A communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

A communication method, apparatus and system are used to enable the access and mobility management providing for the terminal device to obtain information of a policy control network element providing session management. In this application, a first policy control network element providing session management reports the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to a binding support network element according to indication information. Subsequently, the binding support network element can send the information of the first policy control network element to a second policy control network element providing access and mobility management for the terminal device based on the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. Thus, a foundation can be laid for the second policy control network element to subscribe to the start and stop events of the application program from the first policy control network element and to implement dynamic change of the access and mobility management policy characteristics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and particularly to a communication method, apparatus, and system. Background Art

[0002] In the next-generation wireless communication system, for example, in the New Radio (NR) system, a user equipment (UE) establishes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session with a Data Network (DN) element through a User Plane Function (UPF) element, and the PDU session provides a PDU connection service between the UE and the DN element.

[0003] In the existing 5G standard, a solution for Dynamically Changing Access and Mobility Management Policies (DCAMP) is proposed, that is, allowing the policy control element serving the UE (which can be called AM-PCF) to modify the AM policy when an application starts and stops. For example, the radio access technology / frequency selection priority (RFSP) index value in the AM policy can be modified.

[0004] The above solution requires the AM-PCF to subscribe to the start and stop of the application from the policy control element serving the PDU session (which can be called SM-PCF, where SM is the abbreviation of session management (SM)), and then the AM policy can be modified when the application starts and stops. However, in actual application scenarios, the AM-PCF and the SM-PCF serving the PDU session may be different, and how to enable the AM-PCF to obtain the information of the SM-PCF is an urgent problem to be solved currently. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system for enabling a second policy control element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device to obtain the information of a first policy control element that provides session management.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. In this method, a first policy control element receives first indication information. The first policy control element is a policy control element that provides session management for a terminal device. The first policy control element sends a first request message carrying first information to a binding support element according to the first indication information. The first information includes a subscription identifier of the terminal device and network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The first request message is used to request registering the first information to the binding support element. A second policy control element receives information of the first policy control element from the binding support element. The second policy control element is a policy control element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device.

[0007] Since the first policy control element reports the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the binding support element according to the first indication information, the binding support element can send the information of the first policy control element to the second policy control element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device according to the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. Further, it can lay a foundation for the second policy control element to subscribe to start and stop events of an application program from the first policy control element and implement dynamic change of access and mobility management policy characteristics.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, the subscription identifier of the terminal device includes at least one of a subscription permanent identifier SUPI of the terminal device or an external subscription identifier GPSI of the terminal device. The network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device includes at least one of a data network name DNN corresponding to the session of the terminal device or a single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the session of the terminal device. In this way, the first policy control element can be uniquely determined according to the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the second policy control element sends a second request message carrying second information to the binding support element. The second request message is used to request obtaining information of the first policy control element corresponding to the second information. The second information includes a subscription identifier of the terminal device and network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. In this way, the second policy control element can send the second request message according to its own needs, and then the binding support element feeds back the information of the first policy control element corresponding to it to the second policy control element according to the second request message, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0010] To improve the flexibility of the solution, in a possible implementation manner, the first policy control element receives first indication information from the binding support element.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: The first policy control element sends a registration request message carrying information of the first policy control element to the binding support element. The first policy control element receives a registration request response message from the binding support element, and the registration request response message carries first indication information. In this way, the first indication information can be obtained during the process of registering with the binding support element, and thus, this solution is more compatible with the prior art.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the first request message is a registration update request. In this way, it can be more compatible with the prior art.

[0013] To improve the flexibility of the solution, in another possible implementation, the first request message is: a registration request message.

[0014] To improve the flexibility of the solution, in another possible implementation, the first policy control element receives first indication information from the data management element.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the data management element is: a unified database or a unified data management element.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: The first policy control element receives a request message from the session management element for requesting to establish or update a session management policy corresponding to a session, and the first policy control element sends a request message for requesting subscription information corresponding to the session management policy to the data management element. The first policy control element receives a response message from the data management element, and the response message carries first indication information and subscription information. In this way, the first policy control element can obtain the first indication information from the subscription information during the process of establishing an association of the session management policy, and thus, it can be more compatible with the prior art.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the first policy control element receiving the first indication information includes: The first policy control element receives a request message from the session management element carrying the first indication information and for establishing or updating a session management policy corresponding to a session. In this way, the first indication information can be sent from the session management element to the first policy control element, thereby being more compatible with the prior art and improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the first indication information is at least one of the following: information for indicating that the second policy control entity will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy; information for indicating that the second policy control entity supports applying a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy; information for indicating that the first policy control entity sends a first piece of information to the binding support entity; or, requirement information of an application corresponding to a session. In this way, the specific content of the first indication information can be flexibly set according to specific requirements.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. In this method, a binding support entity receives a registration request message from a first policy control entity, and the first policy control entity is a policy control entity that provides session management for a terminal device. The binding support entity sends a registration request response message carrying the first indication information to the first policy control entity according to the obtained information that the second policy control entity will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, and the second policy control entity is a policy control entity that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device. The binding support entity receives a first request message carrying a first piece of information from the first policy control entity, the first piece of information includes a subscription identifier of the terminal device and network information corresponding to a session of the terminal device, and the first request message is used to request to update the first piece of information to the binding support entity. The binding support entity sends information of the first policy control entity to the second policy control entity.

[0020] Since the first policy control entity reports the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the binding support entity according to the first indication information, the binding support entity can send the information of the first policy control entity to the second policy control entity that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device according to the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. Thus, a foundation can be laid for the second policy control entity to subscribe to start and stop events of an application program from the first policy control entity and implement the characteristic of dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the binding support entity receives a second request message carrying a second piece of information from the second policy control entity; the second request message is used to request to obtain information of the first policy control entity corresponding to the second piece of information, and the second piece of information includes a subscription identifier of the terminal device and network information corresponding to a session of the terminal device. The binding support entity sends information of the first policy control entity to the second policy control entity when part or all of the first piece of information matches the second piece of information according to the second request message. In this way, the second policy control entity can send the second request message according to its own requirements, and then the binding support entity can feedback the information of the first policy control entity corresponding to the second policy control entity according to the second request message, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the information that the obtained second policy control element applies to dynamically change the access and mobility management policy is: the second information in the first request. In this way, the binding support element can infer from the second request message that the second policy control element will apply the characteristic of dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy, and then determine that the first policy control element needs to report the first information.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the binding support element receives information from the second policy control element for indicating that the second policy control element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the binding support element receives information from the second policy control element for indicating that the second policy control element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, including: the binding support element receives a registration request message from the second policy control element carrying information for indicating that the second policy control element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. In this way, the binding support element can determine that the first policy control element needs to report the first information according to the received information for indicating that the second policy control element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the binding support element sends a registration request response message carrying the first indication information to the first policy control element according to the obtained information that the second policy control element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, including: when the registration request message does not carry the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device, the binding support element sends a registration request response message carrying the first indication information to the first policy control element according to the obtained information that the second policy control element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. In this way, the binding support element can further determine whether the first policy control element reports the first information when it is determined that the first policy control element needs to report the first information. If it does not report, it indicates that the first policy control element reports again. If it reports, there is no need to repeat the indication. In this way, signaling interaction can be saved.

[0026] In the second aspect, for the introduction of the first indication information, the subscription identifier of the terminal device, and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device, reference may be made to the relevant content of the first aspect described above, and details are not repeated here.

[0027] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first policy control element and a second policy control element. The first policy control element is configured to receive indication information, and according to the first indication information, send a first request message carrying first information to a binding support element. The first policy control element is a policy control element that provides session management for a terminal device. The first information includes a subscription identifier of the terminal device and network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The first request message is used to request the registration of the first information with the binding support element. The second policy control element is configured to receive information of the first policy control element from the binding support element. The second policy control element is a policy control element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device. Since the first policy control element reports the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the binding support element according to the first indication information, the second policy control element can receive the information of the first policy control element from the binding support element. Thereby, it can lay a foundation for the second policy control element to subscribe to start and stop events of an application from the first policy control element and implement the characteristic of dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, it further includes a binding support element, configured to receive the first request message and send the information of the first policy control element to the second policy control element. The second policy control element is a policy control element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device. Since the first request message received by the binding support element carries the first information, the information of the first policy control element can be sent to the second policy control element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device according to the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device in the first information.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, the second policy control element is further configured to send a second request message carrying second information to the binding support element; the second request message is used to request to obtain the information of the first policy control element corresponding to the second information; the second information includes a subscription identifier of the terminal device and network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. In this way, the second policy control element can send the second request message according to its own needs, and then the binding support element feeds back the information of the first policy control element corresponding to it to the second policy control element according to the second request message, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner, the first policy control element is configured to: receive first indication information from the binding support element, send a registration request message carrying the information of the first policy control element to the binding support element, and receive a registration request response message from the binding support element. The registration request response message carries the first indication information.

[0031] In yet another possible implementation, the first policy control network element is configured to: receive first indication information from the binding support network element, and send a registration request message carrying information of the first policy control network element and first information to the binding support network element. In this way, the flexibility of the solution can be improved.

[0032] In a possible implementation, it further includes a second policy control network element. The second policy control network element is configured to send a registration request message carrying information for indicating that the second policy control network element determines to apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy to the binding support network element. The binding support network element is further configured to receive the registration request message, and send first indication information to the first policy control network element according to the information for indicating that the second policy control network element determines to apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. In this way, the second policy control network element can send a second request message according to its own needs, and then the binding support network element can feedback information of the first policy control network element corresponding to the second policy control network element according to the second request message, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the first policy control network element is configured to receive first indication information from the data management network element. Receive a request message for requesting to establish or update a session management policy corresponding to a session from the session management network element. Send a request message for requesting subscription information corresponding to the session management policy to the data management network element. Receive a response message from the data management network element, where the response message carries the first indication information and the subscription information. In a possible implementation, it further includes a session management network element and a data management network element. The session management network element is configured to send a request message for requesting to establish or update a session management policy corresponding to a session to the first policy control network element. The data management network element is configured to receive the request message for requesting subscription information corresponding to the session management policy, and send a response message carrying the first indication information and the subscription information corresponding to the session management policy to the first policy control network element. In this way, the first policy control network element can obtain indication information from the subscription information during the process of establishing a session management policy association, thus being more compatible with the prior art.

[0034] In a possible implementation, it further includes a session management network element, configured to send a request message carrying the first indication information and for requesting to establish or update a session management policy corresponding to a session to the first policy control network element. The first policy control network element is configured to receive the request message carrying the first indication information and for requesting to establish or update a session management policy corresponding to a session from the session management network element. In this way, the first indication information can be sent to the first policy control network element through the session management network element, so that it can be more compatible with the prior art and the flexibility of the solution can be improved.

[0035] In a possible implementation, it further includes a mobility management network element, which is configured to send a request message carrying information for instructing the second policy control network element to determine that it will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy and for requesting to establish or update a session to the session management network element. In this way, the session management network element can receive, through the request message for requesting to establish or update a session, the information for instructing the second policy control network element to determine that it will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. Furthermore, based on this information, the session management network element can send a first indication message to the first policy control network element.

[0036] In a possible implementation, it further includes a second policy control network element. The mobility management network element is further configured to send a request message for requesting to establish or update an access and mobility management policy to the second policy control network element. The second policy control network element is configured to send a response message carrying information for instructing the second policy control network element to determine that it will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy to the mobility management network element. In this way, when determining that it will apply the information of the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy according to its own requirements or the requirements in the subscription information, the second policy control network element can send the information for instructing the second policy control network element to determine that it will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy to the mobility management network element, and then enable the mobility management network element to send, based on this information, the information for instructing the second policy control network element to determine that it will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy to the session management network element. This lays a foundation for the session management network element to send a first indication message to the first policy control network element.

[0037] In a possible implementation, it further includes a data management network element. The mobility management network element is further configured to send a request message for requesting to obtain subscription information corresponding to a terminal device to the data management network element. The data management network element is configured to receive the request message for requesting to obtain subscription information corresponding to the terminal device, and send a response message carrying information for instructing the second policy control network element to determine that it will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy and the subscription information corresponding to the terminal device to the mobility management network element. In this way, the mobility management network element can obtain, from the data management network element, the information for instructing the second policy control network element to determine that it will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, and then enable the mobility management network element to send, based on this information, the information for instructing the second policy control network element to determine that it will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy to the session management network element. This lays a foundation for the session management network element to send a first indication message to the first policy control network element.

