Network Node Selection Method and Apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a network node selection method and apparatus. The SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, and selects a UPF network element that supports at least one transmission capability included in the transmission capability information for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device. In this process, the SMF network element selects the UPF network element according to the transmission capability of the access network device by obtaining the transmission capability of the access network device. Since the selected UPF network element supports the transmission capability adopted by the access network device, data can be successfully transmitted between the access network device and the UPF network element, thereby improving the data transmission success rate.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of the patent application with the application number 201910123295.4 and the invention title "Network Node Selection Method and Device", which was filed on February 19, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a network node selection method and device. Background Art

[0003] In the 5th Generation (5G) network architecture, a terminal device communicates with a core network through an access network device. The core network includes network elements such as an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a user plane function (UPF) network element, or a session management function (SMF) network element.

[0004] However, the transmission capabilities of the access network device and the UPF network element are not always equal, that is, the UPF network element does not support the transmission capabilities supported by the access network device. For example, in a 5G network architecture based on satellite communication, satellite communication can be used as an alternative transmission method for specific scenarios or a transmission method for specific services. For uplink data transmission: the terminal device sends data to a terrestrial access network device, and then the terrestrial access network device sends the data to a satellite, and finally the satellite sends the data to the UPF network element; for downlink data transmission: the data is sent from the UPF network element to the satellite, the satellite sends the data to the terrestrial access network device, and the terrestrial access network device sends the data to the terminal device. During the transmission process of uplink and downlink user data, the UPF network element is used to forward the data. At this time, both the UPF network element and the access network device need to support satellite communication capabilities. However, among multiple UPF network elements deployed in the same area, only some UPF network elements may support satellite communication. When using satellite communication as a backhaul link, the SMF network element selects a UPF network element according to the location of the terminal device. If the selected UPF network element does not support satellite communication, data transmission will fail.

[0005] Therefore, when transmitting data using a certain specific transmission capability, how to select a UPF network element that supports this specific transmission capability is an urgent problem to be solved in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment of this application provides a network node selection method and apparatus. The SMF network element selects a UPF network element according to the transmission capabilities of the access network device by obtaining the transmission capabilities of the access network device. Since the selected UPF network element supports the transmission capabilities adopted by the access network device, the access network device and the UPF network element can successfully transmit data, thereby improving the data transmission success rate.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a network node selection method. This method can be applied to an SMF network element or a chip in the SMF network element. Hereinafter, this method will be described by taking the application to an SMF network element as an example. The method includes: The session management function SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, and the transmission capability information includes at least one transmission capability; The SMF network element selects a user plane function UPF network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the access network device is the access network device that provides services for the terminal device. With this solution, the SMF network element selects a UPF network element according to the transmission capabilities of the access network device by obtaining the transmission capabilities of the access network device. Since the selected UPF network element supports the transmission capabilities adopted by the access network device, the access network device and the UPF network element can successfully transmit data, thereby improving the data transmission success rate.

[0008] In a feasible design, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: The SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the access and mobility management function AMF network element; or, The SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the terminal device. With this solution, the transmission capability information of the access network device received by the SMF network element is obtained and sent to the SMF network element by the AMF network element, or is obtained and sent to the SMF network element by the terminal device, achieving the purpose of enabling the SMF network element to flexibly obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0009] In a feasible design, the SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, including: the SMF network element receives a packet data unit (PDU) session management message from the AMF network element, and the PDU session management message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the access network device is the access network device providing services for the terminal device; or, the SMF network element receives an N11 message from the AMF network element, and the N11 message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the access network device is the access network device meeting a preset condition. By adopting this solution, the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the SMF network element through the PDU session management message to meet the scenarios at the UE level or the PDU session level; or, the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the SMF network element through the N11 message to meet the scenarios at the node level.

[0010] In a feasible design, the SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the terminal device, including: the SMF network element receives a non-access stratum (NAS) message from the terminal device, and the NAS message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device. By adopting this solution, the purpose of the SMF network element obtaining the transmission capability information of the access network device from the terminal device is achieved.

[0011] In a feasible design, the SMF network element selects a user plane function (UPF) network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: the SMF selects the UPF network element for the terminal device according to the local policy and the transmission capability information of the access network device. By adopting this solution, the purpose of the SMF selecting the UPF network element according to its own policy is achieved to meet the scenario where the policy control function (PCF) network element is not deployed in the system architecture.

[0012] In a feasible design, the SMF network element selects a user plane function (UPF) network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: the SMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the policy control function (PCF) network element, and the transmission capability information is used for the PCF network element to determine the target transmission capability; the SMF network element receives a first indication information from the PCF network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate the target transmission capability; the SMF network element selects the UPF network element for the terminal device according to the target transmission capability. By adopting this solution, the PCF network element determines the target transmission capability and indicates it to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element selects the UPF network element according to the target transmission capability to meet the scenario where the PCF network element is deployed in the system architecture.

[0013] In a feasible design, the SMF network element selects a UPF network element for the terminal device according to the target transmission capability, including: the SMF obtains the transmission capability information of the UPF network element; the SMF network element selects a UPF network element that supports the target transmission capability for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the UPF network element. By adopting this solution, the purpose of the SMF network element selecting a UPF network element that supports the target transmission capability from multiple UPF network elements is achieved.

[0014] In a feasible design, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of at least one UPF network element, including: the SMF network element sends a subscription request to the network storage function NRF network element, and the subscription request is used to request the information of the UPF network element, and the information of the UPF network element includes the transmission capability information of the UPF network element; the SMF network element receives the information of the UPF network element from the NRF network element. By adopting this solution, the purpose of the SMF network element obtaining the transmission capability information of the UPF network element through the NRF is achieved.

[0015] In a feasible design, the subscription request carries preset transmission capability information, and the UPF network element is a UPF network element that supports the transmission capability indicated by the preset transmission capability information among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element. By adopting this solution, the purpose of the SMF network element obtaining a UPF network element that supports the preset transmission capability is achieved.

[0016] In a feasible design, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the UPF network element, including: the SMF network element sends an N4 request message to the UPF network element and receives an N4 response message from the UPF network element, and the N4 response message carries the transmission capability information of the UPF network element; or, the SMF network element receives an N4 request message from the UPF network element, and the N4 request message carries the transmission capability information of the UPF network element. By adopting this solution, the purpose of the SMF network element obtaining the transmission capability information of the UPF network element through the N4 node-level process between the SMF network element and the UPF network element is achieved.

[0017] In a feasible design, the method further includes: the SMF network element sends second indication information to the access network device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device; or, the SMF network element receives access control policy information from the PCF network element and sends second indication information to the access network device according to the access control policy information, where the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device. With this solution, after receiving the transmission capability information of the access network device, the SMF network element makes a decision on the second indication information by itself, or receives the access control policy of the PCF network element, makes a decision on the second indication information according to the access control policy and sends it to the access network device, so that the access device controls the access of the terminal device according to the second indication information, achieving the purpose of controlling the access of the terminal device according to the transmission capability of the access network device.

[0018] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node selection method, which can be applied to an AMF network element or a chip in the AMF network element. Hereinafter, taking the application to the AMF network element as an example, the method is described as follows. The method includes: the access and mobility management function AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the transmission capability information includes at least one transmission capability; the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information to the session management function SMF network element. With this solution, the AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device and sends it to the SMF network element, so that the UPF network element is selected according to the transmission capability of the access network device. Since the selected UPF network element supports the transmission capability adopted by the access network device, data can be successfully transmitted between the access network device and the UPF network element, thereby improving the data transmission success rate.

[0019] In a feasible design, the method further includes: the AMF network element selects the SMF network element according to the transmission capability information of the access network device. With this solution, the AMF network element selects a suitable SMF network element, and there is a UPF network element that supports the transmission capability in the transmission capability information among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element.

[0020] In a feasible design, the AMF network element selects the SMF network element according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the Network Repository Function (NRF) network element, where the transmission capability information of the access network device is used by the NRF network element to determine at least one target SMF network element; the AMF network element receives third indication information from the NRF network element, where the third indication information is used to indicate the at least one target SMF network element; the AMF network element determines the SMF network element from the at least one target SMF network elements. With this solution, the NRF selects multiple target SMF network elements that support the transmission capabilities in the transmission capability information and indicates them to the AMF network element through the third indication information, enabling the AMF network element to determine one SMF network element from the multiple target SMF network elements.

[0021] In a feasible design, the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information to the Session Management Function (SMF) network element, including: the AMF network element sends a PDU session management message to the SMF network element, where the PDU session management message carries a PDU session establishment request and the transmission capability information of the access network device, and the PDU session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a PDU session for the terminal device, and the access network device is the access network device providing services for the terminal device. With this solution, the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the SMF network element through the PDU session management message to meet the scenarios at the UE level or PDU session level.

