A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method and device, wherein the communication method comprises: a visited domain policy control function network element receiving a policy request message from a visited domain session management network element, and obtaining AF request information from a visited domain data management network element. The policy request message is used for obtaining a session management policy associated with a first HR session of a roaming terminal. The AF request is associated with the first HR session, and the AF request information is used for determining the session management policy. Through the method, the visited domain policy control function network element can be selected in a session establishment process, the AF request information can be obtained from the visited domain data management network element, and thus the AF request from the visited domain can be received. For the roaming terminal, although a session anchor point is in a home domain user plane network element, the AF request can still be sent to the session management policy control function network element, and thus the management of the HR session can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of roaming technology, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus for home route roaming. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-access edge computing (MEC) refers to providing users with faster services and better network performance by deploying MEC computing functions close to the device side. In a home-route (HR) roaming scenario, when accessing MEC services in the visited domain, according to the current HR roaming process, the anchor point of the session established during roaming access is the user plane network element deployed in the home public land mobile network (HPLMN). The visited domain network element cannot manage the HR session, and therefore cannot use the MEC services deployed in the visited domain. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that enables application function (AF) requests forwarded via visited domain network elements to influence the routing path of HR sessions, thereby achieving management of HR sessions.

[0004] Firstly, a first communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. For example, the communication equipment is a policy control function network element. The following description uses the policy control function network element as an example. The method includes: the visitor domain policy control function network element receiving a policy request message from a visitor domain session management network element, the policy request message being used to obtain a session management policy associated with a first HR session of the roaming terminal. The visitor domain policy control function network element obtains AF request information from a visitor domain data management network element, the AF request information being used to determine the session management policy, and the AF request being associated with the first HR session. In this scheme, the AF request information related to the first HR session of the roaming terminal can be stored in the visitor domain data management network element. Through this scheme, the visitor domain policy control function network element can obtain the AF request associated with the first HR session from the visitor domain data management network element upon request from the visitor domain session management network element. Therefore, the AF request information related to the first HR session can reach the visitor domain policy control function network element. In this way, even if the policy control anchor point of the HR session established by the roaming terminal is in the PCF deployed in the HPLMMN, the management of the first HR session can still be achieved by obtaining the AF request information through the visitor domain policy control function network element.

[0005] Optionally, the AF request can be sent to the visited domain data management network element, such as the unified data storage network element, via the network exposure function (NEF). For example, the NEF can query other information about the roaming terminal, such as the subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), based on the roaming terminal's generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), and then send the AF request information corresponding to that roaming terminal to the visited domain data management network element.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the policy request message includes one or more of the following corresponding to the roaming terminal: GPSI, SUPI, data network name (DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), or identification information of the first HR session. One or more of the above information can be used to identify the roaming terminal. When the visited domain session management function network element needs to obtain the session management policy associated with the first HR session of the roaming terminal, it can request information related to the AF request associated with the first HR session from the visited domain policy control function network element based on one or more of these information, which is quite flexible.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the visited domain data management network element is a visited domain unified data storage network element. The visited domain policy control function network element obtains AF request information from the visited domain data management network element, including: the visited domain policy control function network element sending a subscription request to the visited domain unified data storage network element and receiving a notification message. This subscription request is used to request subscription to the notification message containing the information of the AF request. The notification message carries the information of the AF request. For example, the subscription request may include the identification information of the roaming terminal and / or the identification information of the first HR session; it can be understood that the subscription request includes an index for querying the information of the AF request.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the visited domain policy control function network element can generate a session management policy based on the information requested by the AF (Active Message Request) and send the session management policy to the visited domain session management network element. In this scheme, the visited domain policy control function network element itself can generate the session management policy and notify the visited domain session management network element. That is, the session management policy is exchanged within the visited domain, which can reduce the number of information exchanges and simplify the interaction process.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the visited domain policy control function network element can send an AF request to the home domain policy control function network element, receive a first session management policy from the home domain policy control function network element, and then send a second session management policy to the visited domain session management network element. The first session management policy is determined based on the AF request information. The second session management policy is generated based on the first session management policy. Alternatively, the first session management policy can be considered the initial session management policy, and the second session management policy can be considered as an adjustment to the first session management policy. The visited domain policy control function network element can adaptively adjust the initial session management policy based on the actual needs of the first HR session, for example, by adjusting the business flow path of the first HR session, thereby meeting the actual needs of the first HR session.

[0010] Secondly, a second communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method, such as a chip system. For example, the communication equipment is a policy control function network element. The following description uses the visited domain policy control function network element as an example. The method includes: the visited domain policy control function network element receiving a policy request message from a visited domain session management network element, sending a registration request to a binding supports function (BSF), and receiving information from an AF request. The policy request message is used to obtain a session management policy associated with a first HR session of the roaming terminal, and includes the address of the roaming terminal. The registration request is used to register the binding relationship between the visited domain policy control function network element's information and the first HR session. The AF request is associated with the first HR session, and the information from the AF request is used to determine the session management policy. Since the visited domain policy control function network element can register the roaming terminal's address information and the binding relationship with the visited domain policy control function network element with the BSF, the visited domain can query the visited domain policy control function network element corresponding to the roaming terminal through the BSF. Thus, the application function of the visited domain can send the AF request information to the visited domain policy control function network element corresponding to the roaming terminal. In this way, even if the policy control anchor point of the first HR session established by the roaming terminal is in the PCF deployed in the HPLMN, the management of the first HR session can still be realized by obtaining the AF request information through the visited domain policy control function network element.

[0011] Optionally, the method further includes: the visited domain policy control function network element receiving a first message from the visited domain session management function network element, the first message including the address of the roaming terminal.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the registration request includes V-PCF information and information from a first HR session. The first HR session information may include the address of the roaming terminal, or it may include the GPSI or SUPI of the roaming terminal, or it may include the DNN and S-NSSAI corresponding to the roaming terminal. The V-PCF information may include one or more of the following: the V-PCF instance identifier (ID), the V-PCF address information, or the set ID of the PCF set to which the V-PCF belongs.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the visited domain policy control function network element can generate a session management policy based on the information requested by the AF and send the session management policy to the visited domain session management network element.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the visited domain policy control function network element can send an AF request to the home domain policy control function network element, receive a first session management policy from the home domain policy control function network element, and then send a second session management policy to the visited domain session management network element. The first session management policy is determined based on the AF request information, and the second session management policy is generated based on the first session management policy.

[0015] For the technical effects of the various implementation methods in the second aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the various implementation methods in the first aspect.

[0016] Thirdly, a third communication method is provided, which can be executed by a third communication device. This third communication device can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. For example, the communication equipment is a policy control function network element. The following description uses a home domain policy control function network element as an example. The method includes: the home domain policy control function network element receiving information from an AF request from a visited domain policy control function network element, and sending a first session management policy to the visited domain policy control function network element. The first session management policy is determined based on the information from the AF request and can be used by the visited domain policy control function network element to generate a second session management policy.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the home domain policy control function network element sending a first session management policy to the home domain session management network element.

[0018] For the technical effects of the various implementations of the third aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first or second aspect and the various implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0019] Fourthly, a fourth communication method is provided, which can be executed by a fourth communication device. This fourth communication device can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method, such as a chip system. For example, the communication equipment is a session management network element. The following description uses the visited domain session management network element as an example. The method includes: the visited domain session management network element determining that the first HR session of the roaming terminal uses MEC services, sending a policy request message to the visited domain policy control function network element, and receiving a session management policy. The policy request message is used to obtain the session management policy associated with the first HR session. In this scheme, the visited domain session management network element determines that the first HR session uses MEC services and requests the session management policy associated with the first HR session from the visited domain policy control function network element, thereby realizing the management of the first HR session.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the visited domain session management network element receives a second message from the visited domain access and mobility management network element. This second message includes information from the visited domain policy control function network element and information from the home domain session management network element. The visited domain session management network element determines whether the first HR session uses MEC services based on the information from the visited domain policy control function network element and the home domain session management network element.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the visited domain session management network element determines that the first HR session of the roaming terminal uses MEC services. This includes: the visited domain session management network element receiving a session establishment request from the visited domain access and mobility management network element. This session establishment request requests the establishment of the first HR session and includes indication information indicating that the first HR session uses MEC services. The visited domain session management network element determines that the first HR session uses MEC services based on this indication information. Alternatively, the visited domain session management network element receives a third message from the home domain session management network element. This third message includes indication information indicating that the first HR session uses MEC services. The visited domain session management network element determines that the first HR session uses MEC services based on this indication information. The visited domain session management network element can clearly determine that the first HR session uses MEC services simply by using the indication information.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the visited domain session management network element receives a session management policy, including: the visited domain session management network element receiving the session management policy from the visited domain policy control function network element, or the visited domain session management network element receiving the session management policy from the home domain session management network element.

[0023] For the technical effects of the various implementation methods of the fourth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the various implementation methods of the first to third aspects, or the first to third aspects.

[0024] Fifthly, a fifth communication method is provided, which can be executed by a fifth communication device. This fifth communication device can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. For example, the communication equipment is an access and mobility management function (HM) network element. The following description uses a visited domain HM network element as an example. The method includes: the visited domain HM network element receiving a first session establishment request from a roaming terminal, the first session establishment request being used to request the establishment of a first HR session. When the visited domain HM network element determines that the first HR session uses MEC services, it sends a second session establishment request to a visited domain session management network element, the second session establishment request being used to request the establishment of the first HR session, and the second session establishment request containing indication information. This indication information is used to instruct the first HR session to use MEC services.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the visited domain access and mobility management network element selects a home domain policy control function network element and a home domain session management function network element for the first HR session, and notifies the visited domain session management function network element of the selected home domain policy control function network element and home domain session management function network element. The visited domain session management function network element can then determine, based on the information from the home domain policy control function network element and home domain session management function network element, that a first HR session needs to be established and that the first HR session needs to use MEC services.

[0026] For the technical effects of the fifth aspect and its various implementations, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first to fourth aspects and their various implementations.