[0038] In a possible implementation, it further includes a mobility management network element and a data management network element. The mobility management network element is configured to send a request message for requesting to establish or update a session to the session management network element. The session management network element is further configured to receive the request message for requesting to establish or update a session, and send a request message for requesting the subscription information corresponding to the session to the data management network element. The data management network element is configured to receive the request message for requesting the subscription information corresponding to the session, and send a response message carrying the subscription information corresponding to the session and the information indicating that the second policy control network element will apply the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy to the session management network element. The session management network element is further configured to receive the response message carrying the subscription information corresponding to the session and the information indicating that the second policy control network element will apply the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, and send a request message carrying the first indication information and for requesting to establish or update the session management policy corresponding to the session to the first policy control network element. In this way, the session management network element can obtain, from the data management network element, the information indicating that the second policy control network element will surely apply the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy during the session establishment or update process, laying a foundation for the session management network element to send the first indication information to the first policy control network element.

[0039] In a possible implementation, it further includes a second policy control network element, which is configured to determine the information indicating that it will apply the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, and send the information indicating that the second policy control network element will apply the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy to the data management network element. In this way, the second policy control network element can store, in the data management network element, the information indicating that it will apply the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy when it determines that it will apply the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy according to its own needs. This information can be part of the subscription information and will be sent to the network element requesting to obtain the subscription data in subsequent steps.

[0040] In a possible implementation, it further includes an application network element and a network capability open network element. The application network element is configured to send a request message carrying information for indicating that the second policy control network element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy and for influencing the access and mobility management policy to the network capability open network element. The network capability open network element is configured to receive the request message carrying the information for indicating that the second policy control network element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy and for influencing the access and mobility management policy, and send a request message for requesting to update the information for indicating that the second policy control network element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy to the data management network element. In this way, the application network element can store the information for indicating that the second policy control network element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy to the data management network element according to actual requirements. This information can be used as part of the subscribed information and sent to the network element requesting to obtain the subscribed data in subsequent steps.

[0041] In the third aspect, for the introduction of the first indication information, the subscribed identifier of the terminal device, and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device, reference may be made to the relevant content in the foregoing first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0042] In the fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a first policy control network element or a chip for the first policy control network element. The device has the function of implementing any method implemented by the first policy control network element in the foregoing first aspect. This function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0043] The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0044] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a second policy control network element or a chip for the second policy control network element. The device has the function of implementing any method implemented by the second policy control network element in the foregoing first aspect. This function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0045] The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0046] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a binding support network element or a chip for the binding support network element. The device has the function of implementing any implementation method in the foregoing second aspect. This function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, and when the device runs, the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the device executes any implementation method in the above first aspect to the second aspect.

[0048] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including units or means for performing each step of any implementation method in the above first aspect to the second aspect.

[0049] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute any implementation method in the above first aspect to the second aspect. The processor includes one or more.

[0050] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including a processor for coupling with a memory. The processor is used to call a program stored in the memory to execute any implementation method in the above first aspect to the second aspect. The memory can be located inside the device or outside the device. And the processor includes one or more.

[0051] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored. When it runs on a computer, any implementation method in the above first aspect to the second aspect is executed.

[0052] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program runs, any implementation method in the above first aspect to the second aspect is executed.

[0053] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system, including: a processor for executing any implementation method in the above first aspect to the second aspect.

[0054] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, including a first policy control network element and a second policy control network element for executing any implementation method in the first aspect, and a binding support network element for executing any implementation method in the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1a It is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 1b It is a schematic diagram of a possible 5G network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 1c A schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 2a A network architecture diagram of a home routing scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 2b Another network architecture diagram of a home routing scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 2c A network architecture diagram of a local offload scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 2d Another network architecture diagram of a local offload scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 4 A flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 5 Another flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method for storing first indication information provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 7 Another schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0067] To solve the problems mentioned in the background art, as Figure 1a shown, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first policy control network element and a second policy control network element. The first policy control network element is a policy control network element that provides mobility management. The first policy control network element is a policy control network element that provides session management to a terminal device. The second policy control network element is a policy control network element that provides access and mobility management to a terminal device. In a possible implementation manner, the communication system may further include at least one of a binding support network element, a mobility management network element, a session management network element, a data management network element, an application network element, or a network capability open network element.

[0068] Among them, the first policy control element is used to receive indication information and send a first request message carrying first information to the binding support element according to the indication information. The first information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The first request message is used to request the registration of the first information to the binding support element. The second policy control element receives the information of the first policy control element from the binding support element, and the second policy control element is the policy control element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device.

[0069] In the embodiment of the present application, since the first policy control element reports the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the binding support element according to the indication information, the binding support element can then send the information of the first policy control element to the second policy control element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device. Thus, it can lay a foundation for the second policy control element to subscribe to the start and stop events of the application program from the first policy control element and implement the characteristic of dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy.

[0070] Among them, the specific implementation of the above solution will be elaborated in detail in the subsequent method embodiment part and will not be elaborated here.

[0071] Figure 1a The system shown can be used in a fifth-generation (5G) network architecture. Of course, it can also be used in future network architectures and other mobile communication systems such as future 6G.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present application Figure 1a the communication system shown is taken as an example for introduction in the 5G network architecture. There are various possible architectures for the 5G network architecture. Figure 1b FIG. is a schematic diagram of a possible 5G network architecture provided by the embodiment of the present application. The following will introduce the communication system architecture applicable to the embodiment of the present application in combination with Figure 1b As shown in Figure 1b this network architecture generally may include:

[0073] 1. Terminal device.

[0074] Figure 1bThe following uses a terminal device as a user equipment (UE) as an example for illustration. In a specific implementation, the terminal device in the embodiments of this application can be a device for implementing wireless communication functions. Among them, the terminal device can be a user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, mobile station, mobile device, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication device, terminal agent, or terminal device in a 5G network or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN). The access terminal can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication functions, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, or a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The terminal can be mobile or fixed.

[0075] The above terminal device can establish a connection with the operator network through an interface provided by the operator network (such as N1, etc.) and use services such as data and / or voice provided by the operator network. The terminal device can also access the DN through the operator network, use the operator services deployed on the DN, and / or services provided by a third party. Among them, the above third party can be a service provider other than the operator network and the terminal device, and can provide other data and / or voice services for the terminal device. Among them, the specific form of the above third party can be determined according to the actual application scenario and is not limited here.

[0076] 2. (Radio) access network ((R)AN) network element: It is used to provide an access function for authorized terminal devices in a specific area and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities according to the level of the terminal device, the requirements of the service, etc.

[0077] (R)AN is a sub-network of the operator network and is an implementation system between service nodes and terminal devices in the operator network. For a terminal device to access the operator network, it first goes through the RAN and can then be connected to the service nodes of the operator network through the RAN. The RAN device in this application is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices, and the RAN device is also referred to as an access network device. The RAN devices in this application include, but are not limited to: the next-generation base station (g nodeB, gNB) in 5G, evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved nodeB, or home node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), mobile switching center, etc.

[0078] 3. User plane network element: Used for packet routing and forwarding and quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data, etc.

[0079] Such as Figure 1b As shown, in a 5G communication system, the user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element, for example, it can include at least one of an intermediate user plane function (I-UPF) network element or a PDU Session anchor user plane function (PSA-UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane network element can still be a UPF network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0080] 4. Data network (DN) network element: Used to provide a network for transmitting data.

[0081] Such as Figure 1b As shown, in a 5G communication system, the data network can be DN1 and DN2. In future communication systems, the data network can still be DN, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0082] 5. Mobility management network element: mainly used for mobility management and access management, etc., and can be used to implement other functions of the mobility management entity (MME) function except session management. For example, lawful interception and access authorization / authentication functions.

[0083] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, this mobility management network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the access and mobility management can still be an AMF network element, or there can be other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0084] 6. Session management network element: mainly used for session management, allocation and management of the network Internet Protocol (IP) address of the terminal device, selection of manageable user plane functions, termination of the policy control and charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification, etc.

[0085] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, this session management network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element, such as it can include at least one of an intermediate session management function (I-SMF) network element or an anchor session management function (A-SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the session management network element can still be an SMF network element, or there can be other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0086] 7. Policy control network element: a unified policy framework for guiding network behavior, providing policy rule information for control plane function network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0087] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, this policy control network element can be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In future communication systems, the policy control network element can still be a PCF network element, or there can be other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0088] 8. Authentication service network element: used for authentication services, generating keys to implement mutual authentication of terminal devices, and supporting a unified authentication framework.

[0089] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, the authentication service network element may be an authentication server function (AUSF) network element. In future communication systems, the authentication service function network element may still be the AUSF network element, or it may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0090] 9. Data management network element.

[0091] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, the data management network element may be a unified data management (UDM) network element, which can be used to process terminal device identification, access authentication, registration, and mobility management, etc. In future communication systems, the unified data management network element may still be the UDM network element, or it may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0092] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, the data management network element may also be a Unified Data Repository (UDR). It is responsible for the access and storage functions of types of data such as subscription data, policy data, and application data. For example, the PCF can obtain subscription information related to or corresponding to policy decisions from the UDR. In future communication systems, the unified database may still be the UDR, or it may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0093] 10. Application network element: Used for data routing that affects applications, accessing the network open function network element, and interacting with the policy framework for policy control, etc.

[0094] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, the application network element may be an application function (AF) network element 107. In future communication systems, the application network element may still be the AF network element, or it may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0095] 11. Network storage network element: Used to maintain real-time information of all network function services in the network.

[0096] In a 5G communication system, the network storage network element may be a network repository function (NRF) network element. In future communication systems, the network storage network element may still be the NRF network element, or it may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0097] 12. Network Slice Selection Network Element: It is used to provide network slice selection function.

[0098] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, this network slice selection network element can be a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) network element. In future communication systems, this network slice selection network element can still be an NSSF network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0099] 13. Network Capability Exposure Network Element: It is used to provide network customization function.

[0100] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, this network capability exposure network element can be a network exposure function (NEF) network element. In future communication systems, this network capability exposure network element can still be an NEF network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0101] 14. Binding Support Network Element: It is used to maintain the corresponding relationship between at least two of the identification information of the terminal device, Data Network Name (DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), the address of the terminal device (such as the internet protocol (IP) address), and the information of the PCF network element.

[0102] As Figure 1b shown, in a 5G communication system, the binding support network element can be a Binding Support Function (BSF) network element. In future communication systems, this binding support network element can still be a BSF network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0103] The communication system architecture applicable in the embodiments of this application may also include other network elements, such as network analysis function network elements and service communication function network elements.

[0104] Among them, the network analysis function network element is used to provide data analysis functions at the network slice instance level. For example, it can obtain data, then use the data for training and analysis, and make corresponding inferences based on the analysis results. In a 5G communication system, this network analysis function network element can be a network analytics function (NWDAF) network element. The service communication function network element is used to provide communication functions for selection between NFs.

[0105] Figure 1b In Nnssf, Nausf, Nnef, Npcf, Nudm, Naf, Namf, Nsmf, Nbsf, N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface sequence numbers. The meanings of these interface sequence numbers can be referred to the meanings defined in the 3GPP standard protocol and are not limited here.

[0106] It can be understood that the above-mentioned network elements or functions can be either network components in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The above-mentioned network elements or functions can be divided into one or more services. Further, there may also be services that exist independently of network functions. In this application, instances of the above functions, or instances of services included in the above functions, or service instances that exist independently of network functions can all be referred to as service instances.

[0107] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application are not limited to the above system architecture and can also be applied to other future communication systems, such as the 6th generation (6G) system architecture. Moreover, the names of the various network elements used in the embodiments of this application may remain the same in function but change in name in future communication systems.

[0108] Exemplarily, Figure 1c Exemplarily shows a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-based architecture provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0109] Figure 1c The introduction of the functions of the network elements in can refer to Figure 1b the introduction of the functions of the corresponding network elements in, and will not be elaborated here. Figure 1c Compared with Figure 1b the main difference is that: Figure 1c the interfaces between the various network elements in are point-to-point interfaces instead of service-based interfaces.

[0110] In Figure 1c the architecture shown, the interface names and functions between the various network elements are as follows:

[0111] 1. N7: The interface between the PCF and the SMF, which is used to issue control policies at the protocol data unit (PDU) session granularity and the service data flow granularity.

