Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and device can improve flexibility and efficiency of non-data center service communication. The method comprises: a first SMF network element acquiring an IP address of a second terminal device, the second terminal device being a peer device of a first terminal device to be communicated; the first SMF network element determining a second UPF network element corresponding to the IP address of the second terminal device; and the first SMF network element establishing a tunnel between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, wherein the first UPF network element is a UPF network element corresponding to the first terminal device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication, and in particular to a communication method and device. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous maturity of the 5th generation mobile communication technology (5G) network, it is increasingly penetrating into the vertical industry. The non-data center service of the terminal device usually uses the 5G local area network (5G LAN) of the 5G network, and the 5G LAN can provide the enterprise with a local area network or a virtual private network (VPN) network service. Among them, the non-data center service usually refers to the case where the terminal device communicates through the tunnel between the user plane function (UPF) network elements.

[0003] The 5G LAN can support unicast, multicast and broadcast, etc. For the interaction across the user plane function (UPF) network elements, the N19 interface can be dynamically created across the UPF network elements to realize the interaction. The N19 interface is controlled by the SMF network element, and can be created or deleted as needed. In terms of policy management, the 5G LAN supports the division of different virtual network (VN) groups, the subdivision of enterprise subnets, and the allocation of group identifiers to terminal devices within the subnets. The terminal devices can realize the interaction communication within the group according to the group identifier.

[0004] However, the current 5G LAN communication method also has some disadvantages, for example, the terminal device must be allocated a group and a group identifier in advance to realize communication, the communication object and the communication method are relatively fixed, and flexible and dynamic allocation cannot be realized, and the terminal devices that do not belong to the same group cannot communicate. Therefore, the industry urgently needs a more flexible communication method for the non-data center service communication of the terminal device. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and device, which can improve the flexibility and efficiency of non-data center service communication.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, including: a first SMF network element obtaining an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a second terminal device, the second terminal device being a peer terminal device of a first terminal device to be communicated with; the first SMF network element determining a second User Plane Function (UPF) network element corresponding to the IP address of the second terminal device; and the first SMF network element establishing a tunnel between a first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, wherein the first UPF network element is a UPF network element corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0007] A communication method between terminal devices is provided, and the first SMF network element can establish a tunnel between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element in the case of obtaining the IP address of the second terminal device, so as to realize non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The terminal devices do not need to communicate through a group identifier, flexible and dynamic communication can be realized, and therefore the flexibility and efficiency of the non-data center service communication are improved.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the first SMF network element obtaining the IP address of the second terminal device includes: the first SMF network element receiving session modification request information sent by the first terminal device, and the session modification request information including the IP address of the second terminal device.

[0009] The first terminal device can carry the IP address of the second terminal device in the session modification request information, so as to facilitate the first SMF network element to establish a tunnel between UPF network elements, to realize non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and the peer terminal device, and the terminal devices do not need to communicate through a group identifier, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the non-data center service communication.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, before the first SMF network element receives the session modification request information sent by the first terminal device, the method further includes: the first SMF network element sending first indication information to the first terminal device, the first indication information being used to instruct the first terminal device to initiate a session modification process and carry a destination address before communicating with the peer terminal device.

[0011] The first SMF network element can send the first indication information to the first terminal device, to instruct the first terminal device to send the IP address of the peer terminal device to the first SMF network element before communicating with the peer terminal device, so as to facilitate the first SMF network element to establish a tunnel between UPF network elements, to realize non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and the peer terminal device, and the terminal devices do not need to communicate through a group identifier, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the non-data center service communication.

[0012] In some possible implementation manners, the first SMF network element sends first indication information to the first terminal device, including: the first SMF network element sends the first indication information to the first terminal device in a case where it is determined that the first terminal device accesses a network through a satellite device.

[0013] In some possible implementation manners, the first SMF network element obtains an IP address of a second terminal device, including: the first SMF network element receives data notification information sent by the first UPF network element, and the data notification information is used to indicate that a destination address of an uplink packet of the first terminal device is the IP address of the second terminal device.

[0014] In some possible implementation manners, before the first SMF network element receives the data notification information sent by the first UPF network element, the method further includes: the first SMF network element sends second indication information to the first UPF network element, and the second indication information is used to instruct the first UPF network element to report a destination address of the uplink packet to the first SMF network element after receiving the uplink packet sent by the first terminal device.

[0015] The first UPF can send second indication information to the first SMF network element through data notification information, to instruct the first UPF to send a destination address of an uplink packet to the first SMF network element when the uplink packet is received, thereby facilitating the SMF network element to establish a tunnel between UPF network elements, to implement non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and a peer device, and the terminal devices do not need to communicate through a group identifier, and flexible and dynamic communication can be implemented, thereby improving flexibility and efficiency of non-data center service communication.

[0016] In some possible implementation manners, the first SMF network element sends second indication information to the first UPF network element, including: the first SMF network element sends the second indication information to the first UPF network element in a case where it is determined that the first terminal device accesses a network through a satellite device.

[0017] The first SMF network element can send second indication information to the first UPF, to instruct the first UPF to send a destination address of an uplink packet to the first SMF network element when the uplink packet is received, thereby facilitating the SMF network element to establish a tunnel between UPF network elements, to implement non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and a peer device, and the terminal devices do not need to communicate through a group identifier, and flexible and dynamic communication can be implemented, thereby improving flexibility and efficiency of non-data center service communication.

