WO2025152790A1 - Communication methods, communication apparatus and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

Communication methods, a communication apparatus and a communication system, which relate to the technical field of communications. In a method, first information and second information are interacted between a radio frequency unit and a first distribution unit, the first information requesting a first resource, the first resource belonging to a resource set, resources in the resource set being used for serving at least two distribution units, the second information being used for responding to the first information, and the second information being determined on the basis of resource allocation of the first resource and the resource set. The radio frequency unit can flexibly configure resources owned by the radio frequency unit on the basis of interaction of information about resource configuration of the radio frequency unit and the first distribution unit. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit, the first distribution unit can request the radio frequency unit to configure the remaining resources, and the radio frequency unit can determine whether to configure the remaining resources according to the request of the first distribution unit. Thus, the utilization rate of resources owned by the radio frequency unit can be effectively improved.

Description

A communication method, a communication device and a communication system

This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 17, 2024, with application number 202410071590.0 and application name “A communication method, communication device and communication system”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in this application.

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, a communication device and a communication system.

Background Art

In some scenarios, a communication system may include at least one radio unit (RU) and multiple distributed units (DU). For example, if one RU is shared by multiple DUs, the resources owned by the RU can be allocated to multiple DUs, or in other words, multiple DUs can share the resources owned by the RU. However, how to improve the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RU is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

Summary of the invention

The present application provides a communication method, a communication device and a communication system, which can support improving the utilization rate of resources owned by RU.

In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving first information from a first distribution unit, the first information requesting a first resource; in response to the first information, sending second information to the first distribution unit, the second information being determined based on resource allocation conditions in a resource set owned by a radio frequency unit and the first resource, the resource set being capable of being used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, the at least two distribution units including the first distribution unit.

The execution subject of the solution described in the first aspect may be a radio frequency unit, or a module in the radio frequency unit (such as a chip system, etc.), or a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the radio frequency unit, without limitation. For ease of description, the radio frequency unit is used as an example for description below.

The RF unit and the first distribution unit can exchange the first information and the second information. The RF unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the RF unit based on the information exchange between the two regarding resource configuration, and thus can more fully configure the resources owned by the RF unit. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the RF unit, the first distribution unit can request the RF unit to configure some or all of the remaining resources, and the RF unit can determine whether the remaining resources owned by the RF unit can be configured based on the request of the first distribution unit, so that the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RF unit can be effectively improved.

Compared to configuring the resources owned by the RF unit in a static configuration manner (for example, the RF unit pre-configures resources for the distribution unit, regardless of whether there are remaining resources among the resources owned by the RF unit, and regardless of whether the distribution unit has an actual need to use the resources), through a solution in which the distribution unit requests the RF unit to configure resources, the embodiments of the present application can support the effective configuration of the resources owned by the RF unit.

For example, it can prevent the radio frequency unit from being unable to utilize the remaining resources in the resource set; for another example, when the distribution unit does not have an actual need to utilize the pre-configured resources, this will cause the resources to be ineffectively utilized. When the distribution unit can request the radio frequency unit to configure resources according to its own needs, this can effectively improve resource utilization.

In summary, the embodiments of the present application can support effective configuration of resources owned by the radio frequency unit, and further can support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

In the first aspect, the method further includes: sending third information to the second distribution unit, the third information indicating that the allocated additional resources corresponding to the second distribution unit in the resource set have changed.

Thus, the second distribution unit can determine that the quantity of the successfully applied additional resources has changed according to the third information, and can timely adjust the use of the additional resources. For example, the second distribution unit can provide appropriate services to users according to the adjusted additional resources.

In the first aspect, the method further includes: sending fourth information, where the fourth information indicates resource allocation status in the resource set.

The radio frequency unit can send fourth information to the first distribution unit and/or the second distribution unit, and the first distribution unit and/or the second distribution unit can determine whether to continue to apply to the radio frequency unit for resource configuration based on the resource allocation situation in the resource set indicated by the fourth information. In this way, it can further support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: sending first information to a radio frequency unit, the first information requesting a first resource; receiving second information from the radio frequency unit, the second information being determined based on resource allocation in a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, the resource set being capable of being used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distributed units, the at least two distributed units including the first distributed unit, and the second information being a response to the first information.

The execution subject of the solution described in the second aspect may be a distribution unit, a module in the first distribution unit (such as a chip system, etc.), or a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first distribution unit, which is not limited. For ease of description, the following description takes the first distribution unit as an example.

The RF unit and the first distribution unit can exchange the first information and the second information. The RF unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the RF unit based on the information exchange between the two regarding resource configuration, and thus can more fully configure the resources owned by the RF unit. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the RF unit, the first distribution unit can request the RF unit to configure some or all of the remaining resources, and the RF unit can determine whether the remaining resources owned by the RF unit can be configured based on the request of the first distribution unit, so that the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RF unit can be effectively improved.

Compared to configuring the resources owned by the RF unit in a static configuration manner (for example, the RF unit pre-configures resources for the distribution unit, regardless of whether there are remaining resources among the resources owned by the RF unit, and regardless of whether the distribution unit has an actual need to use the resources), through a solution in which the distribution unit requests the RF unit to configure resources, the embodiments of the present application can support the effective configuration of the resources owned by the RF unit.

For example, it can prevent the radio frequency unit from being unable to utilize the remaining resources in the resource set; for another example, when the distribution unit does not have an actual need to utilize the pre-configured resources, this will cause the resources to be ineffectively utilized. When the distribution unit can request the radio frequency unit to configure resources according to its own needs, this can effectively improve resource utilization.

In summary, the embodiments of the present application can support effective configuration of resources owned by the radio frequency unit, and further can support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

In the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from the radio frequency unit, the fourth information indicating resource allocation status in the resource set.

The first distribution unit can determine whether to continue to apply to the radio frequency unit for resource configuration according to the resource allocation status in the resource set indicated by the fourth information, so as to further support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

In combination with the scheme described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource or an additional resource, the basic resource is a resource used to provide services within the coverage of the cell, and the additional resource is a resource used to enhance the user service experience.

By distinguishing between basic resources and additional resources, the RF unit can meet the resource needs of different distributed units. For example, the RF unit can meet the needs of some distributed units to provide basic communications; for another example, the RF unit can meet the needs of some distributed units to improve user services, and so on.

By indicating the attribute of the first resource, the RF unit can determine whether the first resource needs to be configured according to the attribute of the first resource. For example, the configuration priority of the basic resource is higher than the configuration priority of the additional resource. When the attribute of the first resource is the basic resource, the RF unit gives priority to configuring the basic resource; for another example, when the attribute of the first resource is the additional resource, the RF unit does not give priority to configuring the additional resource. In this way, the RF unit can ensure that the probability of successful resource configuration of the distribution unit that applies for the basic resource is higher than the probability of successful resource configuration of the distribution unit that applies for the additional resource.

