by carrying it in an uplink data packet.

[0348] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0349] Figure 3C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3C, the method includes steps S3301 to S3304.

[0350] In step S3301, the second node 1032 sends third information to the fourth node 1034.

[0351] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] In step S3302, the fourth node 1034 sends third information to the third node 1033.

[0353] The optional implementation of step S3302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, step S2201 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0354] In step S3303, the first device 102 sends the fourth information to the third node 1033.

[0355] The optional implementation of step S3303 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0356] In step S3304, the third node 1033 sends the second information to the first node 1031.

[0357] The optional implementation of step S3304 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, step S2202 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0358] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0359] Figure 3D is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3D, the method includes steps S3401 to S3402.

[0360] In step S3401, the third node 1033 sends the second information to the first node 1031.

[0361] The optional implementation of step S3401 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, step S2202 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] In some embodiments, the second information may instruct the first node 1031 to perform a first process on the first data packet.

[0363] In some embodiments, the second information may be determined by the third node 1033. In one example, the second information may be determined to be sent by the third node 1033 based on local configuration and / or operator policy if the third node 1033 determines that the first processing will be performed on the first data packet. In one example, the second information may be sent by the third node 1033 upon receiving third information from the fourth node 1034. In this case, the third information may be sent by the fourth node 1034 upon determining that the first processing will be performed on the first data packet. In one example, the second information may be sent by the third node 1033 upon receiving third information from the second node 1032 via the fourth node 1034. In this case, the third information may originate from the second node 1032.

[0364] In some embodiments, before sending the second information, the third node 1033 may receive a fourth information from the first device 102. The fourth information indicates that the first device 102 supports a first data stream tagged with PDU set information.

[0365] In step S3402, the first node 1031 sends the first information.

[0366] The optional implementation of step S3402 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2108 to S2110 in Figure 2A, steps S2204 to S2206 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may send first information to at least one of the second node 1032, the third node 1033, and the fourth node 1034 via the control plane.

[0368] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 can send the first information to the second node 1032 through the user plane or the data plane.

[0369] In some embodiments, when the third information originates from the second node 1032, the first node 1031 can send the first information to the second node 1032 through the control plane, user plane, or data plane.

[0370] In some embodiments, when the third information originates from the fourth node 1034, the first node 1031 can send the first information to the fourth node 1034 through the control plane.

[0371] In some embodiments, when the third information originates from the third node 1033, the first node 1031 can send the first information to the third node 1033 through the control plane.

[0372] In some embodiments, the first node 1031 may mark PDU set information in the first data packet, and the second node 1032 may know whether the execution of the first process was successful based on the first information.

[0373] In some embodiments, the second node 1032 may mark PDU set information in the first data packet according to the first information; and the first node 1031 may identify the downlink first data packet carrying PDU set information.

[0374] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0375] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of specific implementation.

[0376] In some embodiments, a network function (e.g., PCF, UPF, NEF) notifies the AF or AS that a network user plane function (e.g., PSA UPF) has performed PDU set information marking on a downlink media stream (i.e., the first data stream), or requests the AS to perform PDU set information marking on the downlink media stream, through PDU set information marking notification.

[0377] In some embodiments, when the network does not have downlink PDU set QoS parameters (including PSER, PDSB, PSIHI), user plane functions (e.g., PSA UPF) perform PDU set information tagging on the downlink media stream.

[0378] In some embodiments, the PCF carries a PDU set information marking only instruction (e.g., without including PDU set QoS parameters provided by PSER, PSDB, and PSIHI) to the SMF, instructing the PCF to perform PDU set information marking only. For each DL PDU with the SMF instruction to mark PDU set information only, the PSA UPF marks the PDU set identifier and provides it to the NG-AN in the PDU extended header.