[0027] Sixthly, a sixth communication method is provided, which can be executed by a sixth communication device. This sixth communication device can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method, such as a chip system. For example, the communication equipment is a network development function (RDF) element. The following description uses the example of the communication equipment being a visited domain network development function (RDF) element. The method includes: the RDF element receiving AF request information, the AF request information including identification information of the home domain public land mobile network and / or identification information of the roaming terminal; the RDF element sending the AF request information to a visited domain data management element based on the identification information of the home domain public land mobile network and / or the identification information of the roaming terminal. Alternatively, the RDF element receives the AF request information and sends a query request message to the binding support function and a response message to the application function. The AF request information includes the address of the roaming terminal. The query request message includes the address of the roaming terminal and is used to query the visited domain policy control function (RDF) element corresponding to the roaming terminal. The response message indicates the visited domain policy control function (RDF) element corresponding to the first HR session.

[0028] For the technical effects of the sixth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first to fifth aspects and their various implementation methods.

[0029] A seventh aspect provides a seventh communication method, which can be executed by a seventh communication device. This seventh communication device can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. For example, the communication device is an application function. The following description uses the communication device as an application function as an example. The method includes: the application function sending AF request information to a visited domain network development function network element, the AF request information including identification information of the home domain public land mobile network and / or identification information of the roaming terminal; or, the AF request information including the address of the roaming terminal.

[0030] For the technical effects of the seventh aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first to sixth aspects and their various implementation methods.

[0031] Eighthly, an eighth communication method is provided, which can be executed by an eighth communication device. This eighth communication device can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. For example, the communication equipment is a binding support function. The following description uses the binding support function as an example. The method includes: the binding support function receiving a registration request from a visited domain policy control function, the registration request being used to request registration of the binding relationship between a roaming terminal's first home routing session and the visited domain policy control function network element; and the binding support function binding the first HR session to the visited domain policy control function network element according to the registration request.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the binding support function also receives a query request from a visited domain network development function element, which requests the visited domain policy control function element corresponding to the first HR session. The binding support function sends a query response message to the visited domain network development function element, which indicates the visited domain policy control function element corresponding to the first HR session.

[0033] For the technical effects of the eighth aspect and its implementation, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first to seventh aspects and their respective implementations.

[0034] Ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be any of the communication devices described in the first to eighth aspects above. The communication device possesses the functions of the aforementioned communication device. The communication device may be, for example, a visited domain policy control function network element described in any of the first to fourth aspects. Alternatively, the communication device may be, for example, a visited domain session management network element described in any of the first to fourth aspects. Alternatively, the communication device may be, for example, a visited domain access and mobility management network element described in any of the first to fourth aspects. Alternatively, the communication device may be, for example, a home domain session management network element described in the fifth aspect. Alternatively, the communication device may be, for example, a visited domain network open function network element described in the sixth aspect. Alternatively, the communication device may be, for example, an application function described in the seventh aspect. Alternatively, the communication device may be, for example, a binding support function described in the eighth aspect.

[0035] In one optional implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit (sometimes also called a processing module) and a transceiver unit (sometimes also called a transceiver module). The transceiver unit is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver unit performs the sending function, it can be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when the transceiver unit performs the receiving function, it can be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit can be the same functional module, which is called the transceiver unit and can perform both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending unit and the receiving unit can be different functional modules, and the transceiver unit is a collective term for these functional modules. These units (modules) can perform the corresponding functions in the method examples described in any of the first to eighth aspects above, as detailed in the method examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0036] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which may be the communication device described in the ninth aspect of the above embodiments, or a chip or chip system disposed in the communication device described in the ninth aspect. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally, a memory. Alternatively, the communication device includes a processor and a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a transceiver. The memory is used to store computer programs, instructions, or data. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface (or transceiver). When the processor reads the computer program, instructions, or data, it causes the communication device to perform the functions of the method described in any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0037] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including an input / output interface and logic circuitry. The input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information. The logic circuitry is used to execute the methods described in any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0038] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system including a processor, and may further include a memory and / or a communication interface for implementing the methods described in any of the first to eighth aspects. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing a computer program. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0039] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, which includes one or more network elements selected from the following: a visited domain policy control function network element, a visited domain session management network element, a visited domain access and mobility management network element, a network openness function network element, an application function network element, and a binding support function. Optionally, the communication system may further include a data management network element. The visited domain policy control function network element is a communication device capable of implementing the functions of the visited domain policy control function network element described in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The visited domain session management network element is a communication device capable of implementing the functions of the visited domain session management network element described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, as well as a data management network element. The visited domain access and mobility management network element is a communication device capable of implementing the functions of the visited domain policy control function network element described in the fifth aspect. The network openness function network element is a communication device capable of implementing the functions of the network openness function network element described in the sixth aspect. The application function network element is a communication device capable of implementing the functions of the application function network element described in the seventh aspect. The binding support function is a communication device capable of implementing the functions of the binding support function described in the eighth aspect.

[0040] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed, implements the methods of any one of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0041] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when run, causes the methods of any one of the first to eighth aspects to be executed.

[0042] The beneficial effects of the aforementioned ninth to fifteenth aspects and their implementation methods can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects of the first to eighth aspects, or the first to eighth aspects and their implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the network architecture for a local offloading roaming scenario;

[0044] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the first communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the second communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) systems, including new radio (NR) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as 6th generation mobile communication systems. Furthermore, the technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0049] As an example, please see Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. The network architecture includes two parts: a home domain public land mobile network (PLN) and a visited domain PPN. The home domain PPN is the public land mobile network subscribed to by the user equipment (UE), representing the subscriber's home operator. The visited domain PPN is the public land mobile network the UE accesses after leaving the coverage area of ​​the home domain PPN. It can be understood that when a UE leaves the coverage area of ​​its home domain PPN due to movement or other reasons, if a public land mobile network meets the following conditions: 1) it can cover the UE's current location, and 2) its operator has signed a roaming agreement with the operator of the UE's home domain PPN, then the UE can access that public land mobile network, which is the visited domain PPN. The UE's access to the visited domain PPN is called roaming. Roaming scenarios can be divided into local breakout (LBO) roaming and HR roaming. Figure 1 Take the HR roaming architecture as an example.

[0050] The visited domain public land mobile network includes network slice selection elements, policy control elements, access management elements, and session management elements. These elements can communicate with each other using a service-based approach. Furthermore, access management elements can communicate with the UE via the N1 interface, access management elements can communicate with the access network via the N2 interface, session management elements can communicate with user plane elements via the N4 interface, the UE can communicate with the access network, the access network and user plane elements can communicate via the N3 interface, and user plane elements and data networks can communicate via the N6 interface. Policy control elements communicate with access management elements via the N15 interface. Visited domain policy control elements communicate with home domain policy control elements via the N24 interface.

[0051] The home domain public land mobile network includes unified data management network elements, session management network elements, policy control network elements, and application network elements. These network elements can communicate with each other based on service methods. The authentication service network element and the unified data management network element can communicate through the N13 interface, the unified data management network element and the session management network element can communicate through the N10 interface, the session management network element and the policy control network element can communicate through the N7 interface, the policy control network element and the AF (Automatic Access Controller) can communicate through the N5 interface, and the session management network element and the user plane network element can communicate through the N4 interface. During roaming, the UE accesses the visited domain public land mobile network. The visited domain public land mobile network and the access management network elements and session management network elements within the home domain public land mobile network communicate with each other, enabling network elements within the visited domain public land mobile network to communicate with network elements within the home domain public land mobile network.

[0052] It is understandable that the visited domain public land mobile network and the home domain public land mobile network may both have the same functional network elements. For example, the visited domain public land mobile network includes a session management function (SMF), and the home domain public land mobile network also includes an SMF. To distinguish between the visited domain public land mobile network and the home domain public land mobile network, network elements in the visited domain public land mobile network are denoted as visited network elements, and network elements in the home domain public land mobile network are denoted as home network elements. For example, the SMF included in the visited domain public land mobile network is denoted as the visited domain SMF (V-SMF), and the SMF included in the home domain public land mobile network is denoted as the home domain SMF (H-SMF).

[0053] The following is about Figure 1 A brief introduction to each network element shown in the diagram is provided.

[0054] 1) UE (User Equipment) has wireless transceiver capabilities, enabling it to send signals to or receive signals from network devices. User equipment, sometimes also called terminal equipment, includes terms like terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, wireless communication device, or user device. In this application embodiment, the terminal device is used to connect people, things, machines, etc., and can be widely used in various scenarios, including but not limited to: cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), V2X, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots, etc. As an example and not a limitation, in this application embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. In addition, in this application embodiment, the terminal device can refer to a device for implementing the functions of a terminal, or a device that supports the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device. For example, the terminal device can also be a vehicle detector. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the terminal device is used as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment. It should be noted that in this application embodiment, the terminal or terminal device is described using UE as an example, but the user equipment can also have other names, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0055] 2) Access network equipment, including access network equipment and / or core network equipment through which terminal equipment wirelessly accesses the mobile communication system. Access network equipment includes, for example, radio access network (RAN) equipment. Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) in LTE systems or Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), which may be abbreviated as eNB or e-NodeB. An eNB is a device deployed in a radio access network that meets the fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication technology standard to provide wireless communication functions for terminal equipment. Network equipment can also be a new radio controller (NR controller), which can be a gNode B (gNB) in a 5G system, a centralized unit, a new radio base station, a remote radio module, a micro base station (also known as a small cell), a relay, a distributed unit, various forms of macro base stations, a transmission reception point (TRP), a transmission measurement function (TMF), a transmission point (TP), or any other wireless access device. Network equipment can also include a radio network controller (RNC), a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), or a baseband unit (BBU) pool and RRU in a cloud radio access network (CRAN). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the network equipment. In a 4G system, network equipment can correspond to an eNB, and in a 5G system, it can correspond to a gNB. Furthermore, the base station in this embodiment can include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), with multiple DUs being centrally controlled by a single CU.In some embodiments, the control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) of the CU can be separated and implemented as different entities, namely the control plane CU entity (CU-CP entity) and the user plane CU entity (CU-UP entity). Taking a 5G system as an example, the core network equipment includes: access and mobility management function (AMF), unified data management (UDM), or UPF, etc.

