Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of wireless communications. The method comprises: an access network device or a user plane function network element determines an effective duration of an available rate, and makes the available rate and the effective duration available to an application server; or the application server obtains the available rate and determines the effective duration. Implementation of the present application can help to ensure that the effective duration sensed by the application server and a duration in which the access network device can actually use the available rate are consistent in understanding, thereby facilitating improvement of the communication performance.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510179784.7, filed on February 18, 2025, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, entitled “Communication Method and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] In communication systems, network information, such as data rate, packet delay, loopback delay, and / or congestion information, can be shared with service providers in the data network. This allows service providers to perceive network conditions and adjust data packet transmission parameters based on this information. However, network conditions in communication systems change in real time, which means that the network information obtained by service providers may not be applicable to new network conditions, leading to lower communication performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can help improve communication performance.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to the access network device side. For example, it can be implemented by the access network device itself, a communication module and / or processing module within the access network device, or a circuit or chip within the access network device responsible for communication and / or processing functions. The method includes:

[0006] The application server sends available rate information and effective duration information. The available rate information is used to indicate the available rate, which is the available rate for transmitting data packets of the first service to the terminal. The effective duration information is used to indicate the effective duration, which is the duration for which the application server perceives the available rate as valid. The application server is the server that sends the data packets of the first service.

[0007] Based on the method described in the first aspect, the access network device can disclose the available rate and its effective duration to the application server. This ensures that the application server's perception of the effective duration of the available rate is consistent with the access network device's understanding of the actual duration for which the available rate can be used, thereby improving communication performance. For example, when sending data packets for the first service to the access network device, the application server can adjust the transmission parameters of the first service in a timely manner, referring to the available rate and the effective duration. This includes adjusting the burst traffic size and / or transmission rate of the first service within the effective time corresponding to the effective duration. This ensures that the available rate remains valid and the transmission parameters of the first service are adapted to the available rate when the access network device receives the data traffic of the first service, enabling the access network device to transmit the data traffic of the first service to the terminal at the available rate.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the method of sending available rate information and effective duration information to the application server specifically includes: sending the available rate information and effective duration information to the application server through a user plane function network element. For example, if the application server is deployed in a data network, the access network device can provide the available rate information and effective duration information to the application server through a user plane function network element. Optionally, the application server can also be deployed on the user plane function network element side, in which case the access network device can provide the available rate information and effective duration information to the application server on the user plane function network element side.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: acquiring latency information, which indicates one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining an effective duration based on the latency information and the duration of the available rate. For example, the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element includes uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element; the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server includes uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server; and the latency between the access network device and the application server includes uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the access network device and the application server. Optionally, in a deterministic network, these uplink and / or downlink delays are the maximum values ​​within their respective delay ranges; or, in a nondeterministic network, these uplink and / or downlink delays are the maximum values ​​of their respective statistical values. Optionally, the uplink delay value can also be replaced by the transmission time of the information used to determine the uplink delay, such as the transmission time of the delay information. In this case, the uplink delay can be obtained by the difference between the time of receiving the delay information and the transmission time. Similarly, the downlink delay value can also be replaced by the transmission time of the information used to determine the downlink delay, such as the transmission time of the delay information. In this case, the downlink delay can be obtained by the difference between the time of receiving the delay information and the transmission time.

[0010] Based on this method, the effective duration can be determined according to the latency information and the duration of the available rate, thereby opening the available rate and effective duration to the application server, rather than opening the available rate and duration to the application server. This helps ensure that the application server's perception of the effective duration of the available rate is consistent with the understanding of the actual duration of the available rate that the access network device can use, thus improving communication performance.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method of obtaining latency information specifically includes: receiving latency information from user plane function network elements and / or session management function network elements.

[0012] Based on this method, latency information can be flexibly obtained from user plane function network elements and / or session management function network elements.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the method of determining the effective duration based on latency information and the duration of available rate specifically includes: determining one or more of the following based on latency information: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining the effective duration based on the difference between the duration of available rate and one or more of the following latency information: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server.

[0014] Based on this method, one or more delays can be eliminated from the duration to obtain the effective duration. These one or more delays are the information transmission delays caused by the access network device sending the available rate until the access network device first receives the first data packet of the first service sent by the application server. This ensures that the effective duration of the available rate perceived by the application server is consistent with the duration of the available rate that the access network device can actually use, thereby improving communication performance.

[0015] In one possible implementation, when the access network device discloses available rate information and valid duration information to the application server through the user plane function network element, the available rate information and valid duration information are carried in the header of the first data packet, which is an uplink data packet sent by the access network device to the user plane function network element. For example, the header of the first data packet is a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Tunneling Protocol User Plane GTP-U tunnel header.

[0016] Based on this method, available rate information and effective duration information can be carried in the header of the first data packet.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide another communication method that can be applied to the user plane function network element side. For example, it can be implemented by the user plane function network element, its communication module and / or processing module, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication and / or processing functions within the user plane function network element. The method includes:

[0018] The system receives available rate information and duration information from an access network device. The available rate information indicates the available rate, which is the available rate at which the access network device transmits data packets of the first service to the terminal. The duration information indicates the duration, which is the duration of the available rate. The system determines an effective duration based on the duration, which is the effective duration for which the application server perceives the available rate. The system then sends the available rate information and effective duration information to the application server, which is the server that sends the data packets of the first service.

[0019] Based on the method described in the second aspect, the user plane function network element can determine the effective duration and open the available rate and effective duration to the application server. This ensures that the application server's perception of the effective duration of the available rate is consistent with its understanding of the actual duration for which the access network device can use the available rate, thereby improving communication performance. For example, when sending data packets for the first service to the access network device, the application server can adjust the transmission parameters of the first service in a timely manner, referring to the available rate and the effective duration, such as the burst traffic size and / or transmission rate of the first service within the effective time corresponding to the effective duration. This ensures that the available rate is not invalidated when the access network device receives the data traffic of the first service, and that the transmission parameters of the first service are adapted to the available rate, enabling the access network device to transmit the data traffic of the first service to the terminal at the available rate.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method of determining the effective duration based on the duration specifically includes: acquiring latency information, which indicates one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining the effective duration based on the latency information and the duration. For example, the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element includes uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element; the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server includes uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server; and the latency between the access network device and the application server includes uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the access network device and the application server. Optionally, in a deterministic network, these uplink and / or downlink delays are the maximum values ​​within their respective delay ranges; or, in a nondeterministic network, these uplink and / or downlink delays are the maximum values ​​of their respective statistical values. Optionally, the uplink delay value can also be replaced by the transmission time of the information used to determine the uplink delay, such as the transmission time of the delay information. In this case, the uplink delay can be obtained by the difference between the time of receiving the delay information and the transmission time. Similarly, the downlink delay value can also be replaced by the transmission time of the information used to determine the downlink delay, such as the transmission time of the delay information. In this case, the downlink delay can be obtained by the difference between the time of receiving the delay information and the transmission time.

[0021] Based on this method, the effective duration can be determined according to the latency information and the duration of the available rate, thereby opening the available rate and the effective duration to the application server, rather than opening the available rate and the duration. This helps ensure that the application server's perception of the effective duration of the available rate is consistent with the understanding of the actual duration that the access network device can use the available rate, thus improving communication performance.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the method of determining the effective duration based on latency information and duration specifically includes: determining one or more of the following based on latency information: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining the effective duration based on the difference between the duration and one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server.

[0023] Based on this method, one or more delays can be eliminated from the duration to obtain the effective duration. These one or more delays are the information transmission delays caused by the access network device sending the available rate until the access network device first receives the first data packet of the first service sent by the application server. This ensures that the application server's perception of the effective duration of the available rate is consistent with the access network device's understanding of the actual duration for which the available rate can be used, thereby improving communication performance.

[0024] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide yet another communication method, which can be applied to the application server side. For example, it can be implemented by the application server or its communication and / or processing modules, or by circuits or chips within the application server responsible for communication and / or processing functions. The method includes:

[0025] The system receives available rate information and duration information from an access network device. The available rate information indicates the available rate, which is the available rate at which the access network device transmits data packets of the first service to the terminal. The duration information indicates the duration, which is the duration of the available rate. The system then determines an effective duration based on the duration, which is the duration during which the application server perceives the available rate as valid. The application server is the server that sends the data packets of the first service.

