Path conversion method, device and system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a path switching method, device and system, and to the field of information and communication technology. The method includes: when the communication between the first terminal and the second terminal meets the path switching triggering condition from the first communication path to the second communication path, the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal, and the address indication information is used to indicate the use of the session address under the first communication path under the second communication path; the first terminal communicates with the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path. Through the above method, the continuity of the session can be guaranteed when the path switching is performed, and the impact of the path switching on the business service can be minimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of information and communication technology, and in particular to a path switching method, device and system. Background Art

[0002] The terminals can communicate with each other via a communication path based on a mobile communication network interface (eg, a Uu interface), or via a communication path based on a direct communication interface (eg, a PC5 interface).

[0003] In some scenarios, such as when the distance between terminals changes, communication path conversion is required. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure proposes a path conversion method, device and system.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a path switching method is provided, including: when the communication between a first terminal and a second terminal satisfies a path switching trigger condition from a first communication path to a second communication path, the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal, the address indication information being used to indicate the use of a session address under the first communication path under the second communication path; the first terminal communicates with the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the first terminal establishing a second communication path with the second terminal, wherein the first terminal sending the address indication information to the second terminal is performed during the process of establishing the second communication path with the second terminal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first communication path is a communication path based on a direct communication interface, and the second communication path is a communication path through a mobile network; or, the first communication path is a communication path through a mobile network, and the second communication path is a communication path based on a direct communication interface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first communication path is a communication path based on a Uu interface, and the second communication path is a communication path based on a PC5 interface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first terminal sending the address indication information to the second terminal includes: sending a direct link security mode command message to the second terminal, wherein the direct link security mode command message includes the address indication information.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first terminal establishing a second communication path with the second terminal further includes: before sending a direct link security mode command message to the second terminal, sending a direct communication request to the second terminal; after sending the direct link security mode command message to the second terminal, receiving a direct link security mode completion message and a direct communication acceptance message sent by the second terminal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the direct link security mode complete message does not include address configuration information of the second terminal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the session address under the first communication path includes: an address of a protocol data unit (PDU) session.

[0013] In some embodiments, the path switching triggering condition includes: the first terminal receives a path switching instruction sent by an application server; or the first terminal is automatically triggered.

[0014] In some embodiments, it also includes: before the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal, the first terminal sends a discovery request to the application server; the first terminal receives the first terminal indication information sent by the application server, and the first terminal indication information is used to indicate that the terminal that previously communicated with the first terminal through the first communication path is the second terminal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the discovery request includes an identification of the first terminal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the first terminal sending a path switching indication message to the second terminal, wherein the path switching indication message is used to instruct the second terminal to switch the first communication path to the second communication path.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the first terminal receiving a path switching response message corresponding to the path switching indication message sent by the second terminal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes: after converting the first communication path to the second communication path, the first terminal releases the session on the first communication path or deactivates the radio bearer of the session on the first communication path.

[0019] In some embodiments, the path switching indication message includes at least one of the following: a path switching direction, and indication information that traffic is no longer transmitted through the first communication path.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, another path switching method is provided, including: a second terminal receives address indication information sent by a first terminal, the address indication information is used to indicate the use of a session address under the first communication path under a second communication path; the second terminal communicates with the first terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a path switching device is provided, which is arranged at a first terminal and includes: a sending module, configured to send address indication information to the second terminal when the communication between the first terminal and the second terminal satisfies a path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path, the address indication information being used to indicate the use of a session address under the first communication path under the second communication path; and a communication module, configured to communicate with the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a path conversion device is provided, which is arranged at a second terminal and includes: a receiving module, configured to receive address indication information sent by a first terminal, the address indication information being used to indicate the use of a session address under a first communication path under a second communication path; and a communication module, configured to communicate with the first terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a path conversion device is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the path conversion method described in any of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0024] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a path switching system is provided, comprising: a first terminal, configured to send address indication information to the second terminal when the communication between the first terminal and the second terminal satisfies a path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path, the address indication information being used to indicate the use of a session address under the first communication path under the second communication path; and a second terminal, configured to communicate with the first terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path after receiving the address indication information.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first terminal is further configured to discover the second terminal before sending the address indication information to the second terminal.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first terminal discovers the second terminal including: the first terminal sends a discovery request to an application server; the application server determines, based on the discovery request, that a terminal that previously communicated with the first terminal via a first communication path is the second terminal; and the application server sends first terminal indication information to the first terminal, wherein the first terminal indication information is used to indicate that the terminal that previously communicated with the first terminal via the first communication path is the second terminal.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first terminal discovering the second terminal further includes: the application server sending second terminal indication information to the second terminal, where the second terminal indication information is used to indicate that the terminal that previously communicated with the second terminal through the first communication path is the first terminal.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first terminal is further configured to send a path switching indication message to the second terminal, wherein the path switching indication message is used to indicate a switch from the first communication path to the second communication path; the second terminal is further configured to send a path switching response message corresponding to the path switching indication message to the first terminal after receiving the path switching indication message.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal is further configured to: release the session under the first communication path or deactivate the radio bearer of the session under the first communication path after converting the first communication path to the second communication path.

