WO2021232841A1

WO2021232841A1 - Communication method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2021232841A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/073718
Authority: WO
Inventors: 于游洋; 时书锋
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2020-05-21
Filing date: 2021-01-26
Publication date: 2021-11-25
Also published as: CN113709901A; CN113709901B

Abstract

Provided are a communication method and apparatus, which relate to the field of communications. The method comprises: a control network element determining that a first device supports an Internet transmission layer protocol QUIC capability and an access traffic, steering, switching, splitting lower layer (ATSSS-LL) capability; and the control network element instructing the first device to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC traffic on the basis of a QUIC function or a QUIC tunnel, and an ATSSS-LL function. According to the embodiments of the present application, the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel can be used together with the ATSSS-LL function, so as to realize the solution of multi-access splitting of the traffic, such that the transmission efficiency can be optimized, such as by reducing time delay, increasing a bandwidth or improving link reliability.

Description

Communication method and device

This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office, the application number is 202010436896.3, and the application name is "communication method and device" on May 21, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated into this application by reference.

Technical field

This application relates to communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device.

Background technique

In a wireless communication system, for example, in a new radio (NR) system, user equipment (UE) can communicate with data network (data network, DN) through user plane function (UPF) network elements. ) The network element establishes a protocol data unit (protocol data unit, PDU) session, and the PDU session provides a data transmission service between the terminal device and the DN network element.

Between the UE and the UPF network element, the establishment of multiple access PDU sessions can be supported. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the UE and the UPF network element can establish a multiple access PDU based on access technology 1 and access technology 2. Session A, the service flow of the UE can be transmitted to the UPF network element through access technology 1, and/or access technology 2. The multi-access PDU session is relative to the single-access PDU session. The single-access PDU session refers to the PDU session that accesses the UPF network element through one access technology, and the multiple-access PDU session refers to the multiple access Technology (at least two) to access the PDU session of the UPF network element.

In the prior art, the service flow transmitted by the user datagram protocol (quick UDP internet connection, QUIC) cannot realize the mode of multiple access PDU sessions.

Summary of the invention

The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, which can implement multi-access offload transmission for service flows transmitted using QUIC, so as to increase the transmission bandwidth of the service.

In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which includes: controlling a network element to determine that the first device supports the Internet Transport Layer Protocol QUIC capability and the routing and switching offloading of the underlying ATSSS-LL capability of the access service flow. The control network element instructs the first device to perform multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

The control network element involved in the embodiment of the present application may be a network element used to perform a control function. For example, the control network element may be a PCF network element, an SMF network element, or other network elements that implement control functions.

The first device involved in the embodiment of the present application may be a UPF network element, a terminal device, and/or other network elements that perform data transmission with the terminal device, and so on.

In the embodiment of this application, QUIC is used in combination with the access traffic steering, switching, splitting lower layer, ATSSS-LL function to implement the multi-access offloading scheme in QUIC, which can be optimized Transmission efficiency, such as reducing delay, increasing bandwidth or improving link reliability, etc.

In a possible implementation manner, the control network element instructs the first device to perform the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function, including: the control network element sends the first device to the first device. information. The first information includes: indication information used to indicate the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel and ATSSS-LL function, or indication information used to indicate the QUIC function.

In a possible implementation manner, the first information further includes one or more of the following: flow identification information of the service flow, offload mode information, and indication information of the link state detection function.

In a possible implementation manner, the indication information of the link status detection function includes: indication information of the associated link status detection function and/or PMF indication information of the link status detection function. Among them, the indication information of the link-associated link state detection function is used to indicate link state detection based on real service data packets. The PMF indication information is used to indicate link status detection based on the PMF protocol.

In a possible implementation manner, the first device includes a terminal device and a user plane network element, and the control network element determines that the first device supports QUIC capability and ATSSS-LL capability, including: the control network element determines the terminal device and user plane network element Both support QUIC capability and ATSSS-LL capability.

In a possible implementation manner, the control network element determining that the first device supports the QUIC capability and the ATSSS-LL capability includes: the control network element receives a protocol data unit PDU session establishment or update request message from the terminal device. The PDU session establishment or update request message includes QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information. And/or, the control network element determines that the user plane network element supports the QUIC capability and the ATSSS-LL capability.

In a possible implementation manner, the PDU session establishment or update request message further includes: indication information used to instruct the terminal device to support the link-associated link detection capability.

In a possible implementation, the multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function includes: according to the link status of at least one link, the ATSSS-LL function is used to encapsulate the QUIC Select one or more transmission links for the data packet.

In a possible implementation manner, the offload mode of the QUIC service flow obtained by the control plane network element is the offload mode supported by the ATSSS-LL function.

In a possible implementation manner, the multi-link in the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow includes the link of the first access technology and the link of the second access technology.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including: a first device receives first indication information from a control network element, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first device is based on a QUIC function or a QUIC tunnel, and ATSSS- The LL function performs multi-link transmission of QUIC service streams. The first device performs multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

In a possible implementation manner, the first device performs multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function, including: the first device uses the link status of at least one link The ATSSS-LL function selects one or more links for QUIC encapsulated data packets.

In a possible implementation manner, the first device uses the ATSSS-LL function to select one or more links for QUIC-encapsulated data packets according to the link status of at least one link, including: ATSSS-LL of the first device The function obtains the first data packet encapsulated by QUIC. The ATSSS-LL function of the first device selects the target link for the data packet based on the link status and the offload mode. The ATSSS-LL function of the first device transmits the first data packet on the target link. Or, the ATSSS-LL function of the first device receives the second data packet encapsulated by QUIC. The QUIC function of the first device processes the second data packet.

In a possible implementation manner, the first device performs multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function, including: the QUIC function of the first device or the QUIC tunnel encapsulating the first QUIC data Bag. The ATSSS-LL function of the first device performs redundant transmission of the first QUIC data packet through multiple links. Or, the ATSSS-LL function of the first device receives the second QUIC data packet over multiple links. The ATSSS-LL function deletes duplicate data packets based on the sequence number of the QUIC header of the second QUIC data packet.

In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information includes: indication information used to indicate the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel, and indication information used to indicate the ATSSS-LL function. Or the first indication information includes: indication information used to indicate the QUIC function.

In a possible implementation manner, the first indication information further includes one or more of the following: flow identification information of the service flow, offload mode information, and link state detection function indication information.

In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving the QUIC-encapsulated data packet by the link-associated state detection function of the first device. The first device records the correspondence between the serial number of the QUIC encapsulated data packet and the transmission link or access technology. The link-associated link status detection function of the first device obtains the link status of one or more links.

In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the first device sends a PDU session establishment or update request message to the control network element. The PDU session establishment or update request message includes QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information.

In a possible implementation manner, the PDU session establishment or update request message further includes: indication information used to indicate that the first device supports the link-associated detection capability.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a control network element, or a chip or a chip system in the control network element. The communication device may include a processing unit and a communication unit. When the communication device is a control network element, the processing unit may be a processor, and the communication unit may be a communication interface or an interface circuit. The communication device may further include a storage unit, and the storage unit may be a memory. The storage unit is used for storing instructions, and the processing unit executes the instructions stored by the storage unit, so that the control network element implements the communication method described in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect. When the communication device is a chip or a chip system in a control network element, the processing unit may be a processor, and the communication unit may be a communication interface. For example, the communication interface can be an input/output interface, a pin, or a circuit. The processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, so that the control network element implements the first aspect or a communication method described in any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect. The storage unit may be a storage unit in the chip (for example, a register, a cache, etc.), or a storage unit (for example, a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.) located outside the chip in the control network element. Exemplarily, the control network element may be a network element for implementing a control function, such as a policy control network element or a session management network element.

Exemplarily, the processing unit is configured to determine that the first device supports the QUIC capability of the Internet Transport Layer Protocol and the routing switch of the access service flow and the underlying ATSSS-LL capability. The communication unit is used to instruct the first device to perform multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit is specifically configured to send the first information to the first device. The first information includes: indication information used to indicate the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel and ATSSS-LL function, or indication information used to indicate the QUIC function.

In a possible implementation manner, the first device includes a terminal device and a user plane network element, and the processing unit is specifically configured to determine that both the terminal device and the user plane network element support the QUIC capability and the ATSSS-LL capability.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit is specifically configured to receive a protocol data unit PDU session establishment or update request message from the terminal device. The PDU session establishment or update request message includes QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information. And/or, the processing unit is specifically configured to determine that the user plane network element supports the QUIC capability and the ATSSS-LL capability.

In a possible implementation manner, the offload mode of the QUIC service flow obtained by the processing unit is the offload mode supported by the ATSSS-LL function.

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first device, or may be a chip or a chip system in the first device. The communication device may include a processing unit and a communication unit. When the communication device is the first device, the processing unit may be a processor, and the communication unit may be a communication interface or an interface circuit. The communication device may further include a storage unit, and the storage unit may be a memory. The storage unit is used to store instructions, and the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, so that the first device implements the second aspect or a communication method described in any one of the possible implementation manners of the second aspect. When the communication device is a chip or a chip system in the first device, the processing unit may be a processor, and the communication unit may be a communication interface. For example, the communication interface can be an input/output interface, a pin, or a circuit. The processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, so that the first device implements the third aspect or a communication method described in any one of the possible implementation manners of the third aspect. The storage unit may be a storage unit in the chip (for example, a register, a cache, etc.), or a storage unit (for example, a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.) located outside the chip in the first device.