[0112] 2. N15: The interface between the PCF and the AMF, which is used to issue UE policies and access control related policies.

[0113] 3. N5: The interface between the AF and the PCF, which is used for application service request issuance and network event reporting.

[0114] 4. N4: The interface between the SMF and the UPF, which is used to transfer information between the control plane and the user plane, including the issuance of forwarding rules from the control plane to the user plane, QoS control rules, traffic statistics rules, etc., and the information reporting of the user plane.

[0115] 5. N11: The interface between the SMF and the AMF, which is used to transfer PDU session tunnel information between the RAN and the UPF, transfer control messages sent to the UE, transfer radio resource control information sent to the RAN, etc.

[0116] 6. N2: The interface between the AMF and the RAN, which is used to transfer radio bearer control information from the core network side to the RAN, etc.

[0117] 7. N1: The interface between the AMF and the UE, which is access-independent and is used to transfer QoS control rules, etc., to the UE.

[0118] 8. N8: The interface between the AMF and the UDM, which is used for the AMF to obtain access and mobility management related subscription data and authentication data from the UDM, and for the AMF to register the UE's current mobility management related information with the UDM, etc.

[0119] 9. N10: The interface between the SMF and the UDM, which is used for the SMF to obtain session management related subscription data from the UDM, and for the SMF to register the UE's current session related information with the UDM, etc.

[0120] 10. N35: The interface between the UDM and the UDR, which is used for the UDM to obtain user subscription data information from the UDR.

[0121] 11. N36: The interface between the PCF and the UDR, which is used for the PCF to obtain policy related subscription data and application data related information from the UDR.

[0122] 12. N12: The interface between the AMF and the AUSF, which is used for the AMF to initiate an authentication process to the AUSF, and the SUCI can be carried as the subscription identifier;

[0123] 13. N13: The interface between the UDM and the AUSF, which is used for the AUSF to obtain the user authentication vector from the UDM to execute the authentication process.

[0124] 14. N22: The interface between the NSSF and the AMF, which is used for the AMF to receive the slice selection information from the NSSF.

[0125] In addition to the Figure 1b and Figure 1c system architectures shown above, the embodiments of this application are also applicable to other system architectures, such as the system architecture in the roaming scenario. The roaming scenario may include (1) the home routing scenario; (2) the local breakout scenario. Figures 2a to 2d Exemplarily shows the Figure 1b and Figure 1c network architectures shown, the schematic diagram of the architecture of the roaming scenario discussed in the 5G standard. The following will be introduced in combination with Figures 2a to 2d for illustration.

[0126] In the New Radio (NR) system, the terminal establishes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session with the Data Network (DN) network element through the User Plane Function (UPF) network element. The PDU session provides the PDU connection service between the terminal and the DN network element. When the terminal is located in the home location, the PDU session used to provide the PDU connection service is the PDU session of the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN). When the terminal is located in the visited location (i.e., the roaming scenario), one possible situation is home-routed. At this time, the PDU session used to provide the PDU connection service is the PDU session of the HPLMN; another possible situation is local breakout. At this time, the PDU session used to provide the PDU connection service is the PDU session of the Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN).

[0127] Figure 2a and Figure 2b are the network architecture diagrams of the home routing scenario, Figure 2a which are shown based on the Figure 1b 5G network architecture shown above, Figure 2b which are shown based on the Figure 1c 5G network architecture based on the service-based architecture shown above. The following will take Figure 2b as an example for illustration: As shown in Figure 2bAs shown, the network architecture includes elements of the HPLMN and elements of the VPLMN. Among them, the elements of the HPLMN include the AUSF element, the UDM element, the home SMF element (which can also be referred to as the H-SMF element), the home PCF element (which can also be referred to as the H-PCF element), the AF element, the home UPF element (which can also be referred to as the H-UPF element), the DN element, and the BSF element; the elements of the VPLMN include the visited PCF element (which can also be referred to as the V-PCF element), the visited SMF element (which can also be referred to as the V-SMF element), the AMF element, the RAN element, the visited UPF element (which can also be referred to as the V-UPF element), and the terminal. The H-SMF can be connected to the H-PCF (this H-PCF can be the hSM-PCF) to perform SM-related policy control. Combined with Figure 2a As shown in the architecture, home routing means that when establishing a PDU session, the V-SMF cannot process the SM information in the NAS signaling, so it is necessary to complete the establishment of the PDU session through the elements of the HPLMN.

[0128] Figure 2c and Figure 2d is a network architecture diagram for the local breakout scenario. Figure 2c is based on the Figure 1b shown 5G network architecture for display. Figure 2d is based on the Figure 1c shown service-based 5G network architecture for display. The following takes Figure 2d as an example for illustration: As Figure 2d shown, the network architecture includes elements of the HPLMN and elements of the VPLMN. Among them, the elements of the HPLMN include the AUSF element, the UDM element, and the H-PCF element; the elements of the VPLMN include the V-PCF element, the AF element, the SMF element, the AMF element, the RAN element, the UPF element, the DN element, and the terminal. The SMF (or referred to as the V-SMF) can be connected to the vPCF (or referred to as the vSM-PCF) to perform SM-related policy control.

[0129] Based on the above Figures 2a to 2dIn the system architecture shown, in the embodiments of the present application, after the AMF selects a PCF (AM-PCF) for the UE, an AM policy association and a UE policy association can be established. After the SMF selects a PCF (SM-PCF) for a PDU session, an SM policy association will be established. In particular, in a roaming scenario, the AM policy can be generated by the vPCF (or VAM-PCF), and the AMF and the vPCF (or VAM-PCF) establish an AM policy association. Both the hPCF (or hAM-PCF) and the vPCF (or VAM-PCF) can generate UE policies, and the AMF and the vPCF (or VAM-PCF) establish a UE policy association with the hPCF (or hAM-PCF).

[0130] It should be noted that the layout method of the BSF network element in the above Figures 2a to 2d is only a possible example. In actual applications, the BSF network element can have other layout schemes, and multiple BSF network elements may also be laid out. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific layout positions and quantities of the BSF network elements.

[0131] The mobility management network element, session management network element, policy control network element, application network element, network capability open network element, and binding support network element in the embodiments of the present application can be Figures 1b to 2d the AMF, SMF (which can be V-SMF or H-SMF), PCF (which can be V-PCF or H-PCF), AF, NEF, BSF in

[0132] respectively, or can also be network elements with the functions of the above AMF, SMF, PCF, AF, NEF, BSF in future communications such as the sixth-generation (6G) network. The present application does not limit this. For the convenience of description, the embodiments of the present application take the mobility management network element, session management network element, policy control network element, application network element, network capability open network element, and binding support network element as the above AMF, SMF, PCF, AF, NEF, BSF respectively as an example for description. Figures 1b to 2d The data management network element in the embodiments of the present application can be

[0133] In the embodiments of the present application, the policy control network element may include two types, which are respectively referred to as the first policy control network element and the second policy control network element in the embodiments of the present application. Among them, the first policy control network element is the policy control network element that provides session management for the terminal device. The second policy control network element is the policy control network element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device.

[0134] The first policy control network element may be a PCF connected to the SMF. The first policy control network element may be selected by the SMF. The first policy control network element may provide a session management policy, and the session management policy may be a Session Management (SM) policy. The first policy control network element may be for a session (such as a PDU session). In the embodiments of the present application, the first policy control network element may also be referred to as the first PCF, SM-PCF, or SM PCF. For ease of understanding in the following content, the first policy control network element is taken as the SM-PCF, and the session management policy is taken as the SM policy for introduction.

[0135] The second policy control network element may be a PCF connected to the AMF. The second policy control network element may be selected by the AMF. The second policy control network element may provide access and mobility management policies and UE policies, where the access and mobility management policy may include an access and mobility management (AM) policy. The second policy control network element may be for the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the second policy control network element may also be referred to as the second PCF, AM-PCF, or AM PCF. For ease of understanding in the following content, the second policy control network element is taken as the AM-PCF, and the access and mobility management policy is taken as the AM policy for introduction.

[0136] In actual deployment, the PCF connected to the AMF (i.e., the AM-PCF) and the PCF connected to the SMF (i.e., the SM-PCF) may be the same PCF or different PCFs.

[0137] In a possible implementation manner, the first policy control network element, the second policy control network element, the binding support network element, the mobility management network element, the session management network element, the application network element, the network capability open network element, or the data management network element in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general device or a dedicated device, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations thereon.

[0138] In another possible implementation, the related functions of the first policy control network element, the second policy control network element, the binding support network element, the mobility management network element, the session management network element, the application network element, the network capability open network element, or the data management network element in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by one device, or may be jointly implemented by multiple devices, or may also be implemented by one or more functional modules in one device. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this. It can be understood that the above functions can be either network elements in a hardware device, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform).

[0139] For example, the related functions of the first policy control network element, the second policy control network element, the binding support network element, the mobility management network element, the session management network element, the application network element, the network capability open network element, or the data management network element in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by Figure 3 the communication device 300 in. Figure 3 The following shows a schematic structural diagram of the communication device 300 provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 300 includes one or more processors 301, a communication line 302, and at least one communication interface ( Figure 3 only exemplary to include the communication interface 304 and one processor 301 as an example for illustration), and optionally may further include a memory 303.

[0140] The processor 301 may be a chip. For example, the processor 301 may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), may also be a system on chip (SoC), may also be a central processor unit (CPU), may also be a network processor (NP), may also be a digital signal processing circuit (DSP), may also be a microcontroller unit (MCU), may also be a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0141] In the implementation process, each step of the method in the embodiments of the present application can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or the instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed and completed by the hardware processor, or executed and completed by the combination of the hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, register, etc. This storage medium is located in the memory 303, and the processor 301 reads the information in the memory 303 and combines its hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0142] It should be noted that the processor 301 in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or the instructions in the form of software. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed and completed by the hardware decoding processor, or executed and completed by the combination of the hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, register, etc. This storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and combines its hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0143] The communication line 302 may include a path for connecting different components.

[0144] The communication interface 304 can be a transceiver module for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, RAN, wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. For example, the transceiver module can be a device such as a transceiver or a transceiver. Optionally, the communication interface 304 can also be a transceiver circuit located in the processor 301 to implement the signal input and signal output of the processor.

[0145] The memory 303 can be a device with storage functions. It can be understood that the memory 303 in the embodiments of this application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include but not be limited to these and any other suitable types of memory. The memory can exist independently and be connected to the processor through the communication line 302. The memory can also be integrated with the processor.

[0146] Among them, the memory 303 is used to store computer-executable instructions for executing the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 301 for execution. The processor 301 is used to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 303, so as to implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0147] Alternatively, optionally, in the embodiments of this application, it can also be that the processor 301 executes the functions related to processing in the methods provided in the following embodiments of this application, and the communication interface 304 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks. The embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0148] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in the embodiments of this application can also be referred to as application code. The embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0149] In a specific implementation, as an example, the processor 301 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 3 CPU0 and CPU1 in

[0150] In a specific implementation, as an example, the communication device 300 may include multiple processors, such as Figure 3 processor 301 and processor 308 in

[0151] Each of these processors may be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processors herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor and other various computing devices that run software, and each computing device may include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform operations or processing.

[0152] The above-mentioned communication device 300 may sometimes also be referred to as a communication apparatus, which may be a general-purpose device or a dedicated device. For example, the communication device 300 may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a network server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal device, an embedded device, the above-mentioned terminal devices, the above-mentioned network devices, or a device with a Figure 3 similar structure in

[0153] The following further introduces the embodiments of the present application based on the above content. Before that, it should be noted that in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B may represent A or B. The "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Here, A and B may be singular or plural. Also, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more than two. "At least one (item)" or its similar expression refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single item (item) or plural items (items). For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c may represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, and c may be single or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same functions and roles. Those skilled in the art can understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit to be different. At the same time, 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. Exactly speaking, using words such as "exemplary" or "for example" aims to present relevant concepts in a specific way for easy understanding.