[0022] In a feasible design, the AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: the AMF network element receives the transmission capability information from the access network device; or, the AMF network element receives the identifier of the access network device from the access network device and obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the identifier of the access network device; or, the AMF network element obtains the transmission layer association information of the access network device and obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the transmission layer association information; or, the AMF network element obtains the location information of the terminal device and obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the location information, where the access network device is the access network device providing services for the terminal device. With this solution, the AMF network element can obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device from the local or other network elements during the registration process or PDU session establishment process of the terminal device, achieving the purpose of flexibly obtaining the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0023] In a feasible design, the AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: when the access network device meets a preset condition, the AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device. With this solution, the access network device actively reports the transmission capability information, which is mainly applied to node-level scenarios.

[0024] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node selection method. This method can be applied to a terminal device or a chip in the terminal device. Hereinafter, taking the application to the terminal device as an example, this method is described. The method includes: The terminal device receives the transmission capability information of the access network device; The terminal device sends the transmission capability information to the session management function SMF network element. With this solution, the terminal device obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device and sends it to the SMF network element, so that the UPF network element is selected according to the transmission capability of the access network device. Since the selected UPF network element supports the transmission capability adopted by the access network device, the data can be successfully transmitted between the access network device and the UPF network element, thereby improving the data transmission success rate.

[0025] In a feasible design, the terminal device receiving the transmission capability information of the access network device includes: The terminal device receives the transmission capability information from the access network device or the access and mobility management function AMF network element. With this solution, the terminal device can obtain the transmission capability information from the access network device or the AMF network element, achieving the purpose of flexibly obtaining the transmission capability information.

[0026] In a feasible design, the terminal device sending the transmission capability information to the session management function SMF network element includes: The terminal device sends a non-access stratum NAS message to the SMF network element, and the NAS message carries the transmission capability information. With this solution, the purpose of the terminal device sending the transmission capability information of the access network device to the SMF network element is achieved.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node selection method, including: The policy control function PCF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the session management function SMF network element; The PCF network element determines the target transmission capability according to the transmission capability information; The PCF network element sends a first indication information to the SMF network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate the target transmission capability. With this solution, when the PCF network element is deployed in the system architecture, the purpose of the PCF network element selecting the target transmission capability is achieved.

[0028] In a feasible design, after the PCF network element sends the first indication information to the SMF network element, it further includes: the PCF network element sends access control policy information to the SMF network element. With this solution, after receiving the transmission capability information, the SMF network element sends it to the PCF network element. The PCF network element determines the access control policy information and sends it to the access network device, so that the access device controls the access of the terminal device according to the access policy control information, achieving the purpose of controlling the access of the terminal device according to the transmission capability of the access network device.

[0029] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node selection device. This device can be an SMF network element or a chip within the SMF network element. The device may include a processing unit, a sending unit, and a receiving unit. When the device is an SMF network element, the processing unit can be a processor, the sending unit can be a transmitter, and the receiving unit can be a receiver; the SMF network element may further include a storage unit, and the storage unit can be a memory; the storage unit is used to store instructions, and the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit to enable the SMF network element to implement the functions in the first aspect or various possible implementation manners of the first aspect. When the device is a chip within the SMF network element, the processing unit can be a processor, and the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, etc.; the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit to enable the SMF network element to implement the functions in the first aspect or various possible implementation manners of the first aspect. The storage unit can be a storage unit within the chip (for example, a register, a cache, etc.) or a storage unit outside the chip within the SMF network element (for example, a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.).

[0030] Sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node selection device, which may be an AMF network element or a chip within the AMF network element. The device may include a processing unit, a sending unit, and a receiving unit. When the device is an AMF network element, the processing unit may be a processor, the sending unit may be a transmitter, and the receiving unit may be a receiver; the AMF network element may further include a storage unit, and the storage unit may be a memory; the storage unit is used to store instructions, and the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit so that the AMF network element implements the functions in the second aspect or various possible implementation manners of the second aspect. When the device is a chip within the AMF network element, the processing unit may be a processor, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, etc.; the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit so that the AMF network element implements the functions in the second aspect or various possible implementation manners of the second aspect. The storage unit may be a storage unit within the chip (such as a register, a cache, etc.), or a storage unit outside the chip within the AMF network element (such as a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.).

[0031] Seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node selection device, which may be a terminal device or a chip within the terminal device. The device may include a processing unit, a sending unit, and a receiving unit. When the device is a terminal device, the processing unit may be a processor, the sending unit may be a transmitter, and the receiving unit may be a receiver; the terminal device may further include a storage unit, and the storage unit may be a memory; the storage unit is used to store instructions, and the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit so that the terminal device implements the functions in the third aspect or various possible implementation manners of the third aspect. When the device is a chip within the terminal device, the processing unit may be a processor, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, etc.; the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit so that the terminal device implements the functions in the third aspect or various possible implementation manners of the third aspect. The storage unit may be a storage unit within the chip (such as a register, a cache, etc.), or a storage unit outside the chip within the terminal device (such as a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.).

[0032] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a paging device, which may be a PCF network element or a chip within the PCF network element. The device may include a processing unit, a sending unit, and a receiving unit. When the device is a PCF network element, the processing unit may be a processor, the sending unit may be a transmitter, and the receiving unit may be a receiver; the PCF network element may further include a storage unit, and the storage unit may be a memory; the storage unit is used to store instructions, and the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit so that the PCF network element implements the functions in the above-mentioned fourth aspect or various possible implementation manners of the fourth aspect. When the device is a chip within the PCF network element, the processing unit may be a processor, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, a pin, a circuit, etc.; the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit so that the PCF network element implements the functions in the above-mentioned fourth aspect or various possible implementation manners of the fourth aspect, and the storage unit may be a storage unit within the chip (for example, a register, a cache, etc.), or a storage unit outside the chip within the PCF network element (for example, a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.).

[0033] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when running on an SMF network element, causes the SMF network element to execute the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or various possible implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0034] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when running on an AMF network element, causes the AMF network element to execute the method in the above-mentioned second aspect or various possible implementation manners of the second aspect.

[0035] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when running on a terminal device, causes the terminal device to execute the method in the above-mentioned third aspect or various possible implementation manners of the third aspect.

[0036] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when running on a PCF network element, causes the PCF network element to execute the method in the above-mentioned fourth aspect or various possible implementation manners of the fourth aspect.

[0037] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored, and when running on an SMF network element, cause the SMF network element to execute the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or various possible implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0038] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when running on an AMF network element, cause the AMF network element to execute the method in the second aspect or any of the various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0039] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when running on a terminal device, cause the terminal device to execute the method in the third aspect or any of the various possible implementations of the third aspect.

[0040] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when running on a PCF network element, cause the PCF network element to execute the method in the fourth aspect or any of the various possible implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0041] In the network node selection method and apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, and selects a UPF network element that supports at least one transmission capability included in the transmission capability information for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device. In this process, the SMF network element selects the UPF network element by obtaining the transmission capability of the access network device and according to the transmission capability of the access network device. Since the selected UPF network element supports the transmission capability adopted by the access network device, data can be successfully transmitted between the access network device and the UPF network element, thereby improving the data transmission success rate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1A It is a schematic diagram of a service-based 5G system architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram of a reference point-based non-roaming 5G system architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application;

[0044] Figure 2 It is a flowchart of a network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 3A It is a schematic diagram of an SMF network element receiving transmission capability information in the network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 3B It is a schematic diagram of another SMF network element receiving transmission capability information in the network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of another network node selection method in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 8A It is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 8B It is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of a network node selection device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of another network node selection device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of another network node selection device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 12 It is a schematic structural diagram of another network node selection device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 13 It is a schematic structural diagram of another network node selection device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0058] In a 5G network architecture, a terminal device accesses a data network through a packet data unit (PDU) session established between the terminal device and the data network (DN). When establishing a PDU session, the SMF network element selects a UPF network element to establish the PDU session. After that, during the uplink data transmission process, after the access network device providing services for the terminal device receives data from the terminal device, it sends the data to the UPF network element; during the downlink data transmission process, after the data sent by the UPF network element reaches the access network device providing services for the terminal device, the access network device sends the data to the terminal device.