[0026] Based on the method described in the third aspect, the application server can determine the effective duration, ensuring that the duration for which the application server perceives the available rate as effective is consistent with the duration for which the access network device can actually use the available rate. For example, when sending data packets for the first service to the access network device, the application server can adjust the transmission parameters of the first service in a timely manner, referring to the available rate and the effective duration, such as the burst traffic size and / or transmission rate of the first service within the effective time corresponding to the effective duration. This ensures that when the access network device receives the data traffic of the first service, the available rate is not invalid and the transmission parameters of the first service are adapted to the available rate, enabling the access network device to transmit the data traffic of the first service to the terminal at the available rate.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the method of determining the effective duration based on the duration specifically includes: acquiring latency information, which indicates one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining the effective duration based on the latency information and the duration. For example, the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element includes the uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element; the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server includes the uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server; and the latency between the access network device and the application server includes the uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the access network device and the application server. Optionally, in a deterministic network, these uplink and / or downlink delays are the maximum values ​​within their respective delay ranges; or, in a nondeterministic network, these uplink and / or downlink delays are the maximum values ​​of their respective statistical values. Optionally, the uplink delay value can also be replaced by the transmission time of the information used to determine the uplink delay, such as the transmission time of the delay information. In this case, the uplink delay can be obtained by the difference between the time of receiving the delay information and the transmission time. Similarly, the downlink delay value can also be replaced by the transmission time of the information used to determine the downlink delay, such as the transmission time of the delay information. In this case, the downlink delay can be obtained by the difference between the time of receiving the delay information and the transmission time.

[0028] Based on this method, the effective duration can be determined according to latency information and the duration of the available rate opened by the access network device. This not only adapts to the current process of the access network device opening the available rate and the duration, but also ensures that the application server side's perception of the effective duration of the available rate is consistent with the understanding of the actual duration of the available rate that the access network device can use, thereby helping to improve communication performance.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method of determining the effective duration based on latency information and duration specifically includes: determining one or more of the following based on latency information: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining the effective duration based on the difference between the duration and one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server.

[0030] Based on this method, one or more delays can be eliminated from the duration to obtain the effective duration. These one or more delays are the delays caused by information transmission during the process from when the access network device sends the available rate to when the access network device first receives the first data packet of the first service sent by the application server. This ensures that the effective duration of the available rate perceived by the application server is consistent with the duration during which the access network device can actually use the available rate, thereby improving communication performance.

[0031] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication apparatus, including functional modules for implementing the methods described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects. The communication apparatus may be an access network device, a user plane function network element, or an application server, or a module (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the access network device, user plane function network element, or application server. It may also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device, user plane function network element, or application server.

[0032] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices. The processor, through logic circuits or executable code instructions, implements the methods described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects. The communication device may be an access network device, a user plane function network element, or an application server, or a module (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the access network device, user plane function network element, or application server. It may also be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device, user plane function network element, or application server. Furthermore, the communication device may also include a memory, which can be used to store instructions executed by the processor, input data required for the processor to execute instructions, or data generated after the processor executes instructions.

[0033] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions or programs that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects.

[0034] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program or program that, when executed by a communication device, implements the methods described in any one of the first, second, or third aspects. The communication device may be an access network device, a user plane function network element, or an application server, or a module (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the access network device, user plane function network element, or application server. It may also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device, user plane function network element, or application server.

[0035] The beneficial effects of aspects four through seven can be found in the beneficial effects of aspects one through three, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between duration and latency provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the first communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of the first communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the second communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of the second communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the third communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of the third communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems. The embodiments of this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0047] For example, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes user equipment (UE), radio access network (RAN), data network (DN), user plane function (UPF) network elements, access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, authentication server function (AUSF) network elements, network slice selection function (NSSF) network elements, network exposure function (NEF) network elements, network function repository function (NRF) network elements, unified data management (UDM) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, and application function (AF) network elements. Among them:

[0048] UE (User Equipment) is the entry point for mobile users to interact with the network. It provides basic computing and storage capabilities, displays service windows to users, and accepts user input. The UE uses air interface technology to establish signal and data connections with the RAN (Radio Range), thereby transmitting data to the RAN. The UE can also be called a terminal, user equipment, mobile station, or mobile terminal. For example, a UE can be a mobile phone, tablet, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in autonomous driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical care, wireless terminal device in smart grids, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart cities, or wireless terminal device in smart homes, etc.

[0049] RAN: Includes at least one access network device, similar to a base station in a traditional network. Deployed close to the UE, it provides network access for authorized users in a specific area and can determine different quality transmission tunnels to transmit user data based on user level and service requirements. The access network device manages its own resources, utilizes them rationally, provides access services to the UE on demand, and is responsible for forwarding control signaling and user data between the UE and various network elements in the core network (such as AMF and UPF elements). For example, the access network device may include next-generation evolved node B (ng-eNB) or next-generation node B (gNB) in a 5G communication system, without specific limitations. Alternatively, the access network device may also include access points (APs) in WLANs, broadband remote access servers (BRAS), relay stations, communication equipment in future PLMN networks, and communication equipment in NTN networks.

[0050] DN: Used to provide business services to users. Optionally, the client can be located at the UE, and the server (i.e., the service provider) can be located at the DN.

[0051] Of the aforementioned UPF, AMF, SMF, AUSF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, and PCF network elements, the UPF network element is a user plane functional network element, while the others are control plane functional network elements. Optionally, the interaction between control plane functional network elements can adopt a service call approach to replace the point-to-point communication method in the traditional architecture. In a service-oriented architecture, control plane functional network elements will expose services to other control plane functional network elements for them to call; in point-to-point communication, the communication interface between control plane functional network elements will have a specific set of messages that can only be used by the control plane functional network elements at both ends of the communication interface during communication.

[0052] Specifically, the functions of these network elements are as follows:

[0053] UPF network elements: Perform packet routing and transmission according to the routing rules of SMF network elements, such as sending uplink data and / or information to DN and forwarding downlink data and / or information to RAN. They can also perform functions such as packet inspection, service usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) processing, uplink packet inspection, and downlink packet storage.

[0054] AUSF network element: performs security authentication for UE, such as generating the key required for authentication.

[0055] AMF network elements: perform access management, mobility management, reachability management, access authentication and authorization, etc. on the UE.

[0056] SMF network element: performs session management for UE, including establishing, modifying and releasing session resources, such as session QoS, session path and routing rules. SMF network element is also responsible for selecting UPF network element.

[0057] NSSF network element: Selects network slices for UE, thereby achieving logical isolation between different services between UE and DN.

[0058] NEF network elements: provide network functions to third parties through the northbound application programming interface (API).

[0059] NRF network elements: provide storage and selection functions for network function entity information for other functions.

[0060] UDM network elements: User subscription context management, including authentication trust letter processing, user identity processing, access authorization, registration and mobility management, subscription management, and SMS management, etc.

[0061] PCF network element: Provides rules for service data flow and application detection, gating, QoS and flow-based charging control.

[0062] Optionally, the communication system may also include an AF (Application Frame) network element: a control plane entity for application management, providing application layer information, and capable of interacting with the policy framework via NEF (Network Frame) or directly with the policy framework to make policy decision requests, etc. Optionally, the client can be located at the UE (User Equipment), and the server (i.e., the service provider) can be located at the AF network element.

[0063] Optionally, the communication system may also include an application server (AS) network element (not shown). The AS network element is the user plane entity for application management and can perform uplink and downlink data transmission with the UE. The AF network element can be responsible for information interaction between the AS network element and the core network. Optionally, the client can be located at the UE, and the server (i.e., the service provider) can be located at the AS network element.

[0064] Specifically, the functions of each interface in Figure 1 are as follows:

[0065] The N1 interface is the interface between the AMF network element and the UE, and can be used to transmit QoS rules to the UE.

[0066] The N2 interface is the interface between the AMF network element and the RAN, used to transmit radio bearer control information, etc.

[0067] The N3 interface is the interface between the UPF network element and the RAN, used to transmit uplink and downlink data and / or information of the UE.

[0068] The N4 interface is the interface between SMF network elements and UPF network elements, used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including the control plane sending QoS rules, traffic rules, and network status information reports to the user plane.

[0069] The N6 interface is the interface between the UPF network element and the DN, used to transmit uplink and downlink data and / or information between the UPF network element and the DN.

