WO2025167127A1 - Communication methods and apparatuses, and computer program product and computer-readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

Communication methods and apparatuses, and a computer program product and a computer-readable storage medium, which relate to the technical field of communications. A new architecture of a network device is provided, so that services can be more flexibly supported, and communication performance can be improved. A method comprises: a first functional unit on a network side acquiring configuration information of a plurality of second functional units on the network side; and establishing a communication connection with a terminal device on the basis of the configuration information of the plurality of second functional units, wherein the first functional unit is used for providing a connection interface for communicating with the terminal device, and each second functional unit is used for providing a function or information associated with a transceiving function of the connection interface.

Description

Communication method, device, computer program product, and computer-readable storage medium

This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on February 8, 2024, with application number 202410178198.6 and application name “Communication Method, Device, Computer Program Product and Computer-readable Storage Medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, device, computer program product, and computer-readable storage medium.

Background Art

With the continuous development of communication systems, from the second-generation (2G) communication systems to 5G communication systems, the radio access network (RAN) architecture has been continuously designed and evolved around connectivity characteristics. For example, the 2G communication system supports a two-tier RAN architecture consisting of base station controllers (BSC) and base transceiver stations (BTS). The 3G communication system supports a two-tier architecture consisting of radio network controllers (RNC) and base stations (NodeB). To support flattening, the 4G communication system has evolved into a one-tier architecture consisting of evolved base stations (eNodeB, eNB). To support deployment flexibility, the 5G communication system has evolved to support both a first-level architecture including the next-generation base station (gNodeB, gNB) and a two-level architecture including a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). It also supports the decoupling of the control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) of the CU, and designs the CU into CU-CP and CU-UP.

The RAN architecture of the aforementioned 2G to 5G communication systems has been designed around connectivity services, and has remained largely unchanged. However, with the continuous emergence of new services (such as perception services and artificial intelligence (AI) services), the RAN architecture is becoming less flexible, leaving room for further improvement to more flexibly support new services and enhance communication performance.

Summary of the Invention

The present application provides a communication method, apparatus, computer program product, and computer-readable storage medium, providing a new network device architecture that can more flexibly support services and improve communication performance.

In the first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first functional unit on the network side. Unless otherwise specified, the "first functional unit on the network side" in the present application can refer to the first functional unit on the network side itself, or to a component in the first functional unit on the network side (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first functional unit on the network side. The method includes: obtaining configuration information of multiple second functional units on the network side, and establishing a communication connection with the terminal device based on the configuration information of the multiple second functional units. The first functional unit is used to provide a connection interface for communicating with the terminal device; the second functional unit is used to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver function of the connection interface.

Based on the first aspect, a new network device architecture is provided, that is, a modular design can be adopted to split the network device into a first functional unit and multiple second functional units. The multiple second functional units can more flexibly support various types of services and improve communication performance.

In one possible design, the second functional unit is used to provide one or more of the following functions: computing function, data function, intelligent function, perception function, power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, supplementary uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function.

On the second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first functional unit on the network side. Unless otherwise specified, the "first functional unit on the network side" in the present application can refer to the first functional unit on the network side itself, or to a component in the first functional unit on the network side (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first functional unit on the network side. The method includes: obtaining configuration information of one or more second functional units on the network side, and sending the configuration information of the second functional unit to the terminal device. Among them, the first functional unit is used to provide a connection function; the second functional unit is used to provide a first business function; the first business function includes one or more of the following: computing function, data function, intelligent function, or perception function.

In one possible design, the second functional unit is further configured to provide one or more of the following functions: power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, compensation function, Charging uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, obtaining configuration information of the second functional unit includes: receiving first air interface information from the second functional unit; wherein the first air interface information includes configuration information of the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, first air interface information is sent to the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, first information is received from a terminal device; wherein the first information includes first indication information and second air interface information; the first indication information is used to indicate that the first functional unit sends the second air interface information to the second functional unit; and according to the first indication information, the second air interface information is sent to the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, the first indication information includes one or more of the following: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, obtaining the configuration information of the second functional unit includes: receiving first inter-station interface information from the second functional unit; wherein the first inter-station interface information includes the configuration information of the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, the third air interface information is determined based on the first inter-station interface information; wherein the third air interface information includes the configuration information of the second functional unit; and the third air interface information is sent to the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, fourth air interface information is received from the terminal device; the fourth air interface information is encapsulated as second inter-station interface information; and the second inter-station interface information is sent to the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, the fourth air interface information includes one or more of the following: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device is determined based on one or more of the following: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, a first request is received from a second functional unit; wherein the first request is used to request establishment of an air interface bearer between the second functional unit and the terminal device; and the first request is sent to the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, a second request is sent to the terminal device; wherein the second request is used to request establishment of an air interface bearer between the first functional unit and the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, a third request is received from the second functional unit; wherein the third request is used to request the establishment of a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit; or, a fourth request is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the fourth request is used to request the establishment of a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, the third request includes identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information; or, the fourth request includes identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, a fifth request is received from the second functional unit; wherein the fifth request is used to request to obtain identification information of the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device and/or the task, and the fifth request includes the identification information of the terminal device and/or the task identification information; a fifth response is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the fifth response includes the identification information of the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device and/or the task.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, a sixth request is received from the second functional unit; wherein the sixth request is used to request connection information of the terminal device, and the sixth request includes identification information of the terminal device; a sixth response is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the sixth response includes the connection information of the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, a seventh request is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device; the context information of the terminal device from the second functional unit is received; a switching request is sent to the target first functional unit; wherein the switching request includes the context information of the terminal device; a switching response is received from the target first functional unit; wherein the switching response includes the configuration information of the target second functional unit; and according to the switching response, a switching command is sent to the terminal device; wherein the switching command includes the configuration information of the target second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, configuration information of the target second functional unit is sent to the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, business data of a terminal device is received from the second functional unit; and the business data of the terminal device is sent to the target first functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, a seventh request is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device; the context information of the terminal device from the second functional unit is received; a switching request is sent to the target network device; wherein the switching request includes the context information of the terminal device; a switching response is received from the target network device; wherein the switching response includes the configuration information of the target network device; and according to the switching response, a switching command is sent to the terminal device; wherein the switching command includes the configuration information of the target network device.

In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect above, in one possible design, configuration information of the target network device is sent to the second functional unit.

In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect above, in one possible design, service data of a terminal device is received from a second functional unit; and the service data of the terminal device is sent to a target network device.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, the context information of the terminal device includes the context information of the terminal device in the first functional unit and the context information of the terminal device in the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, a switching request is received from a source first functional unit; wherein the switching request includes context information of the terminal device; and a switching response is sent to the source first functional unit; wherein the switching response includes configuration information of the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, the context information of the terminal device includes the context information of the terminal device in the source first functional unit and the context information of the terminal device in the source second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, context information of the terminal device in the source second functional unit is sent to the second functional unit.

In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect above, in one possible design, business data of a terminal device is received from a source first functional unit; and the business data of the terminal device is sent to a second functional unit.

In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect above, in one possible design, a switching request is received from a source network device; wherein the switching request includes context information of the terminal device; and a switching response is sent to the source network device; wherein the switching response includes configuration information of the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, context information of the terminal device is sent to the second functional unit.

In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect above, in one possible design, service data of a terminal device from a source network device is received; and the service data of the terminal device is sent to the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, a context acquisition request is received from a new first functional unit; wherein the context acquisition request includes identification information of the terminal device; a seventh request is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the seventh request is used to request to obtain context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes identification information of the terminal device; the context information of the terminal device is received from the second functional unit; and the context information of the terminal device is sent to the new first functional unit.

In combination with the first or second aspect above, in one possible design, a context acquisition request is received from a first network device; wherein the context acquisition request includes identification information of the terminal device; a seventh request is sent to a second functional unit; wherein the seventh request is used to request to obtain context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes identification information of the terminal device; the context information of the terminal device is received from the second functional unit; and the context information of the terminal device is sent to the first network device.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, the context information of the terminal device includes the context information of the terminal device in the first functional unit and the context information of the terminal device in the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, an eighth request is received from the terminal device; wherein the eighth request is used to request to switch to a connected state; based on the eighth request, a context acquisition request is sent to the old first functional unit; wherein the context acquisition request includes identification information of the terminal device; context information of the terminal device is received from the old first functional unit; and configuration information of the second functional unit is sent to the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, the context information of the terminal device includes the context information of the terminal device in the old first functional unit and the context information of the terminal device in the old second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, context information of the terminal device in the old second functional unit is sent to the second functional unit.

In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect above, in a possible design, an eighth request is received from the terminal device; wherein the eighth request is used to request to switch to the connected state; according to the eighth request, a context acquisition request is sent to the second network device; wherein the context acquisition request includes identification information of the terminal device; receiving context information of the terminal device from the second network device; and sending configuration information of the second functional unit to the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in one possible design, context information of the terminal device is sent to the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect, in a possible design, when the terminal device enters the idle state, a second indication message is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the second indication message is used to indicate the release of the context information of the terminal device; or, when the terminal device enters the inactive state, a third indication message is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the third indication message is used to indicate the suspension of the context information of the terminal device; or, when the terminal device enters the connected state, a fourth indication message is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the fourth indication message is used to indicate the restoration of the context information of the terminal device; or, when the wireless link of the terminal device fails/the cell switching fails/the cell reconstruction fails, a second indication message is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the second indication message is used to indicate the release of the context information of the terminal device.

On the third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a second functional unit on the network side. Unless otherwise specified, the "second functional unit on the network side" in the present application can refer to the second functional unit on the network side itself, or to a component in the second functional unit on the network side (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second functional unit on the network side. The method includes: generating configuration information of the second functional unit; sending the configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side; wherein the first functional unit is used to provide a connection interface for communicating with a terminal device; and the second functional unit is used to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver function of the connection interface.

In one possible design, the second functional unit is used to provide one or more of the following functions: computing function, data function, intelligent function, perception function, power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, supplementary uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function.

Fourthly, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a second functional unit on the network side. Unless otherwise specified, the "second functional unit on the network side" in this application can refer to the second functional unit on the network side itself, or to a component in the second functional unit on the network side (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second functional unit on the network side. The method includes: generating configuration information of the second functional unit; sending the configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side; wherein the first functional unit is used to provide a connection function; the second functional unit is used to provide a first business function; the first business function includes one or more of the following: computing function, data function, intelligent function, or perception function.

In one possible design, the second functional unit is also used to provide one or more of the following functions: power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, supplementary uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in a possible design, sending configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side includes: sending first air interface information to the first functional unit; wherein the first air interface information includes configuration information of the second functional unit.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, second air interface information is received from the first functional unit; wherein the second air interface information is air interface information determined by the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in a possible design, sending configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side includes: sending first inter-station interface information to the first functional unit; wherein the first inter-station interface information includes configuration information of the second functional unit.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, second inter-station interface information is received from the first functional unit; wherein the second inter-station interface information is determined based on the fourth air interface information of the terminal device.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, a first request is sent to the first functional unit; wherein the first request is used to request establishment of an air interface bearer between the second functional unit and the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in one possible design, a third request is sent to the first functional unit; wherein the third request is used to request establishment of a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit; or, a fourth request is received from the first functional unit; wherein the fourth request is used to request establishment of a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in one possible design, the third request includes identification information and/or task identification information of the terminal device; or, the fourth request includes identification information and/or task identification information of the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in one possible design, a fifth request is sent to the first functional unit; wherein the fifth request is used to request to obtain identification information of the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device and/or the task, and the fifth request includes the identification information of the terminal device and/or the task identification information; and a fifth response is received from the first functional unit; wherein the fifth response includes the identification information of the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device and/or the task.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in one possible design, based on the fifth response, a ninth request is sent to the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device and/or task; wherein the ninth request is used to request functional information of the terminal device and/or task, and the ninth request includes identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information; and a ninth response is received from the functional unit; wherein the ninth response includes functional information of the terminal device and/or task.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in one possible design, a sixth request is sent to the first functional unit; wherein the sixth request is used to request connection information of the terminal device, and the sixth request includes identification information of the terminal device; a sixth response is received from the first functional unit; wherein the sixth response includes the connection information of the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in a possible design, a seventh request is received from the first functional unit; wherein the seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device; and the context information of the terminal device is sent to the first functional unit.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, configuration information of a target second functional unit is received from the first functional unit.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the service data of the terminal device is sent to the target second functional unit.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, configuration information of the target network device is received from the first functional unit.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the service data of the terminal device is sent to the target network device.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, the service data of the terminal device is sent to the first functional unit.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, context information of a terminal device in a source second functional unit from the first functional unit is received.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, business data from a terminal device of a first functional unit is received; or, business data from a terminal device of a source second functional unit is received.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, context information of a terminal device in a source network device from a first functional unit is received.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, business data of a terminal device from a first functional unit is received; or business data of a terminal device from a source network device is received.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in a possible design, a seventh request is received from the first functional unit; wherein the seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device; and the context information of the terminal device is sent to the first functional unit.