In combination with the scheme described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the second information is determined based on the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, including: the second information is determined based on the attributes of the first resource, the first resource and the resource allocation situation in the resource set.

In this way, the radio frequency unit can determine whether the first resource can be configured according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and the resource allocation status in the resource set, thereby being able to support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

In combination with the scheme described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the second information is determined based on the attributes of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation in the resource set, including: the second information is determined based on the attributes of the first resource, the first resource, and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

When the radio frequency unit determines whether to configure the first resource according to the unallocated resources in the resource set, this will not change the configuration of the allocated resources in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit.

In combination with the scheme described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the second information is determined based on the attributes of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource allocation in the resource set, including: the second information is determined based on the attributes of the first resource, the first resource, the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the allocated additional resources in the resource set.

When the radio frequency unit determines whether to configure the first resource according to the unallocated resources in the resource set and the allocated additional resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit may withdraw part or all of the additional resources from the allocated additional resources, thereby giving priority to the configuration of the basic resources.

In combination with the solution described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the first resource is less than or equal to the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the second information is used to configure the first resource.

When the first resource is less than or equal to unallocated resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit may support configuring the first resource.

In combination with the solution described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the second information is used to indicate a request failure.

When the first resource is larger than unallocated resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit does not support configuring the first resource.

In combination with the scheme described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is an additional resource, the first resource is less than or equal to the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the second information is used to configure the first resource.

When the first resource is less than or equal to unallocated resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit may support configuring the first resource.

In combination with the scheme described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is an additional resource, the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the second information is used to indicate a request failure.

When the first resource is larger than unallocated resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit does not support configuring the first resource.

In combination with the scheme described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, the sum of the unallocated resources in the resource set and the allocated additional resources in the resource set is greater than or equal to the first resource, and the second information is used to configure the first resource; the allocated additional resources in the resource set are used to serve the second distribution unit.

In this way, the radio frequency unit can prioritize the configuration of basic resources.

In combination with the solution described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first resource includes at least one of the following: power resources, transmission resources, or bandwidth resources.

In this way, the embodiments of the present application can support the RF unit to flexibly configure one or more of its power resources, transmission resources or bandwidth resources.

In combination with the solution described in any aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first resource is a resource with carrier granularity.

The first distribution unit can apply for resources for each carrier from the radio frequency unit at the carrier granularity. After the first distribution unit successfully applies for resources, the first distribution unit does not need to configure resources for each carrier, which can effectively reduce the resource configuration overhead of the first distribution unit.

According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: a first distribution unit sends first information to a radio frequency unit, the first information requests a first resource; the radio frequency unit sends second information to the first distribution unit, the second information is determined based on resource allocation in a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and the resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit.

The above-mentioned first distribution unit and radio frequency unit can also be used to execute the methods described in the above-mentioned first aspect and second aspect respectively.

In a fourth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first distribution unit and a radio frequency unit: the first distribution unit is used to send first information to the radio frequency unit, the first information is used to request a first resource; the radio frequency unit is used to receive the first information, and is also used to send second information to the first distribution unit, the second information is determined based on the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, the resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit, and the second information is used to respond to the first information; the first distribution unit is also used to receive the second information.

The above-mentioned first distribution unit and radio frequency unit can also be used to execute the methods described in the above-mentioned first aspect and second aspect respectively.

In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a radio frequency unit, or may be a device or module for executing the function of a radio frequency unit.

In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to each of the methods/operations/steps/actions described in the first aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software.

In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a first distribution unit, or may be a device or module for executing the function of the first distribution unit.

In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to each of the methods/operations/steps/actions described in the second aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software.

In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: an interface unit, used to receive first information from a first distribution unit, the first information requesting a first resource; the interface unit is also used to send second information to the first distribution unit, the second information is determined based on the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, the resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit, and the second information is used to respond to the first information.

The above-mentioned communication device can also be used to execute the scheme described in the method described in the first aspect and any possible mode of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: an interface unit, used to send first information to a radio frequency unit, the first information requesting a first resource; the interface unit, further used to receive second information from the radio frequency unit, the second information being determined based on the first resource and a resource allocation situation in a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit, the at least two distribution units including a first distribution unit, the second information being used to respond to the first information.

The above-mentioned communication device can also be used to execute the scheme described in the method described in the aforementioned second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is used to, by executing a computer program or instruction, or by a logic circuit, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect; or, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect; or, enable the communication device to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner of the third aspect.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instruction.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes a communication interface, which is used to input and/or output signals.

In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a logic circuit and an input/output interface, the input/output interface being used to input and/or output signals, the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect; or, the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect; or, the logic circuit being used to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner of the third aspect.

In the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or the instruction is run on a computer, the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect is executed; or, the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect is executed; or, the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner of the third aspect is executed.

In the twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect to be executed; or, cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect to be executed; or, cause the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner of the third aspect to be executed.

In the thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which is connected to a memory, and is used to read and execute a software program stored in the memory to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

In the fourteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes: a communication interface for communicating with other devices; a processor for causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, for causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, for causing a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the first three aspects.

In the fifteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes a processor, a memory and an input/output port, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, so that the processor executes the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, so that the processor executes the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

In the sixteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which is applied to an electronic device, and the chip system includes one or more processors, and the processor is used to call computer instructions so that the electronic device executes the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, the processor is used to call computer instructions so that the electronic device executes the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, the processor is used to call computer instructions so that the electronic device executes the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

The description of the advantageous effects of any of the third aspect to the sixteenth aspect etc. may refer to the description of the advantageous effects of the first aspect and the second aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of yet another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are first explained.

1. Unless otherwise specified, “at least two or more” means two or more.

2. Unless otherwise specified or there is no logical conflict, the terms and/or descriptions between different embodiments of the present application are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their internal logical relationships.

3. The various digital numbers involved in this application are only used for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of protection of this application. The size of the serial numbers involved in this application does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and other various terminology labels (if any) in the specification and claims and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Among them, the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments described here can be implemented in an order other than what is illustrated or described here.

At the same time, any embodiment or design described in the present application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

4. The terms "comprise", "include", "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or apparatus.

5. In this application, "used to indicate" can be understood as "enable", and "enable" can include direct enablement and indirect enablement. When describing that a certain information is used to enable A, it can include that the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, and it does not mean that the information must carry A.

The information enabled by the information is called information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the information to be enabled, such as but not limited to, the information to be enabled can be directly enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or the index of the information to be enabled. The information to be enabled can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, wherein there is an association relationship between the other information and the information to be enabled. It is also possible to enable only a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts of the information to be enabled are known or agreed in advance. For example, the enabling of specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each piece of information agreed in advance (such as specified by the protocol), thereby reducing the enabling overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, the common parts of each piece of information can also be identified and enabled uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by enabling the same information separately.