[0070] The N9 interface is an interface between UPF network elements, used to transmit uplink and downlink data and / or information between UPF network elements.

[0071] Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Npcf, Nudm, Naf, Nausf, Namf, and Nsmf are service interfaces provided by NSSF, NEF, NRF, PCF, UDM, AF, AUSF, AMF, and SMF, respectively. These service interfaces can be called to enable the corresponding functions to perform service operations.

[0072] It should be noted that the architecture shown in Figure 1 is only an example. The network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can implement the above functions is applicable to the embodiments of this application. Moreover, the above functions may have other names in other network architectures. The embodiments of this application do not limit these.

[0073] The following explanations of some terms used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. This section is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a disclosure or specific limitation of the technical solution of this application.

[0074] I. Available speed and duration

[0075] In recent years, with the continuous development of communication systems, data transmission latency has been decreasing and transmission capacity has been increasing. Communication systems have gradually incorporated services with high real-time requirements, low latency, and large data capacity, such as video transmission, cloud gaming (CG), and extended reality (XR). XR includes virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). To meet the needs of these services, communication network information can be shared with the service provider (i.e., the application server), enabling the application server to better understand the status of the communication network and improve data packet transmission efficiency.

[0076] For example, the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) release 18 (R18 or Rel-18) proposes that for QoS flows with guaranteed bit rate, the available rate of access network devices can be opened to application servers, as well as the duration of the available rate.

[0077] In this embodiment, the available rate refers to the available data rate. The available rate of an access network device refers to the rate at which the access network device can provide data packets for a service to the terminal within a certain period. The duration of the available rate refers to the duration during which the access network device can maintain the available rate stably. For example, within the time corresponding to the duration of the available rate, the access network device can send data packets for a service to the terminal at that available rate; outside of the time corresponding to the duration of the available rate, it is uncertain whether the access network device can send data packets for a service to the terminal at that available rate.

[0078] Taking the communication system shown in Figure 1 as an example, opening up the available rate and duration of access network equipment to the application server can include the following process: The application server requests the PCF network element to open up the available rate and duration. The PCF network element, based on this request, notifies the SMF network element to enable reporting of the available rate and duration. The SMF network element instructs the RAN to report the available rate and duration. The RAN, based on this instruction, reports the available rate and duration to the UPF network element. The UPF network element further reports the available rate and duration to the application server. In this way, the application server can send data at an appropriate rate or an appropriate burst traffic size within the time corresponding to the duration, based on the available rate and duration. For example, the application server can determine that the burst traffic size of the service within the time corresponding to the duration is the product of the available rate and the duration, or send data at the available rate within the time corresponding to the duration.

[0079] In this example, assuming that the internal processing latency of each device / network element is not considered, the time from when the RAN starts reporting the available rate and duration until the RAN receives the first GBR QoS flow data packet will be as shown in Figure 2. This latency includes the uplink latency between the RAN and the UPF network element (i.e., T1 to T2 shown in Figure 2), the uplink latency between the UPF network element and the application server (i.e., T2 to T3 shown in Figure 2), the downlink latency between the application server and the UPF network element (i.e., T3 to T4 shown in Figure 2), and the downlink latency between the UPF network element and the RAN (i.e., T4 to T5 shown in Figure 2).

[0080] For example, T1 to T2 can be the uplink N3 delay, T2 to T3 can be the uplink N6 delay, T3 to T4 can be the downlink N6 delay, and T4 to T5 can be the downlink N3 delay. Here, uplink delay refers to the delay of transmitting uplink data and / or information through the N3 interface, downlink N3 delay refers to the delay of transmitting downlink data and / or information through the N3 interface, uplink N6 delay refers to the delay of transmitting uplink data and / or information through the N6 interface, and downlink N6 delay refers to the delay of transmitting downlink data and / or information through the N6 interface.

[0081] Assuming the duration reported by the RAN is T1 to T6 as shown in Figure 2, after this delay, the RAN can transmit GBR QoS stream data packets to the UE at an available rate from T5 to T6. It should be noted that although the duration T1 to T6 indicates that the RAN's available rate takes effect from T1, ideally the RAN can transmit GBR QoS stream data packets to the UE at an available rate from T1 onwards. However, since the RAN does not receive GBR QoS stream data packets from the application server during T1 to T5, it cannot send these packets to the UE at an available rate during this period. Furthermore, the RAN can receive the first GBR QoS stream data packet from the application server as early as T5, and therefore can send this data packet to the UE at an available rate as early as T5. Thus, the actual effective time (actual usage time) of this available rate is T5, and the actual failure time is T6. For ease of explanation, the duration of the time period from the actual effective time to the actual failure time of the available rate in this application embodiment is referred to as the available duration. For example, in Figure 2, the available duration is T5 to T6.

[0082] However, as described above, the application server determines the data packet transmission parameters based on the available rate and duration (as shown in T1 to T6 in Figure 2). This means that the duration of the available rate as understood by the application server differs from the aforementioned effective duration, causing the transmission parameters to be unable to fully adapt to the RAN's available rate, thus leading to a decrease in communication performance. For example, if the available rate is 4M / s, the duration is 10ms, and the aforementioned delay is 4ms, then the application server determines the size of the data packet to be transmitted (such as burst traffic) to be 0.04M. The RAN can transmit a data packet to the UE at 4M / s with a size of 0.024M, which is less than 0.4M. This results in the RAN receiving a large number of data packets, causing significant queuing delays and thus affecting communication performance.

[0083] II. Deterministic Networks and Nondeterministic Networks

[0084] Deterministic networking refers to communication networks that utilize deterministic networking technologies. These technologies aim to control and reduce end-to-end latency, providing a highly predictable, stable, and controllable communication environment. Deterministic networking technologies optimize data transmission paths, time-sensitive protocols, and intelligent traffic management within the communication network, ensuring that data arrives at its destination within a predetermined timeframe.

[0085] For example, in a deterministic network, the delay between any two devices / network elements is a value within a preset delay range, such as the delay between the RAN and UPF network elements being greater than or equal to 0ms and less than or equal to 1ms.

[0086] Nondeterministic networks refer to traditional networks such as Ethernet. In nondeterministic networks, data transmission time is uncertain; any device / network element can start or stop sending data at any time, leading to increases or decreases in latency, and consequently, real-time changes in latency within the nondeterministic network.

[0087] To improve communication performance, embodiments of this application provide some communication methods and communication devices.

[0088] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further illustrates these communication methods and devices. It is understood that this application uses access network equipment, user plane function network elements, and application servers as examples of the entities executing the interaction, but this application does not limit the entities executing the interaction. For example, the method executed by access network equipment, user plane function network elements, and application servers in this application can also be implemented by communication / processing modules in access network equipment, user plane function network elements, and application servers, or by circuits or chips responsible for communication / processing functions in access network equipment, user plane function network elements, and application servers, or by logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of access network equipment, user plane function network elements, and application servers.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart illustrating the first communication method provided in this application embodiment, wherein:

[0090] 301. Access network devices obtain latency information.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the latency information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server.

[0092] In this embodiment, the access network device, user plane function network element, and application server are devices for transmitting data packets of the first service. Unless otherwise specified, the application server may also be referred to as the AS network element in the following text.

[0093] Optionally, the application server can directly interact with the core network, or it can interact with the core network through the AF network element. Optionally, the application server and the AF network element can be deployed on the same device or on different devices. For ease of description, the following description assumes deployment on the same device, i.e., the latency between the AS network element and the AF network element is not considered.

[0094] Optionally, the application server can be deployed separately or on other device sides (such as on the user plane function network element side), and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0095] Optionally, the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element includes the uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element. For example, if the access network device and the user plane function network element transmit uplink and downlink data and / or information through the N3 interface, then the uplink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element may include the uplink N3 latency, and the downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element may include the downlink N3 latency.

[0096] Optionally, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server includes the uplink latency and / or downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the AS network element. For example, if the user plane function network element and the AS network element transmit uplink and downlink data and / or information through the N6 interface, then the uplink latency between the user plane function network element and the AS network element may include the uplink N6 latency, and the downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the AS network element may include the downlink N6 latency.