Exemplarily, the communication unit is configured to receive first indication information from the control network element, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first device to perform multi-link QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function transmission. The processing unit is used for multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

In a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is specifically configured to use the ATSSS-LL function to select one or more links for the QUIC-encapsulated data packet by the first device according to the link status of at least one link.

In a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is specifically configured to obtain the first data packet encapsulated by the QUIC according to the ATSSS-LL function of the first device. According to the ATSSS-LL function of the first device, the target link is selected for the data packet based on the link status and the offload mode. The first data packet is transmitted on the target link according to the ATSSS-LL function of the first device. Or, the communication unit is specifically configured to receive the second data packet encapsulated by QUIC according to the ATSSS-LL function of the first device. The processing unit is specifically configured to process the second data packet according to the QUIC function of the first device.

In a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is specifically configured to encapsulate the first QUIC data packet according to the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel of the first device. According to the ATSSS-LL function of the first device, the first QUIC data packet is redundantly transmitted through multiple links. Or, the communication unit is specifically configured to receive the second QUIC data packet on multiple links according to the ATSSS-LL function of the first device. The processing unit is specifically configured to delete duplicate data packets based on the sequence number of the QUIC header of the second QUIC data packet according to the ATSSS-LL function.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit is further configured to receive the QUIC encapsulated data packet according to the detection function of the associated link state of the first device. The processing unit is also used to record the correspondence between the serial number of the QUIC encapsulated data packet and the transmission link or access technology. The processing unit is further configured to obtain the link status of one or more links according to the link-associated link status detection function of the first device.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit is also used to send a PDU session establishment or update request message to the control network element. The PDU session establishment or update request message includes QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information.

In the fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a computer-readable storage medium, and the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction runs on a computer, the computer executes operations as described in the first aspect to the first aspect. The communication method described in any one of the two aspects.

In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product including instructions, which when the instructions run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the communication method described in any one of the implementations of the first aspect to the second aspect.

In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes any one or more of the following: the communication device described in the third aspect and various possible implementation manners, and the fourth aspect and the fourth aspect The various possible implementations are described in the communication device.

In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device that includes a processor and a storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, any implementation manner as in the first aspect to the second aspect is implemented. Described communication method.

In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes at least one processor and a communication interface. The communication interface and at least one processor are interconnected by wires, and the at least one processor is used to run computer programs or instructions. The communication method described in any one of the implementation manners of the first aspect to the second aspect is performed.

Among them, the communication interface in the chip can be an input/output interface, a pin, or a circuit.

In a possible implementation, the chip or chip system described above in this application further includes at least one memory, and instructions are stored in the at least one memory. The memory may be a storage unit inside the chip, for example, a register, a cache, etc., or a storage unit of the chip (for example, a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.).

It should be understood that the second aspect to the ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present application correspond to the technical solutions of the first aspect of the embodiments of the present application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and corresponding feasible implementation manners are similar, and will not be repeated here. .

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an existing multi-PDU session access;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the application;

FIG. 3 is another schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the application;

4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 5 is a first structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of this application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided by an embodiment of the application.

Detailed ways

In order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish the same items or similar items that have substantially the same function and effect. For example, the first network and the second network are only used to distinguish different networks, and the order of their order is not limited. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and order of execution, and words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the difference.

It should be noted that in this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or illustrations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferable or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. To be precise, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to present related concepts in a specific manner.

In this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. "And/or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and/or B, which can mean: A alone exists, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A, B can be singular or plural. The character "/" generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "The following at least one item (a)" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item (a) or a plurality of items (a). For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple .

The method in the embodiments of the present application can be applied in a long term evolution (LTE), and can also be applied in a fifth generation mobile communication (5Generation, 5G) system, or a future mobile communication system.

Exemplarily, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the application. The architecture not only supports the wireless technologies defined by the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard group (such as LTE, 5G radio access network (RAN), etc.) to access the core network (core network, CN), and supports non-3GPP access technology to access the core network through non-3GPP interworking function (non-3GPP interworking function, N3IWF) or next generation packet data gateway (ngPDG).

Among them, the network architecture includes terminal equipment, access network (AN), core network and data network (data vetwork, DN). Among them, the access network device is mainly used to implement wireless physical layer functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control, and mobility management; the core network equipment can include management equipment and gateway equipment, and the management equipment is mainly used for terminals Device registration, security authentication, mobility management and location management of the device. The gateway device is mainly used to establish a channel with the terminal device, and forward the data packet between the terminal device and the external data network on the channel; the data network can include the network Equipment (such as servers, routers and other equipment), data networks are mainly used to provide a variety of data business services for terminal equipment. Illustratively, the access network, core network, and data network in 5G are taken as examples for description.

The access network in 5G can be a radio access network (radio access network, (R)AN), and the (R)AN device in the 5G system can be composed of multiple 5G-(R)AN nodes. The 5G-(R)AN ) AN nodes can include: 3GPP access networks, non-3GPP access networks such as WiFi network access points (access points, AP), next-generation base stations (collectively referred to as next-generation radio access network nodes (NG-RAN) node), where the next-generation base station includes a new air interface base station (NR nodeB, gNB), a new-generation evolved base station (NG-eNB), a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) separated form GNB, etc.), a transmission receiving point (TRP), a transmission point (TP) or other nodes.

The 5G core network (5G core/new generation core, 5GC/NGC) includes access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, and user plane Function (user plane function, UPF) network element, authentication server function (authentication server function, AUSF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, application function (AF) network element, unified Multiple functional units such as a data management function (UDM) network element, a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, and a network element function (NEF) network element.

The AMF network element is mainly responsible for services such as mobility management and access management. SMF network elements are mainly responsible for session management, dynamic host configuration protocol functions, selection and control of user plane functions, etc. The UPF network element is mainly responsible for externally connected to the data network (DN) and user plane data packet routing and forwarding, message filtering, and performing quality of service (QoS) control related functions. DN mainly provides services for user equipment, such as providing mobile operator services, Internet services or third-party services. The AUSF network element is mainly responsible for the authentication function of the terminal equipment and so on. The PCF network element is mainly responsible for providing a unified policy framework for network behavior management, providing policy rules for control plane functions, and obtaining registration information related to policy decisions. It should be noted that these functional units can work independently, or can be combined together to achieve certain control functions, such as access control and mobility management functions such as access authentication, security encryption, location registration for terminal equipment, and user Session management functions such as the establishment, release, and modification of the surface transmission path. UDM network element is a unified user data management, mainly used to store user equipment subscription data.

The functional units in the 5G system can communicate through the next generation network (NG) interface. For example, the terminal device can transmit control plane messages with the AMF network element through the NG interface 1 (abbreviated as N1), and the RAN device can Establish a user plane communication connection with UPF through NG interface 3 (N3 for short) and establish a channel. AN/RAN equipment can establish control plane signaling connections with AMF network elements through NG interface 2 (N2 for short), and UPF can use NG interface 4 (for short) N4) Information exchange with SMF network elements, UPF can exchange user plane data with data network DN through NG interface 6 (abbreviated as N6), AMF network elements can exchange information with SMF network elements through NG interface 11 (abbreviated as N11), SMF The network element can exchange information with the PCF network element through the NG interface 7 (abbreviated as N7), and the AMF network element can exchange information with the AUSF through the NG interface 12 (abbreviated as N12).

Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a specific network architecture when the core network supports untrusted non3GPP (untrusted non3GPP access) access. Among them, the network architecture in the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) is similar to the implementation in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here. The untrusted non3GPP access may be an untrusted wireless local area network (wireless local area networks, WLAN) access. In this architecture, terminal equipment can also exchange information with AMF through untrusted non3GPP access, Non3GPP conversion function/non3GPP access gateway (Non3GPP interworking function, N3IWF), and N3IWF network elements can exchange information with UPF through N3.

In addition, the core network can also support trusted non3GPP access and/or fixed network access. Among them, the trusted non3GPP network includes the trusted WALN network, and the fixed network includes fixed home network access. The network-side architecture is similar to the untrusted non3GPP network architecture. Replace N3IWF and untrusted access network with trusted Non-3GPP access network, or replace N3IWF with trusted Non-3GPP access gateway, untrusted access The network is replaced with a trusted access network. Among them, the access network equipment between the terminal equipment and the trusted Non-3GPP access gateway may include a WLAN AP, fixed access network equipment (fixed access network, FAN), switches, routers, and so on.

Whether it is trusted Non-3GPP access or untrusted Non-3GPP access, the core network side can use the point-to-point interface protocol as shown in Figure 2, or use the service-oriented interface architecture consistent with the 3GPP access core network architecture. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

In a possible implementation manner, the 3GPP access technology and the non3GPP access technology may include multiple access standards or frequency bands, and may be used at the same time. For example, 3GPP access includes 4G LTE and 5G NG-RAN two access technologies to simultaneously access 5GC. Non3GPP wifi access also includes simultaneous access of two frequency bands, for example, 5GHz and 2.4GHz wifi frequency bands are simultaneously connected to 5GC. In a possible implementation manner, the UE can simultaneously access the 5GC architecture through at least two of the above four access methods (including four simultaneous use).