[0379] In some embodiments, the AF provides PDU set information only as a label (e.g., without including PDU set QoS parameters provided by PSER, PSDB, and PSIHI) to the PCF. A DL protocol description provided by the AF or pre-configured can be used (in determining the PCF's PCC rules, or in the indication sent by the SMF) to enable the PSA UPF to perform identification of the DL PDU set information and the PL PDU set information label.

[0380] In some embodiments, if the AF provides the PCF with PDU set information that is only marked (e.g., without including PDU set QoS parameters for downlink PSER, PSDB, and PSIHI), and / or the AF provides a DL protocol description for identifying and marking DL PDU set information, then the network function (e.g., PCF, UPF, NEF) notifies the AF or AS of the network execution status or result (e.g., success or failure) identified and marked by the DL PDU set information. In some embodiments, in the event of execution failure, a cause value for the execution failure is carried.

[0381] In some embodiments, if the AF neither provides PDU set information merely for labeling (e.g., without including PDU set QoS parameters provided by PSER, PSDB, and PSIHI) to the PCF, nor provides a DL protocol description indicating how to identify and label DL PDU set information, then one of the following methods may be used:

[0382] (1) When the UPF receives an instruction from the SMF to mark the PDU set information, the UPF sends a notification to the AF (which may be reported to the SMF and PCF to notify the PCF) or to the AS (directly or through the NEF), thereby requesting or notifying the AS to mark the PDU set information in the extended header of the DL PDU. It is understandable that otherwise, the application side would not be aware of whether the corresponding PDU set information needs to be added to the downlink data packet header. When the execution request is notified to the application side, the AS can carry the required PDU set information to the UPF in the downlink data packet header based on the request.

[0383] (2) When the UPF receives an instruction from the SMF to perform PDU set information marking only, the UPF, based on local configuration and / or operator policies, if the extended header of the DL PDU from the AS does not provide PDU set information, will detect and mark the DL set information in the extended header of the DL PDU (based on configuration or operator policies, performing detection on downlink data packets and marking the PDU set information in the packet header). The UPF sends a notification to the AF (which can be reported to the SMF and PCF to notify the PCF) or sends a notification to the AS (directly or through the NEF) to notify the AS to mark the PDU set information in the extended header of the DL PDU. It is understandable that the application side is unaware of the demand and has not added the corresponding PDU set information to the downlink data packet header. When the local execution notification is sent to the application side, the AS can perceive that the network has performed PDU set information marking related to non-PDU set QoS processing. The AS can then know that the network, especially NG-RAN, can perform resource allocation or scheduling optimization based on this information, including PSI-based packet loss based on network congestion or resource conflict requirements. Once the AS learns of this actual situation, it will have a more objective understanding of the cause or handling mechanism of network packet loss, which can be used for subsequent QoS requests and updates; or further, for the PDU set information of the UPF, the AS can mark the PDU set information in the extended header of the DL PDU.

[0384] In some embodiments, where the UPF supports the detection and marking of PDU set information in the extended header of the DL PDU based on local configuration and / or operator policies, and the PDU set information is provided in the extended header of the DL PDU from the AS, the PDU set information provided by the AS can be used by default unless there is a priority indication.

[0385] In some embodiments, before the SMF provides an instruction to the UPF, the NG-RAN may provide information to the SMF to activate PDU set information marking upon receiving a DL PDU set information marking support instruction from the CN. The SMF can then instruct the UPF to identify and mark the DL PDU set information.

[0386] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the method relates to an AF session establishment process with QoS requirements.

[0387] In Figure 4, the consumer NG-RAN can be NG-RAN, the first UP NF can be UPF, the first CP NF can be PCF, the second CP NF can be SMF, and the third CP NF can be AMF.

[0388] In step 1, the AF (i.e., the second node) sends an AF session resource creation or update request, for example, through the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create / update request, to create or update the AF session.

[0389] In some embodiments, the AF provides PDU set information only as a label (e.g., without including PDU set QoS parameters provided by PSER, PSDB, and PSIHI) indication (i.e., third information) to the PCF (i.e., the fourth node).