[0097] Optionally, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server includes the control plane latency between the user plane function network element and the AF network element and / or the downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the AS network element. For example, if the user plane function network element sends information to the AF network element via the Nupf_API of the control plane, and the AS network element transmits uplink and downlink data with the user plane function network element via the N6 interface, then the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server may include the Nupf_API latency, and the downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the AS network element may include the downlink N6 latency.

[0098] Optionally, the latency between the access network device and the application server includes uplink latency, control plane latency, and / or downlink latency. For example, the uplink latency between the access network device and the application server may include uplink N3 latency and / or uplink N6 latency; the control plane latency between the access network device and the application server may include Nupf_API latency; and the downlink latency between the access network device and the application server may include downlink N3 latency and / or downlink N6 latency.

[0099] Optionally, in a deterministic network, the values ​​of the aforementioned uplink N3 latency, uplink N6 latency, downlink N3 latency, Nupf_API latency, or downlink N6 latency can be the maximum values ​​within their respective latency ranges. For example, if the latency range corresponding to the uplink N3 latency is 0ms to 1ms, then the value of the uplink N3 latency can be 1ms.

[0100] Optionally, in nondeterministic networks, the values ​​of uplink N3 latency, uplink N6 latency, downlink N3 latency, Nupf_API latency, or downlink N6 latency mentioned above can be the maximum values ​​of their respective statistical values. For example, if the maximum value of the uplink N3 latency statistical value obtained within 10 consecutive times or 1 minute is 1ms, then the value of uplink N3 latency can be 1ms.

[0101] It should be noted that the N3 interface, N6 interface, and Nupf_API in the above examples may have other names in future communication systems, and this application embodiment does not limit them.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the specific method for the access network device to obtain latency information includes: the access network device receiving latency information from user plane function network elements and / or session management function network elements.

[0103] Optionally, the latency information from the user plane function network element includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following, or a combination of these (e.g., the sum): uplink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, uplink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, uplink latency between the access network device and the application server, downlink latency between the access network device and the application server, control plane latency between the access network device and the application server, or control plane latency between the user plane function network element and the application server. Optionally, the downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element can also be replaced by the transmission time of the latency information. In this way, the access network device can calculate the downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element based on the time of receiving the latency information and the time of transmission of the latency information. For example, the downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element = the time of receiving the latency information - the time of transmission of the latency information.

[0104] Optionally, the latency information from the session management function network element includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following, or a combination of one or more of these (such as the sum): uplink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, uplink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, uplink latency between the access network device and the application server, downlink latency between the access network device and the application server, control plane latency between the access network device and the application server, or control plane latency between the user plane function network element and the application server.

[0105] Optionally, one or more of the latency information from user plane function network elements, or one or more of the latency information from session management function network elements, may be determined by UPF network elements, SMF network elements, NEF network elements, PCF network elements, AS network elements, or AF network elements, etc. This application does not limit the network element that determines the latency information.

[0106] 302. The access network equipment determines the effective duration based on the latency information and the duration of available speed.

[0107] In this embodiment, the access network device can determine the available rate of data packets for transmitting the first service to the terminal and the duration of that available rate. Then, the access network device can determine the effective duration based on the latency information obtained in step 301 and the duration. The effective duration is the duration during which the application server perceives that the available rate is effective; that is, the duration during which the application server perceives that the access network device can actually transmit data packets for the first service to the terminal at that available rate.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the access network device determines the effective duration based on latency information and the duration of available rate. This determination includes: determining one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining the effective duration based on the difference between the duration of available rate and one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server.

[0109] For example, there are two situations in which access network devices determine the effective duration:

[0110] In scenario (1), the access network device sends available rate information and effective duration information to the user plane function network element, the user plane function network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the AF network element, the AF network element sends available rate information and duration information to the AS network element, the AS network element sends the data packet of the first service to the user plane function network element according to the available rate information and effective duration information, and the user plane function network element sends the data packet to the access network device. In this scenario, the access network device can determine the uplink delay (e.g., uplink N3 delay) between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the control plane delay (e.g., Nupf_API delay) between the user plane function network element and the AF network element, the downlink delay (e.g., downlink N6 delay) between the AS network element and the user plane function, and the downlink delay (e.g., downlink N3 delay) between the user plane function network element and the access network device based on the delay information. Furthermore, the effective duration can be determined as the difference between the duration and these delays, such as: Effective duration = Duration - Uplink N3 delay - Nupf_API delay - Downlink N6 delay - Downlink N3 delay.

[0111] In scenario (2), the access network device sends available rate information and effective duration information to the user plane function network element, the user plane function network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the AS network element, the AS network element sends the data packet of the first service to the user plane function network element based on the available rate information and effective duration information, and the user plane function network element sends the data packet to the access network device. In this case, the access network device can determine the uplink delay (e.g., uplink N3 delay) between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the uplink delay (e.g., uplink N6 delay) between the user plane function network element and the AS network element, the downlink delay (e.g., downlink N6 delay) between the AS network element and the user plane function, and the downlink delay (e.g., downlink N3 delay) between the user plane function network element and the access network device based on the delay information; and then determine the effective duration as the difference between the duration and these delays, such as effective duration = duration - uplink N3 delay - uplink N6 delay - downlink N6 delay - downlink N3 delay.

[0112] Optionally, the application server can also be deployed on the user plane function network element side. In this case, the access network device can report available rate information and effective duration information by transmitting uplink data with the user plane function network element, and the user plane function network element can send the data packet of the first service to the access network device by transmitting downlink data with the access network device. Therefore, the access network device can determine the uplink delay and downlink delay (such as uplink N3 delay and downlink N3 delay) between the access network device and the user plane function network element based on the delay information, and then determine the effective duration as the difference between the duration and these delays, such as effective duration = duration - uplink N3 delay - downlink N3 delay.

[0113] Optionally, the access network device can also determine the start time of the available rate, and determine the effective start time based on the latency information and the start time. The effective start time is the start time when the application server perceives the available rate as valid, that is, the start time when the access network device can actually transmit the data packets of the first service to the terminal at the available rate.

[0114] In one possible implementation, the access network device determines the effective start time based on latency information and a start time by: determining one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining the effective start time by summing the start time with one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server. In this way, the access network device can know when it can receive the data packet of the first service from the application server as early as possible, so as to transmit the data packet at the available rate.

[0115] For example, corresponding to the above situation (1), the access network device can determine the effective start time = start time + uplink N3 delay + Nupf_API delay + downlink N6 delay + downlink N3 delay.

[0116] For example, corresponding to the above situation (2), the access network device can determine the effective start time = start time + uplink N3 delay + uplink N6 delay + downlink N6 delay + downlink N3 delay.

[0117] Optionally, the application server mentioned above can also be deployed on the user plane function network element side, and the access network device can determine the effective start time = start time + uplink N3 delay + downlink N3 delay.

[0118] Optionally, if the access network device can also obtain the internal processing latency of each device, then the effective duration can also be the difference between the value obtained in any of the above examples and the internal processing latency of the device; the effective start time can also be the sum of the value obtained in any of the above examples and the internal processing latency of the device.

[0119] 303. The access network device sends available rate information and effective duration information to the application server. The available rate information is used to indicate the available rate, and the effective duration information is used to indicate the effective duration.

[0120] Accordingly, the application server receives available rate information and effective duration information.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the access network device sends a first data packet to the application server. The header of the first data packet may carry available rate information and valid duration information. For example, the first data packet may be an acknowledgment (ACK) data packet, or an empty packet generated by the access network device, etc., and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0122] For example, corresponding to the above situation (2), the access network device can first send the available rate information and effective duration information to the user plane function network element through the first data packet, and then the user plane function network element sends the available rate information and effective duration information to the AS network element through the user plane. For example, the user plane function network element sends an uplink data packet to the AS network element, which carries the available rate information and effective duration information. For example, the uplink data packet can be transmitted through the N6 interface, and the uplink data packet can be an ACK data packet, or an empty packet generated by the user plane function network element, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0123] For example, corresponding to the above situation (1), the access network device can first send the available rate information and effective duration information to the user plane function network element through the first data packet, and then the user plane function network element sends the available rate information and effective duration information to the AF network element through the control plane. For example, the user plane function network element sends the available rate information and effective duration information through the control plane interface with the AF network element, such as Nupf_API.

[0124] Optionally, the application server described above can also be deployed on the user plane functional network element side. The application server can receive available rate information and effective duration through the first data packet. For example, the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Tunneling Protocol user plane GTP-U tunnel header of the first data packet can carry available rate information and effective duration information.