[0056] 3) The access management network element is mainly used for terminal attachment, mobility management, and tracking area update procedures in mobile networks. It terminates non-access stratum (NAS) messages, completes registration management, connection management, reachability management, allocates tracking area lists (TA lists), and performs mobility management, and transparently routes session management (SM) messages to the session management network element. In 5G communication systems, the access management network element can be the access and mobility management function (AMF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the access and mobility management network element can still be the AMF element, or it can have other names; this application is not limited to these.

[0057] 4) Session management network elements are mainly used for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals and selecting user plane network elements that provide packet forwarding functions. In 5G communication systems, session management network elements can be SMF network elements. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), session management network elements can still be SMF network elements, or they can have other names; this application does not limit this.

[0058] 5) User plane network elements are mainly used for processing user packets, such as forwarding, billing, and lawful interception. User plane network elements can also be called protocol data unit (PDU) session anchors (PSA). In 5G communication systems, user plane network elements can be user plane functions (UPFs). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), user plane network elements can still be UPF network elements, or they can have other names; this application does not limit this.

[0059] 6) Policy control function network element, which has user subscription data management function, policy control function, billing policy control function, quality of service (QoS) control, etc. In 5G communication system, the policy control function network element can be PCF. In future communication system (such as 6G communication system), the policy control function network element can still be PCF network element, or it can have other names. This application is not limited.

[0060] 7) Authentication service network element, mainly used for security authentication of terminal devices. In 5G communication systems, the authentication service network element can be an authentication server function (AUSF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the authentication service network element can still be an AUSF network element, or it can have other names. This application does not limit it.

[0061] 8) A data management network element, primarily used for storing and / or managing subscription information, policy information, etc., of terminal devices. This data management network element can be a unified data management network element and / or a unified data storage network element. For example, in a 5G communication system, the unified data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), this unified data management network element may still be a UDM network element, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to this. Similarly, in a 5G communication system, the unified data storage network element can be a unified data repository (UDR) network element. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), this unified data storage network element may still be a UDR network element, or it may have other names; this application is not limited to this.

[0062] 9) Network capability open elements can expose some network functions to applications in a controlled manner. In 5G communication systems, network capability open elements can be NEF. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), network capability open elements can still be NEF elements, or they can have other names. This application does not limit this.

[0063] 10) Data network (DN) is primarily used by operators to provide data services to the UE. Examples include the Internet, third-party service networks, and IP multi-media service (IMS) networks.

[0064] 11) Binding support network element, mainly used for session binding, to select policy control function network elements for users. In 5G communication systems, the binding support network element can be a BSF. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the network capability open network element can still be a BSF network element, or it can have other names. This application does not limit this.

[0065] It should be understood that the aforementioned network elements may be network components in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0066] For ease of explanation, this application uses the following examples: Access Management Network Element (AMF), Session Management Network Element (SMF), Authentication Service Function Network Element (AUSF), Unified Data Storage Network Element (UDR), Unified Data Management Network Element (UDM), Policy Control Function Network Element (PCF), and Binding Support Network Element (BSF). Further, AMF, SMF, AAUSF, UDR, UDM, PCF, and BSF will be abbreviated as AMF, SMF, AAUSF, UDR, UDM, PCF, and BSF, respectively. That is, in the following descriptions, AMF can be replaced with Access Management Network Element, SMF with Session Management Network Element, AAUSF with Authentication Service Network Element, UDR with Unified Data Storage Network Element, UDM with Unified Data Management Network Element, PCF with Policy Control Function Network Element, and BSF with Binding Support Function Network Element or Binding Support Network Element.

[0067] 12) "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these dozen or more items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0068] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, "first session management strategy" and "second session management strategy" are only used to distinguish different session management strategies, and do not indicate that the two session management strategies have different priorities or importance. In the embodiments of this application, "if" and "if" can be replaced, and unless otherwise specified, "when..." and "in the case of..." can be replaced.

[0069] Understandably, the information in an AF request, also known as an AF transaction, can influence the routing decisions for session traffic. The AF request information includes information used to generate session management policies; that is, the AF request information can be used to determine the session management policy of the processing terminal device. Typically, policy control function network elements obtain the AF request information and then determine the session management policy of the processing terminal device based on that information.

[0070] It should be understood that the information requested by the AF (Action Center) needs to be sent to the policy control function network element. However, in the roaming scenario of Home-Route (HR), when accessing MEC services in the visited domain, according to the current HR roaming process, the anchor point of the session established during the roaming access process is the user plane network element deployed in the home public land mobile network (HPLMN). Therefore, the visited domain network element cannot manage the HR session, and thus cannot use the MEC services deployed in the visited domain.

[0071] Therefore, the technical solution provided in this application embodiment enables the AF request information of the VPLMN to be routed to the visited domain policy control function network element.

[0072] For example, AF request information can be stored in the data management network element, allowing the visitor domain policy control function network element to retrieve the AF request information from the data management network element. Through this scheme, the AF request information of the VPLMN can be routed to the visitor domain policy control function network element, thereby enabling session management in HR roaming scenarios.

[0073] For example, the Visiting Domain Policy Control (VPLMN) network element can register the binding relationship between the roaming terminal and the VPLMN network element with the Binding Support Network Element. This allows the Network Open Function (NOC) network element to obtain the VPLMN network element corresponding to the roaming terminal from the Binding Support Network Element. The NOC network element then informs the Visiting Domain Application Function (VPC) network element of the VPLMN network element corresponding to the roaming terminal. The VPC then sends an AF (Active Access Request) request to the VPLMN network element corresponding to the roaming terminal. Through this scheme, the VPLMN's AF request information can be routed to the Visiting Domain Policy Control (VPC) network element, enabling session management in HR roaming scenarios.

[0074] The method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings corresponding to the various embodiments of this application, all steps indicated by dashed lines are optional steps. The various embodiments described below are all applied to... Figure 1 The network architecture shown is an example. It should be noted that the following text uses only this network architecture as an example. Figure 1 The network architecture shown is an example, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application is not limited to this one. Figure 1 Any network architecture capable of implementing the functions of the aforementioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the network architecture shown above may also include other network elements, such as network function (NF) repository functions (NRF). The roaming terminal mentioned below may include a terminal located in an HR scenario. In the embodiments of this application, the data management network element can be a UDM or a UDR. For ease of description, the data management network element is exemplified by a UDR below.

[0075] Please see Figure 2 The flowchart below shows a first communication method provided in this application embodiment, applied to the aforementioned HR scenario. The specific flow of this communication method is described below.

[0076] S201, V-SMF receives a session establishment request from the UE, which is used to request the establishment of the first HR session.

[0077] When a UE needs to use MEC services, it can request to use MEC services when requesting to establish a session with the V-SMF. For example, the UE sends a session establishment request to the V-SMF. This session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first HR session, and the first session establishment request is used to instruct the first HR session to use MEC services. The first HR session using MEC services can be understood as the first HR session using the MEC function of the VPLMN, using the MEC services of the VPLMN, using the MEC services of the VPLMN, or accessing the MEC services of the VPLMN, or the first HR session needs to perform local traffic offloading.

[0078] The UE can send a session establishment request to the V-SMF through the V-AMF, for example, through S201a and S201b.

[0079] S201a, the UE sends a first session establishment request to the V-AMF, and the V-AMF receives the first session establishment request from the UE accordingly.

[0080] The first session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first HR session. Optionally, the first session establishment request can instruct the V-AMF to use MEC services for the first HR session via indication information. For example, the session establishment request may include indication information that can be used to instruct the first HR session to use MEC services. It can also be understood that the indication information is sent during session establishment. The indication information can explicitly instruct the first HR session to use MEC services. For example, the indication information can be a 1-bit message; if the value of the 1-bit is "0", it can instruct the UE's first HR session to use MEC services; or, if the value of the 1-bit is "1", it can instruct the UE's first HR session to use MEC services. Alternatively, the indication information may occupy more bits, without limitation. Alternatively, the indication information can also implicitly instruct the first HR session to use MEC services. For example, the indication information includes a roaming identifier, such as the VPLMN ID, through which the first HR session can be instructed to use the MEC services of the VPLMN indicated by the ID.

[0081] Optionally, the first session establishment request may also include UE identification information. The UE identification information may include one or more of the following: a general public user identifier (GPUI), a user permanent identifier (SPI), a data network name, or slice information. It should be understood that the user permanent identifier can uniquely identify the UE; for example, the user permanent identifier can be a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI). A GPUI may be, for example, a GPSI. The UE's SUPI can be determined based on the UE's GPSI. A data network name may be, for example, a data network name (DNN). Slice information may be, for example, single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). The DNN and S-NSSAI together can indicate the UE. Thus, the V-AMF can determine which UE to establish a session for based on the UE identification information included in the first session establishment request. It should be noted that the name of the first session establishment request is not limited in this embodiment; for example, the first session establishment request may also be called a first session modification request message, etc.

[0082] Alternatively, the first session establishment request may not include the aforementioned indication information. In this case, the V-AMF can determine whether a first HR session needs to be established for the UE based on the UE's subscription information, and then determine whether the UE's first HR session needs to use MEC services based on the home domain's MEC service information and / or the UE's subscription information. For example, the UE registers with the V-AMF, thereby the V-AMF stores the UE's subscription information. The V-AMF can determine whether a first HR session needs to be established for the UE based on the UE's subscription information. If the V-AMF does not store the UE's subscription information, the V-AMF can query the UE's subscription information from other network elements. For example, the V-AMF can obtain the UE's SUPI from the H-AUSF, and use the UE's SUPI as an index to obtain the UE's subscription information from the home domain UDM. The V-AMF sends the SUPI to the home domain UDM, and the home domain UDM queries the UE's subscription information corresponding to the SUPI and sends the queried UE's subscription information to the V-AMF.

[0083] S201b, V-AMF sends a second session establishment request to V-SMF, and V-SMF receives the second session establishment request from V-AMF accordingly.