[0059] When using a UPF network element to send data, if a specific transmission capability is required between the access network device and the UPF network element for data transmission, it is required that both the access network device and the UPF support this transmission capability. However, the transmission capabilities of the access network device and the UPF network element are not always equivalent, that is, the transmission capabilities supported by the access network device are not supported by the UPF network element. For example, in a 5G network architecture based on satellite communication, using satellite communication as the backhaul link, for uplink data transmission: the terminal device sends data to the terrestrial access network device, and then the terrestrial access network device sends the data to the satellite, and finally the satellite sends the data to the UPF network element; for downlink data transmission: the data is sent from the UPF network element to the satellite, the satellite sends the data to the terrestrial access network device, and the terrestrial access network device sends the data to the terminal device. During this uplink and downlink data transmission process, it is required that both the access network device and the UPF network element have the transmission capability of satellite communication. However, among multiple UPF network elements in a region, it is very likely that only some UPF network elements have the transmission capability of satellite communication. The SMF network element selects a UPF network element based on the location of the terminal device. If the selected UPF network element does not support satellite communication, it will result in data transmission failure.

[0060] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a network node selection method and apparatus. The SMF network element selects a UPF network element according to the transmission capability of the access network device by obtaining the transmission capability of the access network device. Since the selected UPF network element supports the transmission capability adopted by the access network device, the data can be successfully transmitted between the access network device and the UPF network element, thereby improving the data transmission success rate.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, using words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0062] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application can be used in the 3rd Generation (3G) mobile communication, Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, 4th Generation (4G) mobile communication system, Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) system, cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication system, and subsequent evolved communication systems.

[0063] In the embodiments of this application, the access network device involved is a device that provides access services for terminal devices, including radio access network (RAN) devices and access network (AN) devices. RAN devices are mainly wireless network devices in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, and AN devices can be access network devices defined by non-3GPP. Among them, RAN devices: are mainly responsible for functions such as radio resource management on the air interface side, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression, and encryption. RAN devices can include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc. In systems using different radio access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may be different. For example, in the 5G network architecture, it is called a RAN device or gNB (5G NodeB); in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) network architecture, it is called an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB); in the 3rd generation (3G) network architecture, it is called a Node B, etc. AN devices allow terminal devices and the 3GPP core network to be interconnected using non-3GPP technologies. Among them, non-3GPP technologies such as: Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) technology, code division multiple access (CDMA) technology, etc.

[0064] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present application can be a user equipment (UE), a handheld terminal, a laptop computer, a subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a tablet computer, a wireless modem, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, or a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, or other devices that can access the network. The terminal device and the access network device communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology.

[0065] The transmission capabilities in the embodiments of the present application include the type of transmission network (also referred to as the nature of the transmission network) between the access network device and the user plane function network element, the transmission delay, bandwidth, or capacity, etc. between the access network device and the user plane function network element. When the transmission capabilities include the type of transmission network supported by the access network device, the transmission capabilities include, but are not limited to, optical fiber communication transmission, 5G new radio (NR) technology communication transmission, satellite communication transmission, etc. Among them, satellite communication transmission includes low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite communication transmission, medium earth orbitin (MEO) satellite communication transmission, and geostationary earth orbiting (GEO) satellite communication transmission, etc. Generally speaking, only when the access network device and the UPF network element simultaneously meet a certain specific transmission capability, can the access network device and the UPF network element use this type of transmission capability to transmit data. That is, the access network device and the UPF network element perform data transmission through this specific transmission capability.

[0066] Next, taking the 5G network architecture as an example, the network architecture applicable to the network node selection method described in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail.

[0067] Figure 1A It is a schematic diagram of the service-based 5G system architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application. Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram of the reference point-based non-roaming 5G system architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application. Please refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, the 5G system architecture is divided into an access network part and a core network part. The access network part includes RAN devices for implementing functions related to wireless access; the key logical network elements in the core network part include: AMF network element, UPF network element, SMF network element, Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, etc. In addition, the 5G network also includes Application Function (AF) network element, Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) network element, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) network element, Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element, Network Repository Function (NRF) network element, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) network element, etc. N1 to N25 (if any) represent messages, such as the N11 message between the AMF network element and the SMF network element. Next, the functions of some main network elements will be described in detail.

[0068] AMF network element: It is mainly responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as user location update, user registration to the network, user handover, etc.

[0069] SMF network element: It is mainly responsible for session management in the mobile network, such as session establishment, modification, release, etc. Its functions include allocating IP addresses for users, selecting UPFs that provide data forwarding functions, etc.

[0070] UPF network element: It is responsible for the forwarding and reception of user data in the terminal device. It can receive user data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal device through the access network device; the UPF network element can also receive user data from the terminal device through the access network device and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions provided for the terminal device in the UPF network element are managed and controlled by the SMF network element.

[0071] AF network element: It mainly supports interacting with the 3GPP core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing some third-party services to the network side.

[0072] UDM network element: It is used to generate authentication credentials, user identity processing (such as storing and managing the user's permanent identity, etc.), access authorization control, and subscription data management, etc.

[0073] Data network: It refers to a service network that provides data transmission services for users, such as IP Multimedia Service (IMS), Internet, etc.

[0074] Next, based on the system architectures shown above Figure 1A and Figure 1B and taking the specific transmission capability as the satellite communication capability, the above network node selection method will be described in detail. Exemplarily, reference can be made to Figure 2 , Figure 2 which is a flowchart of a network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This embodiment details the network node selection method of the present application from the perspective of the SMF network element. This embodiment includes:

[0075] 101. The Session Management Function (SMF) network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0076] In this step, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device through the AMF network element or the like.

[0077] 102. The SMF network element selects a User Plane Function (UPF) network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the access network device is the access network device that provides services for the terminal device.

[0078] Exemplarily, the SMF network element manages multiple UPF network elements, and the SMF network element can obtain the transmission capabilities of each of these UPF network elements. After receiving the transmission capability information of the access network device, the SMF network element can select a UPF that has the transmission capability included in the transmission capability information of the access network device from multiple UPFs. For example, the SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device that includes a transmission capability, which is to support satellite communication transmission. If the SMF network element manages 10 UPF network elements, then the SMF network element selects a UPF network element that supports satellite communication transmission from these 10 UPF network elements. Another example is that the SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device that includes two transmission capabilities, which are to support LEO satellite communication transmission and GEO communication transmission respectively. The SMF network element determines that the PDU session uses LEO satellite communication transmission according to the local policy. Further, the SMF network element selects a UPF network element that supports LEO satellite communication transmission from the 10 UPF network elements it manages.

[0079] In this embodiment, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, and selects a UPF network element that supports at least one transmission capability included in the transmission capability information for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device. In this process, the SMF network element selects the UPF network element by obtaining the transmission capability of the access network device and according to the transmission capability of the access network device. Since the selected UPF network element supports the transmission capability adopted by the access network device, the access network device and the UPF network element can successfully transmit data, thereby improving the data transmission success rate.

[0080] Next, a detailed description will be given on how the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device. Exemplarily, reference can be made to Figure 3A and Figure 3B .

[0081] Figure 3A FIG. is a schematic diagram of a method for a SMF network element to receive transmission capability information in the network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Please refer to Figure 3A , this embodiment includes:

[0082] 201. The AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0083] Exemplarily, when the AMF network element receives a PDU session establishment request from the terminal device, it obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device that provides services for the terminal device, or when the access network device fails, the AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the faulty access network device.

[0084] 202. The AMF network element sends the transmission capability information to the session management function SMF network element.

[0085] Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the AMF network element.

[0086] Next, a detailed description will be given on how the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information to the SMF network element in step 202.

[0087] In a feasible design, the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the SMF network element through a PDU session management message. This design can be understood as a scenario at the UE level or the PDU session level. In this design, Figure 3A before step 201, it further includes:

[0088] 200. The AMF network element receives a packet data unit PDU session establishment request from the terminal device.

[0089] When the AMF receives a PDU session request from a terminal device, it obtains relevant information about the access network device that provides services to the terminal device, such as the identification of the access network device, etc. At this time, in step 201, the AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the PDU session establishment request. The access network device is the access network device that provides services to the terminal device that initiates the PDU session establishment request; in step 202, the AMF network element sends a PDU session management message to the SMF, and the PDU session management message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device and the PDU session establishment request.

[0090] Exemplarily, the transmission capability information of some access network devices may be pre-stored on the AMF network element. In this case, when the AMF network element receives a PDU session establishment request from the terminal device, it obtains the transmission capability of the access network device that provides services to the terminal device that initiates the PDU session from the local UE context; or, if the UE context on the AMF network element does not contain the transmission capability information of any access network device, then after the AMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request from the terminal device, it obtains the transmission capability information of the access device from the access network device and other network elements.

[0091] For example, after receiving the PDU session request, the AMF determines the access network device according to the PDU session request, sends a request message to the access network device to request transmission capability information, and then receives the transmission capability information from the access network device. Alternatively, when the AMF receives the PDU session request, it receives the transmission capability information from the access network device.

[0092] For another example, the AMF network element receives an identifier of the access network device from the access network device, and obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the identifier of the access network device.

[0093] For example, the AMF network element obtains the transport layer association information of the access network device, and obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device based on the transport layer association information.