[0030] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer storable medium is provided, on which computer program instructions are stored, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the path conversion method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0032] The present disclosure may be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1a is a diagram of a path conversion architecture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between services and PC5 links between terminals according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a path conversion method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3is a flow chart showing a path conversion method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating establishing a second communication path according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 is a flow chart showing a path conversion method according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a path conversion device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a path conversion device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the composition architecture of a path conversion system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a path conversion device according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0045] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0046] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0047] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0048] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0049] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0050] In some scenarios, it is necessary to convert the communication paths between terminals. How to optimize the communication path conversion is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0051] To address this problem, the present disclosure proposes a path switching method, device, and system, which can ensure session continuity when performing path switching and minimize the impact of path switching on business services.

[0052] Figure 1a is a diagram of a path conversion architecture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1a As shown, terminal A and terminal B can communicate via path 110 or path 120.

[0053] Path 110 is a communication path through a mobile communication network. For example, terminal A communicates with terminal B through the Uu interface shown in FIG1a, the access network on the terminal A side, the core network, the data network, and the access network on the terminal B side. The Uu interface is an interface between a terminal and a base station, which can be called a wireless interface or an air interface. Traffic transmitted between terminals through the Uu interface needs to pass through the core network.

[0054] Path 120 is a communication path through a direct communication interface. For example, terminal A communicates with terminal B through a PC5 interface. The PC5 interface is an interface for direct communication between two terminals, and traffic transmitted between terminals through the PC5 interface does not pass through the core network.

[0055] Figure 1b It is a schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between services and PC5 links between terminals according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] In the disclosed embodiment, one or more PC5 unicast links may be established between two terminals, and different businesses (or services) may correspond to different PC5 unicast links or to the same PC5 unicast link.

[0057] For example, Figure 1b As shown, there are two PC5 unicast links between the first terminal and the second terminal. Among them, service A and service B in the first terminal and the second terminal correspond to the same PC5 unicast link, which can be represented by a pair of application layer identifiers, application layer identifier 1 and application layer identifier 2. Service C and service D in the first terminal and the second terminal correspond to the same PC5 unicast link, which can be represented by a pair of application layer identifiers, application layer identifier 3 and application layer identifier 4.

[0058] Figure 2FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a path conversion method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the path conversion method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0059] Step S210: When the communication between the first terminal and the second terminal meets a path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path, the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal.

[0060] Before step S210, the first terminal communicates with the second terminal via the first communication path. After a path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path is met, the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first communication path is a communication path based on a direct communication interface, and the second communication path is a communication path through a mobile network. For example, the first communication path is a path for direct communication through a PC5 interface, and the second communication path is a path for communication through a Uu interface.

[0062] In other embodiments, the first communication path is a communication path through a mobile network, and the second communication path is a communication path based on a direct communication interface. For example, the first communication path is a path for communication through a Uu interface, and the second communication path is a path for communication through a PC5 interface.

