Method and apparatus for communication

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: A session management function network element determines a first user plane function network element based on the first information of the service, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, and sends the second information of the service and a first identifier to the first user plane function network element to indicate that the packets of the service are sent through a first flow. Wherein, the first identifier is the identifier of the first flow, the first flow meets the requirements of the service, and the second user plane function network element supports the service. Furthermore, the packets of the service can be transmitted through a flow that meets the service requirements, improving the situation where it is difficult to ensure that the path for forwarding packets meets the requirements of the terminal device service, enhancing the flexibility and forwarding efficiency of forwarding packets, and realizing dynamic scheduling based on the service capabilities of network elements and network status.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for communications. Background Art

[0002] Currently, in a fifth-generation (5G) communication network, through the manner of a 5G virtual local area network (5GVN), packet forwarding can be implemented between a terminal device and devices within the 5GVN, as well as devices of a data network (DN).

[0003] However, during the communication process of the 5GVN, it is difficult for the packet forwarding path to meet the requirements of the service requested by the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus for communications, which can meet the requirements of the service requested by the terminal device and improve the flexibility and efficiency of packet forwarding.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for communications is provided, including: a session management function network element determines the first user plane function network element according to first information of a service requested by a terminal device, association information between a first user plane function network element and a second user plane function network element, and service information provided by the second user plane function network element, where the second user plane function network element supports the service; the session management function network element sends second information of the service and a first identifier to the first user plane function network element to indicate sending packets of the service through a first flow, where the first identifier is an identifier of the first flow, the first flow meets the requirements of the service, and the first flow is in a tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element.

[0006] In this method, a user plane function network element is selected based on service information, and information of the service and an identifier of a flow are sent to the user plane function network element to indicate that the user plane function network element sends packets of the service through the flow. The flow is in a tunnel between the user plane function network element and another user plane function network element, and the flow meets the requirements of the service. Therefore, the situation that it is difficult to ensure that the packet forwarding path meets the requirements of the terminal device service is improved, and the efficiency and flexibility of packet forwarding are improved.

[0007] It should be understood that the second user plane function network element supports the service, which can be understood as including a service instance that supports the service in the device of the second user plane function network element, or can be understood as the data network device connected to the second user plane function network element supports the service (that is, the second user plane function network element is connected to a service instance that supports the service). This application does not make a limitation here.

[0008] It should also be understood that if there are services requested by at least two terminal devices, for each terminal device, the flows corresponding to each terminal device can be determined by the above-mentioned solution (in this case, the flow is at the terminal device granularity), or the flows corresponding to the services requested by each terminal device (in this case, the flow is at the service granularity). Among them, the flows corresponding to the services requested by each terminal device can be the same flow (that is, when the flow is at the service granularity, the same flow can be used by the services of at least two terminal devices through multiplexing). For example, when the requirements of the services requested by two terminals are the same, the same flow can be multiplexed; the flows corresponding to the services requested by each terminal device can also be different flows. For example, when the requirements of the services requested by two terminals are different, different flows can be used. Among them, the flows corresponding to each terminal can be different flows (that is, when the flow is at the terminal device granularity, one terminal device corresponds to one flow, and according to the method of the present application, the flow corresponding to the terminal device needs to meet the requirements of the service requested by the terminal).

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the session management function network element determines the first user plane function network element according to the first information of the service requested by the terminal device, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, including: the session management function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the first information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element; and determines the first user plane function network element according to the association relationship between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the session management function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the first information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, including: the session management function network element determines the service information provided by at least one user plane function network element that can support the service according to the first information of the service; and the session management function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the service information provided by the at least one user plane function network element, and the at least one user plane function network element includes the second user plane network element.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the session management function network element determines the first flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the requirements of the service, and the one or more flows are in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the one or more flows include the first flow.

[0012] Specifically, the session management function network element can determine one or more flows based on the association information between the service and one or more flows. Subsequently, when the one or more flows meet the service requirements, the network element can determine the first flow by screening factors such as the cost requirements, latency requirements, and packet loss rate requirements for transmitting the service packets through each flow. (For example, a flow with a longer latency but lower cost can be selected as the first flow).

[0013] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the association information between the service and one or more flows includes at least one of the following: the correspondence between the SID of the service and the first identifier, the correspondence between the packet characteristics of the service and the first identifier, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the first identifier.

[0014] Among them, one or more flows can correspond to one user plane function network element or multiple user plane function network elements, and this application does not make any limitations here.

[0015] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the service information provided by any one of the at least one user plane function network element includes any one or more of the following: the service type or SID supported by the any one user plane function network element, the computing power slice identifier of the any one user plane function network element, whether the service or computing power slice of the any one user plane function network element is available, the load status corresponding to the service or computing power slice of the any one user plane function network element, the latency for the any one user plane function network element to transmit the service packets, the bandwidth for the any one user plane function network element to transmit the service packets, and the packet loss rate for the any one user plane function network element to transmit the service packets.

[0016] Correspondingly, it can be understood that the service information provided by the second user plane function network element can also include the service type (such as SID) of the first user plane function network element, the computing power slice identifier of the first user plane function network element, whether the service or computing power slice of the first user plane function network element is available, the load status corresponding to the service or computing power slice identifier of the first user plane function network element, the latency for the first user plane function network element to transmit the service packets, the bandwidth for the first user plane function network element to transmit the service packets, and the packet loss rate for the first user plane function network element to transmit the service packets.

[0017] For example, the session management network element can select the user plane function network element with the best load status (i.e., the second user plane function network element) based on the load status of the service of each user plane function network element characterized in the service information provided by at least one user plane function network element; or it can select the user plane function network element with the lowest latency (i.e., the second user plane function network element) based on the latency of each user plane function network element to transmit the service packets.

[0018] Based on the above solution, the session management function network element can determine the first user plane function network element through the first information of the service, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element. Furthermore, the session management function network element can select a user plane network element (e.g., the second user plane function network element) according to the information of the service, so that the packets of the service can be transmitted based on the service capabilities or service status of the network element, realizing dynamic scheduling by combining the service capabilities of the network element and the network status.

[0019] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the first information and the second information of the service respectively include one or more items of information such as the SID of the service, the packet characteristics of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the service.

[0020] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the session management function network element receives indication information from the first user plane function network element or from the second user plane function network element, and the indication information indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service.

[0021] Optionally, the indication information may further include information about a new user plane function network element (e.g., information such as the address and identifier of the third user plane function network element), and the third user plane function network element supports the service. Or, the indication information may further include information about a new service instance (e.g., information such as the address and identifier of the third service instance), and the information about the new service instance is used to instruct the first user plane network element to forward packets to the new service instance when the first user plane network element forwards packets.

[0022] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the session management function network element sends the second information and the second identifier of the service to the first user plane function network element to send the packets of the service through a second flow, and the second flow meets the requirements of the service. The second flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element, and the third user plane function network element supports the service.

[0023] Based on the above solution, after receiving the indication information indicating that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service, the session management function network element can send the second information and the second identifier of the service to the first user plane function network element to send the packets of the service through a second flow, so that the packets of the service are transmitted through the second flow, avoiding the user from perceiving the abnormality of the service and improving the stability of service transmission.

[0024] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the session management function network element receives the first information of the service from the terminal device or the packet control function network element or the unified data management function network element.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first user plane function network element is the anchor user plane function network element of the terminal device.

[0026] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, including: the first user plane function network element determines a first flow that meets the requirements of the service according to the information of the service requested by the terminal device, the first flow is in a tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the second user plane function network element supports the service; the first user plane function network element sends a message of the service to the second user plane function network element through the first flow.

[0027] Based on the above solution, the first user plane function network element can determine the first flow that meets the requirements of the service according to the information of the service requested by the terminal device, so as to improve the situation that it is difficult to ensure that the forwarding message path meets the requirements of the terminal device service, and improve the efficiency and flexibility of forwarding messages.

[0028] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first user plane function network element determines a first flow that meets the requirements of the service according to the information of the service requested by the terminal device, including: the first user plane function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element; the first user plane function network element determines the first flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows, the one or more flows are in a tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the one or more flows include the first flow.

[0029] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first user plane function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, including: the first user plane function network element determines the service information provided by at least one user plane function network element that can support the service according to the information of the service; the first user plane function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the service information provided by the at least one user plane function network element, and the at least one user plane function network element includes the second user plane network element.

[0030] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the service information provided by any one of the at least one user plane function network elements includes any one or more of the following: the service type or SID supported by any one of the user plane function network elements, the computing power slice identifier of any one of the user plane function network elements, whether the service or computing power slice of any one of the user plane function network elements is available, the load status corresponding to the service or computing power slice of any one of the user plane function network elements, the delay of the message for transmitting the service by any one of the user plane function network elements, the bandwidth of the message for transmitting the service by any one of the user plane function network elements, and the packet loss rate of the message for transmitting the service by any one of the user plane function network elements.

[0031] Among them, the beneficial effects of the above solutions can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the first aspect. For the sake of brevity, they are not elaborated herein in this application.

[0032] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the association information between the service and one or more flows is configured for the first user plane function network element.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first user plane function network element receives the association information between the service and one or more flows from the terminal device or the session management function network element.

[0034] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the message of the service includes the association information between the service and one or more flows.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the association information between the service and one or more flows includes at least one of the following information: the correspondence between the SID of the service and the first identifier, the correspondence between the message characteristics of the service and the first identifier, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the first identifier.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the information of the service includes one or more of the SID of the service, the message characteristics of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the service.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first user plane function network element receives indication information from the second user plane function network element, and the indication information indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot satisfy the service.

[0038] Among them, the beneficial effects of the above solutions can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the first aspect. For the sake of brevity, they are not elaborated herein in this application.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first user plane function network element determines a second flow that meets the requirements of the service, and the second flow is in a tunnel between the first user plane function network element and a third user plane function network element that supports the service.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first user plane function network element is the anchor user plane function network element of the terminal device.

[0041] Among them, the beneficial effects of the above solutions can refer to the relevant descriptions of the first aspect. For the sake of brevity, they are not elaborated in this application.

[0042] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, including: a second user plane function network element receives an uplink message of the service through a first flow that meets the requirements of the service requested by the terminal device, and the uplink message includes information of the uplink message; the second user plane function network element saves the correspondence between the uplink message of the service and the first flow; the second user plane function network element receives a downlink message of the service from an instance of the service, and the downlink message of the service includes information of the downlink message of the service; the second user plane function network element determines a second flow associated with the first flow according to the information of the downlink message of the service and the correspondence between the uplink message of the service and the first flow; the second user plane function network element sends the downlink message of the service through the second flow.

