Example communication methods and an access network device are described. One example method includes sending a first message to a second access network device by a first access network device, where the first message carries a quality of service (QoS) flow identification (QFI) for a split bearer corresponding to the first access network device and a QoS parameter corresponding to the QFI. The second access network device receives the first message from the first access network device, where the first message carries the QFI for the split bearer corresponding to the first access network device and the QoS parameter corresponding to the QFI. The second access network device sends a second message to the first access network device, where the second message is a response to the first message. The embodiments of this application are used to implement QoS control.