Communication methods, devices, electronic equipment and storage media

Abstract

This disclosure relates to communication methods, apparatus, electronic devices, and storage media. The method is applied to a first session management function network element and includes: receiving a packet data unit session establishment request carrying a general data network name sent by a target terminal; selecting a first user plane function network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal; selecting an uplink classifier user plane function network element if a private data network name is obtained; sending a network element discovery request to a network storage function network element if it is determined that access to private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, selecting a second session management function network element based on a received list of session management function network elements, and requesting the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function element; and forwarding data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function network element based on traffic splitting rules. This disclosure enables the target terminal to access public network services and private network services even while roaming.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] 5G dual-domain private networks, as a key service scenario for 5G private networks, possess enormous market potential. Currently, 5G dual-domain private networks primarily target scenarios with high communication security requirements, such as schools, government agencies, and large enterprises, to meet the needs of individual (2C) users accessing both public and private network services using their terminal devices. Existing 5G dual-domain private network traffic offloading technologies mainly include Uplink Classifier (ULCL) offloading technology, Dedicated Data Network Name (DNN) offloading technology, and network-side multi-DNN offloading technology.

[0003] Among related technologies, ULCL traffic offloading technology only supports terminal devices to simultaneously access public network services and private network services within a specific campus or their home local network. When a terminal device roams to other local networks (e.g., intra-provincial or inter-provincial roaming), it can only access public network services and cannot access private network services. Although dedicated DNN traffic offloading technology allows terminal devices to access both public and private network services while roaming, all public network traffic during roaming must be routed through the dedicated User Plane Function (UPF) network element in the home location. This results in public network traffic detours and increases public network service latency, severely impacting the service experience. As a non-standard solution, network-side multi-DNN traffic offloading technology requires customized functional development for network elements such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Policy Control Function (PCF), and User Plane Function (UPF), resulting in high network element transformation costs. In addition, the network side needs to establish multiple Packet Data Unit (PDU) sessions for terminal devices, which increases network costs.

[0004] Therefore, how to enable terminal devices to access public network services and private network services while roaming is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium to solve the problem in the related art that terminal devices cannot access public network services and private network services when roaming.

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method applied to a first session management function network element. The method includes: receiving a packet data unit session establishment request sent by a target terminal, wherein the packet data unit session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a packet data unit session for the target terminal and carries the general data network name of the target terminal; selecting a first user plane function network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal and sending a subscription information acquisition request to a policy control function network element, wherein the subscription information acquisition request is used to request the acquisition of the private data network name of the target terminal; and, if the private data network name is acquired, selecting an uplink classifier user plane function network element based on the current location of the target terminal, wherein the uplink classifier user plane function network element is used to perform traffic splitting on the data packets of the target terminal. If it is determined that access to private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, a network element discovery request is sent to the network storage function network element. The network element discovery request is used to request a list of session management function network elements that match the private data network name. The session management function network element list includes multiple second session management function network elements. The network storage function network element receives the list of session management function network elements sent by the network storage function network element, selects a second session management function network element from the multiple second session management function network elements based on the current location of the target terminal, and requests the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function network element. Based on the traffic splitting rules, the data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function network element are forwarded using the general data network name data exit of the first user plane function network element or the private data network name data exit of the second user plane function network element.

[0007] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a communication method applied to an access and mobility management function network element. The method includes: receiving a packet data unit session establishment request sent by a target terminal, wherein the packet data unit session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a packet data unit session for the target terminal and carries the general data network name of the target terminal; selecting a first session management function network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, wherein the first session management function network element is used to perform the method described above.

[0008] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a communication apparatus applied to a first session management function network element. The apparatus includes: a receiving module configured to receive a packet data unit session establishment request sent by a target terminal, wherein the packet data unit session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a packet data unit session for the target terminal and carries the target terminal's general data network name; a first sending module configured to select a first user plane function network element and send a subscription information acquisition request to a policy control function network element based on the general data network name and the target terminal's current location, wherein the subscription information acquisition request is used to request the acquisition of the target terminal's private data network name; and a first selection module configured to, upon acquisition of the private data network name, select an uplink classifier user plane function network element based on the target terminal's current location, wherein the uplink classifier user plane function network element is used to perform data packet splitting for the target terminal. The second sending module is configured to send a network element discovery request to the network storage function network element when it is determined that access to private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal. The network element discovery request is used to request a list of session management function network elements that match the private data network name. The session management function network element list includes multiple second session management function network elements. The second selection module is configured to receive the list of session management function network elements sent by the network storage function network element, select a second session management function network element from the multiple second session management function network elements based on the current location of the target terminal, and request the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function network element. The forwarding module is configured to forward data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function network element based on the traffic splitting rules, using the general data network name data exit of the first user plane function network element or the private data network name data exit of the second user plane function network element.