[0043] Based on the above solution, the second user plane function network element can save the correspondence between the uplink message of the service and the first flow, and then can select a second flow associated with the first flow (where the second flow can also be the same flow as the first flow) to transmit the downlink message of the service when transmitting the downlink message of the service subsequently.

[0044] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the information of the uplink message of the service includes one or more pieces of information such as the SID of the uplink message of the service, the message characteristics of the uplink message of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the uplink message of the service.

[0045] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the information of the downlink message of the service includes one or more pieces of information such as the SID of the downlink message of the service, the message characteristics of the downlink message of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the downlink message of the service.

[0046] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the correspondence between the uplink message of the service and the first flow is at least one of the following: the correspondence between the SID of the uplink message of the service and the first identifier, the correspondence between the message feature of the uplink message of the service and the first identifier, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the uplink message of the service and the first identifier, where the first identifier is the identifier of the first flow.

[0047] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the second user plane function network element sends indication information to the session management function network element or the first user plane function network element, and the indication information indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service.

[0048] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the first user plane function network element is the anchor user plane function network element of the terminal device.

[0049] Fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, and the device is used to execute the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect above. Specifically, the device may include units and / or modules for executing the method provided in the first aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the first aspect or the second aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the second aspect or the third aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the third aspect, such as a processing unit and / or a communication unit.

[0050] In one implementation manner, the device is a session management function network element. When the device is a session management function network element, the communication unit may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0051] In another implementation manner, the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit in the session management function network element. When the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit in the session management function network element, the communication unit may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit, etc. on the chip, the chip system or the circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, a processing circuit or a logic circuit, etc.

[0052] In one implementation manner, the device is a first user plane function network element. When the device is a first user plane function network element, the communication unit may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0053] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in the first user plane function network element. When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in the first user plane function network element, the communication unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit, etc.

[0054] In one implementation, the device is the second user plane function network element. When the device is the second user plane function network element, the communication unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0055] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in the second user plane function network element. When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in the second user plane function network element, the communication unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit, etc.

[0056] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device includes: a memory for storing programs; at least one processor for executing the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to execute the methods provided in the first aspect or any of the above implementations of the first aspect, or the second aspect or any of the above implementations of the second aspect, or the third aspect or any of the above implementations of the third aspect.

[0057] In one implementation, the device is a session management function network element.

[0058] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in the session management function network element.

[0059] In one implementation, the device is the first user plane function network element.

[0060] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in the first user plane function network element.

[0061] In one implementation, the device is the second user plane function network element.

[0062] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in the second user plane function network element.

[0063] Sixthly, the present application provides a processor for executing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0064] For operations such as sending and obtaining / receiving involved in the processor, if there is no special description, or if it does not conflict with its actual role or internal logic in the relevant description, it can be understood as operations such as outputting, receiving, and inputting by the processor, or it can also be understood as sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and the antenna. The present application does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0065] Seventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable medium stores program codes for a device to execute. The program codes include methods for executing the methods provided in the first aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the first aspect or the second aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the second aspect or the third aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the third aspect.

[0066] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided. When the computer program product runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the methods provided in the first aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the first aspect or the second aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the second aspect or the third aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the third aspect.

[0067] Ninthly, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored on a memory through the communication interface and executes the methods provided in the first aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the first aspect or the second aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the second aspect or the third aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the third aspect.

[0068] Optionally, as an implementation manner, the chip further includes a memory. The memory stores a computer program or instructions. The processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored on the memory. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute the methods provided in the first aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the first aspect or the second aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the second aspect or the third aspect or any one of the above implementation manners of the third aspect.

[0069] Tenthly, a communication system is provided, including the session management function network element and the first user plane function network element described above.

[0070] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, including the session management function network element, the first user plane function network element, or the second user plane function network element described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture is shown.

[0072] Figure 2 Shows a schematic diagram of the 5G VN architecture.

[0073] Figure 3 Shows a schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel.

[0074] Figure 4 Shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the computing power priority network.

[0075] Figure 5 Shows a schematic diagram of the 5GS service-based packet forwarding provided in this embodiment.

[0076] Figure 6 Shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0077] Figure 7 Shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0078] Figure 8 Shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0079] Figure 9 Shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0080] Figure 10 Shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0081] Figure 11 Shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0082] Figure 12 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a simplified terminal device 1200.

[0083] Figure 13 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a simplified network device 1300. Detailed implementation manners

[0084] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0085] The technical solutions provided by this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: the 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) system, the long term evolution (LTE) system, the LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, the LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, etc. The technical solutions provided by this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system. The technical solutions provided by this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and the Internet of Things (IoT) communication system or other communication systems.

[0086] First, a network architecture applicable to this application is briefly introduced as follows.

[0087] As an example, Figure 1 a schematic diagram of a network architecture is shown.

[0088] As Figure 1As shown, this network architecture takes the 5th generation system (5GS) as an example. This network architecture may include but is not limited to: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN) equipment, Session Management Function (SMF), User Equipment (UE), radio access network equipment, User Plane Function (UPF), intermediate user plane function, Network Element Function Access Network (NEF), Network Repository Function (NRF).

[0089] Among them, NSSF, AUSF, UDM, PCF, AF, AMF, SMF, and UPF belong to the network elements in the core network. Since Figure 1 taking the 5G system as an example, then this core network can be called the 5G Core Network (5GCN or 5G Core Network).

[0090] The core network includes user plane network elements and control plane network elements. The user plane function network element is mainly responsible for the forwarding of packet data packets, quality of service (QoS) control, charging information statistics, etc.; the control plane function network element is mainly responsible for service process interaction, sending packet forwarding policies and QoS control policies to the user plane, etc.

[0091] Next, a brief introduction to Figure 1 each network element shown in

[0092] 1. UE: It can be called user equipment, terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile platform, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device.

[0093] The terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data to users. For example, it can be a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. Currently, some examples of terminals are: mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, palm computer, mobile internet device (MID), wearable device, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable device, terminal device in a 5G network or terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc. The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0094] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. A wearable device can also be referred to as a wearable intelligent device, which is a general term for devices developed by applying wearable technology to the intelligent design of daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes, etc. A wearable device is a portable device that can be directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. A wearable device is not just a hardware device, but more importantly, it realizes powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable intelligent devices include those with complete functions and large sizes that can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smart watches or smart glasses, etc., and those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to cooperate with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for physical sign monitoring.

[0095] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection.

[0096] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology, etc.). The terminal device and the terminal device can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology, etc.).

[0097] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device may be the terminal device or a device capable of supporting the terminal device to implement the functions, such as a chip system or a chip. This device may be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0098] 2. (Radio) access network ((R)AN) device: It can provide the function of accessing a communication network for authorized users in a specific area. Specifically, it may include wireless network devices in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network, and may also include access points in non-3GPP (non-3GPP) networks. For the convenience of description below, the AN device is used to represent.

[0099] The AN device can adopt different radio access technologies. There are currently two types of radio access technologies: 3GPP access technologies (e.g., the radio access technologies adopted in the third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or 5G systems) and non-3GPP access technologies. 3GPP access technologies refer to the access technologies that comply with 3GPP standard specifications. For example, the access network devices in the 5G system are called next generation NodeBase stations (gNBs) or RAN devices. Non-3GPP access technologies can include air interface technologies represented by access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), code division multiple access (CDMA), etc. The AN device can allow the interconnection and interoperability between the terminal device and the 3GPP core network using non-3GPP technologies.

[0100] The AN device is capable of responsible for functions such as radio resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression, and encryption on the air interface side. The AN device provides access services for the terminal device and then completes the forwarding of control signals and user data between the terminal device and the core network.

[0101] The AN device may include, for example, but not limited to: macro base station, micro base station (also known as small cell), 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), AP in the WiFi system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It may also be a gNB or transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (such as NR) system, one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of the base station in the 5G system, or it may also be a network node constituting the gNB or transmission point, such as a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in the next-generation communication 6G system, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the AN device.

[0102] 3. AMF: mainly used for functions such as access control, mobility management, attachment and detachment.

[0103] 4. SMF: mainly used for user plane network element selection, user plane network element redirection, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation for the terminal device, as well as the establishment, modification, and release of sessions and QoS control.

[0104] 5. UPF: mainly used for receiving and forwarding user plane data. For example, the UPF can receive user plane data from the DN and send the user plane data to the terminal device through the AN device. The UPF can also receive user plane data from the terminal device through the AN device and forward it to the DN.

[0105] 6. PCF: Policy control network element, used to generate and manage user, session, and QoS flow processing policies.

[0106] 7. AF: Application function, a functional network element that provides various service services, can interact with the core network through network capability exposure (NEF), and can also interact with the policy management framework for policy management.

[0107] 8. NSSF: Network slice selection function, mainly used for network slice selection.

[0108] 9. UDM: Mainly used for the subscription data management of the UE, including the storage and management of UE identifiers, access authorization of the UE, etc.

[0109] 10. NEF: Network Exposure Function, providing a framework, authentication, and interfaces related to network capability exposure, and transmitting information between 5G system network functions and other network functions.

[0110] 11. AUSF: Mainly used for user authentication, etc.

[0111] 12. NRF: Network Repository Function, used for registering, managing, and detecting the status of network functions (NFs), realizing the automated management of all NFs. When each NF starts, it must register with the NRF to provide services. The registration information includes NF type, address, service list, etc.

[0112] 13. DN: Data Network, which is an electronic communication process that allows the orderly transmission and reception of data, such as letters, spreadsheets, and other types of documents.

[0113] In the above architecture, the communication interfaces between each functional network element are marked, including:

[0114] N1: The interface between the terminal UE and the core network control plane, used for transmitting NAS signaling.

[0115] N2: The communication interface between the access network element AN and the core network control plane.

[0116] N3: The communication interface between the access network element AN and the core network user plane network element UPF, used for transmitting user data.

[0117] N4: The communication interface between the control plane session management network element SMF and the user plane network element UPF, used for policy configuration of the UPF, etc. In Figure 1 In the shown network architecture, each network element can communicate through interfaces. For example, the UE connects to the AN device through the radio resource control (RRC) protocol, and the Uu interface is used for communication between the UE and the AN device.

[0118] N6: The communication interface between the user plane UPF and the DN.