[0390] In some embodiments, a DL protocol description provided or pre-configured by the AF may be used (in determining the PCF to PCC rules, or in the instruction sent by the SMF) to enable the PSA UPF to perform identification of DL PDU set information and PL PDU set information tagging.

[0391] In some embodiments, the AF can provide indications, protocol descriptions, and QoS requirements through the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request message or the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Update request message.

[0392] In some embodiments, the message may carry XRM service information, identifying the data flow or data flow group of the XRM service (e.g., multimodal service ID), UE address / identifier, AF identifier, application identifier, flow description, DNN, S-NSSAI, QoS parameters, and other relevant information. Here, the multimodal service ID can be used to identify all flows in the XRM service group.

[0393] In step 2, the NEF (i.e., the fifth node) authorizes the AF request. If it is an untrusted AF, the NEF sends the AF request to the PCF. (For example, the NEF performs relevant mappings, including mapping the XRM service identifier (AF service identifier) ​​to the DNN and S-NSSAI, mapping the external application to the CN application identifier; and mapping the external UE identifier to the CN UE identifier (such as SUPI) based on the unified data management (UDM) subscription information, as well as mapping the external to the internal XRM service group identifier based on the UDM subscription information.)

[0394] In step 3, the NEF authorizes the AF request and determines whether to invoke the TSCTSF or directly contact the PCF based on the parameters provided by the AF. The PCF receives the attributes provided by the AF from either the NEF or the TSCTSF. The NEF triggers an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request, sending the AF request to the PCF, carrying indications and QoS requirement information for the PCF's policy decision.

[0395] In step 4, the PCF performs a policy decision. In some embodiments, the PCF may send updated or new policy information to the SMF.

[0396] In some embodiments, the AF provides PDU set information only tagging indication to the PCF. In some embodiments, the AF also provides a DL protocol description. In some embodiments, the PCF determines and provides the SMF with the PDU set information only tagging indication (i.e., the third node) and the protocol description.

[0397] In some embodiments, for each DL PDU that is only marked with PDU set information indicated by SMF, PSA UPF marks the PDU set information identification (i.e., PDU set information) in the PDU extended header and provides it to NG-AN.

[0398] In some embodiments, PDUs (Protocol Description Units) are sent to the SMF in PCC rules only, including the labeling indication and protocol description.

[0399] In step 5, in response, PCF sends an Npcf_Policy Authorization_Create response to NEF.

[0400] In step 6, NEF sends an Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create response message to AF, which carries the result to indicate whether the request has been authorized.

[0401] In step 7, the PCF initiates an SMF policy association modification request to the SMF (i.e., the third node).

[0402] In some embodiments, upon receiving PCC rules, the SMF determines PDR and QoS rules to configure / activate the UPF rules (e.g., via an N4 session).

[0403] In step 8, the SMF responds to the PCF with an SM policy association modification response.

[0404] In step 9, the SMF triggers the PDU session modification process to provide QoS profiles to the UPF and / or NG-RAN.

[0405] In some embodiments, the SMF provides the UPF (i.e., the first node) with PDU set information, including only the tagging indication (e.g., without the PDU set QoS parameters provided by PSER, PSDB, and PSIHI) (i.e., the second information) and the DL protocol description, to instruct the UPF to identify and tag the DL PDU set information.

[0406] In steps 11 to 16, before the SMF provides an indication to the UPF, the SMF may provide a DL PDU set information tag support indication to the NG-RAN (i.e., the first device). Upon receiving a DL PDU set information tag support indication from the CN, the NG-RAN may provide information to the SMF to activate the PDU set information tag.

[0407] In steps 17 and 18, the SMF can instruct the UPF to identify and label the DL PDU set information.