[0084] After receiving a first session establishment request from the UE, the V-AMF can request the V-SMF to establish a session. For example, the V-AMF can send a second session establishment request to the V-SMF, which can be used to request the establishment of the first HR session. It should be noted that the name of the second session establishment request is not limited in this application embodiment; for example, the second session establishment request can also be called a second session modification request, etc. In addition, the specific implementation method of the second session establishment request is not limited in this application embodiment. For example, the second session establishment request can be an interface message between the V-AMF and the V-SMF, such as an N2 message, or it may be other types of messages.

[0085] The second session establishment request may include information for establishing the first HR session. For example, the second session establishment request may include the indication information and the UE's identification information, such as the UE's SUPI. It should be understood that if the V-AMF determines that a first HR session needs to be established for the UE, and that the first HR session requires MEC services, then the V-AMF may select a suitable V-PCF for the first HR session and send the selected V-PCF's information to the V-SMF. The V-SMF can then request a session management policy from the V-PCF to manage the first HR session. In one example, the V-AMF may query the V-NRF or H-NRF for information about the V-PCF corresponding to the UE, including, for example, the V-PCF's ID and / or address. The V-AMF can send the selected V-PCF's information to the V-SMF through the second session establishment request. That is, the second session establishment request may also include V-PCF information. Alternatively, the information of the V-PCF may not be included in the second session establishment request, and the V-AMF may also send the information of the selected V-PCF to the V-SMF through other information. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0086] Optionally, the indication information for instructing the first HR session to use MEC services can also be sent during the session establishment process, for example, through S201c and S201d. That is, the indication information is carried in the information exchanged between the H-SMF and V-SMF. Accordingly, after receiving the first session establishment request, the V-AMF can select a suitable H-SMF for the first HR session. For example, the V-AMF can query the V-NRF or H-NRF for information about the H-SMF corresponding to the UE, including, for example, the H-SMF ID and / or the H-SMF address. The V-AMF can then send the selected H-SMF information to the V-SMF. For example, the V-AMF sends a second message to the V-SMF, which includes information about the V-PCF and the H-SMF. Based on the H-SMF information, the V-SMF can determine that the first HR session should be established, and based on the V-PCF, it can determine that the first HR session uses MEC services. Therefore, the V-SMF can forward the UE's first session establishment request to the H-SMF, as will be described in detail below.

[0087] Optionally, the V-AMF can send information about the V-PCF and H-SMF to the V-SMF in a single message, or it can send the V-PCF and H-SMF information separately to the V-SMF in two separate messages. For example, the V-AMF can send the selected H-SMF information to the V-SMF via a second session establishment request; that is, the second session establishment request may include the H-SMF information. Alternatively, the H-SMF information may not be included in the second session establishment request, and the V-AMF may send the selected H-SMF information to the V-SMF via other information.

[0088] S201c, V-SMF sends a third session establishment request to H-SMF, and H-SMF receives the third session establishment request from V-SMF. The third session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first HR session.

[0089] If the V-SMF receives a second session establishment request from the V-AMF, it can forward the UE's first session establishment request to the H-SMF based on the information from the H-SMF included in the second session establishment request. For example, the V-SMF sends a third session establishment request to the H-SMF. It should be understood that the third session establishment request may include the aforementioned indication information. Upon receiving the third session establishment request, the H-SMF can establish a first HR session for the UE.

[0090] S201d, H-SMF sends a first response message to V-SMF requesting the establishment of a third session, and V-SMF receives the first response message from H-SMF accordingly.

[0091] The first response message can instruct the H-SMF to establish a first HR session for the UE. For example, the first response message includes identification information for the first HR session, such as the ID of the first HR session. Optionally, the first response message may also include the indication information to instruct the first HR session to use MEC services. Since whether the first HR session uses MEC services can be decided by the H-SMF or H-PCF based on the UE's subscription or configuration information during the establishment of the first HR session by the HPLMN, when the first response message instructs the first HR session to use MEC services, the V-SMF, upon receiving the first response message, can look up and select the V-PCF through the V-NRF. It should be noted that the specific implementation of the first response message in this application embodiment is not limited. For example, the first response message can also be called a third message, which can be an interface message between the H-SMF and V-SMF, such as an N16 message, or it may be other types of messages.

[0092] S202, V-SMF sends a policy request message to V-PCF, and V-PCF receives the policy request message from V-SMF accordingly.

[0093] The policy request message can be used to obtain the session management policy (SM policy) associated with the first HR session, or to request the policy used to manage the first HR session. It should be understood that the session management policy managed by the first HR session refers to the session management policy of the VPLMN associated with the first HR session. In this embodiment, the specific name of the policy request message is not limited. For example, the policy request message can also be called a session management policy request message, or a session management policy association (SM policy association) message, or an association policy request message, or a session management association request message, etc. Since the first HR session needs to use the VPLMN's MEC service, from this perspective, the policy request message can also be considered as instructing the UE's first HR session to request the use of the VPLMN's MEC service.

[0094] The policy request message may include the indication information, and may also include identification information of the UE and / or identification information of the first HR session. The identification information of the first HR session may include the DNN and S-NSSAI corresponding to the UE, or may include the ID of the first HR session. It is understood that the DNN and S-NSSAI may indicate the first HR session, or may indicate the UE that established the first HR session, etc.

[0095] In S203, V-PCF sends a subscription request message to V-UDR. Correspondingly, V-DUR receives the subscription request message from V-PCF. This subscription request message is used to request subscription to the notification message for the information requested by AF. S203 can also be considered as V-PCF requesting subscription notification of the information requested by AF from V-UDR.

[0096] The V-UDR can store AF request information, which corresponds to the UE's identification information and / or the identification information of the first HR session. Upon receiving a policy request message, the V-PCF can send a subscription request message to the V-UDR to obtain information about the AF request associated with the first HR session. This subscription request message is used to request subscription to a notification message related to the AF request information. The subscription request message may include an index for obtaining information about the AF request corresponding to the first HR session, such as the UE's identification information and / or the identification information of the first HR session. The UE's identification information may include one or more of the following: GPSI, DNN, S-NSSAI, the ID of the group to which the UE belongs, or the UE's application descriptor. It should be understood that the UE can provide its group ID or its application descriptor. Alternatively, during UE registration, the V-AMF can query its home domain to obtain the UE's group ID or its application descriptor. The identification information of the first HR session may include the UE's corresponding DNN and S-NSSAI. The V-PCF can indicate the need to obtain the AF request information corresponding to the UE by sending the UE's identification information to the V-UDR, without needing to send a separate message specifically for obtaining the AF request information, thus reducing signaling interaction. Similarly, the V-PCF can indicate the need to obtain the AF request information corresponding to the first HR session by sending the identification information of the first HR session to the V-UDR, again without needing to send a separate message specifically for obtaining the AF request information, further reducing signaling interaction.

[0097] S204, V-UDR sends a notification message to V-PCF, and correspondingly, V-PCF receives a notification message from V-UDR, which includes information about the AF request associated with the first HR session.

[0098] It should be understood that an AF request may indicate the UE's ID, GPSI, or SUPI. An AF request is associated with an HR session, which can be understood as the AF request being associated with the UE's HR session, or it can be understood as an HR session established in the VPLMN using a specific DNN-S-NSSAI, with that HR session associated with the AF request. The V-UDR stores information about AF requests associated with the UE or the first HR session. When the V-UDR receives a subscription request message, it can query the information of the AF request corresponding to the first HR session based on the content included in the subscription request message, such as the identifier of the first HR session, and then send the AF request information to the V-PCF. For example, the V-UDR sends a notification message to the V-PCF, which includes the information of the AF request corresponding to the first HR session.

[0099] In this embodiment, when a session is not established, the AF request information can be stored in the V-UDR. Thus, when the UE uses MEC services, it can select a V-PCF through the V-AMF, and the V-PCF can retrieve the AF request information associated with the UE's established HR session from the V-UDR. Therefore, the AF request information associated with the UE's HR session can reach the V-PCF. Even if the policy control anchor point of the UE's established HR session is at the H-PCF, HR session management can still be achieved by retrieving the AF request information through the V-PCF.

[0100] Optionally, the information requested by the AF can be stored in the data management network element by V-AF and / or V-NEF, which can be implemented through S200a-S200d.

[0101] S200a and V-AF send AF requests to V-NEF. Correspondingly, V-NEF receives the AF requests from V-AF.

[0102] An AF request may include information such as the UE's identification information, session-related information, and application-related information for the UE, such as the application descriptor and HPLMN ID.

[0103] S200b and V-NEF query the UE's identification information.

[0104] After receiving an AF request, the V-NEF can query the UE corresponding to that AF request. For example, if the AF request includes a GPSI, the V-NEF can query the SUPI corresponding to that GPSI. If the AF request includes an HPLMN ID, and the V-NEF cannot find the SUPI corresponding to that GPSI, the V-NEF can query the corresponding HPLMN's data management network element (or NEF) based on the HPLMN ID. Alternatively, if the V-NEF cannot find the UE corresponding to that GPSI, and the AF request does not include an HPLMN ID, the V-NEF can query the HPLMN to which the GPSI belongs based on roaming subscription information with other operators, and then query the HPLMN's data management network element (or H-NEF) for the corresponding SUPI. For another example, if the AF request includes the UE's application descriptor, the UE's application descriptor can correspond to the UE's DNN and S-NSSAI. The V-NEF can obtain the UE's DNN and S-NSSAI information based on the UE's application descriptor to determine the UE's SUPI.

[0105] S200c and V-NEF send AF request information to V-UDR, and V-UDR receives AF request information from V-NEF accordingly.

[0106] The V-NEF can store AF request information to the V-UDR. For example, the V-NEF can send a storage request message to the V-UDR to request the storage of AF request information. This application embodiment does not limit the specific name of the storage request message; for example, the storage request message can also be called an AF request storage request message, or simply "Store AF Request," etc. The storage request message may include AF request information. The V-UDR receives the storage request message and can store the AF request information. Since the AF request information is associated with the UE's identification information and / or the identification information of the first HR session, the UE's identification information and / or the identification information of the first HR session can subsequently be used as an index to request the V-UDR to obtain the AF request information.