[0018] In some possible implementation manners, in combination with the first aspect, the first SMF network element establishes a tunnel between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, including: the first SMF network element sends first tunnel establishment request information to the second UPF network element, and the first tunnel establishment request information includes tunnel information of the first UPF network element; and the first SMF network element sends second tunnel establishment request information to the first UPF network element, and the second tunnel establishment request information includes tunnel information of the second UPF network element.

[0019] In some possible implementation manners, in combination with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first SMF network element saves tunnel information of the first UPF network element in a session establishment process initiated by the first terminal device; and the first SMF network element acquires tunnel information of the second UPF network element through a second SMF network element, and the second SMF network element is configured to save tunnel information of the second UPF network element in a session establishment process initiated by the second terminal device.

[0020] In the second aspect, a communication method is provided, including: a first terminal device determines that a first preset condition is met, the first preset condition including at least one of the following: the first terminal device receives first indication information sent by a first SMF network element, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first terminal device initiates a session modification process and carries a destination address before communicating with a peer device; the first terminal device determines that the first terminal device accesses a network through a satellite device; and the first terminal device sends session modification request information to the first SMF network element, the session modification request information including an IP address of a second terminal device.

[0021] The first terminal device receives the first indication information, to indicate that the first terminal device sends an IP address of the peer device to the first SMF network element before communicating with the peer device, thereby facilitating the first SMF network element to establish a tunnel between UPF network elements, to implement non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and the peer device, and the terminal devices do not need to communicate through a group identifier, and flexible and dynamic communication can be implemented, thereby improving flexibility and efficiency of non-data center service communication.

[0022] In the third aspect, a communication method is provided, including: a first UPF network element receives an uplink packet sent by a first terminal device; and the first UPF network element sends data notification information to a first SMF network element, and the data notification information is used to indicate that a destination address of the uplink packet is an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a second terminal device.

[0023] The first UPF receives second indication information, to instruct the first UPF to send a destination address of an uplink packet to the first SMF network element when receiving the uplink packet, so as to facilitate the first SMF network element to establish a tunnel between UPF network elements, to realize non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and a peer device, and the terminal devices do not need to communicate through a group identifier, and flexible and dynamic communication can be realized, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of non-data center service communication.

[0024] In combination with the third aspect, in some possible implementation manners, before the first UPF network element sends the data notification information to the first SMF network element, the method further includes: the first UPF network element receives second indication information sent by the first SMF network element, and the second indication information is used to instruct the first UPF network element to report a destination address of an uplink packet to the first SMF network element after receiving the uplink packet sent by the first terminal device.

[0025] The fourth aspect provides a communication device including a module for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, or including a module for executing the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0026] The fifth aspect provides a terminal device including a module for executing the method in the second aspect.

[0027] The sixth aspect provides a communication device including a communication interface and a processor, the processor being configured to invoke a computer program from a memory, and when the computer program is executed, the processor is configured to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, or execute the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0028] The seventh aspect provides a terminal device including a communication interface and a processor, the processor being configured to invoke a computer program from a memory, and when the computer program is executed, the processor is configured to execute the method in the second aspect.

[0029] The eighth aspect provides a computer readable storage medium for storing a computer program, the computer program including code for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, or including code for executing the method in the second aspect, or including code for executing the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0030] In a ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program which comprises code for performing the method of the first aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, or any possible implementation of the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a satellite access scenario according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a session establishment procedure initiated by a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a specific communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a specific communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus 800 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 900 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus 1100 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, a Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, an LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, an LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, a future 5th Generation (5G) system or a New Radio (NR), and the like.

[0044] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can refer to a user equipment, an access terminal, a user network element, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user apparatus. The terminal device can also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a future 5G network or a terminal device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and the like, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G communication architecture of an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1As shown, the 5G communication architecture mainly includes the following logical network elements: a radio access network (RAN), an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, a user plane function (UPF) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a unified data management (UDM) network element, an application function (AF) network element, and a data network (DN).

[0046] The RAN refers to a device that provides wireless access for a terminal device. The RAN usually includes a base station. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of base station. For example, the above-mentioned base station can be an evolutional NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, can also be a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or a base station for a 5G network, etc.

[0047] In some examples, the RAN can provide satellite access for the terminal device. According to the function of the satellite, the RAN and the UPF network element can be arranged in the satellite. The UPF network element arranged in the satellite can also be referred to as a UPF satellite.

[0048] For example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a satellite access scenario according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. As shown, Figure 2 The RAN and the UPF network element can be deployed on the satellite, and the terminal device accesses the network through the satellite. The AMF network element, the SMF network element, and the like are arranged on the ground.

[0049] The AMF network element is mainly responsible for mobility management in the mobile network. For example, user location update, user registration network, and user handover, etc.

[0050] The SMF network element is mainly responsible for session management in the mobile network, such as session establishment, modification, release, etc. As a specific example, the SMF network element can be used to allocate an internet protocol (IP) address for a user, or to select a UPF network element that provides message forwarding functions, etc.

[0051] The PCF network element is mainly responsible for providing policies to the AMF and SMF network elements, such as QoS policies and network slice selection policies.

[0052] UDM network elements primarily store user data, such as contract information and authentication / authorization information.

[0053] The AF network element is mainly responsible for providing services to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, such as service routing, or interacting with the PCF for policy control.