[0063] In some embodiments, the path switching triggering condition is: the first terminal receives a path switching instruction sent by an application server. For example, the first terminal receives a path switching instruction sent by a proximity services (Prose) application server.

[0064] In other embodiments, the path switching triggering condition is: the first terminal automatically triggers. For example, the first terminal triggers the path switching when it detects that the distance between the two terminals is less than a preset threshold. For another example, the first terminal triggers the path switching when it needs to unload traffic from the network.

[0065] In some further embodiments, the path switching trigger condition is: the first terminal receives a path switching instruction sent by a core network element. For example, the first terminal receives a path switching instruction sent by a 5G core network element.

[0066] The address indication information is used to indicate that the session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path.

[0067] In some embodiments, the session address under the first communication path is the address of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. In specific implementation, the address type of the PDU session is different according to the data type of the PDU session. For example, when the data type of the PDU session is the IP type, the address of the PDU session is the IP address. In addition, the data type of the PDU session can also be an Ethernet type or an unstructured type, and accordingly, the PDU session address can also be other types except the IP address.

[0068] In some embodiments, the address indication information includes: information indicating the use of a session address corresponding to a previously specified proximity service. For example, the first terminal sends the address indication information to instruct the second terminal to use the PDU session address corresponding to service A under the previous first communication path.

[0069] Step S220: The first terminal communicates with the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0070] After the first terminal switches the first communication path to the second communication path, data is transmitted with the second terminal based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0071] In some embodiments, step S220 includes: the first terminal, based on the session address under the first communication path, sends the service data to the second terminal through the second communication path.

[0072] In some embodiments, step S220 includes: the first terminal receives the service data sent by the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0073] For example, when the first communication path is a path for communicating through the Uu interface and the second communication path is a path for communicating through the PC5 interface (or called a PC5 link), after the communication path is converted from the first communication path to the second communication path, the first terminal uses the previous IP address of the second terminal as the destination address and sends service data to the second terminal through the PC5 link; or, the first terminal receives service data sent by the second terminal through the PC5 link, wherein the second terminal uses the IP address of the first terminal under the communication path based on the Uu interface as the destination address when sending service data based on the PC5 link.

[0074] In the disclosed embodiment, after the path switching trigger condition is met, the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal, so that the two terminals can still use the session address under the previous first communication path after switching to the second communication path, thereby ensuring the continuity of the session when the path is switched, and minimizing the impact of the path switching on the business service. In addition, by using the session address under the previous first communication path, the signaling overhead caused by configuring the session address for the second communication path is reduced, and the path switching process is optimized.

[0075] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a path conversion method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the path conversion method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0077] Step S310: The first terminal determines that a path switching trigger condition is met.

[0078] In some embodiments, step S310 includes: the first terminal receives a path switching instruction sent by an application server. For example, the first terminal receives a path switching instruction sent by a proximity services (Prose) application server.

[0079] In other embodiments, step S310 includes: the first terminal automatically triggers a path switch when it detects that the distance between the two terminals is less than a preset threshold; or, the first terminal automatically triggers a path switch when it needs to unload traffic from the network; or, the first terminal automatically triggers a path switch when it detects that other preset conditions are met.

[0080] Step S320: The first terminal establishes a second communication path with the second terminal.

[0081] The process of establishing a second communication path between the first terminal and the second terminal further includes: the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal, and the address indication information is used to indicate that the session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path. For example, after the first terminal and the second terminal have established security, if the session is an IP communication type, the IP address indication information is sent.

[0082] In some embodiments, the second communication path is a communication path through a mobile network. In these embodiments, during the process of the first terminal establishing the communication path through the mobile network, the address indication information is sent to the second terminal.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second communication path is a communication path based on a direct communication interface. In these embodiments, during the process of the first terminal establishing the communication path through the direct communication interface, the address indication information is sent to the second terminal.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, by sending address indication information to the second terminal during the process of establishing the second communication path, there is no need to perform cumbersome address configuration operations between the terminals, thereby reducing the signaling overhead during the process of establishing the second communication path.

[0085] Step S330: The first terminal sends a path switching indication message to the second terminal.

[0086] In some embodiments, during the process of establishing the second communication path at the first terminal, step S330 is performed.