6. In this application, "pre-configuration" may include pre-definition, such as protocol definition. Among them, "pre-definition" can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (for example, including each network element), and this application does not limit its specific implementation method.

7. The term "storage" or "saving" as used in this application may refer to saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories may be provided separately or integrated in an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories may also be partially provided separately and partially integrated in a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The type of memory may be any form of storage medium, without limitation.

8. The “protocol” involved in this application may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, for example, it may include the ^fourth generation (4G) network, the ^fifth generation (5G) network protocol, the NR protocol, the 5.5G network protocol, the ^sixth generation (6G) network protocol and related protocols used in future communication systems, and this application does not limit this.

9. The dotted arrows or boxes in the schematic diagrams of the drawings in the specification of this application represent optional steps or optional modules.

10. Unless otherwise specified, “/” indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an “or” relationship. For example, A/B can represent A or B. The “and/or” in this application is only a description of the association relationship between the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and/or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

First, a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application is described.

The technical solution provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: 5G or NR system, long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, wireless local area network (WLAN) system, satellite communication system, future communication system, such as 6G mobile communication system, or a fusion system of multiple systems, etc. The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of things (IoT) communication system or other communication systems.

A device in a communication system can send a signal to another device or receive a signal from another device. The signal may include information, signaling, or data. The device may also be replaced by an entity, a network entity, a communication device, a communication module, a node, a communication node, etc. The embodiment of the present application is described by taking the device as an example.

The network device in the embodiment of the present application may be a device for communicating with a terminal device, and the network device may also be referred to as an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. The network device in the embodiment of the present application may refer to a wireless access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects a terminal device to a wireless network. Base station can broadly cover various names as follows, or be replaced with the following names, such as: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station, auxiliary station, multi-standard wireless (motor slide retainer, MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), positioning node, etc. The base station may be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a donor node, or the like, or a combination thereof.

The base station may also refer to a communication module, modem or chip used to be set in the aforementioned equipment or device. The base station may also be a mobile switching center and a device that performs the base station function in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, a network side device in a 6G network, and a device that performs the base station function in future communication systems. The base station can support networks with the same or different access technologies. Optionally, the RAN node may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an on-board device, etc. For example, the access network device in the V2X technology may be a road side unit (RSU). The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network equipment.

Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move based on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a device that communicates with another base station.

In some deployments, the network device mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a device including a CU, or a DU, or a device including a CU and a DU, or a device including a control plane CU node (central unit control plane (central unit-control plane, CU-CP)) and a user plane CU node (central unit user plane (central unit-user plane, CU-UP)) and a DU node. For example, the network device may include a gNB-CU-CP, a gNB-CU-UP, and a gNB-DU.

In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, DU, CU-CP, CU-UP, or RU. The CU and DU can be set separately, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a BBU. The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as an RRU, AAU, or RRH.

The RAN node may support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces, and different fronthaul interfaces correspond to DUs and RUs with different functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU is a common public radio interface (CPRI), the DU is configured to implement one or more of the baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more of the radio frequency functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU is another interface, relative to the CPRI, part of the baseband functions of the downlink and/or uplink, such as, for the downlink, one or more of precoding, digital beamforming (BF), or inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT)/adding cyclic prefix (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU for implementation, and for the uplink, one or more of digital beamforming (BF), or fast Fourier transform (FFT)/removing cyclic prefix (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU for implementation.

In one possible design, the processing unit for implementing the baseband function in the BBU is called a baseband high layer (BBH) unit, and the processing unit for implementing the baseband function in the RRU/AAU/RRH is called a baseband low layer (BBL) unit.

In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. Any unit in the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

In the embodiments of the present application, the device for realizing the function of the network device may be a network device; or it may be a device capable of supporting the network device to realize the function, such as a chip system, a hardware circuit, a software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module. The device may be installed in the network device or used in combination with the network device. In the embodiments of the present application, only the device for realizing the function of the network device is a network device as an example for explanation, and the scheme of the embodiments of the present application is not limited.

Network equipment can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on the water; it can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons and satellites.

It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the scenarios in which the network device is located. In addition, the network device can be a hardware device, or a software function running on dedicated hardware, a software function running on general-purpose hardware, such as a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or an entity including dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. The present application does not limit the specific form of the network device.

The following describes the communication architecture of an embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figure 1.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication architecture includes: a RU and multiple DUs (eg, DU1, DU2, ..., and DUn). There is an information exchange channel between the RU and each DU.

In the communication architecture shown in FIG1 , the RU can be shared by multiple DUs or the RU can manage multiple DUs. For example, the resources owned by the RU (without limiting the attributes or types of the resources, for example, one or more of power resources, bandwidth resources or transmission resources, etc.) can be allocated to multiple DUs, or multiple DUs can share the resources owned by the RU. However, since resources are currently configured for multiple DUs in a fixed manner, for example, the RU fixedly configures resources for each DU without considering whether the DU needs more resources or whether there are surplus resources in the resources owned by the RU, this may result in the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RU not being very high, or in other words, the resources owned by the RU are not utilized in an efficient manner.

It should be noted that the communication architecture shown in FIG1 is only described as an example and is not a final limitation. In addition, the technical solution provided in this application can be applied to the communication system obtained after the evolution of the communication architecture shown in FIG1, for example, including but not limited to: open random access network (O-RAN), which is not limited to this.

In view of this, the present application provides a communication method, a communication device and a communication system, which can support improving the utilization rate of resources owned by a radio frequency unit.

The communication method of the embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For ease of understanding and explanation, the following describes the communication method of the embodiment of the present application by taking the interaction between the radio frequency unit and the first distribution unit as an example, but this should not constitute any limitation on the execution subject of the communication method of the embodiment of the present application. For example, the radio frequency unit can be replaced by a component configured in the radio frequency unit (such as a circuit, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), the first distribution unit can be replaced by a component configured in the first distribution unit (such as a circuit, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), and so on.

FIG2 is an interactive flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG2 , the method includes:

S201. A first distribution unit sends first information to a radio frequency unit.

Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives the first information.

The first information is used by the first distributed unit to request (also understood as requesting configuration) a first resource from the radio frequency unit, the first resource belongs to a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit, the resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distributed units, or the radio frequency unit can allocate or configure resources in the resource set, or at least two distributed units can share the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit. The at least two distributed units include the first distributed unit.

In a possible implementation, the first information may also indicate an attribute of the first resource. The attribute of the first resource (which may also be replaced by other terms, such as type or category, etc.) includes a basic resource or an additional resource (wherein the additional resource may be referred to as a non-basic resource, and may also be replaced by an extended resource or other resource name, etc.).