[0107] S200d and V-NEF send a second response message to V-AF requesting AF. Correspondingly, V-AF receives this second response message from V-NEF.

[0108] The second response message can indicate that the information requested by the AF has been stored in the V-UDR, meaning the AF-requested information was successfully stored, or it can indicate that the AF-requested information storage failed. After storing the AF-requested information in the V-UDR, the V-NEF can send a second response message to the V-AF.

[0109] It should be noted that the execution timing of S200a-S200d is not limited in this embodiment, as long as the AF request associated with the UE or the UE's first HR session is stored in the V-UDR. Alternatively, the execution of S200a-S200d can be considered independent of S201-S203, or the execution order of S200a-S200d and S201-S203 is not limited. In specific execution, if the V-DUR has already stored the information of the AF request associated with the UE or the UE's first HR session, then S200a-S200d may not need to be executed.

[0110] S205, V-PCF sends session management policy to V-SMF. Correspondingly, V-SMF receives the session management policy from V-PCF.

[0111] Session management policies can be used to manage the first HR session. Sending a session management policy from V-PCF to V-SMF can also be considered as V-PCF sending a policy request message to V-SMF in response to the policy request message, and this response message includes the session management policy. Session management policies include policy and charging control rules (PCC rules). PCC rules can be used to identify a service, determine which service a packet belongs to (network layer), provide policy control information, and provide service charging information. This allows V-SMF to generate information such as packet detection rules (PDR) and corresponding forwarding action rules (FAR), QoS enforcement rules (QER), and usage reporting rules (URR).

[0112] After receiving the AF request information, the V-PCF can generate a session management policy based on the AF request information and send the session management policy to the V-SMF. Alternatively, the V-PCF can receive the AF request information and send it to the H-PCF, which will then generate a session management policy based on the AF request information to adjust the session for the home domain. The H-PCF can send the session management policy to the V-SMF via the V-PCF, or vice versa. This can be understood as S205 including three implementation methods. For example, the method where the V-PCF generates a session management policy based on the AF request information and sends it directly to the V-SMF is called implementation method 1; the method where the H-PCF generates a session management policy based on the AF request information and forwards it to the V-SMF via the V-PCF is called implementation method 2; and the method where the H-PCF generates a session management policy based on the AF request information and sends it to the V-SMF via the H-SMF is called implementation method 3.

[0113] It should be understood that in implementation method 1, the V-PCF generates a session management policy based on the information in the AF request. This session management policy can be routed according to the Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) in the AF request. The V-PCF sends this session management policy to the V-SMF, resulting in minimal signaling interaction.

[0114] The following mainly introduces implementation method 2 and implementation method 3.

[0115] Implementation method 2 may include S205a to S205c.

[0116] S205a, V-PCF sends AF request information to H-PCF, and H-PCF receives the AF request information accordingly.

[0117] V-PCF can send AF request information to H-PCF through interface messages between V-PCF and H-PCF, such as N24 messages.

[0118] S205b: H-PCF sends the first session management policy to V-PCF, and V-PCF receives the first session management policy from H-PCF accordingly.

[0119] S205c: V-PCF sends the second session management policy to V-SMF, and V-SMF receives the second session management policy from V-PCF accordingly.

[0120] The H-PCF generates a first session management policy based on the information in the AF request and sends it to the V-PCF. The V-PCF receives the first session management policy. Upon receiving the first session management policy, the V-PCF can forward it to the V-SMF, in which case the first session management policy and the second session management policy are the same. Alternatively, the V-PCF can generate a new session management policy based on the first session management policy and the received AF request, for example, called the second session management policy. The second session management policy may be the same as the first session management policy or different. For example, the first session management policy might instruct local traffic offloading in the VPLMN, while the second session management policy determines the specific offloading rules.

[0121] Implementation method 3 may include S205a, S205d to S205e.

[0122] S205d: H-PCF sends the first session management policy to H-SMF. Correspondingly, H-SMF receives the first session management policy from H-PCF.

[0123] S205e: The H-SMF sends the first session management policy to the V-SMF. Correspondingly, the V-SMF receives the first session management policy from the H-SMF.

[0124] After receiving the first session management policy, the H-SMF can forward it to the V-SMF. For example, the H-SMF can forward the first session management policy to the V-SMF through an interface message between the H-SMF and V-SMF, such as an N16 message. Optionally, the H-SMF can also send the identification information of the first HR session to the V-SMF. The H-SMF can send both the first session management policy and the identification information of the first HR session through a single N16 message. Alternatively, the H-SMF can send the first session management policy and the identification information of the first HR session separately through different N16 messages.

[0125] When V-SMF receives a second session management policy from V-PCF, or after V-SMF receives a first session management policy from H-SMF, or after V-SMF receives packet processing rules from H-SMF, it can adjust the transmission path of the first HR session according to the received session management policy.

[0126] It should be noted that, in practice, one or more of implementation methods 1 through 3 can be used; there are no specific restrictions. Furthermore, implementation methods 1 through 3 are all optional. Figure 2 The image is indicated by a dashed line.

[0127] Please see Figure 3 The flowchart below shows a second communication method provided in this application embodiment, applied to the aforementioned HR scenario. The specific flow of this communication method is described below.

[0128] S301, V-SMF receives a session establishment request from the UE, which is used to request the establishment of the first HR session.

[0129] The UE can send a session establishment request to the V-SMF through the V-AMF, for example, through S301a and S301b.

[0130] S301a, the UE sends a first session establishment request to the V-AMF, and the V-AMF receives the first session establishment request from the UE accordingly.

[0131] S301b, V-AMF sends a second session establishment request to V-SMF, and V-SMF receives the second session establishment request from V-AMF accordingly.

[0132] S301a can refer to the relevant content of the aforementioned S201a, and S301b can also refer to the relevant content of the aforementioned S201b. The difference is that the second session establishment request can be a session context establishment request message.

[0133] and Figure 2Similarly, optionally, the indication information used to indicate that the first HR session uses MEC services can also be sent during the session establishment process, for example, through S301c and S301d.

[0134] In S301c, V-SMF sends a third session establishment request to H-SMF. Correspondingly, H-SMF receives the third session establishment request from V-SMF. This third session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first HR session. S301c can be referenced from the aforementioned S201c, and will not be repeated here.

[0135] In S301d, the H-SMF sends a first response message to the V-SMF in response to the request to establish a third session. Correspondingly, the V-SMF receives this first response message from the H-SMF. S301d can be referenced from the aforementioned S201d, but differs in that the first response message may also include the UE's address information allocated by the H-SMF for the first HR session, such as the UE's Internet Protocol (IP) address or, for example, the UE's Media Access Control (MAC) address.

[0136] The V-SMF receives the first response message and can obtain the UE's address information from it. This UE address information can be used by the V-PCF to register the binding relationship between the V-PCF and the UE in the first HR session with the V-BSF. Further details will be provided below and will not be discussed here.

[0137] In S302, the V-SMF sends a policy request message to the V-PCF, and the V-PCF receives the policy request message from the V-SMF. The specific implementation of S302 can be found in the aforementioned S202, but the difference is that this policy request message also includes the UE's address information. Alternatively, the V-PCF can also send the UE's address to the V-SMF using other information. For example, the V-SMF sends a first message to the V-PCF, which includes the UE's address. Subsequently, the V-PCF can register the binding relationship of the first HR session between the V-PCF and the UE with the V-BSF based on the UE's address information.

[0138] S303, V-PCF sends a registration request to V-BSF, and V-BSF receives the registration request from V-PCF accordingly.

[0139] The registration request can be used to register the binding relationship between V-PCF information and the first HR session with the V-BSF. If a V-PCF is bound to the first HR session, it can be considered that the V-PCF can serve the first HR session, or that the V-PCF can manage the first HR session. From this perspective, the registration request can be used to register a V-PCF serving the first HR session with the V-BSF, or the registration request can be used to register a V-PCF managing the first HR session with the V-BSF. It should be understood that a V-PCF can be used to manage a session, and binding a V-PCF to the first HR session can also be understood as binding a session management policy to the first HR session; that is, the registration request can be used to bind a session management policy. It should be noted that the specific name of the registration request is not limited in this application embodiment. For example, the registration request can also be called a service registration request, a management registration request, a session management policy binding request, etc.

[0140] The registration request may include information about the V-PCF and the first HR session. The V-PCF information may include one or more of the following: the V-PCF instance ID, the V-PCF address, or the ID of the set of PCFs to which the V-PCF resides. The first HR session information may include the UE's SUPI and UE address, or the UE's DNN and S-NSSAI, and the UE's address. Upon receiving the registration request, the V-BSF binds the UE and V-PCF information according to the registration request, thereby binding the first HR session to the V-PCF.

[0141] S304. V-PCF sends a second response message to V-SMF requesting registration, and V-SMF receives the second response message from V-PCF accordingly.

[0142] The second response message can indicate that V-PCF has registered the binding relationship between V-PCF information and the first HR session with V-BSF, or indicate that the storage of the binding relationship between V-PCF information and the first HR session failed. After registering the binding relationship between V-PCF information and the first HR session with V-BSF, V-PCF can send the second response message to V-SMF. It should be noted that the specific name of the second response message in this embodiment is not limited. For example, the second response message can also be called a service registration response, management registration response, session management policy binding response, etc.

[0143] In this embodiment of the application, during the session establishment process, when the V-SMF determines that the UE is using MEC services, it can select a V-PCF or determine the V-PCF selected by the V-AMF. The V-SMF can also obtain the UE's address from the H-SMF, and then register the binding relationship between the first HR session and the V-PCF with the V-BSF based on the UE's address. In this way, the V-AF queries the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session through the V-BSF, and then sends the AF request information to that V-PCF. This allows the VPLMN's AF request information to be routed to the V-PCF, thereby realizing session management in HR roaming scenarios.