[0408] In some embodiments, the UPF installs and executes the SMF instruction, and the session is successfully established or modified. The AS sends a DL data stream, the UPF receives the downlink media stream, and performs the corresponding PDU set information marking and notification as follows:

[0409] In some embodiments, if the AF provides the PCF with PDU set information marked only (e.g., without including PDU set QoS parameters provided by PSER, PSDB, and PSIHI), and / or the AF provides a DL protocol description for identifying and marking DL PDU set information, then the network function (e.g., PCF, UPF, NEF) notifies the AF or AS of the network execution status or result (e.g., success or failure) identified and marked by the DL PDU set information. In some embodiments, in the event of execution failure, a cause value for the execution failure is carried.

[0410] In some embodiments, if the AF neither provides PDU set information merely for labeling (e.g., without including PDU set QoS parameters provided by PSER, PSDB, and PSIHI) to the PCF, nor provides a DL protocol description for identifying and labeling DL PDU set information, then one of the following methods can be used:

[0411] (1) When the UPF receives an instruction from the SMF to mark the PDU set information, the UPF sends a notification to the AF (which may be reported to the SMF and PCF to notify the PCF) or to the AS (directly or through the NEF), thereby requesting or notifying the AS to mark the PDU set information in the extended header of the DL PDU. It is understandable that otherwise, the application side would not be aware of whether the corresponding PDU set information needs to be added to the downlink data packet header. When the execution request is notified to the application side, the AS can carry the required PDU set information to the UPF in the downlink data packet header based on the request.

[0412] (2) When the UPF receives an instruction from the SMF to perform PDU set information marking only, the UPF, based on local configuration and / or operator policies, if the extended header of the DL PDU from the AS does not provide PDU set information, will detect and mark the DL set information in the extended header of the DL PDU (based on configuration or operator policies, performing detection on downlink data packets and marking the PDU set information in the packet header). The UPF sends a notification to the AF (which can be reported to the SMF and PCF to notify the PCF) or sends a notification to the AS (directly or through the NEF) to notify the AS to mark the PDU set information in the extended header of the DL PDU. It is understandable that the application side is unaware of the demand and has not added the corresponding PDU set information to the downlink data packet header. When the local execution notification is sent to the application side, the AS can perceive that the network has performed PDU set information marking related to non-PDU set QoS processing. The AS can then know that the network, especially NG-RAN, can perform resource allocation or scheduling optimization based on this information, including PSI-based packet loss based on network congestion or resource conflict requirements. Once the AS learns of this actual situation, it will have a more objective understanding of the cause or handling mechanism of network packet loss, which can be used for subsequent QoS requests and updates; or further, for the PDU set information of the UPF, the AS can mark the PDU set information in the extended header of the DL PDU.

[0413] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure proposes an apparatus that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0414] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0415] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0416] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 500 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 501 and a processing module 502.

[0417] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a first node 1031. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to: send first information, wherein the first information indicates a first processing for a first data packet, the first processing including at least one of the following: marking PDU set information in the first data packet, identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first node 1031 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2106, S2108, S2202, S2204, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first node 1031 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2107, S2203, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0418] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a second node 1032. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to: receive first information, wherein the first information indicates a first processing for a first data packet, the first processing including at least one of the following: marking PDU set information in the first data packet, identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second node 1032 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101, S2110, S2206, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0419] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a third node 1033. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to: send second information to a first node, wherein the second information instructs the first node to perform a first process, the first process including at least one of the following: marking PDU set information in a first data packet, identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; wherein the first data packet includes downlink data packets in a first data stream. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the third node 1033 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2108, S2109, S2201, S2202, S2204, S2205, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0420] In some embodiments, the communication device shown in FIG5 can also be implemented as a communication equipment.

[0421] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0422] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0423] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be an MC device, a terminal (e.g., a user equipment), a network device (e.g., a core network device, an access network device), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the MC device in implementing any of the above methods, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0424] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0425] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceivers 6102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2108, S2109, S2110, S2201, S2202, S2204, S2205, S2206, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2107, S2203, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceivers may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0426] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0427] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0428] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0429] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0430] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0431] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2108, S2109, S2110, S2201, S2202, S2204, S2205, S2206, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2107, S2203, but not limited thereto).