[0154] In addition, the network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are for more clearly explaining the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the art know that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0155] Embodiment 1

[0156] Based on the above content, the embodiments of the present application provide a possible implementation method. For the convenience of subsequent distinction, it is called Embodiment 1. For Embodiment 1, Figure 4 An exemplary flow diagram of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. In this method, the actions of the first policy control network element, the second policy control network element, the binding support network element, the mobility management network element, the session management network element, the application network element, the network capability open network element, or the data management network element can be Figure 3The processor 301 in the communication device 300 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 303 for execution, which is not limited in this embodiment. As Figure 4 shown, the method includes:

[0157] Step 401. The AMF establishes / updates an AM policy association with the AM-PCF.

[0158] Establishing / updating an AM policy association can also be referred to as AM policy associationg establishment / modification. The specific steps for establishing the AM policy association can be seen in the following content and will not be elaborated here.

[0159] Step 402. The AM-PCF sends a second request message to the BSF. The second request message carries second information. The second request message is used to request information about the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information. Correspondingly, the BSF receives the second request message.

[0160] In specific implementation, the AM-PCF can modify the AM policy, such as the RFSP index value, when detecting the start and stop of an application according to the standard of Dynamically Changing AM Policies in the 5GC (DCAMP). To implement the feature of dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy, the AM-PCF needs to obtain information about the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information, so as to subscribe to the start and stop events of the application from the SM-PCF, and then can modify the AM policy when the start event of the application occurs. It can also modify the AM policy when the stop event of the application occurs.

[0161] In the embodiment of this application, the second request message can be a subscription request message, which is used to subscribe to information about the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information from the BSF. Among them, the subscription request message can be a regular request message, or the content requested by the message can be implemented by calling a service. In another possible implementation manner, the second request message can be a query request message, which is used to query information about the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information from the BSF.

[0162] In the implementation of this application, the information about the SM-PCF can be the identifier of the SM-PCF or the address of the SM-PCF, etc., and the information about the SM-PCF can be found out.

[0163] In the embodiments of the present application, the second information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the subscription identifier of the terminal device includes at least one of the SUPI of the terminal device or the external subscription identifier (Generic Public Subscription Identifier, GPSI) of the terminal device. The GPSI of the terminal device can be, for example, a telephone number (mobile subscriber ISDN number, MSISDN) or other external identifier, where ISDN is the abbreviation of Integrated Services Digital Network. In the embodiments of the present application, the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device includes at least one of the DNN corresponding to the session of the terminal device or the S-NSSAI corresponding to the session of the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the DNN and S-NSSAI can prevent the possible duplication problem when using private IP addresses (there will be no duplicate IP addresses within the same DNN and the same S-NSSAI), and the SUPI can be used to identify the terminal device corresponding to the SM-PCF.

[0164] It should be noted that step 402 can be at the current position or at other positions, for example, it can be after step 405. There is no limitation here.

[0165] Step 403. The SMF establishes / updates an SM policy association with the SM-PCF.

[0166] For the specific steps of establishing the SM policy association, please refer to the following content and will not be elaborated here.

[0167] Step 404. The SM-PCF receives the first indication information.

[0168] In order to distinguish several indication information in the embodiments of the present application, the indication information received by the first policy control network element in the embodiments of the present application can be referred to as the first indication information.

[0169] In a possible implementation, the first indication information may be information for indicating that AM-PCF will apply dynamically changing access and mobility management policies. Alternatively, the first indication information may be an indication of dynamically changing access and mobility management policies. Since AM-PCF will apply dynamically changing access and mobility management policies, AM-PCF needs to know the information of SM-PCF. Therefore, based on the received first indication information, SM-PCF determines that the subscription identification of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device need to be reported to BSF. Then BSF can compare the second information with the first information to query the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information, and return the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information to AM-PCF, laying the foundation for AM-PCF to subscribe to the start and stop events of the application to SM-PCF, and then laying the foundation for AM-PCF to realize the dynamic change of access and mobility management policy characteristics.

[0170] In another possible implementation, the first indication information may be information for indicating that AM-PCF supports dynamic changes in access and mobility management policies. According to the first indication information, it can be inferred that AM-PCF will apply dynamic changes in access and mobility management policies, so AM-PCF needs to know the information of SM-PCF. Therefore, SM-PCF determines that the subscription identification of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device need to be reported to BSF based on the received first indication information.

[0171] In another possible implementation, the first indication information may be information for indicating that the SM-PCF needs to report the subscription identification of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the BSF. The SM-PCF reports the first information based on the received first indication information.

[0172] In another possible implementation, the first indication information is the demand information of the application corresponding to the session. In the embodiment of the present application, the application corresponding to the session can be understood as the application corresponding to the data transmitted by the session, or it can also be understood as the session created to transmit the data of the application. In the embodiment of the present application, the demand information of the application corresponding to the session may include, for example, service coverage requirements, throughput requirements, etc. In this case, the SM-PCF can infer (for example, it can be inferred according to preset rules) that the AM-PCF will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management strategy under the needs of the application. It can then be inferred that the SM-PCF needs to report the subscription identification of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the BSF.

[0173] In another possible implementation, the first indication information may also be multiple types of information. For example, it may be information for indicating that the AM-PCF will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy, information for indicating that the AM-PCF supports dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy, information for indicating that the SM-PCF needs to report the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the BSF, or at least two of the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session.

[0174] There are multiple ways for the SM-PCF to receive the first indication information. For example, the BSF sends the first indication information to the SM-PCF; for another example, the data management network element (such as the UDR) may send the first indication information to the SM-PCF; for another example, the SMF may send the first indication information to the SM-PCF. How to obtain the first indication information will be further introduced in the following content.

[0175] Step 405. The SM-PCF sends a first request message to the BSF according to the first indication information. The first request message includes first information. The first information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the first request message may be used to request to register the first information with the binding support network element. Correspondingly, the BSF receives the first request message.

[0176] The subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device can be referred to the relevant introduction in the foregoing step 402. It should be noted that, in a possible implementation, if only one S-NSSAI is supported in the network, the S-NSSAI may not be registered, that is, the first information may not include the S-NSSAI. When only one DNN is supported in the network, the DNN may not be registered, that is, the first information may not include the DNN. When the service of other terminal devices affects the AM policy such as the radio access technology (RAT) / Frequency Selection Priority (RFSP) of the access type band selection, the SUPI of the terminal device may not be registered, that is, the first information may not include the SUPI. Because in this case, the PCF may also need to judge according to the service conditions of other terminal devices.

[0177] In a possible implementation manner, the first request message further includes indication information for indicating that the PCF sending the first request message is the SM-PCF. For example, when the first request message is a registration request message, since the address of the terminal device must be carried in the registration request message, the indication information for indicating that the PCF sending the first request message is the SM-PCF can be determined according to whether the address of the terminal device is included in the registration request message. If it is included, it is determined that the PCF sending the first request message is the SM-PCF. If it is not included, it is determined that the PCF sending the first request message is not the SM-PCF.

[0178] In the embodiments of the present application, the first request message may be a newly defined signaling, or a registration request message, or a registration update message. Examples will be given separately in the following content.

[0179] Step 406. The BSF compares the first information and the second information based on the foregoing received second request message. If it is determined that part or all of the first information matches the second information, step 407 is executed.

[0180] Figure 4 The case where all of the first information matches all of the second information is used as an example for display.

[0181] In a possible implementation manner, the parameter items included in the first information and the second information are the same. In this case, the matching between the second information and the first information in the embodiments of the present application means that: the subscription identifier of the terminal device included in the second information is the same as the subscription identifier of the terminal device in the first information, and the network information corresponding to the session included in the second information is the same as the network information corresponding to the session included in the first information. For example, the first information includes the SUPI, DNN, and S-NSSAI of the terminal device. The second information includes the SUPI, DNN, and S-NSSAI of the terminal device. The SUPI of the terminal device in the second information is the same as the SUPI of the terminal device in the first information, the DNN in the second information is the same as the DNN in the first information, and the S-NSSAI in the second information is the same as the S-NSSAI in the first information. If the first information and the second information further include the GPSI of the terminal device, the GPSI of the terminal device in the first information is the same as the GPSI in the second information.

[0182] In another possible implementation, the number of parameters included in the second information is different from the number of parameters included in the first information. For example, the first information includes the SUPI of the terminal device, the GPSI of the terminal device, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI. The second information may only include the SUPI of the terminal device, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI. In this case, the matching of the second information and the first information may mean that the SUPI of the terminal device in the second information is the same as the SUPI of the terminal device in the first information, the DNN in the second information is the same as the DNN in the first information, and the S-NSSAI in the second information is the same as the S-NSSAI in the first information. Since there is no GPSI of the terminal device in the second information, it can be required that the GPSI corresponding to the SUPI of the terminal device in the second information is the same as the GPSI of the terminal device in the first information, or the comparison of the GPSI may no longer be required. In the embodiments of the present application, there is a preset correspondence between the SUPI and the GPSI of the terminal device, and they can be converted with each other.

[0183] In another possible implementation, the parameter items included in the second information may be different from the parameter items included in the first information. For example, the first information includes the GPSI of the terminal device, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI. The second information may only include the SUPI of the terminal device, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI. In this case, the matching of the second information and the first information may mean that the SUPI of the terminal device in the second information has a corresponding relationship with the GPSI of the terminal device in the first information, the DNN in the second information is the same as the DNN in the first information, and the S-NSSAI in the second information is the same as the S-NSSAI in the first information.

[0184] Step 407. The BSF sends a first notification message to the AM-PCF corresponding to the first information, and the first notification message includes the information of the SM-PCF.

[0185] Correspondingly, the AM-PCF receives the first notification message.

[0186] In the embodiments of the present application, part or all of the first information matches the second information. Therefore, the AM-PCF that sends the second information can also be referred to as the AM-PCF corresponding to the first information, and the SM-PCF that sends the first information can also be referred to as the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information.

[0187] In the embodiment of the present application, the BSF can notify the AM-PCF that the SM-PCF serving the session is registered in the BSF by calling Nbsf_Management_Notify (carrying the address of the terminal device and the information of the SM-PCF (such as the address information or the identification (ID) of the SM-PCF)). When there are multiple sessions corresponding to the same DNN and the same S-NSSAI, the BSF can provide multiple notifications to the AM-PCF.

[0188] Step 408. The AM-PCF can return a first notification response message to the BSF.

[0189] Correspondingly, the BSF receives the first notification response message.

[0190] The first notification response message is a response message to the first notification message, and can be used to indicate whether the AM-PCF has received the information of the SM-PCF sent by the BSF.

[0191] Step 409. After successfully receiving the information of the SM-PCF, the AM-PCF sends a second subscription request message to the SM-PCF. Correspondingly, the SM-PCF receives the second subscription request message.

[0192] The second subscription request message can be used to subscribe to the start / stop of the application corresponding to the session. That is to say, the AM-PCF subscribes to the "start / stop of application traffic" event notification from the SM-PCF serving the session through the second subscription request message.

[0193] In the embodiment of the present application, the AM-PCF can subscribe to the start / stop event of the application corresponding to the session by calling Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_subscribe.

[0194] Step 410. The SM-PCF returns a second subscription response message to the AM-PCF. Correspondingly, the AM-PCF receives the second subscription response message.

[0195] The second subscription response message is a response message to the second subscription request message, and can be used to indicate that the SM-PCF accepts the second subscription request message.

[0196] Step 411. The SM-PCF can generate a Policy Control and Charging (PCC) rule and a policy control request trigger, and send them to the SMF.

[0197] Among them, the PCC rule includes the ID of the application in the service data flow (SDF) template.

[0198] Among them, the policy control request trigger can be used to enable the SMF to detect whether the "start / stop of application traffic" event is satisfied.

[0199] In an embodiment of this application, the SM-PCF can call Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Updata_Notify to send PCC rules and policy control request triggers to the SMF.

[0200] Step 412. The SMF detects whether the policy control request trigger is satisfied. When it is satisfied, that is, when the "start of application traffic" event is detected, or the "stop of application traffic" event is detected, step 413 can be executed.

[0201] Step 413. The SMF sends a second notification message to the SM-PCF. Correspondingly, the SM-PCF receives the second notification message.

[0202] The first notification message is used to notify the SM-PCF that the policy control request trigger is satisfied, that is, to notify the SM-PCF that the "start of application traffic" event occurs, or to notify the SM-PCF that the "stop of application traffic" event occurs.

[0203] In an embodiment of this application, the SMF can call Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Updata to notify the SM-PCF that the "start or stop of application traffic" event occurs.

[0204] Step 414. The SM-PCF sends a third notification message to the AM-PCF. Correspondingly, the AM-PCF receives the third notification message.