In the embodiment of the present application, the basic resources are resources configured according to the coverage and planning of the cell, or in other words, the basic resources are resources obtained by manual planning based on static information such as the coverage radius of the cell and the cell bandwidth, which can be used on all downlink physical channels including common channels. Optionally, the above-mentioned basic resources can also be understood as resources used to provide services (or basic services) within the coverage range of the cell.

Exemplarily, the distribution unit may use basic resources to provide basic communication functions within the coverage of the cell. For example, the basic communication functions may include voice services, SMS services, or some non-delay-sensitive services, etc. The above-mentioned basic resources may include power resources of the cell, or communication resources between the distribution unit and the radio frequency unit, etc.

In the embodiment of the present application, the additional resources are resources used to improve the user service experience. For example, the additional resources can be resources calculated based on dynamically changing scenarios such as cell load and VIP personnel support, which can be used on the user-level downlink physical channel to improve the user's throughput.

Exemplarily, the distribution unit may use additional resources to improve the user service experience, for example, the delay of the communication service based on basic resources is 5 seconds, and the delay of the communication service based on additional resources is 1 second, etc. The additional resources may include power resources of the cell, etc.

By distinguishing between basic resources and additional resources, the RF unit can meet the needs of different distributed units. For example, it can meet the needs of some distributed units to provide only basic communication functions; for example, it can meet the needs of some distributed units to improve the user service experience, etc.

For example, the first information includes one or more bits, and different values of the one or more bits are used to indicate different attributes of the first resource. Exemplarily, the first information includes one bit, and the bit value is 0 or 1, 0 can be used to indicate that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, and 1 can be used to indicate that the attribute of the first resource is an additional resource.

By indicating the attribute of the first resource, the radio frequency unit can determine whether it is necessary to configure the first resource required by the first distributed unit according to the attribute of the first resource. For example, the configuration priority of the basic resource is higher than the configuration priority of the additional resource. In other words, the radio frequency unit gives priority to allocating resources to the applied basic resources, or it can be understood that when the attribute of the first resource is the basic resource, the radio frequency unit gives priority to ensuring the configuration of the basic resource.

In a possible implementation, the first resource may be one or more of a power resource, a bandwidth resource or a transmission resource.

Exemplarily, the first resource is a power resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first power resource.

Exemplarily, the first resource is a bandwidth resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first bandwidth resource.

Exemplarily, the first resource is a transmission resource (eg, a frequency domain resource and/or a time domain resource, etc.). Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first transmission resource.

Exemplarily, the first resource is a power resource and a bandwidth resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first power resource and the first bandwidth resource.

Exemplarily, the first resource is a power resource and a transmission resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first power resource and the first transmission resource.

Exemplarily, the first resource may be a bandwidth resource and a transmission resource. Then S201 may be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first bandwidth resource and the first transmission resource.

Exemplarily, the first resource is a power resource, a bandwidth resource and a transmission resource. Then S201 can be understood as: the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure the first power resource, the first bandwidth resource and the first transmission resource.

For ease of description, the specific type of the first resource will not be distinguished below.

In this way, the embodiments of the present application can support the RF unit to flexibly configure one or more of its power resources, transmission resources or bandwidth resources.

S202. The radio frequency unit sends second information to the first distribution unit.

Correspondingly, the first distribution unit receives the second information.

The second information is used to respond to the first information. The second information is determined according to the first resource and the resource allocation status in the resource set.

The resource allocation situation in the above resource set can be understood as the situation of the allocated resources in the resource set and/or the situation of the unallocated resources in the resource set, wherein the allocated resources and the unallocated resources are relative.

In the embodiment of the present application, the radio frequency unit may determine the second information in the following ways:

Scenario #1:

The radio frequency unit determines whether to configure the first resource according to the first resource and unallocated resources in the resource set.

The following description is made by taking the total amount of resources in the resource set (taking power resources as an example) as 100 W (watts), and the unallocated resources as 20 W (allocated resources as 80 W) as an example.

Example #1-1:

The first distribution unit requests to configure 30W of first resources. Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are less than the first resources, the radio frequency unit does not support or allow the request of the first distribution unit, or in other words, the radio frequency unit does not configure 30W of resources to the first distribution unit.

Example #1-2:

The first distribution unit requests to configure 15W of first resources. Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are more than the first resources, the radio frequency unit supports the request of the first distribution unit, or in other words, the radio frequency unit configures 15W of first resources to the first distribution unit.

In summary, when the radio frequency unit determines to allocate the first resource to the first distribution unit according to the size relationship between the first resource and the unallocated resources in the resource set, the second information indicates that the first resource is agreed to be allocated, or the second information is understood as the configuration information of the first resource. When the radio frequency unit determines that the first resource cannot be allocated to the first distribution unit, the second information indicates that the first resource is not agreed to be allocated.

Scenario #2:

The radio frequency unit is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and resource allocation in the resource set.

In the embodiment of the present application, the resources in the resource set can be divided into two categories: basic resources and additional resources. The resource allocation in the resource set may include the allocation of basic resources (e.g., allocated basic resources and unallocated basic resources) and the allocation of additional resources (e.g., allocated additional resources and unallocated additional resources).

In an embodiment of the present application, the proportion of basic resources in the resource set may be greater than or equal to the proportion of additional resources in the resource set. For example, the radio frequency unit may use most of the resources in the resource set as basic resources. When the total amount of resources in the resource set can meet the needs of multiple distribution units for basic resources, when there are still some resources (such as unallocated resources) remaining in the resource set, the radio frequency unit may use these resources as additional resources and configure them to some or all of the multiple distribution units. In other words, the importance of the configuration of basic resources is higher than the importance of the configuration of additional resources. In addition, any of the above-mentioned types of resources can be configured in a flexible configuration manner. For example, the radio frequency unit can be configured according to the request of the distribution unit.

For further description of scenario #2, please refer to the description of scenario #2a and scenario #2b.

Scenario #2a:

The radio frequency unit determines the second information according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

The following description is made by taking the total amount of resources in the resource set as 100W, the unallocated resources as 20W (the allocated resources (without limiting the attributes of the resources) as 80W) as an example.

Example #2a-1:

The first distribution unit requests to configure 30W of first resources (basic resources). Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are less than the first resources, the radio frequency unit does not support the request of the first distribution unit, or in other words, the radio frequency unit does not configure 30W of basic resources to the first distribution unit.

Example #2a-2:

The first distribution unit requests to configure 10W of first resources (basic resources). Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are more than the first resources, the radio frequency unit supports or allows the request of the first distribution unit, or in other words, the radio frequency unit configures 10W of basic resources to the first distribution unit.

Example #2a-3:

The first distribution unit requests to configure 30W of first resources (additional resources). Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are less than the first resources, the radio frequency unit does not support the request of the first distribution unit, or in other words, the radio frequency unit does not configure 30W of additional resources to the first distribution unit.