[0087] In some other embodiments, after the first terminal establishes the second communication path, step S330 is performed.

[0088] In some embodiments, the path switching indication message includes at least one of the following: a path switching direction, and indication information that traffic is no longer transmitted through the first communication path.

[0089] Step S340: the first terminal receives a path switching response message sent by the second terminal.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, by sending a path switching indication message to the second terminal, the second terminal can be switched to the second communication path in a timely manner at an appropriate time, thereby optimizing the path switching process.

[0091] Step S350: The first terminal communicates with the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0092] In some embodiments, after receiving the path switching response message, the first terminal switches the communication path between the first terminal and the second terminal to the second communication path.

[0093] In some embodiments, step S350 includes: the first terminal, based on the session address under the first communication path, sends the service data to the second terminal through the second communication path.

[0094] In some embodiments, step S350 includes: the first terminal receives the service data sent by the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0095] In the disclosed embodiment, the above steps enable the two terminals to still use the session address under the previous first communication path after switching to the second communication path, so as to ensure the continuity of the session when performing the path switching and minimize the impact of the path switching on the business service. Moreover, by sending the address indication information to the second terminal during the process of establishing the second communication path, there is no need to perform cumbersome address configuration operations between the terminals, reducing the signaling overhead during the process of establishing the second communication path, and further optimizing the path switching process.

[0096] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the establishment of a second communication path according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The following is an exemplary description of step S320 in the path conversion process.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown, the process of establishing the second communication path in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0098] Step 410: The first terminal sends a direct communication request to the second terminal.

[0099] In some embodiments, the second communication path is a PC5 unicast link. In these embodiments, the first terminal sends a Prose Direct Link Establishment Request Message to the second terminal.

[0100] In some embodiments, before step 410, the method further includes: the first terminal uses the designated service previously communicated through the first communication path as the service to be switched, and establishes a second communication path for the designated service. Figure 1b Service A and service B are shown as services to be switched, and a PC5 link is established for these two services.

[0101] In some embodiments, before step 410, it also includes: the second terminal determines a target L2 layer identifier for signaling reception.

[0102] Step 420: The first terminal sends a direct link security mode command message to the second terminal.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second communication path is a PC5 unicast link. In these embodiments, the first terminal sends a Prose Direct Link Security Mode Command Message to the second terminal.

[0104] In some embodiments, the direct link security mode command message includes address indication information, wherein the address indication information is used to indicate that a session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path.

[0105] Step 430: The second terminal sends a direct link security mode completion message to the first terminal.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second communication path is a PC5 unicast link. In these embodiments, the second terminal sends a Prose Direct Link Security Mode Complete Message.

[0107] In some embodiments, the direct link security mode complete message does not include the address configuration information of the second terminal. For example, when the second terminal only supports the IPv4 address allocation mechanism, the direct link security mode complete message does not include the following address configuration information: DHCPv4 server.

[0108] Step 440: The second terminal sends a direct communication acceptance message to the first terminal.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second communication path is a PC5 unicast link. In these embodiments, the second terminal sends a Prose Direct Link Establishment Accept Messages to the first terminal.

[0110] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, through the above steps, on the one hand, since there is no need to transmit address configuration information during the second communication path, the second communication path establishment process can be simplified and the signaling overhead in the process of establishing the second communication path can be reduced; on the other hand, by sending address indication information to the second terminal, the two terminals can still use the previous session address under the first communication path after switching to the second communication path, thereby ensuring the continuity of the session when performing the path switching and minimizing the impact of the path switching on the business service.

[0111] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a path conversion method according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0112] like Figure 5 As shown, the path conversion method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes:

[0113] Step 510: The application server assists in executing the terminal discovery process.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the path switching triggering condition is met, steps 510 to 560 are executed.

[0115] In some embodiments, step 510 includes: the first terminal sends a discovery request to an application server; the application server determines, based on the discovery request, that a terminal that previously communicated with the first terminal via a first communication path is a second terminal; then, the application server sends first terminal indication information to the first terminal, and the first terminal indication information is used to indicate that the terminal that previously communicated with the first terminal via the first communication path is a second terminal; next, the first terminal may execute a discovery process for the second terminal.