In combination with the third aspect or the fourth aspect above, in one possible design, context information of a terminal device in an old second functional unit from the first functional unit is received; or, context information of a terminal device in a second network device from the first functional unit is received.

In combination with the above-mentioned third aspect or fourth aspect, in one possible design, when the terminal device enters the idle state, it receives a second indication message from the first functional unit; wherein the second indication message is used to indicate the release of the context information of the terminal device; or, when the terminal device enters the inactive state, it receives a third indication message from the first functional unit; wherein the third indication message is used to indicate the suspension of the context information of the terminal device; or, when the terminal device enters the connected state, it receives a fourth indication message from the first functional unit; wherein the fourth indication message is used to indicate the restoration of the context information of the terminal device; or, when the terminal device wireless link fails/cell switching fails/cell reconstruction fails, it receives a second indication message from the first functional unit; wherein the second indication message is used to indicate the release of the context information of the terminal device.

In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. Unless otherwise specified, the "terminal device" in the present application can refer to the terminal device itself or a component in the terminal device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system). System, etc.), or may also refer to a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The method includes: obtaining multiple configuration information of multiple second functional units on the network side; establishing a communication connection with a first functional unit on the network side based on the configuration information of the second functional units; wherein the first functional unit is used to provide a connection interface for communicating with the terminal device; and the second functional unit is used to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver function of the connection interface.

In one possible design, the second functional unit is used to provide one or more of the following functions: computing function, data function, intelligent function, perception function, power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, supplementary uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function.

In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a terminal device. Unless otherwise specified, the "terminal device" in this application can refer to the terminal device itself, or a component in the terminal device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the terminal device functions. The method includes: obtaining the configuration information of the second functional unit on the network side, and establishing a communication connection with the first functional unit on the network side according to the configuration information of the second functional unit. The first functional unit is used to provide a connection function; the second functional unit is used to provide a first business function; the first business function includes one or more of the following: computing function, data function, intelligent function, or perception function.

In one possible design, the second functional unit is also used to provide one or more of the following functions: power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, supplementary uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function.

In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect or sixth aspect, in a possible design, obtaining the configuration information of the second functional unit includes: receiving first air interface information from the first functional unit; wherein the first air interface information includes the configuration information of the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect or sixth aspect, in one possible design, first information is sent to the first functional unit; wherein the first information includes first indication information and second air interface information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the first functional unit to send the second air interface information to the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect or sixth aspect, in one possible design, the first indication information includes one or more of the following: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information.

In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect or sixth aspect, in a possible design, obtaining the configuration information of the second functional unit includes: receiving third air interface information from the first functional unit; wherein the third air interface information includes the configuration information of the second functional unit; the third air interface information is determined based on the first inter-station interface information of the second functional unit.

In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect or sixth aspect, in one possible design, fourth air interface information is sent to the first functional unit; wherein the fourth air interface information includes one or more of the following: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information.

In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect or sixth aspect, in a possible design, a first request is received from a first functional unit; wherein the first request is used to request establishment of an air interface bearer between the second functional unit and the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect or sixth aspect, in a possible design, a second request is received from the first functional unit; wherein the second request is used to request establishment of an air interface bearer between the first functional unit and the terminal device.

In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect or sixth aspect, in a possible design, a switching command is received from a first functional unit; wherein the switching command includes configuration information of the target second functional unit; or, the switching command includes configuration information of the target network device; and according to the switching command, switching is performed to the target network device.

In combination with the above-mentioned fifth aspect or sixth aspect, in one possible design, an eighth request is sent to the first functional unit; wherein the eighth request is used to request to switch to a connected state; and configuration information of the second functional unit is received from the first functional unit.

In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which can be applied to the first aspect or the second aspect of the network side. Functional unit, to implement the functions performed by the first functional unit on the network side mentioned above, the communication device can be the first functional unit on the network side, or it can be a chip or chip system or system on chip of the first functional unit on the network side, etc. The communication device can perform the functions performed by the first functional unit on the network side mentioned above through hardware, or it can perform the corresponding software implementation through hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module, the transceiver module can independently complete the following transceiver operations, or it can cooperate with the processing module to complete the following transceiver operations; accordingly, the processing module can also independently complete the following processing operations, or it can cooperate with the transceiver module to complete the following processing operations, without limitation.

Exemplarily, the transceiver module is configured to obtain configuration information of multiple second functional units on the network side, and the processing module is configured to establish a communication connection with the terminal device based on the configuration information of the multiple second functional units. The first functional unit is configured to provide a connection interface for communicating with the terminal device; and the second functional unit is configured to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver function of the connection interface.

In another example, the transceiver module is configured to obtain configuration information of one or more second functional units on the network side and send the configuration information of the second functional units to the terminal device. The first functional unit is configured to provide a connection function; the second functional unit is configured to provide a first service function; and the first service function includes one or more of the following: a computing function, a data function, an intelligent function, or a perception function.

Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the seventh aspect can also perform the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or perform the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details, and the beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be found in the above-mentioned related content.

In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which can be applied to the second functional unit on the network side of the third aspect or the fourth aspect to implement the functions performed by the second functional unit on the network side. The communication device can be the second functional unit on the network side, or it can be a chip or chip system or system on chip of the second functional unit on the network side, etc. The communication device can execute the functions performed by the second functional unit on the network side through hardware, or it can execute the corresponding software implementation through hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module can independently complete the following transceiver operations, or it can cooperate with the processing module to complete the following transceiver operations; accordingly, the processing module can also independently complete the following processing operations, or it can cooperate with the transceiver module to complete the following processing operations, without limitation.

Exemplarily, a processing module is used to generate configuration information of the second functional unit; a transceiver module is used to send the configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side; wherein the first functional unit is used to provide a connection interface for communicating with the terminal device; and the second functional unit is used to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver function of the connection interface.

In another example, the processing module is used to generate configuration information of the second functional unit; the transceiver module is used to send the configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side; wherein the first functional unit is used to provide a connection function; the second functional unit is used to provide a first business function; the first business function includes one or more of the following: computing function, data function, intelligent function, or perception function.

Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the eighth aspect can also perform the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect, or perform the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned fourth aspect or any possible design of the fourth aspect. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details, and the beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be found in the above-mentioned related content.

In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which can be applied to the terminal equipment of the fifth or sixth aspect above to implement the functions performed by the above terminal equipment. The communication device can be a terminal equipment, or it can be a chip or chip system or system on chip, etc. of the terminal equipment. The communication device can perform the functions performed by the above terminal equipment through hardware, or it can perform the corresponding software implementation through hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module can independently complete the following transceiver operations, or it can cooperate with the processing module to complete the following transceiver operations; accordingly, the processing module can also independently complete the following processing operations, or it can cooperate with the transceiver module to complete the following processing operations, without limitation.

Exemplarily, the transceiver module is used to obtain multiple configuration information of multiple second functional units on the network side; the processing module is used to establish a communication connection with the first functional unit on the network side based on the configuration information of the second functional unit; wherein the first functional unit is used to provide a connection interface for communicating with the terminal device; and the second functional unit is used to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver function of the connection interface.

In another example, the transceiver module is configured to obtain configuration information of a second functional unit on the network side, and the processing module is configured to establish a communication connection with a first functional unit on the network side based on the configuration information of the second functional unit. The first functional unit is configured to provide a connection function; the second functional unit is configured to provide a first service function; and the first service function includes one or more of the following: a computing function, a data function, an intelligent function, or a perception function.

Optionally, the transceiver module and processing module of the communication device in the ninth aspect can also perform the corresponding functions in the fifth aspect or any possible design of the fifth aspect, or perform the corresponding functions in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details. The beneficial effects that can be achieved can also be found in the aforementioned related content.

In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes one or more processors; one or more processors are used to run computer programs or instructions, and when the one or more processors execute the computer instructions or instructions, the communication method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects is executed.

In one possible design, the communication device further includes one or more memories, the one or more memories being coupled to one or more processors, and the one or more memories being used to store the above-mentioned computer programs or instructions. In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device. In another possible implementation, the memory is located within the communication device. In this application, the processor and memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and memory may also be integrated together. In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver, and the transceiver is used to receive information and/or send information.

In one possible design, the communication device further includes one or more communication interfaces, the one or more communication interfaces are coupled to one or more processors, and the one or more communication interfaces are used to communicate with other modules outside the communication device.

In the eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes an interface circuit and a logic circuit; the interface circuit is used to input and/or output information; the logic circuit is used to execute the communication method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects, and process and/or generate information based on the information.

In the twelfth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions or programs. When the computer instructions or programs are run on a computer, the communication method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects is executed.

In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the communication method as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects to be executed.

In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the communication method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects to be executed.

In the fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip, comprising: a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store programs or instructions, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the communication method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects is executed.

Among them, the technical effects brought about by any one of the design methods in the tenth to fifteenth aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by any one of the first to sixth aspects mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which may include a communication device for executing the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, a communication device for executing the third aspect or any possible design of the third aspect, and a communication device for executing the fifth aspect or any possible design of the fifth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system includes a communication device for executing the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect, a communication device for executing the fourth aspect or any possible design of the fourth aspect, and a communication device for executing the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack and a control plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG21 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG22 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG23 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG24 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG25 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG26 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG27 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are described.

Wireless communication systems can include the radio access network (RAN) domain, the core network (CN) domain, and the operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) domain. Business areas are primarily concentrated in the RAN and CN domains. The RAN domain includes terminal devices and network equipment. The CN domain has been restructured in the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication system, defining control-plane network functions (CPFs) such as the access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF), and network repository function (NRF), as well as user-plane network functions (UPF).

Compared to the fourth-generation (4G) communication system, which supports enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services, the 5G system supports not only eMBB services but also ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). Regardless of the service, the core goal is to transmit service data from terminal devices to application servers (APP servers) or other terminal devices (such as voice data). To support service data routing, the communication system also needs to support control signaling to complete control plane signaling functions such as initial terminal access, authentication, security encryption, mobility, and tunnel establishment. The RAN and CN domains need to collaborate to support end-to-end (E2E) signaling and data transmission.

With the continuous development of communication systems, from the second-generation (2G) communication systems to 5G communication systems, the RAN architecture has been continuously designed and evolved around connectivity characteristics. For example, the 2G communication system supports a two-tier RAN architecture consisting of base station controllers (BSC) and base transceiver stations (BTS). The 3G communication system supports a two-tier architecture consisting of radio network controllers (RNC) and base stations (NodeB). To support flattening, the 4G communication system evolved into a one-tier architecture consisting of evolved base stations (eNodeBs, eNBs). To support deployment flexibility, the 5G communication system has evolved to support both a one-tier architecture consisting of next-generation base stations (gNodeBs, gNBs) and a two-tier architecture consisting of centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). It also supports decoupling of the CU's control plane (CP) and user plane (UP), designing the CU as a CU-CP and CU-UP.

The RAN architecture of the aforementioned 2G to 5G communication systems has been designed around connectivity services, and has remained largely unchanged. However, with the continuous emergence of new services (such as perception services and artificial intelligence (AI) services), the RAN architecture is becoming less flexible, leaving room for further improvement to more flexibly support new services and enhance communication performance.

To address the above technical issues, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, in which a first functional unit on a network side obtains configuration information of multiple second functional units on the network side and establishes a communication connection with a terminal device based on the configuration information of the multiple second functional units. The first functional unit is configured to provide a connection interface for communicating with the terminal device, and the second functional unit is configured to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver functions of the connection interface.

An embodiment of the present application provides a new architecture of a network device, that is, a modular design can be adopted to split the network device into a first functional unit and multiple second functional units. The multiple second functional units can more flexibly support various types of services and improve communication performance.

The implementation of the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with a communication system.

The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be used in any communication system, which can be a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication system, for example, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication system. The present invention includes 5G mobile communication systems, LTE and 5G hybrid networking systems, new radio (NR) systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine to machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, eMBB, URLLC, machine type communication (MTC), mMTC, customer premises equipment (CPE), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and various types of next-generation communication systems, such as 5.5G communication systems and the sixth generation (6G) mobile communication systems; non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems (such as satellite communication systems) and non-3GPP communication systems, without limitation.

LTE is the long-term evolution of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) technical standard developed by the 3GPP. The radio access technology of the 5G communication system is referred to as NR, which stands for New Radio Access Technology in 3GPP and is also referred to as 5G-NR. LTE base stations are called eNBs, while NR base stations are called gNBs.

eMBB refers to further improving user experience and other performance features based on mobile broadband service scenarios. This is the application scenario that is closest to users' daily lives. The most intuitive experience brought by 5G communication systems in this regard is the significant increase in network speed, even when watching 4K high-definition video, the peak speed can reach 10Gbps. For example, eMBB can refer to high-traffic mobile broadband services such as 3D and ultra-high-definition video.