[0119] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the 5G VN architecture. As Figure 2 shown, the UPFs are interconnected through the N19 interface, enabling the interconnection between UEs, and connecting to the fixed LAN through the N6 interface of a certain UPF, enabling the mobile terminal UE to communicate with the terminals in the LAN;

[0120] Among them, 5GVN can only be connected to a LAN through a certain UPF. When the UPF receives a data packet, if the destination address is the address of the UE, it is forwarded within the 5GVN; otherwise, the data packet is forwarded to the UPF connected to the LAN, and then forwarded to the LAN side by this UPF. In addition, the processing on the LAN side has nothing to do with 5GVN.

[0121] The N19 interface uses the GTP-U protocol for communication. The UPFs allocate tunnel endpoint identifiers (TEIDs) of the N19 interface in units of 5GVN. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel. As Figure 3 shown, within each 5GVN network, only one TEID is allocated on each UPF, and all mobile terminals belonging to this 5GVN share one TEID on this UPF. The processing between the N4 session and the group session is implemented inside the UPF, and the N6 interface also uses shared parameters. Currently, 5GVN corresponds to the data network name / single network slice selection assistance information (DNN / S-NSSAI). It can be considered that 5GVN uses DNN / NSSAI as an identifier for user management and UPF selection operations when establishing 5GVN.

[0122] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the computing first networking (CFN) involved in the present application is explained.

[0123] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the computing first networking. As Figure 4 shown, the architecture of CFN mainly consists of a CFN node, a service instance, and a client. Based on the forwarding of packets in the traditional network, CFN can implement packet forwarding based on computing power and services. The following introduces the terms related to CFN:

[0124] 1. Computing power information publishing:

[0125] As Figure 4 shown, there can be at least one service instance in CFN. Service instances of the same type use the same service identity (SID) (for example, an anycast address), and each service instance has a unique binding identity (BID) (for example, an IP address, etc.). Figure 4 The service SID2 in

[0126] Among them, the process of computing power information publishing includes:

[0127] a. The service instance publishes service information to the CFN node. The service information includes SID, BID, and the service status on the service instance (for example, it can be available resource information, total resource amount, proportion of available resources, and available resource level, etc.);

[0128] b. The service information is published among CFN nodes (for example, published through the extended Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)). The published service information can be the SID information and service status after merging the service information obtained by the CFN node in step a. For example, Figure 4 the SID information and service status that all connected service instances can provide collected by CFN node 2 in step a. Then CFN node 2 sends it to CFN node 1 through the extended BGP, and when the service information changes, CFN node 2 can send updated information to CFN node 1.

[0129] 2. Computing power selection:

[0130] When the CFN node receives a service request from the client, as the CFN ingress node (other CFN nodes are CFN egress nodes), it selects the CNF egress node according to the service information obtained in steps a and b, the network status between the CFN ingress node and the CFN egress node, and the SID requested by the client. Then the CFN ingress node forwards the client's service request to the selected CFN egress node. After receiving the request, the CNF egress node selects the BID of the service instance corresponding to the SID according to the requested SID and forwards the service request.

[0131] During the process of forwarding services by the CFN ingress node and the CFN egress node, it is necessary to record the user request information and the corresponding forwarding rules, so that when the same user requests the same SID later, the same service instance and forwarding path can be used to provide the same service and network quality.

[0132] Such as Figure 4As shown, for example, client 1 connected to CFN node 1 sends a service request for SID2. CFN node 1 serves as the CFN entry node (CFN nodes 2 and 3 are CFN exit nodes). Subsequently, based on the service information received from CFN nodes 2 and 3, it is determined that both CFN nodes 2 and 3 can provide the service of SID2. Furthermore, by combining the network status information, the service status provided by CFN nodes 2 and 3, and the local policy of CFN node 1, CFN node 1 selects CFN node 2 as the CFN exit node for the current request and then forwards the request to CFN node 2. After receiving the request, CFN node 2 selects BID22 to provide the service for the current request and then sends the request to BID22.

[0133] 3. Computing Power Routing:

[0134] During the process of sending requests between the CFN entry node and the CFN exit node, routing can be specified. For example, by using methods such as Segment Routing IPv6 (SRv6) based on IPv6, the message is sent based on the specified path.

[0135] The implementation method of the above CFN network is based on the capabilities of the user plane forwarding nodes and is called a distributed architecture; there is also an implementation method based on a centralized controller (centralized architecture): for example, there is a centralized control plane network element. Through the interaction between this control plane network element and the user plane network element, the control plane network element obtains the computing power / service information and service status associated with the user plane network element, and then selects a service entity for the user and generates relevant forwarding policies to be configured on the user plane network element.

[0136] Currently, for 5G networks, through the 5GVN method, message forwarding between terminal devices, devices within 5GVN, and devices in the DN can be achieved. However, since message forwarding is determined based on the UPF's learning of the destination address or implemented through static forwarding policies configured by the control plane, when service instances are distributed across multiple DNs or UPF instances where UPFs are located, the 5G network cannot select service instances based on information such as the type and status of the service and formulate appropriate forwarding policies. Therefore, the flexibility of forwarding messages is poor, and there is still room for further improvement in efficiency.

[0137] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method that can improve the above problems.

[0138] To better understand the embodiments, the following points are noted here:

[0139] 1. In this document, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Additionally, in this document, the character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0140] 2. In the embodiments of this application, "service" is used to represent the requirements of the terminal device and forward them. In the specific implementation process, "computing power" can also be used to represent the requirements of the terminal device. Among them, the computing power can be of the computing type (such as CPU, GPU), processing type (computing, storage, etc.), algorithm requirements (such as image recognition, content parsing, etc.), method / function call, microservice, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0141] 3. In the embodiments of this application, SID can be the identifier of a service or the identifier of "computing power". The "slice" in the following embodiments refers to the network slice in the prior art, with "Data Network Name / Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (DNN / S-NSSAI)" as the slice identifier; the "computing power slice" is a concept for dividing or organizing the computing power in this application, which can be replaced by "computing power group" / "computing power set" / "service slice", etc. Specifically, it can be to combine relevant computing power for use according to a certain strategy and divide and identify it with a "computing power slice". For example, multiple service instances with the same computing power type are grouped into a computing power slice, or all the required computing power service instances for a certain application are grouped into a computing power slice. In addition, a computing power slice identifier can also be used to identify this computing power slice.

[0142] 4. In the embodiments of this application, the session management function network element does not specifically refer to the SMF, but refers to a network element with session management functions or a network element for controlling the path. This session management function network element can be a new network element or an existing network element, which is not limited in this application.

[0143] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of 5GS service-based message forwarding provided in this embodiment. As Figure 5 shown, the service identity identifier of UPF1 is SID1, the service identity identifier of UPF3 is SID2, and the service identity identifiers of service instance 1 and service instance 2 are both SID2.

[0144] Among them, when the UE accesses the wireless network through the RAN, a session between the UE and the UPF1 can be created, and the UPF1 is the anchor UPF or the intermediate UPF of the UE. The control plane network element (such as the SMF) selects the UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3 based on the slice identifier (DNN / S-NSSAI), or the computing power slice identifier, or the service information requested or subscribed by the user. The control plane network element can create the corresponding tunnels at the UE granularity of the network slice or the computing power slice granularity between the UPF1-UPF2 and UPF1-UPF3, or the corresponding tunnels at the session granularity before creating the session of the UE (wherein, the tunnels between the UPF2-UPF3 can also be created, which is not limited in this application); or, the corresponding tunnels at the UE granularity of the network slice or the computing power slice granularity between the UPF1-UPF2 and UPF1-UPF3, or the corresponding tunnels at the session granularity can also be created during the process of creating the session of the UE.

[0145] The terms involved in this application are briefly described above and will not be elaborated in the following embodiments. The following will describe in detail the multicast / broadcast communication method provided by the embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided by this application can be applied to the Figure 1 or Figure 2 or Figure 5 network architecture shown, without limitation.

[0146] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a communication method 600 provided by an embodiment of this application. As Figure 6 shown, the method 600 may include the following steps:

[0147] S601, the session management function network element determines the first user plane function network element according to the first information of the service requested by the terminal device, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element.

[0148] Among them, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element is used to characterize that a tunnel can be established or has been established between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and data can be transmitted. The second user plane function network element supports the service, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element is used to characterize the service that the second user plane function network element can provide. In other words, it is used to characterize the service providing ability of the second user plane function network element. In the embodiments of this application, the service information provided by the second user plane function network element characterizes that the second user plane function network element supports the service.

[0149] It should be understood that the second user plane function network element supporting the service can be understood as the second user plane function network element having a service instance that supports the service, or it can be understood that the data network device connected to the second user plane function network element supports the service. This application does not make a limitation here.

[0150] Specifically, the session management function network element can determine the second user plane function network element based on the first information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element. After that, the session management function network element can determine the first user plane function network element based on the second user plane function network element and the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element.

[0151] Optionally, the session management function network element can determine the service information provided by at least one user plane function network element that can support the service according to the first information of the service; after that, the session management function network element can determine the second user plane function network element according to the service information provided by the at least one user plane function network element, and the at least one user plane function network element includes the second user plane network element.

[0152] Among them, the service information provided by any one of the at least one user plane function network elements includes any one or more of the following: the service type or SID supported by any one user plane function network element, the computing power slice identifier of any one user plane function network element, whether the service or computing power slice of any one user plane function network element is available, the load status corresponding to the service or computing power slice of any one user plane function network element, the delay of the message for transmitting the service by any one user plane function network element, the bandwidth of the message for transmitting the service by any one user plane function network element, and the packet loss rate of the message for transmitting the service by any one user plane function network element.

[0153] The first information of the service can include one or more pieces of information such as the SID of the service, the message characteristics of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the service.

[0154] In addition, on the one hand, the session management function network element can obtain the first information of the service through the terminal device. For example, the first information of the service can be carried in the protocol data unit (PDU) session creation request message sent by the terminal device. The PDU session creation request message can include the first information of the service, and further, it can also include DNN / S-NSSAI information.

[0155] On the other hand, the session management function network element can obtain the first information of the service through the policy control function (PCF) network element or the unified data management (UDM) network element. For example, during the PDU session creation process of the terminal device, the session management function network element can read the first information of the service from the subscription data of the terminal device in the unified data management network element.