[0205] The third notification message is used to notify the AM PCF that the "start of application traffic" event occurs, or to notify the SM-PCF that the "stop of application traffic" event occurs.

[0206] In an embodiment of this application, the SM-PCF can notify the AM-PCF that the "start or stop of application traffic" event occurs by calling Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify.

[0207] Step 415. The AM-PCF sends a third notification response message to the SM-PCF.

[0208] The third notification response message is a response message to the third notification message, which can be used to feedback to the SM-PCF that the AM-PCF has successfully received the third notification message.

[0209] Step 416. The AM-PCF can modify the AM policy.

[0210] In step 416, the AM-PCF may modify the AM policy (AM policy association modification initiated by PCF), such as the RFSP index value, when detecting the start and stop of the application according to the DCAMP standard in the 5GC. For example, the AM-PCF may check the operator policy and then change the AM policy according to the notification message (or report) of "start / stop of application traffic" in step 414. For example, the RFSP index value may be changed.

[0211] In the embodiments of the present application, the DCAMP feature may be applicable to the Figures 1a to 2d system architecture shown above. For example, it may be applicable to non-roaming and LBO deployments. In this case, the PCF, SMF, and UPF may belong to the Serving PLMN.

[0212] In another possible implementation, the solution provided in the embodiments of the present application may also be applied to the home-routed (HR) scenario. In the HR scenario, the AM-PCF may be located in the VPLMN, and the SM-PCF may be located in the HPLMN. In the HR scenario, the AM-PCF may transmit data between the VBSF and the HBSF, or directly transmit data with the HBSF. The following takes the example of the AM-PCF subscribing to the information of the SM-PCF to introduce the data transmission process between the AM-PCF and the HBSF. Those skilled in the art will know that the following solution may also be applicable to the transmission of other information between the AM-PCF and the HBSF, not limited to the information of the SM-PCF mentioned in the embodiments of the present application.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the BSF may be divided into the VBSF and the HBSF. The VBSF may further subscribe to the corresponding information from the HBSF (such as subscribing to the information of the SM-PCF). The HBSF sends a notification to the VBSF (the notification may include, for example, the information of the SM-PCF), and the VBSF then notifies the obtained information (such as the information of the SM-PCF) to the AM-PCF.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the AM-PCF may send an indication message to the V-BSF for indicating that the VBSF subscribes to the HBSF. In another possible implementation, the AM-PCF may also directly subscribe to the HBSF located in the HPLMN.

[0215] The AM-PCF can subscribe to the establishment of PDU sessions with HR within a certain DNN or S-NSSAI from the AMF. When the AMF reports the establishment of eligible PDU sessions, the AM-PCF sends the above-mentioned indication information to the V-BSF or directly subscribes to the HBSF. The AM-PCF can also determine based on the DNN and S-NSSAI whether to send the above-mentioned indication information for instructing the V-BSF to subscribe to the HBSF. Or the AM-PCF can also determine based on the DNN and S-NSSAI whether to directly subscribe to the information of the SM-PCF from the HBSF.

[0216] In another possible implementation, the V-BSF can determine based on the DNN and S-NSSAI whether to subscribe to the information of the SM-PCF from the HBSF.

[0217] Through Figure 4 the proposed solution, since the SM-PCF receives the first indication information, it can send the first information to the BSF, and the first information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. Subsequently, the BSF can feedback the information of the SM-PCF to the AM-PCF corresponding to the first information, so that the AM-PCF can subscribe to the start and stop events of the application from the SM-PCF, realizing the DCAMP feature.

[0218] It should be noted that Figure 4 after the BSF receives the second request message in step 406 of Figure 4 , since the second request message is used to request the information of the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information, the BSF feedbacks the information of the SM-PCF to the AM-PCF in step 406. In another possible implementation, it is not necessary to receive the second request message. For example, if the AM-PCF does not send the second request message to the BSF, in this case, the BSF can query the AM-PCF corresponding to the first information based on the received first information in step 406. Whether it subscribes to or queries the information of the SM-PCF, it can feedback the information of the SM-PCF to it, so that the DCAMP feature can be realized for the AM-PCF. The

[0219] Embodiment 2

[0220] Based on the above content (such as Embodiment 1), the present application provides a possible implementation. For easy distinction in the following content, it is called Embodiment 2. For Embodiment 2, Figure 5The flowchart shows another possible communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In this method, the actions of the first policy control element, the second policy control element, the binding support element, the mobility management element, the session management element, the application element, the network capability open element, or the data management element can be Figure 3 executed by the processor 301 in the communication device 300 shown in Figure 5 calling the application program code stored in the memory 303. This embodiment places no restrictions on this. As

[0221] shown, the method includes:

[0222] Step 1. The terminal device sends a first registration request message to the (R)AN.

[0223] Correspondingly, the (R)AN receives the first registration request message.

[0224] Through Step 1, the terminal device can initiate a registration process. The first registration request message may include information about the terminal device. The first registration request message may be, for example, a registration request.

[0224] Step 2. The (R)AN sends a second registration request message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the second registration request message.

[0225] In Step 2, the (R)AN may select an AMF and then send the second registration request message to the selected AMF. The information about the terminal device carried in the second registration request message may be the same as the information about the terminal device carried in the first registration request message. The second registration request message may be, for example, a registration request.

[0226] Step 3. The AMF sends a first subscription information acquisition request message to the data management element (such as the UDM). Correspondingly, the data management element receives the first subscription information acquisition request message.

[0227] The first subscription information acquisition request message is used to acquire the subscription data of the terminal device. The subscription data of the terminal device may be, for example, subscribed slice information, subscribed frequency selection information, and subscribed DNN, etc.

[0228] Step 4. The UDM sends a first subscription information acquisition response message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the first subscription information acquisition response message.

[0229] The first subscription information acquisition response message is a response message to the first subscription information acquisition request message and may carry the subscription data of the terminal device.

[0230] Step 5. The AMF selects the AM-PCF.

[0231] The AMF can select an AM-PCF based on the subscription information of the terminal device obtained.

[0232] Step 6. The AM sends an AM policy association establishment / update request message to the AM-PCF. Correspondingly, the AM-PCF receives the AM policy association establishment / update request message.

[0233] The AM policy association establishment / update request message can be a request message for requesting the establishment or update of the access and mobility management policy. The AM policy association establishment / update request message can be a conventional message or a message under the service-based architecture, such as Npcf_AMPolicyControl_create / modification.

[0234] Step 7. The AM-PCF sends a third registration request message to the BSF. Correspondingly, the BSF receives the third registration request message.

[0235] After receiving the message in Step 6, the AM-PCF can establish or update the AM policy. The AM-PCF can determine the AM policy (such as the RFSP index value) according to the application corresponding to the session, and the DNN and S-NSSAI corresponding to the session, etc. Then, it can register the registration information corresponding to the created or updated AM policy to the BSF through the third registration request message in Step 7.

[0236] The registration information carried in the third registration request message can include, for example, the address of the terminal device, the address of the AM-PCF, etc. information. It can also carry the subscription identifier of the terminal device. It can also carry the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The third registration request is used to request to register the registration information to the BSF.

[0237] Step 8. The BSF sends a third registration response message to the AM-PCF. Correspondingly, the AM-PCF receives the third registration response message.

[0238] The third registration response message is the response message of the third registration request message, and can also be called the third registration request response message. The third registration response message can be used to indicate that the BSF has successfully registered the registration information in the third registration request to the BSF.

[0239] Step 9. The AM-PCF can send an AM policy association establishment / update response message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the AM policy association establishment / update response message.

[0240] The AM policy association establishment / update response message is the response message to the AM policy association establishment / update request message. The AM policy association establishment / update response message can be used to indicate that the AM-PCF has established or updated the AM policy. The AM policy association establishment / update response message can be a regular message or a message under the service-based architecture, such as Npcf_AMPolicyControl_create / modification response.

[0241] Steps 6 and 9 can be an example of step 401 in the foregoing Figure 4 Steps 7 and 8 can also be divided into the steps in step 401 of the foregoing.

[0242] Step 10. The AMF feeds back the first registration acceptance message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first registration acceptance message.

[0243] The first registration acceptance message can be used to indicate that the terminal device's registration is successful or failed. After the terminal device's registration is successful, the subsequent session establishment process can continue. The session in the embodiments of the present application can be introduced by taking the PDU session as an example.

[0244] Step 11. The AM-PCF sends a first subscription request message to the BSF. Correspondingly, the BSF receives the first subscription request message.

[0245] The first subscription request message can include second information, and the first subscription request message can be used to subscribe to the information of the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information. The first subscription request message in step 11 is Figure 4 an example of the first request message of step 405 in

[0246] The AM-PCF can determine the information of the SM PCF corresponding to the session to be subscribed to the BSF based on the information pre-configured in the AM-PCF or the ID of the application corresponding to the session obtained from the UDR. Or, the AM-PCF can determine that the AM-PCF will dynamically change the access and mobility management policy for the application based on the information pre-configured in the AM-PCF or the ID of the application corresponding to the session obtained from the UDR. Then when sending the first subscription request message, it can be subscribed to the BSF by calling Nbsf_Management_Subscribe (which can carry the SUPI of the terminal device, as well as the DNN and S-NSSAI corresponding to the session). So that when the SM-PCF serving the session of this SUPI terminal device is registered in the BSF, the information of the SM-PCF is notified to the AM-PCF.

[0247] Step 12. The BSF sends a first subscription response message to the AM-PCF. Correspondingly, the AM-PCF receives the first subscription response message.

[0248] The first subscription response message can be a response message to the first subscription request message and can be used to indicate that the BSF accepts the content subscribed to by the first subscription request message.

[0249] Step 13. The terminal device sends a first session establishment request to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the first session establishment request.

[0250] The first session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session. In 5G, the first session establishment request can be, for example, a PDU session establishment request or also a PDU session establishment request.

[0251] It should be noted that in some places in the embodiments of the present application, the session is exemplified as a PDU session. In future communication systems, the session can still be a PDU session, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0252] Step 14. The AMF sends a second session establishment request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the second session establishment request.

[0253] The second session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session. In 5G, the second session establishment request can be, for example, a PDU session establishment request or also an Nsmf_PDU session_CreateSMContext request.

[0254] In the embodiments of the present application, the session establishment requests in Step 13 and Step 14 are used to request the establishment of a session, and the request messages for requesting the establishment of a session in Step 13 and Step 14 can also be replaced with request messages for requesting the update of a session. Figure 5 Only the example of the AMF sending a request message for requesting the establishment of a session to the SMF is shown.

[0255] Step 15. The SMF sends a second subscription information acquisition request message to a data management network element (such as the UDM). Correspondingly, the data management network element receives the second subscription information acquisition request message.

[0256] The second subscription information acquisition request message is used to acquire the subscription data corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The subscription data corresponding to the session can include, for example, information such as the allowed PDU session types. The subscription data corresponding to the session can be set at the S-NSSAI granularity (per S-NSSAI) or at the DNN granularity (per DNN).

[0257] Step 16. The UDM sends a second subscription information acquisition response message to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the second subscription information acquisition response message.

[0258] The second subscription information acquisition response message is a response message to the second subscription information acquisition request message and may carry the subscription data of the terminal device.

[0259] It should be noted that if the SMF does not store the subscription data corresponding to the session of the terminal device, the subscription data can be obtained from the UDM through Step 15 and Step 16. In another possible implementation, the SMF can obtain the subscription data in advance and store it. In this way, after receiving the second session establishment request, subsequent processing can be performed based on the stored subscription data without temporarily querying the UDM.

[0260] Step 17. The SMF selects an SM-PCF.

[0261] The SMF can select an SM-PCF based on the queried subscription information of the terminal device.

[0262] Step 18. The SMF sends an SM policy association establishment / update request message to the SM-PCF. Correspondingly, the SM-PCF receives the SM policy association establishment / update request message.

[0263] The SM policy association establishment / update request message can be a request message for requesting the establishment or update of a session management policy. The SMF can report information such as the identifier of the session, the SUPI of the terminal device, the DNN and S-NSSAI corresponding to the session to the SM-PCF. After allocating an address for the terminal device for this session, the SMF can also report the address of the terminal device to the SM-PCF, such as an IPv4 address, an IPv6 prefix, or a Media Access Control (MAC) address, etc. The SM policy association establishment / update request message can be a conventional message or a message under the service-based architecture, such as Npcf_SMPolicyControl_create / modification.