URLLC is characterized by high reliability, low latency, and extremely high availability. It can be used in a variety of scenarios and applications, including industrial applications and control, traffic safety and control, remote manufacturing, remote training, and remote surgery. URLLC has great potential in autonomous driving services. It is also crucial for the security industry. For example, URLLC can be used for services such as autonomous driving and industrial automation that require low-latency, highly reliable connections.

MTC, also known as machine-to-machine (M2M), offers advantages such as low cost and enhanced coverage.

NB-IoT boasts wide coverage, multiple connections, low speed, low cost, low power consumption, and an optimized architecture. For example, it offers massive connections, lower power consumption, and lower chip costs. Applications include smart water meters, smart parking, smart pet tracking, smart bicycles, smart smoke detectors, smart toilets, and smart vending machines.

CPE is a mobile signal access device that receives mobile signals and forwards them as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) signals. It converts high-speed 4G or 5G signals into Wi-Fi signals and can support a large number of mobile terminals accessing the internet simultaneously. CPE is widely used for wireless network access in rural areas, towns, hospitals, workplaces, factories, and residential areas, saving the cost of laying wired networks.

V2X is a key technology for future intelligent transportation systems. It enables communication between vehicles, between vehicles and base stations, and between base stations. This provides real-time traffic information, including road conditions, pedestrian information, and more. This improves driving safety, reduces congestion, increases traffic efficiency, and provides in-vehicle entertainment.

Furthermore, the embodiments of the present application are applicable to both homogeneous and heterogeneous network scenarios. There are no restrictions on transmission points, and they can be multi-point coordinated transmission between macro base stations, micro base stations, and macro base stations. They are applicable to both frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD) systems. The embodiments of the present application are applicable to both low-frequency scenarios (sub-6G) and high-frequency scenarios (above 6G), terahertz, and optical communications, without limitation.

The following describes the communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application using Figure 1 as an example.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system may include terminal equipment, an access network, a core network, and an external network (such as a data network (DN)).

For the terminal device in Figure 1, the terminal device can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities or a chip or chip system that can be set up in the device, which can allow users to access the network and is a device used to provide voice and/or data connectivity to users. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device can complete the interaction with the air interface between the access network. The terminal device can send signals to the network equipment of the access network, or receive signals sent by the network equipment of the access network. The terminal device can also be called user equipment (UE), subscriber unit (subscriber unit), terminal (terminal), mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT). The terminal device can be vehicle-mounted, portable, or handheld, etc., without limitation. It is understandable that the terminal device and the mobile user can be completely independent. All information related to the user can be stored in the subscriber identity module (SIM) card, which can be used in the terminal device.

Among them, the terminal device may include a user plane (UP) protocol stack and a control plane (CP) protocol stack. As shown in Figure 3, the user plane protocol stack may include a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, The control plane protocol stack may include the medium access control (MAC) layer and the physical layer (PHY). The control plane protocol stack may include the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the PDCP layer, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer.

Exemplarily, the terminal device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. The terminal device may also be a user station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal device, a mobile terminal device, a user terminal device, a wireless communication device, a user agent, a user device, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer (PAD or tablet), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, a processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in the Internet of Things, a home appliance, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, or a similar device. Wireless terminals in industrial control, unmanned driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart cities, smart homes, vehicles with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication capabilities, intelligent connected vehicles, drones with UAV-to-UAV (U2U) communication capabilities, Wi-Fi terminal devices (such as vehicle-mounted terminals, smart phones, PADs, etc. with the function of connecting to Wi-Fi access points (APs)), terminal devices in future networks, or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc., are not restricted.

Among them, PLMN is a network established and operated for the purpose of providing land mobile communication services to the public.

For the access network in Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present application, the network equipment of the access network can be split into a first functional unit on the network side and one or more second functional units on the network side.

Among them, a network device can be any device deployed in an access network that can wirelessly communicate with a terminal device (i.e., can send signals to a terminal device or receive signals sent by a terminal device). It can also be a chip or chip system that can be set in the above-mentioned device, or it can be a logical node or logical module or a function implemented in software, which is responsible for all functions related to the air interface (i.e., air interface), such as: wireless link maintenance function, which is used to maintain the wireless link between the network device and the terminal device, and is responsible for protocol conversion for wireless link data and Internet protocol (IP) data quality monitoring; wireless resource management function, including the establishment and release of wireless links, scheduling and allocation of wireless resources, etc.; some mobility management functions, including configuring terminal devices for measurement, evaluating the quality of terminal device wireless links, and deciding on terminal device handover between cells. Network devices can be devices that support wired access or devices that support wireless access.

The network device may include a user plane protocol stack and a control plane protocol stack. As shown in Figure 3, the user plane protocol stack may include the SDAP layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer. The control plane protocol stack may include the RRC layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer. The various layers of the network device and the various layers of the terminal device may be interconnected to exchange information.

For example, the network equipment may be composed of one or more access network (AN)/radio access network (RAN) nodes. AN/RAN nodes may include base stations, evolved NodeBs (gNBs), small cells, micro cells, transmission reception points (TRPs), evolved NodeBs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), NodeBs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeBs or home NodeBs, HNBs), baseband units (BBUs), or Wi-Fi access points. Among them, the base station can be a 4G, 5G, 5.5G or future 6G base station, etc., without restriction; the Wi-Fi AP can be a Wi-Fi 5AP, Wi-Fi 6AP or future Wi-Fi AP products, etc., without restriction.

In another example, network equipment may include a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU can be located in different locations. For example, the RRU can be remotely located in a high-traffic area while the BBU can be located in a central equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be located in the same equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be separate components within the same rack.

In another example, the network device may also include a centralized unit (CU) node, a distributed unit (DU) node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. For example, the network device can be divided into a CU and a DU from a logical functional perspective, with some protocol layer functions centrally controlled by the CU, and the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a BBU. Furthermore, the centralized unit CU can also be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP).

In another example, the network device may include a radio unit (RU), or a CU, DU, and RU. The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as an RRU, an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

It is understandable that in different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system In the system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application takes CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

Based on the above description of the network device, in an embodiment of the present application, the network device includes a first network-side functional unit and one or more second network-side functional units. That is, a modular design is adopted to decouple the first functional unit from the one or more second functional units. The one or more second functional units can flexibly support various types of services (e.g., supporting To-Consumer services, better supporting To-B services, supporting flexible customized services, supporting the differentiated needs of various industries, etc.), thereby improving communication performance.

As shown in (a) or (b) of FIG4 , each first functional unit may correspond to one or more second functional units. The first functional unit may also be referred to as a serving node (sNode), and the second functional unit may also be referred to as a cluster node (cNode). A communication connection (such as an air interface connection) may be established between the terminal device and the first functional unit. There is no direct air interface connection between the terminal device and the second functional unit, and the terminal device may communicate with the second functional unit through the first functional unit. The terminal device may perceive the second functional unit, or the terminal device may not perceive the second functional unit, without limitation.

In the embodiment of the present application, the first functional unit and the second functional unit adopt a decoupled design, and each functional unit can manage its related information separately. For example, as shown in FIG5 , the first functional unit can manage the terminal device capability reporting/maintenance information, terminal device context maintenance information, terminal device configuration generation information, RRC signaling generation information corresponding to the terminal device configuration, information on providing corresponding services, etc. corresponding to the first functional unit, without limitation. The second functional unit can manage the terminal device capability reporting/maintenance information, terminal device context maintenance information, terminal device configuration generation information, RRC signaling generation information corresponding to the terminal device configuration, information on providing corresponding services, etc. corresponding to the second functional unit, without limitation.

In the first possible design, the first functional unit may correspond to multiple second functional units, and the first functional unit may be used to provide a connection interface for communicating with the terminal device; the second functional unit may be used to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver functions of the connection interface.

As shown in FIG6 , the first functional unit may obtain configuration information of one or more second functional units, and establish a communication connection with the terminal device according to the configuration information of the second functional units.

Illustratively, configuration information of one or more second functional units may be pre-configured in the first functional unit, or the second functional unit may send the configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit.

Optionally, the first functional unit may send configuration information of the second functional unit to the terminal device, and the terminal device establishes a communication connection with the first functional unit according to the configuration information of the second functional unit.

Optionally, different second functional units may provide one or more functions that are the same, different, or partially the same, without limitation.

Exemplarily, the second functional unit can be used to provide one or more of the following functions: computing function, data function, intelligent function, perception function, power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part (BWP) function, discontinuous reception (DRX) function, supplementary uplink (SUL) function, PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connectivity (MRDC) function, carrier aggregation (CA) function, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) function, V 2X function, self-organized network (SON) function, minimization of drive test (MDT) function, non-public network (NPN) function, NTN function, unauthorized new radio (NR-unauthorized, NR-U) function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) function, power saving function, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) function, dual active protocol stack (DAPS) function, conditional handover (CHO) function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function.

For example, as shown in Figure 7, the second functional unit 1 is used to provide power control function; the second functional unit 2 is used to provide interference coordination function; the second functional unit 3 is used for mobility function; the second functional unit 4 is used to provide load balancing function; the second functional unit 5 is used to provide CA function; the second functional unit 6 is used to provide DC function; and the second functional unit 7 is used to provide MIMO function.

In the second possible design, the first functional unit may correspond to one or more second functional units, the first functional unit may be used to provide a connection function, and the second functional unit may be used to provide a first business function, which may include one or more of the following: computing function, data function, intelligent function, or perception function.

As shown in FIG8 , the first functional unit may obtain configuration information of one or more second functional units, and the first functional unit may also send the configuration information of the second functional units to the terminal device.

The first functional unit and the terminal device may establish a communication connection according to the configuration information of the second functional unit.

Optionally, different second functional units may provide one or more functions that are the same, different, or partially the same, without limitation.

Optionally, the second functional unit can also be used to provide one or more of the following functions: power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, BWP function, DRX function, SUL function, PDCP separation function, MRDC function, CA function, MIMO function, V2X function, SON function, MDT function, NPN function, NTN function, NR-U function, 2-step random access function, IIoT function, power saving function, IAB function, DAPS function, CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function.

Based on the above two possible designs, optionally, a second functional unit can be added. For the newly added second functional unit, the first functional unit can obtain a registration request of the second functional unit and determine whether to add the second functional unit according to the registration request.

The registration level request may be pre-configured, or may be sent by the second functional unit to the first functional unit, without limitation.

Based on the above two possible designs, optionally, the various functions that can be provided by the above-mentioned second functional unit can be further split into finer-grained sub-functions and deployed as logical functions, that is, the second functional unit can be split into finer-grained sub-functional units and deployed as independent logical nodes.

For example, taking the intelligent function as an example, the intelligent function can be further split into an AI reasoning function and an AI training function. Accordingly, the second functional unit providing the intelligent function can be split into: a second functional unit providing the AI reasoning function, and a second functional unit providing the AI training function. Alternatively, the AI training function can be further split into functions such as a federated learning function and a centralized training function based on the specific training method. Accordingly, the second functional unit providing the AI training function can be split into: a second functional unit providing the federated learning function, and a second functional unit providing the centralized training function. Alternatively, the intelligent functions may be split based on different AI models, such as splitting the intelligent functions into: intelligent functions based on neural networks, intelligent functions based on reinforcement learning (RL), intelligent functions based on convolutional neural networks (CNN), intelligent functions based on recurrent neural networks (also known as recurrent neural networks, RNN), intelligent functions based on graph neural networks (GNN), intelligent functions based on Transformer, etc. Correspondingly, the second functional unit providing intelligent functions may be split into: a second functional unit providing intelligent functions based on neural networks, a second functional unit providing intelligent functions based on RL, a second functional unit providing intelligent functions based on CNN, a second functional unit providing intelligent functions based on RNN, a second functional unit providing intelligent functions based on GNN, a second functional unit providing intelligent functions based on Transformer, etc., without limitation.

Regarding the core network shown in Figure 1 above, the mobile communication network can be divided into three parts within the communication system: the base station subsystem, the network subsystem, and the system support components (such as security management). The core network, located within the network subsystem, primarily connects call or data requests received over the air interface to different networks. As the core component of the mobile communication network, the core network plays a connecting role, primarily responsible for handling end-user mobility management, session management, and data transmission (core functions). The 5G core network, based on the 4G evolved packet core (EPC), features three new enhancements: a service-based architecture, support for network slicing, and separation of the control and user planes. Compared to the 4G core network, the 5G core network further evolves toward a separate architecture. First, the separation of network functions incorporates the cloud-native design principles of network function virtualization (NFV), building the network through a software-based, modular, and service-oriented approach. The second is the separation of the control plane and the user plane, which frees the user plane functions from the constraints of "centralization" and allows them to be flexibly deployed in both the core network and the access network.