[0156] Furthermore, the first user plane function network element can be the anchor user plane function network element of the terminal device. Among them, the anchor user plane function network element of the terminal device can be the user plane function network element used to allocate an address (for example, an IP address) to the terminal device.

[0157] It should be understood that in this application, the user plane function network element has the ability to provide services, including the ability of the user plane function network element to have computing power slices.

[0158] It should also be understood that in the above solution, both the SID of the service and the number of computing power slices of the service can be one or more. Among them, if the SID of the service and the number of computing power slices of the service are one, the session management function network element can select the first user plane function network element according to the SID or computing power slice identifier of one service, as well as the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element; if the SID of the service and the number of computing power slices of the service are multiple, through the definition method of the computing power slice, the SIDs of multiple services can belong to the computing power slice of the same service or belong to the computing power slices of multiple services, and the session management function network element can select the first user plane function network element according to the computing power slice identifier of one or more services, as well as the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element.

[0159] For example, assume that there is also a third user plane function network element. Both the second user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element can provide an SID of a service or a computing power slice. At this time, the first user plane function network element can be connected to or has already been connected to the second user plane function network element or the third user plane function network element. Therefore, the first user plane function network element can be selected. Assume that the first user plane function network element can provide an SID or a computing power slice that satisfies a part of the service, and the second user plane function network element that can be connected can provide an SID or a computing power slice that satisfies another part of the service. At this time, the first user plane function network element can be selected. Assume that the first user plane function network element provides an SID or a computing power slice that does not satisfy the service at all, and the second user plane function network element that can be connected can provide an SID or a computing power slice that completely satisfies the service. At this time, the first user plane function network element can also be selected.

[0160] Further, method 600 further includes: The session management function network element determines a first flow according to the service and the association information of one or more flows that meet the service requirements, where the one or more flows include the first flow.

[0161] Specifically, the session management function network element can determine one or more flows through the association information of the service and one or more flows; then, when the one or more flows meet the service requirements, the first flow can be determined through the screening of factors such as the cost requirement, delay requirement, and packet loss rate requirement for transmitting the service packets of each flow (for example, a flow with a longer delay but lower cost can be selected as the first flow).

[0162] Among them, the association information of the service and one or more flows includes at least one of the following information: the correspondence between the SID of the service and the first identifier, the correspondence between the packet characteristics of the service and the first identifier, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the first identifier.

[0163] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, one or more flows can correspond to one user plane function network element or multiple user plane function network elements, and the present application does not make a limitation here.

[0164] It should also be understood that if there are services requested by at least two terminal devices, for each terminal device, the corresponding flow for each terminal device can be determined by the above-mentioned solution (in this case, the flow is at the device granularity), or the flow corresponding to the services requested by each terminal device (in this case, the flow is at the service granularity). However, the flow corresponding to each terminal device or the flow corresponding to the services requested by each terminal device can be the same flow (i.e., the same flow can be used by the services of at least two terminal devices through multiplexing), or can be different flows (i.e., the flow corresponding to each terminal device or the flow corresponding to the services requested by each terminal device has a corresponding relationship with each terminal device), and this application does not make any limitations here.

[0165] S602, the session management function network element sends the second information and the first identifier of the service to the first user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the first user plane function network element receives the second information and the first identifier of the service from the session management function network element.

[0166] Among them, the first identifier is the identifier of the first flow, the first flow meets the requirements of the service, and the first flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element. The first flow meets the requirements of the service. For example, it can mean that the first flow meets the delay requirements of the packets for transmitting the service, or the first flow meets the bandwidth requirements of the packets for transmitting the service, or the first flow meets the packet loss rate requirements of the packets for transmitting the service.

[0167] For example, the session management function network element can send a PDU session creation message or a PDU session request message to the first user plane function network element, and carry the second information and the first identifier of the service in the PDU session creation message or the PDU session request message.

[0168] Among them, the second information of the service can include one or more pieces of information such as the SID of the service, the packet characteristics of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the service.

[0169] It should be understood that the second information of the service can be the same or different information from the first information of the service.

[0170] It should also be understood that the flow in the embodiments of this application can be a QoS flow, and the identifier of the flow can be a QoS flow identifier (QFI) or a 5G QoS indicator (5QI).

[0171] Optionally, the session management function network element can also configure the corresponding relationship between the SID of the service and the computing power slice of the service in the first user plane function network element, so that the first user plane function network element can determine the computing power slice corresponding to the SID of the service based on the information of the service, and then select the corresponding flow to forward the service packets.

[0172] Among them, the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element can correspond to the served session, or can correspond to the message characteristics of the service or the computing power slice of the service. Further, if there are multiple user plane function network elements that can establish or have established a tunnel with the first user plane function network element, the first user plane function network element can use the identifier of the same flow (for example, for the flows in which multiple user plane function network elements establish a tunnel with the first user plane function network element, the first user plane function network element uses the identifier of the same flow), or can use the identifiers of multiple flows (for example, for the flows in which multiple user plane function network elements establish a tunnel with the first user plane function network element, the first user plane function network element uses the identifiers of each flow).

[0173] S603. The first user plane function network element determines a first flow that meets the service requirements according to the information of the service requested by the terminal device.

[0174] Among them, the information of the service can be the second information of the service mentioned above.

[0175] Specifically, the first user plane function network element can determine the second user plane function network element according to the information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element; then, the first user plane function network element can determine the first flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows. Among them, one or more flows are in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and one or more flows include the first flow.

[0176] Further, the first user plane function network element can determine the service information provided by at least one user plane function network element that can support the service according to the information of the service; then, the first user plane function network element can determine the second user plane function network element according to the service information provided by at least one user plane function network element, and at least one user plane function network element includes the second user plane network element.

[0177] Among them, the service information provided by any user plane function network element in at least one user plane function network element includes any one or more of the following: the service type or SID supported by any user plane function network element, the computing power slice identifier of any user plane function network element, whether the service or computing power slice of any user plane function network element is available, the load status corresponding to the service or computing power slice of any user plane function network element, the delay of the message for transmitting the service by any user plane function network element, the bandwidth of the message for transmitting the service by any user plane function network element, the packet loss rate of the message for transmitting the service by any user plane function network element.

[0178] The association information between the service and one or more flows can include at least one of the following information: the correspondence between the SID of the service and the first identifier, the correspondence between the message characteristics of the service and the first identifier, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the first identifier.

[0179] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may receive service information from a terminal device or a session management function network element, and the first user plane function network element may respond to a request from the session management function network element.

[0180] In another possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may, according to the service information from the session management function network element, as well as the association information between the service and one or more flows.

[0181] Among them, the association information between the service and one or more flows may be configured by the session management function network element.

[0182] Furthermore, the service message sent by the session management function network element to the first user plane function network element may include the association information between the service and one or more flows.

[0183] In addition, the first user plane function network element may also obtain the correspondence between the service SID and the computing power slice of the service according to the received configuration information from the session management function network element (such as the association information between the service and one or more flows) or the service message from the terminal device. Furthermore, first, obtain the computing power slice identifier of the service through the service SID, and then determine the first flow through the computing power slice identifier of the service.

[0184] Optionally, the first user plane function network element may also select the identifier of the flow for forwarding the service message to the radio access network device according to the service information, and / or receive the identifier of the flow of the service message from the radio access network device.

[0185] In another possible instance, method 600 further includes: the first user plane function network element saves the correspondence between the service message and the first flow.

[0186] Specifically, the first user plane function network element may save the correspondence between the service message and the first flow. For example, the first user plane function network element may save the correspondence between one or more of the service SID, the service message characteristics, and the computing power slice identifier of the service and the first flow (or the first identifier). Furthermore, when the first user plane function network element subsequently receives a request for the same service as the service or the same computing power slice identifier as the service, it may use the same forwarding method to forward the service message; or, when the first user plane function network element receives the downlink message of the service, according to the above saved information and the information of the downlink message of the service (such as the message characteristics of the downlink message of the service, the SID of the downlink message of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the downlink message of the service), determine the tunnel information between the first user plane function network element and the radio access network device, or determine the flow identifier information in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the radio access network device.

[0187] S604, The first user plane function network element sends a service message to the second user plane function network element through the first flow.

[0188] Optionally, when sending the service message, the first user plane function network element may add relevant information about the service or service instance to the service message or the tunnel message header of the forwarded message.

[0189] For example, the destination address of the service message can be modified to the address of the service instance, or the SID information of the service, or the address information of the service instance can be added to the tunnel message header of the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element.

[0190] Optionally, method 600 may further include: The second user plane function network element receives the uplink message of the service from the first user plane function network element through the first flow, and the uplink message includes the information of the uplink message; After that, the second user plane function network element may save the correspondence between the uplink message of the service and the first flow; Then, the second user plane function network element may receive the downlink message of the service from the instance of the service; Finally, the second user plane function network element may determine the second flow associated with the first flow according to the information of the downlink message of the service and the correspondence between the uplink message of the service and the first flow, and send the downlink message of the service through the second flow.

[0191] Wherein, the information of the uplink message of the service includes one or more of the SID of the uplink message of the service, the message characteristics of the uplink message of the service (for example, the source address of the terminal device, the protocol type (such as, user datagram protocol (UDP), transmission control protocol (TCP), etc.), or the computing power slice identifier of the uplink message of the service).

[0192] And, the downlink message of the service may include the information of the downlink message of the service, and the information of the downlink message of the service includes one or more of the SID of the downlink message of the service, the message characteristics of the downlink message of the service (the address of the destination terminal device, the source address, the address of the service instance, the protocol type, etc.), or the computing power slice identifier of the downlink message of the service.

[0193] Specifically, the second user plane function network element can save at least one of the address of the terminal device, the packet characteristics of the uplink packets of the service (such as information such as the triple or quintuple of the packet), the computing power slice identifier of the service, the SID of the service, the tunnel for transmitting the packets of the service, the correspondence between the uplink packets of the service and the first flow, and the identifier of the flow of the packets of the service. Furthermore, when the second user plane function network element receives the downlink packets of the service, it can determine the identifier of the tunnel or flow (such as the second flow) used to forward the downlink packets of the service based on the above saved information and the information of the downlink packets of the service.

[0194] Among them, the correspondence between the uplink packets of the service and the first flow is at least one of the following: the correspondence between the SID of the uplink packets of the service and the first identifier, the correspondence between the packet characteristics of the uplink packets of the service and the first identifier, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the uplink packets of the service and the first identifier, and the first identifier is the identifier of the first flow.