Example #2a-4:

The first distribution unit requests to configure 10W of first resources (additional resources). Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are more than the first resources, the radio frequency unit supports the request of the first distribution unit, or in other words, the radio frequency unit configures 10W of additional resources to the first distribution unit.

In a possible implementation manner, when the attribute of the first resource is an additional resource, the radio frequency unit may also determine whether the first resource can be configured according to a threshold of a proportion of unallocated resources in a resource set.

For example, when the proportion of unallocated resources in a resource set is lower than a threshold value (such as 5%), if the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure additional resources, and the additional resources requested by the first distribution unit are less than the unallocated resources in the resource set, the radio frequency unit determines not to configure the additional resources to the first distribution unit. In this way, resource configuration can be provided for other distribution units that want to apply for basic resources.

When the radio frequency unit determines whether to configure the first resource according to the unallocated resources in the resource set, this will not change the configuration of the allocated resources in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit.

Scenario #2b:

The radio frequency unit determines the second information according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, unallocated resources in the resource set, and allocated additional resources in the resource set.

The following description is made by taking an example that the total amount of resources in the resource set is 1 million watts, the unallocated resources are 200,000 watts, the allocated basic resources are 600,000 watts, and the allocated additional resources are 200,000 watts.

In the embodiment of the present application, the allocated additional resources in the resource set can be reconfigured, or in other words, when the RF unit determines that the first resource whose attribute is a basic resource can be configured to the first distribution unit, the RF unit can recover part or all of the resources from the allocated additional resources for use by the first distribution unit. For example, the RF unit has configured 20W of additional resources to the second distribution unit. When the first distribution unit requests the RF unit to configure 30W of basic resources, and the unallocated resources (such as 15W) in the resource set are less than the first resources, the RF unit can recover part of the resources from the configured 20W of additional resources for use by the first distribution unit.

Example #2b-1:

The first distribution unit requests to configure 30W of basic resources. Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are smaller than the first resources, the radio frequency unit can recover some resources from the allocated additional resources for use by the first distribution unit.

In this way, the radio frequency unit can prioritize the configuration of basic resources.

Example #2b-2:

The first distribution unit requests to configure 20W of basic resources. Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are equal to the first resources, the radio frequency unit can configure the unallocated resources to the first distribution unit.

Example #2b-3:

The first distribution unit requests to configure 30W of additional resources. Since the unallocated resources in the resource set are smaller than the first resources, the radio frequency unit may not configure 30W of additional resources to the first distribution unit.

In a possible implementation, when the attribute of the first resource is an additional resource, the radio frequency unit may determine whether to configure the first resource according to a threshold of a proportion of the additional resources in the resource set.

For example, the first distribution unit requests to configure 10W of additional resources. The proportion of additional resources in the resource set has a threshold, such as 20%, and the total amount of additional resources that can be allocated in the resource set is 20W. Since the additional resources allocated in the resource set are 20W, the upper limit is reached. Therefore, the radio frequency unit may not configure 10W of additional resources to the first distribution unit. In this way, resource configuration can be provided for other distribution units that want to apply for basic resources.

In summary, the RF unit and the first distribution unit can exchange the first information and the second information. The RF unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the RF unit based on the information exchange between the two regarding resource configuration, and thus can more fully configure the resources owned by the RF unit. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the RF unit, the first distribution unit requests the RF unit to configure part or all of the remaining resources, and the RF unit determines whether the remaining resources can be configured based on the request of the first distribution unit. In this way, the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RF unit can be effectively improved.

Compared to configuring the resources owned by the RF unit in a static configuration manner (for example, the RF unit pre-configures resources for the distribution unit, regardless of whether there are remaining resources among the resources owned by the RF unit, and regardless of whether the distribution unit has an actual need to use the resources), through a solution in which the distribution unit requests the RF unit to configure resources, the embodiments of the present application can support the effective configuration of the resources owned by the RF unit.

For example, it can prevent the radio frequency unit from being unable to utilize the remaining resources in the resource set; for another example, when the distribution unit does not have an actual need to utilize the pre-configured resources, this will cause the resources to be ineffectively utilized. When the distribution unit can request the radio frequency unit to configure resources according to its own needs, this can effectively improve resource utilization.

In summary, the embodiments of the present application can support effective configuration of resources owned by the RF unit, and further support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RF unit.

The method shown in FIG2 is further described below in conjunction with FIG3 to FIG5. The contents shown in FIG3 to FIG5 can be understood as examples of how the radio frequency unit in FIG2 determines the second information.

It should be noted that the contents shown in Figures 3 to 5 are described by taking the first information indicating the attribute of the first resource as an example. When the first information is not used to indicate the attribute of the first resource, the radio frequency unit can also refer to the contents shown in Figures 3 to 5 to determine how to configure the second information, which is not limited.

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the method includes:

S301. The second distribution unit sends information #31 to the radio frequency unit.

Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives information #31. Information #31 is used by the second distribution unit to request resource #31 from the radio frequency unit, and the attribute of resource #31 is a basic resource.

S302. The radio frequency unit sends a response message #31 to the second distributed unit.

Correspondingly, the second distribution unit receives the response information #31. The response information #31 is used for the response information #31.

For ease of description, the following description takes the response information #31 used to indicate that the RF unit agrees to configure resource #31 as an example, but the application scenario in which the response information #31 is used to indicate that the RF unit does not agree to configure resource #31 is not limited.

For ease of description, the following description is made by taking the total amount of resources in the resource set as 100W (unassigned) as an example.

The second distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure resource #31, and the value of resource #31 is 40W, which is less than 100W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure resource #31 to the second distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 60W.

S303. The first distribution unit sends information #32 (which may be the aforementioned first information) to the radio frequency unit.

Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives information #32. Information #32 is used by the first distribution unit to request resource #32 from the radio frequency unit, and the attribute of resource #32 is a basic resource.

S304. The radio frequency unit sends a response message #32 (which may be the aforementioned second message) to the first distributed unit.

Correspondingly, the first distribution unit receives the response information #32. The response information #32 is used for the response information #32.

When the second distribution unit successfully applies for resource #31 from the radio frequency unit, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set will decrease. When the radio frequency unit receives information #32 from the first distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to agree or support configuring resource #32 based on resource #32 and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

Exemplarily, the value of resource #32 is 30W, which is less than 60W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit may agree to allocate resource #32 to the first distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 30W.

In summary, the RF unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the RF unit based on the information interaction between the two regarding resource configuration, and thus can more fully configure the resources owned by the RF unit. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the RF unit, the RF unit can determine whether to configure the remaining resources based on the request of the first distribution unit. In this way, this can effectively improve the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RF unit. In the scheme shown in Figure 3, after the second RF unit successfully applies for resources from the RF unit (taking basic resources as an example), the RF unit can determine whether to support resource configuration for the first distribution unit based on the unallocated resources in the resource set. For details, please refer to the description of scenario #1.