[0125] Further, optionally, after receiving the available rate information and the effective duration information, the application server can determine the transmission parameters of the data packets of the first service based on the available rate information and the effective duration information, such as the size of the burst traffic and / or the transmission rate of the first service within the effective time corresponding to the effective duration, so that when the access network device receives the data traffic of the first service, the available rate is not invalid and the transmission parameters of the first service can be adapted to the available rate, and the access network device can transmit the data traffic of the first service to the terminal at the available rate.

[0126] Optionally, the transmission path of the data packet for the first service sent by the application server to the access network device according to the transmission parameters needs to match the downlink transmission path corresponding to the delay determined in step 302.

[0127] For example, corresponding to the above situations (1) and (2), the AS network element can first send the data packet of the first service to the user plane function network element through the N6 interface, and then the user plane function network element can send the data packet to the access network device through the N3 interface.

[0128] Optionally, the application server mentioned above can also be deployed on the user plane function network element side, and the application server sends the data packet of the first service to the access network device through the N3 interface.

[0129] Based on the embodiment described in Figure 3, the access network device can independently determine the effective duration of the available rate and disclose the available rate and its effective duration to the application server. This ensures that the application server's perception of the effective duration of the available rate is consistent with the access network device's understanding of the actual duration for which the available rate can be used, thereby improving communication performance.

[0130] Regarding the embodiment shown in Figure 3, Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method under the above-described cases (1) and (2), wherein:

[0131] Step 401: The AF network element sends a first request message to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the first request message.

[0132] The first request message is used to request the RAN to open up available rates and the effective duration.

[0133] Step 402: The PCF network element sends a first indication message to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first indication message.

[0134] For example, the PCF network element can generate a policy and charging control rule (PCC) based on the first request message. This rule is used to instruct the SMF network element to enable RAN reporting of available rates and the effective duration. Then, the PCF network element can send a first instruction message to the SMF network element to instruct the rule.

[0135] Step 403: The SMF network element sends a second indication message to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the second indication message.

[0136] Step 403 is optional. The second indication information is used to instruct the UPF network element to obtain the delay information and send the obtained delay information to the RAN. For example, the second indication information can be carried in an N4 session message.

[0137] Step 404: The SMF network element sends a third indication message to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the third indication message.

[0138] The third indication information is used to instruct the RAN to determine the effective duration of the available rate based on the acquired delay information, and to report the obtained available rate and effective duration to the UPF network element. For example, the third indication information can be carried in an N2 session message.

[0139] Optionally, the third indication information is also used to instruct the RAN to determine the effective start time of the available rate based on the acquired delay information.

[0140] Optionally, the delay information obtained by the RAN can be obtained based on one or more of the following steps 405-1 and 405-2.

[0141] Step 405-1: The SMF network element sends delay information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the delay information.

[0142] Step 405-2: The UPF network element sends delay information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the delay information.

[0143] In the embodiments of this application, steps 405-1 and 405-2 are optional steps. Only step 405-1 or step 405-2 may be executed, or steps 405-1 and 405-2 may be executed. This application does not limit this.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the UPF network element can send a downlink data packet to the RAN based on the second indication information, with the GTP-U header of the downlink data packet carrying delay information. For example, the downlink data packet can be an ACK data packet or an empty packet generated by the UPF network element, etc., and this application is not limited to this. For example, the delay information sent by the UPF network element can include one or more of the following: uplink N3 delay, downlink N3 delay (or the transmission time of the delay information), uplink N6 delay, downlink N6 delay, or Nupf_API delay.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the SMF network element sends delay information to the RAN via an N2 session message. For example, the delay information sent by the SMF network element may include one or more of the following: uplink N3 delay, downlink N3 delay, uplink N6 delay, downlink N6 delay, or Nupf_API delay.

[0146] Optionally, one or more of the delay information sent by the SMF and / or UPF network elements to the RAN can be determined by the SMF and / or UPF network elements themselves, or by other network elements, such as NEF, PCF, AS, or AF network elements. If determined by other network elements, the other network elements first send one or more of the determined delay information to the SMF and / or UPF network elements, and then the SMF and / or UPF network elements send it to the RAN.

[0147] Step 406: The RAN determines the effective duration based on the delay information and the duration of available rates.

[0148] The RAN can determine the effective duration based on the third indication information, the acquired latency information, and the duration of the available rate. For example, for the AF network element, the effective duration is determined as: Duration - Uplink N3 latency - Nupf_API latency - Downlink N6 latency - Downlink N3 latency. For the AS network element, the effective duration is determined as: Duration - Uplink N3 latency - Uplink N6 latency - Downlink N6 latency - Downlink N3 latency. The specific implementation of step 302 above can be referred to, and will not be elaborated here.

[0149] Step 407: The RAN sends available rate information and effective duration information to the UPF network element. The available rate information indicates the available rate, and the effective duration information indicates the effective duration. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the available rate information and the effective duration information.

[0150] Step 408-1: The UPF network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the AF network element. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the available rate information and effective duration information.

[0151] Step 408-2: The UPF network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the AS network element. Correspondingly, the AS network element receives the available rate information and effective duration information.

[0152] In this embodiment, steps 408-1 and 408-2 are optional steps; either step 408-1 or step 408-2 can be executed, and this application does not limit the specific execution time. If step 408-1 is executed, the effective duration determined in step 406 is determined for the AF network element; if step 408-2 is executed, the effective duration determined in step 406 is determined for the AS network element. The specific implementation of step 408-1 or step 408-2 can refer to the implementation of step 303, and will not be elaborated here.

[0153] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a flowchart illustrating the second communication method provided in this application embodiment, wherein:

[0154] Step 501: The access network device sends available rate information and duration information to the user plane function network element. The available rate information is used to indicate the available rate, and the duration information is used to indicate the duration.

[0155] Accordingly, the user plane function network element receives available rate information and duration information.

[0156] In this embodiment, the access network device can determine the available rate and duration of the data packets for transmitting the first service to the terminal, and then send the available rate information and duration information to the user plane function network element. Here, the access network device and the user plane function network element are devices that transmit the data packets for the first service.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the available rate information and duration information are carried in the header of the second data packet. For example, the available rate information and duration information are carried in the GTP-U tunnel header of the second data packet.

[0158] The second data packet is an uplink data packet sent by the access network device to the user plane function network element. For example, the second data packet can be an ACK data packet, or an empty packet generated by the access network device, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0159] Step 502: User plane function network elements obtain latency information.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the latency information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server.

[0161] The application server is a server that transmits data packets for the first service. The implementation of the application server, the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, and the latency between the access network device and the application server can be found in the corresponding descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figure 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the specific implementation method for the user plane function network element to obtain latency information includes: the user plane function network element receiving latency information from one or more of the following: access network equipment, SMF network element, NEF network element, PCF network element, AS network element and / or AF network element.

[0163] For example, the latency information from the access network device includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following, or a combination of these (e.g., summation): the uplink latency between the access network device and the user plane function element, or the downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function element. Optionally, the downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function element can also be replaced by the transmission time of the access network device sending uplink information to the user plane function element, such as the transmission time of the access network device carrying the available rate information and duration information when sending the available rate information and duration information to the user plane function element in step 501.

[0164] For example, the latency information from SMF, NEF, PCF, AS, or AF network elements includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following, or a combination of these (such as the sum): uplink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, uplink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, uplink latency between the access network device and the application server, control plane latency between the access network device and the application server, or control plane latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, and downlink latency between the access network device and the application server.

[0165] Optionally, the user plane function network element can also determine the latency information itself, such as the user plane function network element measuring one or more of the following: uplink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, uplink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, uplink latency between the access network device and the application server, downlink latency between the access network device and the application server, control plane latency between the access network device and the application server, or control plane latency between the user plane function network element and the application server.

[0166] Step 503: The user plane function network element determines the effective duration based on the latency information and the duration of available rate.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the user plane function element determines the effective duration based on latency information and the duration of available rate. This determination includes: determining one or more of the following based on latency information: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function element, the latency between the user plane function element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining the effective duration based on the difference between the duration of available rate and one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function element, the latency between the user plane function element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server. The specific implementation of this method can refer to the implementation of step 302 above.