The method processing in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the above-mentioned 5G 3GPP access architecture, or non3GPP access architecture, or 3GPP and non3GPP simultaneous access architecture, and can also be applied to 5G cellular (NG-RAN) and 4G cellular (LTE) For the architecture of simultaneous access, etc., the embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the network architecture.

Generally, if the service flow of the UE is transmitted on multiple access technologies at the same time (or can be understood as the realization of packet granular distribution), the UE and the UPF network element need to use the multi-path transmission control protocol (MPTCP) Protocol, which also requires that the service flow of offload transmission must support MPTCP. However, although MPTCP is one of the important and widely used transmission technologies, most service streams, such as video service streams, use user datagram protocol (UDP) transmission technology instead of MPTCP. UDP is currently being replaced by the User Datagram Protocol (quick UDP internet connection, QUIC). In a possible trend, the data packets transmitted by UDP will be transmitted by QUIC. However, when QUIC is used to transmit data packets, because the QUIC protocol does not support multi-link transmission, it is impossible to achieve packet granular distribution through multi-access technology, and it is impossible to share bandwidth resources on both sides.

Based on this, the embodiments of this application provide a QUIC combined with access traffic steering, switching, splitting lower layer, ATSSS-LL function to implement multi-access offloading in QUIC. In this way, transmission efficiency can be optimized, such as reducing delay, increasing bandwidth, or improving link reliability.

The following describes some vocabulary of the embodiments of the present application.

The session management network element described in the embodiment of this application may be an SMF network element or other network elements that implement session management functions, a user plane network element may be a UPF network element or other network elements that implement user plane functions, and a policy control network element may be It is a PCF network element or other network element that implements the policy control function, the application network element can be an AF network element or other network element that implements application functions, and the network open network element can be a NEF network element or other network elements that implement network open functions. The mobility management network element may be an AMF network element or other network elements that implement mobility management functions, and so on.

For ease of description, the following embodiments of this application assume that the session management network element is the SMF network element, the user plane network element is the UPF network element, the policy control network element is the PCF network element, the application network element is the AF network element, and the network opening network element is The NEF network element and the mobility management network element being an AMF network element are taken as an example for description, and this example does not limit the embodiment of the present application.

The ATSSS described in the embodiment of the present application may also be translated into the offloading, switching, and separation (access traffic steering, switching, splitting, ATSSS) of the accessed service, etc., which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application. The ATSSS-LL function in ATSSS is an underlying offload function supported by terminal equipment or UPF network elements. The ATSSS-LL function can select the transmission link for data packets based on the offload mode and link status. The shunt mode supported by the ATSSS-LL function can be one or more.

A possible understanding of the first device supporting the ATSSS-LL capability described in the embodiments of this application is that the first device supports the ATSSS-LL function, and the ATSSS-LL function of the first device is enabled, then the first device can be based on the ATSSS-LL function. LL executes the method as in the embodiment of this application.

The QUIC (Quick UDP internet connection) described in the embodiments of this application is a fast UDP network transmission protocol. When the sender needs to use a QUIC connection to transmit data, it needs to establish a QUIC connection with the receiver first (including using 0-RTT to establish a QUIC connection), or transmit data and establish a QUIC connection at the same time, etc.

One possible understanding of the first device supporting the QUIC capability described in the embodiment of this application is that the first device supports the QUIC function, and the QUIC function of the first device is enabled. method. Or the first device supports a QUIC tunnel, and enables the first device to establish a QUIC tunnel (for example, a QUIC tunnel between a terminal device and a user plane network element UPF network element), then the first device can execute the method in this embodiment based on QUIC . In possible implementations, the QUIC function of the first device can be set at the high-layer or low-layer of the network architecture, and the QUIC tunnel can be implemented at the bottom of the network architecture, specifically, for example, below the IP layer. The QUIC tunnel, that is, the IP data packet of the service is encapsulated in the QUIC header, and the above-mentioned QUIC data packet is encapsulated in the lower or outer layer IP/UDP header. For another example, the QUIC tunnel is implemented at the bottom layer where the ATSSS-LL is located, or the ATSSS-LL function is the ATSSS-LL function that supports the establishment of the QUIC tunnel.

One possible understanding of the link state detection capability supported by the first device described in the embodiments of this application is that the first device supports the link state detection function, and the link state detection function of the first device is enabled, then the first device can Perform link detection as in the embodiment of the present application based on the link state detection function.

The indication information of the link state detection function described in the embodiment of the present application may be information used to indicate the link state detection function, for example, may be a number or a character.

The link state detection function described in the embodiments of the present application may include one or more of the following: link state detection function (performance measurement function, PMF), link-associated link state detection function (may be called ePMF, etc.) .

The link-associated link state detection function described in the embodiments of the present application may also be called in-band link state detection function, link-associated detection function, in-band detection function, etc. In the realization of the link-associated link state detection function, it may be Perform link state detection based on real service data packets, or it can be understood as a device (such as UE or UPF network element, etc.) that performs link-associated link state detection uses real service data packets that need to be transmitted to perform link state detection. The link status may include one or more of link delay, packet loss rate, or jitter.

Exemplarily, the first device may record the correspondence between the data packet and the transmission link, record the sending time of the data packet, and so on for the data packet that actually needs to be sent in the link. For example, record the correspondence between the serial number of the data packet and the transmission link. The transmission link identifier may be an access technology identifier or a link identifier, etc. The access technology identifier may include 3GPP access technology, non3GPP access technology, wifi access technology, wired access technology, etc. Further, the first device may receive an acknowledge character (acknowledge character, ACK) message of the data packet (the ACK message may include the serial number of the received data packet confirmed by the receiver), so that the first device can receive the ACK message according to the ACK message. The arrival time calculates the round-trip time (RTT) of each link. Or, based on the sequence number of the data packet confirmed by the ACK, the lost data packet can also be sensed, so as to calculate the packet loss rate of each link. Wait.

The PMF function may be a link state detection function in the first device. If the PMF function is enabled, the first device may detect the current link state of at least one link based on the PMF protocol. When the PMF function is enabled, it can be enabled based on the IP address of the PMF function and/or the PMF function port number. Exemplarily, detecting the link status based on the PMF may need to send a PMF message or PMF data packet to the PMF function. The PMF function obtains the link status based on PMF messages or PMF data packets. For example, the PMF message is a ping request and reply message or an echo request and reply message or other request and reply messages. The link RTT can be obtained by recording the sending time of the message and the receiving time of the reply message. In addition, the above message can carry the number of data packets sent between the two messages, and the receiver compares the number of data packets received with the value of the number of data packets carried in the message to obtain the packet loss rate of the link, and so on.

The QUIC function or QUIC tunnel and (and) the ATSSS-LL function described in the embodiments of the present application can be understood as: based on the ATSSS-LL function, but also based on one of the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel.

The multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function described in the embodiments of this application can be: QUIC encapsulated data packets are used, and the encapsulated data packets are based on PMF or random by the ATSSS-LL function. The link state detected by the link state detection function, or/and, the offload mode determines one or more transmission paths (or may be called links) of the data packet.

In the multi-link transmission described in the embodiments of the present application, the access technologies of multiple links may be the same or different. For example, the link may be a (multi-access protocol data unit, MA PDU) link, and the multiple links may include a link using the first access technology and a link using the second access technology. Exemplarily, the first access technology or the second access technology may include one or more of the following: NR, evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, E-UTRAN), Multefire, 3GPP access technology, non3GPP access technology, or 4G cellular access technology, 5G cellular access technology, trusted or untrusted Wi-Fi access technology, fixed network or wired access technology, etc.

The PDU session described in the embodiment of the present application may be a protocol data unit (PDU) session or a packet data unit (PDU) session.

The service flow involved in the embodiment of the present application may be a service flow using UDP or other protocols. For example, the service flow of the PDU session may be: the PDU session established by the terminal device and the 5G core network (5G core, 5GC) or the UDP service flow in this session; or the PDN connection established by the terminal device and the EPC network or this PDN connection Or, the terminal device performs a non-seamless WLAN offload IP connection or UDP service flow in this connection through a non-3GPP access network (such as WLAN access).

The flow identification information of the service flow described in the embodiments of this application may include one or more of the following: one or more pieces of service flow description information, one or more application identifiers, one or more QoS flow IDs (QoS flow IDs) , QFI), one or more PDU session identifiers, and one or more terminal device identifiers.

The service flow description information can be at least one of the service flow internet protocol (IP) quintuple description information. The quintuple description information can be: source IP address, destination IP address, source port number, destination port number And the protocol type; or the service flow description information can be at least one of the Ethernet (ethernet) header information, for example, the source media access control (media access control, MAC) address and destination MAC address, virtual local area network, VLAN) identification; etc.

The application identifier can be used to identify the business flow of a specific application.