[0264] Step 19. The SM-PCF sends a third subscription information acquisition request message to a data management network element (such as a UDR). Correspondingly, the data management network element receives the third subscription information acquisition request message.

[0265] The third subscription information acquisition request message is used to obtain the subscription data of the terminal device, and the third subscription information can also be said to be used to request the acquisition of the subscription data corresponding to the SM policy. The subscription data of the terminal device can include, for example, user level information (such as the user is a gold user or a silver user), etc.

[0266] Step 20. The UDR sends a third subscription information acquisition response message to the SM-PCF. Correspondingly, the SM-PCF receives the third subscription information acquisition response message.

[0267] The third subscription information acquisition response message is a response message to the third subscription information acquisition request message, and may carry the subscription data of the terminal device, or carry the subscription data corresponding to the SM policy.

[0268] Step 21. The SM-PCF sends a fourth registration request message to the BSF. Correspondingly, the BSF receives the fourth registration request message.

[0269] After receiving the message in step 18, the SM-PCF may establish or update the SM policy, and then may register the registration information corresponding to the created or updated SM policy to the BSF through the fourth registration request message in step 22.

[0270] The registration information corresponding to the SM policy carried in the fourth registration request message may include, for example, the allocated address / prefix of the terminal device, the address of the SM-PCF, etc.; it may also carry information such as the identifier of the session.

[0271] In the embodiment of the present application, in step 21, the SM-PCF may call Nbsf_management_registration.

[0272] Step 22. The BSF sends a fourth registration response message to the SM-PCF. Correspondingly, the SM-PCF receives the fourth registration response message.

[0273] The fourth registration response message is a response message to the fourth registration request message, and may also be referred to as a fourth registration request response message. The fourth registration response message may be used to indicate that the BSF has successfully registered the registration information in the fourth registration request to the BSF.

[0274] In the embodiment of the present application, the BSF may carry first indication information in the fourth registration response message, and then the SM-PCF receives the first indication information from the BSF by receiving the fourth registration response message. Step 22 may be an example of the foregoing step 404.

[0275] In a possible implementation, the BSF may carry first indication information in the fourth registration response message according to the information obtained that the AM-PCF will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy. In another possible implementation, the information obtained that the AM-PCF will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy may be the second information in the foregoing first subscription request message. Specifically, since the second information in the first subscription request message is received, it can be inferred that the AM-PCF will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy. Therefore, the BSF may carry the first indication information in the fourth registration response message according to the second information in the first subscription request message. In yet another possible implementation, the BSF may carry the first indication information in the fourth registration response message based on the received first subscription request message. After receiving the first subscription request message, in order to query the SM-PCF corresponding to the second information, the SM-PCF needs to report the first information. Therefore, the BSF does not need to receive indication information sent by other network elements, but may carry the first indication information in the fourth registration response message based on the received first subscription request message.

[0276] In yet another possible implementation, the fourth registration request message may also carry the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. For example, it may carry information such as the SUPI of the terminal device, the DNN corresponding to the session, and the S-NSSAI, or it may not carry information such as the SUPI of the terminal device, the DNN corresponding to the session, and the S-NSSAI. The BSF may make a judgment after receiving the fourth registration request message to determine whether the fourth registration request message carries the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. If it already carries such information, the first indication information will not be carried in the fourth registration response message. If it does not carry such information, the first indication information will be carried in the fourth registration response message.

[0277] In yet another possible implementation, the BSF may store the correspondence between the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the terminal device address, and may send the first indication information only to the SM-PCF corresponding to the terminal device in this correspondence. Or other network elements such as the AM-PCF may obtain the above correspondence between the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the terminal device address and send it to the BSF.

[0278] In a possible implementation, the way for the AM-PCF to obtain the correspondence between the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the address of the terminal device may be to subscribe to the address of the terminal device in the session (such as a PDU session) from the AMF (the AMF may further subscribe to the SMF). Alternatively, in another possible implementation, the fourth registration request message sent by the SM-PCF may carry the SUPI, but does not carry the DNN or S-NSSAI. In this case, the BSF can obtain the correspondence between the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the address of the terminal device from the SM-PCF.

[0279] In the embodiment of the present application, step 22 may be an example of step 404 in the foregoing Figure 4 and the relevant content can also refer to the relevant introduction of step 404 in the foregoing.

[0280] Step 21.1. The SM-PCF sends a registration update request message to the BSF. The registration update request message includes the first information. The registration update request message is used to request to update the first information to the BSF.

[0281] Correspondingly, the BSF receives the registration update request message.

[0282] In the embodiment of the present application, step 21.1 may be an example of step 405 in the foregoing Figure 4 and the relevant content can also refer to the relevant introduction of step 405 in the foregoing.

[0283] In a possible implementation, after the SM-PCF is registered with the BSF, the AF can discover the information of the SM-PCF serving the session through the BSF. For example, the AF can send a request message (possibly sent through the NEF) to the BSF for requesting to obtain the SM-PCF information, such as Nbsf_management_discovery_request. The address of the terminal device can be carried in this message. The address of the terminal device can be used as a mandatory information. Information such as the DNN corresponding to the session and the identifier of the terminal device can also be carried. The BSF can feedback the information of the SM-PCF serving the session to the AF according to the stored tuple relationship. The AF sends an authorization request message to the SM-PCF (such as calling Npcf_PolicyAuthorization). The authorization request message can include information such as Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, and can also carry information such as bandwidth and service type. The identifier of the terminal device mentioned in the embodiment of the present application can be an external identifier (such as a telephone number) or the SUPI of the terminal device. When the AF carries the external identifier in the message sent to the SM-PCF, the NEF can convert the external identifier of the terminal device into the internal identifier of the terminal device and then send it to the SM-PCF.

[0284] Step 23. The SM-PCF may send an SM policy association establishment / update response message to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the SM policy association establishment / update response message.

[0285] The SM policy association establishment / update response message is a response message to the SM policy association establishment / update request message. The SM policy association establishment / update response message may be used to indicate that the SM-PCF has established or updated the SM policy. The SM policy association establishment / update response message may be a regular message or a message under the service-based architecture, such as Npcf_SMPolicyControl_create / modification response.

[0286] Steps 18 and 23 may be an example of step 403 in the foregoing Figure 4 Steps 19 and 20 may also belong to the steps in step 403 in the foregoing Figure 4

[0287] Step 24. If the BSF determines that part or all of the first information matches the second information, step 25 is executed.

[0288] Figure 5 In the foregoing

[0289] The content of step 25 in the embodiments of the present application may refer to the content of step 406 in the foregoing Figure 4

[0290] Step 25. The BSF sends a first notification message to the AM-PCF corresponding to the first information, and the first notification message includes the information of the SM-PCF. Correspondingly, the AM-PCF receives the first notification message.

[0291] The content of step 25 in the embodiments of the present application may refer to the content of step 407 in the foregoing Figure 4 Figure 4 After step 25, the relevant content of steps 408 to 416 in the foregoing

[0292] Through the Figure 5 solution, it can be seen that the BSF may send first indication information to the SM-PCF, the SM-PCF sends the first information to the BSF through a registration update request message, and then the BSF may feedback the information of the SM-PCF to the AM-PCF corresponding to the first information, so that the AM-PCF may subscribe to the start and stop events of the application program from the SM-PCF, implementing the DCAMP feature.

[0293] Embodiment 3 ​​​

[0294] Based on Figure 5 the solution shown, another possible implementation manner is provided in the embodiments of the present application. For the convenience of subsequent distinction, it is called the third implementation manner. Compared with Figure 5 , the information on which the BSF determines to carry the first indication information in the fourth registration response message is different. Specifically:

[0295] It is possible to carry a second indication information in the third registration request message sent by the AM-PCF to the BSF in step 7 in Figure 5 . In one possible implementation manner, the second indication information is information used to indicate that the AM-PCF will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. In another possible implementation manner, the second indication information is information used to indicate that the AM-PCF supports a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. In another possible implementation manner, the second indication information is information used to indicate that the SM-PCF needs to report the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the BSF. In another possible implementation manner, the second indication information is the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session.

[0296] The first indication information and the second indication information may be the same or different. For example, the first indication information is information used to indicate that the SM-PCF needs to report the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the BSF, and the second indication information is information that the AM-PCF will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy.

[0297] The BSF may determine to carry the first indication information in the fourth registration response message according to the received second indication information.

[0298] In one possible implementation manner, the AM-PCF may determine whether it will apply the information of the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. When the AM-PCF will apply the information of the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, the second indication information is carried in the third registration request message. The second indication information may also be sent to the BSF through a separate signaling.

[0299] In the embodiments of the present application, the AM-PCF may obtain the first indication information from the UDR, and then send the second indication information to other network elements according to the first indication information. The first indication information may be different from or the same as the second indication information.

[0300] From this third implementation manner and Figure 5 the second implementation manner, it can be seen that the BSF can pass Figure 5It is inferred from the second information in [the above] that the AM-PCF will apply information for dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy, and it can also be determined from the second indication information in step 7 of the third implementation manner that the AM-PCF will apply information for dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy. There are various ways, which can improve the flexibility of the solution.

[0301] Implementation Manner Four

[0302] Based on the foregoing Figure 5 As shown in the content, another possible Implementation Manner Four provided by the embodiments of the present application, compared with Figure 5 the Implementation Manner Two shown in [the above], the manner in which the SM-PCF obtains the first indication information in this Implementation Manner Four is different from that in Figure 5 [the above], and the manner of sending the first information is different from that in Figure 5 [the above]. Specifically:

[0303] In this Implementation Manner Four, in step 20 of the foregoing Figure 5 : The UDR may further carry the first indication information in the third subscription information acquisition response message.

[0304] Correspondingly, the SM-PCF receives the first indication information by receiving the third subscription information acquisition response message. This step may be an example in the foregoing 404.

[0305] Another difference from Figure 6 [the above] is that the first information may be carried in the fourth registration request message sent in step 21 of the foregoing Figure 5 [the above]. Since the first information has been carried in the fourth registration request message, the BSF does not need to carry the first indication information in the fourth registration response message. Furthermore, the SM-PCF does not need to send a registration update request message carrying the first information to the BSF.

[0306] For the remaining content in this Implementation Manner Four, reference may be made to the relevant introduction in the foregoing Figure 5 [the above], and details are not described herein again.

[0307] In the UDR in the embodiments of the present application, the first indication information may be stored. The first indication information may be stored when the user subscribes, or stored by the operator or the application network element.

[0308] It can be seen from this Implementation Manner Four that the SM PCF can obtain the first indication information from the subscription information. Then, the SM-PCF sends the first information to the BSF through the registration request message, and then the BSF can feedback the information of the SM-PCF to the AM-PCF corresponding to the first information, so that the AM-PCF can subscribe to the start and stop events of the application program from the SM-PCF. There are various ways to implement the DCAMP feature, which can improve the flexibility of the solution.

[0309] Embodiment 5

[0310] Based on the content shown in the foregoing Embodiment 4, another possible Embodiment 5 provided by the embodiments of the present application is different from Embodiment 4 in the way that the SM-PCF obtains the first indication information. Specifically, in Embodiment 5, the first indication information may not be carried in the third subscription information acquisition response message in step 20. Specifically:

[0311] In Embodiment 5, in step 16, the UDM may further carry third indication information in the second subscription information acquisition response message. In one possible embodiment, the third indication information is information for indicating that the AM-PCF will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. In another possible embodiment, the third indication information is information for indicating that the AM-PCF supports a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. In another possible embodiment, the third indication information is information for indicating that the SM-PCF needs to report the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the BSF.

[0312] In another possible embodiment, the third indication information obtained by the SMF is the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session. The first indication information and the third indication information may be the same or different.

[0313] There are various ways for the SMF to obtain the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session in the embodiments of the present application. In one possible embodiment, the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session may be stored on the terminal device, and the SMF may also obtain the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session from the terminal device. For example, the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session may be obtained through the information for requesting to establish or update the session (for example, the user equipment route selection policy (URSP) of the terminal device is generated according to the information for indicating that the AM-PCF will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, which includes the application and its corresponding requirement information. The terminal device may associate the application with the corresponding session (such as a PDU session) according to the URSP and indicate the SMF that the PCF (SM-PCF) corresponding to the PDU session needs to register the first information to the BSF). In still another possible embodiment, the AF may store the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session in the UDR through the NEF, and the SMF may obtain the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session from the UDR through the NEF or the UDM.