[0168] For example, there are two situations in which user plane function network elements determine the effective duration:

[0169] In scenario (3), the access network device sends available rate information and duration information to the user plane function network element, the user plane function network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the AF network element, the AF network element sends available rate information and duration information to the AS network element, the AS network element sends the data packet of the first service to the user plane function network element based on the available rate information and effective duration information, and the user plane function network element sends the data packet to the access network device. In this scenario, the user plane function network element can determine the uplink delay (e.g., uplink N3 delay) between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the control plane delay (e.g., Nupf_API delay) between the user plane function network element and the AF network element, the downlink delay (e.g., downlink N6 delay) between the AS network element and the user plane function, and the downlink delay (e.g., downlink N3 delay) between the user plane function network element and the access network device, based on the delay information. Furthermore, the effective duration can be determined as the difference between the duration and these delays, such as: Effective duration = Duration - Uplink N3 delay - Nupf_API delay - Downlink N6 delay - Downlink N3 delay.

[0170] In scenario (4), the access network device sends available rate information and duration information to the user plane function network element, the user plane function network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the AS network element, the AS network element sends the data packet of the first service to the user plane function network element based on the available rate information and effective duration information, and the user plane function network element sends the data packet to the access network device. In this case, the user plane function network element can determine the uplink delay (e.g., uplink N3 delay) between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the uplink delay (e.g., uplink N6 delay) between the user plane function network element and the AS network element, the downlink delay (e.g., downlink N6 delay) between the AS network element and the user plane function, and the downlink delay (e.g., downlink N3 delay) between the user plane function network element and the access network device based on the delay information; and then determine the effective duration as the difference between the duration and these delays, such as effective duration = duration - uplink N3 delay - uplink N6 delay - downlink N6 delay - downlink N3 delay.

[0171] Step 504: The user plane function network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the application server. The effective duration information is used to indicate the effective duration.

[0172] Accordingly, the application server receives available rate information and effective duration information.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the user plane function network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the application server via the user plane or control plane.

[0174] For example, corresponding to the above situation (4), the user plane function network element can send an uplink data packet to the AS network element. The uplink data packet carries available rate information and effective duration information. For example, the uplink data packet can be transmitted through the N6 interface. The uplink data packet can be an ACK data packet, or an empty packet generated by the user plane function network element, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0175] For example, corresponding to the above situation (3), the user plane function network element can send available rate information and effective duration information through the control plane interface with the AF network element, such as Nupf_API.

[0176] Further, optionally, after receiving the available rate information and the effective duration information, the application server can determine the transmission parameters of the data packets of the first service based on the available rate information and the effective duration information, such as the size of the burst traffic and / or the transmission rate of the first service within the effective time corresponding to the effective duration, so that when the access network device receives the data traffic of the first service, the available rate is not invalid and the transmission parameters of the first service can be adapted to the available rate, and the access network device can transmit the data traffic of the first service to the terminal at the available rate.

[0177] Further, optionally, in this embodiment, the user plane function network element can send the acquired latency information to the access network device. The access network device determines the effective start time based on the latency information and the start time of the available rate. In this way, the access network device can know when it can receive the data packet of the first service from the application server as early as possible, so as to transmit the data packet at the available rate. For example, the user plane function network element can send a downlink data packet to the access network device, carrying the latency information in the GTP-U tunnel header of the downlink data packet. This method can be referred to the corresponding description in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0178] Furthermore, optionally, if the user plane function network element can also obtain the internal processing latency of each device, then the effective duration of the user plane function network element can also be the difference between the value obtained in the above manner and the internal processing latency of the device; the effective start time can also be the sum of the value obtained in the above manner and the internal processing latency of the device.

[0179] Based on the embodiment described in Figure 5, the user plane function network element can determine the effective duration based on the duration reported by the access network device, and disclose the effective duration and the available rate reported by the access network device to the application server. This not only ensures compatibility with the existing process of access network devices reporting available rates and durations, but also ensures that the application server's understanding of the effective duration of the available rate is consistent with the actual duration for which the access network device can use the available rate, thereby improving communication performance.

[0180] Regarding the embodiment shown in Figure 5, Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method under the above-described cases (3) and (4), wherein:

[0181] Step 601: The AF network element sends a first request message to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the first request message.

[0182] Step 602: The PCF network element sends a first indication message to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first indication message.

[0183] In this embodiment of the application, the specific implementation of steps 601 to 602 can refer to the specific implementation of steps 401 to 402 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0184] Step 603: The SMF network element sends the fourth indication information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the fourth indication information.

[0185] The fourth indication information is used to instruct the UPF network element to obtain the delay information, and based on the obtained delay information and the available rate and duration reported by the RAN, to obtain the available rate and effective duration, and report the obtained available rate and effective duration to the AF network element / AS network element. For example, the fourth indication information can be carried in the N4 session message.

[0186] Optionally, the fourth instruction information is also used to instruct the UPF network element to open the acquired delay information to the RAN so that the RAN can determine the effective start time based on the delay information and the start time of the available rate.

[0187] Step 604: The SMF network element sends the fifth indication information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the fifth indication information.

[0188] The fifth instruction message is used to instruct the RAN to report the available rate and duration to the UPF network element. For example, the fifth instruction message can be carried in an N2 session message.

[0189] Optionally, the fifth indication information is also used to instruct the RAN to acquire the delay information and determine the effective start time based on the delay information and the start time of the available rate.

[0190] Step 605: The RAN sends available rate information and duration information to the UPF network element. The available rate information indicates the available rate, and the duration information indicates the duration of the available rate. Accordingly, the UPF network element receives the available rate information and duration information.

[0191] Specifically, the RAN can send available rate information and duration information to the UPF network element based on the fifth indication information. The specific implementation can be found in step 501, and will not be elaborated here.

[0192] Step 606: The UPF network element obtains latency information.

[0193] The UPF network element can obtain latency information based on the fourth indication information. For example, the latency information includes one or more of the following: uplink N3 latency (or the transmission time of the data used by the UPF network element to determine the above N3 latency, such as the transmission time of the available rate information and duration information in step 605), downlink N3 latency, uplink N6 latency, downlink N6 latency, or Nupf_API latency.

[0194] Optionally, one or more of the delay information can be determined by the delay element itself, or by other devices / network elements, such as RAN, SMF, NEF, PCF, AS, or AF elements. If determined by other network elements, those other network elements will first send one or more of the determined delay information to the UPF network element.

[0195] Step 607: The UPF network element determines the effective duration based on the delay information and duration.

[0196] The UPF network element can determine the effective duration based on the delay information and the duration, according to the fourth indication information. For example, for the AF network element, the effective duration is determined as: Duration - Uplink N3 delay - Nupf_API delay - Downlink N6 delay - Downlink N3 delay. For the AS network element, the effective duration is determined as: Duration - Uplink N3 delay - Uplink N6 delay - Downlink N6 delay - Downlink N3 delay. The specific implementation of step 302 above can be referred to, and will not be elaborated here.

[0197] Step 608-1: The UPF network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the AF network element. The effective duration information indicates the effective duration. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the available rate information and effective duration information.

[0198] Step 608-2: The UPF network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the AS network element. The effective duration information indicates the effective duration. Correspondingly, the AS network element receives the available rate information and effective duration information.

[0199] In this embodiment, steps 608-1 and 608-2 are optional steps; either step 608-1 or step 608-2 can be executed, and this application does not limit the specific execution time. If step 608-1 is executed, the effective duration determined in step 607 is determined for the AF network element; if step 608-2 is executed, the effective duration determined in step 606 is determined for the AS network element. The specific implementation methods of steps 608-1 and 608-2 can refer to the implementation method of step 504, and will not be repeated here.

[0200] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a flowchart illustrating the third communication method provided in this application embodiment, wherein:

[0201] Step 701: The access network device sends available rate information and duration information to the application server. The available rate information is used to indicate the available rate, and the duration information is used to indicate the duration.

[0202] Accordingly, the application server receives available rate information and duration information.

[0203] In this embodiment, the access network device can determine the available rate and duration of the data packets for transmitting the first service to the terminal, and then send the available rate information and duration information to the application server. The access network device and the application server are devices for transmitting the data packets for the first service. The implementation of the application server can be found in the corresponding description in the embodiment of Figure 3.