In addition, FIG3 describes the example of the first distribution unit requesting the RF unit to configure basic resources. When the first unit requests the RF unit to configure additional resources, the RF unit may determine whether to configure additional resources for the first distribution unit according to the content shown in FIG3.

FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the method includes:

S401. The second distribution unit sends information #41 to the radio frequency unit.

Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives information #41. Information #41 is used to request resource #41, and the attribute of resource #41 is a basic resource.

For a detailed description, please refer to the description of S301, which will not be repeated here.

S402. The radio frequency unit sends a response message #41 to the second distributed unit.

Correspondingly, the second distribution unit receives the response information #41. The response information #41 is used for the response information #41.

For ease of description, the following description takes the response information #41 used to indicate that the RF unit agrees to configure resource #41 as an example, but the application scenario in which the response information #41 is used to indicate that the RF unit does not agree to configure resource #41 is not limited.

For ease of description, the following description is made by taking the total amount of resources in the resource set as 100W (unassigned) as an example.

The second distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure resource #41, the value of resource #41 is 40W, which is less than 100W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure resource #41 to the second distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 60W.

S403. The first distribution unit sends information #42 to the radio frequency unit.

Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives information #42. Information #42 is used to request resource #42, and the attribute of resource #42 is a basic resource.

S404. The radio frequency unit sends a response message #42 to the first distributed unit.

Correspondingly, the first distribution unit receives the response information #42. The response information #42 is used for the response information #42.

For example, the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure resource #42, and the value of resource #42 is 30W, which is less than 60W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit may agree to configure resource #42 to the first distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 30W.

S405. The first distribution unit sends information #43 (which may be the aforementioned first information) to the radio frequency unit.

Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives information #43, wherein information #43 is used to request resource #43, and the attribute of resource #43 is additional resource.

S406. The radio frequency unit sends a response message #43 (which may be the aforementioned second message) to the first distributed unit.

Correspondingly, the first distribution unit receives the response information #43. The response information #43 is used for the response information #43.

For example, the first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure resource #43, and the value of resource #43 is 10W, which is less than 30W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit may agree to configure resource #43 to the first distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 20W.

When the second distribution unit and the first distribution unit successfully apply for resource #41 and resource #42 from the radio frequency unit, respectively, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set will decrease. When the radio frequency unit receives information #43 from the first distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to agree or support the configuration or allocation of resource #43 based on resource #43 and the unallocated resources in the resource set.

For a specific description of how the radio frequency unit determines the second information, reference may be made to the description of S202, which will not be repeated here.

In summary, the RF unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the RF unit based on the information exchange between the two about resource configuration, and thus can more fully configure the resources owned by the RF unit. For example, when there are remaining resources in the resource set owned by the RF unit, the first distribution unit requests the RF unit to configure some or all of the remaining resources, and the RF unit determines whether the remaining resources can be configured based on the request of the first distribution unit, so that the utilization rate of the resources owned by the RF unit can be effectively improved.

In the scheme shown in Figure 4, after the first RF unit successfully applies for basic resources to the RF unit, when the first RF unit continues to apply to the RF unit for configuration of additional resources, the RF unit can determine whether to support configuration of resources for the first distributed unit based on the unallocated resources in the resource set. For details, please refer to the description of scenario #1.

FIG3 and FIG4 are described by taking the example that the radio frequency unit determines whether the first resource (such as resource #32 in FIG3 and resource #43 in FIG4) can be configured for the first distributed unit according to the unallocated resources in the resource set, and the following describes the scenario that the radio frequency unit determines whether the first resource can be configured for the first distributed unit according to the allocated additional resources and the unallocated resources in the resource set in combination with FIG5. For ease of description, the following describes the example of the first distributed unit requesting to configure the basic resource.

FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5 , the method includes:

S501. The second distribution unit sends information #51 to the radio frequency unit.

Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives information #51. Information #51 is used to request resource #51, and the attribute of resource #51 is a basic resource.

S502. The radio frequency unit sends a response message #51 to the second distributed unit.

Correspondingly, the second distribution unit receives the response information #51. The response information #51 is used for the response information #51.

For ease of description, the following description takes the response information #51 used to indicate that the RF unit agrees to configure resource #51 as an example, but the application scenario in which the response information #51 is used to indicate that the RF unit does not agree to configure resource #51 is not limited.

For ease of description, the following description is made by taking the total amount of resources in the resource set as 100W (unassigned) as an example.

The second distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure resource #51, and the value of resource #51 is 40W, which is less than 100W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure resource #51 to the second distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 60W.

S503. The second distribution unit sends information #52 to the radio frequency unit.

Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives information #52, wherein information #52 is used by the second distribution unit to request resource #52 from the radio frequency unit, and the attribute of resource #52 is additional resource.

S504. The radio frequency unit sends a response message #52 to the second distributed unit.

Correspondingly, the second distribution unit receives the response information #52. The response information #52 is used for the response information #52.

The second distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure resource #52, and the value of resource #52 is 35W, which is less than 60W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can agree to configure resource #52 to the second distribution unit. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 25W.

S505. The first distribution unit sends information #53 (which may be the aforementioned first information) to the radio frequency unit.

Correspondingly, the radio frequency unit receives information #53, wherein information #53 is used to request resource #53, and the attribute of resource #53 is a basic resource.

S506: The radio frequency unit sends response information #53 to the first distributed unit. Response information #53 is used for response information #53.

Correspondingly, the first distribution unit receives response information #53.

The first distribution unit requests the radio frequency unit to configure resource #53, and the value of resource #53 is 45W, which is greater than 25W and less than 35W+25W. Therefore, the radio frequency unit can recover 20W of resources from the 35W that have been configured to the second distribution unit, and configure resource #53 to the second distribution unit in combination with the unallocated resource 25W. Accordingly, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set is 0W.

When the second distribution unit successfully applies for resource #51 and resource #52 from the radio frequency unit, the total amount of unallocated resources in the resource set will be reduced. After the radio frequency unit receives information #53 from the first distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can determine whether to support the configuration of resource #53 based on the situation of resource #53, unallocated resources, and allocated additional resources. For a specific description, please refer to the description of scenario #2b in S202. In summary, the radio frequency unit can flexibly configure the resources owned by the radio frequency unit based on the information interaction between the two regarding resource configuration, and thus can more fully configure the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

Optionally, the method may further include:

S507. The radio frequency unit sends information #54 (which can be understood as third information) to the second distribution unit. The information #54 indicates that the allocated additional resources corresponding to the second distribution unit in the resource set have changed.

Accordingly, the second distribution unit receives information #54.