[0144] Specifically, V-AF can query V-BSF for the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session via V-NEF. This can be implemented through S305-S307.

[0145] S305, V-AF sends an AF request to V-NEF, and V-NEF receives the AF request from V-AF accordingly.

[0146] The AF request may include the UE's address information for querying the V-PCF corresponding to the UE or the first HR session. Optionally, the AF request may also include the UE's identification information, session-related information, and application-related information for the UE, such as application descriptors, HPLMN IDs, etc.

[0147] S306, V-NEF sends a query request message to V-BSF, which is used to query the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session.

[0148] After receiving an AF request, V-NEF can query the UE corresponding to that AF request. For example, V-NEF sends a query request message to V-BSF, which is used to query the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session. If the AF request includes a GPSI, V-NEF can query the SUPI corresponding to that GPSI. If the AF request includes an HPLMN ID, and V-NEF cannot find the SUPI corresponding to that GPSI, V-NEF can query the SUPI corresponding to that GPSI from the data management network element of the corresponding HPLMN or the NEF based on the HPLMN ID. Alternatively, if V-NEF cannot find the UE corresponding to that GPSI, and the AF request does not include an HPLMN ID, V-NEF can query the HPLMN to which the GPSI belongs based on roaming subscription information with other operators, and then query the SUPI corresponding to that GPSI from the data management network element (or H-NEF) of that HPLMN. For example, if the AF request includes the UE's application descriptor, the UE's application descriptor can correspond to the UE's DNN and S-NSSAI. The V-NEF can obtain information such as the UE's DNN and S-NSSAI based on the UE's application descriptor, thereby determining the UE's SUPI. The V-NEF can then query the V-BSF for the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session based on the SUPI and / or the UE's address information.

[0149] S307, V-NEF sends a third response message to V-AF, and V-AF receives the third response message from V-NEF accordingly.

[0150] The third response message can be used to indicate the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session. For example, the third response message includes information about the V-PCF, such as the V-PCF's address. Thus, by receiving the third response message, the V-AF can determine the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session. This application embodiment does not limit the specific name of the third response message; for example, the third response message can be called a query response message.

[0151] S308, V-AF sends information about the AF request associated with the first HR session to V-PCF.

[0152] After V-AF determines the V-PCF associated with the first HR session, it can send the AF request information associated with the first HR session to that V-PCF. In this way, the VPLMN's AF request can be routed to the V-PCF, thereby enabling management of the first HR session. It should be understood that the AF request can indicate the UE's address, and the association of the AF request with the HR session can be understood as the AF request being associated with the HR session of the UE at that address.

[0153] S309, V-PCF sends session management policy to V-SMF.

[0154] Similar to S205, S309 can also be implemented in three ways. For example, implementation 1 involves the V-PCF generating a session management policy based on the AF request and sending it directly to the V-SMF. Implementation 2 involves the H-PCF generating a session management policy based on the AF request information and then forwarding the generated policy to the V-SMF via the V-PCF. Implementation 3 involves the H-PCF generating a session management policy based on the AF request information and then forwarding it to the V-SMF via the H-SMF. Implementation 2 can be implemented using S309a-S309c. Implementation 3 can be implemented using S309a and S309d-S309e.

[0155] S308a, V-PCF sends AF request information to H-PCF, and H-PCF receives the AF request information accordingly.

[0156] S308b and H-PCF send the first session management policy to V-PCF.

[0157] S308c and V-PCF send the second session management policy to V-SMF.

[0158] For the specific implementation of S309a-S309c, please refer to the relevant content of S205a-S205c mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0159] S308d and H-PCF send the first session management policy to H-SMF.

[0160] S308e and H-SMF send the first session management policy to V-SMF.

[0161] For the specific implementation of S309a-S309c, please refer to the relevant content of S205d-S205e mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0162] It should be noted that, in practice, one or more of implementation methods 1 through 3 can be used; there are no specific restrictions. Furthermore, implementation methods 1 through 3 are all optional. Figure 3 The image is indicated by a dashed line.

[0163] The embodiments provided in this application describe the methods from the perspectives of HLPMN and VPLMN, including the interaction between network elements. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, corresponding communication devices are also provided. These communication devices may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0164] This application also provides a communication device. The communication device used to implement the above method in this application embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0165] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 400 may include a processing module 410 and a transceiver module 420. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing module 410 and the transceiver module 420 may be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing module 410 may read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage unit to implement a corresponding method. The aforementioned units may be set independently, or partially or completely integrated.

[0166] It should be understood that the processing module 410 may be a processor or controller, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing unit (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc. The transceiver module 420 is an interface circuit of the device for receiving signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the transceiver module 420 is an interface circuit of the chip for receiving signals from other chips or devices, or an interface circuit of the chip for sending signals to other chips or devices.

[0167] The communication device 400 can be a policy control function network element, session management function network element, access and mobility management function network element, network openness function network element, application function network element, or data management network element, or it can be bound to support functions as described in the above embodiments. The communication device 400 can also be a chip used for policy control function network elements, session management function network elements, access and mobility management function network elements, network openness function network elements, application function network elements, data management network elements, or it can be bound to support functions. For example, when the communication device 400 is a policy control function network element, session management function network element, access and mobility management function network element, network openness function network element, application function network element, data management network element, or it can be bound to support functions, the processing module 410 can be, for example, a processor, and the transceiver module 420 can be, for example, a transceiver. Optionally, the transceiver can include radio frequency circuitry, and the storage unit can be, for example, a memory. For example, when the communication device 400 is a network element for policy control functions, session management functions, access and mobility management functions, network openness functions, application functions, data management functions, or a chip that supports these functions, the processing module 410 may be, for example, a processor, and the transceiver module 420 may be, for example, an input / output interface, pins, or circuits. The processing module 410 can execute computer-executable instructions stored in a storage unit. Optionally, the storage unit may be a storage unit within the chip, such as a register or cache. Alternatively, the storage unit may be a storage unit located outside the chip within the network device, terminal, or location management device, such as read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0168] In one possible implementation, the communication device 400 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the PCF (e.g., V-PCF or H-PCF) in the above method embodiments. The communication device 400 can be the PCF, a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the PCF, or a chip or chipset in the PCF, or a part of a chip used to perform the relevant method functions. The transceiver module 420 can be used to support communication between the PCF and other network entities, such as supporting communication between the PCF and other network entities. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The communication between V-SMF, H-SMF, etc., is shown. Processing module 410 is used to control and manage the actions of the PCF; for example, processing module 410 is used to support PCF execution. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment includes all PCF operations except for sending and receiving.

[0169] For example, in some examples, transceiver module 420 is used to receive a policy request message from V-SMF, which is used to obtain a session management policy associated with a first HR session of the roaming terminal. Processing module 410 is used to obtain AF request information from the visited domain data management network element, which is used to determine the session management policy, and the AF request is associated with the first HR session.

[0170] As an optional implementation, the policy request message includes one or more of the following corresponding to the roaming terminal: GPSI, SUPI, DNN, or S-NSSAI, or the identifier of the first HR session.

[0171] As an optional implementation, the Visited Domain Data Management Network Element is a V-UDR. The processing module 410 obtains AF request information from the Visited Domain Data Management Network Element, including: the processing module 410 sends a subscription request message to the V-UDR through the transceiver module 420. The subscription request message is used to request a notification message for subscribing to the AF request information. The processing module 410 also receives the notification message through the transceiver module 420. The notification message carries the AF request information.

[0172] As an optional implementation, the processing module 410 is also used to generate the session management policy based on the information in the AF request; the transceiver module 420 is also used to send the session management policy to the V-SMF.

[0173] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 420 is also used to send AF request information to the H-PCF, receive a first session management policy from the H-PCF, and send a second session management policy to the V-SMF. The first session management policy is determined based on the AF request information, and the second session management policy is generated based on the first session management policy.

[0174] In other examples, transceiver module 420 is configured to receive a policy request message from V-SMF, which is used to obtain a session management policy associated with a first HR session of the roaming terminal, and the policy request message includes the address of the roaming terminal; transceiver module 420 is also configured to send a registration request to BSF, which is used to register the binding relationship between the information of communication device 400 and the first HR session; transceiver module 420 is also configured to receive AF request information, which is associated with the first HR session, and the AF request information is used to determine the session management policy.

[0175] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 420 is also used to receive a first message from the V-SMF, which includes the address of the roaming terminal.

[0176] As an optional implementation, the registration request includes information about the first V-PCF and information about the first HR session, wherein the information about the first HR session includes the address of the roaming terminal.

[0177] As an optional implementation, the processing module 410 is also used to generate the session management policy based on the information in the AF request; the transceiver module 420 is also used to send the session management policy to the V-SMF.

[0178] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 420 is also used to send AF request information to the H-PCF, receive a first session management policy from the H-PCF, and send a second session management policy to the V-SMF. The first session management policy is determined based on the AF request information, and the second session management policy is generated based on the first session management policy.

[0179] In other examples, transceiver module 420 receives AF request information from V-PCF and sends a first session management policy to V-PCF. This first session management policy is determined based on the AF request information and is used by V-PCF to generate a second session management policy.

[0180] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 420 is also used to send the first session management policy to the H-SMF.

[0181] In another possible implementation, the communication device 400 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the SMF (e.g., including V-SMF) in the above method embodiments. The communication device 400 can be an SMF, a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the SMF, or a chip or chipset in the SMF, or a part of a chip used to perform the relevant method functions. The transceiver module 420 can be used to support communication between the SMF and other network entities, such as supporting communication between the SMF and other network entities. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment shows communication between PCFs, etc. Processing module 410 is used to control and manage the actions of SMFs; for example, processing module 410 is used to support SMF execution. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The embodiment shown includes all PCF operations except for sending and receiving.

[0182] For example, processing module 410 is used to determine that the first HR session of the roaming terminal uses MEC services; transceiver module 420 is used to send a policy request message to V-PCF and receive a session management policy. This policy request message is used to obtain the session management policy for the first HR session.