[0094] For another example, the AMF network element obtains the location information of the terminal device, and obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device based on the location information, where the access network device is the access network device that provides services for the terminal device. The location information may be geographic coordinates, etc.

[0095] In this embodiment, the AMF network element can obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device from the local or other network elements during the registration process of the terminal device or the PDU session establishment process, thereby achieving the purpose of flexibly obtaining the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0096] In another feasible design, when the access network device meets a preset condition, the AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device. For example, when the access network device fails, and before the failure, the access network device supports satellite transmission and fiber optic transmission. Due to an earthquake or the like, the fiber optic transmission network between the access network and the UPF fails. After the failure, the access network device supports satellite transmission. Another example is that when the access network device fails, and before the failure, the access network device supports fiber optic transmission. Due to an earthquake or the like, the fiber optic transmission network between the access network device and the UPF network element fails. After the failure, the access network device is upgraded to support satellite transmission. In these two scenarios, all the terminal devices served by the access network device are affected. Therefore, this design can be understood as being for node-level scenarios. In this design, in step 201, when the access network device meets the preset condition, the AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device. This transmission capability is, for example, actively reported by the access network device to the AMF network element. In step 202, the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the SMF network element through an N11 message. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the N11 message from the AMF network element carrying the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0097] It should be noted that the AMF network element can also send the transmission capability information of the access network device to the SMF network element through other messages.

[0098] In this embodiment, the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the SMF network element through a PDU session management message to meet the PDU session-level scenario at the UE level; the AMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the SMF network element through an N11 message to meet the node-level scenario.

[0099] Figure 3B It is a schematic diagram of another method for the SMF network element to receive transmission capability information in the network node selection method provided by the embodiments of the present application. Please refer to Figure 3B , this embodiment includes:

[0100] 301. The terminal device receives the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0101] Exemplarily, the terminal device can obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device from the access network device during the registration process, or obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device from the AMF network element.

[0102] 302. The terminal device sends the transmission capability information to the session management function SMF network element.

[0103] Correspondingly, the SMF receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the terminal device.

[0104] Exemplarily, the terminal device sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element forwards it to the SMF network element.

[0105] In this embodiment, the transmission capability information of the access network device received by the SMF network element is obtained by the AMF network element and sent to the SMF network element, or is obtained by the terminal device and sent to the SMF network element, so as to achieve the purpose of the SMF flexibly obtaining the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0106] In the above embodiment, after receiving the transmission capability information of the access network device, the SMF network element also sends a second indication message to the access network device to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device.

[0107] In a feasible design, the SMF network element sends a second indication message to the access network device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, and the second indication message is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device. This design is for the scenario where the PCF network element is not deployed in the system architecture. For example, if the transmission capability information is satellite communication transmission, and the SMF network element determines that optical fiber transmission is required for service data, the SMF network element sends a second indication message to the access network device, so that the access network device sends a rejection access control message to the terminal device or activates the access control mechanism, such as only allowing specific UEs to initiate PDU sessions or UEs to initiate PDU sessions for specific services.

[0108] In another feasible design, the SMF network element receives access control policy information from the PCF network element and sends a second indication message to the access network device according to the access control policy information, and the second indication message is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device. This design is for the scenario where the PCF network element is deployed in the system architecture.

[0109] In this embodiment, after receiving the transmission capability information of the access network device, the SMF network element makes a decision on the second indication message by itself, or receives the access control policy of the PCF network element, makes a decision on the second indication message according to the access control policy and sends it to the access network device, so that the access device controls the access of the terminal device according to the second indication message, and achieves the purpose of controlling the access of the terminal device according to the transmission capability of the access network device.

[0110] Next, the above network node selection method will be described in detail with several examples. Exemplarily, reference can be made to Figures 4 - 6 .

[0111] Figure 4It is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the transmission capability information of the access network device received by the SMF network element comes from the AMF network element. This embodiment includes:

[0112] 401. The terminal device sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF network element.

[0113] Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request. The PDU session establishment request includes a data network name (DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), etc.

[0114] 402. The AMF network element selects an SMF network element.

[0115] Exemplarily, the NRF network element stores information related to the SMF network element. The related information includes the identifiers of the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, the transmission capabilities of each UPF, etc. After receiving the transmission capability information of the access network device, the AMF network element can send the transmission capability information to the network storage function NRF network element, so that the NRF network element determines at least one SMF network element according to the transmission capability information and sends third indication information to the AMF network element; correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the third indication information from the NRF network element. The third indication information is used to indicate the at least one SMF network element. Each SMF network element in the at least one SMF network element meets the following conditions: the SMF network element manages multiple UPF network elements, and at least one or all of the transmission capabilities in the transmission capability information are supported by the multiple UPF network elements. For example, if the transmission capability information of the access network device indicates that the access network device only supports satellite communication capability, then each SMF network element indicated by the third indication information meets the following conditions: among the multiple UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, there is at least one UPF network element that supports satellite communication capability. Then, the AMF network element selects one SMF network element from these SMF network elements.

[0116] 403. The AMF network element sends a PDU session creation context request message to the SMF network element. The PDU session creation context request message carries the PDU session establishment request and the transmission capability information.

[0117] In this step, the AMF network element sends a PDU session management message to the SMF network element selected in step 402. The PDU session management message is specifically a PDU session creation context request message. In a service-based architecture, the PDU session creation context request message is the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest message.

[0118] 404. The SMF network element and the UDM network element execute a registration or subscription information acquisition process, or execute a registration or subscription information update process.

[0119] 405. The SMF network element sends a PDU session creation context response message to the AMF network element.

[0120] In a service-based architecture, the PDU session creation context response message is the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message.

[0121] 406. The SMF network element initiates a PDU session establishment authentication and authorization process.

[0122] Exemplarily, when the SMF network element needs to perform authentication and authorization, it initiates a PDU session establishment authentication and authorization process.

[0123] 407. The SMF network element selects a PCF network element.

[0124] 408. The SMF network element and the selected PCF network element execute a session management (SM) policy association establishment process or a modification process.

[0125] In the above steps 407 and 408, the SMF network element provides the transmission capability information of the access network device to the PCF network element so that the PCF network element can determine what kind of transmission capability PDU session to use. If the PCF determines that it does not allow the establishment of a PDU session with the transmission capability supported by the access network device, it notifies the SMF network element to reject the establishment of the PDU session and sends a cause value to the terminal device, so that the terminal device no longer initiates a PDU session establishment request.

[0126] 409. The SMF network element and the selected UPF network element.

[0127] In this step, the SMF network element selects a UPF network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0128] Exemplarily, the SMF network element manages multiple UPF network elements and knows the transmission capabilities of these UPF network elements. If the transmission capabilities of the access network device are at least two, the SMF network element first selects one transmission capability from these transmission capabilities, hereinafter referred to as the target transmission capability or specific transmission capability; thereafter, the SMF network element selects, according to the target transmission capability, a UPF network element from the multiple UPF network elements that supports the target transmission capability.

[0129] In a feasible implementation manner, the SMF network element selects a user plane function UPF network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: the SMF selects the UPF network element for the terminal device according to the local policy and the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0130] In this implementation manner, there is no PCF network element deployed in the system architecture, and the local policy is, for example, a priority policy or a DN network requirement policy (such as, supporting the use of LEO satellite transmission), etc. For example, the local policy indicates to select satellite communication capability. If the transmission capability information of the access network device includes optical fiber communication capability and satellite communication capability, the SMF network element takes the satellite communication capability as the target capability, and the finally selected UPF supports satellite communication capability.

[0131] In this embodiment, by the SMF network element selecting the target transmission capability and then selecting the UPF network element according to the target transmission capability, the purpose of selecting the UPF network element for the terminal device in the system architecture without deploying the PCF network element is achieved.

[0132] In another feasible implementation manner, the SMF network element selects a user plane function UPF network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: the SMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the policy control function PCF network element, and the transmission capability information is used for the PCF network element to determine the target transmission capability, and the target transmission capability belongs to at least one transmission capability included in the transmission capability information of the access network device; the SMF network element receives the first indication information from the PCF network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate the target transmission capability; the SMF network element selects the UPF network element for the terminal device according to the target transmission capability.

[0133] In this implementation manner, there is a PCF network element deployed in the system architecture, and the PCF network element selects the target transmission capability from at least one transmission capability included in the transmission capability information and indicates it to the SMF network element.

[0134] In this embodiment, the PCF network element selects the target transmission capability and indicates it to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element selects the UPF network element according to the target transmission capability, achieving the purpose that the PCF network element deployed in the system architecture selects the UPF network element for the terminal device.

[0135] 410. The SMF network element initiates an SM policy association modification process to the PCF network element.

[0136] 411. The SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment or modification request message to the UPF network element.