After the radio frequency unit recovers part of the additional resources from the additional resources that have been configured to the second distribution unit, the radio frequency unit can send information #54 indicating that the allocated additional resources in the resource set have changed to the second distribution unit, and the second distribution unit can determine that the originally configured 35W additional resources are changed to 15W resources. Accordingly, the second distribution unit can adjust its own use of the additional resources.

Thus, the second distribution unit can determine that the quantity of the successfully applied additional resources has changed according to the third information, and can timely adjust the use of the additional resources. For example, the second distribution unit can provide appropriate services to users according to the adjusted additional resources.

In the schemes shown in Figures 2 to 5, the radio frequency unit may also send fourth information to the first distribution unit and/or the second distribution unit, and the fourth information may indicate resource allocation in the resource set. The first distribution unit and/or the second distribution unit may determine whether to continue to apply to the radio frequency unit for resource configuration based on the resource allocation in the resource set indicated by the fourth information, which may further support improving the utilization rate of the resources owned by the radio frequency unit.

In addition, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the timing when the RF unit sends the fourth information to the first distribution unit and/or the second distribution unit. For example, the RF unit may send the fourth information to the first distribution unit and/or the second distribution unit before the first distribution unit and/or the second distribution unit sends information for requesting resources, or the RF unit may send the fourth information to the first distribution unit and/or the second distribution unit after the first distribution unit and/or the second distribution unit successfully applies for resources, and so on.

In the embodiment of the present application, by establishing an interactive process for resource configuration between the RF unit and the distribution unit, the RF unit can flexibly and efficiently configure its resources, thereby supporting improved utilization of the resources owned by the RF unit.

In the above description, the first resource may be a resource at the distribution unit granularity. For example, if the distribution unit needs to maintain multiple carriers, the distribution unit may apply for a total resource from the radio frequency unit, and when the application is successful, the distribution unit may allocate the resource internally.

In the above description, the first resource may also be a resource at the carrier granularity. For example, the first distribution unit needs to maintain multiple carriers, and the first distribution unit may apply for resources for each carrier from the radio frequency unit at the carrier granularity. After the first distribution unit successfully applies for resources, the first distribution unit does not need to configure resources for each carrier, which can effectively reduce the resource configuration overhead of the first distribution unit.

It should be noted that the information terms in the methods shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 are only used as examples and can be replaced by other term names without limitation.

In a possible implementation, the first information may be carried in network configuration protocol (NETCONF) edit-config remote procedure call (RPC) information, or the first information may be NETCONF edit-config RPC, which is not limited. NETCONF provides a set of protocols for communication between network management and network devices. The network management sends, modifies, and deletes the configuration of remote devices through the NETCONF protocol. RPC is used to implement communication between the client and the server.

In another possible implementation, the fourth information may be carried in a NETCONF supervision-notification PRC, or the fourth information may be a NETCONF supervision-notification PRC, which is not limited.

It should be noted that the methods shown in Figures 2 to 5 are described by taking the interactive process of resource configuration between the radio frequency unit and the first distributed unit as an example, and the names of the terms appearing in the above content are all used as examples and are not intended as final limitations.

Finally, the device embodiment of the embodiment of the present application is introduced.

In order to implement the functions in the method provided in this application, the first device and the second device may include a hardware structure and/or a software module, and implement the above functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module. Whether one of the above functions is executed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device includes a processor 610 and a communication interface 620, and the processor 610 and the communication interface 620 may be interconnected via a bus 630. The communication device may be a radio frequency unit or a first distribution unit.

Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 640. The memory 640 includes, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or a portable read-only memory (CD-ROM), and the memory 640 is used for related instructions and data.

The processor 610 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the processor 610 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

When the communication device is a first distribution unit, illustratively, the processor 610 is configured to perform the following operations: sending first information; receiving second information, etc.

When the communication device is a radio frequency unit, illustratively, the processor 610 is configured to perform the following operations: receiving first information; sending second information, and so on.

The above contents are described as examples only. The communication device is a radio frequency unit or a first distribution unit, which is responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the radio frequency unit or the first distribution unit in the above method embodiments.

The above description is only an exemplary description. For specific content, please refer to the content shown in the above method embodiment. The implementation of each operation in Figure 6 can also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5.

Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a first distribution unit or a radio frequency unit, or a chip or module in the first distribution unit or the radio frequency unit, for implementing the method involved in the above embodiment.

The communication device includes an interface unit 710. The interface unit 710 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform a sending action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform a receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the embodiment of the present application combines the sending unit and the receiving unit into one interface unit. A unified description is given here, and no further description is given later.

When the communication device is a first distribution unit, illustratively, the interface unit 710 is used to send first information and receive second information, etc.

Optionally, the communication device may further include a processing unit 720, which is used to execute the content of the first distribution unit involving processing, coordination, etc. For example, the processing unit 720 is used to use the first resource, etc.

When the communication device is a radio frequency unit, illustratively, the interface unit 710 is used to receive first information and send second information, etc.

Optionally, the communication device may further include a processing unit 720, which is used to execute the contents of the steps involving processing and coordination of the radio frequency unit. For example, the processing unit 720 is used to determine whether to configure the first resource.

The above contents are described as examples only. The communication device is a first distribution unit or a radio frequency unit, which is responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the first distribution unit or the radio frequency unit in the above method embodiments.

Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 730, and the storage unit 730 is used to store a program or code for executing the aforementioned method.

The device embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7 are used to implement the contents described in Figures 2 to 5. The specific execution steps and methods of the devices shown in Figures 6 and 7 can refer to the contents described in the above method embodiments.

The above description of the communication device is only used as an example. The communication device can be used to execute the method described in the above embodiment. The specific content can be found in the description of the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

The present application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory from the memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the methods in the above examples.

The present application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processor, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected via an internal connection path, and the processor is used to execute the code in the memory, and when the code is executed, the processor is used to execute the method in each of the above examples. Optionally, the chip also includes a memory, and the memory is used to store computer programs or codes.

The present application also provides a processor, which is coupled to a memory and is used to execute the methods and functions involving a network device or a terminal device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

In another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method of the above embodiment is implemented.

The present application also provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed in a computer, the method of the above embodiment is implemented.

In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the method described in the above embodiment is implemented.