[0116] In some of the above embodiments, step 510 may also include: the application server sends second terminal indication information to the second terminal, and the second terminal indication information is used to indicate that the terminal that previously communicated with the second terminal through the first communication path is the first terminal, so as to assist the subsequent first terminal in discovering the second terminal.

[0117] In some other embodiments, after discovering multiple terminals, the first terminal may also determine which one of the multiple terminals is the second terminal with the assistance of the application server.

[0118] In some embodiments, the discovery request sent by the first terminal includes a terminal identifier of the first terminal. Exemplarily, the terminal identifier includes at least one of the following: an application layer identifier (application layer ID), an L2 layer identifier (L2 ID), and a proximity service discovery terminal identifier (ProSe Discovery UE ID).

[0119] In some embodiments, after receiving a discovery request from a first terminal, the application server determines whether a discovery request from a second terminal is also received within a preset time; if so, based on the identifier of the first terminal and the identifier of the second terminal carried in the discovery request, determines whether the two terminals are two terminals that previously communicated through the first communication path; if so, sends first terminal indication information to the first terminal, and sends second terminal indication information to the second terminal.

[0120] In other embodiments, after receiving a discovery request from the first terminal, the application server determines the identifier of the first terminal based on the discovery request, and queries the PDU session information under the first communication path based on the identifier of the first terminal; if the query result indicates that the first terminal has previously communicated with the second terminal, the first terminal indication information is sent to the first terminal.

[0121] In some embodiments, before step 510, the method further includes: the first terminal and the second terminal respectively complete the authorization of the proximity service and receive the policy information sent by the proximity service application server; the first terminal and the second terminal respectively establish a PDU session and communicate through the mobile network. Exemplarily, the policy information sent by the proximity service application server includes: whether the path switching policy can be executed, and the interface priority during the path switching.

[0122] Step 520: The first terminal establishes a PC5 connection with the second terminal.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal during the process of establishing a PC5 connection (or PC5 link, or communication path based on PC5 interface) with the second terminal, wherein the address indication information is used to indicate the PDU session address used by the second terminal when communicating with the first terminal through the wireless access network before under the PC5 connection.

[0124] Step 530: The first terminal sends a path switching indication to the second terminal.

[0125] Step 540: The second terminal sends a path switching response to the first terminal.

[0126] Step 550: The first terminal releases the PDU session or deactivates the radio bearer of the PDU session.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first terminal releases the PDU session of the designated service under the first communication path, or deactivates the radio bearer of the PDU session.

[0128] Step 560: The second terminal releases the PDU session or deactivates the radio bearer of the PDU session.

[0129] In some embodiments, the second terminal releases the PDU session of the designated service under the first communication path, or deactivates the radio bearer of the PDU session.

[0130] In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first terminal or the second terminal may also retain the PDU session and corresponding resources under the first communication path.

[0131] In the disclosed embodiment, the above steps can ensure the continuity of the session when performing path switching, and minimize the impact of path switching on business services. At the same time, it can simplify the PC5 connection establishment process and reduce the signaling overhead in establishing the PC5 connection.

[0132] Figure 6 6 , the path switching device 600 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is arranged in the first terminal, and includes: a sending module 610 and a communication module 620 .

[0133] The sending module 610 is configured to send address indication information to the second terminal when the communication between the first terminal and the second terminal meets a path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first communication path is a communication path based on a direct communication interface, and the second communication path is a communication path through a mobile network. For example, the first communication path is a path for direct communication through a PC5 interface, and the second communication path is a path for communication through a Uu interface.

[0135] In other embodiments, the first communication path is a communication path through a mobile network, and the second communication path is a communication path based on a direct communication interface. For example, the first communication path is a path for communication through a Uu interface, and the second communication path is a path for communication through a PC5 interface.

[0136] The address indication information is used to indicate that the session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path.