[0137] 412. The SMF network element receives an N4 session establishment or modification response message from the UPF network element.

[0138] 413. The SMF network element sends an N1N2 message to the AMF network element.

[0139] Among them, the N1N2 message is the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message under the service-based architecture. This N1N2 message contains an N1 SM container and N2 SM information. Optionally, the N2 SM information contains indication information indicating the target transmission capability selected by the SMF, so that the access network device can determine the target transmission capability according to this indication information and use the target transmission capability for data packet transmission.

[0140] 414. The AMF network element sends an N2 PDU session request to the access network device.

[0141] Correspondingly, the access network device receives this N2 PDU session request. This N2 PDU session request contains an N2 SM message and an NAS message. The NAS message contains an N1 SM container. If the N2 SM information in the above step 413 contains indication information for indicating the target transmission capability, then in this step, the N2 SM information also contains indication information for indicating the target transmission capability.

[0142] 415. The access network device and the terminal device execute an air interface resource establishment process.

[0143] 416. The access network device sends an N2 PDU session response message to the AMF network element.

[0144] This N2 PDU session response message contains a PDU session identifier (Identity, ID), N2 SM information, etc.

[0145] 417. The AMF network element sends a PDU session update context request message to the SMF network element.

[0146] Under the service-based architecture, the PDU session update context request message is the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message, which contains N2 SM information.

[0147] 418. The SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request message to the UPF network element.

[0148] 419. The SMF network element receives an N4 session modification response message from the UPF network element.

[0149] 420. The SMF network element sends a PDU session update context response message to the AMF network element.

[0150] Under the service-based architecture, the PDU session update context response message is the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message, and this PDU session update request contains N2 SM information.

[0151] 421. The SMF network element sends a PDU session notification to the AMF network element.

[0152] Under the service-based architecture, the PDU session notification is Nsmf_PDUSession_SMContextStatusNotify.

[0153] It should be noted that this step is an optional step.

[0154] 422. The SMF network element performs address configuration.

[0155] In this step, for PDU sessions of the IPv4v6 or IPv6 type, the SMF performs address configuration.

[0156] 423. The SMF network element and the UDM network element perform a deregistration or de-definition process.

[0157] In this step, if the PDU session establishment fails, the SMF network element and the UDM network element perform a deregistration or de-definition process.

[0158] In this embodiment, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device through the AMF network element, determines the transmission capability corresponding to the PDU session according to the transmission capability information, such as the transmission mode, latency, etc., so that the SMF can select a UPF network element that supports this transmission capability according to the transmission capability corresponding to the PDU session, and can realize the scenario where the access network device supports different transmission capabilities, and the SMF selects a suitable UPF network element for the PDU session.

[0159] Figure 5It is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the transmission capability information of the access network device received by the SMF network element comes from the terminal device. This embodiment includes:

[0160] 501. The terminal device sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF network element.

[0161] The difference between this step and step 401 above is that in this step, in addition to carrying the DNN and S-NSSAI, the PDU session establishment request also carries the transmission capability information of the access network device, and the access network device is the access network device that provides services for the terminal device. The terminal device can obtain the transmission capability information from the access network device during the registration process, or obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device from the AMF network element.

[0162] 502. The AMF network element selects an SMF network element.

[0163] For specific details, please refer to the description of step 501 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0164] 503. The AMF network element sends a PDU session creation context request message to the SMF network element. The PDU session creation context request message carries the PDU session establishment request, and the PDU session establishment request carries the transmission capability information.

[0165] The difference between this step and step 403 above is that in this step, the transmission capability information is carried in the PDU session establishment request, while in step 403, the transmission capability information and the PDU session establishment request are independent.

[0166] 504. The SMF network element and the UDM network element execute a registration or subscription information acquisition process, or execute a registration or subscription information update process.

[0167] 505. The SMF network element sends a PDU session creation context response message to the AMF network element.

[0168] For specific description, please refer to the description of step 405 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0169] 506. The SMF network element initiates a PDU session establishment authentication and authorization process.

[0170] Exemplarily, when the SMF network element needs to perform authentication and authorization, it initiates a PDU session establishment authentication and authorization process.

[0171] 507. The SMF network element selects a PCF network element.

[0172] 508. The SMF network element and the selected PCF network element execute the session management (SM) policy association establishment process or the modification process.

[0173] For details, refer to the description in step 408 above and will not be elaborated here.

[0174] 509. The SMF network element selects a UPF network element.

[0175] For details, refer to the description in step 409 above and will not be elaborated here.

[0176] 510. The SMF network element initiates an SM policy association modification process to the PCF network element.

[0177] 511. The SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment or modification request message to the UPF network element.

[0178] 512. The SMF network element receives an N4 session establishment or modification response message from the UPF network element.

[0179] 513. The SMF network element sends an N1N2 message to the AMF network element.

[0180] For details, refer to the description in step 413 above and will not be elaborated here.

[0181] 514. The AMF network element sends an N2 PDU session request to the access network device.

[0182] For details, refer to the description in step 414 above and will not be elaborated here.

[0183] 515. The access network device and the terminal device execute the radio resource establishment process.

[0184] 516. The access network device sends an N2 PDU session response message to the AMF network element.

[0185] This N2 PDU session response message includes a PDU session identifier (Identity, ID), N2 SM information, etc.

[0186] 517. The AMF network element sends a PDU session update request to the SMF network element.

[0187] For details, refer to the description in step 417 above and will not be elaborated here.

[0188] 518. The SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request message to the UPF network element.

[0189] 519. The SMF network element receives an N4 session modification response message from the UPF network element.

[0190] 520. The SMF network element sends a PDU session update context response message to the AMF network element.

[0191] Specifically, refer to step 420 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0192] 521. The SMF network element sends a PDU session notification to the AMF network element.

[0193] Specifically, refer to the description of step 421 above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0194] 522. The SMF network element performs address configuration.

[0195] In this step, for PDU sessions of the IPv4v6 or IPv6 type, the SMF performs address configuration.

[0196] 523. The SMF network element and the UDM network element perform a deregistration or de - definition process.

[0197] In this step, if the PDU session establishment fails, the SMF network element and the UDM network element perform a deregistration or de - definition process.

[0198] In this embodiment, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capacity information of the access network device through the terminal device, determines the transmission capacity corresponding to the PDU session according to the transmission capacity information, such as the transmission mode, delay, etc., so that the SMF selects a UPF network element that supports this transmission capacity according to the transmission capacity corresponding to the PDU session, and can realize the scenario where the SMF selects a suitable UPF network element for the PDU session when the access network device supports different transmission capacities.

[0199] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of another network node selection method in the embodiments of the present application. This embodiment is applicable to the scenario where the transmission capacity of the access network device is updated after the UPF network element is determined by the SMF network element according to the transmission capacity information of the access network device. This embodiment includes:

[0200] 601. The AMF network element obtains the latest transmission capacity information of the access network device.

[0201] In this step, the AMF network element obtains the latest transmission capacity information of the access network device according to the node - level configuration process or the N2 connection.

[0202] 602. The AMF network element sends an N11 request message to the SMF network element.

[0203] In this step, the AMF network element sends an N11 request message to all SMF network elements connected to the access network device. The N11 request message contains the latest transmission capacity information of the access network device, and the N11 request message is a node - level message.

[0204] 603. The SMF network element sends an N11 response message to the AMF network element.

[0205] 604. The SMF network element sends an N7 request message to the PCF network element.

[0206] Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the N7 request message.

[0207] In this step, the SMF network element selects a PCF network element according to the latest transmission capability information, and sends an N7 request message to the selected PCF network element. The N7 request message carries the latest transmission capability information of the access network device. The N7 request message is a node-level message or a PDU session-level message.

[0208] 605. The PCF network element sends an N7 response message to the SMF network element.

[0209] If the N7 request message in step 604 above is a PDU session-level message, then in this step, the N7 response message is used to indicate whether the PDU session can use the access network device with updated transmission capabilities.

[0210] If the N7 request message in step 604 above is a node-level message, then in this step, the PCF network element sends an updated policy to all relevant SMF network elements, so that the SMF network element initiates a PDU session modification process or a PDU session deletion process.

[0211] 606. The SMF network element initiates a PDU session modification process or a PDU session deletion process.

[0212] Among them, initiating a PDU session modification process means that the SMF selects a new UPF according to the local policy or the policy sent by the SMF network element and establishes a PDU session.

[0213] In this embodiment, if the transmission capability of the access network device is updated, the SMF network element determines to delete or modify the PDU session according to the latest transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0214] In the above embodiments, the SMF network element manages at least one UPF network element, and the SMF network element pre-obtains and stores the transmission capabilities of each UPF network element. After that, after the SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device, according to the local policy or after the PCF network element determines the target transmission capability, the SMF network element selects a UPF network element that supports the target transmission capability from at least one UPF network element. Next, how the SMF network element pre-obtains the transmission capabilities of at least one UPF network element will be described in detail.