[0054] UPF network elements are primarily responsible for processing user packets, such as forwarding and billing.

[0055] A Data Network (DN) is an operator network that provides data transmission services to users. For example, a DN may include Internet Protocol Multimedia Service (IMS), the Internet, etc. Terminal devices can access the DN by establishing a session between the terminal device, the UPF network element, and the DN.

[0056] In some examples, 5G communication architectures may also include network repository function (NRF) elements for network element discovery.

[0057] In some examples, 5G communication architectures may also include network exposure function (NEF) network elements to enable information exposure and information transformation.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the 5G communication architecture has a common definition for the communication interfaces between different network elements. The definitions of each communication interface are as follows:

[0059] N1 interface: The interface between the terminal equipment and the AMF network element.

[0060] N2 interface: The interface between the RAN and AMF network elements.

[0061] N3 interface: The interface between the RAN and the UPF network element.

[0062] N4 interface: The interface between UPF network element and SMF network element.

[0063] N5 interface: The interface between PCF network element and AF network element.

[0064] N6 interface: The interface between the UPF network element and the DN.

[0065] N7 interface: interface between SMF network element and PCF network element.

[0066] N8 interface: interface between AMF network element and UDM network element.

[0067] N10 interface: interface between UDM network element and SMF network element.

[0068] N11 interface: interface between AMF network element and SMF network element.

[0069] It should be understood that Figure 1 the communication architecture in the present application is only used to illustrate the possible application environment of the scheme of the present application. Those skilled in the art can understand that the embodiments of the present application can be applied to Figure 1 or a communication architecture similar to Figure 1 . In the communication architecture of Figure 1 , the communication architecture obtained by making appropriate modifications and changes on the basis of the communication architecture is still applicable to the scheme of the embodiments of the present application.

[0070] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of the embodiments of the present application. Figure 3 The communication scenario of non-data center service between terminal devices is shown. The non-data center service refers to the case that the terminal devices communicate directly through the UPF network element without accessing the DN.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3 , in the non-data center service communication scenario, in order to realize the communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the first terminal device can initiate a session establishment process to establish the user plane connection between it and the first RAN and the first UPF network element. The second terminal device can establish the user plane connection between it and the second RAN and the second UPF network element. The tunnel connection needs to be established between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, so as to realize the non-data center service communication between the two terminal devices. The communication interface between the UPF network elements is called N19 interface. It can be understood that the communication interface between the UPF network elements can also be called Nx interface, which is not limited in the present application.

[0072] In addition, it should be noted that Figure 3 the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element are taken as an example in the present application, which correspond to different SMF network elements. It should be understood that in some examples, the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element can also correspond to the same SMF network element.

[0073] Optionally, information can be exchanged between different SMF network elements. For example, different SMF network elements can communicate directly or indirectly. For example, different SMF network elements can also exchange information through a UDM. It can be understood that different SMF network elements can also exchange information through a NEF or a NRF, which is not limited in the present application.

[0074] It should be further pointed out that in the embodiments of the present application, the transmission of information between two devices can mean direct transmission of information or indirect transmission of information through an intermediary device.

[0075] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the terminal device initiating a session establishment process according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4 , the session establishment process includes the following steps. Among them, S401~S404 are used to illustrate that the terminal device initiates the session establishment process. S405~S410 are used to illustrate the establishment of the uplink path, that is, the establishment of the uplink tunnel connection between the base station and the UPF network element. S411~S412 are used to illustrate the establishment of the downlink path, that is, the establishment of the downlink tunnel connection between the base station and the UPF network element.

[0076] S401. The terminal device sends an access network (AN) message to the RAN.

[0077] Among them, the AN message is used to transmit air interface parameters and non-access stratum (NAS) messages.

[0078] S402. The RAN selects an AMF network element and sends an N2 message to the AMF network element.

[0079] Among them, the N2 message is used to transmit N2 interface parameters and NAS information.

[0080] S403. The AMF network element sends a create session management context request message to the SMF network element.

[0081] S404. The SMF network element sends a create session management context response message to the AMF network element.

[0082] S405. The SMF network element selects a UPF network element.

[0083] In some examples, in a satellite access scenario, the selected UPF network element refers to the UPF corresponding to the satellite accessed by the terminal device.

[0084] S406. The SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment request message to the selected UPF network element.

[0085] Among them, the N4 establishment request message includes the tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0086] S407. The UPF network element sends an N4 session establishment response message to the SMF network element.

[0087] S408. The SMF network element sends a session establishment acceptance message to the AMF network element.

[0088] S409. The AMF network element sends an N2 session request message to the RAN.

[0089] The N2 session request message includes a NAS message. The NAS message contains the session establishment acceptance message.

[0090] S410. The RAN performs air interface configuration between the terminal devices.

[0091] During the air interface configuration, the RAN can forward the session establishment acceptance message to the terminal devices.

[0092] S411. The RAN sends an N2 session response message to the AMF network element.

[0093] The N2 session response message includes AN tunnel information.

[0094] S412. The AMF network element sends the AN tunnel information to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element updates the tunnel connection between the protocol data unit session anchor (PDU session anchor, PSA) and the RAN.

[0095] The SMF network element can save the tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0096] As described above, the current 5G LAN communication mode has the problem that the communication object and the communication mode are relatively fixed and cannot be flexibly and dynamically deployed. The terminal device must be assigned a group and a group identifier in advance to enable communication. To solve the above problem, the present application embodiment proposes a more flexible communication mode, which can also enable non-data center service communication between terminal devices without assigning a group identifier to the terminal device.