[0195] In addition, the uplink packets of the service refer to the packets of the service received by the second user plane function network element from the first user plane function network element, and the downlink packets of the service refer to the packets of the service sent by the second user plane function network element to the first user plane function network element.

[0196] It should be understood that in the above solution, the association relationship between the first flow and the second flow can be pre-configured.

[0197] It should also be understood that in the above solution, the second flow can be the same as the first flow or different from the first flow, and this application does not make a limitation in this regard.

[0198] Optionally, when the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service (for example, the load of the second user plane function network element is already heavy, so it cannot meet the service temporarily), method 600 may further include: the session management function network element receives information indicating that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service.

[0199] Specifically, the session management function network element can receive indication information from the first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element, and the indication information indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service.

[0200] On the one hand, after determining that it cannot meet the service, the second user plane function network element can send indication information to the first user plane function network element, indicating that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service. After receiving the indication information, the first user plane function network element can send indication information to the session management function network element. Optionally, the indication information can also indicate the identifier or address of other available user plane function network elements, and the other available user plane function network elements support the service.

[0201] On the other hand, after determining that it cannot meet the service, the second user plane function network element can directly send an indication message to the session management function network element, and the indication message indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service. Optionally, the indication message can also indicate the identifier or address of other available user plane function network elements.

[0202] Optionally, the above indication message can also include information about the new user plane function network element (such as the address, identifier, etc. of the user plane function network element), and the new user plane function network element supports the service. Alternatively, the indication message can also include information about the new service instance (such as the address, identifier, etc. of the new service instance), and the information about the new service instance is used to indicate the information about the new service instance when the first user plane network element forwards the packet to the second user plane network element.

[0203] Further, in the case where the session management function network element receives the indication message from the first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element, or when the session management function network element configures multiple flows for the packets of the transmission service, method 600 further includes: the session management function network element sends the second information and the third identifier of the service to the first user plane function network element to send the packets of the service through the third flow.

[0204] Wherein, the third flow meets the requirements of the service, the third flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element, the third identifier is the identifier of the third flow, and the third user plane function network element meets the requirements of the service.

[0205] Optionally, method 600 further includes: the session management function network element determines the third user plane function network element.

[0206] Exemplarily, the session management function network element can determine the third user plane function network element according to the first information of the service requested by the terminal device, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the third user plane function network element.

[0207] Wherein, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element is used to characterize that a tunnel can be established or has been established between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element to transmit data, the third user plane function network element supports the service, and the service information provided by the third user plane function network element is used to characterize the service that the third user plane function network element can provide. In other words, it is used to characterize the service providing ability of the third user plane function network element. In the embodiments of the present application, the service information provided by the third user plane function network element characterizes that the third user plane function network element supports the service.

[0208] For example, the service information provided by the third user plane function network element may include any one or more of the following: the service type supported by the third user plane function network element or the service identity SID, the computing power slice identifier of the third user plane function network element, whether the service or computing power slice of the third user plane function network element is available, the load status corresponding to the service or computing power slice of the third user plane function network element, the delay of the packet for transmitting the service by the third user plane function network element, the bandwidth of the packet for transmitting the service by the third user plane function network element, and the packet loss rate of the packet for transmitting the service by the third user plane function network element.

[0209] Specifically, for the description of the session management network element determining the third user plane function network element, reference may be made to the description of the session management network element determining the second user plane function network element in S601 above. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0210] Further, in order to determine the third flow and then determine the third identifier, method 600 further includes: the session management function network element determines the third flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the requirements of the service. Among them, one or more flows include the third flow.

[0211] Specifically, for the description of the session management function network element determining the third flow, reference may be made to the relevant description of the session management function network element determining the first flow in S601 above. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0212] Based on the above solution, the session management function network element determines the first user plane function network element through the first information of the service, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element. On the one hand, the session management function network element may send the second information of the service and the first identifier to the first user plane function network element to indicate sending the packets of the service through the first flow; on the other hand, the first user plane function network element may determine the first flow that meets the requirements of the service according to the information of the service requested by the terminal device. In addition, in the case where the session management function network element determines multiple tunnels for the transmission of the service, or the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service requirements, the session management function network element may send the second information of the service and the third identifier to the first user plane function network element to indicate sending the packets of the service through the third flow. Furthermore, the session management function network element or the first user plane function network element may select the user plane network element and determine the user plane forwarding rule according to the information of the service, not only can select the user plane network element according to the information of the service, but also can transmit the packets of the service through the flow that meets the service requirements, improving the situation that it is difficult to ensure that the forwarding path of the packets meets the service requirements of the terminal device, improving the flexibility and forwarding efficiency of the forwarded packets, and realizing the dynamic scheduling based on the service capabilities of the network elements and the network status combination.

[0213] In addition, the session management function network element can receive information indicating that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service, select a third user plane function network element for the service, and reselect the tunnel / flow for transmitting the service message, so as to avoid the user perceiving service anomalies.

[0214] Optionally, the second user plane function network element can save the correspondence between the service message and the first flow, and then can select the second flow for transmitting the downlink message of the service when transmitting the downlink message of the service subsequently.

[0215] Figure 7 The figure shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 700 provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 7 shown, the method 700 may include the following steps:

[0216] S701, the session management function network element obtains first information of the service through the terminal device or the packet control function network element or the unified data management function network element.

[0217] Among them, the first information of the service includes at least one of the SID of the service, the message characteristics of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the service, and the service is the service requested by the terminal device.

[0218] In a possible implementation manner, the session management function network element can receive a first message from the terminal device and obtain service information. As an example, the first message may be a session creation request message.

[0219] Furthermore, the first message may further include DNN / S-NSSAI.

[0220] In another possible implementation manner, the session management function network element can receive a second message from the packet control function network element or the unified data management function network element and obtain first information of the service.

[0221] Specifically, in the process of creating a session for the terminal device, the session management function network element obtains service information by receiving a second message containing service information. For example, the session management function network element can read the first information of the service from the subscription data of the terminal device in the unified data management function network element.

[0222] S702, the session management function network element determines a first user plane function network element.

[0223] Exemplarily, the session management function network element can determine the first user plane function network element according to the first information of the service requested by the terminal device, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element.

[0224] Specifically, regarding the description of the first user plane function network element determined by the session management function network element based on the first information of the service requested by the terminal device, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, reference may be made to the relevant description in S601 above where the session management function network element determines the relevant description of the first user plane function network element based on the first information of the service requested by the terminal device, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0225] S703. The session management function network element sends the second information of the service and the first identifier to the first user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the first user plane function network element receives the second information of the service and the first identifier from the session management function network element.

[0226] Among them, the first identifier is the identifier of the first flow. The first flow meets the requirements of the service and is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element.

[0227] For example, the session management function network element can send a PDU session creation message or a PDU session request message to the first user plane function network element, and carry the second information of the service and the first identifier in the PDU session creation message or the PDU session request message.

[0228] Among them, the second information of the service may include one or more of the SID of the service, the packet characteristics of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the service.

[0229] It should be understood that the second information of the service may be the same as or different from the first information of the service.

[0230] S704. The session management function network element determines the first flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements.

[0231] Specifically, regarding the description of the session management function network element determining the first flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements, reference may be made to the relevant description in S601 above where the session management function network element determines the first flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0232] Optionally, after determining the first flow, the session management function network element may also send the configuration information of the downlink flow associated with the first flow to the second user plane function network element for the second user plane function network element to configure the downlink flow associated with the first flow. Among them, the configuration information of the downlink flow associated with the first flow may include at least one piece of information such as the SID of the service, the packet characteristics of the service, the computing power slice identifier of the service, the first identifier, the correspondence between the SID of the service and the first flow, the correspondence between the packet characteristics of the service and the first flow, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the first flow. After that, when receiving the downlink packets of the service, the second user plane function network element may determine the tunnel information between the second user plane function network element and the first user plane function network element, or determine the identification information of the downlink flow associated with the first flow in the tunnel between the second user plane function network element and the first user plane function network element according to the above information and the information of the downlink packets of the service (for example, the packet characteristics of the downlink packets of the service, the SID of the downlink packets of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the downlink packets of the service).

[0233] Among them, the downlink flow associated with the first flow may be the same flow as the first flow or a different flow from the first flow.

[0234] S705, the session management function network element sends the second information and the second identifier of the service to the first user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the first user plane function network element receives the second information and the second identifier of the service from the session management function network element.

[0235] Exemplarily, in the case where the session management function network element allocates multiple tunnels that meet the service, or in the case where the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service of the terminal device, the session management function network element may send the second information and the second identifier of the service to the first user plane function network element.

[0236] Among them, the second identifier is the identifier of the second flow, the second flow meets the service requirements, and the second flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element.

[0237] Furthermore, the session management function network element may determine the second flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements.

[0238] Specifically, for the description of the session management function network element determining the second flow, reference may be made to the relevant description of the session management function network element determining the first flow in S601 above. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0239] Optionally, after determining the second flow, the session management function network element may also send the configuration information of the downlink flow associated with the second flow to the third user plane function network element, for the third user plane function network element to configure the downlink flow associated with the second flow. The configuration information of the downlink flow associated with the second flow may include at least one piece of information such as the SID of the service, the packet characteristics of the service, the computing power slice identifier of the service, the second identifier, the correspondence between the SID of the service and the second flow, the correspondence between the packet characteristics of the service and the second flow, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the second flow. After that, when receiving the downlink packet of the service, the third user plane function network element may determine the tunnel information between the third user plane function network element and the first user plane function network element, or determine the identification information of the downlink flow associated with the second flow in the tunnel between the third user plane function network element and the first user plane function network element, based on the above information and the information of the downlink packet of the service (for example, the packet characteristics of the downlink packet of the service, the SID of the downlink packet of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the downlink packet of the service).

[0240] Among them, the downlink flow associated with the second flow may be the same flow as the second flow or a different flow from the second flow.

[0241] In another possible implementation manner, the session management function network element may send the association information between the second information of the service and the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements to the first user plane function network element, so that the first user plane function network element can determine the second flow according to the association information between the second information of the service and the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements.

[0242] Specifically, for the description of the first user plane function network element determining the second flow, reference may be made to the relevant description of the first user plane function network element determining the first flow in S603 above. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0243] It should be understood that in the above solution, on the one hand, after the session management function network element obtains the first information of the service, if multiple flows are established for the service, when the session management function network element determines the first user plane function network element, it not only needs to be based on the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, but also needs to be based on the association information between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the third user plane function network element; on the other hand, if the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service requirements during the process of transmitting the service message, the session management function network element needs to determine the third user plane function network element based on the association information between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the third user plane function network element. Among them, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element is used to represent that a tunnel can be established or has been established between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element, the third user plane function network element supports the service, and the service information provided by the third user plane function network element represents that the third user plane function network element supports the service.