The core network's primary functions are providing user connections, user management, and service delivery, acting as a bearer network and providing an interface to external networks. Establishing user connections involves functions such as mobility management (MM), call management (CM), switching/routing, and recorded notifications (combined with intelligent network services to complete connections to intelligent network peripheral devices). User management includes user descriptions, quality of service (QoS) (including descriptions of user service QoS), user communication records (accounting), a virtual home environment (VHE) (providing a virtual home environment through dialogue with the intelligent network platform), and security (the authentication center provides corresponding security measures, including security management of mobile services and security processing for external network access). Bearer connections include access to the external public switched telephone network (PSTN), external circuit data networks and packet data networks, the Internet and corporate intranets, and mobile short message service (SMS) servers. The core network can provide basic services, including mobile office, e-commerce, communications, entertainment, travel and location-based services, telemetry, simple messaging services (monitoring and control), etc., without restriction.

It is understandable that the terminal device, the first functional unit, the second functional unit and other devices in the embodiment of the present application can be one or more A chip may also be a system on chip (SOC). Figure 4 is merely an illustrative diagram, and the number of devices included is not limited. Furthermore, the names of the devices and links in Figure 4 are not limited. In addition to the names shown in Figure 4, the devices and links may be named other names without limitation.

In addition, the actions and terms involved in the various embodiments of this application can refer to each other without limitation. The message names or parameter names in the messages exchanged between the various devices in the embodiments of this application are only examples, and other names can also be used in specific implementations without limitation.

The following describes in detail the communication method between the terminal device, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit, in conjunction with the communication system shown in FIG4 , with reference to the following FIG9 to FIG25 . The first functional unit may be any first functional unit in the communication system shown in FIG4 , the second functional unit may be any second functional unit in the communication system shown in FIG4 , and the terminal device may be any terminal device in the communication system shown in FIG4 . Furthermore, the following description uses a second functional unit as an example. It should be understood that each second functional unit in the access network can communicate with each other in accordance with the following description.

Among them, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the terminal device, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit can communicate with each other in the manner shown in Figure 9 below. This communication method can also be called an air interface proxy mode or an RRC proxy (RRC proxy) mode. Alternatively, when the terminal device does not perceive the second functional unit, the terminal device, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit can communicate with each other in the manner shown in Figure 10 below. This communication method can also be called an inter-station interface proxy mode or an Xn proxy (Xn proxy) mode.

FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the communication method, the terminal device can sense the second functional unit, and the terminal device, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit can communicate using the RRC proxy mode. As shown in FIG9 , the method includes:

Step 901: The second functional unit sends first air interface information to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the first air interface information from the second functional unit.

Step 902: The first functional unit sends fifth air interface information to the second functional unit; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives second air interface information from the first functional unit.

When the second functional unit sends information to the first functional unit, it can use air interface information (such as the first air interface information mentioned above) to send information. When the first functional unit sends information to the second functional unit, it can also use air interface information (such as the fifth air interface information mentioned above) to send information.

For example, taking the example of the second functional unit sending the configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit, the second functional unit can carry the configuration information of the second functional unit in the first air interface information and send it to the first functional unit, and the first functional unit can determine the configuration information of the second functional unit based on the received first air interface information.

Optionally, the air interface information may be one or more of the following: RRC information, MAC information, or PHY information, etc., without limitation.

Similar to the communication between the first functional unit and the second functional unit based on air interface information as shown in the above steps 901 and 902, as shown in the following steps 903 and 904, the terminal device and the first functional unit can also communicate based on air interface information.

Step 903: The first functional unit sends the third air interface information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third air interface information from the first functional unit.

Step 904: The terminal device sends fourth air interface information to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the fourth air interface information from the terminal device.

When the first functional unit sends information to the terminal device, it can use air interface information (such as the third air interface information mentioned above) to send information. When the terminal device sends information to the first functional unit, it can also use air interface information (such as the fourth air interface information) to send information.

Similar to the communication based on air interface information shown in steps 901 to 904 above, as shown in steps 905 to 908 below, the terminal device and the second functional unit may also communicate based on air interface information.

Step 905: The second functional unit sends the first air interface information to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the first air interface information from the second functional unit.

Step 906: The first functional unit sends first air interface information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first air interface information from the first functional unit.

When the second functional unit sends information to the terminal device through the first functional unit, the information can be sent in the form of air interface information (such as the first air interface information). Since the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the first functional unit can directly forward the air interface information (such as the first air interface information) sent by the second functional unit to the terminal device, and the terminal device parses the received air interface information.

Among them, when the first functional unit forwards the first air interface information sent by the second functional unit to the terminal device, the first functional unit may parse the first air interface information, or may not parse the first air interface information (in this case, it can also be described as the first functional unit transparently transmitting the first air interface information of the second functional unit to the terminal device), without restriction.

For example, taking the example of sending the configuration information of the second functional unit, the second functional unit can carry the configuration information of the second functional unit in the first air interface information and send it to the first functional unit. The first functional unit can determine the configuration information of the second functional unit based on the received first air interface information. The first functional unit can also forward the first air interface information sent by the second functional unit to the terminal device. The terminal device can obtain the configuration information of the second functional unit by parsing the first air interface information.

Step 907: The terminal device sends the first information to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the first information from the terminal device.

The first information includes first indication information and second air interface information, and the first indication information is used to instruct the first functional unit to send the second air interface information to the second functional unit.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the terminal device sends the first indication information and the second air interface information to the first functional unit, respectively; and correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the first indication information and the second air interface information from the terminal device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first functional unit to send the second air interface information to the second functional unit.

Step 908: The first functional unit sends the second air interface information to the second functional unit according to the first instruction information; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives the second air interface information from the first functional unit.

Specifically, when the terminal device sends information to the second functional unit, it can carry the information sent to the second functional unit in the second air interface information, and carry the second air interface information and the first indication information in the first information and send them to the first functional unit. After the first functional unit receives the first information, it can process and terminate the first indication information in the first information, and send the second air interface information to the second functional unit based on the first indication information in the first information.

Exemplarily, the first indication information may be RRC proxy information.

When the terminal device sends the first information to the first functional unit, the first information may be carried in air interface information (such as the fourth air interface information) and sent to the first functional unit.

Among them, when the first functional unit forwards the second air interface information sent by the terminal device to the second functional unit, the first functional unit may parse the second air interface information, or may not parse the second air interface information (in this case, it can also be described as the first functional unit transparently transmitting the second air interface information of the terminal device to the second functional unit), without restriction.

Different from the RRC proxy mode shown in Figure 9 above, the Xn proxy mode is described in detail with reference to the method shown in Figure 10 below.

FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the communication method, the terminal device may not be aware of the second functional unit, and the terminal device, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit may communicate in an Xn proxy mode. As shown in FIG10 , the method includes:

Step 1001: The second functional unit sends first inter-station interface information to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the first inter-station interface information from the second functional unit.

Step 1002: The first functional unit sends second inter-station interface information to the second functional unit; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives the second inter-station interface information from the first functional unit.

When the second functional unit sends information to the first functional unit, the information may be sent in the form of inter-station interface information (such as the first inter-station interface information described above). When the first functional unit sends information to the second functional unit, the information may also be sent in the form of inter-station interface information (such as the second inter-station interface information described above).

For example, taking the example of the second functional unit sending the configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit, the second functional unit can carry the configuration information of the second functional unit in the first inter-station interface information and send it to the first functional unit, and the first functional unit can determine the configuration information of the second functional unit based on the received first inter-station interface information.

Optionally, the inter-station interface information can be Xn proxy information.

Different from the communication between the first functional unit and the second functional unit based on inter-station interface information as shown in the above steps 1001 and 1002, as shown in the following steps 1003 and 1004, the terminal device and the first functional unit can communicate based on air interface information.

Step 1003: The first functional unit sends third air interface information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third air interface information from the first functional unit.

Step 1004: The terminal device sends the fourth air interface information to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the fourth air interface information from the terminal device. Fourth air interface information.

When the first functional unit sends information to the terminal device, it can use air interface information (such as the third air interface information) to send information. When the terminal device sends information to the first functional unit, it can also use air interface information (such as the fourth air interface information) to send information.

Different from the communication based on inter-station interface information or air interface information shown in the above steps 1001 to 1004, as shown in the following steps 1005 to 1008, the terminal device and the second functional unit can communicate based on air interface information and inter-station interface information.

Step 1005: The second functional unit sends first inter-station interface information to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the first inter-station interface information from the second functional unit.

Step 1006: The first functional unit determines the third air interface information according to the first inter-station interface information, and sends the third air interface information to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third air interface information from the first functional unit.

Among them, when the first functional unit forwards the information sent by the second functional unit to the terminal device, it can convert the inter-station interface information sent by the second functional unit into air interface information that can be parsed by the terminal device (such as converting the above-mentioned first inter-station interface information into third air interface information).

For example, taking the example of sending the configuration information of the second functional unit, the second functional unit may carry the configuration information of the second functional unit in the first inter-station interface information and send it to the first functional unit. The first functional unit may determine the configuration information of the second functional unit based on the received first inter-station interface information. The first functional unit may also convert the first inter-station interface information sent by the second functional unit into third air interface information and forward the third air interface information to the terminal device. The terminal device may obtain the configuration information of the second functional unit by parsing the third air interface information.

Step 1007: The terminal device sends the fourth air interface information to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the fourth air interface information from the terminal device.

Step 1008: The first functional unit encapsulates the fourth air interface information into second inter-station interface information, and sends the second inter-station interface information to the second functional unit; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives the second inter-station interface information from the first functional unit.

Specifically, when the first functional unit forwards information sent by the terminal device to the second functional unit, it can convert the air interface information sent by the terminal device into an inter-station interface that can be parsed by the second functional unit (such as converting the above-mentioned fourth air interface information into second inter-station interface information).

Based on the methods shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 , the first functional unit may determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device according to the following two possible designs, and then perform routing and forwarding of information between the terminal device and the second functional unit.

Among them, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on one or more of the following: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information.

In the first possible design, taking the example of there being only one entity of the second functional unit of the same type/capability, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on one or more of the following four examples.

Different second functional units correspond to different types/capabilities, or are described as providing different functions. For example, as shown in FIG11 , second functional unit 1 provides a computing function, second functional unit 2 provides a data function, second functional unit 3 provides an intelligent function, and second functional unit 4 provides a sensing function.

In the first example, the first functional unit may determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit.

Among them, the first functional unit can select one or more second functional units that match the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of each second functional unit and terminal device information such as the type information of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, or the capability information of the terminal device.

For example, taking the example that the second functional unit includes a second functional unit 1 for providing computing function, a second functional unit 2 for providing data function, and a second functional unit 3 for providing intelligent function, when the type information of the terminal device indicates computing, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit 1 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or, when the business information of the terminal device indicates intelligence, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit 3 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or, when the capability information of the terminal device indicates data and computing, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit 2 and the second functional unit 1 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device.

Optionally, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the terminal device may also indicate to the first functional unit the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit expected by the terminal device, and the first functional unit determines the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit expected by the terminal device.

Optionally, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the first functional unit may indicate the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device to the terminal device after determining the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, and the terminal device may During the process, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device is carried in the sent information, and the first functional unit forwards the information of the terminal device to the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit carried in the information sent by the terminal device.

Optionally, regardless of whether the terminal device perceives the second functional unit, the first functional unit can save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit after determining the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, so as to facilitate the routing and forwarding of information between the terminal device and the second functional unit according to the mapping relationship in subsequent communication processes.

In the second example, the first functional unit may determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device according to the task identification information.

The first functional unit may select one or more second functional units matching the task for the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of each second functional unit and according to the task identification information of the terminal device.

For example, taking the example that the second functional unit includes a second functional unit 1 for providing a computing function, a second functional unit 2 for providing a data function, and a second functional unit 3 for providing an intelligent function, when the task identification information of the terminal device indicates a computing task, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit 1 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or, when the task identification information of the terminal device indicates an intelligent task, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit 3 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or, when the task identification information of the terminal device indicates a data task, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit 2 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device.

Optionally, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the terminal device may also indicate to the first functional unit the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit expected by the terminal device's task based on the task identification information, and the first functional unit determines the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit expected by the terminal device's task.

Optionally, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the first functional unit can also indicate the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device to the terminal device after determining the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device. The terminal device can carry the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device in the sent information during subsequent communication. The first functional unit forwards the information of the terminal device to the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit carried in the information sent by the terminal device.

Optionally, regardless of whether the terminal device perceives the second functional unit, the first functional unit can save the mapping relationship between the task identification information and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit after determining the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, so as to facilitate the routing and forwarding of information between the terminal device and the second functional unit according to the saved mapping relationship in subsequent communication processes.

In the third example, the first functional unit may determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device according to the identification information of the second functional unit.