[0097] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a communication method of an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5 , the method includes S501-S503.

[0098] S501. The first SMF network element obtains the IP address of the second terminal device, which is the opposite terminal device to be communicated by the first terminal device.

[0099] Optionally, the manner in which the first SMF network element obtains the IP address of the second terminal device can include the following two manners.

[0100] In the first mode, the first SMF network element receives session modification request information sent by the first terminal device, and the session modification request information includes the IP address of the second terminal device. That is, the first terminal device can initiate a session modification process before communicating with the second terminal device, and send the IP address of the second terminal device to the first SMF network element in the session modification process.

[0101] Optionally, the first terminal device can send the session modification request information to the first SMF network element when a first preset condition is met. The first preset condition includes at least one of the following: the first terminal device receives first indication information sent by the first SMF network element, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first terminal device initiates a session modification process and carries a destination address before communicating with a peer device; and the first terminal device determines that it accesses a network through a satellite device.

[0102] For example, the first SMF network element sends the first indication information to the first terminal device before receiving the session modification request information sent by the first terminal device. In other words, the first SMF network element can pre-instruct the first terminal device to carry the IP address of the second terminal device in the session modification request information.

[0103] Optionally, the first SMF network element can send the first indication information when the current state of the first terminal device meets a preset condition. For example, the first SMF network element sends the first indication information to the first terminal device when it is determined that the first terminal device accesses the network through a satellite device. Alternatively, the first SMF network element can determine whether the first UPF network element belongs to a satellite device, and if so, send the first indication information. If not, the first SMF network element does not send the first indication information. As an example, the first SMF network element determines that the first terminal device accesses the network through a satellite device according to the access type sent by the AMF network element. It can also be understood that the communication method of the embodiments of the application can be implemented for a satellite scenario.

[0104] Optionally, the above-mentioned access of the first terminal device to the network through a satellite device can mean that the RAN is arranged on a satellite, or can also mean that the RAN and the UPF network element are both arranged on a satellite.

[0105] Optionally, the first SMF network element can also send the first indication information in a case where it is determined that the first terminal device belongs to a range of terminal devices allowed to directly communicate through a tunnel between UPF network elements, i.e., the terminal device is allowed to access non-data center services. For example, the first SMF network element sends the first indication information to the first terminal device when it is determined according to subscription data that the first terminal device is allowed to access non-data center services. For another example, the first SMF network element sends the first indication information to the first terminal device when it is determined according to a data network name (DNN) accessed by the first terminal device that the first terminal device accesses non-data center services.

[0106] In some examples, the first indication information described above can be sent in a session establishment procedure initiated by the first terminal device. For example, the first indication information can be included in a session establishment accept message. The session establishment accept message is sent by the first SMF network element to an AMF, and then sent by the AMF to a RAN, and then sent by the RAN to the first terminal device.

[0107] In yet other examples, the first indication information described above can also be sent in a service request procedure initiated by the first terminal device. The service request procedure is used to restore a user plane connection between the terminal device, the RAN, and the UPF network element. The first indication information can be included in a service accept message sent by the SMF network element.

[0108] Optionally, the first indication information can also be carried in other messages sent by the first SMF network element, which is not limited by the embodiments of the present application.

[0109] In the second mode, the first SMF network element receives a data notification message sent by the first UPF network element, and the data notification message is used to indicate that the destination address of an uplink packet of the first terminal device is an IP address of the second terminal device. That is, the first UPF network element can send the destination address of the uplink packet, i.e., the IP address of the second terminal device, to the first SMF network element after receiving the uplink packet sent by the first terminal device.

[0110] Further, before the first SMF network element receives the data notification message sent by the first UPF network element, the first SMF network element sends second indication information to the first UPF network element, and the second indication information is used to instruct the first UPF network element to report the destination address of the uplink packet to the first SMF network element after receiving the uplink packet sent by the first terminal device.

[0111] Optionally, the first SMF network element can send the second indication information in a case where a current state of the first terminal device meets a preset condition. For example, the first SMF network element sends the second indication information to the first terminal device in a case where it is determined that the first terminal device accesses the network through the satellite device. Alternatively, the first SMF network element can determine whether the first UPF network element belongs to the satellite device, and if so, send the second indication information. If not, the second indication information is not sent. As an example, the first SMF network element determines that the first terminal device accesses the network through the satellite device according to the access type sent by the AMF network element. It can also be understood that the communication method of the embodiments of the application can be implemented for the satellite scenario.

[0112] Optionally, the first SMF network element can also send the second indication information in a case where it is determined that the first terminal device belongs to a range of terminal devices allowed to directly communicate through the tunnel between the UPF network elements, i.e., the terminal device is allowed to access the non-data center service. For example, the first SMF network element sends the second indication information to the first UPF network element in a case where it is determined according to the subscription data that the first terminal device is allowed to access the non-data center service. As another example, the first SMF network element sends the second indication information to the first UPF network element in a case where it is determined according to the data network name (DNN) accessed by the first terminal device that the first terminal device accesses the non-data center service.

[0113] In some examples, the second indication information can be carried in the N4 modification request message sent by the first SMF network element to the UPF network element. In some cases, if the RAN and the UPF network element are deployed in the same place, for example, both are deployed on the satellite, the N4 message carrying the second indication information can also be carried in the N2 session management message sent by the first SMF network element to the RAN.