[0314] Correspondingly, the SMF receives the third indication information.

[0315] Subsequently, in step 18, the SMF carries the first indication information in the SM policy association establishment / update request message according to the third indication information.

[0316] Correspondingly, the SM-PCF obtains the first indication information by receiving the SM policy association establishment / update request message in step 18. This step can be an example of the aforementioned 404.

[0317] In another possible implementation, if the subscription data corresponding to the session of the terminal device is not stored on the SMF, the subscription data can be obtained from the UDM through steps 15 and 16, and then the third indication information can be obtained through the response message for obtaining the second subscription information. In another possible implementation, the SMF can obtain the subscription data and the third indication information in advance and store them. In this way, after receiving the second session establishment request, subsequent processing can be performed according to the stored third indication information without temporarily querying the UDM.

[0318] For the remaining content in Embodiment 5, reference can be made to the relevant introduction in Embodiment 4 described above, and details will not be elaborated here.

[0319] In the embodiments of the present application, the UDM can store the first indication information, which can be stored by the user during subscription, or deposited by the operator or the application side.

[0320] It can be seen from the content of Embodiment 5 that the SMF can obtain the third indication information from the subscription information, and then send the first indication information to the SM-PCF according to the third indication information. Subsequently, the SM-PCF sends the first information to the BSF through the registration request message, and then the BSF can feedback the information of the SM-PCF to the AM-PCF corresponding to the first information, so that the AM-PCF can subscribe to the start and stop events of the application program from the SM-PCF. There are various ways to implement the DCAMP feature, which can improve the flexibility of the solution.

[0321] Embodiment 6

[0322] Based on the content shown in the aforementioned Embodiment 5, another possible Embodiment 6 provided in the embodiments of the present application is different from Embodiment 5 in that the third indication information may not be carried in the response message for obtaining the second subscription information in step 16 of Embodiment 6, and the information based on which the SMF sends the first indication information to the SM-PCF in Embodiment 6 is different from that in Embodiment 5. Specifically:

[0323] In step 9 of Embodiment 6, the AM-PCF carries the second indication information in the AM policy association establishment / update response message sent to the AMF. The second indication information is used to indicate that the AM-PCF will apply the information for dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy.

[0324] The AMF may carry the fourth indication information in the second session establishment request message in step 14 according to the second indication information. In one possible implementation manner, the fourth indication information is information used to indicate that the AM-PCF will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. In another possible implementation manner, the fourth indication information is information used to indicate that the AM-PCF supports a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. In another possible implementation manner, the fourth indication information is information used to indicate that the SM-PCF needs to report the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the BSF. In another possible implementation manner, the fourth indication information is the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session. The first indication information and the fourth indication information may be the same or different.

[0325] After receiving the fourth indication information, in step 18, the SMF carries the first indication information in the SM policy association establishment / update request message according to the fourth indication information.

[0326] Correspondingly, the SM-PCF obtains the first indication information by receiving the SM policy association establishment / update request message in step 18. This step may be an example in the foregoing 404.

[0327] For the remaining content of Embodiment 6, reference may be made to the relevant introduction of Embodiment 5 foregoing, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0328] In one possible implementation manner, the AM-PCF may determine whether it will apply the information of the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy. When the AM-PCF will apply the information of the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, the second indication information is carried in the third registration request message. The second indication information may also be sent to the AMF through a separate signaling.

[0329] It can be seen from the content of Embodiment 6 that the AM PCF may send the second indication information to the AMF according to its own capabilities and requirements, then the AMF sends the fourth indication information to the SMF according to the second indication information, and the SMF sends the first indication information to the SM-PCF according to the fourth indication information. Then the SM-PCF sends the first information to the BSF through the registration request message, and then the BSF may feedback the information of the SM-PCF to the AM-PCF corresponding to the first information, so that the AM-PCF can subscribe to the start and stop events of the application program from the SM-PCF. There are various ways to implement the DCAMP feature, which can improve the flexibility of the solution.

[0330] Embodiment 7

[0331] Based on the content shown in the foregoing Embodiment 6, another possible Embodiment 7 provided by the embodiments of the present application is different from Embodiment 6 in the information based on which the AMF sends the fourth indication information to the AM-PCF. Specifically, in Embodiment 7, the AM policy association establishment / update response message in step 9 may not carry the second indication information. Specifically:

[0332] In step 4 of Embodiment 7, the UDM carries the third indication information in the first subscription information acquisition response message. The third indication information is used to indicate that the AM-PCF will apply information for dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy.

[0333] The AMF may carry the fourth indication information in the second session establishment request message in step 14 according to the third indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate that the AM-PCF will apply information for dynamically changing the access and mobility management policy.

[0334] After receiving the fourth indication information, the SMF carries the first indication information in the SM policy association establishment / update request message in step 18 according to the fourth indication information.

[0335] Correspondingly, the SM-PCF obtains the first indication information by receiving the SM policy association establishment / update request message in step 18. This step may be an example in the foregoing 404.

[0336] For the remaining content of Embodiment 7, reference may be made to the relevant introduction in the foregoing Embodiment 6, which will not be elaborated here.

[0337] In the embodiments of the present application, the UDR may store the third indication information, and the third indication information may be stored when the user subscribes, or stored by the operator or the application side.

[0338] It can be seen from the content of Embodiment 7 that the AMF can obtain the third indication information from the front-line information, and then the AMF sends the fourth indication information to the SMF according to the third indication information, and the SMF sends the first indication information to the SM-PCF according to the fourth indication information. Then the SM-PCF sends the first information to the BSF through the registration request message, and then the BSF can feedback the information of the SM-PCF corresponding to the first information to the AM-PCF, so that the AM-PCF can subscribe to the start and stop events of the application program from the SM-PCF, and there are various ways to implement the DCAMP feature, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0339] Figure 6 Exemplarily shown is a schematic flowchart of a method for storing the first indication information provided by the embodiments of the present application, as Figure 6 shown, the method includes:

[0340] Step 1001. AF sends an AM policy impact request message to the NEF.

[0341] The AM policy impact request message carries fifth indication information. In one possible implementation, the fifth indication information is information used to indicate that the AM-PCF will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy. In another possible implementation, the fifth indication information is information used to indicate that the AM-PCF supports dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy. In another possible implementation, the fifth indication information is information used to indicate that the SM-PCF needs to report the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the BSF. The fifth indication information may also be the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session. The first indication information and the fifth indication information may be the same or different.

[0342] In another possible implementation, any one of the first indication information, the second indication information, the third indication information, the fourth indication information, and the fifth indication information in the embodiments of the present application may also be multiple types of information. For example, it may be information used to indicate that the AM-PCF will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy, information used to indicate that the AM-PCF supports dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy, information used to indicate that the SM-PCF needs to report the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device to the BSF, or at least two of the requirement information of the application corresponding to the session.

[0343] It should be noted that any two of the first indication information, the second indication information, the third indication information, the fourth indication information, and the fifth indication information in the embodiments of the present application may be the same or different.

[0344] The AM policy impact request message may also include "AM impact information". The AM impact information may include the identifier of the target terminal device (a UE identified by SUPI or GPSI, a group of terminal devices identified by an external group identifier, or all terminal devices), the traffic of the target application (DNN, S-NSSAI, and application ID) (optional), and requirements related to the AM policy (such as service coverage requirements, throughput requirements), etc.

[0345] Step 1002. After receiving the AM policy impact request message, the NEF sends a data establishment / update request message to the UDR.

[0346] The data establishment / update request message carries the first indication information.

[0347] The AM policy impact information in the AM policy impact request message can also be carried in the data establishment / update request message. If the AM impact information includes the external identifier of the terminal device, the NEF can convert it into the internal identifier of the terminal device. For example, the GPSI of the terminal device can be converted into the SUPI.

[0348] Step 1003. The UDR sends a data establishment / update response message to the NEF.

[0349] The data establishment / update response message can be a response message to the data establishment / update request message and can be used to instruct the UDR to store the first indication information.

[0350] Step 1004. The NEF sends an AM policy impact response message to the AF.

[0351] The AM policy impact response message can be a response message to the AM policy impact request message and can be used to indicate that the data affecting the AM policy has been stored in the UDR.

[0352] Another solution for storing the first indication information in the UDR can also be provided in the embodiments of the present application. For example, during registration, the AM-PCF makes a policy decision based on information such as the location information of the terminal device, the slice information allowed for the terminal device (such as allowed NSSAI), and the requests of the application. When it is determined that the AM-PCF will dynamically change the access and mobility management policy, the first indication information is sent to the UDR.

[0353] After the first indication information is stored in the UDR, the SM-PCF, UDM, AM-PCF (and other network elements having an interface with the UDR as mentioned in the above embodiments) can obtain the information from the UDR. After obtaining it, operations can be performed according to the description in the above embodiments. For example, the AM-PCF can generate a UE policy (such as URSP) based on the first indication, which includes the application and the corresponding requirement information. When the terminal device associates an application with a certain PDU session, it instructs the SMF that the PCF (SM-PCF) corresponding to the PDU session needs to register the first information with the BSF.

[0354] It should be noted that the above Figures 4 to 6 illustrated embodiments are all Figure 1a applied to the 5G network architecture in a non-roaming scenario such as Figure 1b or Figure 1c as an example for illustration. If it is applied to the home routed roaming 5G network architecture such as Figure 1a or Figure 2a as an example for illustration, or if it is applied to the Figure 2b as an example for illustration, or if it is applied to the Figure 1a as an example for illustration, or if it is applied to the Figure 2c or Figure 2dTaking the local steering roaming 5G network architecture shown as an example for illustration, the corresponding communication method is similar to the method in the above embodiments, and only the relevant network elements need to be adaptively replaced, which will not be elaborated here.

[0355] It can be understood that in each of the above embodiments, the method and / or steps implemented by the first policy control network element can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) applicable to the first policy control network element. The method and / or steps implemented by the second policy control network element can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) applicable to the second policy control network element. The method and / or steps implemented by the binding support network element can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) applicable to the binding support network element. The method and / or steps implemented by the mobility management network element can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) applicable to the mobility management network element. The method and / or steps implemented by the session management network element can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) applicable to the session management network element. The method and / or steps implemented by the application network element can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) applicable to the application network element. The method and / or steps implemented by the network capability open network element can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) applicable to the network capability open network element. The method and / or steps implemented by the data management network element can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) applicable to the data management network element.

[0356] The above mainly introduces the solution provided in the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of the interaction between network elements. Based on the above embodiments and the same concept, Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0357] This communication device can be the first policy control network element, the second policy control network element, the binding support network element, the mobility management network element, the session management network element, the application network element or the data management network element in the above method embodiments, or can also be a device, a chip or a circuit.

[0358] This communication device 1100 includes a processing module 1102 and a transceiver module 1101. Further, this communication device 1100 can include a storage module 1103, or may not include the storage module 1103. The storage module 1103 in the figure is shown as a dotted line to further indicate that the storage module is optional.

[0359] Among them, the processing module 1102 can be a processor or a controller. For example, it can be a general central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing (DSP), an application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, and so on. The processing module 1102 can execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the storage module.

[0360] The storage module 1103 can be a memory. Optionally, the storage module can be an on-chip storage module, such as a register, a cache, etc. The storage module can also be an off-chip storage module located outside the chip in the communication device, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0361] The transceiver module 1101 is an interface circuit of the communication device for receiving signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the transceiver module 1101 is the interface circuit of the chip for receiving signals from other chips or devices, or is the interface circuit of the chip for sending signals to other chips or devices. The transceiver module 1101 can be a transceiver, for example. Optionally, the transceiver can include a radio frequency circuit. The transceiver module 1101 can be an input / output interface, a pin, or a circuit, etc., for example.

[0362] Specifically, Figure 7 the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver module 1101 and the processing module 1102 in Figure 3 can be implemented by the processor 301 in the communication device 300 shown in Figure 7 invoking the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 303. Or, Figure 3 the function / implementation process of the processing module 1102 in Figure 7 can be implemented by the processor 301 in the communication device 300 shown inFigure 3 It is implemented by the communication interface 304 in the communication device 300 shown in

[0363] For example, taking the communication device 1100 as the first policy control network element in the above method embodiment, where the processing module 1102 is configured to send a first request message carrying the first information to the binding support network element through the transceiver module 1101 according to the first indication information. The transceiver module 1101 is further configured to receive the first indication information. The first information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device, and the first request message is used to request to register the first information to the binding support network element.