Among them, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device by referring to the above-mentioned first example or second example during a communication process, and then indicate the identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device to the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can carry the identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device in the sent information during subsequent communications, and the first functional unit forwards the information of the terminal device to the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the identification information of the second functional unit carried in the information sent by the terminal device.

Alternatively, regardless of whether the terminal device perceives the second functional unit, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device by referring to the first example or the second example mentioned above during a communication process, and then save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the task identification information and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the task identification information, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit, so as to facilitate the routing and forwarding of information between the terminal device and the second functional unit according to the saved mapping relationship in subsequent communication processes.

In the fourth example, the first functional unit may determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on identification information of the terminal device.

In which, regardless of whether the terminal device perceives the second functional unit, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device by referring to the above-mentioned first example, second example or third example during a communication process, and save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the identification information of the terminal device, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit. The mapping relationship between information, or the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, or the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, and the identification information of the second functional unit, or the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit is saved, so as to facilitate the routing and forwarding of information between the terminal device and the second functional unit according to the saved mapping relationship in the subsequent communication process.

In the second possible design, taking the example of multiple entities of the same type/capability second functional unit, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on one or more of the following four examples.

The existence of at least two second functional units corresponds to the same type/capability, or is described as the existence of at least two second functional units providing the same function. For example, as shown in FIG12 or FIG13 , second functional unit 1 and second functional unit 2 provide computing functions, second functional unit 3 and second functional unit 4 provide data functions, second functional unit 5 and second functional unit 6 provide intelligent functions, and second functional unit 7 and second functional unit 8 provide perception functions.

In the first example, the first functional unit may determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit.

Among them, the first functional unit can determine one or more categories of second functional units for the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of each second functional unit and terminal device information such as the type information of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, or the capability information of the terminal device. The first functional unit can also determine a second functional unit for the terminal device in each category of second functional units based on the load information, power consumption information, etc. of each second functional unit in the one or more categories of second functional units (such as determining a second functional unit with a lower load as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device).

The second functional units of the same type provide the same functions, and each type of second functional unit may include one or more second functional units.

For example, taking the second functional unit including the second functional unit 1 and the second functional unit 2 for providing computing functions, the second functional unit 3 and the second functional unit 4 for providing data functions, the second functional unit 5 and the second functional unit 6 for providing intelligent functions, and the second functional unit 7 and the second functional unit 8 for providing perception functions as shown in Figure 12, when the type information of the terminal device indicates computing, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit with a lower load among the second functional unit 1 and the second functional unit 2 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or, when the business information of the terminal device indicates intelligence, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit with a lower load among the second functional unit 5 and the second functional unit 6 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or, when the capability information of the terminal device indicates data and computing, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit with a lower load among the second functional unit 3 and the second functional unit 4, and the second functional unit with a lower load among the second functional unit 1 and the second functional unit 2 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device.

Optionally, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the terminal device may also indicate the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit expected by the terminal device to the first functional unit. The first functional unit determines the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit expected by the terminal device and the load information, power consumption information, etc. of each second functional unit corresponding to the type/capability identification information.

Optionally, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the first functional unit can also indicate the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device to the terminal device after determining the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device. The terminal device can carry the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device in the sent information during subsequent communication. The first functional unit determines the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit carried in the information sent by the terminal device, combined with the load information, power consumption information, etc. of each second functional unit corresponding to the type/capability identification information, and forwards the information of the terminal device to the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device.

Optionally, regardless of whether the terminal device perceives the second functional unit, the first functional unit can save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit after determining the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, so as to facilitate the routing and forwarding of information between the terminal device and the second functional unit in the subsequent communication process based on the mapping relationship and the load information, power consumption information, etc. of each second functional unit corresponding to the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit in the mapping relationship.

In the second example, the first functional unit may determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device according to the task identification information.

Among them, the first functional unit can determine one or more categories of second functional units for the task of the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of each second functional unit and according to the task identification information of the terminal device. The first functional unit can also determine a second functional unit for the task of the terminal device in each category of second functional units based on the load information, power consumption information, etc. of each second functional unit in the one or more categories of second functional units (such as determining the second functional unit with a lower load as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device).

It is understandable that different tasks of the same terminal device may correspond to second functional units of different types/capabilities, or may correspond to Different second functional units among multiple second functional units of the same type/capability, or the same second functional unit among multiple second functional units of the same type/capability, are not limited.

In addition, for different terminal devices that perform the same task, the corresponding second functional units may be the same when the different terminal devices perform the same task.

For example, taking the second functional unit including the second functional unit 1 and the second functional unit 2 for providing computing functions, the second functional unit 3 and the second functional unit 4 for providing data functions, the second functional unit 5 and the second functional unit 6 for providing intelligent functions, and the second functional unit 7 and the second functional unit 8 for providing perception functions as shown in Figure 13, when the task identification information of the terminal device indicates a computing task, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit with a lower load among the second functional unit 1 and the second functional unit 2 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or, when the task identification information of the terminal device indicates an intelligent task, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit with a lower load among the second functional unit 5 and the second functional unit 6 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or, when the task identification information of the terminal device indicates a data task and a computing task, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit with a lower load among the second functional unit 3 and the second functional unit 4, and the second functional unit with a lower load among the second functional unit 1 and the second functional unit 2 as the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device.

Optionally, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the terminal device may also indicate to the first functional unit the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit expected by the terminal device's task based on the task identification information. The first functional unit determines the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit expected by the terminal device's task, combined with the load information, power consumption information, etc. of each second functional unit corresponding to the type/capability identification information.

Optionally, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the first functional unit can also indicate the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device to the terminal device after determining the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device. The terminal device can carry the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device in the sent information during subsequent communication. The first functional unit determines the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit carried in the information sent by the terminal device, combined with the load information, power consumption information, etc. of each second functional unit corresponding to the type/capability identification information, and forwards the information of the terminal device to the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device.

Optionally, regardless of whether the terminal device perceives the second functional unit, the first functional unit can save the mapping relationship between the task identification information and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit after determining the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, so as to facilitate the routing and forwarding of information between the terminal device and the second functional unit in subsequent communication processes based on the saved mapping relationship and the load information, power consumption information, etc. of each second functional unit corresponding to the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit in the mapping relationship.

In the third example, the first functional unit may determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the identification information of the second functional unit.

Among them, when the terminal device can perceive the second functional unit, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device by referring to the above-mentioned first example or second example during a communication process, and then indicate the identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device to the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can carry the identification information of the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device in the sent information during subsequent communications, and the first functional unit forwards the information of the terminal device to the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on the identification information of the second functional unit carried in the information sent by the terminal device.

Alternatively, regardless of whether the terminal device perceives the second functional unit, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device by referring to the first example or the second example mentioned above during a communication process, and then save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the task identification information and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the task identification information, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit, so as to facilitate the routing and forwarding of information between the terminal device and the second functional unit according to the saved mapping relationship in subsequent communication processes.

In the fourth example, the first functional unit may determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device based on identification information of the terminal device.

Wherein, regardless of whether the terminal device perceives the second functional unit, the first functional unit can determine the second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device by referring to the above-mentioned first example, second example or third example during a communication process, and save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, or save the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the second functional unit. The mapping relationship between them is saved, or the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit is saved, or the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, and the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit is saved, or the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, and the identification information of the second functional unit is saved, or the mapping relationship between the identification information of the terminal device, the task identification information, the type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, and the identification information of the second functional unit is saved, so as to facilitate the routing and forwarding of information between the terminal device and the second functional unit according to the saved mapping relationship in the subsequent communication process.

In combination with the communication method shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 and the two possible designs described above, optionally, when the terminal device sends the first indication information to the first functional unit, one or more of the following may be carried in the first indication information: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information. The first functional unit may determine the second functional unit based on the first indication information and send the second air interface information to the second functional unit. Alternatively, when the terminal device sends the fourth air interface information to the first functional unit, one or more of the following may be carried in the fourth air interface information: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information. The first functional unit may determine the second functional unit based on the fourth air interface information and send the second inter-station interface information to the second functional unit.

Based on the above description of the communication between the terminal device, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit, optionally, the terminal device, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit can refer to the method shown in Figure 14 below to establish an air interface bearer and a ground tunnel, and communicate based on the established air interface bearer and the ground tunnel.

FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG14 , the method may include:

Step 1401: The second functional unit sends a first request to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the first request from the second functional unit.

The first request is used to request the establishment of an air interface bearer between the second functional unit and the terminal device.

Optionally, the second functional unit may carry the first request in air interface information or inter-station interface information and send it to the first functional unit.

Step 1402: The first functional unit sends a first request to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first request from the first functional unit.

The first functional unit may carry the first request in the air interface information and send it to the terminal device.

Step 1403: The second functional unit establishes an air interface bearer with the terminal device.

Step 1404: The first functional unit sends a second request to the terminal device; accordingly, the terminal device receives the second request from the first functional unit.

The second request is used to request the establishment of an air interface bearer between the first functional unit and the terminal device.

The first functional unit may carry the second request in the air interface information and send it to the terminal device.

Step 1405: The first functional unit establishes an air interface bearer with the terminal device.

Step 1406: The second functional unit sends a third request to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the third request from the second functional unit.

The third request is used to request establishment of a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit.

Optionally, the third request may include identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information.

The second functional unit may carry the third request in air interface information or inter-station interface information and send it to the first functional unit.

Step 1407: The first functional unit and the second functional unit establish a ground tunnel.

Optionally, when the third request includes identification information of a terminal device, the first functional unit and the second functional unit may establish a ground tunnel corresponding to the terminal device (or describe the ground tunnel as being at the terminal device granularity). Alternatively, when the third request includes task identification information, the first functional unit and the second functional unit may establish a ground tunnel corresponding to the task (or describe the ground tunnel as being at the task granularity). The task may be a task on the terminal device side, or a task on the network side, without limitation.

Alternatively, the above steps 1406 to 1407 may be replaced by the following steps 1408 to 1409:

Step 1408: The first functional unit sends a fourth request to the second functional unit; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives the fourth request from the first functional unit.

The fourth request is used to request establishment of a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit.

Optionally, the fourth request may include identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information.

The first functional unit may carry the fourth request in air interface information or inter-station interface information and send it to the second functional unit.

Step 1409: The first functional unit and the second functional unit establish a ground tunnel.

Optionally, when the fourth request includes identification information of a terminal device, the first functional unit and the second functional unit may establish a ground tunnel corresponding to the terminal device (or describe the ground tunnel as being at the granularity of the terminal device). Alternatively, when the fourth request includes task identification information, the first functional unit and the second functional unit may establish a ground tunnel corresponding to the task (or describe the ground tunnel as being at the granularity of the task). The task may be a task on the terminal device side, or a task on the network side, without limitation.

Optionally, FIG14 may further include the following step 1410:

Step 1410: The terminal device, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit communicate based on the air interface bearer and the ground tunnel.

Among them, the terminal device and the second functional unit can communicate through the air interface bearer established in step 1403, the terminal device and the first functional unit can communicate through the air interface bearer established in step 1405, and the first functional unit and the second functional unit can communicate through the ground tunnel established in step 1407 or step 1409.

For example, taking the example of a terminal device participating in a federated training task triggered by the network side, the terminal device can send gradient information to the first functional unit via the air interface bearer between the terminal device and the first functional unit. Alternatively, the terminal device can also send gradient information to the first functional unit via the air interface bearer between the terminal device and the first functional unit, and the first functional unit sends the gradient information of the terminal device to the second functional unit through a ground tunnel. Alternatively, the terminal device can also send gradient information to the second functional unit via the air interface bearer between the terminal device and the second functional unit.

The gradient information may refer to data to be transmitted of the intelligent task, and the second functional unit may refer to a second functional unit for providing an intelligent function.

Optionally, as shown in step 1400 in FIG. 14 , the terminal device may initiate a service request to trigger the terminal device, the first functional unit, and the second functional unit to establish an air interface bearer and a ground tunnel through the method shown in FIG. 14 .

Among them, the terminal device can initiate a service request through air interface information.

It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, there is no restriction on the order of establishing the air interface bearer between the terminal device and the first functional unit, the air interface bearer between the terminal device and the second functional unit, and the ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit.

Based on the above description, in an embodiment of the present application, multi-factor collaboration at the terminal device granularity can also be provided to improve network performance.

Among them, multi-factor collaboration at the terminal device granularity refers to the coordinated scheduling of computing, data, perception, connection and other resources that provide services to the terminal device, or can be described as the coordinated scheduling between the various functional units (such as the first functional unit and the second functional unit) that provide services to the terminal device. To achieve real-time multi-factor collaboration at the terminal device granularity, an information synchronization mechanism must be provided between the various functional units. The granularity of information synchronization can be the terminal device granularity, the task granularity on the terminal device side, the task granularity on the network side, etc., without restriction.