[0137] In some embodiments, the session address under the first communication path is the address of the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. In specific implementation, the address type of the PDU session is different according to the data type of the PDU session. For example, when the data type of the PDU session is the IP type, the address of the PDU session is the IP address. In addition, the data type of the PDU session can also be an Ethernet type or an unstructured type, and accordingly, the PDU session address can also be other types except the IP address.

[0138] In some embodiments, the address indication information includes: information indicating the use of a session address corresponding to a previously specified proximity service. For example, the first terminal sends the address indication information to instruct the second terminal to use the PDU session address corresponding to service A under the previous first communication path.

[0139] The communication module 620 is configured to communicate with the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0140] In some embodiments, the communication module 620 sends the service data to the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0141] In some embodiments, the communication module 620 receives the service data sent by the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0142] In the disclosed embodiment, through the above device, the two terminals can still use the session address under the previous first communication path after switching to the second communication path, so as to ensure the continuity of the session when the path is switched, and minimize the impact of the path switching on the business service. In addition, by using the session address under the previous first communication path, the signaling overhead caused by configuring the session address for the second communication path is reduced, and the path switching process is optimized.

[0143] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a path conversion device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, the path conversion device 700 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is arranged at the second terminal, and includes: a receiving module 710 and a communication module 720 .

[0144] The receiving module 710 is configured to receive address indication information sent by the first terminal, wherein the address indication information is used to indicate that the session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path.

[0145] Wherein, when the communication between the first terminal and the second terminal meets the path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path, the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal. Based on the address indication information, the second terminal can know that after switching to the second communication path, data transmission is performed with the first terminal based on the previous session address.

[0146] The communication module 720 is configured to communicate with the first terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0147] In some embodiments, the communication module 720 sends the service data to the first terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0148] In some embodiments, the communication module 720 receives the service data sent by the first terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0149] In the disclosed embodiment, the above device enables the two terminals to still use the session address previously used in the first communication path after switching to the second communication path, thereby ensuring the continuity of the session when switching the path, and minimizing the impact of the path switching on the business service. Moreover, by using the session address previously used in the first communication path, the signaling overhead caused by configuring the session address for the second communication path is reduced, and the path switching process is optimized.

[0150] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the composition architecture of a path conversion system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8As shown, the path conversion system of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first terminal 810 , a second terminal 820 , and an application server 830 .

[0151] The first terminal 810 is configured to discover the second terminal.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first terminal 810 discovers the second terminal 820, including: the first terminal 810 sends a discovery request to the application server 830; the application server 830 determines, according to the discovery request, that the terminal that previously communicated with the first terminal through the first communication path is the second terminal 820; and the application server 830 sends first terminal indication information to the first terminal 810. The first terminal indication information is used to indicate that the terminal that previously communicated with the first terminal through the first communication path is the second terminal.

[0153] Furthermore, in some of the above embodiments, the first terminal 810 discovering the second terminal 820 may further include: the application server 830 sending second terminal indication information to the second terminal 820, where the second terminal indication information is used to indicate that the terminal previously communicating with the second terminal through the first communication path is the first terminal.

[0154] The first terminal 810 is further configured to send address indication information to the second terminal 820 when the communication between the first terminal and the second terminal meets the path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path. The address indication information is used to indicate that the session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first terminal sends address indication information to the second terminal 820 during the process of establishing the second communication path between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0156] The first terminal 810 is further configured to send a path switching indication message to the second terminal 820. The path switching indication message is used to indicate switching from the first communication path to the second communication path.

[0157] The second terminal 820 is configured to send a path switching response message to the first terminal 810 after receiving the path switching indication message.

[0158] The first terminal 810 and the second terminal 820 are further configured to communicate through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

[0159] In some embodiments, at least one of the first terminal 810 and the second terminal 820 is further configured to release the session under the first communication path or deactivate the radio bearer of the session under the first communication path after converting the first communication path to the second communication path.

[0160] In the disclosed embodiment, the above system enables the two terminals to still use the session address previously used in the first communication path after switching to the second communication path, thereby ensuring the continuity of the session when performing the path switching and minimizing the impact of the path switching on the business service. Moreover, by using the session address previously used in the first communication path, the signaling overhead caused by configuring the session address for the second communication path is reduced, and the path switching process is optimized.