[0204] For example, there are two scenarios in which access network devices send available rate information and duration information to the application server:

[0205] Scenario (5): The access network device sends available rate information and duration information to the user plane function network element; the user plane function network element sends available rate information and duration information to the AF network element; and the AF network element sends available rate information and duration information to the AS network element. In this case, the access network device can first send available rate information and duration information to the user plane function network element through a third data packet, such as the GTP-U tunnel header of the third data packet. The third data packet can be an ACK data packet or an empty packet generated by the access network device; then the user plane function network element sends available rate information and duration information to the AF network element through the control plane interface, such as Nupf_API.

[0206] Scenario (6): The access network device sends available rate information and duration information to the user plane function element, and the user plane function element sends available rate information and duration information to the AS element. In this case, the access network device can first send available rate information and duration information to the user plane function element through the aforementioned third data packet, and the user plane function element sends available rate information and duration information to the AS element through the fourth data packet. The fourth data packet can be an ACK data packet, or an empty packet generated by the user plane function element, etc.

[0207] Optionally, the application server can also be deployed on the user plane function network element side. In this case, the access network device can send available rate information and duration information to the application server through the aforementioned third data packet.

[0208] Step 702: The application server obtains latency information.

[0209] In one possible implementation, the latency information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server. The application server is a server that transmits data packets for the first service. The latency between the application server, the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, and the latency between the access network device and the application server can be referred to the corresponding descriptions in the embodiments shown in Figure 3, and will not be repeated here.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the specific implementation method for the application server to obtain latency information includes: the application server receiving latency information from one or more of the following: access network devices, UPF network elements, SMF network elements, NEF network elements and / or PCF network elements.

[0211] For example, the latency information from the access network device includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following, or a combination of these (e.g., the sum): uplink latency between the access network device and the application server, control plane latency between the access network device and the application server, or downlink latency between the access network device and the application server. Optionally, the downlink latency between the access network device and the application server can also be replaced by the transmission time of the access network device sending uplink information to the application server, such as the transmission time of the access network device carrying the available rate information and duration information when sending the available rate information and duration information to the application server in step 701.

[0212] For example, the latency information from the UPF network element includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following, or a combination of these (e.g., the sum): uplink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, uplink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, uplink latency between the access network device and the application server, downlink latency between the access network device and the application server, control plane latency between the access network device and the application server, or control plane latency between the user plane function network element and the application server. Optionally, the uplink latency or control latency between the user plane function network element and the application server can also be replaced by the time when the user plane function network element sends information to the application server. Optionally, the uplink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element can be determined by the user plane function network element based on the transmission time of the uplink information from the access network device. For example, in step 701, if the access network device sends available rate information and duration information to the application server via the user plane function network element, the access network device can carry the transmission time of the available rate information and duration information when sending, and the user plane function network element can also carry the transmission time of the available rate information and duration information when sending.

[0213] For example, the latency information from SMF, NEF, or PCF network elements includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following, or a combination of these (such as the sum): uplink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, downlink latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, uplink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, uplink latency between the access network device and the application server, downlink latency between the access network device and the application server, control plane latency between the access network device and the application server, or control plane latency between the user plane function network element and the application server.

[0214] Optionally, the application server can also determine latency information on its own, such as measuring one or more of the following: uplink latency between the access network device and the application server, downlink latency between the access network device and the application server, uplink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or downlink latency between the user plane function network element and the application server.

[0215] Step 703: The application server determines the effective duration based on the latency information and the duration of available speed.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the application server determines the effective duration based on latency information and the duration of available speed. This determination includes: determining one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server; and determining the effective duration based on the difference between the duration of available speed and one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server. This implementation can refer to the implementation of step 302 above.

[0217] For example, corresponding to case (5) or case (6) above, after this step, the AS network element can send the data packet of the first service to the user plane function network element according to the effective duration and available rate, and the user plane function network element sends the data packet to the access network equipment. Therefore, the AS network element determines the effective duration in the following two ways:

[0218] Corresponding to the above situation (5), the AS network element can determine the uplink delay (such as uplink N3 delay) between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the control plane delay (such as Nupf_API delay) between the user plane function network element and the AF network element, the downlink delay (such as downlink N6 delay) between the AS network element and the user plane function, and the downlink delay (such as downlink N3 delay) between the user plane function network element and the access network device based on the delay information; and then the effective duration can be determined as the difference between the duration and these delays, such as effective duration = duration - uplink N3 delay - Nupf_API delay - downlink N6 delay - downlink N3 delay.

[0219] Corresponding to the above situation (6), the AS network element can determine the uplink delay (such as uplink N3 delay) between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the uplink delay (such as uplink N6 delay) between the user plane function network element and the AS network element, the downlink delay (such as downlink N6 delay) between the AS network element and the user plane function, and the downlink delay (such as downlink N3 delay) between the user plane function network element and the access network device based on the delay information; and then the effective duration can be determined as the difference between the duration and these delays, such as effective duration = duration - uplink N3 delay - uplink N6 delay - downlink N6 delay - downlink N3 delay.

[0220] Optionally, the application server described above can also be deployed on the user plane function network element side. After this step, the application server can send the data packets of the first service to the access network device by transmitting downlink data with the access network device. Therefore, the application server can determine the uplink and downlink delays (such as uplink N3 delay and downlink N3 delay) between the access network device and the user plane function network element based on the delay information, and then determine the effective duration as the difference between the duration and these delays, such as effective duration = duration - uplink N3 delay - downlink N3 delay.

[0221] Further, optionally, after determining the effective duration, the application server can determine the transmission parameters of the data packets of the first service based on the available rate and the effective duration, such as the size of the burst traffic and / or the transmission rate of the first service within the effective time corresponding to the effective duration, so that when the access network device receives the data traffic of the first service, the available rate is not invalid and the transmission parameters of the first service can be adapted to the available rate, and the access network device can transmit the data traffic of the first service to the terminal at the available rate.

[0222] Further, optionally, in this embodiment, the application server can send the acquired latency information to the access network device, or the application server can instruct the device that determines the latency information to send the latency information to the access network device. The access network device determines the effective start time based on the latency information and the start time of the available rate. In this way, the access network device can know when it can receive the data packet of the first service from the application server as early as possible, so as to transmit the data packet at the available rate. For example, the user plane function network element can send a downlink data packet to the access network device, carrying the latency information in the GTP-U tunnel header of the downlink data packet. This method can be referred to the corresponding description in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0223] Based on the embodiment described in Figure 7, the application server can determine the effective duration based on the duration reported by the access network device. This not only ensures compatibility with existing processes for access network devices to report available rates and durations, but also ensures that the application server's understanding of the effective duration of the available rate is consistent with the actual duration for which the access network device can use the available rate, thereby improving communication performance.

[0224] Regarding the embodiment shown in Figure 7, Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a communication method under the above-described cases (5) and (6), wherein:

[0225] Step 801: The AF network element sends a first request message to the PCF network element. Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the first request message.

[0226] Step 802: The PCF network element sends a first indication message to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first indication message.

[0227] In this embodiment of the application, the specific implementation of steps 801 to 802 can refer to the specific implementation of steps 401 to 402 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0228] Step 803: The SMF network element sends the sixth indication information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the sixth indication information.

[0229] The sixth indication information is used to instruct the UPF network element to report the available rate and duration to the AF network element / AS network element. For example, the sixth indication information can be carried in the N4 session message.

[0230] Optionally, the sixth instruction information is also used to instruct the UPF network element to acquire latency information and to make the acquired latency information available to the AF network element / AS network element. For example, the sixth instruction information is used to instruct the UPF network element to acquire and make available to the AF network element / AS network element one or more of the following: uplink N3 latency, uplink N6 latency (or used by the AS network element to determine the transmission time of data with uplink N6 latency), downlink N3 latency, downlink N6 latency, and Nupf_API latency (or used by the AF network element to determine the transmission time of data with uplink N6 latency).

[0231] Optionally, the sixth instruction information is also used to instruct the UPF network element to share the acquired latency information with the RAN, so that the RAN can determine the effective start time based on the latency information and the start time of the available rate. For example, the sixth instruction information is used to instruct the UPF network element to share one or more of the following with the RAN: uplink N3 latency, uplink N6 latency, downlink N3 latency, downlink N6 latency, and Nupf_API latency.

[0232] Step 804: The SMF network element sends the seventh indication information to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the seventh indication information.

[0233] The seventh instruction information is used to instruct the RAN to report the available rate and duration to the UPF network element. For example, the fifth instruction information can be carried in an N2 session message.