[0114] Optionally, the second indication information can also be carried in other messages sent by the first SMF network element to the first UPF network element, which is not limited in the embodiments of the application.

[0115] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the application, it is assumed that the first terminal device has previously obtained the IP address of the second terminal device, and the way in which the first terminal device obtains the IP address of the second terminal device is not limited.

[0116] S502. The first SMF network element determines the second UPF network element corresponding to the IP address of the second terminal device.

[0117] Optionally, in the process of initiating the session establishment procedure by the terminal device, the SMF network element can save the correspondence between the UPF network element and the IP address of the terminal device. Therefore, the SMF network element can determine the second UPF network element corresponding to the second terminal device according to the IP address of the second terminal device.

[0118] For example, if the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element correspond to the first SMF network element, the first SMF network element can determine the second UPF network element by looking up its own data (i.e., the correspondence between the IP of the terminal device and the UPF network element). If the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element correspond to different SMF network elements, the first SMF network element can determine the second UPF network element by interacting with other SMF network elements. Specifically, the first SMF network element first determines the second SMF network element corresponding to the second terminal device, and then the first SMF interacts with the second SMF. Specifically, the UDM or the NRF or the NEF saves the correspondence between the terminal device IP and the SMF network element, and the first SMF network element can determine the SMF corresponding to the second terminal device by querying the UDM or the NRF or the NEF.

[0119] S503. The first SMF network element establishes a tunnel between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, wherein the first UPF network element is a UPF network element corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0120] Optionally, the above-mentioned process of establishing a tunnel can include: the first SMF network element sending first tunnel establishment request information to the second UPF network element, the first tunnel establishment request information including tunnel information of the first UPF network element; the first SMF network element sending second tunnel establishment request information to the first UPF network element, the second tunnel establishment request information including tunnel information of the second UPF network element.

[0121] In some examples, the above-mentioned tunnel establishment request information can also use different names, such as N4 session modification request, N4 session establishment request, etc.

[0122] As an example, if the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element correspond to different SMF network elements, the first SMF network element can send the first tunnel establishment request information to the second UPF network element through other devices, such as the second SMF network element.

[0123] In some examples, when the first terminal device and the second terminal device correspond to different SMFs, the above-mentioned process of establishing a tunnel can include: the first SMF sending tunnel information of the first UPF network element to the second UPF network element through the second SMF; the second SMF network element sending tunnel information of the second UPF network element to the first UPF network element through the first SMF network element.

[0124] Optionally, the SMF network element can obtain the tunnel information of the UPF network element in the session establishment process initiated by the terminal device, so as to establish the tunnel between the UPF network elements, i.e., the user plane connection corresponding to the N19 interface, in the subsequent process by using the tunnel information of the UPF network element. Alternatively, the SMF network element can also obtain the tunnel information of the UPF network element in the session modification process. Alternatively, the SMF network element can also obtain the tunnel information of the UPF network element in other processes.

[0125] If the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element correspond to different SMF network elements, the first SMF network element saves the tunnel information of the first UPF network element in the session establishment process initiated by the first terminal device, and the second SMF network element saves the tunnel information of the second UPF network element in the session establishment process initiated by the second terminal device. The first SMF network element obtains the tunnel information of the second UPF network element through the second SMF network element, and the second SMF network element obtains the tunnel information of the first UPF network element through the first SMF network element.

[0126] Optionally, the first SMF network element and the second SMF network element can be the same SMF network element.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present application, a communication method of non-data center service between terminal devices is provided. The SMF obtains the IP address of the second terminal device, triggers the establishment of the tunnel between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, and realizes the non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The terminal devices do not need to communicate through the group identifier, and flexible and dynamic communication can be realized, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the non-data center service communication.

[0128] Figure 6 is a specific flowchart of the communication method of an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6 , the method comprises S601-S606.

[0129] S601. The first terminal device and the second terminal device respectively initiate a session establishment process, wherein the first SMF network element sends first indication information to the first terminal device, and the second SMF network element sends the first indication information to the second terminal device.

[0130] In other words, the first terminal device establishes a user plane connection between the first terminal device, the first RAN and the first UPF network element. The second terminal device establishes a user plane connection between the second terminal device, the second RAN and the second UPF network element.

[0131] Optionally, the RAN and the UPF network element can be deployed on a satellite.

[0132] Optionally, in the session establishment procedure, the first SMF network element can save the N19 tunnel information of the first UPF network element. The second SMF network element can save the N19 tunnel information of the second UPF network element.

[0133] In the session establishment procedure of the first terminal device, the first SMF network element can send first indication information to the first terminal device to instruct the first terminal device to initiate a session modification procedure before communicating with the peer device, and send the IP address of the peer device to the first SMF network element to trigger the first SMF network element to establish the N19 tunnel connection between the UPF network elements. Similarly, in the session establishment procedure of the second terminal device, the second SMF network element can send the first indication information to the second terminal device to instruct the second terminal device to initiate a session modification procedure before communicating with the peer device, and send the IP address of the peer device to the second SMF network element.

[0134] Taking the first terminal device as an example, optionally, the first SMF network element sends the first indication information when the current state of the first terminal device meets the preset condition. For example, when the first UPF network element accessed by the first terminal device belongs to a satellite device. Or, the first SMF network element sends the first indication information to the first terminal device when the first terminal device accesses the network through a satellite.