[0161] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a path conversion device according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0162] like Fig. 9 As shown, the path conversion device 900 includes a memory 910; and a processor 920 coupled to the memory 910. The memory 910 is used to store instructions for executing the corresponding embodiments of the path conversion method. The processor 920 is configured to execute the path conversion method in any of the embodiments of the present disclosure based on the instructions stored in the memory 710.

[0163] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0164] like Fig.10 As shown, the computer system 1000 may be embodied in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The computer system 1000 includes a memory 1010, a processor 1020, and a bus 1030 that connects various system components.

[0165] The memory 1010 may include, for example, a system memory, a non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, an application program, a boot loader, and other programs. The system memory may include a volatile storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a cache memory. The non-volatile storage medium may store, for example, instructions for executing at least one of the corresponding embodiments of the method for determining path conversion. The non-volatile storage medium includes, but is not limited to, a disk storage, an optical storage, a flash memory, etc.

[0166] The processor 1020 can be implemented by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistors, etc. Discrete hardware components. Accordingly, each module such as the sending module and the communication module can be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) running instructions in a memory that execute corresponding steps, or can be implemented by a dedicated circuit that executes corresponding steps.

[0167] The bus 1030 may use any of a variety of bus architectures, including, but not limited to, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0168] The computer system 1000 may also include an input / output interface 1040, a network interface 1050, a storage interface 1060, etc. These interfaces 1040, 1050, 1060, the memory 1010, and the processor 1020 may be connected via a bus 1030. The input / output interface 1040 may provide a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, a mouse, and a keyboard. The network interface 1050 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 1060 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as a floppy disk, a USB flash drive, and an SD card.

[0169] Here, various aspects of the present disclosure are described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices, and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each frame of the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of frames can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0170] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable device to produce a machine, so that the processor executes the instructions to produce means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0171] These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which cause the computer to work in a specific manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0172] The present disclosure can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0173] Through the path switching method, device and system in the above embodiments, the continuity of the session can be guaranteed when performing path switching, and the impact of the path switching on the business service can be minimized.

[0174] So far, the path switching method, device and system according to the present disclosure have been described in detail. In order to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details known in the art are not described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solution disclosed here.

Claims

1. A path conversion method, comprising: In a case where communication between the first terminal and the second terminal satisfies a path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path, the first terminal establishing a second communication path with the second terminal, including: The first terminal sends a direct link security mode command message to the second terminal, wherein the direct link security mode command message includes address indication information, and the address indication information is used to indicate that a session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path; The first terminal receives a direct link security mode completion message sent by the second terminal, wherein the direct link security mode completion message does not include address configuration information of the second terminal; The first terminal communicates with the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

2. The path conversion method according to claim 1, wherein: The first communication path is a communication path based on a direct communication interface, and the second communication path is a communication path through a mobile network; or, The first communication path is a communication path through a mobile network, and the second communication path is a communication path based on a direct communication interface.

3. The path conversion method according to claim 2, wherein: The first communication path is a communication path based on the Uu interface, and the second communication path is a communication path based on the PC5 interface.

4. The path conversion method according to claim 1, wherein: The first terminal establishing a second communication path with the second terminal further includes: Before sending the direct link security mode command message to the second terminal, sending a direct communication request to the second terminal; After receiving the direct link security mode completion message sent by the second terminal, a direct communication acceptance message is received.

5. The path conversion method according to claim 1, wherein: The session address under the first communication path includes: the address of the protocol data unit PDU session.

6. The path conversion method according to claim 1, wherein: The path switching triggering conditions include: The first terminal receives a path switching instruction sent by the application server; or, The first terminal is automatically triggered.

7. The path conversion method according to claim 1, further comprising: Before the first terminal sends the address indication information to the second terminal, the first terminal sends a discovery request to the application server; The first terminal receives first terminal indication information sent by the application server, where the first terminal indication information is used to indicate that a terminal that previously communicated with the first terminal through the first communication path is the second terminal.