[0183] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 420 is also configured to receive a second message from the V-AMF, which includes information from the V-PCF and the H-SMF. The processing module 410 is further configured to determine, based on the information from the V-PCF and the H-SMF, whether the first HR session uses MEC services.

[0184] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 420 is specifically configured to receive a session establishment request from the V-AMF, which requests the establishment of a first HR session. This session establishment request includes indication information indicating that the first HR session uses MEC services. The processing module 410 is configured to determine that the first HR session uses MEC services based on this indication information. Alternatively, the transceiver module 420 is specifically configured to receive a third message from the H-SMF, which includes indication information indicating that the first HR session uses MEC services. The processing module 410 is configured to determine that the first HR session uses MEC services based on this indication information.

[0185] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 420 is specifically used to receive session management policies from V-PCF; or, the transceiver module 420 is specifically used to receive session management policies from H-SMF.

[0186] In another possible implementation, the communication device 400 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the AMF (e.g., including V-AMF) in the above method embodiments. The communication device 400 can be the AMF, a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the AMF, or a chip or chipset in the AMF, or a part of a chip used to perform related method functions. The transceiver module 420 can be used to support communication between the AMF and other network entities, such as supporting communication between the AMF and other network entities. Figure 2 or Figure 3 Communication between PCFs, etc., in the illustrated embodiment. Processing module 410 is used to control and manage the actions of AMFs; for example, processing module 410 is used to support AMF execution. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment includes all AMF operations except for sending and receiving.

[0187] For example, transceiver module 420 is used to receive a first session establishment request from a roaming terminal, which is used to request the establishment of a first HR session. Processing module 410 is used to determine that the first HR session uses MEC services. Transceiver module 420 is also used to send a second session establishment request to V-SMF, which is used to request the establishment of the first HR session, and the second session establishment request includes indication information to indicate that the first HR session uses MEC services.

[0188] As an optional implementation, the processing module 410 is also used to select V-PCF and H-SMF for the first HR session;

[0189] The transceiver module 420 is used to send a fourth message to the V-SMF, which includes information about the V-PCF and the H-SMF.

[0190] In another possible implementation, the communication device 400 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the NEF (e.g., including V-NEF) in the above method embodiments. The communication device 400 can be the NEF, a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the NEF, or a chip or chipset in the NEF, or a part of a chip used to perform related method functions. The transceiver module 420 can be used to support communication between the NEF and other network entities, such as supporting communication between the NEF and other network entities. Figure 2 or Figure 3 Communication between AFs, etc., in the illustrated embodiment. Processing module 410 is used to control and manage the actions of the NEF; for example, processing module 410 is used to support NEF execution. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment includes all NEF operations except for sending and receiving.

[0191] For example, the transceiver module 420 is used to receive AF request information, which includes the identification information of the HPLMN and / or the identification information of the roaming terminal. The processing module 410 is used to send the AF request information to the visited domain data management network element through the transceiver module 420 according to the identification information of the HPLMN and / or the identification information of the roaming terminal.

[0192] For example, the transceiver module 420 is used to receive information from an AF request, which includes the address of the roaming terminal; the processing module 410 is used to send a query request message to the BSF through the transceiver module 420 based on the address of the roaming terminal, which includes the address of the roaming terminal, for querying the V-PCF corresponding to the roaming terminal; the transceiver module 420 is also used to send a response message to the AF, which indicates the V-PCF corresponding to the roaming terminal.

[0193] In another possible implementation, the communication device 400 can correspondingly implement the behavior and function of the AF in the above method embodiments. The communication device 400 can be the AF, or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the AF, or a chip or chipset in the AF, or a part of a chip used to perform related method functions. The transceiver module 420 can be used to support communication between the AF and other network entities, such as supporting communication between the AF and other network entities. Figure 2 or Figure 3The communication between NEFs, etc., in the illustrated embodiment. Processing module 410 is used to control and manage the actions of the AF; for example, processing module 410 is used to support AF execution. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment includes all operations of AF except for sending and receiving.

[0194] For example, the transceiver module 420 is used to send AF request information to V-NEF, the AF request information including the identification information of HPLMN and / or the identification information of the roaming terminal; or, the AF request information includes the address of the roaming terminal.

[0195] In another possible implementation, the communication device 400 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the BSF in the above method embodiments. The communication device 400 can be the BSF, or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the BSF, or a chip or chipset in the BSF, or a part of a chip used to perform the relevant method functions. The transceiver module 420 can be used to support communication between the BSF and other network entities, such as supporting communication between the BSF and other network entities. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The communication between PCFs, etc., is shown. Processing module 410 is used to control and manage the actions of BSFs; for example, processing module 410 is used to support BSF execution. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment includes all BSF operations except for sending and receiving.

[0196] For example, the transceiver module 420 receives a registration request from the V-PCF, which requests the registration of the binding relationship between the roaming terminal's first HR session and the V-PCF. The processing module 410 binds the first HR session to the V-PCF according to the registration request.

[0197] As an optional implementation, the transceiver module 420 is also used to receive query request messages from the V-NEF and to send query response messages to the V-NEF. The query request message requests the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session. The query response message indicates the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session.

[0198] It should be understood that the processing module 410 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver module 420 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components.

[0199] like Figure 5The diagram shows a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 500 can be a policy control function network element, capable of implementing the functions of the policy control function network element in the method provided in this application embodiment; or, the communication device 500 can be a session management network element, capable of implementing the functions of the session management function network element in the method provided in this application embodiment; or, the communication device 500 can be an access and mobility management function network element, capable of implementing the functions of the access and mobility management function network element in the method provided in this application embodiment; or, the communication device 500 can be a network development function network element, capable of implementing the functions of the network development function network element in the method provided in this application embodiment; or, the communication device 500 can be an application function network element, capable of implementing the functions of the application function network element in the method provided in this application embodiment; or, the communication device 500 can be a binding support function network element, capable of implementing the functions of the binding support function network element in the method provided in this application embodiment. Alternatively, the communication device 500 can also be a device capable of supporting the policy control function network element, session management function network element, access and mobility management function network element, network development function network element, application function network element, or binding support function network element to implement the corresponding functions in the method provided in the embodiment of this application. The communication device 500 can be a chip system. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0200] In terms of hardware implementation, the transceiver module 420 can be a transceiver, which is integrated into the communication device 500 to form the communication interface 510.

[0201] The communication device 500 includes at least one processor 520, which may be a CPU, microprocessor, ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program in this application, for implementing or supporting the communication device 500 in implementing the functions of the policy control function network element, session management network element, access and mobility management function network element, network development function network element, data management network element, application function network element, or binding support function network element in the method provided in the embodiments of this application. See the detailed description in the method examples for specific details, which will not be repeated here.

[0202] The communication device 500 may further include at least one memory 530 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 530 is coupled to the processor 520. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 520 may operate in conjunction with the memory 530. The processor 520 may execute program instructions and / or data stored in the memory 530 to cause the communication device 500 to implement a corresponding method. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor 520.

[0203] The communication device 500 may further include a communication interface 510, using any transceiver-like device, for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as radio access networks (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), wired access networks, etc. The communication interface 510 is used to communicate with other devices via a transmission medium, thereby enabling the devices in the communication device 500 to communicate with other devices. For example, when the communication device 500 is a session management network element, the other device is a policy control function network element; or, when the communication device is a policy control function network element, the other device is a session management network element. The processor 520 can use the communication interface 510 to send and receive data. Specifically, the communication interface 510 may be a transceiver.

[0204] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 510, processor 520, and memory 530. This application embodiment... Figure 5 The memory 530, processor 520, and communication interface 510 are connected via a bus 540. Figure 5 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 5 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0205] In the embodiments of this application, the processor 520 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0206] The memory 530 may be ROM or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, RAM or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor via communication lines. The memory may also be integrated with the processor.

[0207] The memory 530 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the scheme of this application, and the processor 520 controls the execution of these instructions. The processor 520 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 530 to implement the method provided in the above embodiments of this application.

[0208] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0209] It should be noted that the communication device in the above embodiments can be a terminal, a circuit, a chip used in a terminal, or other combined devices or components with the aforementioned terminal functions. When the communication device is a terminal, the transceiver module can be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits, etc., and the processing module can be a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). When the communication device is a component with the aforementioned terminal functions, the transceiver module can be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module can be a processor. When the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the transceiver module can be the input / output interface of the chip or chip system, and the processing module can be the processor of the chip or chip system.

[0210] This application also provides a communication system. Specifically, the communication system includes one or more network elements selected from policy control function network elements, session management network elements, access and mobility management function network elements, network open function network elements, application function network elements, data management network elements, or binding support function network elements. There is no limitation on the number of each type of network element.

[0211] For example, the communication system includes components for implementing the above. Figure 2 or Figure 3The illustrated embodiment includes policy control function network elements and session management network elements. These policy control function network elements are used to implement the functions of the relevant policy control function network element portions of the embodiments of this application, for example, to implement the above-described... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment describes the functions of the visitor domain policy control function network element or the home domain policy control function network element. The session management network element is used to implement the functions of the session management element in the embodiments of this application, for example, to implement the functions described above. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The embodiments shown illustrate the functions of the relevant session management network elements. Please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here. Similarly, the AF is used to implement the functions of the relevant AF parts in the embodiments of this application, for example, to implement the above... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment describes the function of the relevant AF. Please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here. The NEF is used to implement the function of the relevant NEF part in the embodiments of this application, for example, to implement the above... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The embodiments shown illustrate the functionality of the NEF related to the embodiments. Please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here. The UDR is used to implement the functionality of the UDR portion in the embodiments of this application, for example, to implement the above... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The embodiments shown illustrate the functions of the related UDRs. Please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here. The BSF is used to implement the functions of the relevant BSF parts in the embodiments of this application, for example, to implement the above... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The embodiments shown illustrate the functions of the relevant BSF. Please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0212] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The method executed by the policy control function network element, session management network element, AF, NEF, UDR, or BSF in the illustrated embodiment.

[0213] This application also provides a computer program product, including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The method executed by the policy control function network element, session management network element, AF, NEF, UDR, or BSF in the illustrated embodiment.