[0135] In some examples, the first SMF network element can also send the first indication information to the first terminal device when it is determined according to the subscription data that the first terminal device is allowed to access non-data center services. For example, the first SMF network element sends the first indication information to the first terminal device when it is determined according to the DNN accessed by the first terminal device that the first terminal device accesses non-data center services.

[0136] S602. The first terminal device sends session modification request information to the first SMF network element before communicating with the second terminal device, and the session modification request information includes the IP address of the second terminal device.

[0137] S603. The first SMF network element determines the second UPF network element according to the IP address of the second terminal device.

[0138] S604. The first SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request message to the first UPF network element, and the N4 session modification request message includes the N19 tunnel information of the second UPF network element.

[0139] Optionally, the first SMF network element can obtain the N19 tunnel information of the second UPF network element from the second SMF network element through direct or indirect means.

[0140] S605. The first SMF network element sends a session modification response message to the first terminal device.

[0141] S606. The first SMF network element sends, to the second UPF network element via the second SMF network element, an N4 session modification request message including N19 tunnel information of the first UPF network element.

[0142] It should be noted that the execution sequence between S605 and S606 is not limited in the present application.

[0143] In the embodiments of the present application, a communication method of non-data center service between terminal devices is provided. The first SMF network element can send first indication information to the first terminal device to instruct the first terminal device to send the IP address of the opposite terminal device to the first SMF network element before communicating with the opposite terminal device, so as to facilitate the first SMF network element to establish a tunnel between UPF network elements, to realize the non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and the opposite terminal device. The terminal devices do not need to communicate through group identifiers, and flexible and dynamic communication can be realized, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the non-data center service communication.

[0144] Figure 7 is a specific flowchart of the communication method of an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7 , the method comprises S701-S706.

[0145] S701. The first terminal device and the second terminal device respectively initiate a session establishment process, wherein the first SMF network element sends second indication information to the first UPF network element, and the second SMF network element sends second indication information to the second UPF network element.

[0146] In other words, the first terminal device establishes a user plane connection between the first terminal device, the first RAN and the first UPF network element. The second terminal device establishes a user plane connection between the second terminal device, the second RAN and the second UPF network element.

[0147] Optionally, the RAN and the UPF network element are deployed on a satellite.

[0148] Optionally, in the session establishment process, the first SMF network element saves N19 tunnel information of the first UPF network element. The second SMF network element can save N19 tunnel information of the second UPF network element.

[0149] Taking the first terminal device as an example, in the session establishment process, the first SMF network element can send second indication information to the first UPF network element to instruct the first UPF network element to send a data notification message to the first SMF network element after receiving the uplink packet, to trigger the first SMF network element to establish N19 tunnel connection between UPF network elements.

[0150] In some examples, the second indication information can be used to instruct the first UPF network element to send a data notification message to the first SMF network element when it is determined that there is no N19 tunnel corresponding to the uplink packet after the first UPF network element receives the uplink packet. Alternatively, after the first UPF network element determines that the N19 tunnel has been established between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, the first UPF network element can not need to continue to send the data notification message to the first SMF network element after receiving the subsequent uplink packet.

[0151] In some examples, the first SMF network element can send third indication information to the first UPF network element in a case where it is determined that the N19 tunnel between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element has been established, and the third indication information is used to instruct the first UPF network element to send the uplink packet between the first terminal device and the second terminal device through the established N19 tunnel.

[0152] Optionally, the first SMF network element sends the second indication information in a case where the current state of the first terminal device meets a preset condition. For example, in a case where the first UPF network element accessed by the first terminal device belongs to a satellite device. Alternatively, the first SMF network element sends the second indication information to the first UPF network element in a case where the first terminal device accesses the network through a satellite. In some examples, the first SMF network element sends the second indication information to the first UPF network element in a case where it is determined according to subscription data that the first terminal device is allowed to access non-data center services. In some examples, the first SMF network element sends the second indication information to the first UPF network element in a case where it is determined according to a data network name accessed by the first terminal device that the first terminal accesses non-data center services.

[0153] S702. The first terminal device sends an uplink packet to the first UPF network element through the RAN, and the destination address of the uplink packet is an IP address of the second terminal device.

[0154] S703. After receiving the uplink packet, the first UPF network element sends a data notification message to the first SMF network element according to the second indication information to indicate the IP address of the second terminal device.

[0155] Optionally, after receiving the uplink packet, the first UPF network element determines that there is no N19 tunnel corresponding to the uplink packet, and then sends a data notification message to the first SMF network element and carries the IP address of the second terminal device.

[0156] S704. The first SMF network element determines the second UPF network element according to the IP address of the second terminal device.

[0157] S705. The first SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request message to the first UPF network element, and the N4 session modification request message includes N19 tunnel information of the second UPF network element.

[0158] Optionally, when the first terminal device and the second terminal device correspond to different SMF network elements, for example, the first terminal device corresponds to a first SMF network element, and the second terminal device corresponds to a second SMF network element, the first SMF network element can obtain the N19 tunnel information of the second UPF network element from the second SMF network element in a direct or indirect manner. Specifically, the first SMF network element can determine the second SMF network element corresponding to the second terminal device by querying the UDM, the NRF or the NEF, and then the first SMF network element interacts with the second SMF network element.