[0244] S706. The session management function network element sends the second information of the service and the third identifier to the first user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the first user plane function network element receives the second information of the service and the third identifier from the session management function network element.

[0245] Among them, the third identifier is the identifier of the third flow, the third flow meets the service requirements, and the third flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the radio access network device.

[0246] Furthermore, the session management function network element can determine the third flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements.

[0247] Specifically, for the description of the session management function network element determining the third flow, reference can be made to the relevant description of the session management function network element determining the first flow in S601 above. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0248] In another possible implementation manner, the session management function network element can send the second information of the service and the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements to the first user plane function network element, and the first user plane function network element can determine the fourth flow according to the second information of the service and the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements.

[0249] Specifically, for the description of the first user plane function network element determining the third flow, reference can be made to the relevant description of the first user plane function network element determining the first flow in S603 above. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0250] In S707, the session management function network element sends a first piece of information to the radio access network device. Correspondingly, the radio access network device receives the first piece of information from the session management function network element.

[0251] Wherein, the first piece of information is used to configure a third identifier for the radio access network device and the corresponding relationship of the service with the third identifier. Further, the radio access network device can receive the service packets from the first user plane function network element through the third flow, or send the service packets from the terminal device to the first user plane function network element through the third flow.

[0252] Optionally, in the above solution, the second user plane function network element can save the information of the service packets and the corresponding relationship between the service packets and the first flow; the third user plane function network element can save the information of the service packets and the corresponding relationship between the service packets and the second flow.

[0253] Based on the above solution, the session management function network element determines the first user plane function network element through the first piece of information of the service, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element. The session management function network element can send the second piece of information of the service and the first identifier to the first user plane function network element to indicate sending the service packets through the first flow; in addition, when the session management function network element determines multiple tunnels for the service transmission, or when the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service requirements, the session management function network element can send the second piece of information of the service and the second identifier to the first user plane function network element to indicate sending the service packets through the second flow; the session management function network element can send the second piece of information of the service and the second identifier to the first user plane function network element to indicate sending the service packets through the second flow; the session management function network element can send the second piece of information of the service and the third identifier to the first user plane function network element to indicate sending the service packets through the third flow. Further, the session management function network element can select the user plane network element according to the service information and determine the user plane forwarding rule. It can not only select the user plane network element according to the service information, but also transmit the service packets through the flow that meets the service requirements, improving the situation where it is difficult to ensure that the forwarding packet path meets the service requirements of the terminal device, improving the flexibility and forwarding efficiency of forwarding packets, and realizing dynamic scheduling based on the service capabilities of network elements and network status combination.

[0254] Figure 8 Fig. shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 800 provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 8 shown, the method 800 may include the following steps:

[0255] S801. The terminal device sends the first information of the service to the first user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the first user plane function network element receives the first information of the service from the terminal device.

[0256] Among them, the first information of the service includes at least one of the SID of the service requested by the terminal device, the message characteristics of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the service, and the service is the service requested by the terminal device.

[0257] Specifically, the terminal device may send a request message for the service to the radio access network device, and the radio access network device forwards the request message through the tunnel between it and the first user plane function network element. Among them, the request message includes the first information.

[0258] S802. The first user plane function network element determines the first flow that meets the service requirements according to the first information of the service.

[0259] Specifically, for the description of the first user plane function network element determining the first flow that meets the service requirements according to the first information of the service, reference may be made to the relevant description in S603 above where the first user plane function network element determines the first flow that meets the service requirements according to the information of the service requested by the terminal device. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0260] S803. The first user plane function network element saves the correspondence between the service message and the first flow.

[0261] Specifically, the first user plane function network element may save the correspondence between the service message and the first flow. For example, the first user plane function network element may save at least one of the SID of the service, the message characteristics of the service, the computing power slice identifier of the service, the first identifier, the correspondence between the SID of the service and the first flow, the correspondence between the message characteristics of the service and the first flow, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the first flow. Furthermore, when the first user plane function network element subsequently receives a request for the same service as the service or the same computing power slice identifier as the service, it can use the same forwarding method to forward the service message; or, when the first user plane function network element receives the downlink message of the service, according to the above saved information and the information of the downlink message of the service (for example, the message characteristics of the downlink message of the service, the SID of the downlink message of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the downlink message of the service), it can determine the tunnel information between the first user plane function network element and the radio access network device, or determine the flow identifier information in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the radio access network device.

[0262] S804. The first user plane function network element sends the service message to the second user plane function network element through the first flow. Correspondingly, the second user plane function network element receives the service message from the first user plane function network element through the first flow.

[0263] Optionally, the message of the service may include a first identifier, or the first identifier may be indicated in the header of the tunnel protocol (e.g., GTP-U protocol) between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element.

[0264] S805, the second user plane function network element stores the correspondence between the message of the service from the first user plane function network element and the first flow.

[0265] Specifically, the second user plane function network element may store at least one of the address of the terminal device, the message characteristics of the uplink message of the service (e.g., information such as the triple and quintuple of the message), the computing power slice identifier of the service, the SID of the service, the tunnel for transmitting the message of the service, the correspondence between the uplink message of the service and the first flow, and the identifier of the flow for transmitting the message of the service. Furthermore, when the second user plane function network element receives the downlink message of the service, it can determine information such as the tunnel or the identifier of the flow (e.g., the second flow) for forwarding the downlink message of the service based on the above stored information and the information of the downlink message of the service.

[0266] Among them, the correspondence between the uplink message of the service and the first flow is at least one of the following: the correspondence between the SID of the uplink message of the service and the first identifier, the correspondence between the message characteristics of the uplink message of the service and the first identifier, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the uplink message of the service and the first identifier, and the first identifier is the identifier of the first flow.

[0267] In addition, the uplink message of the service refers to the message of the service that the second user plane function network element receives from the first user plane function network element, and the downlink message of the service refers to the message of the service that the second user plane function network element sends to the first user plane function network element.

[0268] S806, the second user plane function network element sends the message of the service to the data network device. Correspondingly, the data network device receives the message of the service from the second user plane function network element.

[0269] S807, the data network device sends the response information of the message of the service to the second user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the second user plane function network element receives the response information of the message of the service from the data network device.

[0270] S808, the second user plane function network element determines the second flow.

[0271] Specifically, the second user plane function network element may determine the second flow associated with the first flow according to the information of the downlink message of the service and the correspondence between the uplink message of the service and the first flow.

[0272] Furthermore, the second user plane function network element can save the correspondence between the service packets and the first flow. Subsequently, when transmitting the packets of the same SID or computing power slice identifier service of the terminal device (or user), or when receiving the downlink packets of the service, the second flow corresponding to the first flow can be selected for transmitting the service packets.

[0273] It should be understood that in the above solution, the association relationship between the first flow and the second flow can be pre-configured.

[0274] It should also be understood that in the above solution, the second flow can be the same as the first flow or different from the first flow, and this application does not make a limitation in this regard.

[0275] S809, the second user plane function network element sends the service packets to the first user plane function network element through the second flow. Correspondingly, the first user plane function network element receives the service packets from the second user plane function network element through the second flow.

[0276] S810, the first user plane function network element determines the third identifier.

[0277] Among them, the third identifier is the identifier of the third flow. The third flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the radio access network device, and the third flow meets the service requirements.

[0278] Specifically, after receiving the service packets through the second flow, the first user plane function network element can, according to the information of the service packets and the saved correspondence between the service packets and the first flow, or according to the information of the service packets and the information for configuring the third flow from the session management function network element (which can include the third identifier, or the association information between the service and one or more flows, where the association information between the service and one or more flows can include one or more of the correspondence between the SID of the service and the third identifier, the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the third identifier, or the correspondence between the packet characteristics of the service and the third identifier), or according to the computing power slice identifier information of the service, determine the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the radio access network device, and then determine the third flow and the third identifier.

[0279] S811, the first user plane function network element sends the service packets to the radio access network device through the third flow.

[0280] Based on the above solution, the first user plane function network element can determine the first flow and the third flow that meet the service requirements according to the information of the service requested by the terminal device. Subsequently, the packets of the service can be transmitted through the flow that meets the service requirements, improving the situation where it is difficult to ensure that the forwarding path of the packets meets the service requirements of the terminal device, enhancing the flexibility and forwarding efficiency of packet forwarding, and realizing dynamic scheduling based on the service capabilities of network elements and network status.

[0281] In addition, the first user plane function network element can save the correspondence between the service packets and the first flow. Furthermore, when encountering a service with the same packet characteristics as the service in the future, the same forwarding method can be used. Moreover, the second user plane function network element can save the correspondence between the service packets and the first flow. When the second user plane function network element receives the downlink packets of the service, it can also determine the tunnel or the identifier of the flow (such as the second flow) for sending the downlink packets of the service to the first user plane function network element according to the saved information through the correspondence between the packet characteristics of the service and the first flow.

[0282] Figure 9 Fig. shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 900 provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 9 shown, the method 900 may include the following steps:

[0283] S901, the first user plane function network element sends service packets to the second user plane function network element through the first flow. Correspondingly, the second user plane function network element receives the service packets from the first user plane function network element through the first flow.

[0284] Wherein, the service is a service requested by the terminal device, the first flow meets the requirements of the service, the first flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the second user plane function network element supports the service.

[0285] S902, the second user plane function network element sends the first indication information to the first user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the first user plane function network element receives the first indication information from the second user plane function network element.

[0286] Wherein, when the second user plane function network element detects that it cannot meet the service (for example, the load is too large or the service status is unavailable), the second user plane function network element can send the first indication information to the first user plane function network element, and the first indication information indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service.

[0287] Optionally, the first indication information may further include information about the new user plane function network element (such as the address, identifier, etc. of the user plane function network element), and the new user plane function network element supports the service.

[0288] S903, the first user plane function network element sends the second indication information to the session management function network element. Correspondingly, the session management function network element receives the second indication information from the first user plane function network element.

[0289] After receiving the first indication information from the second user plane function network element, the first user plane function network element may send second indication information to the session management function network element, and the second indication information indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service.

