A method for configuring a flow-based quality of service (QoS), configuring a bearer-based QoS, and introducing a new layer above a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer in order to process the flow-based QoS are provided. An operation of the PDCP layer to support the new layer is also provided. The disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a fifth generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a fourth generation (4G) system with an Internet of things (IoT) technology. The disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services.