[0214] This application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the functions of the policy control network element and the session management network element in the aforementioned method. The chip system can be composed of a single chip or may include chips and other discrete devices. The chip system may also include AF, NEF, UDR, BSF, etc.

[0215] The methods provided in this application can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, they can be implemented entirely or partially 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, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this invention are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. 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 via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. 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 can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (e.g., digital video disc (DVD)), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSD), etc.

[0216] In this application embodiment, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0217] Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The Visiting Domain Policy Control Function (V-PCF) receives a policy request message from the Visiting Domain Session Management Function (V-SMF). The policy request message is used to obtain the session management policy of the Visiting Domain Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) associated with the first home route (HR) session of the roaming terminal. The first HR session requests to use the VPLMN's edge computing (MEC) service. The V-PCF obtains information about the Application Function (AF) request from the Visited Domain Data Management Network Element. The information about the AF request is used to determine the Session Management Policy. The AF request is associated with the first HR session.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The policy request message includes one or more of the following corresponding to the roaming terminal: General Public User Identifier (GPSI), User Permanent Identifier (SUPI), Data Network Name (DNN), or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), or the identifier of the first HR session.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The visited domain data management network element is a unified data storage network element for the visited domain. The V-PCF obtains the information requested by the AF from the visited domain data management network element, including: The V-PCF sends a subscription request message to the visited domain unified data storage network element. The subscription request message is used to request a notification message for the information requested by the AF. The V-PCF receives the notification message, which carries information about the AF request.

4. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The V-PCF generates the session management policy based on the information in the AF request. The V-PCF sends the session management policy to the V-SMF.

5. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The V-PCF sends the AF request information to the home domain PCF; The V-PCF receives a first session management policy from the home domain PCF, the first session management policy being determined based on information requested by the AF; The V-PCF sends a second session management policy to the V-SMF, the second session management policy being generated based on the first session management policy.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The Visiting Domain Policy Control Function (V-PCF) receives a Policy Request message from the Visiting Domain Session Management Function (V-SMF). The Policy Request message is used to obtain the session management policy of the Visiting Domain Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) associated with the first Home Routing (HR) session of the roaming terminal. The first HR session requests to use the VPLMN's Edge Computing (MEC) service. The Policy Request message includes the address of the roaming terminal. The V-PCF sends a registration request to the Binding Support Function (BSF). The registration request includes information about the V-PCF and information about the first HR session, and is used to register the binding relationship between the V-PCF information and the first HR session. The binding relationship is used to route information of AF requests associated with the first HR session to the V-PCF. The V-PCF receives the information from the AF request, and the information from the AF request is used to determine the session management policy.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The V-PCF receives a first message from the V-SMF, the first message including the address of the roaming terminal.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The registration request includes information about the V-PCF and information about the first HR session, wherein the information about the first HR session includes the address of the roaming terminal.

9. The method as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The V-PCF generates the session management policy based on the information in the AF request. The V-PCF sends the session management policy to the V-SMF.

10. The method as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The V-PCF sends the AF request information to the home domain PCF; The V-PCF receives a first session management policy from the home domain PCF, the first session management policy being determined based on information requested by the AF; The V-PCF sends a second session management policy to the V-SMF, the second session management policy being generated based on the first session management policy.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The Home Domain Policy Control Function (H-PCF) receives information from the Visiting Domain Policy Control Function (V-PCF) regarding an AF request. The information in the AF request is associated with a first Home Routing (HR) session, which requests to use the Edge Computing (MEC) service of the Visiting Domain Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN). The information in the AF request is used to determine the session management policy of the VPLMN associated with the first HR session. The H-PCF sends a first session management policy to the V-PCF. The first session management policy is determined based on the information requested by the AF. The first session management policy is used by the V-PCF to generate a second session management policy.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The H-PCF sends the first session management policy to the home domain session management function H-SMF.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The Visiting Domain Session Management (V-SMF) function determines the first home route for roaming terminals. The HR session uses edge computing (MEC) services. The V-SMF sends a policy request message to the Visited Domain Policy Control Function (V-PCF), which is used to obtain the session management policy of the Visited Domain Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) associated with the first HR session. The V-SMF receives the session management policy.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: the V-SMF receiving a second message from the Visiting Domain Access and Mobility Management Function (V-AMF), the second message including information from the V-PCF and information from the Home Domain Session Management Function (H-SMF); The V-SMF determines that the first HR session uses MEC services, including: the V-SMF determines that the first HR session uses MEC services based on information from the V-PCF and the H-SMF.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The V-SMF determines that the first HR session uses edge computing MEC services, including: The V-SMF receives a session establishment request from the V-AMF. The session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first HR session, and the session establishment request includes indication information, which is used to indicate that the first HR session uses MEC services. The V-SMF determines that the first HR session uses MEC services based on the indication information. Alternatively, the V-SMF receives a third message from the home domain SMF, the third message containing indication information for instructing the first HR session to use MEC services; the V-SMF determines that the first HR session uses MEC services based on the indication information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The V-SMF receives the session management policy, including: The V-SMF receives the session management policy from the visited domain PCF; Alternatively, the V-SMF receives the session management policy from the home domain SMF.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The Visiting Domain Access and Mobility Management Function (V-AMF) receives a first session establishment request from a roaming terminal. The first session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first home route (HR) session. The first HR session requests to use the edge computing (MEC) service of the VPLMN. The V-AMF determines that the first HR session uses the edge computing MEC service of the visited domain public land mobile network (VPLMN). The V-AMF is the Visit Domain Policy Control Function (V-PCF) for the first HR session, and the V-PCF is used to obtain the session management policy of the VPLMN associated with the first HR session of the roaming terminal. The V-AMF sends a second session establishment request and information from the V-PCF to the Visiting Domain Session Management Function (V-SMF). The second session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first HR session, and the second session establishment request includes indication information, which is used to instruct the first HR session to use the MEC service of the VPLMN.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The V-AMF is the home domain session management function (H-SMF) selected for the first HR session; The V-AMF sends a fourth message to the V-SMF, the fourth message including information about the H-SMF.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The Visiting Domain Network Development Function (V-NEF) receives AF request information, which includes the identification information of the Home Domain Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) and / or the identification information of the roaming terminal. The V-NEF sends the AF request information to the visited domain data management network element based on the identification information of the HPLMN and / or the identification information of the roaming terminal. The AF request information is associated with the first home route (HR) session. The first HR session requests to use the edge computing (MEC) service of the visited domain public land mobile network (VPLMN). The AF request information is used to determine the session management policy of the VPLMN associated with the first HR session.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The Visiting Domain Network Development Function (V-NEF) receives AF request information, which includes the address of the roaming terminal and is used to query the V-PCF corresponding to the first home route (HR) session of the roaming terminal. The AF request information can be used to determine the session management policy of the VPLMN associated with the first HR session. The first HR session requests to use the VPLMN's edge computing (MEC) service. The V-NEF sends a query request message to the Binding Support Function (BSF) based on the information requested by the AF. The query request message includes the address of the roaming terminal and is used to query the Visiting Domain Policy Control Function (V-PCF) corresponding to the roaming terminal. The V-NEF sends a response message to the application function AF, the response message indicating the V-PCF corresponding to the roaming terminal.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The Application Function (AF) sends an AF request to the Visiting Domain Network Development Function (V-NEF). The AF request includes the identification information of the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) and / or the identification information of the roaming terminal; or, the AF request includes the address of the roaming terminal, used to query the V-PCF corresponding to the first Home Router (HR) session of the roaming terminal; and the AF request can be used to determine the session management policy of the VPLMN associated with the first HR session, whereby the first HR session requests to use the VPLMN's Edge Computing (MEC) service.

22. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The Binding Support Function (BSF) receives a registration request from the Visiting Domain Policy Control Function (V-PCF). The registration request is used to request the registration of the binding relationship between the first home route (HR) session of the roaming terminal and the V-PCF. The binding relationship is used to route information of AF requests associated with the first HR session to the V-PCF. The V-PCF can determine the session management policy of the VPLMN associated with the first HR session. The first HR session requests to use the VPLMN's edge computing (MEC) service. The BSF binds the first HR session to the V-PCF according to the registration request.

23. The method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: The BSF receives a query request message from the Visited Domain Network Development Function (V-NEF) element, the query request message being used to request the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session; The BSF sends a query response message to the V-NEF, the query response message indicating the V-PCF corresponding to the first HR session.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device, the processor implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1-5 via logic circuits or executable code instructions; or, the processor implementing the method as described in any one of claims 6-10 via logic circuits or executable code instructions; or, the processor implementing the method as described in any one of claims 11-12 via logic circuits or executable code instructions; or, the processor implementing the method as described in any one of claims 13-16 via logic circuits or executable code instructions; or, the processor implementing the method as described in any one of claims 17-18 via logic circuits or executable code instructions; or, the processor implementing the method as described in any one of claims 19, 20, or 21 via logic circuits or executable code instructions; or, the processor implementing the method as described in any one of claims 22-23 via logic circuits or executable code instructions.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-5, or the method as described in any one of claims 6-10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11-12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13-16, or the method as described in any one of claims 17-18, or the method as described in any one of claims 19, 20, or 21, or the method as described in any one of claims 22-23.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed, causes the method of any one of claims 1-5 to be performed, or causes the method of any one of claims 6-10 to be performed, or causes the method of any one of claims 11-12 to be performed, or causes the method of any one of claims 13-16 to be performed, or causes the method of any one of claims 17-18 to be performed, or causes the method of any one of claims 19, 20, or 21 to be performed, or causes the method of any one of claims 22-23 to be performed.

27. A communication system, characterized in that, The network includes one or more network elements selected from the following: session management network element, policy control function network element, access and mobility management network element, network development function network element, application function network element, binding support function, and data management network element; wherein, the policy control function network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-5, or the policy control function network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6-10; the session management network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 13-16, the access and mobility management network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 17-18, the network development function network element is used to perform the method as described in claim 19 or 20, the application function network element is used to perform the method as described in claim 21, and the binding support function is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 22-23.

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