[0290] Optionally, the second indication information may further include information about a new user plane function network element (for example, information such as the address and identifier of the user plane function network element), and the new user plane function network element supports the service. Alternatively, the second indication information may further include information about a new service instance (for example, information such as the address and identifier of the new service instance), and the information about the new service instance is used for the first user plane network element to indicate the information about the new service instance when forwarding packets to the second user plane network element.

[0291] S904. The second user plane function network element sends third indication information to the session management function network element. Correspondingly, the session management function network element receives the third indication information from the second user plane function network element.

[0292] Among them, in the case where the second user plane function network element detects that it cannot meet the service (for example, overloaded or the service status is unavailable), the second user plane function network element may send third indication information to the session management function network element, and the third indication information indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service.

[0293] Optionally, the third indication information may further include information about a new user plane function network element (for example, information such as the address and identifier of the user plane function network element), and the new user plane function network element supports the service. Alternatively, the third indication information may further include information about a new service instance (for example, information such as the address and identifier of the new service instance), and the information about the new service instance is used for the first user plane network element to indicate the information about the new service instance when forwarding packets to the second user plane network element.

[0294] It should be understood that in the above solution, if only S902 and S903 are involved, then S904 may not be executed; if S904 is executed, then S902 and S903 may not be executed.

[0295] S905. The session management function network element determines the second flow.

[0296] Exemplarily, after receiving the second indication information or the third indication information, the session management function network element may determine the packets for the second flow transmission service. Among them, the second flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element, the third user plane function network element supports the service, and a tunnel may be established or has been established between the third user plane function network element and the first user plane function network element.

[0297] Specifically, for the description of the session management function network element determining the third flow, reference may be made to the relevant description of the session management function network element determining the first flow in S602 above. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0298] Optionally, the session management function network element may also not determine the second flow, but send information for configuring the second flow to the first user plane function network element, so that the first user plane function network element configures the second flow.

[0299] It should be understood that in the above technical solution, after receiving the first indication information, the first user plane function network element may also determine the third flow, and reference may be made to the relevant description of the first user plane function network element determining the first flow in S603 above. For the sake of brevity, this application will not elaborate here.

[0300] S906, the first user plane function network element sends service packets to the third user plane function network element through the second flow. Correspondingly, the third user plane function network element receives service packets sent from the first UPF entity through the second flow.

[0301] Based on the above solution, the session management function network element or the first user plane function network element may receive information indicating that the second user plane function network element cannot meet the service, select a new flow for the service, or the session management function network element may also instruct the first user plane function network element to select a new flow for the transmission of the service, thereby improving the abnormal phenomenon of service packet transmission caused by the user plane function network element being unable to meet the service requirements and avoiding the user perceiving service anomalies.

[0302] Each of the embodiments described herein may be an independent solution or may be combined according to internal logic, and these solutions all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0303] It can be understood that in the above method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the terminal device may also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) available for the terminal device, and the methods and operations implemented by the network device may also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) available for the network device.

[0304] Above, in combination with Figures 6 to 9 This detailedly describes the method provided by the embodiments of this application. Below, in combination with Figures 10 to 13 This detailedly describes the communication device provided by the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for the content not described in detail, reference may be made to the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, it will not be elaborated here.

[0305] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of the interaction between each network element. It can be understood that each network element, such as a transmitting device or a receiving device, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for implementing the above functions. Those skilled in the art should be able to realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described function for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0306] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional modules of the transmitting device or the receiving device according to the above method examples. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, only a logical functional division, and there can be other division methods in actual implementation. The following takes the division of each functional module corresponding to each function as an example for description.

[0307] Figure 10 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 1000 includes a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020. The transceiver unit 1010 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 1010 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 1010 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0308] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1020 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the communication device to implement the foregoing method embodiments.

[0309] The communication device 1000 can be used to perform the actions executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. At this time, the communication device 1000 can be a terminal device or a component configurable in the terminal device. The transceiver unit 1010 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations on the terminal device side in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform the processing-related operations on the terminal device side in the above method embodiments.

[0310] Alternatively, the communication device 1000 can be used to perform the actions executed by the network device in the above method embodiments. In this case, the communication device 1000 can be a network device or a component configurable in the network device. The transceiver unit 1010 is used to perform the operations related to transceiver on the network device side in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform the operations related to processing on the network device side in the above method embodiments.

[0311] As a design, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions executed by the terminal device in the above Figure 7 illustrated embodiments, and the transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S701.

[0312] As an example, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions executed by the terminal device in the above Figure 8 illustrated embodiments, and the transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S801, S811.

[0313] The communication device 1000 can implement the steps or processes executed by the terminal device corresponding to Method 700 and Method 800 according to the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 1000 may include units for executing the methods executed by the terminal device in Method 700 Figure 7 and in Method 800 Figure 8 above. Moreover, each unit in the communication device 1000 and the above other operations and / or functions respectively are for implementing the corresponding processes of Method 700 Figure 7 and in Method 800 Figure 8 above.

[0314] It should be understood that the specific processes of each unit executing the above corresponding steps have been described in detail in the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated here.

[0315] As another design, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions executed by the session management function network element entity in the above Figure 6 illustrated embodiments. The transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S602; the processing unit 1020 is used for: S601.

[0316] As an example, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions executed by the session management function network element entity in the above Figure 7 illustrated embodiments. The transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S701, S703, S705, S706, S707; the processing unit 1020 is used for: S702, S704.

[0317] As yet another example, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions executed by the session management function network element entity in the above Figure 9In the illustrated embodiment, for the actions performed by the session management function network element entity, the transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S903, S904; and the processing unit 1020 is used for: S905.

[0318] The communication device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the session management function network element in Method 600, Method 700, and Method 900 according to the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 1000 may include units for performing Figure 6 the method 600 in Figure 7 the method 700 in Figure 9 and the method performed by the session management function network element in method 900 in Figure 6 the method 600 in Figure 7 the method 700 in Figure 9 and the corresponding processes of method 900 in

[0319] As another design, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the first user plane function network element in the embodiment shown above Figure 6 The transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S602; and the processing unit 1020 is used for: S603.

[0320] As an example, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the first user plane function network element in the embodiment shown above Figure 7 The transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S703, S705, S706.

[0321] As yet another example, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the first user plane function network element in the embodiment shown above Figure 8 The transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S801, S804, S809, S811; and the processing unit 1020 is used for: S802, S803, S810.

[0322] As yet another example, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the first user plane function network element in the embodiment shown above Figure 9 The transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S901 to S903, S906.

[0323] The communication device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first user plane function network element in Method 600 to Method 900 according to the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 1000 may include units for performing Figure 6 the method 600 to Figure 9A unit of the method performed by the first user plane function network element in method 900. Moreover, each unit in the communication device 1000 and the above other operations and / or functions are respectively for implementing Figure 6 the method 600 to Figure 9 the corresponding processes of method 900 in

[0324] As another design, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the second user plane function network element in the above Figure 6 shown embodiment, and the transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S604.

[0325] As yet another example, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the second user plane function network element in the above Figure 8 shown embodiment, and the transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S804, S806, S807, S809; the processing unit 1020 is used for: S805, S806, S808.

[0326] As yet another example, the communication device 1000 is used to perform the actions performed by the second user plane function network element in the above Figure 9 shown embodiment, and the transceiver unit 1010 is used for: S901, S902, S904.

[0327] The communication device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second user plane function network element in method 600 to method 900 according to the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 1000 may include units for performing Figure 6 the method 600 to Figure 9 the method performed by the second user plane function network element in method 900 in Figure 6 The method 600 to Figure 9 the corresponding processes of method 900 in

[0328] The processing unit 1020 in the above embodiments may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuit. The transceiver unit 1010 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver unit 1010 may also be referred to as a communication unit or communication interface. The storage unit may be implemented by at least one memory.

[0329] As Figure 11 shown, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device 1100. The communication device 1100 includes a processor 1110, the processor 1110 is coupled to a memory 1120, the memory 1120 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data, and the processor 1110 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1120, so that the methods in the above method embodiments are executed.

[0330] Optionally, the communication device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110.

[0331] Optionally, as Figure 11 shown, the communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1120.

[0332] Optionally, the communication device 1100 includes one or more memories 1120.

[0333] Optionally, the memory 1120 may be integrated with the processor 1110 or separately provided.

[0334] Optionally, as Figure 11 shown, the communication device 1100 may further include a transceiver 1130, and the transceiver 1130 is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 1110 is used to control the transceiver 1130 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0335] As a solution, the communication device 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0336] For example, the processor 1110 is used to implement the operations related to processing performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and the transceiver 1130 is used to implement the operations related to receiving and transmitting performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0337] As another solution, the communication device 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0338] For example, the processor 1110 is used to implement the operations related to processing performed by the network device in the above method embodiments, and the transceiver 1130 is used to implement the operations related to receiving and transmitting performed by the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0339] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 1200. The communication device 1200 may be a terminal device or a chip. The communication device 1200 may be used to perform the operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0340] When the communication device 1200 is a terminal device, Figure 12 shows a schematic structural diagram of a simplified terminal device 1200. As Figure 12As shown in the figure, the terminal device includes a processor, a memory, a radio frequency circuit, an antenna, and an input / output device. The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the terminal device, execute software programs, process data of software programs, etc. The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuit is mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and the processing of radio frequency signals. The antenna is mainly used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., is mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have an input / output device.

[0341] When data needs to be sent, after the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, it outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then sends the radio frequency signal outwards in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data. For the sake of convenience of explanation, Figure 12 only one memory and one processor are shown in the figure. In actual terminal device products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory can also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc. The memory can be set independently of the processor or integrated with the processor. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0342] In the embodiments of the present application, the antenna and the radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver unit of the terminal device, and the processor with processing functions can be regarded as the processing unit of the terminal device.

[0343] As Figure 12 shown in the figure, the terminal device includes a transceiver unit 1210 and a processing unit 1220. The transceiver unit 1210 can also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver machine, a transceiver device, etc. The processing unit 1220 can also be referred to as a processor, a processing single board, a processing module, a processing device, etc.

[0344] Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit 1210 used to implement the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit 1210 used to implement the sending function can be regarded as the sending unit, that is, the transceiver unit 1210 includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The transceiver unit can sometimes also be referred to as a transceiver machine, a transceiver, or a transceiver circuit, etc. The receiving unit can sometimes also be referred to as a receiver, a receiver machine, or a receiving circuit, etc. The sending unit can sometimes also be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter machine, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0345] It should be understood that Figure 12By way of example only and not limitation, the above terminal device including a transceiver unit and a processing unit may not depend on Figure 12 the structure shown.