For example, taking the AI task in which the terminal device participates in the network as an example, the network side can provide the terminal device with a corresponding AI model so that the terminal device can assist the network side in reasoning and send the reasoning results to the network side for use. When the computing load of the terminal device is relatively high, the network side can send a smaller AI model to the terminal device, thereby reducing the computing load of the terminal device; from the network side, the second functional unit that needs to provide intelligent functions subscribes to the computing load information related to the terminal device from the second functional unit that provides computing functions, so as to coordinate between models and calculations and improve network performance.

In another example, taking the example of a terminal device participating in a federated learning task triggered by the network side, the terminal device needs to report its own gradient information to the network side so that the network side can update and train the model based on the gradient information reported by multiple terminal devices. When the connection status of the terminal device changes from good to bad (for example, moving from the center of the cell to the edge of the cell), the network side can reduce the excessive consumption of network connection bandwidth by adjusting the accuracy of the gradient reported by the terminal device. From the network side, the second functional unit that needs to provide intelligent functions subscribes to the connection status information of the terminal device from the first functional unit, so that the second functional unit that provides intelligent functions can adjust the size of the model used accordingly based on the latest connection status of the terminal device, thereby achieving coordination between the model and the connection and improving network performance.

Based on this, the second functional unit can refer to the communication method shown in Figure 15 below to determine the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device from the first functional unit, and refer to the method shown in Figure 16 to synchronize information with the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device to achieve multi-factor collaboration and improve network performance.

FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG15 , the method may include:

Step 1501: The second functional unit sends a fifth request to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the fifth request from the second functional unit.

The fifth request is used to request to obtain identification information of the terminal device and/or the functional unit corresponding to the task, and the fifth request includes the identification information of the terminal device and/or the task identification information.

The first functional unit can serve as the allocation node of the second functional unit and maintain the mapping relationship between the terminal device and the second functional unit, supporting the mechanism of querying the corresponding second functional unit according to the identification information of the terminal device. Alternatively, the first functional unit can also maintain any The mapping relationship between the task and the second functional unit supports a mechanism for querying the corresponding second functional unit according to the task identification information.

The second functional unit supports a mechanism for querying the first functional unit for the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device or task. Based on this mechanism, the second functional unit can send a fifth request to the first functional unit.

Step 1502: The first functional unit sends a fifth response to the second functional unit; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives the fifth response from the first functional unit.

The fifth response may include identification information of the terminal device and/or the functional unit corresponding to the task.

Among them, the first functional unit can determine the identification information of the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device or task according to the maintained mapping relationship, and indicate it to the second functional unit through the fifth response.

Based on the method shown in Figure 15 above, optionally, the first functional unit can provide connection information of the terminal device and support information synchronization through a subscription mechanism or a broadcast mechanism. The information synchronization can be periodic synchronization or event notification synchronization (for example, when the reference signal received power (RSRP) is less than a preset threshold, or the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) is less than a preset threshold, information synchronization is triggered when an event occurs).

Among them, after successfully providing services to the terminal device, the first functional unit can broadcast the service information subscribed by the terminal device so that each second functional unit can know the latest subscription information of the terminal device and perform on-demand information subscription and synchronization with other functional units corresponding to the terminal device.

Similarly, the second functional unit may provide functional information of the terminal device and support a mechanism for subscribing to the functional information corresponding to the terminal device and/or the functional unit corresponding to the task.

For example, the second functional unit providing computing function can provide functional information such as computing power, number of computing tasks, and computing load; the second functional unit providing data function can provide functional information such as data capacity, number of data tasks, and size of data storage space; the second functional unit providing intelligent function can provide functional information such as model size, type, performance indicators (accuracy, latency...) currently used by the terminal device; the second functional unit providing perception function can provide functional information such as perception performance indicators (such as accuracy) and perception type currently used by the terminal device.

For example, as shown in FIG16 , the second functional unit may send a sixth request to the first functional unit. The sixth request may be used to request connection information of the terminal device, and the sixth request may include identification information of the terminal device. The first functional unit may send a sixth response to the second functional unit based on the sixth request; the sixth response may include the connection information of the terminal device.

In another example, as shown in FIG16 , the second functional unit may further send a ninth request to the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device and/or task (such as another second functional unit in FIG16 ) based on the fifth response sent by the first functional unit. The ninth request is used to request functional information of the terminal device and/or task, and the ninth request includes identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information. The other second functional unit may send a ninth response to the second functional unit based on the ninth request; the ninth response may include functional information of the terminal device and/or task.

In the embodiment of the present application, the first functional unit and the second functional unit each maintain the context information of the terminal device. When the terminal device moves, the migration process of the context of the terminal device can be as shown in Figures 17 to 24 below.

FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a communication scenario in which a terminal device in a connected state performs cell handover. In the communication scenario, the source network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a first functional unit and a second functional unit, and the target network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a target first functional unit and a target second functional unit. As shown in FIG17 , the method may include:

Step 1701: The first functional unit sends a seventh request to the second functional unit; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives the seventh request from the first functional unit.

The seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device.

Optionally, the terminal device may send a measurement report to the first functional unit. When the first functional unit determines that the terminal device needs to be switched to the target network side based on the measurement report, the first functional unit may send a seventh request to the second functional unit.

Step 1702: The second functional unit sends the context information of the terminal device to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the context information of the terminal device from the second functional unit.

Among them, since the source network side adopts a modular design of the first functional unit and the second functional unit, it is no longer a source station node that provides services to the terminal device, but may be multiple functional nodes on the source network side. Before the source network side sends a switching request to the target network side, the first functional unit and the second functional unit on the source network side can migrate the context of the terminal device, so that the context of the terminal device maintained by each second functional unit is first transferred to the first functional unit, and then transferred from the first functional node to the target first functional unit or the target second functional unit. The fundamental reason for doing this is to assume that there is no direct connection between the second functional unit and the target first functional unit or the target second functional unit, and the switching request/decision is uniformly executed by the first functional unit and the target first functional unit, which can avoid multi-function. Additional synchronization issues required under unit decision-making and execution.

Step 1703: The first functional unit sends a handover request to the target first functional unit; correspondingly, the target first functional unit receives the handover request from the first functional unit.

The switching request includes context information of the terminal device; the context information of the terminal device may include context information of the terminal device in the first functional unit and context information of the terminal device in the second functional unit.

Step 1704: The target first functional unit sends a handover response to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the handover response from the target first functional unit.

The switching response includes configuration information of the target second functional unit.

Among them, after receiving the handover request, the target first functional unit can forward the context information of the terminal device to the target second functional unit, and the target first functional unit and the target second functional unit can negotiate the handover request of the terminal device (such as accepting or rejecting the handover request of the terminal device). After the target first functional unit accepts the terminal device, the target first functional unit can carry the configuration information of the target second functional unit in the handover response and send it to the terminal device through the first functional unit. The configuration information of the target second functional unit can be generated by the target first functional unit and/or the target second functional unit.

Step 1705: The first functional unit sends a switching command to the terminal device according to the switching response; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the switching command from the first functional unit.

The switching command includes configuration information of the target second functional unit.

Among them, if the target network side can accommodate the terminal device, the first functional unit can send a switching command to the terminal device. After receiving the switching command, the terminal device disconnects from the first functional unit and attempts to access the target first functional unit.

Optionally, the first functional unit and the second functional unit may further forward service data cache related to the terminal device to the target first functional unit and the target second functional unit to ensure service continuity.

For example, the first functional unit may send configuration information of the target second functional unit to the second functional unit, and the second functional unit may send the service data of the terminal device to the target second functional unit based on the configuration information of the target second functional unit. Alternatively, the second functional unit may send the service data of the terminal device to the first functional unit, and the first functional unit may send the service data of the terminal device to the target first functional unit, and the target first functional unit may then send the service data of the terminal device to the target second functional unit.

Different from the above-mentioned FIG. 17 in which the target network side includes a target first functional unit and a target second functional unit, as shown in FIG. 18 , the target network side may also include a target network device.

FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a communication scenario in which a terminal device in a connected state performs cell handover. In the communication scenario, the source network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a first functional unit and a second functional unit, and the target network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a target network device. As shown in FIG18 , the method may include:

Step 1801: The first functional unit sends a seventh request to the second functional unit; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives the seventh request from the first functional unit.

The seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device.

Optionally, the terminal device may send a measurement report to the first functional unit. When the first functional unit determines that the terminal device needs to be switched to the target network side based on the measurement report, the first functional unit may send a seventh request to the second functional unit.

Step 1802: The second functional unit sends the context information of the terminal device to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the context information of the terminal device from the second functional unit.

Among them, since the source network side adopts a modular design of the first functional unit and the second functional unit, it is no longer a source station node that provides services to the terminal device, but may be multiple functional nodes on the source network side. Before the source network side sends a switching request to the target network device, the first functional unit and the second functional unit on the source network side can migrate the context of the terminal device, so that the context of the terminal device maintained by each second functional unit is first transferred to the first functional unit, and then transferred from the first functional node to the target network device. The fundamental reason for doing this is to assume that there is no direct connection between the second functional unit and the target network device, and the switching request/decision is uniformly executed by the first functional unit and the target network device, which can avoid the additional synchronization problems required for the decision and execution of the multi-functional units.

Step 1803: The first functional unit sends a switching request to the target network device; correspondingly, the target network device receives the switching request from the first functional unit.

The switching request includes context information of the terminal device; the context information of the terminal device may include context information of the terminal device in the first functional unit and context information of the terminal device in the second functional unit.

Step 1804: The target network device sends a handover response to the first functional unit; in response, the first functional unit receives a handover response from the target network device. Switching response of the device.

The switching response includes configuration information of the target network device.

After receiving the handover request, the target network device can determine whether to accept or reject the handover request of the terminal device based on the context information of the terminal device. After the target network device accepts the terminal device, the target network device can carry the configuration information of the target network device in the handover response and send it to the terminal device through the first functional unit.

Step 1805: The first functional unit sends a switching command to the terminal device according to the switching response; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the switching command from the first functional unit.

The switching command includes configuration information of the target network device.

If the target network device can accommodate the terminal device, the first functional unit may send a switching command to the terminal device. After receiving the switching command, the terminal device disconnects from the first functional unit and attempts to access the target network device.

Optionally, the first functional unit and the second functional unit may further forward the service data cache related to the terminal device to the target network device to ensure service continuity.

For example, the first functional unit may send configuration information of the target network device to the second functional unit, and the second functional unit may send the service data of the terminal device to the target network device based on the configuration information of the target network device. Alternatively, the second functional unit may send the service data of the terminal device to the first functional unit, and the first functional unit may send the service data of the terminal device to the target network device.

Different from the above-mentioned FIG. 17 or FIG. 18 in which the source network side includes the first functional unit and the second functional unit, as shown in FIG. 19 , the first functional unit and the second functional unit may also serve as the target network side.

FIG19 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a communication scenario in which a terminal device in a connected state performs cell handover. In the communication scenario, the source network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a source first functional unit and a source second functional unit, and the target network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a first functional unit and a second functional unit. As shown in FIG19 , the method may include:

Step 1901: The source first functional unit sends a seventh request to the source second functional unit; correspondingly, the source second functional unit receives the seventh request from the source first functional unit.

The seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device.

Optionally, the terminal device may send a measurement report to the source first functional unit. When the source first functional unit determines that the terminal device needs to be switched to the target network side based on the measurement report, the source first functional unit may send a seventh request to the source second functional unit.

Step 1902: The source second functional unit sends the context information of the terminal device to the source first functional unit; correspondingly, the source first functional unit receives the context information of the terminal device from the source second functional unit.

Among them, since the source network side adopts a modular design of the first functional unit and the second functional unit, it is no longer a source station node that provides services to the terminal device, but may be multiple functional nodes on the source network side. Before the source network side sends a switching request to the target network side, the source first functional unit and the source second functional unit on the source network side can migrate the context of the terminal device, so that the context of the terminal device maintained by each source second functional unit is first transferred to the source first functional unit, and then transferred from the source first functional node to the first functional unit or the second functional unit. The fundamental reason for doing this is to assume that there is no direct connection between the source second functional unit and the first functional unit or the second functional unit, and the switching request/decision is uniformly executed by the source first functional unit and the first functional unit, which can avoid the additional synchronization problems required for the decision and execution of the multi-functional units.

Step 1903: The source first functional unit sends a switching request to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the switching request from the source first functional unit.

The handover request includes context information of the terminal device; the context information of the terminal device may include context information of the terminal device in the source first functional unit and context information of the terminal device in the source second functional unit.

Step 1904: The first functional unit sends a handover response to the source first functional unit; correspondingly, the source first functional unit receives the handover response from the first functional unit.

The switching response includes configuration information of the second functional unit.