The QoS flow ID (Quality of Service flow ID, QFI) can be the ID of the QoS flow that is aggregated by multiple service flows whose QoS meets a certain relationship.

The PDU session identifier may be the identifier of the established or updated PDU session.

The N4 session identifier may be the session identifier information of the N4 interface session (for example, packet forwarding control protocol session, PFCP session).

The terminal device identification may be a symbol, a number, etc. used to identify the terminal device, for example, it may be an IP address or ID of the terminal device.

The shunt mode information described in the embodiment of the present application may be information used to indicate the shunt mode, for example, it may be a number or a character.

The offloading modes described in the embodiments of this application may include: Active-Standby, Smallest Delay, Load-Balancing, Priority-based ), redundant transmission mode (redundancy mode), or possible future offload mode, etc.

In Active-Standby, one of the transmission paths can be specified as Active (3GPP access or Non-3GPP access), and the other transmission path is Standby. When the Active transmission path is available, all data of the service flow is transmitted to the opposite end through the Active transmission path. When the Active path is not available, all data of the service flow is switched to the Standby transmission path for transmission.

In Smallest Delay, the transmission path with the shortest delay can be selected to transmit the data of the service flow. In this mode, the UE or UPF network element can monitor the transmission delay of the path in real time. For example, the monitoring path can be implemented by the transport layer protocol (for example, the MPTCP layer has the function of detecting RTT), or the monitoring path can be implemented by the Performance Measurement Function (PMF) in the UPF network element.

The service flow data in Load-Balancing can be distributed to different transmission paths for transmission in proportion, and the distribution ratio can be determined according to the current load conditions of the two transmission paths in the network. For example, a path with a heavier load has a smaller distribution ratio, and a path with a lighter load has a larger distribution ratio.

In Priority-based, one of the transmission paths can be designated as a high-priority transmission path, and the other transmission path is a low-priority transmission path. When the high-priority transmission path is not congested, all data of the service flow is transmitted through the high-priority transmission path. When the high-priority transmission path is congested, part of the data of the service flow will be transmitted through the low-priority transmission path. When the high-priority transmission path is unavailable, all data of the service flow will be transmitted through the low-priority transmission path.

In the redundant transmission mode, the service stream can be transmitted on multiple links at the same time, that is, the same data packet is transmitted on multiple links at the same time.

The aforementioned load balancing mode, priority mode, or redundant transmission mode is a distribution mode that supports packet granularity distribution. Packet granularity shunting means that different data packets of the same service flow are transmitted on different links or different access technologies, thereby using multi-link resources to increase the bandwidth of the service flow.

Possible offloading modes in the future may include offloading modes based on user preferences, offloading modes independently selected by terminal devices or user plane network elements, offloading modes based on QoS requirements, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

The data transmission involved in the embodiments of the present application may include a process of data sending, data receiving, or data interaction. For example, data transmission between a terminal device and a UPF network element may include the terminal device sending data to the UPF network element, or the UPF network element sending data to the terminal device, or the terminal device sending data to the UPF network element and receiving data from the UPF, Or the UPF network element sends data to the terminal device and receives data from the UPF network element.

In the embodiment of the present application, the indication information used to indicate the QUIC capability may be referred to as QUIC capability indication information. When QUIC capability indication information is transmitted between different network elements, the form and content of QUIC capability indication information may be different or the same. The QUIC capability indication information mentioned in the embodiment of this application is used to illustrate the function of QUIC capability indication information. , Does not limit its specific form. For example, in subsequent embodiments, the UE may send QUIC capability indication information to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element may send QUIC capability indication information to the PCF network element. The form and content of the QUIC capability indication information may be between different network elements. The same may be different.

In the embodiment of the present application, the indication information used to indicate the ATSSS-LL capability may be referred to as ATSSS-LL capability indication information. When transmitting ATSSS-LL capability indication information between different network elements, the form and content of the ATSSS-LL capability indication information may be different or the same. The ATSSS-LL capability indication information mentioned in the embodiment of this application is used for illustration The role of the ATSSS-LL capability indication information is not limited to its specific form. For example, in subsequent embodiments, there may be the UE sending ATSSS-LL capability indication information to the SMF network element, the SMF network element sending ATSSS-LL capability indication information to the PCF network element, etc., ATSSS-LL capability indication between different network elements The form and content of the information may be the same or different.

In the embodiment of the present application, the indication information used to indicate the link state detection capability may be referred to as the link state detection capability indication information. When the link state detection capability indication information is transmitted between different network elements, the form and content of the link state detection capability indication information may be different or may be the same. The link state detection capability indication information mentioned in the embodiment of this application It is used to illustrate the function of the link state detection capability indication information, and does not limit its specific form. For example, in subsequent embodiments, there may be the UE sending link state detection capability indication information to the SMF network element, SMF network element sending link state detection capability indication information to the PCF network element, etc., link status between different network elements The form and content of the detection capability indication information may be the same or different.

In the embodiments of the present application, the indication information used to indicate the QUIC function may be referred to as QUIC function indication information, and the indication information used to indicate the QUIC tunnel may be referred to as QUIC tunnel indication information. When transmitting QUIC function indication information or QUIC tunnel indication information between different network elements, the form and content of the QUIC function indication information or QUIC tunnel indication information may be different or the same. The QUIC function indication mentioned in the embodiment of this application The information or QUIC tunnel indication information is used to explain the function of the QUIC function indication information or the QUIC tunnel indication information, and its specific form is not limited. For example, in subsequent embodiments, there may be PCF network elements sending QUIC function indication information or QUIC tunnel indication information to SMF network elements, SMF network elements sending QUIC function indication information or QUIC tunnel indication information to UE, etc., among different network elements The form and content of the QUIC function indication information or the QUIC tunnel indication information may be the same or different.

In the embodiments of the present application, the indication information used to indicate the ATSSS-LL function may be referred to as ATSSS-LL function indication information. When the ATSSS-LL function indication information is transmitted between different network elements, the form and content of the ATSSS-LL function indication information may be different or the same. The ATSSS-LL function indication information mentioned in the embodiment of this application is used for illustration The role of the ATSSS-LL function indication information is not limited to its specific form. For example, in subsequent embodiments, there may be PCF network elements sending ATSSS-LL function indication information to SMF network elements, SMF network elements sending ATSSS-LL function indication information to UE, etc., ATSSS-LL function indications between different network elements The form and content of the information may be the same or different.

In the embodiment of the present application, the indication information used to indicate the link state detection function may be referred to as the link state detection function indication information. When the link state detection function indication information is transmitted between different network elements, the form and content of the link state detection function indication information may be different or the same. The link state detection function indication information mentioned in the embodiment of this application It is used to explain the function of the link state detection function indication information, and does not limit its specific form. For example, in subsequent embodiments, there may be PCF network elements sending link state detection function indication information to SMF network elements, SMF network elements sending link state detection function indication information to UE, etc., link status between different network elements The form and content of the detection function instruction information may be the same or different.

The technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above technical problems will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be implemented independently or combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the application, including the following steps:

S401: The terminal device sends the QUIC capability indication information and the ATSSS-LL capability indication information to the SMF network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the terminal device sends a message requesting the establishment or update of the PDU session to the SMF network element, and the message includes the QUIC capability indication information and the ATSSS-LL capability indication information.

Exemplarily, the terminal device may encapsulate the above-mentioned message requesting the establishment or update of the PDU session in a non-access stratum (NAS) transmission message and send it to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element forwards the request to establish or update the PDU session The message to the SMF network element.

Exemplarily, the terminal device may send a NAS transmission message to the AMF network element through the RAN or through a non3GPP access gateway, which contains a message requesting PDU session establishment or update, and the AMF network element further forwards the request for PDU session establishment or update to the SMF network element. News.

In a possible implementation, the QUIC capability indication information and the ATSSS-LL capability indication information may be independent of the message requesting the establishment or update of the PDU session. The QUIC capability indication information and the ATSSS-LL capability indication information may be the terminal device sending the SMF network to the SMF network. If the element is sent directly, it may also be sent separately from the terminal device to the SMF network element. For example, it is sent to the AMF first, and then forwarded to the SMF by the AMF. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

It is understandable that the terminal device can also send QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information to the SMF network element in any manner according to actual application scenarios. The QUIC capability indication information indicates that the terminal device supports QUIC-based functions or/and supports QUIC tunnel establishment The ATSSS-LL capability indication indicates that the terminal supports the ATSSS-LL function, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

S402: The SMF network element sends QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information to the PCF network element.

In the embodiment of this application, the SMF network element obtains the QUIC capability indication information and the ATSSS-LL capability indication information of the terminal equipment, and can further combine the QUIC capability of the equipment that performs data transmission with the terminal equipment (for example, UPF network element, etc.) and ATSSS-LL The capability determines whether to send QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information to the PCF network element.

Exemplarily, taking the device for data transmission with the terminal device as the UPF network element as an example, the SMF network element can determine that the UPF supports the QUIC capability and the ATSSS-LL capability. For example, the SMF network element or the NRF network element performs UPF selection based on the UPF function , UPF function includes supporting QUIC function or/and ATSSS-LL function. Or, for example, the SMF network element or the NRF network element receives the QUIC capability indication or/and the ATSSS-LL capability indication sent by the UPF network element. Or, for example, the NRF network element performs UPF selection based on the aforementioned functions of the UPF, and the NRF network element sends the selected UPF network element to the SMF network element.