8. The path conversion method according to claim 7, wherein: The discovery request includes an identifier of the first terminal.

9. The path conversion method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first terminal sends a path switching indication message to the second terminal, wherein the path switching indication message is used to instruct the second terminal to switch the first communication path to the second communication path.

10. The path conversion method according to claim 9, further comprising: The first terminal receives a path switching response message corresponding to the path switching indication message sent by the second terminal.

11. The path conversion method according to claim 1, further comprising: After converting the first communication path to the second communication path, the first terminal releases the session under the first communication path or deactivates the radio bearer of the session under the first communication path.

12. The path conversion method according to claim 9, wherein: The path switching indication message includes at least one of the following: a path switching direction, and indication information that traffic is no longer transmitted through the first communication path.

13. A path conversion method, comprising: The second terminal establishes a second communication path with the first terminal, including: The second terminal receives a direct link security mode command message sent by the first terminal, wherein the direct link security mode command message includes address indication information, and the address indication information is used to indicate that a session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path; The second terminal sends a direct link security mode completion message, wherein the direct link security mode completion message does not include address configuration information of the second terminal; The second terminal communicates with the first terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

14. A path conversion device, arranged at a first terminal, comprising: The establishing module is configured to establish a second communication path between the first terminal and the second terminal when the communication between the first terminal and the second terminal meets the path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path, including: Sending a direct link security mode command message to the second terminal, wherein the direct link security mode command message includes address indication information, and the address indication information is used to indicate that a session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path; receiving a direct link security mode completion message sent by the second terminal, wherein the direct link security mode completion message does not include address configuration information of the second terminal; The communication module is configured to communicate with the second terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

15. A path conversion device, arranged at a second terminal, comprising: An establishing module is configured to establish a second communication path with the first terminal, including: receiving a direct link security mode command message sent by the first terminal, wherein the direct link security mode command message includes address indication information, and the address indication information is used to indicate that a session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path; Sending a direct link security mode completion message, wherein the direct link security mode completion message does not include address configuration information of the second terminal; The communication module is configured to communicate with the first terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path.

16. A path conversion device, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the path switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 based on instructions stored in the memory.

17. A path conversion system, comprising: A first terminal is configured to establish a second communication path with the second terminal when communication between the first terminal and the second terminal satisfies a path switching trigger condition from the first communication path to the second communication path, comprising: sending a direct link security mode command message to the second terminal, wherein the direct link security mode command message includes address indication information, and the address indication information is used to indicate that a session address under the first communication path is used under the second communication path; and receiving a direct link security mode completion message sent by the second terminal, wherein the direct link security mode completion message does not include address configuration information of the second terminal; The second terminal is configured to communicate with the first terminal through the second communication path based on the session address under the first communication path after receiving the address indication information.

18. The path switching system according to claim 17, wherein: The first terminal is further configured to discover the second terminal before sending the address indication information to the second terminal.

19. The path conversion system according to claim 18, wherein: The first terminal discovering the second terminal includes: The first terminal sends a discovery request to the application server; The application server determines, according to the discovery request, that a terminal previously communicating with the first terminal through the first communication path is a second terminal; The application server sends first terminal indication information to the first terminal, where the first terminal indication information is used to indicate that a terminal that previously communicated with the first terminal through a first communication path is the second terminal.

20. The path switching system according to claim 18, wherein: The first terminal discovering the second terminal further includes: The application server sends second terminal indication information to the second terminal, where the second terminal indication information is used to indicate that a terminal that previously communicated with the second terminal through the first communication path is the first terminal.

21. The path switching system according to claim 17, wherein: The first terminal is further configured to send a path switching indication message to the second terminal, wherein the path switching indication message is used to indicate switching from the first communication path to the second communication path; The second terminal is further configured to send a path switching response message corresponding to the path switching indication message to the first terminal after receiving the path switching indication message.

22. The path switching system according to claim 17, wherein: At least one of the first terminal and the second terminal is further configured to: after converting the first communication path to the second communication path, release the session under the first communication path or deactivate the radio bearer of the session under the first communication path.

23. A computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the path conversion method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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