After receiving the handover request, the first functional unit may forward the context information of the terminal device to the second functional unit, and the first functional unit and the second functional unit may negotiate the handover request of the terminal device (such as accepting or rejecting the handover request of the terminal device). After the first functional unit accepts the terminal device, the first functional unit may carry the configuration information of the second functional unit in the handover response and send it to the terminal device through the source first functional unit. The configuration information of the second functional unit may be generated by the first functional unit and/or the second functional unit.

Step 1905: The source first functional unit sends a switching command to the terminal device according to the switching response; accordingly, the terminal device receives the switching command from the source. A switching command of the first functional unit.

The switching command includes configuration information of the second functional unit.

Among them, if the target network side can accommodate the terminal device, the source first functional unit can send a switching command to the terminal device. After receiving the switching command, the terminal device disconnects from the source first functional unit and attempts to access the first functional unit.

Optionally, the source first functional unit and the source second functional unit may further forward the service data cache related to the terminal device to the first functional unit and the second functional unit to ensure service continuity.

For example, the source first functional unit may send configuration information of the second functional unit to the source second functional unit, and the source second functional unit may send the service data of the terminal device to the second functional unit based on the configuration information of the second functional unit. Alternatively, the source second functional unit may send the service data of the terminal device to the source first functional unit, and the source first functional unit may send the service data of the terminal device to the first functional unit, which may then send the service data of the terminal device to the second functional unit.

Different from the above-mentioned FIG19 in which the source network side includes a source first functional unit and a source second functional unit, as shown in FIG20 , the source network side may also include a source network device.

FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a communication scenario in which a terminal device in a connected state performs cell handover. In the communication scenario, the source network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a source network device, and the target network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a first functional unit and a second functional unit. As shown in FIG20 , the method may include:

Step 2001: The source network device sends a switching request to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the switching request from the source network device.

The switching request includes context information of the terminal device.

Optionally, the terminal device may send a measurement report to the source network device. When the source network device determines that the terminal device needs to be switched to the target network side based on the measurement report, the source network device may send a switching request to the first functional unit.

Step 2002: The first functional unit sends a switching response to the source network device; correspondingly, the source network device receives the switching response from the first functional unit.

The switching response includes configuration information of the second functional unit.

After receiving the handover request, the first functional unit may forward the context information of the terminal device to the second functional unit, and the first functional unit and the second functional unit may negotiate the handover request of the terminal device (such as accepting or rejecting the handover request of the terminal device). After the first functional unit accepts the terminal device, the first functional unit may carry the configuration information of the second functional unit in the handover response and send it to the terminal device through the source network device. The configuration information of the second functional unit may be generated by the first functional unit and/or the second functional unit.

Step 2003: The source network device sends a switching command to the terminal device according to the switching response; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the switching command from the source network device.

The switching command includes configuration information of the second functional unit.

If the target network side can accommodate the terminal device, the source network device can send a switching command to the terminal device. After receiving the switching command, the terminal device disconnects from the source network device and attempts to access the first functional unit.

Optionally, the source network device may further forward service data cache related to the terminal device to the first functional unit and the second functional unit to ensure service continuity.

For example, the source network device may send the service data of the terminal device to the second functional unit according to the configuration information of the second functional unit. Alternatively, the source network device may send the service data of the terminal device to the first functional unit, which then sends the service data of the terminal device to the second functional unit.

Different from the above-mentioned Figures 17 to 20 which illustrate the context migration process of the terminal device by taking the communication scenario of a connected terminal device performing cell switching as an example, as shown in Figure 21, the context migration process of the terminal device can also be illustrated by taking the communication scenario of an inactive terminal device switching to a connected state as an example.

FIG21 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a communication scenario in which a terminal device in an inactive state switches to a connected state. In the communication scenario, the old network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a first functional unit and a second functional unit, and the new network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a new first functional unit and a new second functional unit. As shown in FIG21 , the method may include:

Step 2101: The new first functional unit sends a context acquisition request to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the context acquisition request from the new first functional unit.

The context acquisition request includes identification information of the terminal device.

Among them, after the terminal device in the inactive state switches from the previous connected state to the inactive state, the context information of the terminal device can continue to be saved. At the same time, the old network side will also save the context information of the terminal device, so that when the terminal device moves to the new network side and tries to switch to the connected state, the new network side can request the context information of the terminal device from the old network side, thereby reducing the re-authentication, key update and other operations required for the terminal device to switch from the idle state to the connected state, so that the terminal device in the inactive state has a lower delay to enter the connected state than the terminal device in the idle state, and less signaling leads to lower energy consumption.

Optionally, the terminal device may send an eighth request to the new first functional unit; the eighth request is used to request to switch to a connected state, and the new first functional unit may send a context acquisition request to the first functional unit according to the eighth request.

Step 2102: The first functional unit sends a seventh request to the second functional unit; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives the seventh request from the first functional unit.

The seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device.

Step 2103: The second functional unit sends the context information of the terminal device to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the context information of the terminal device from the second functional unit.

Step 2104: The first functional unit sends the context information of the terminal device to the new first functional unit; correspondingly, the new first functional unit receives the context information of the terminal device from the first functional unit.

The context information of the terminal device includes the context information of the terminal device in the first functional unit and the context information of the terminal device in the second functional unit.

After the new first functional unit successfully obtains the context information of the terminal device from the first functional unit, the terminal device may be configured according to the context information of the terminal device so that the terminal device enters the connected state.

Different from the above-mentioned FIG21 in which the new network side includes a new first functional unit and a new second functional unit, as shown in FIG22 , the new network side may also include a first network device (or may also be described as a new network device).

FIG22 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a communication scenario in which a terminal device in an inactive state switches to a connected state. In the communication scenario, the old network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a first functional unit and a second functional unit, and the new network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a first network device. As shown in FIG22 , the method may include:

Step 2201: A first network device sends a context acquisition request to a first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the context acquisition request from the first network device.

The context acquisition request includes identification information of the terminal device.

Optionally, the terminal device may send an eighth request to the first network device; the eighth request is used to request to switch to a connected state, and the first network device may send a context acquisition request to the first functional unit according to the eighth request.

Step 2202: The first functional unit sends a seventh request to the second functional unit; correspondingly, the second functional unit receives the seventh request from the first functional unit.

The seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device.

Step 2203: The second functional unit sends the context information of the terminal device to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the context information of the terminal device from the second functional unit.

Step 2204: The first functional unit sends the context information of the terminal device to the first network device; correspondingly, the first network device receives the context information of the terminal device from the first functional unit.

The context information of the terminal device includes the context information of the terminal device in the first functional unit and the context information of the terminal device in the second functional unit.

After the first network device successfully obtains the context information of the terminal device from the first functional unit, the terminal device may be configured according to the context information of the terminal device so that the terminal device enters a connected state.

Different from the above-mentioned FIG. 21 or FIG. 22 in which the old network side includes the first functional unit and the second functional unit, as shown in FIG. 23 , the first functional unit and the second functional unit may also serve as the new network side.

FIG23 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a communication scenario in which a terminal device in an inactive state switches to a connected state. In the communication scenario, the old network side corresponding to the terminal device may include an old first functional unit and an old second functional unit, and the new network side corresponding to the terminal device may include the first functional unit and the second functional unit. As shown in FIG23 , the method may include:

Step 2301: The terminal device sends an eighth request to the first functional unit; in response, the first functional unit receives the eighth request from the terminal device. ask.

The eighth request is used to request to enter the connected state.

Step 2302: The first functional unit sends a context acquisition request to the old first functional unit; correspondingly, the old first functional unit receives the context acquisition request from the first functional unit.

The context acquisition request includes identification information of the terminal device.

Step 2303: The old first functional unit sends the seventh request to the old second functional unit; correspondingly, the old second functional unit receives the seventh request from the old first functional unit.

The seventh request is used to request to obtain the context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes the identification information of the terminal device.

Step 2304: The old second functional unit sends the context information of the terminal device to the old first functional unit; correspondingly, the old first functional unit receives the context information of the terminal device from the old second functional unit.

Step 2305: The old first functional unit sends the context information of the terminal device to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the context information of the terminal device from the old first functional unit.

The context information of the terminal device includes the context information of the terminal device in the old first functional unit and the context information of the terminal device in the old second functional unit.

After the first functional unit successfully obtains the context information of the terminal device from the old first functional unit, the terminal device may be configured according to the context information of the terminal device so that the terminal device enters the connected state.

Optionally, the first functional unit may further send the context information of the terminal device in the old second functional unit to the second functional unit.

Different from the above-mentioned FIG. 23 in which the old network side includes the old first functional unit and the old second functional unit, as shown in FIG. 24 , the old network side may also include a second network device (or may also be described as an old network device).

FIG24 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a communication scenario in which a terminal device in an inactive state switches to a connected state. In the communication scenario, the old network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a second network device, and the new network side corresponding to the terminal device may include a first functional unit and a second functional unit. As shown in FIG23 , the method may include:

Step 2401: The terminal device sends an eighth request to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the eighth request from the terminal device.

The eighth request is used to request to enter the connected state.

Step 2402: The first functional unit sends a context acquisition request to the second network device; correspondingly, the second network device receives the context acquisition request from the first functional unit.

The context acquisition request includes identification information of the terminal device.

Step 2403: The second network device sends the context information of the terminal device to the first functional unit; correspondingly, the first functional unit receives the context information of the terminal device from the second network device.

After the first functional unit successfully obtains the context information of the terminal device from the second network device, it can configure the terminal device according to the context information of the terminal device so that the terminal device enters the connected state.

Optionally, the first functional unit may further send context information of the terminal device in the second network device to the second functional unit.

Based on the above description, since the embodiment of the present application adopts a decoupling design of the first functional unit and the second functional unit, when the connection status of the terminal device changes, the first functional unit and the second functional unit need to be updated synchronously.

Exemplarily, as shown in FIG25 , when the terminal device enters the idle state, the first functional unit may send a second indication message to the second functional unit; wherein the second indication message is used to indicate the release of the context information of the terminal device. Alternatively, when the terminal device enters the inactive state, the first functional unit may send a third indication message to the second functional unit; wherein the third indication message is used to indicate the suspension of the context information of the terminal device. Alternatively, when the terminal device enters the connected state, the first functional unit may send a fourth indication message to the second functional unit; wherein the fourth indication message is used to indicate the restoration of the context information of the terminal device. Alternatively, when the wireless link of the terminal device fails/the cell handover fails/the cell reconstruction fails, the first functional unit may send a second indication message to the second functional unit; wherein the second indication message is used to indicate the release of the context information of the terminal device.

It should be noted that the above description is based on the example of splitting the network equipment into a first functional unit and one or more second functional units. It can be understood that the core network equipment can also be split into a third functional unit and one or more fourth functional units. Multiple fourth functional units can more flexibly support various types of services and improve communication performance.

The description of the third functional unit and the fourth functional unit can refer to the description of the first functional unit and the second functional unit. The difference is that the air interface information can be replaced by NAS information, and the inter-station interface information can be replaced by Ng information to adapt to the above. Used on the core network side.

It should be noted that the various embodiments of this application can be implemented independently or in combination, without limitation. Unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and/or descriptions of the different embodiments provided in this application are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

It is understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the execution subject may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of the present application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present application may also perform other operations or variations of various operations. In addition, the various steps may be performed in a different order than those presented in the embodiments of the present application, and it is possible that not all operations in the embodiments of the present application need to be performed.

The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of interaction between devices. It is understandable that, in order to realize the above functions, each device includes a hardware structure and/or software module corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware 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.

The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional modules of each device according to the above method examples. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

In the case of dividing each functional module according to each function, Figure 26 shows a communication device 260, which can execute the actions performed by the first functional unit in the method shown in Figures 6 to 25 above, or execute the actions performed by the second functional unit in the method shown in Figures 6 to 25 above, or execute the actions performed by the terminal device in the method shown in Figures 6 to 25 above. All relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and the technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

The communication device 260 may include a transceiver module 2601 and a processing module 2602. Exemplarily, the communication device 260 may be a communication device, or a chip used in a communication device, or other combined device or component having the aforementioned communication device functionality. When the communication device 260 is a communication device, the transceiver module 2601 may be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits, etc.; the processing module 2602 may be a processor (or processing circuit), such as a baseband processor, which may include one or more CPUs. When the communication device 260 is a component having the aforementioned communication device functionality, the transceiver module 2601 may be a radio frequency unit; the processing module 2602 may be a processor (or processing circuit), such as a baseband processor. When the communication device 260 is a system-on-chip (SoC), the transceiver module 2601 may be the input/output interface of the chip (e.g., a baseband chip); the processing module 2602 may be the system-on-chip's processor (or processing circuit), which may include one or more central processing units. It should be understood that the transceiver module 2601 in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit component; the processing module 2602 can be implemented by a processor or a processor-related circuit component (or, referred to as a processing circuit).

For example, the transceiver module 2601 can be used to perform all transceiver operations performed by the communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 25, and/or to support other processes of the technology described herein; the processing module 2602 can be used to perform all operations other than transceiver operations performed by the communication device in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 25, and/or to support other processes of the technology described herein.