When the terminal equipment and UPF network element support both QUIC capability and ATSSS-LL capability, SMF determines that the ATSSS capability of the network supports QUIC capability and ATSSS-LL capability, and SMF network element can send QUIC capability and ATSSS-LL capability to PCF network element instruct. For example, the SMF network element may include QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information in the policy request message (policy request) sent to the PCF network element.

S403: The PCF network element determines to perform multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

In the embodiment of this application, the PCF network element may determine the offload function (QUIC function or/and ATSSS-LL function) corresponding to the service flow based on the ATSSS capability of the network sent by the SMF network element, for example, QUIC capability and ATSSS-LL capability indication.

Exemplarily, when the ATSSS capability of the network supports both the QUIC capability and the ATSSS-LL capability, the PCF network element allows the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel enabled by the UE and the UPF network element, and the ATSSS-LL function, so that the UE and the UPF network element The QUIC function or QUIC tunnel can be used together with the ATSSS-LL function to realize the multi-link transmission of QUIC-based service flows (may also be called multi-access offloading, etc.).

In a possible implementation manner, the PCF network element determines the distribution mode of the above-mentioned QUIC service flow based on the distribution mode supported by the ATSSS-LL function. The above-mentioned offload mode may be any one or more of the above-mentioned offload modes, and especially supports the offload mode of packet granularity, that is, supports the transmission of different data packets of the same service flow through different access technologies or different links. For example, the PCF network element determines that the offload mode is the load balancing mode, and sends the flow description information of the service flow and the load balance offload mode indication to the SMF network element. The flow description information of the above service flow only contains the flow description information of one service flow. This indicates that the packet-granularity distribution mode is realized for this service flow. The above-mentioned QUIC-based service flow is a service flow based on QUIC function or QUIC tunnel transmission, or a service flow based on a QUIC connection established by a terminal device and an external server. For the latter, the PCF network element obtains this service flow by interacting with an external server (for example, AF network element) to support the QUIC connection between the terminal and the external server, so the service flow is determined to be a QUIC-based service flow and its distribution is determined The mode is a shunt mode that supports packet granularity shunting, such as load balancing shunt mode, priority shunt mode, automatic shunt mode, redundant transmission shunt mode, etc.

S404: The PCF network element instructs the SMF network element to perform multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

In a possible implementation manner, the PCF network element may send first information to the SMF network element, where the first information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

Exemplarily, the first information may include indication information used to indicate the QUIC function or indication information of the QUIC tunnel, and indication information used to indicate the ATSSS-LL function. For example, the first information may include QUIC function indication information or QUIC tunnel indication information, and ATSSS-LL function indication information. In a possible understanding, this method can be understood as the PCF network element explicitly instructs the SMF network element to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function and ATSSS-LL function, or the SMF network element is based on the QUIC tunnel and ATSSS-LL function Multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow.

Exemplarily, the first information may include QUIC function indication information or QUIC tunnel indication information. For example, the QUIC function indication information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function and the ATSSS-LL function. The QUIC tunnel indication information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function. In a possible understanding, this method can be understood as the PCF network element implicitly instructing the SMF network element to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel function and the ATSSS-LL function.

Exemplarily, the first information may include ATSSS-LL function indication information. For example, the ATSSS-LL function indication information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function. In a possible understanding, this method can be understood as the PCF network element implicitly instructing the SMF network element to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

Exemplarily, the first information may include characters or numbers and other indication information used to indicate the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel, and the ATSSS-LL function, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

In a possible implementation manner, the first information may also include flow identification information of the service flow, which is used to indicate the service flow corresponding to the flow identification information of the service flow, based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel, and the ATSSS-LL function Multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow.

In a possible understanding, in the case that the first information does not clearly indicate the flow identification information of the service flow, the task can perform the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel for all possible service flows, and the ATSSS-LL function. Multi-link transmission.

S405: The SMF network element instructs the UPF network element to perform multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

In a possible implementation manner, the SMF network element may send an N4 message to the UPF network element, and the N4 message carries indication information indicating that the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function are used for multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow.

Exemplarily, the N4 message may include indication information used to indicate the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel, and the ATSSS-LL function. For example, the N4 message may include QUIC function indication information or QUIC tunnel indication information, and ATSSS-LL function indication information. In a possible understanding, this method can be understood as the SMF network element explicitly instructing the UPF network element to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

Exemplarily, the N4 message may include QUIC function indication information or QUIC tunnel indication information. For example, the QUIC function indication information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function and the ATSSS-LL function. The QUIC tunnel indication information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function. In a possible understanding, this method can be understood as the SMF network element implicitly instructing the UPF network element to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

Exemplarily, the N4 message may include ATSSS-LL function indication information. For example, the ATSSS-LL function indication information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function. In a possible understanding, this method can be understood as the SMF network element implicitly instructing the UPF network element to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

Exemplarily, the N4 message may include characters or numbers and other indication information used to indicate the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel, and the ATSSS-LL function, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

In a possible implementation, the N4 message may also include the flow identification information of the service flow, which is used to indicate the service flow corresponding to the flow identification information of the service flow, based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel, and the ATSSS-LL function. Multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow.

In a possible understanding, in the case that the N4 message does not clearly indicate the flow identification information of the service flow, it can be considered that all possible service flows are based on the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel, and the ATSSS-LL function is used for the QUIC service flow. Multi-link transmission.

In a possible implementation manner, the UPF network element recognizes that the service flow between the terminal device and the external server is a QUIC service flow, for example, by analyzing the DPI of the service flow, or/and by analyzing the data packet format, the above QUIC For service flow, UPF performs multi-link transmission based on the ATSSS-LL function and the distribution mode, that is, packet granularity distribution.

S406: The SMF network element instructs the terminal device to perform multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function and the ATSSS-LL function.

In a possible implementation, the SMF network element can send a PDU session establishment success message or a PDU session update reply message to the UE. The PDU session establishment success message or the PDU session update reply message carries an indication based on the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel, and ATSSS- The LL function is the instruction information for the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow.

Exemplarily, the PDU session establishment success message or the PDU session update reply message may include indication information used to indicate the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel, and the ATSSS-LL function. For example, the PDU session establishment success message or the PDU session update reply message may include QUIC function indication information or QUIC tunnel indication information and ATSSS-LL function indication information. In a possible understanding, this approach can be understood as the SMF network element explicitly instructing the UE to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

Exemplarily, the PDU session establishment success message or the PDU session update reply message may include QUIC function indication information. For example, the QUIC function indication information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function and the ATSSS-LL function. Alternatively, the PDU session establishment success message or the PDU session update reply message may include QUIC tunnel indication information. For example, the QUIC tunnel indication information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function. In a possible understanding, this method can be understood as the SMF network element implicitly instructs the UE to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

Exemplarily, the PDU session establishment success message or the PDU session update reply message may include ATSSS-LL function indication information. For example, the ATSSS-LL function indication information is used to indicate the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function. In a possible understanding, this method can be understood as the SMF network element implicitly instructs the UE to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

Exemplarily, the PDU session establishment success message or the PDU session update reply message may include characters or numbers for indicating the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel, and the indication information of the ATSSS-LL function, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

In a possible implementation, the PDU session establishment success message or the PDU session update reply message may also include the flow identification information of the service flow, which is used to indicate the service flow corresponding to the flow identification information of the service flow, based on the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel, and ATSSS-LL function for multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow.

In a possible understanding, when the PDU session establishment success message or the PDU session update reply message does not clearly indicate the flow identification information of the service flow, the task can be based on the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel for all possible service flows, and The ATSSS-LL function performs multi-link transmission of QUIC service streams.

S407: The UPF network element performs multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

In the embodiments of the present application, the UPF network element can use the link-associated link status detection function or PMF to detect the link status of at least one link, and use the ATSSS-LL function to combine the link status and/or the offload mode as a QUIC encapsulated data packet Select one or more links.

In a possible implementation manner, the link-associated link status detection function or the PMF function of the UPF network element may be enabled by the SMF network element or the PCF network element. Exemplarily, the SMF network element sends the link-associated link status detection function indication information or the PMF indication information to the UPF network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the UPF network element allocates link state detection function information and sends it to the SMF network element, and the link state detection function information includes the IP address of the PMF function and/or the PMF function port number.

In a possible implementation manner, in the process of sending data by the UPF network element, the ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element receives the first data packet encapsulated by QUIC (for example, the first data package encapsulated by the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel) Bag). The ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element selects the target link for the data packet based on the link status and the offload mode. The ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element sends the first data packet to the target link for transmission. For example, when the service flow transmits data packets based on the load balancing mode, the UPF network element detects the link status of multiple links, and distributes the QUIC encapsulated data packets on the multiple links according to the distribution ratio of the multiple links.