[0215] In a feasible implementation, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of at least one UPF network element through the NRF network element. In this implementation, the transmission capabilities of at least one UPF network element are configured on the NRF network element, and the SMF network element obtains the UPF network element with specific transmission capabilities through the NRF network element or obtains the transmission capabilities of the UPF network element through the NRF. Alternatively, the transmission capabilities of at least one UPF network element are configured on each UPF network element, the UPF network element registers the transmission capability information on the NRF network element, and the SMF network element obtains the UPF network element with specific transmission capabilities through the NRF network element or obtains the transmission capabilities of the UPF network element through the NRF. Exemplarily, reference can be made to Figure 7 。

[0216] Figure 7 FIG. is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This embodiment includes:

[0217] 701. The SMF network element sends a subscription request to the NRF network element. The subscription request is used to request information about the UPF network element, and the information about the UPF network element includes the transmission capability information of the UPF network element.

[0218] Correspondingly, the NRF network element receives the subscription request from the SMF network element.

[0219] Optionally, the subscription request carries preset transmission capability information, which is included in the UPF provision info. The UPF provision info also includes the NDD, S-NSSAI of the UPF network element, the identifier of the SMF network element, etc.

[0220] 702. The NRF network element sends the information of the UPF network element to the SMF network element.

[0221] Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the information of the UPF network element from the NRF network element. The information of the UPF network element includes the information of one or more UPF network elements, where the one or more network elements are the UPF network elements among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element that support the transmission capabilities indicated by the preset transmission capability information.

[0222] When deploying a new UPF network element, the following steps need to be executed:

[0223] 703. The operation and maintenance management network element deploys a new UPF network element.

[0224] In this step, the network management deploys a new UPF network element through the operation and maintenance management (Operation Administration and Maintenance, OAM) network element.

[0225] 704. The operation and maintenance management network element configures a new UPF network element.

[0226] In this step, the NRF ID and the transmission capabilities supported by the UPF network element are configured on the UPF network element, where the transmission capabilities supported by the UPF network element are included in the UPF provision info.

[0227] 705. The UPF network element registers with the NRF.

[0228] In this step, the UPF

[0229] 706. The OAM network element registers the new UPF network element with the NRF.

[0230] It should be noted that steps 705 and 706 are in an either-or relationship, that is, only one of the steps needs to be executed.

[0231] 707. The NRF network element sends the information of the UPF network element to the SMF network element, and the information of the UPF network element includes the transmission capabilities of the at least one UPF network element.

[0232] If in step 701 above, the subscription request also carries the preset transmission capability information, then in this step, each of the UPF network elements in the information of the UPF network element supports the preset transmission capability.

[0233] In another feasible implementation, the SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the UPF network element when performing the N4 node-level process with the UPF network element. Exemplarily, reference can be made to Figure 8A and Figure 8B .

[0234] Figure 8A is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by the embodiments of the present application. This embodiment includes:

[0235] 801a. The SMF network element sends an N4 request message to the UPF network element.

[0236] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the N4 request message from the SMF network element.

[0237] 802a. The UPF network element sends an N4 response message to the SMF network element, and the N4 request message carries the transmission capability information of the UPF network element.

[0238] In this embodiment, the SMF network element actively obtains the transmission capability information of the UPF network element through the N4 association establishment or update request, so as to achieve the purpose of the SMF network element obtaining the transmission capability information of at least the UPF network element.

[0239] Figure 8BIt is a flowchart of another network node selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This embodiment includes:

[0240] 801b. The UPF network element sends an N4 request message to the SMF network element, and the N4 request message carries the transmission capability information of the UPF network element.

[0241] Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the N4 request message from the UPF network element.

[0242] 802b. The SMF network element sends an N4 response message to the UPF network element.

[0243] In this embodiment, the UPF network element actively reports the transmission capability information of the UPF network element to the SMF network element through an N4 association establishment or update request, so as to achieve the purpose of the SMF network element obtaining at least the transmission capability of the UPF network element.

[0244] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of a network node selection device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The network node selection device involved in this embodiment can be an SMF network element or a chip applied to the SMF network element. This network node selection device can be used to execute the functions of the SMF network element in the above embodiment. As Figure 9 shown, the network node selection device 100 may include:

[0245] A processing unit 11, configured to obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device, and select a user plane function UPF network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the access network device is an access network device that provides services for the terminal device.

[0246] In a feasible design, the device further includes: a receiving unit 12, and the processing unit 11 is configured to control the receiving unit 11 to receive the transmission capability information of the access network device from an access and mobility management function AMF network element; or, configured to control the receiving unit 11 to receive the transmission capability information of the access network device from the terminal device.

[0247] In a feasible design, when the transmission capability information of the access network device comes from the AMF network element,

[0248] the receiving unit 12 is configured to receive a packet data unit PDU session management message from the AMF network element, and the PDU session management message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device;

[0249] Or,

[0250] the receiving unit 12 is configured to receive an N11 message from the AMF network element, and the N11 message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0251] In a feasible design, when the transmission capability information of the access network device comes from the terminal device, the receiving unit 12 is configured to receive a non-access stratum (NAS) message from the terminal device, and the NAS message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0252] In a feasible design, the processing unit 11 is configured to select the UPF network element for the terminal device according to the local policy and the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0253] In a feasible design, the above-mentioned apparatus 100 further includes:

[0254] A sending unit 13, configured to send the transmission capability information of the access network device to a policy control function (PCF), where the transmission capability information of the access network device is used for the PCF network element to determine the target transmission capability;

[0255] The receiving unit 12 is further configured to receive first indication information from the PCF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate the target transmission capability;

[0256] The processing unit 11 is configured to select the UPF network element for the terminal device according to the target transmission capability.

[0257] In a feasible design, the processing unit 11 is configured to obtain the transmission capability information of the UPF network element, and select a UPF network element that supports the target transmission capability for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the UPF network element.

[0258] In a feasible design, the sending unit 13 is configured to send a subscription request to a network repository function (NRF) network element, where the subscription request is used to request information about the UPF network element, and the information about the UPF network element includes the transmission capability information of the UPF network element;

[0259] The receiving unit 12 is further configured to receive the information about the UPF network element from the NRF network element.

[0260] In a feasible design, the subscription request carries preset transmission capability information, and the UPF network element is a UPF network element that supports the transmission capability indicated by the preset transmission capability information among the UPF network elements managed by the session management function (SMF) network element.

[0261] In a feasible design, the sending unit 13 is configured to send an N4 request message to the UPF network element, and the receiving unit 12 is further configured to receive an N4 response message from the UPF network element, where the N4 response message carries the transmission capability information of the UPF network element;

[0262] Alternatively,

[0263] The receiving unit 12 is configured to receive an N4 request message from the UPF network element, and the N4 request message carries the transmission capability information of the UPF network element.

[0264] In a feasible design, the sending unit 13 is configured to send second indication information to the access network device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, and the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device.

[0265] Alternatively,

[0266] The receiving unit 12 is configured to receive access control policy information from the PCF network element; the sending unit 13 is configured to send second indication information to the access network device according to the access control policy information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device.

[0267] The network node selection device provided in the embodiment of the present application can perform the actions of the SMF network element in the above embodiment, and its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, which will not be elaborated here.

[0268] Figure 10 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of another network node selection device provided in the embodiment of the present application. The network node selection device involved in this embodiment can be an AMF network element or a chip applied to the AMF network element. This network node selection device can be used to perform the functions of the AMF network element in the above embodiment. As Figure 10 shown, the network node selection device 200 may include:

[0269] A processing unit 21, configured to obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the transmission capability information includes at least one transmission capability;

[0270] A sending unit 22, configured to send the transmission capability information to a session management function SMF network element.

[0271] In a feasible design, the processing unit 21 is further configured to select the SMF network element according to the transmission capability information of the access network device.

[0272] In a feasible design, the device 200 further includes: a receiving unit 23,

[0273] The sending unit 22 is configured to send the transmission capability information of the access network device to a network storage function NRF network element, and the transmission capability information of the access network device is used for the NRF network element to determine at least one target SMF network element;

[0274] The receiving unit 23 is configured to receive third indication information from the NRF network element, where the third indication information is used to indicate the at least one target SMF network element;

[0275] The processing unit 21 is configured to determine the SMF network element from the at least one target SMF network element.

[0276] In a feasible design, the sending unit 22 is configured to send a PDU session management message to the SMF network element, where the PDU session management message carries a PDU session establishment request and transmission capability information of the access network device, the PDU session establishment request is used to request to establish a PDU session for the terminal device, and the access network device is an access network device that provides services for the terminal device.