As another possible implementation, the transceiver module 2601 in FIG26 can be replaced by a transceiver that integrates the functionality of the transceiver module 2601; the processing module 2602 can be replaced by a processor that integrates the functionality of the processing module 2602. Furthermore, the communication device 260 shown in FIG26 can also include a memory.

Alternatively, when the processing module 2602 is replaced by a processor and the transceiver module 2601 is replaced by a transceiver, the communication device 260 involved in the embodiment of the present application can also be the communication device 270 shown in Figure 27.

The processor may be a logic circuit 2701, and the transceiver may be an interface circuit 2702. Furthermore, the communication device 270 shown in FIG27 may further include a memory 2703.

The present application also provides a communication device 2800 as shown in FIG28 . The communication device 2800 can be a terminal device or a chip or system-on-chip in a terminal device; or a network device or a chip or system-on-chip in a network device. As shown in FIG28 , the communication device 2800 includes a processor 2801 , a transceiver 2802 , and a communication line 2803 .

Furthermore, the communication device 2800 may further include a memory 2804 . The processor 2801 , the memory 2804 and the transceiver 2802 may be connected via a communication line 2803 .

The processor 2801 is a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, and a network processor. Processor 2801 may be any processor, including a microprocessor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. Processor 2801 may also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

Transceiver 2802 is used to communicate with other devices or other communication networks. Such other communication networks may be Ethernet, radio access networks (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. Transceiver 2802 may be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any other device capable of communication.

The communication line 2803 is used to transmit information between the various components included in the communication device 2800.

The memory 2804 is used to store instructions, where the instructions may be computer programs.

Among them, the memory 2804 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and/or instructions, or a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and/or instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

It should be noted that memory 2804 can exist independently of processor 2801 or can be integrated with processor 2801. Memory 2804 can be used to store instructions, program code, or data. Memory 2804 can be located within or outside of communication device 2800, without limitation. Processor 2801 is configured to execute instructions stored in memory 2804 to implement the methods provided in the following embodiments of this application.

In one example, the processor 2801 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG. 28 .

As an optional implementation, the communication device 2800 includes multiple processors. For example, in addition to the processor 2801 in Figure 28, it may also include a processor 2807.

As an optional implementation, the communication device 2800 further includes an output device 2805 and an input device 2806. For example, the input device 2806 is a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a joystick, and the output device 2805 is a display screen, a speaker, or the like.

It should be noted that communication device 2800 may be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a network server, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal, an embedded device, a chip system, or a device having a structure similar to that shown in FIG28 . Furthermore, the component structure shown in FIG28 does not limit the communication device. In addition to the components shown in FIG28 , the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or can include chips and other discrete devices.

The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, can implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above-mentioned method embodiments can be completed by a computer program to instruct the relevant hardware. The program can be stored in the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above-mentioned method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the terminal (including the data sending end and/or the data receiving end) of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the terminal. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above-mentioned terminal, such as a plug-in hard disk, a smart memory card (smart media card, SMC), a secure digital (secure digital, SD) card, a flash card (flash card), etc. equipped on the above-mentioned terminal. Furthermore, the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also include both the internal storage unit of the above-mentioned terminal and an external storage device. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above-mentioned computer program and other programs and data required by the above-mentioned terminal. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or is to be output.

It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. "First" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

Furthermore, the terms "include,""comprise," and "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 elements is not limited to the listed steps or elements, but may optionally include steps or elements not listed, or may optionally include other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more. "Multiple" refers to two or more. "At least two (items)" refers to two or three and more. "And/or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and/or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character "/" generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple. “When” and “if” both mean that corresponding measures will be taken under certain objective circumstances. They do not limit the time, nor do they require any judgment action when they are implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

In this application, "sending information to ... (a terminal device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal device. "Receiving information from ... (a terminal device)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal device. The information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as formatting changes, but the destination can still understand the valid information from the source.

Through the description of the above implementation methods, technical personnel in the relevant field can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above-mentioned functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the modules or units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, 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 separate, and the components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple places. 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, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

Claims (40)

A communication method, characterized in that the method is applied to a first functional unit on a network side, and the method comprises: Obtaining configuration information of multiple second functional units on the network side; wherein the first functional unit is used to provide a connection interface for communicating with a terminal device; and the second functional unit is used to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver function of the connection interface; A communication connection is established with the terminal device according to the configuration information of the multiple second functional units. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second functional unit is used to provide one or more of the following functions: computing function, data function, intelligent function, perception function, power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, supplementary uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function. A communication method, characterized in that the method is applied to a first functional unit on a network side, and the method comprises: Obtaining configuration information of one or more second functional units on the network side; wherein the first functional unit is used to provide a connection function; the second functional unit is used to provide a first service function; the first service function includes one or more of the following: a computing function, a data function, an intelligent function, or a perception function; Send configuration information of the second functional unit to the terminal device. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The second functional unit is also used to provide one or more of the following functions: power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, supplementary uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein obtaining the configuration information of the second functional unit comprises: Receive first air interface information from the second functional unit; wherein the first air interface information includes configuration information of the second functional unit. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: Send the first air interface information to the terminal device. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the method further comprises: Receive first information from the terminal device; wherein the first information includes first indication information and second air interface information; the first indication information is used to instruct the first functional unit to send the second air interface information to the second functional unit; Send the second air interface information to the second functional unit according to the first indication information. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first indication information includes one or more of the following: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein obtaining the configuration information of the second functional unit comprises: Receive first inter-station interface information from the second functional unit; wherein the first inter-station interface information includes configuration information of the second functional unit. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Determine third air interface information according to the first inter-station interface information; wherein the third air interface information includes configuration information of the second functional unit; Send the third air interface information to the terminal device. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the method further comprises: receiving fourth air interface information from the terminal device; Encapsulating the fourth air interface information into second inter-station interface information; The second inter-station interface information is sent to the second functional unit. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The fourth air interface information includes one or more of the following: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: The second functional unit corresponding to the terminal device is determined based on one or more of the following: type/capability identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the second functional unit, identification information of the terminal device, and task identification information. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: receiving a first request from the second functional unit; wherein the first request is used to request establishment of an air interface bearer between the second functional unit and the terminal device; Send the first request to the terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising: Send a second request to the terminal device; wherein the second request is used to request establishment of an air interface bearer between the first functional unit and the terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: receiving a third request from the second functional unit; wherein the third request is for requesting to establish a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit; or Send a fourth request to the second functional unit; wherein the fourth request is used to request establishment of a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The third request includes identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information; or The fourth request includes identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising: receiving a fifth request from the second functional unit; wherein the fifth request is used to request to obtain identification information of the terminal device and/or the functional unit corresponding to the task, and the fifth request includes the identification information of the terminal device and/or the task identification information; Send a fifth response to the second functional unit; wherein the fifth response includes identification information of the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device and/or task. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising: receiving a sixth request from the second functional unit; wherein the sixth request is used to request connection information of the terminal device, and the sixth request includes identification information of the terminal device; Send a sixth response to the second functional unit; wherein the sixth response includes connection information of the terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising: When the terminal device enters the idle state, sending second indication information to the second functional unit; wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the release of the context information of the terminal device; or When the terminal device enters an inactive state, sending third indication information to the second functional unit; wherein the third indication information is used to instruct to suspend the context information of the terminal device; or When the terminal device enters the connected state, sending fourth indication information to the second functional unit; wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct to restore the context information of the terminal device; or When the wireless link of the terminal device fails/the cell handover fails/the cell reconstruction fails, a second indication message is sent to the second functional unit; wherein the second indication message is used to indicate the release of the context information of the terminal device. A communication method, characterized in that the method is applied to a second functional unit on a network side, and the method comprises: generating configuration information of the second functional unit; Sending configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side; wherein, the first functional unit is used to provide a connection interface for communicating with the terminal device; the second functional unit is used to provide functions or information associated with the transceiver functions of the connection interface. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The second functional unit is used to provide one or more of the following functions: computing function, data function, intelligent function, perception function, power Control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, supplementary uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function. A communication method, characterized in that the method is applied to a second functional unit on a network side, and the method comprises: generating configuration information of the second functional unit; Send configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side; wherein, the first functional unit is used to provide a connection function; the second functional unit is used to provide a first business function; the first business function includes one or more of the following: computing function, data function, intelligent function, or perception function. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The second functional unit is also used to provide one or more of the following functions: power control function, interference coordination function, mobility function, load balancing function, slicing function, beam management function, bandwidth part BWP function, discontinuous reception DRX function, supplementary uplink SUL function, packet data convergence protocol PDCP separation function, multi-radio access technology dual connection MRDC function, carrier aggregation CA function, multiple input multiple output MIMO function, vehicle external connection V2X function, self-organizing network SON function, minimized drive test MDT function, non-public network NPN function, non-terrestrial network NTN function, unlicensed new air interface NR-U function, 2-step random access function, industrial Internet of Things IIoT function, power saving function, wireless access and backhaul integrated IAB function, dual activation protocol stack DAPS function, conditional switching CHO function, small data function, low capability function, or multimedia broadcast and multicast service function. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the sending the configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side comprises: Sending first air interface information to the first functional unit; wherein the first air interface information includes configuration information of the second functional unit. The method according to claim 25, further comprising: Receive second air interface information from the first functional unit; wherein the second air interface information is air interface information determined by the terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the sending the configuration information of the second functional unit to the first functional unit on the network side comprises: Sending first inter-station interface information to the first functional unit; wherein the first inter-station interface information includes configuration information of the second functional unit. The method according to claim 27, further comprising: Receive second inter-station interface information from the first functional unit; wherein the second inter-station interface information is determined according to the fourth air interface information of the terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 28, further comprising: Send a first request to the first functional unit; wherein the first request is used to request establishment of an air interface bearer between the second functional unit and the terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 29, further comprising: Sending a third request to the first functional unit; wherein the third request is used to request establishment of a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit; or A fourth request is received from the first functional unit, wherein the fourth request is used to request establishment of a ground tunnel between the first functional unit and the second functional unit. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that The third request includes identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information; or The fourth request includes identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 31, further comprising: Sending a fifth request to the first functional unit; wherein the fifth request is used to request to obtain identification information of the terminal device and/or the functional unit corresponding to the task, and the fifth request includes the identification information of the terminal device and/or the task identification information; Receive a fifth response from the first functional unit; wherein the fifth response includes identification information of the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device and/or task. The method according to claim 32, further comprising: Sending a ninth request to the functional unit corresponding to the terminal device and/or task according to the fifth response; wherein the ninth request is used to request functional information of the terminal device and/or task, and the ninth request includes identification information of the terminal device and/or task identification information; A ninth response is received from the functional unit; wherein the ninth response includes functional information of the terminal device and/or task. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 33, further comprising: Sending a sixth request to the first functional unit; wherein the sixth request is used to request connection information of the terminal device, and the sixth request includes identification information of the terminal device; Receive a sixth response from the first functional unit; wherein the sixth response includes connection information of the terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 34, further comprising: receiving a seventh request from the first functional unit; wherein the seventh request is used to request to obtain context information of the terminal device, and the seventh request includes identification information of the terminal device; Sending the context information of the terminal device to the first functional unit. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that Configuration information of a target second functional unit is received from the first functional unit. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 36, further comprising: When the terminal device enters the idle state, receiving second indication information from the first functional unit; wherein the second indication information is used to instruct to release the context information of the terminal device; or When the terminal device enters an inactive state, receiving a third instruction message from the first functional unit; wherein the third instruction message is used to instruct to suspend the context information of the terminal device; or When the terminal device enters the connected state, receiving fourth indication information from the first functional unit; wherein the fourth indication information is used to instruct to restore the context information of the terminal device; or When the wireless link of the terminal device fails/the cell handover fails/the cell reconstruction fails, the second indication information is received from the first functional unit; wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the release of the context information of the terminal device. A communication device, characterized in that it includes an interface circuit and a logic circuit; the interface circuit is used to input and/or output information; the logic circuit is used to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 1-2, 5-20, or the communication method described in any one of claims 3-20, or the communication method described in any one of claims 21-22, 25-37, or the communication method described in any one of claims 23-37, and process and/or generate the information according to the information. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs, which, when the computer instructions or programs are run on a computer, enable the communication method described in any one of claims 1-2, 5-20 to be executed, or enable the communication method described in any one of claims 3-20 to be executed, or enable the communication method described in any one of claims 21-22, 25-37 to be executed, or enable the communication method described in any one of claims 23-37 to be executed. A computer program product, characterized in that the computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 2 and 5 to 20 is executed, or the communication method described in any one of claims 3 to 20 is executed, or the communication method described in any one of claims 21 to 22 and 25 to 37 is executed, or the communication method described in any one of claims 23 to 37 is executed.