[0346] When the communication device 1200 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. Among them, the transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit may be a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0347] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 1300, which may be a session management function network element entity, a first user plane function network element, a second user plane function network element, or a chip. The communication device 1300 may be used to perform the operations performed by the session management function network element entity, the first user plane function network element, or the second user plane function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0348] When the communication device is a network device, for example, a base station. Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of a simplified network device 1300 is shown. Among them, the network device may be a session management function network element entity, a first user plane function network element, or a second user plane function network element. Among them, it includes a part 1310 and a part 1320. The part 1310 is mainly used for the transceiver of radio frequency signals and the conversion between radio frequency signals and baseband signals; the part 1320 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station, etc. The part 1310 may generally be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc. The part 1320 is usually a control center and may generally be referred to as a processing unit, which is used to control and execute the processing operations on the session management function network element entity, the first user plane function network element, or the second user plane function network element side in the above method embodiments.

[0349] The transceiver unit of the part 1310 may also be referred to as a transceiver or a transceiver, etc., and it includes an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, where the radio frequency circuit is mainly used for radio frequency processing. Optionally, the devices used to implement the receiving function in the part 1310 may be regarded as a receiving unit, and the devices used to implement the sending function may be regarded as a sending unit, that is, the part 1310 includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The receiving unit may also be referred to as a receiver, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, etc., and the sending unit may be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0350] The 1320 part may include one or more single boards, and each single board may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is used to read and execute programs in the memory to implement baseband processing functions and control of the base station. If there are multiple single boards, they can be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an alternative implementation, it is also possible that multiple single boards share one or more processors, or multiple single boards share one or more memories, or multiple single boards simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0351] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver unit of the 1310 part is used to execute Figure 6 , Figure 7 , and Figure 9 the transceiver-related steps performed by the session management function network element entity in the illustrated embodiment; the 1320 part is used to execute Figure 6 , Figure 7 , and Figure 9 the processing-related steps performed by the session management function network element entity in the illustrated embodiment.

[0352] For example, in another implementation, the transceiver unit of the 1310 part is used to execute Figures 6 to 9 the transceiver-related steps performed by the first user plane function network element in the illustrated embodiment; the 1320 part is used to execute Figures 6 to 9 the processing-related steps performed by the first user plane function network element in the embodiment.

[0353] For example, in yet another implementation, the transceiver unit of the 1310 part is used to execute Figures 6 to 9 the transceiver-related steps performed by the second user plane function network element in the illustrated embodiment; the 1320 part is used to execute Figures 6 to 9 the processing-related steps performed by the second user plane function network element in the embodiment.

[0354] It should be understood that Figure 13 merely by way of example and not limitation, the above network device including a transceiver unit and a processing unit may not depend on Figure 13 the illustrated structure.

[0355] When the communication device 1300 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. Among them, the transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit, a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0356] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer instructions for implementing the methods performed by the session management function network element, or the methods performed by the first user plane function network element, or the methods performed by the second user plane function network element in the above method embodiments are stored.

[0357] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods executed by the session management function network element, the first user plane function network element, or the second user plane function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0358] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product containing instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the methods executed by the session management function network element, the first user plane function network element, or the second user plane function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0359] The embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which includes the session management function network element and the first user plane function network element in the above embodiments.

[0360] The embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which includes the session management function network element, a terminal device, and the second user plane function network element in the above embodiments.

[0361] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the sake of convenience and brevity of description, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the above communication devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0362] In the embodiments of the present application, a terminal device or a network device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. Among them, the hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and a memory (also referred to as main memory). The operating system in the operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement service processing through processes. For example, the Linux operating system, the Unix operating system, the Android operating system, the iOS operating system, or the Windows operating system, etc. The application layer may include applications such as a browser, an address book, a word processing software, and an instant messaging software.

[0363] The embodiments of the present application do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application. As long as it can communicate according to the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application by running a program recording the code of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the execution subject of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application may be a terminal device or a network device, or a functional module in the terminal device or the network device that can call and execute the program.

[0364] Aspects or features of the present application can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. As used herein, the term "article of manufacture" can cover a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium.

[0365] Among them, the computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium (or computer-readable medium) can, for example, include but is not limited to: magnetic media or magnetic storage devices (such as floppy disks, hard disks (such as external hard drives), magnetic tapes), optical media (such as optical discs, compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards and flash memory devices (such as erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.), or semiconductor media (such as solid state disks (SSDs), etc., USB flash drives, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), etc., various media that can store program code).

[0366] The various storage media described herein can represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" can include but is not limited to: wireless channels and various other media that can store, contain, and / or carry instructions and / or data.

[0367] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0368] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, the RAM may be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, the RAM may include the following various forms: static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0369] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) may be integrated in the processor.

[0370] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0371] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method may be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the above division of units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection may be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of the apparatus or unit may be in an electrical, mechanical, or other form.

[0372] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed over multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to implement the solution provided in this application.

[0373] In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into one unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0374] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0375] When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this 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. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). Regarding the computer-readable storage medium, reference can be made to the above description.

[0376] As described above, this is only the specific implementation manner of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be covered by the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims and the specification.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, including: The session management function network element determines the first user plane function network element according to the first information of the service requested by the terminal device, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, and the second user plane function network element supports the service; The session management function network element sends the second information of the service and the first identifier to the first user plane function network element to indicate that the packets of the service are sent through the first flow, the first identifier is the identifier of the first flow, the first flow meets the requirements of the service, and the first flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The session management function network element determines the first user plane function network element according to the first information of the service requested by the terminal device, the association information between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, including: The session management function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the first information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element; The first user plane function network element is determined according to the association relationship between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The session management function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the first information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, including: The session management function network element determines the service information provided by at least one user plane function network element capable of supporting the service according to the first information of the service; The session management function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the service information provided by the at least one user plane function network element, and the at least one user plane function network element includes the second user plane function network element.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The method further includes: The session management function network element determines the first flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows that meet the service requirements, the one or more flows are in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the one or more flows include the first flow.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The association information between the service and one or more flows includes at least one of the following information: The correspondence relationship between the SID of the service and the first identifier, the correspondence relationship between the packet characteristics of the service and the first identifier, or the correspondence relationship between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the first identifier.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The service information provided by any one of the at least one user plane function network element includes any one or more of the following: the service type or service identity SID supported by the any one user plane function network element, the computing power slice identifier of the any one user plane function network element, whether the service or computing power slice of the any one user plane function network element is available, the load status corresponding to the service or computing power slice of the any one user plane function network element, the latency of the packet of the service transmitted by the any one user plane function network element, the bandwidth of the packet of the service transmitted by the any one user plane function network element, and the packet loss rate of the packet of the service transmitted by the any one user plane function network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first information of the service and the second information of the service respectively include one or more pieces of information among the SID of the service, the packet characteristics of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the service.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further includes: The session management function network element receives indication information from the first user plane function network element or from the second user plane function network element, and the indication information indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot satisfy the service.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The method further includes: The session management function network element sends the second information of the service and the second identifier to the first user plane function network element to send the packet of the service through a second flow, and the second flow meets the requirements of the service. The second identifier is the identifier of the second flow, and the second flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element, and the third user plane function network element supports the service.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session management function network element receives the first information of the service from the terminal device or the policy control function network element or the unified data management function network element.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first user plane function network element is the anchor user plane function network element of the terminal device.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: The first user plane function network element determines a first flow that meets the requirements of the service according to the information of the service requested by the terminal device. The first flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the second user plane function network element supports the service. The first user plane function network element sends the packet of the service to the second user plane function network element through the first flow.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The first user plane function network element determines a first flow that meets the requirements of the service according to the information of the service requested by the terminal device, including: The first user plane function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element. The first user plane function network element determines the first flow according to the association information between the service and one or more flows. The one or more flows are in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element, and the one or more flows include the first flow.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The first user plane function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the information of the service and the service information provided by the second user plane function network element, including: The first user plane function network element determines service information provided by at least one user plane function network element capable of supporting the service according to the information of the service; The first user plane function network element determines the second user plane function network element according to the service information provided by the at least one user plane function network element, and the at least one user plane function network element includes the second user plane function network element.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The service information provided by any one of the at least one user plane function network elements includes any one or more of the following: the service type or SID supported by the any one user plane function network element, the computing power slice identifier of the any one user plane function network element, whether the service or computing power slice of the any one user plane function network element is available, the load status corresponding to the service or computing power slice of the any one user plane function network element, the delay of the packet for transmitting the service by the any one user plane function network element, the bandwidth of the packet for transmitting the service by the any one user plane function network element, and the packet loss rate of the packet for transmitting the service by the any one user plane function network element.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The association information between the service and one or more flows is configured in the first user plane function network element.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first user plane function network element receives the association information between the service and one or more flows from the terminal device or the session management function network element.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The packet of the service includes the association information between the service and one or more flows.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The association information between the service and one or more flows includes at least one of the following information: The correspondence between the SID of the service and the first identifier, the correspondence between the packet feature of the service and the first identifier, or the correspondence between the computing power slice identifier of the service and the first identifier, where the first identifier is the identifier of the first flow.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The information of the service includes one or more of the SID of the service, the packet feature of the service, or the computing power slice identifier of the service.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first user plane function network element receives indication information from the second user plane function network element, and the indication information indicates that the second user plane function network element cannot satisfy the service.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first user plane function network element determines a second flow that meets the requirements of the service. The second flow is in the tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the third user plane function network element, and the third user plane function network element supports the service.

23. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The first user plane function network element is the anchor user plane function network element of the terminal device.

24. A session management function network element, characterized in that, Includes: A processor for executing a computer program stored in a memory, so that the session management function network element executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

25. A user plane function network element, characterized in that, Includes: A processor for executing a computer program stored in a memory, so that the user plane function network element executes the method according to any one of claims 12 to 23.

26. A session management function network element, characterized in that Includes a module or unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

27. A user plane function network element, characterized in that Includes a module or unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 12 to 23.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or claims 12 to 23.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or claims 12 to 23.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, Comprising: A session management function network element entity and a first user plane function network element entity; The session management function network element entity is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11; The first user plane function network element entity is configured to receive the second information of the service and the first identifier.

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