[0159] S706. The first SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request message to the second UPF network element through the second SMF network element, and the N4 session modification request message includes the N19 tunnel information of the first UPF network element.

[0160] In the embodiment of the present application, a communication mode of non-data center service between terminal devices is provided. The first SMF network element can send second indication information to the first UPF to instruct the first UPF to send the destination address of the uplink packet to the first SMF network element when receiving the uplink packet, so as to facilitate the SMF network element to establish a tunnel between the UPF network elements, thereby realizing the non-data center service communication between the first terminal device and the opposite terminal device. The terminal devices do not need to communicate through the group identifier, and flexible and dynamic communication can be realized, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the non-data center service communication.

[0161] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of an apparatus 800 of an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 800 includes an obtaining module 810, a determining module 820, and an establishing module 830. The apparatus 800 can be the first SMF network element in the foregoing embodiments, or can be a component (such as a chip) of the first SMF network element. The apparatus 800 can implement the steps or processes performed by the first SMF network element in the foregoing method embodiments. For brevity, details are not repeated here.

[0162] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal device 900 of an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 900 includes a determining module 910 and a sending module 920. The terminal device 900 can be the first terminal device in the foregoing embodiments, or can be a component (such as a chip) of the first terminal device. The terminal device 900 can implement the steps or processes performed by the first terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments. For brevity, details are not repeated here.

[0163] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device 1000 according to an embodiment of this application. The device 1000 includes a receiving module 1010 and a transmitting module 1020. The device 1000 can be a first SMF network element in the foregoing embodiments, or a component of the first SMF network element (such as a chip). The device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the first SMF network element in the above method embodiments. For simplicity, further details are omitted here.

[0164] Figure 11 This is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1100 provided in another embodiment of this application. The apparatus 1100 includes a processor 1110, which is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 1120, or to read data stored in the memory 1120, to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors 1110.

[0165] Optionally, such as Figure 11 As shown, the device 1100 also includes a memory 1120 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 1120 may be integrated with the processor 1110 or may be disposed separately. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 1120.

[0166] Optionally, such as Figure 11 As shown, the device 1100 also includes a communication interface 1130, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 1110 is used to control the communication interface 1130 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0167] As a first option, the device 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the first SMF network element in the various method embodiments described above.

[0168] For example, processor 1110 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 1120 to implement the relevant operations of the first SMF network element in the various method embodiments described above. For example, Figures 5-7 The method executed by the first SMF network element in the illustrated embodiment.

[0169] As a second option, the device 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0170] For example, processor 1110 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 1120 to implement the relevant operations of the terminal device in the various method embodiments described above. For example, Figures 5-7 The method executed by the terminal device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0171] As a third solution, the apparatus 1100 is configured to implement operations performed by the first UPF network element in the above various method embodiments.

[0172] For example, the processor 1110 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1120 to implement the related operations of the terminal device in the above various method embodiments. For example, Figures 5-7 The method performed by the first UPF network element in the illustrated embodiment.

[0173] It should be noted that, Figure 11 The apparatus 1100 in the above various embodiments can be a vehicle-mounted device or a terminal device, or can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). Here, no limitation is made.

[0174] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the network elements and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solutions. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0175] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, apparatus and network element can refer to the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0176] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus and method can be implemented by other manners. For example, the above-described apparatus embodiments are merely schematic, for example, the division of the network element is only a logical functional division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, multiple network elements or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the displayed or discussed elements can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, apparatuses or network elements, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0177] The network elements described as separate components can or can not be physically separated, and the components shown as network elements can or can not be physical network elements, i.e., can be located in one place or distributed on multiple network elements. According to actual needs, part or all of the network elements can be selected to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0178] In addition, each functional network element in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing network element, or each network element can exist physically alone, or two or more network elements can be integrated in one network element.