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

Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

In several embodiments provided in the present application, the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application can be essentially or partly embodied in the form of a software product that contributes to the prior art. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods of each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

The above are only specific implementations of the embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims (44)

A communication method, characterized in that the method is applied to a radio frequency unit, comprising: receiving first information from a first distribution unit, wherein the first information requests a first resource; In response to the first information, second information is sent to the first distribution unit, where the second information is determined based on resource allocation in a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and the resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit. The method according to claim 1 is characterized in that the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource or an additional resource, the basic resource is a resource used to provide services within the coverage of a cell, and the additional resource is a resource used to enhance the user service experience. The method according to claim 2, wherein the second information is determined according to resource allocation conditions in a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and comprises: The second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and the resource allocation status in the resource set. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and the resource allocation in the resource set, including: The second information is determined according to an attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and unallocated resources in the resource set. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and the resource allocation in the resource set, including: The second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, unallocated resources in the resource set, and allocated additional resources in the resource set. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the first resource is greater than unallocated resources in the resource set, the sum of the unallocated resources in the resource set and the allocated additional resources in the resource set is greater than or equal to the first resource, and the second information is used to configure the first resource; The allocated additional resources in the resource set are used to serve a second distribution unit, and the at least two distribution units also include the second distribution unit. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the method further comprises: Sending third information to the second distribution unit, wherein the third information indicates that the allocated additional resources corresponding to the second distribution unit in the resource set have changed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the method further comprises: Send fourth information, where the fourth information indicates resource allocation status in the resource set. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first resource comprises at least one of the following: Power resources, transmission resources or bandwidth resources. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is characterized in that the first resource is a resource with carrier granularity. A communication method, characterized in that the method is applied to a first distribution unit, comprising: Sending first information to a radio frequency unit, wherein the first information requests a first resource; Receive second information from the radio frequency unit, where the second information is determined based on resource allocation in a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and the resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, where the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit, and the second information is a response to the first information. The method according to claim 11 is characterized in that the first information also indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource or an additional resource, the basic resource is a resource used to provide services within the coverage of a cell, and the additional resource is a resource used to enhance the user service experience. The method according to claim 12, wherein the second information is determined according to resource allocation conditions in a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and comprises: The second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and the resource allocation status in the resource set. The method according to claim 13, wherein the second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and the resource allocation in the resource set, including: The second information is determined according to an attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and unallocated resources in the resource set. The method according to claim 13, wherein the second information is determined according to an attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource set, and includes: The second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, unallocated resources in the resource set, and allocated additional resources in the resource set. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the first resource is greater than unallocated resources in the resource set, the sum of the unallocated resources in the resource set and the allocated additional resources in the resource set is greater than or equal to the first resource, and the second information is used to configure the first resource; The allocated additional resources in the resource set are used to serve a second distribution unit, and the at least two distribution units also include the second distribution unit. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the method further comprises: Receive fourth information from the radio frequency unit, where the fourth information indicates resource allocation status in the resource set. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the first resource comprises at least one of the following: Power resources, transmission resources or bandwidth resources. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18 is characterized in that the first resource is a resource with carrier granularity. A communication method, comprising: The first distribution unit sends first information to the radio frequency unit, wherein the first information requests a first resource; The radio frequency unit sends second information to the first distribution unit, where the second information is determined based on resource allocation in a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and the resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distribution units, including the first distribution unit. A communication system, characterized in that it comprises: a first distribution unit and a radio frequency unit, The radio frequency unit is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The first distribution unit is used to execute any one of the methods 11 to 19. A communication device, characterized by comprising a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or comprising a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that a computer program or instruction is stored on the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program or the instruction is executed on a computer, so that the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 is performed; or, The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19 is performed. A computer program product, characterized in that it contains instructions, when the instructions are executed on a computer, so that the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 is performed; or, The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19 is performed. A chip system, characterized in that the chip system comprises a processor, a memory and an input/output port, the memory is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the processor performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; or, So that the processor executes the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 19. A communication device, comprising: Interface unit for: receiving first information from a first distribution unit, wherein the first information requests a first resource; In response to the first information, second information is sent to the first distribution unit, the second information is determined based on the resource allocation situation in the resource set owned by the communication device and the first resource, the resource set can be used by the communication device to serve at least two distribution units, and the at least two distribution units include the first distribution unit. The device according to claim 26 is characterized in that the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource or an additional resource, the basic resource is a resource used to provide services within the coverage of a cell, and the additional resource is a resource used to enhance the user service experience. The device according to claim 27, wherein the second information is determined based on resource allocation in a resource set owned by the communication device and the first resource, and includes: The second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and the resource allocation status in the resource set. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the second information is determined according to an attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and resource allocation in the resource set, and comprises: The second information is determined according to an attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and unallocated resources in the resource set. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the second information is determined according to an attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and resource allocation in the resource set, and comprises: The second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, unallocated resources in the resource set, and allocated additional resources in the resource set. The device according to claim 30 is characterized in that the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, the sum of the unallocated resources in the resource set and the allocated additional resources in the resource set is greater than or equal to the first resource, and the second information is used to configure the first resource; the allocated additional resources in the resource set are used to serve a second distribution unit, and the at least two distribution units also include the second distribution unit. The device according to claim 31 is characterized in that the interface unit is also used to send third information to the second distribution unit, and the third information indicates that the allocated additional resources corresponding to the second distribution unit in the resource set have changed. The device according to any one of claims 26 to 32 is characterized in that the interface unit is also used to send fourth information, and the fourth information indicates the resource allocation status in the resource set. The apparatus according to any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the first resource comprises at least one of the following: Power resources, transmission resources or bandwidth resources. The device according to any one of claims 26 to 34 is characterized in that the first resource is a resource with carrier granularity. A communication device, comprising: Interface unit for: Sending first information to a radio frequency unit, wherein the first information requests a first resource; Receive second information from the radio frequency unit, where the second information is determined based on resource allocation in a resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and the resource set can be used by the radio frequency unit to serve at least two distributed units, and the at least two distributed units include the communication device, and the second information is a response to the first information. The device according to claim 36 is characterized in that the first information also indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource or an additional resource, the basic resource is a resource used to provide services within the coverage of a cell, and the additional resource is a resource used to enhance the user service experience. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the second information is determined according to resource allocation conditions in the resource set owned by the radio frequency unit and the first resource, and comprises: The second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource and the resource allocation status in the resource set. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the second information is determined according to an attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and resource allocation in the resource set, and comprises: The second information is determined according to an attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and unallocated resources in the resource set. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the second information is determined according to an attribute of the first resource, the first resource, and the resource set, and comprises: The second information is determined according to the attribute of the first resource, the first resource, unallocated resources in the resource set, and allocated additional resources in the resource set. The device according to claim 40 is characterized in that the first information indicates that the attribute of the first resource is a basic resource, the first resource is greater than the unallocated resources in the resource set, the sum of the unallocated resources in the resource set and the allocated additional resources in the resource set is greater than or equal to the first resource, and the second information is used to configure the first resource; the allocated additional resources in the resource set are used to serve a second distribution unit, and the at least two distribution units also include the second distribution unit. The device according to any one of claims 36 to 41 is characterized in that the interface unit is also used to receive fourth information from the radio frequency unit, and the fourth information indicates the resource allocation status in the resource set. The apparatus according to any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the first resource comprises at least one of the following: Power resources, transmission resources or bandwidth resources. The device according to any one of claims 36 to 43 is characterized in that the first resource is a resource with carrier granularity.