In a possible implementation manner, in the process of the UPF network element receiving data, the ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element receives the second data packet encapsulated by QUIC; the QUIC function of the UPF network element processes the second data packet. Exemplarily, the QUIC function performs data packet sorting based on the sequence number in the QUIC header of the QUIC encapsulated data packet, and the QUIC function sends the sorted data packet to an external server. Alternatively, the UPF network element deletes the IP/UDP data packet header of the outer or lower layer of the QUIC tunnel, and sorts the data packets based on the sequence number in the QUIC packet header, and then the UPF network element sends the sorted data packets to the external server.

In a possible implementation manner, the UPF network element determines to use the redundant transmission offloading mode to transmit the data packet. In the process of the UPF network element sending data, the QUIC function of the UPF network element receives the first QUIC encapsulated data packet; the UPF network element The ATSSS-LL function of ATSSS transmits the first QUIC data packet redundantly through multiple links. For example, the ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element replicates the first QUIC data packet and sends it in multiple links (or can be understood as sending at the same time). Or, in the process of sending data by the UPF network element, the ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element performs QUIC tunnel encapsulation and then the first QUIC encapsulated data packet is redundantly transmitted through multiple links. For example, the ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element replicates the first QUIC encapsulated data packet, and sends it in multiple links through the QUIC tunnel (or can be understood as sending at the same time).

In a possible implementation, in the process of receiving data by the UPF network element, the UPF network element receives the second QUIC encapsulated data packet on multiple links; the UPF network element deletes the QUIC packet header serial number based on the second QUIC encapsulated data Duplicate packets.

S408: The UE performs multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.

In the embodiments of this application, the UE can use the link-associated link state detection function or PMF to detect the link state of at least one link, and use the ATSSS-LL function to select one for the QUIC-encapsulated data packet in combination with the link state and/or the offload mode. Or multiple links.

In a possible implementation manner, the UE's associated link state detection function or PMF may be enabled by the SMF network element or the PCF network element. Exemplarily, the SMF network element sends indication information of the link-associated state detection function or PMF indication information to the UE.

In a possible implementation manner, during the process of the UE sending data, the ATSSS-LL function of the UE receives the first data packet encapsulated by the QUIC (for example, the first data packet encapsulated by the QUIC function or encapsulated by the QUIC tunnel). The ATSSS-LL function of the UE selects the target link for the data packet based on the link status and the offload mode. The ATSSS-LL function of the UE sends the first data packet to the target link for transmission. For example, when the service flow is based on the use of load balancing mode to transmit data packets, the UE detects the link status of multiple links, and distributes the QUIC-encapsulated data packets on multiple links according to the distribution ratio of the multiple links.

In a possible implementation manner, when the UE receives data, the ATSSS-LL function of the UE receives the second data packet encapsulated by QUIC; the QUIC function of the UE processes the second data packet. Exemplarily, the QUIC function performs data packet sorting based on the sequence number in the QUIC header of the QUIC encapsulated data packet, and the QUIC function sends the sorted data packet to an external server. Alternatively, the UE deletes the IP/UDP data packet header of the outer or lower layer of the QUIC tunnel, and sorts the data packets based on the sequence number in the QUIC packet header, and then the UE sends the sorted data packets to the external server.

In a possible implementation, the UE determines to use redundant transmission to transmit data packets in the offload mode. During the process of sending data by the UE, the QUIC function of the UE receives the first QUIC encapsulated data packet; the ATSSS-LL function of the UE will be the first QUIC data packets are transmitted redundantly through multiple links. For example, the ATSSS-LL function of the UE replicates the first QUIC data packet and sends it in multiple links (or can be understood as sending at the same time). Or, in the process of the UE sending data, the ATSSS-LL function of the UE will perform redundant transmission of the first QUIC encapsulated data packet through multiple links after QUIC tunnel encapsulation. For example, the ATSSS-LL function of the UE replicates the first QUIC encapsulated data packet, and sends it in multiple links through the QUIC tunnel (or can be understood as sending at the same time).

In a possible implementation manner, when the UE receives data, the UE receives the second QUIC encapsulated data packet on multiple links; the UE deletes the duplicate data packet based on the sequence number of the QUIC header of the second QUIC encapsulated data.

In summary, in the embodiments of this application, the QUIC function or QUIC tunnel is used together with the ATSSS-LL function to implement the multi-access offloading scheme of the service flow, so as to optimize the transmission efficiency, such as reducing the delay, increasing the bandwidth or increasing the chain. Road reliability, etc. As a transmission protocol, QUIC does not have the characteristics of multi-link transmission, that is, it cannot perceive the state of multi-links and select routes for service flow data packets. The shunt characteristics of the ATSSS-LL function can achieve multi-link shunt effects after acting on QUIC packets, and because the shunted QUIC packets carry the data packet sequence number and the segment confirmation received packet characteristics, making QUIC The flow control or congestion control of the connection can still be well managed after the data packet is shunted, so the transmission efficiency is improved while realizing the traffic shunting. Finally, the multi-link transmission feature based on the QUIC protocol is realized, which makes up for the lack of the QUIC protocol itself that does not support multi-link transmission.

Based on the embodiment of FIG. 4, in a possible implementation manner, the network side may also determine the respective link state detection implementations of the UE and the UPF network element based on the link state detection functions supported by the UE and the UPF network element. Way.

Exemplarily, the UE can send the indication information of the link state detection capability to the PCF network element through the SMF network element (refer to the possible implementation manners for the UE to send information to the PCF network element through the SMF network element described in S401 and S402, here (No more details), the link state detection function information may be used to indicate the link state detection function supported by the UE. For example, the link state detection function supported by the UE includes: at least one of PMF and link-associated link state detection functions.

For example, the UE reports to the SMF network element that the UE supports the link state detection function, the SMF network element instructs the PCF network element that the UE supports the link state detection function, and the PCF network element determines to enable the UE's link state detection function Function. Furthermore, the PCF network element described in S404 and S406 is used to send indication information to the UE through the SMF network element to instruct the UE to enable the link state detection function, which will not be repeated here.

In a possible understanding, in a scenario where the UE does not send the indication information of the link state detection capability to the SMF network element, it can be considered that the UE supports all possible link state detection functions, and the SMF network element can send the UE to the PCF network element Supports all possible link state detection function information, SMF network element may not send information related to link state detection function to PCF network element, PCF network element can determine the link state detection function for the UE based on the actual scenario ( For example, the default link state detection function of the UE is used, or the link state detection function of the UE is randomly determined), and then the possible implementation of the PCF network element indicating information to the UE as described in S404 and S406 is used to indicate the link state detection to the UE The instruction information of the function will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the PCF network element may not indicate the indication information of the link state detection function to the UE, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

Exemplarily, the UPF network element may send indication information of the link state detection capability to the PCF network element, and the link state detection function information may be used to indicate the link state detection function supported by the UPF network element, such as the link supported by the UPF network element. The path status detection function includes: at least one of PMF and path-associated link status detection functions.

For example, the UPF network element reports to the SMF network element. The UPF network element supports the link status detection function. The SMF network element instructs the PCF network element. The UPF network element supports the link status detection function. The PCF network element determines to enable the UPF network. The detection function of the associated link state of the yuan. Furthermore, the PCF network element described in S404 and S405 is used to send instruction information to the UPF network element through the SMF network element to instruct the UPF network element to enable the link state detection function, which will not be repeated here.

In a possible understanding, in a scenario where the UPF network element does not send the indication information of the link state detection capability to the SMF network element, it can be considered that the UPF network element supports all possible link state detection functions, and the SMF network element can send the PCF The network element sends information that the UPF network element supports all possible link state detection functions. The SMF network element may not send information related to the link state detection function to the PCF network element. The PCF network element can be a UPF network based on the actual scenario. Element determines the link state detection function (for example, adopts the default link state detection function of the UPF network element, or randomly determines the link state detection function of the UPF network element), and then adopts the PCF network element described in S404 and S405 to send the UPF network to the UPF network. The possible implementation of the meta indication information indicates the indication information of the link state detection function to the UPF network element, which will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the PCF network element may not indicate the indication information of the link state detection function to the UPF network element, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

In a possible understanding, the link state detection functions supported by the UE and the UPF network element may be different, and the UE and the UPF network element may use the same link state detection function, or may use different link state detection functions.

On the basis of the embodiment in Figure 4, in a possible implementation manner, the network side may also determine the respective service flows of the UE and the UPF network element (or It can be referred to as the offload mode corresponding to the uplink and downlink service flows.

Exemplarily, the UE may send the offload mode information to the PCF network element through the SMF network element (refer to the possible implementation manners for the UE to send information to the PCF network element through the SMF network element described in S401 and S402, which will not be repeated here), The offload mode information can be used to indicate the offload mode supported by the ATSSS-LL function of the UE. For example, the offload modes supported by the ATSSS-LL function include: active/standby mode, priority mode, minimum delay mode, load balancing mode, redundant transmission mode , At least one of the automatic shunt modes.

For example, the ATSSS-LL function reported by the UE to the SMF network element UE supports the active and standby offload mode, and the SMF network element instructs the ATSSS-LL function of the PCF network element UE to support the active and standby offload mode when processing uplink traffic. For the uplink service flow, the PCF network element determines that the uplink service flow can use the active and standby offload mode, and then uses the possible implementation of the PCF network element to indicate information to the UE as described in S404 and S406 to indicate the offload mode information to the UE. Go into details again.