[0277] In a feasible design, the receiving unit 23 is configured to receive the transmission capability information from the access network device; or

[0278] The receiving unit 23 is configured to receive an identifier of the access network device from the access network device, and the processing unit 21 is configured to obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the identifier of the access network device; or

[0279] The processing unit 21 is configured to obtain transport layer association information of the access network device and obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the transport layer association information; or

[0280] The processing unit 21 is configured to obtain location information of the terminal device and obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the location information, where the access network device is an access network device that provides services for the terminal device.

[0281] In a feasible design, the processing unit 21 obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device when the access network device meets a preset condition.

[0282] The network node selection device provided in the embodiments of the present application can perform the actions of the AMF network element in the above embodiments, and its implementation principle and technical effects are similar, which will not be elaborated here.

[0283] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of another network node selection device provided in the embodiments of the present application. The network node selection device involved in this embodiment can be a terminal device or a chip applied to the terminal device. This network node selection device can be used to perform the functions of the terminal device in the above embodiments. As Figure 11 shown, this network node selection device 300 may include:

[0284] A receiving unit 31, configured to receive the transmission capability information of the access network device;

[0285] A sending unit 32, configured to send the transmission capability information to a session management function (SMF) network element.

[0286] In a feasible design, the receiving unit 31 is configured to receive the transmission capability information from the access network device or an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0287] In a feasible design, the sending unit 32 is configured to send a non-access stratum (NAS) message to the SMF network element, where the NAS message carries the transmission capability information.

[0288] The network node selection device provided in the embodiments of the present application can perform the actions of the terminal device in the above embodiments. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0289] Figure 12 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of another network node selection device provided in the embodiments of the present application. The network node selection device involved in this embodiment can be a policy control function (PCF) network element or a chip applied to the PCF network element. This network node selection device can be used to perform the functions of the PCF network element in the above embodiments. As Figure 12 shown, the network node selection device 400 may include:

[0290] A receiving unit 41, configured to receive the transmission capability information of the access network device from an SMF network element;

[0291] A processing unit 42, configured to determine a target transmission capability according to the transmission capability information;

[0292] A sending unit 43, configured to send first indication information to the SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate the target transmission capability.

[0293] In a feasible design, after sending the first indication information to the SMF network element, the sending unit 43 is further configured to send access control policy information to the SMF network element.

[0294] The network node selection device provided in the embodiments of the present application can perform the actions of the PCF network element in the above embodiments. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0295] It should be noted that it should be understood that in actual implementation, the above receiving unit can be a receiver, and the sending unit can be a transmitter in actual implementation. The processing unit can be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element; it can also be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, the processing unit can be a separately established processing element, or can be integrated in a certain chip of the above device. In addition, it can also be stored in the memory of the above device in the form of program code, and the function of the above processing unit is called and executed by a certain processing element of the above device. In addition, all or part of these units can be integrated together or can be independently implemented. The processing element described here can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be completed through the integrated logic circuit in the processor element or the instruction in the form of software.

[0296] For example, the above units can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as: one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Again, when a certain unit above is implemented in the form of a processing element scheduling program code, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processors that can call program code. Again, these units can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0297] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of another network node selection device provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 13As shown, the network node selection device 500 may include: a processor 51 (such as a CPU), a memory 52, a receiver 53, and a transmitter 54; both the receiver 53 and the transmitter 54 are coupled to the processor 51, and the processor 51 controls the receiving operation of the receiver 53 and the processor 51 controls the transmitting operation of the transmitter 54; the memory 52 may include high-speed random access memory (RAM), and may also include non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk memory. Various instructions can be stored in the memory 52 to complete various processing functions and implement the method steps of this application. Optionally, the network node selection device involved in this application may further include: a communication bus 55. The receiver 53 and the transmitter 54 may be integrated in the transceiver of the network node selection device, or may be independent transceiver antennas on the network node selection device. The communication bus 55 is used to implement communication connections between components.

[0298] In an embodiment of this application, the above-mentioned memory 52 is used to store computer-executable program code, and the program code includes instructions; when the processor 51 executes the instructions, the processor 51 of the network node selection device executes the processing actions of the SMF network element in the above method embodiment, makes the receiver 53 execute the receiving actions of the SMF network element in the above embodiment, and makes the transmitter 54 execute the transmitting actions of the SMF network element in the above method embodiment. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be elaborated here. Or,

[0299] The above-mentioned memory 52 is used to store computer-executable program code, and the program code includes instructions; when the processor 51 executes the instructions, the processor 51 of the network node selection device executes the processing actions of the AMF network element in the above method embodiment, makes the receiver 53 execute the receiving actions of the AMF network element in the above embodiment, and makes the transmitter 54 execute the transmitting actions of the AMF network element in the above method embodiment. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be elaborated here. Or,

[0300] The above-mentioned memory 52 is used to store computer-executable program code, and the program code includes instructions; when the processor 51 executes the instructions, the processor 51 of the network node selection device executes the processing actions of the terminal device in the above method embodiment, makes the receiver 53 execute the receiving actions of the terminal device in the above embodiment, and makes the transmitter 54 execute the transmitting actions of the terminal device in the above method embodiment. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be elaborated here. Or,

[0301] The above-mentioned memory 52 is used to store computer-executable program codes, and the program codes include instructions; when the processor 51 executes the instructions, the processor 51 of the network node selection device is caused to execute the processing actions of the PCF network element in the above method embodiments, the receiver 53 is caused to execute the receiving actions of the PCF network element in the above embodiments, and the transmitter 54 is caused to execute the transmitting actions of the PCF network element in the above method embodiments. The implementation principles and technical effects are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0302] An embodiment of the present application further provides a storage medium, in which computer-execution instructions are stored, and when the computer-execution instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement the network node selection method as described above.

[0303] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on an SMF network element, it causes the SMF network element to execute the network node selection method as described above; or when the computer program product runs on an AMF network element, it causes the AMF network element to execute the network node selection method as described above; or when the computer program product runs on a terminal device, it causes the terminal device to execute the network node selection method as described above; or when the computer program product runs on a PCF network element, it causes the PCF network element to execute the network node selection method as described above.

[0304] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more integrated available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (for example, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0305] As used herein, the term "plurality" means two or more. As used herein, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the description "at least one of..." herein means one or any combination of the listed items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, B and C exist simultaneously, A and C exist simultaneously, and A, B, and C exist simultaneously. Additionally, the character " / " herein generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after; in a formula, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0306] It can be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0307] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the magnitudes of the serial numbers of the above processes do not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation to the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a network node, characterized in that, Including: The session management function SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device; The SMF network element selects a user plane function UPF network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the access network device is the access network device providing services for the terminal device; wherein, the transmission capability information of the access network device includes the transmission capability of the access network device, and the transmission capability of the access network device refers to the transmission capability between the access network device and the UPF network element, and the transmission capability of the access network device includes at least one of fiber optic communication transmission and 5G new radio technology communication transmission.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The SMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: The SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the access and mobility management function AMF network element; or, The SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the access and mobility management function AMF network element, including: The SMF network element receives a packet data unit PDU session management message from the AMF network element, and the PDU session management message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device; or, The SMF network element receives an N11 message from the AMF network element, and the N11 message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The SMF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the terminal device, including: The SMF network element receives a non-access stratum NAS message from the terminal device, and the NAS message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The SMF network element selects a user plane function UPF network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: The SMF selects a UPF network element for the terminal device according to the local policy and the transmission capability information of the access network device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The SMF network element selects a user plane function UPF network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: The SMF network element sends the transmission capability information of the access network device to the policy control function PCF network element, and the transmission capability information of the access network device is used for the PCF network element to determine the target transmission capability; The SMF network element receives the first indication information from the PCF network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate the target transmission capability; The SMF network element selects a UPF network element for the terminal device according to the target transmission capability.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The SMF network element selects a UPF network element for the terminal device according to the target transmission capability, including: The SMF obtains the transmission capability information of the UPF network element; The SMF network element selects a UPF network element that supports the target transmission capability for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the UPF network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further includes: The SMF network element sends second indication information to the access network device according to the transmission capacity information of the access network device, and the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device; or, The SMF network element receives access control policy information from the PCF network element, and sends second indication information to the access network device according to the access control policy information, where the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device.