[0179] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional network elements and sold or used as independent products, the functions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application or the parts of the technical solutions that essentially contribute to the prior art can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0180] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first session management function (SMF) network element obtains the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the second terminal device. The second terminal device is the peer device to which the first terminal device needs to communicate. The first terminal device and the second terminal device do not need a group identifier to communicate. The first SMF network element determines the second user plane function (UPF) network element corresponding to the IP address of the second terminal device; The first SMF network element establishes a tunnel between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first terminal device.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first SMF network element obtains the IP address of the second terminal device, including: The first SMF network element receives session modification request information sent by the first terminal device, and the session modification request information includes the IP address of the second terminal device.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Before the first SMF network element receives the session modification request information sent by the first terminal device, the method further includes: The first SMF network element sends a first indication message to the first terminal device. The first indication message is used to instruct the first terminal device to initiate a session modification process and carry the destination address before communicating with the peer device.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first SMF network element sends first indication information to the first terminal device, including: When the first SMF network element determines that the first terminal device is accessing the network through satellite equipment, it sends the first indication information to the first terminal device.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first SMF network element obtains the IP address of the second terminal device, including: The first SMF network element receives a data notification message sent by the first UPF network element, wherein the data notification message indicates that the destination address of the uplink message of the first terminal device is the IP address of the second terminal device.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Before the first SMF network element receives the data notification information sent by the first UPF network element, the method further includes: The first SMF network element sends a second indication information to the first UPF network element. The second indication information is used to instruct the first UPF network element to report the destination address of the uplink message to the first SMF network element after receiving the uplink message sent by the first terminal device.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first SMF network element sends a second indication message to the first UPF network element, including: When the first SMF network element determines that the first terminal device is accessing the network through satellite equipment, it sends the second indication information to the first UPF network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first SMF network element establishes a tunnel between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, including: The first SMF network element sends a first tunnel establishment request message to the second UPF network element, and the first tunnel establishment request message includes the tunnel information of the first UPF network element; The first SMF network element sends a second tunnel establishment request message to the first UPF network element. The second tunnel establishment request message includes the tunnel information of the second UPF network element.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: During the session establishment process initiated by the first terminal device, the first SMF network element saves the tunnel information of the first UPF network element; The first SMF network element obtains the tunnel information of the second UPF network element through the second SMF network element. The second SMF network element is used to save the tunnel information of the second UPF network element during the session establishment process initiated by the second terminal device.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first terminal device determines that it meets the first preset condition, which includes at least one of the following: the first terminal device receives first indication information sent by the first session management function (SMF) network element, the first indication information being used to instruct the first terminal device to initiate a session modification process and carry the destination address before communicating with the peer device; the first terminal device determines that it accesses the network through satellite equipment. The first terminal device sends a session modification request to the first SMF network element, and the session modification request includes the Internet Protocol IP address of the second terminal device.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first user control plane (UPF) network element receives the uplink message sent by the first terminal device; The first UPF network element sends data notification information to the first session management function SMF network element, wherein the data notification information indicates that the destination address of the uplink message is the Internet Protocol IP address of the second terminal device. In this case, the first terminal device and the second terminal device do not require a group identifier to communicate.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Before the first UPF network element sends data notification information to the first SMF network element, the method further includes: The first UPF network element receives second indication information sent by the first SMF network element. The second indication information is used to instruct the first UPF network element to report the destination address of the uplink message to the first SMF network element after receiving the uplink message sent by the first terminal device.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The device is a first session management function (SMF) network element, including: The acquisition module is used to acquire the Internet Protocol IP address of the second terminal device, which is the peer device to be communicated with by the first terminal device. The first terminal device and the second terminal device do not need a group identifier to communicate. The determination module is used to determine the second user plane function (UPF) network element corresponding to the IP address of the second terminal device; A module is established to establish a tunnel between a first UPF network element and a second UPF network element, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first terminal device.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The acquisition module is specifically used to receive session modification request information sent by the first terminal device, and the session modification request information includes the IP address of the second terminal device.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The acquisition module is further configured to: send first indication information to the first terminal device before the first SMF network element receives the session modification request information sent by the first terminal device, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to initiate a session modification process and carry the destination address before communicating with the peer device.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The acquisition module is specifically used to send the first indication information to the first terminal device when it is determined that the first terminal device accesses the network through satellite equipment.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The acquisition module is specifically used to receive data notification information sent by the first UPF network element, wherein the data notification information indicates that the destination address of the uplink message of the first terminal device is the IP address of the second terminal device.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The acquisition module is further configured to: before the first SMF network element receives the data notification information sent by the first UPF network element, send a second indication information to the first UPF network element, the second indication information being used to instruct the first UPF network element to report the destination address of the uplink message to the first SMF network element after receiving the uplink message sent by the first terminal device.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that, The acquisition module is specifically used to: send the second indication information to the first UPF network element when it is determined that the first terminal device accesses the network through satellite equipment.

20. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that, The establishment module is specifically used to: send a first tunnel establishment request information to the second UPF network element, wherein the first tunnel establishment request information includes the tunnel information of the first UPF network element; Send a second tunnel establishment request to the first UPF network element. The second tunnel establishment request includes the tunnel information of the second UPF network element.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The establishment module is further configured to: save the tunnel information of the first UPF network element during the session establishment process initiated by the first terminal device; and obtain the tunnel information of the second UPF network element through the second SMF network element, wherein the second SMF network element is used to save the tunnel information of the second UPF network element during the session establishment process initiated by the second terminal device.

22. A terminal device, characterized in that, include: The determination module is used to determine that the terminal device meets a first preset condition, the first preset condition including at least one of the following: the terminal device receives first indication information sent by a first session management function (SMF) network element, the first indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to initiate a session modification process and carry a destination address before communicating with the peer device; the terminal device determines that it accesses the network through satellite equipment. The sending module is used to send session modification request information to the first SMF network element, wherein the session modification request information includes the Internet Protocol IP address of the second terminal device.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The device is a first user control plane (UPF) network element, comprising: The receiving module is used to receive uplink messages sent by the first terminal device; The sending module is used to send data notification information to the first session management function (SMF) network element, wherein the data notification information indicates that the destination address of the uplink message is the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the second terminal device. In this case, the first terminal device and the second terminal device do not require a group identifier to communicate.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, characterized in that, The sending module is further configured to: receive second indication information sent by the first SMF network element before the first UPF network element sends data notification information to the first SMF network element, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the first UPF network element to report the destination address of the uplink message to the first SMF network element after receiving the uplink message sent by the first terminal device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes: a processor for retrieving a computer program from memory, which, when executed, causes the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or to perform the method described in claim 11 or 12.

26. A terminal device, characterized in that, Includes: a processor for retrieving a computer program from memory, which, when executed, causes the processor to perform the method as described in claim 10.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program, the computer program including code for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or including code for performing the method of claim 10, or including code for performing the method of claim 11 or 12.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program includes code for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or includes code for performing the method of claim 10, or includes code for performing the method of claim 11 or 12.

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