In a possible understanding, in a scenario where the UE does not send the offload mode information to the SMF network element, it can be considered that the ATSSS-LL function of the UE supports all possible offload modes, and the SMF network element can send to the PCF network element that the UE supports all possible The SMF network element may not send the information related to the offload mode to the PCF network element. The PCF network element may determine the offload mode used by the uplink service flow for the UE based on the actual scenario, and then adopt the method as described in S404 and S406. The described possible implementation of the PCF network element indicating information to the UE indicates the offload mode information to the UE, which will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the PCF network element may not indicate the offload mode information to the UE.

Exemplarily, the UPF network element may send offload mode information to the PCF network element. The offload mode information may be used to indicate the offload mode supported by the ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element. For example, the offload mode supported by the ATSSS-LL function includes: At least one of mode, priority mode, minimum delay mode, load balancing mode, redundant transmission mode, and automatic distribution mode.

For example, the ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element reported to the SMF network element supports the active/standby offload mode, and the SMF network element instructs the PCF network element to support the active/standby offload mode when the ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element processes the upstream traffic. . For the uplink service flow, the PCF network element determines that the uplink service flow can use the active/standby offload mode, and then uses the possible implementation of the PCF network element to indicate information to the UPF network element as described in S404 and S405 to indicate the offload mode information to the UE. This will not be repeated here.

In a possible understanding, in the scenario where the UPF network element does not send the offload mode information to the SMF network element, it can be considered that the ATSSS-LL function of the UPF network element supports all possible offload modes, and the SMF network element can send to the PCF network element UPF network elements support information about all possible offloading modes. SMF network elements may not send information related to offloading modes to PCF network elements. PCF network elements can determine the offloading mode used by UPF network elements based on actual scenarios. , And then adopt the possible implementation manner of the PCF network element to indicate information to the UPF network element as described in S404 and S405 to indicate the offload mode information to the UE, which will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the PCF network element may not indicate the offload mode information to the UPF network element.

In a possible understanding, the offload mode supported by the ATSSS-LL function of the UE and the UPF network element may be different, and the same offload mode may be used for the uplink service flow and the downlink service flow, or the uplink and downlink service flows of the same service flow. Different diversion modes may be used.

On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, in a possible implementation manner, pair any two network elements. After one network element receives the information of the other network element, the one network element can send the information to the other network element. Feedback response to inform the status of the received information.

On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiment, in a possible implementation manner, the PCF network element may not be deployed in the core network, and the above-mentioned functions of the PCF network element may be set in the SMF network element or other network elements used for control. The control network element can implement the steps implemented by the PCF network element in S401-S408, and the instruction information between the adapted network elements can also be sent and received following the specific execution network element. For example, if the control network element is For the SMF network element, the step of determining the communication between the SMF network element and the PCF network element can be omitted, and will not be repeated here.

The method of the embodiment of the present application is described above with reference to FIG. 4, and the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application for executing the above method is described below. Those skilled in the art can understand that the method and the device can be combined and referenced with each other, and the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can execute the steps performed by the control network element in the above-mentioned communication method. Another type of communication device can perform the steps performed by the first device in the communication method in the foregoing embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 5 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be the control network element or the first device in the embodiment of the present application, or may be applied to the control network element. Or the chip in the first device. The communication device includes: a processing unit 101 and a communication unit 102. Wherein, the communication unit 102 is used to support the communication device to perform the steps of sending or receiving information. The processing unit 101 is used to support the communication device to perform information processing steps.

As an example, taking the communication device as a control network element or a chip or chip system applied to the control network element as an example, the communication unit 102 is configured to support the communication device to execute S402, S404 to S406 in the foregoing embodiment. The processing unit 101 is configured to support the communication device to execute S403 in the foregoing embodiment.

In another example, taking the communication device as the first device or a chip or chip system applied to the first device as an example, the communication unit 102 is configured to support the communication device to perform S401 in the foregoing embodiment. The processing unit 101 is configured to support the communication device to execute S407 and S408 in the foregoing embodiment.

In a possible embodiment, the communication device may further include: a storage unit 103. The processing unit 101, the communication unit 102, and the storage unit 103 are connected by a communication bus.

The storage unit 103 may include one or more memories, and the memories may be devices for storing programs or data in one or more devices or circuits.

The storage unit 103 can exist independently, and is connected to the processing unit 101 of the communication device through a communication bus. The storage unit 103 may also be integrated with the processing unit.

The communication device can be used in communication equipment, circuits, hardware components, or chips.

Taking the communication device may be an SMF network element, a UPF network element, a PCF network element, or a chip or chip system of a UE in the embodiments of the present application as an example, the communication unit 102 may be an input or output interface, pin, or circuit. Exemplarily, the storage unit 103 may store SMF network elements, UPF network elements, PCF network elements, or computer-executed instructions of the UE-side method, so that the processing unit 101 executes the SMF network elements, UPF network elements, and PCF network elements in the foregoing embodiments. Meta or UE side method. The storage unit 103 may be a register, a cache, a RAM, etc., and the storage unit 103 may be integrated with the processing unit 101. The storage unit 103 may be a ROM or another type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, and the storage unit 103 may be independent of the processing unit 101.

The embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device includes one or more modules for implementing the method in S401-S408. The one or more modules may be the same as the steps of the method in S401-S408. correspond. Specifically, for each step in the method executed by the SMF network element in the embodiment of the present application, there is a unit or module in the SMF network element that performs each step in the method. For each step in the method executed by the UPF network element, there is a unit or module that executes each step in the method in the UPF network element. For each step in the method executed by the PCF network element, there is a unit or module that executes each step in the method in the PCF network element. For each step in the method executed by the UE, there is a unit or module that executes each step in the method in the UE. For example, a module that performs control or processing of the actions of the communication device may be referred to as a processing module. A module that executes the steps of processing messages or data on the side of the communication device may be referred to as a communication module.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the application. For the hardware structure of the SMF network element, the UPF network element, the PCF network element, and the UE in the embodiment of the present application, reference may be made to the schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device as shown in FIG. 6. The communication device includes a processor 41, a communication line 44, and at least one communication interface (the communication interface 43 is exemplarily described in FIG. 6).

The processor 41 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (central processing unit, CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more programs for controlling the execution of the program of the application. integrated circuit.

The communication line 44 may include a path to transmit information between the aforementioned components.

The communication interface 43 uses any device such as a transceiver to communicate with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. .

Possibly, the communication device may further include a memory 42.

The memory 42 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), or other types that can store information and instructions The dynamic storage device can also be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, optical disc storage (Including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or can be used to carry or store desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be used by a computer Any other media accessed, but not limited to this. The memory can exist independently and is connected to the processor through the communication line 44. The memory can also be integrated with the processor.

The memory 42 is used to store computer-executable instructions for executing the solution of the present application, and the processor 41 controls the execution. The processor 41 is configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 42 so as to implement the policy control method provided in the following embodiments of the present application.

Possibly, the computer-executable instructions in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as application program codes, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 41 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG. 6.

In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device may include multiple processors, such as the processor 41 and the processor 45 in FIG. 6. Each of these processors can be a single-CPU (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. The processor here may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing cores for processing data (for example, computer program instructions).

For example, taking the communication device as an SMF network element or a chip applied to the SMF network element as an example, the communication interface is used to support the communication device to execute S402, S404, S405, and S406 in the foregoing embodiment.

In another example, taking the communication device may be a UPF network element or a chip or a chip system applied to the UPF network element as an example, the communication interface is used to support the communication device to perform S405 in the foregoing embodiment. The processor 41 or the processor 45 is configured to support the communication device to execute S407 in the foregoing embodiment.

In another example, taking the communication device may be a PCF network element or a chip or a chip system applied to the PCF network element as an example, the communication interface is used to support the communication device to execute S402 and S404 in the foregoing embodiment. The processor 41 or the processor 45 is configured to support the communication device to execute S403 in the foregoing embodiment.

In another example, taking the communication device may be a UE or a chip or a chip system applied to the UE as an example, the communication interface is used to support the communication device to perform S401 and S406 in the foregoing embodiment. The processor 41 or the processor 45 is configured to support the communication device to execute S408 in the foregoing embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip 150 provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The chip 150 includes one or more than two (including two) processors 1510 (which may be the aforementioned processing units) and a communication interface 1530.

In a possible embodiment, the chip 150 shown in FIG. 7 further includes a memory 1540. The memory 1540 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor 1510. A part of the memory 1540 may also include a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

In some embodiments, the memory 1540 stores the following elements, executable modules or data structures, or their subsets, or their extended sets:

In the embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding operation is executed by calling the operation instruction stored in the memory 1540 (the operation instruction may be stored in the operating system).

One possible implementation manner is that the structures of chips used in SMF network elements, UPF network elements, PCF network elements, or terminal equipment are similar, and different devices can use different chips to realize their respective functions.