9. A method for selecting a network node, characterized in that, Including: The access and mobility management function AMF network element obtains the transmission capacity information of the access network device; The AMF network element sends the transmission capacity information to the session management function SMF network element; where the transmission capacity information of the access network device includes the transmission capacity of the access network device, and the transmission capacity of the access network device refers to the transmission capacity between the access network device and the user plane function UPF network element, and the transmission capacity of the access network device includes at least one of optical fiber communication transmission and 5G new radio technology communication transmission.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The method further includes: The AMF network element selects the SMF network element according to the transmission capacity information of the access network device.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The AMF network element selects the SMF network element according to the transmission capacity information of the access network device, including: The AMF network element sends the transmission capacity information of the access network device to the network repository function NRF network element, and the transmission capacity information of the access network device is used for the NRF network element to determine at least one target SMF network element; The AMF network element receives third indication information from the NRF network element, and the third indication information is used to indicate the at least one target SMF network element; The AMF network element determines the SMF network element from the at least one target SMF network element.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein The AMF network element sending the transmission capacity information to the session management function SMF network element includes: The AMF network element sends a PDU session management message to the SMF network element, and the PDU session management message carries a PDU session establishment request and the transmission capacity information of the access network device, and the PDU session establishment request is used to request to establish a PDU session for the terminal device, and the access network device is the access network device providing services for the terminal device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The AMF network element obtaining the transmission capacity information of the access network device includes: The AMF network element receives the transmission capacity information of the access network device from the access network device; or, The AMF network element receives the identifier of the access network device from the access network device, and obtains the transmission capacity information of the access network device according to the identifier of the access network device; or, The AMF network element obtains the transport layer association information of the access network device, and obtains the transmission capacity information of the access network device according to the transport layer association information; or, The AMF network element obtains the location information of the terminal device, and obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the location information, where the access network device is the access network device that provides services for the terminal device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: When the access network device meets a preset condition, the AMF network element obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device.

15. A method for selecting a network node, characterized in that, Including: The terminal device receives the transmission capability information of the access network device; The terminal device sends the transmission capability information to the session management function SMF network element; where the transmission capability information of the access network device includes the transmission capability of the access network device, and the transmission capability of the access network device refers to the transmission capability between the access network device and the user plane function UPF network element, and the transmission capability of the access network device includes at least one of fiber optic communication transmission and 5G new radio technology communication transmission.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The terminal device receives the transmission capability information of the access network device, including: The terminal device receives the transmission capability information from the access network device or the access and mobility management function AMF network element.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The terminal device sends the transmission capability information to the session management function SMF network element, including: The terminal device sends a non-access stratum NAS message to the SMF network element, and the NAS message carries the transmission capability information.

18. A method for selecting a network node, characterized in that, Including: The policy control function PCF network element receives the transmission capability information of the access network device from the session management function SMF network element; where the transmission capability information of the access network device includes the transmission capability of the access network device, and the transmission capability of the access network device refers to the transmission capability between the access network device and the user plane function UPF network element, and the transmission capability of the access network device includes at least one of fiber optic communication transmission and 5G new radio technology communication transmission; The PCF network element determines the target transmission capability according to the transmission capability information; The PCF network element sends a first indication information to the SMF network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate the target transmission capability.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein After the PCF network element sends the first indication information to the SMF network element, it further includes: The PCF network element sends access control policy information to the SMF network element, and the access control policy information is used for the access network device to control the access of the terminal device according to the access control policy information.

20. A network node selection device, characterized in that, Including: A processing unit, configured to obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device, and select a user plane function UPF network element for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the access network device is the access network device that provides services for the terminal device; where the transmission capability information of the access network device includes the transmission capability of the access network device, and the transmission capability of the access network device refers to the transmission capability between the access network device and the UPF network element, and the transmission capability of the access network device includes at least one of fiber optic communication transmission and 5G new radio technology communication transmission.

21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The device further includes: a receiving unit; The processing unit is configured to control the receiving unit to receive the transmission capability information of the access network device from the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element; Or, The processing unit is configured to control the receiving unit to receive the transmission capability information of the access network device from the terminal device.

22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that, When the transmission capability information of the access network device is from the AMF network element, The receiving unit is configured to receive a packet data unit (PDU) session management message from the AMF network element, where the PDU session management message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device; Or, The receiving unit is configured to receive an N11 message from the AMF network element, where the N11 message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device.

23. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that, When the transmission capability information of the access network device is from the terminal device, the receiving unit is configured to receive a non-access stratum (NAS) message from the terminal device, where the NAS message carries the transmission capability information of the access network device.

24. The device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to select the UPF network element for the terminal device according to the local policy and the transmission capability information of the access network device.

25. The device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that, It further includes: A sending unit, configured to send the transmission capability information of the access network device to a policy control function (PCF) network element, where the transmission capability information of the access network device is used for the PCF network element to determine the target transmission capability; A receiving unit, configured to receive first indication information from the PCF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate the target transmission capability; The processing unit is configured to select a UPF network element for the terminal device according to the target transmission capability.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The processing unit is configured to obtain the transmission capability information of the UPF network element, and select a UPF network element that supports the target transmission capability for the terminal device according to the transmission capability information of the UPF network element.

27. The device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that, The device further includes: a sending unit, The sending unit is configured to send second indication information to the access network device according to the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device; Or, The receiving unit is configured to receive access control policy information from the PCF network element, and send second indication information to the access network device according to the access control policy information, where the second indication information is used to instruct the access network device to send an access control message to the terminal device.

28. A network node selection device, characterized in that It includes: A processing unit, configured to obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device, where the transmission capability information includes at least one transmission capability; A sending unit, configured to send the transmission capability information to a Session Management Function (SMF) network element; wherein, the transmission capability information of the access network device includes the transmission capability of the access network device, and the transmission capability of the access network device refers to the transmission capability between the access network device and a User Plane Function (UPF) network element, and the transmission capability of the access network device includes at least one of optical fiber communication transmission and 5G New Radio (NR) communication transmission.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the processing unit is further configured to select the SMF network element according to the transmission capability information of the access network device.

30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The apparatus further includes: a receiving unit, the sending unit is configured to send the transmission capability information of the access network device to a Network Repository Function (NRF) network element, and the transmission capability information of the access network device is used for the NRF network element to determine at least one target SMF network element; the receiving unit is configured to receive third indication information from the NRF network element, and the third indication information is used to indicate the at least one target SMF network element; the processing unit is configured to determine the SMF network element from the at least one target SMF network element.

31. The apparatus according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the sending unit is configured to send a PDU session management message to the SMF network element, the PDU session management message carries a PDU session establishment request and the transmission capability information of the access network device, the PDU session establishment request is used to request to establish a PDU session for a terminal device, and the access network device is an access network device that provides services for the terminal device.

32. The device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that, The apparatus further includes: a receiving unit, the receiving unit is configured to receive the transmission capability information from the access network device; or the receiving unit is configured to receive an identifier of the access network device from the access network device, and the processing unit is configured to obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the identifier of the access network device; or the processing unit is configured to obtain transmission layer association information of the access network device and obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the transmission layer association information; or the processing unit is configured to obtain location information of a terminal device and obtain the transmission capability information of the access network device according to the location information, and the access network device is an access network device that provides services for the terminal device.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the processing unit obtains the transmission capability information of the access network device when the access network device meets a preset condition.

34. A network node selection device, characterized in that including: a receiving unit, configured to receive the transmission capability information of the access network device; A sending unit, configured to send the transmission capability information to a Session Management Function (SMF) network element; wherein, the transmission capability information of the access network device includes the transmission capability of the access network device, and the transmission capability of the access network device refers to the transmission capability between the access network device and a User Plane Function (UPF) network element, and the transmission capability of the access network device includes at least one of optical fiber communication transmission and 5G New Radio technology communication transmission.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein The receiving unit is configured to receive the transmission capability information from the access network device or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

36. The apparatus according to claim 34 or 35, wherein The sending unit is configured to send a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message to the SMF network element, and the NAS message carries the transmission capability information.

37. A paging device, characterized in that, Comprising: A receiving unit, configured to receive the transmission capability information of an access network device from a Session Management Function (SMF) network element; wherein, the transmission capability information of the access network device includes the transmission capability of the access network device, and the transmission capability of the access network device refers to the transmission capability between the access network device and a User Plane Function (UPF) network element, and the transmission capability of the access network device includes at least one of optical fiber communication transmission and 5G New Radio technology communication transmission; A processing unit, configured to determine a target transmission capability according to the transmission capability information; A sending unit, configured to send first indication information to the SMF network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate the target transmission capability.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, comprising: The sending unit is further configured to send access control policy information to the SMF network element, and the access control policy information is used for the access network device to control the access of a terminal device according to the access control policy information.

39. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, For storing a computer program or instructions, when the computer program or instructions run on an electronic device, the electronic device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or, the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14; or, the method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, or, the method according to claim 18 or 19.

40. A multi-network element system, characterized in that, Comprising: A Session Management Function (SMF) network element, configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8; An Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14; A Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, configured to execute the method according to claim 18 or 19.

41. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product runs on an electronic device, the electronic device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or, the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14; or, the method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, or, the method according to claim 18 or 19.

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