[0234] Optionally, the seventh indication information is also used to instruct the RAN to acquire the delay information and determine the effective start time based on the delay information and the start time of the available rate.

[0235] Step 805: The RAN sends available rate information and duration information to the UPF network element. The available rate information indicates the available rate, and the duration information indicates the duration of the available rate. Accordingly, the UPF network element receives the available rate information and duration information.

[0236] Specifically, the RAN can send available rate information and duration information to the UPF network element based on the seventh indication information. The specific implementation can be found in step 701, and will not be elaborated here.

[0237] In the embodiments of this application, steps 806-1 to 808-1 and steps 806-2 to 808-2 are optional steps. In one case, steps 806-1 to 808-1 can be performed, and in another case, steps 806-2 to 808-2 can be performed.

[0238] Step 806-1: The UPF network element sends available rate information and duration information to the AF network element. Correspondingly, the AF network element receives the available rate information and duration information.

[0239] Among them, the UPF network element can send available rate information and duration information to the AF network element according to the sixth instruction information.

[0240] Step 807-1: The AF network element obtains latency information.

[0241] For example, the latency information includes: uplink N3 latency, downlink N3 latency, downlink N6 latency, and Nupf_API latency (or the transmission time of the data used by the AF network element to determine the Nupf_API latency).

[0242] Optionally, one or more of the delay information can be determined by the delay element itself or by other devices / network elements, such as the RAN, UPF network element (for example, the UPF network element is determined according to the sixth indication information), SMF network element, NEF network element, PCF network element, AS network element, or AF network element, etc. If it is determined by other network elements, then the other network elements first send one or more of the determined delay information to the AF network element.

[0243] Step 808-1: The AF network element determines the effective duration based on the delay information and duration.

[0244] The specific implementation method of step 808-1 can refer to the implementation method of step 703, and will not be repeated here. For example, the effective duration of the AF network element is determined as follows: duration - uplink N3 delay - Nupf_API delay - downlink N6 delay - downlink N3 delay.

[0245] Step 806-2: The UPF network element sends available rate information and duration information to the AS network element. Correspondingly, the AS network element receives the available rate information and duration information.

[0246] Among them, the UPF network element can send available rate information and duration information to the AS network element according to the sixth instruction information.

[0247] Step 807-2: AS network element obtains latency information.

[0248] For example, the latency information includes: uplink N3 latency, downlink N3 latency, downlink N6 latency, and uplink N6 latency (or the transmission time of data used by the AS network element to determine the uplink N6 latency).

[0249] Optionally, one or more of the delay information can be determined by the delay element itself, or by other devices / network elements, such as the RAN, UPF network element (for example, the UPF network element is determined according to the sixth indication information), SMF network element, NEF network element, PCF network element, AS network element, or AS network element, etc. If it is determined by other network elements, then the other network elements first send one or more of the determined delay information to the AS network element.

[0250] Step 808-2: The AS network element determines the effective duration based on the delay information and duration.

[0251] The specific implementation method of step 808-2 can refer to the implementation method of step 703, and will not be repeated here. For example, the effective duration of AS network element determination = duration - uplink N3 delay - uplink N6 delay - downlink N6 delay - downlink N3 delay.

[0252] It is understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the access network device, user plane function network element, and application server include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0253] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of access network equipment, user plane function network elements, or application servers in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0254] As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a processing unit 910 and a transceiver unit 920. The communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the access network equipment, user plane function network element, or application server in the above embodiments.

[0255] For example, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the access network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG3 or FIG4: the transceiver unit 920 is used to send available rate information and effective duration information to the application server; the processing unit 910 is used to obtain latency information and determine the effective duration based on the latency information and the duration of available rate.

[0256] For example, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the user plane function network element in the method embodiment shown in FIG5 or FIG6: the transceiver unit 920 is used to receive available rate information and duration information from the access network device, and send the available rate information and effective duration information to the application server; the processing unit 910 is used to obtain latency information and determine the effective duration based on the latency information and the duration of available rate.

[0257] For example, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the function of the application server in the method embodiment shown in FIG7 or FIG8: the transceiver unit 920 is used to receive available rate information and duration information from the access network device; the processing unit 910 is used to obtain latency information and determine the effective duration based on the latency information and the duration of available rate.

[0258] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 910 and the transceiver unit 920, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3-8.

[0259] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a processor 1010 and an interface circuit 1020. The processor 1010 and the interface circuit 1020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1010, or storing input data required by the processor 1010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1010 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 1020 can also be understood as part of the processor 1010, in which case the communication device 1000 includes the processor 1010.

[0260] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the method described in the above embodiments, the processor 1010 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 910, and the interface circuit 1020 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 920.

[0261] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to an access network device / user plane function network element / application server, the chip implements the functions of the access network device / user plane function network element / application server in the above method embodiments. The chip receiving information can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device / user plane function network element / application server, and then sent to the chip by these modules. The chip sending information can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the access network device / user plane function network element / application server, and then sent by these modules.

[0262] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between an access network device chip and other modules within that access network device, or between a user plane function network element chip and other modules within that user plane function network element, or between an application server chip and other modules within that application server.

[0263] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0264] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, optical discs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0265] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, an access network device, a terminal device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0266] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0267] Depending on whether the specification uses "optional": In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0268] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to the access network device side, the method includes: The application server sends available rate information and effective duration information. The available rate information is used to indicate the available rate, which is the available rate for transmitting data packets of the first service to the terminal. The effective duration information is used to indicate the effective duration, which is the duration for which the application server perceives the available rate as valid. The application server is the server that sends data packets of the first service.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Sending available rate information and effective duration information to the application server includes: The user plane function network element sends available rate information and effective duration information to the application server.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Acquire latency information, which is used to indicate one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server. The effective duration is determined based on the latency information and the duration of the available rate.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The acquisition of latency information includes: Receive the latency information from the user plane function network element and / or session management function network element.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, Determining the effective duration based on the delay information and the duration of the available rate includes: The latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or one or more of the latency between the access network device and the application server are determined based on the latency information. The effective duration is determined based on the difference between the duration of the available rate and one or more of the following: the delay between the access network device and the user plane function element, the delay between the user plane function element and the application server, or the delay between the access network device and the application server.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein, The available rate information and the effective duration information are carried in the header of the first data packet, which is an uplink data packet sent by the access network device to the user plane function element.

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to the user plane functional network element side, the method includes: The system receives available rate information and duration information from the access network device. The available rate information indicates the available rate, which is the available rate at which the access network device transmits data packets of the first service to the terminal. The duration information indicates the duration, which is the duration of the available rate. The effective duration is determined based on the duration, where the effective duration is the duration during which the application server perceives the available rate, and the application server is the server that sends the data packets of the first service. The available rate information and the effective duration information are sent to the application server, wherein the effective duration information is used to indicate the effective duration.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The step of determining the effective duration based on the duration includes: Acquire latency information, which is used to indicate one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server. The effective duration is determined based on the delay information and the duration.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, Determining the effective duration based on the delay information and the duration includes: The latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or one or more of the latency between the access network device and the application server are determined based on the latency information. The effective duration is determined based on the difference between the duration and one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function element, the latency between the user plane function element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server.

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to the application server side, the method includes: The system receives available rate information and duration information from the access network device. The available rate information indicates the available rate, which is the available rate at which the access network device transmits data packets of the first service to the terminal. The duration information indicates the duration, which is the duration of the available rate. The effective duration is determined based on the duration of the service. The effective duration is the duration during which the application server is aware of the available rate. The application server is the server that sends the data packets for the first service.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The step of determining the effective duration based on the duration includes: Acquire latency information, which is used to indicate one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server. The effective duration is determined based on the delay information and the duration.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, Determining the effective duration based on the delay information and the duration includes: The latency between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the latency between the user plane function network element and the application server, or one or more of the latency between the access network device and the application server are determined based on the latency information. The effective duration is determined based on the difference between the duration and one or more of the following: the latency between the access network device and the user plane function element, the latency between the user plane function element and the application server, or the latency between the access network device and the application server.

13. A communications device, characterized by include: One or more functional modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-12.

14. A communications device, characterized by The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-12 through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

15. A computer readable storage medium characterized by: The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-12.

16. A computer program product comprising computer programs or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, they implement the method as described in claims 1-12.

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