[0432] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0433] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0434] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by a communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0435] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0436] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0437] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a first node, wherein, The method includes: Sending first information, wherein the first information indicates a first process for a first data packet, the first process including at least one of the following: marking Packet Data Unit (PDU) set information in the first data packet, and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; The first data packet includes downlink data packets in the first data stream.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The PDU set information indicates that the PDU set does not have dedicated QoS features.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set serial number; Indication of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU serial number in the PDU set; PDU set size; Importance of PDU sets.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: First indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the first process was successfully executed; The second indication information indicates that the PDU set information is marked by the second node in the first data packet; The third indication information indicates that the first node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first information is sent via the control plane and / or the user plane.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The method further includes: The first node receives a second message sent by a third node, wherein the second message instructs the first node to perform the first process.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: The fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information instructs the first node to perform the first processing on the first data packet; Protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

8. A communication method, executed by a second node, wherein, The method includes: Receive first information, wherein the first information indicates a first process for a first data packet, the first process including at least one of the following: marking Packet Data Unit (PDU) set information in the first data packet, and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; The first data packet includes downlink data packets in the first data stream.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The PDU set information indicates that the PDU set does not have dedicated QoS features.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set serial number; Indication of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU serial number in the PDU set; PDU set size; Importance of PDU sets.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The first information is received through the control plane and / or user plane.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: First indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the first process was successfully executed; The second indication information indicates that the PDU set information is marked by the second node in the first data packet; The third indication information indicates that the first node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The method further includes: A third message is sent to the fourth node, wherein the third message is used to request the first processing to be performed on the first data packet.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The third information includes at least one of the following: The fifth indication information indicates that the first processing needs to be performed on the first data packet; Protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

15. A communication method, executed by a third node, wherein, The method includes: Send a second message to the first node, wherein the second message instructs the first node to perform the first process, the first process including at least one of the following: marking Packet Data Unit (PDU) set information in the first data packet, and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; The first data packet includes downlink data packets in the first data stream.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The PDU set information indicates that the PDU set does not have dedicated QoS features.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The PDU set information includes at least one of the following: PDU set serial number; Indication of the last PDU in the PDU set; PDU serial number in the PDU set; PDU set size; Importance of PDU sets.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: The fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information instructs the first node to perform the first processing on the first data packet; Protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following: Receive third information sent by the fourth node, wherein the third information is used to request the first processing to be performed on the first data packet; The first device receives fourth information, wherein the fourth information indicates the first device's support capability for the first data packet marked with the PDU set information.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The third information includes at least one of the following: The fifth indication information indicates that the first processing needs to be performed on the first data packet; Protocol description information, wherein the protocol description information indicates the protocol associated with the first data packet.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following: Receive first information sent by the node, wherein the first information indicates the first processing for the first data packet; The first data packet includes downlink data packets in the first data stream.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: First indication information, wherein the first indication information indicates whether the first process was successfully executed; The second indication information indicates that the PDU set information is marked by the second node in the first data packet; The third indication information indicates that the first node marks the PDU set information in the first data packet.

23. A communication method applied to a communication system, wherein, The communication system includes a first node, a second node, and a third node; The method includes: The third node sends a second message to the first node, wherein the second message instructs the first node to perform a first process for the first data packet; The first node sends first information to the second node, wherein the first information indicates the first processing for the first data packet; The first process includes at least one of the following: marking Packet Data Unit (PDU) set information in the first data packet and identifying the PDU set information in the first data packet; The first data packet includes downlink data packets in the first data stream.

24. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7, 8-14, and 15-22.

25. A communication system comprising a first node, a second node, and a third node, wherein, The first node is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, the second node is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14, and the third node is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 15 to 22.

26. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7, 8-14, and 15-22.

27. A program product comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by the communication device, it implements the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-7, 8-14, and 15-22.

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