The processor 1510 controls the operations of the SMF network element, the UPF network element, the PCF network element, or the terminal device. The processor 1510 may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 1540 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provides instructions and data to the processor 1510. A part of the memory 1540 may also include a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). For example, in an application, the memory 1540, the communication interface 1530, and the memory 1540 are coupled together by a bus system 1520, where the bus system 1520 may include a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus in addition to a data bus. However, for the sake of clear description, various buses are marked as the bus system 1520 in FIG. 7.

The above communication unit may be an interface circuit or communication interface of the device for receiving signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the communication unit is an interface circuit or communication interface used by the chip to receive signals or send signals from other chips or devices.

The method disclosed in the foregoing embodiment of the present invention may be applied to the processor 1510 or implemented by the processor 1510. The processor 1510 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the steps of the foregoing method can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor 1510 or instructions in the form of software. The aforementioned processor 1510 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing (digital signal processing, DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a ready-made programmable gate array (field-programmable gate array, FPGA), or Other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. The methods, steps, and logical block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor or the like. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present invention may be directly embodied as being executed and completed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed and completed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers. The storage medium is located in the memory 1540, and the processor 1510 reads the information in the memory 1540, and completes the steps of the foregoing method in combination with its hardware.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication interface 1530 is used to perform the receiving and sending steps of the SMF network element, the UPF network element, the PCF network element, or the terminal device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. The processor 1510 is configured to execute the processing steps of the SMF network element, the UPF network element, the PCF network element, or the terminal device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

In the foregoing embodiment, the instructions stored in the memory for execution by the processor may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product can be written in the memory in advance, or it can be downloaded and installed in the memory in the form of software.

The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on the computer, the processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. Computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center through a cable (such as Coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) to transmit to another website site, computer, server or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be stored by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or a data center integrated with one or more available media. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, and a magnetic tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (for example, a solid state disk, SSD).

The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The methods described in the foregoing embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted on a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media, and may also include any media that can transfer a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium may be any target medium that can be accessed by a computer.

As a possible design, the computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that is targeted to carry or is structured with instructions or data. The required program code is stored in the form and can be accessed by the computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if you use coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave) to transmit software from a website, server or other remote source, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable , Twisted pair, DSL or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave are included in the definition of the medium. Magnetic disks and optical disks as used herein include compact disks (CDs), laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks and blu-ray disks, in which disks usually reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks use lasers to optically reproduce data. Combinations of the above should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media.

The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product. The methods described in the foregoing embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. If it is implemented in software, it can be fully or partially implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the above computer program instructions are loaded and executed on the computer, the procedures or functions described in the above method embodiments are generated in whole or in part. The above-mentioned computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a base station, a terminal, or other programmable devices.

The above specific embodiments further describe the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention in further detail. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. On the basis of the technical solution of the present invention, any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that each network element in the embodiment of this application may also adopt other definitions or names in specific applications. For example, the SMF network element may be referred to as the first core network element, and the UPF network element may be referred to as The second core network network element, the PCF network element may be called the third core network network element, the AMF network element may be called the fourth core network network element, and so on. Alternatively, the aforementioned network elements may also be collectively referred to as core network elements. Alternatively, the foregoing network elements may also define other names according to actual functions, which are not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

Claims

A communication method, characterized in that it comprises:

The control network element determines that the first device supports the QUIC capability of the Internet Transport Layer Protocol and the routing and switching offloading of the underlying ATSSS-LL capability of the access service flow;

The control network element instructs the first device to perform multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the control network element instructs the first device to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function, comprising:

The control network element sends first information to the first device; the first information includes: indication information used to indicate a QUIC function or a QUIC tunnel and ATSSS-LL function, or indication information used to indicate a QUIC function.
The method according to claim 2, wherein the first information further includes one or more of the following: flow identification information of the service flow, offload mode information, and indication information of a link state detection function.
The method according to claim 3, wherein the indication information of the link state detection function comprises: indication information of the associated link state detection function and/or PMF indication information of the link state detection function; wherein, the The link-associated link state detection function indication information is used to indicate link state detection based on real service data packets; the PMF indication information is used to indicate link state detection based on the PMF protocol.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first device includes a terminal device and a user plane network element, and the control network element determines that the first device supports QUIC capability and ATSSS-LL capability, include:

The control network element determines that the terminal device and the user plane network element both support the QUIC capability and the ATSSS-LL capability.
The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the determining that the first device supports QUIC capability and ATSSS-LL capability by the control network element comprises:

The control network element receives a protocol data unit PDU session establishment or update request message from a terminal device; the PDU session establishment or update request message includes QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information;

And/or, the control network element determines that the user plane network element supports the QUIC capability and the ATSSS-LL capability.
The method according to claim 6, wherein the PDU session establishment or update request message further comprises: indication information for instructing the terminal device to support a link-associated link detection capability.
The method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function comprises: according to the chain of at least one link In the state of the road, use the ATSSS-LL function to select one or more transmission links for QUIC-encapsulated data packets.
The method according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising: the offload mode of the QUIC service flow obtained by the control plane network element is the offload mode supported by the ATSSS-LL function.
The method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the multi-link in the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow includes the link of the first access technology and the second access technology Link.
A communication method, characterized in that it comprises:

The first device receives first indication information from the control network element, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first device to perform multi-link transmission of QUIC service flows based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function;

The first device performs multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function.
The method according to claim 11, wherein the first device performs multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function, comprising:

The first device uses the ATSSS-LL function to select one or more links for the QUIC encapsulated data packet according to the link status of at least one link.
The method according to claim 12, wherein the first device uses the ATSSS-LL function to select one or more links for QUIC-encapsulated data packets according to the link status of at least one link, comprising:

The ATSSS-LL function of the first device obtains the first data packet encapsulated by QUIC; the ATSSS-LL function of the first device selects a target link for the data packet based on the link status and the offload mode; The ATSSS-LL function of the first device transmits the first data packet on the target link;

Alternatively, the ATSSS-LL function of the first device receives a second data packet encapsulated by QUIC; the QUIC function of the first device processes the second data packet.
The method according to claim 11, wherein the first device performs multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow based on the QUIC function or the QUIC tunnel and the ATSSS-LL function, comprising:

The QUIC function or QUIC tunnel of the first device encapsulates the first QUIC data packet; the ATSSS-LL function of the first device performs redundant transmission of the first QUIC data packet through multiple links;

Alternatively, the ATSSS-LL function of the first device receives second QUIC data packets over multiple links; the ATSSS-LL function deletes duplicate data packets based on the sequence number of the QUIC header of the second QUIC data packet.
The method according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the first indication information comprises: indication information used to indicate a QUIC function or a QUIC tunnel, and indication information used to indicate an ATSSS-LL function; Or the first indication information includes: indication information used to indicate the QUIC function.
The method according to claim 15, wherein the first indication information further includes one or more of the following: flow identification information of the service flow, offload mode information, and link state detection function indication information.
The method according to claim 16, wherein the indication information of the link state detection function comprises: indication information of the link-associated link state detection function and/or PMF indication information of the link state detection function; wherein, the The indication information of the link-associated link state detection function is used to indicate link state detection based on real service data packets; the PMF indication information is used to indicate link state detection based on the PMF protocol.
The method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising:

The detection function of the associated link status of the first device receives the QUIC encapsulated data packet;

The first device records the correspondence between the serial number of the QUIC encapsulated data packet and the transmission link or access technology;

The link-associated link state detection function of the first device obtains the link state of one or more links.
The method according to any one of claims 11-16, further comprising:

The first device sends a PDU session establishment or update request message to the control network element; the PDU session establishment or update request message includes QUIC capability indication information and ATSSS-LL capability indication information.
The method according to claim 19, wherein the PDU session establishment or update request message further comprises: indication information used to indicate that the first device supports the link-associated link detection capability.
The method according to any one of claims 11-20, wherein the multi-link in the multi-link transmission of the QUIC service flow includes the link of the first access technology and the second access technology Link.
A communication device, characterized by comprising: a processor and a communication interface;

Wherein, the communication interface is used to perform the operation of sending and receiving messages in the communication method according to any one of claims 1-10, or the communication method according to any one of claims 11-21. Message sending and receiving operations; the processor runs instructions to perform processing or control operations in the communication method according to any one of claims 1-10, or perform the operations described in any one of claims 11-21 The operation of processing or controlling in the communication method.
A chip, characterized in that the chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface is coupled with the at least one processor, and the at least one processor is used to run a computer program or instruction to implement The communication method according to any one of claims 1-10, or to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 11-21; the communication interface is used to communicate with modules other than the chip .
A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the instructions are executed, the communication method according to any one of claims 1-10 is implemented, or The communication method according to any one of claims 11-21 is realized.
A communication device, characterized by comprising: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores an instruction executable by the processor, and the instruction is executed by the processor to implement claims as claimed in claim 1- 10. The communication method according to any one of 10, or to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 11-21.
A communication system, characterized by comprising: a control network element for executing the method of any one of claims 1-10, and a user plane network element communicating with the control network element.
A computer program product, characterized by comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1-10, or executes any one of claims 11-21 The communication method described in the item.