[0364] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 1101 is configured to receive the first indication information from the binding support network element.

[0365] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 1101 is configured to send a registration request message carrying the information of the first policy control network element to the binding support network element, and receive a registration request response message from the binding support network element, where the registration request response message carries the first indication information.

[0366] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 1101 is configured to receive the first indication information from the data management network element.

[0367] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 1101 is further configured to receive a request message from the session management network element for requesting to establish or update the session management policy corresponding to the session; send a request message for requesting the subscription information corresponding to the session management policy to the data management network element; and receive a response message from the data management network element, where the response message carries the first indication information and the subscription information.

[0368] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 1101 is configured to receive a request message from the session management network element carrying the first indication information and for establishing or updating the session management policy corresponding to the session.

[0369] Wherein, all the relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be cited in the function description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be elaborated here.

[0370] For example, taking the communication device 1100 as the binding support network element in the above method embodiment, the transceiver module 1101 is configured to receive a registration request message from the first policy control network element, receive a first request message carrying first information from the first policy control network element, and send the information of the first policy control network element to the second policy control network element. The first information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The first request message is used to request to update the first information to the communication device. The first policy control network element is the policy control network element that provides session management for the terminal device. The processing module 1102 is configured to, according to the information obtained that the second policy control network element will dynamically change the access and mobility management policy, send a registration request response message carrying first indication information to the first policy control network element through the transceiver module 1101. The second policy control network element is the policy control network element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device.

[0371] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 1101 is further configured to receive a second request message carrying second information from the second policy control network element; the second request message is used to request to obtain the information of the first policy control network element corresponding to the second information. The second information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The processing module 1102 is further configured to, according to the second request message, when part or all of the first information matches the second information, send the information of the first policy control network element to the second policy control network element through the transceiver module 1101.

[0372] Wherein, all relevant contents of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be cited to the function description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be elaborated here.

[0373] It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, combining the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this article, this application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the way of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0374] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute Figures 4 to 6 the method of any one of the embodiments shown.

[0375] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium stores program code. When the program code runs on a computer, it causes the computer to execute Figures 4 to 6 the method of any one of the embodiments shown.

[0376] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a chip system. The chip system may include a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute Figures 4 to 6 the method of any one of the embodiments shown. Optionally, the chip system further includes a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instruction). The processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, so that a device equipped with the chip system executes Figures 4 to 6 the method of any one of the embodiments shown.

[0377] 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 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 in a wired manner (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or a wireless manner (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that the computer can access 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 (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a high-definition digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disc (SSD)), etc.

[0378] It should be noted that a part of the patent application document of this patent contains content protected by copyright. Except for making copies of the patent document content of the patent office's patent files or records, the copyright owner reserves the copyright.

[0379] In each of the above device embodiments, the network device corresponds to the network device or terminal device in the method embodiments, and the corresponding steps are executed by the corresponding modules or units. For example, the transceiver module (transceiver) executes the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiments, and the other steps except sending and receiving can be executed by the processing module (processor). The functions of specific units can refer to the corresponding method embodiments. Among them, the processor can be one or more.

[0380] The terms "component", "module", "system", etc. used in this specification are used to represent computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, an application running on a computing device and the computing device can both be components. One or more components can reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and the components can be located on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer-readable media on which various data structures are stored. The components can communicate, for example, through local and / or remote processes according to signals having one or more data packets (such as data from two components interacting with each other from a local system, a distributed system, and / or another component between networks, such as the Internet interacting with other systems through signals).

[0381] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or in a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Skilled artisans can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0382] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described systems, devices, and units can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described herein again.

[0383] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections between each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections of devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0384] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0385] In addition, each functional unit in various embodiments of the present application can be integrated in a processing module, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0386] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, including: The first policy control element receives indication information, and the first policy control element is a policy control element that provides session management for the terminal device; The first policy control element sends a first request message carrying first information to the binding support element according to the indication information, where the first information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device, and the first request message is used to request registering the first information to the binding support element; The second policy control element receives the information of the first policy control element from the binding support element, and the second policy control element is a policy control element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device; Wherein, the indication information is at least one of the following: Information used to indicate that the second policy control element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy; Information used to indicate that the second policy control element supports applying a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy; Information used to indicate that the first policy control element sends the first information to the binding support element; The requirement information of the application corresponding to the session.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The subscription identifier of the terminal device includes at least one of the subscription permanent identifier SUPI of the terminal device or the external subscription identifier GPSI of the terminal device; The network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device includes at least one of the data network name DNN corresponding to the session of the terminal device or the single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the session of the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second policy control element sends a second request message carrying second information to the binding support element; the second request message is used to request to obtain the information of the first policy control element corresponding to the second information; the second information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first policy control element receives indication information, including: The first policy control element receives the indication information from the binding support element.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The method further includes: The first policy control element sends a registration request message carrying the information of the first policy control element to the binding support element; The first policy control element receives the indication information from the binding support element, including: The first policy control element receives a registration request response message from the binding support element, and the indication information is carried in the registration request response message.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The first policy control element receives indication information, including: The first policy control element receives the indication information from the data management element.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first policy control element receives a request message from the session management element for requesting to establish or update the session management policy corresponding to the session; The first policy control element sends a request message to the data management element for requesting the subscription information corresponding to the session management policy; The first policy control element receives the indication information from the data management element, including: The first policy control network element receives a response message from the data management network element, and the response message carries the indication information and the subscription information.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: The binding support network element receives a registration request message from the first policy control network element, where the first policy control network element is a policy control network element that provides session management for the terminal device; The binding support network element sends a registration request response message carrying indication information to the first policy control network element according to the information obtained that the second policy control network element will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy. The second policy control network element is a policy control network element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device; The binding support network element receives a first request message carrying first information from the first policy control network element. The first information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The first request message is used to request to update the first information to the binding support network element; The binding support network element sends the information of the first policy control network element to the second policy control network element; Wherein, the indication information is at least one of the following: Information used to indicate that the second policy control network element will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy; Information used to indicate that the second policy control network element supports applying dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy; Information used to indicate that the first policy control network element sends the first information to the binding support network element; The requirement information of the application corresponding to the session.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The subscription identifier of the terminal device includes at least one of the subscription permanent identifier SUPI of the terminal device or the external permanent identifier of the terminal device; The network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device includes at least one of the data network name DNN corresponding to the session of the terminal device or the single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the session of the terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The binding support network element receives a second request message carrying second information from the second policy control network element; the second request message is used to request to obtain the information of the first policy control network element corresponding to the second information. The second information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device; The binding support network element sending the information of the first policy control network element to the second policy control network element includes: The binding support network element sends the information of the first policy control network element to the second policy control network element according to the second request message when part or all of the first information matches the second information.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The information obtained that the second policy control network element will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy is: the second information in the first request.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein The method further includes: The binding support network element receives information used to indicate that the second policy control network element will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy from the second policy control network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The binding support network element receives information from the second policy control network element for indicating that the second policy control network element will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy, including: The binding support network element receives a registration request message from the second policy control network element, which carries information for indicating that the second policy control network element will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy.

14. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Based on the obtained information that the second policy control network element will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy, the binding support network element sends a registration request response message carrying indication information to the first policy control network element, including: When the registration request message does not carry the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device, the binding support network element sends a registration request response message carrying the indication information to the first policy control network element according to the obtained information that the second policy control network element will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy.

15. A communication system, characterized in that, Including: A first policy control network element, configured to receive indication information and send a first request message carrying first information to the binding support network element according to the indication information. The first policy control network element is a policy control network element that provides session management for the terminal device. The first information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device. The first request message is used to request registering the first information to the binding support network element; A second policy control network element, configured to receive information about the first policy control network element from the binding support network element. The second policy control network element is a policy control network element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device; Wherein, the indication information is at least one of the following: Information for indicating that the second policy control network element will apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy; Information for indicating that the second policy control network element supports applying dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy; Information for indicating that the first policy control network element sends the first information to the binding support network element; Requirement information of the application corresponding to the session.

16. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein The second policy control network element is further configured to: Send a second request message carrying second information to the binding support network element; the second request message is used to request obtaining information about the first policy control network element corresponding to the second information; the second information includes the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device.

17. The communication system according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first policy control network element is configured to: Receive the indication information from the binding support network element; Send a registration request message carrying information about the first policy control network element to the binding support network element; Receive a registration request response message from the binding support network element, and the indication information is carried in the registration request response message.

18. The communication system according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, It further includes the second policy control network element; The second policy control network element is configured to send a registration request message carrying information for indicating that the second policy control network element determines to apply dynamic changes to the access and mobility management policy to the binding support network element; The binding support network element is further configured to receive the registration request message, and send the indication information to the first policy control network element according to the information used to indicate that the second policy control network element determines to apply the dynamically changed access and mobility management policy.

19. The communication system according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first policy control network element is configured to: Receive the indication information from the data management network element; Receive a request message from the session management network element for requesting to establish or update the session management policy corresponding to the session; Send a request message to the data management network element for requesting the subscription information corresponding to the session management policy; Receive a response message from the data management network element, where the response message carries the indication information and the subscription information.

20. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein It further includes a session management network element and a data management network element; The session management network element is configured to send a request message to the first policy control network element for requesting to establish or update the session management policy corresponding to the session; The data management network element is configured to receive a request message for requesting the subscription information corresponding to the session management policy, and send a response message carrying the indication information and the subscription information corresponding to the session management policy to the first policy control network element.

21. The communication system according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, It further includes a session management network element; The session management network element is configured to send a request message carrying the indication information and for requesting to establish or update the session management policy corresponding to the session to the first policy control network element; The first policy control network element is configured to receive the request message from the session management network element.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes: A transceiver module, configured to receive a registration request message from a first policy control network element, receive a first request message carrying first information from the first policy control network element, and send the information of the first policy control network element to a second policy control network element, where the first information includes a subscription identifier of a terminal device and network information corresponding to a session of the terminal device, and the first request message is used to request to update the first information to the communication device, and the first policy control network element is a policy control network element that provides session management for the terminal device; A processing module, configured to send a registration request response message carrying indication information to the first policy control network element through the transceiver module according to the obtained information that the second policy control network element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy, where the second policy control network element is a policy control network element that provides access and mobility management for the terminal device; Wherein, the indication information is at least one of the following: Information used to indicate that the second policy control network element will apply a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy; Information used to indicate that the second policy control network element supports applying a dynamically changed access and mobility management policy; Information used to indicate that the first policy control network element sends the first information to the binding support network element; Requirement information of the application corresponding to the session.

23. The communication device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The transceiver module is further configured to: Receive a second request message carrying second information from the second policy control network element; the second request message is used to request information of a first policy control network element corresponding to the second information, and the second information includes a subscription identifier of a terminal device and network information corresponding to a session of the terminal device. The processing module is further configured to: According to the second request message, when part or all of the first information matches the second information, send the information of the first policy control network element to the second policy control network element through the transceiver module.

24. The communication device according to claim 23, wherein The information that the obtained second policy control network element will apply to dynamically change the access and mobility management policy is: the second information in the first request.

25. The communication device according to claim 22, wherein, The transceiver module is further configured to: Receive information from the second policy control network element indicating that the second policy control network element will apply to dynamically change the access and mobility management policy.

26. The communication device according to claim 25, wherein The transceiver module is configured to: Receive a registration request message from the second policy control network element carrying information indicating that the second policy control network element will apply to dynamically change the access and mobility management policy.

27. The communication device according to any one of claims 22-26, characterized in that, The transceiver module is configured to: In the case where the registration request message does not carry the subscription identifier of the terminal device and the network information corresponding to the session of the terminal device, according to the obtained information that the second policy control network element will apply to dynamically change the access and mobility management policy, send a registration request response message carrying the indication information to the first policy control network element.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, and the processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-7, or execute the method according to any one of claims 8-14.

29. The communication device according to claim 28, wherein, It further includes a memory, and the memory stores instructions. Specifically, the processor is configured to: read the instructions and execute the method according to any one of claims 1-7, or execute the method according to any one of claims 8-14 according to the instructions.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions, and when it runs on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-7, or execute the method according to any one of claims 8-14.

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