[0009] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a communication apparatus applied to an access and mobility management function (AMU) network element. The apparatus includes: a receiving module configured to receive a packet data unit (PaDN) session establishment request sent by a target terminal, wherein the PaDN session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a PaDN session for the target terminal and carries a generic data network name (GCN) of the target terminal; and a selection module configured to select a first session management function (SMF) network element based on the SMN name and the current location of the target terminal, wherein the first SMF network element is used to perform the method described above.

[0010] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides an electronic device including at least one processor; a memory for storing at least one processor-executable instruction; wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the instruction to implement the steps of the method described above.

[0011] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium that, when instructions in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by a processor of an electronic device, enables the electronic device to perform the steps of the above-described method.

[0012] The at least one technical solution adopted in this disclosure embodiment can achieve the following beneficial effects: By receiving a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by the target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the target terminal's General Data Network Name; based on the General Data Network Name and the target terminal's current location, a first User Plane Functional Network Element is selected and a Subscription Information Acquisition Request is sent to the Policy Control Functional Network Element, wherein the Subscription Information Acquisition Request is used to request the acquisition of the target terminal's Private Data Network Name; if the Private Data Network Name is acquired, an Uplink Classifier User Plane Functional Network Element is selected based on the target terminal's current location, wherein the Uplink Classifier User Plane Functional Network Element is used to offload the target terminal's data packets; if it is determined that access to private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, a Network Element Discovery Request is sent to the Network Storage Functional Network Element, wherein... In this process, the network element discovery request is used to request a list of session management function network elements that match the private data network name. The list of session management function network elements includes multiple second session management function network elements. The system receives the session management function network element list sent by the network storage function network element, selects a second session management function network element from the multiple second session management function network elements based on the target terminal's current location, and requests the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function network element. Based on the traffic splitting rules, the system uses the general data network name data exit of the first user plane function network element or the private data network name data exit of the second user plane function network element to forward data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function network element. This enables the target terminal to access public network services and private network services while roaming, thus avoiding public network traffic detours and bypasses, reducing the workload of existing network upgrades, lowering public network service latency and network element upgrade costs, and further improving the service experience. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of an intra-provincial roaming scenario provided by an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an inter-provincial roaming scenario provided by an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0023] It should be understood that the steps described in the method embodiments of this disclosure may be performed in different orders and / or in parallel. Furthermore, the method embodiments may include additional steps and / or omit the steps shown. The scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0024] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the description below. It should be noted that the concepts of "first", "second", etc., used in this disclosure are only used to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not intended to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies.

[0025] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this disclosure are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0026] The names of messages or information exchanged between multiple devices in the embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of such messages or information.

[0027] A communication method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 The communication method can be executed by the first session management function network element. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0029] S101, Receive a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by the target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the target terminal's General Data Network Name;

[0030] S102, based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, select the first user plane function network element and send a subscription information acquisition request to the policy control function network element, wherein the subscription information acquisition request is used to request the acquisition of the private data network name of the target terminal;

[0031] S103, upon obtaining the name of the dedicated data network, select the uplink classifier user plane function network element based on the current location of the target terminal, wherein the uplink classifier user plane function network element is used to offload the data packets of the target terminal;

[0032] S104, if it is determined that access services for private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, a network element discovery request is sent to the network storage function network element. The network element discovery request is used to request a list of session management function network elements that match the private data network name. The list of session management function network elements includes multiple second session management function network elements.

[0033] S105, receive the list of session management function network elements sent by the network storage function network element, select a second session management function network element from multiple second session management function network elements based on the current location of the target terminal, and request the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function network element.

[0034] S106, based on the traffic splitting rules, uses the general data network name data exit of the first user plane functional network element or the dedicated data network name data exit of the second user plane functional network element to forward data packets from the uplink classifier user plane functional network element.

[0035] Specifically, the target terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the first SMF network element, which carries the target terminal's generic DNN. Upon receiving the PDU session establishment request from the target terminal, the first SMF network element assigns an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the target terminal and selects a first UPF network element based on the generic DNN and the target terminal's current location. Further, the first SMF network element establishes a session management policy association with the PCF / Unified Data Repository (UDR) network element of the target terminal's home location and obtains the policy rules subscribed to by the target terminal from the PCF / UDR network element. If the policy rules determine that the target terminal has subscribed to a dedicated DNN, and the dedicated DNN includes a special identifier field for dual-domain private networks, then the first SMF network element inserts a ULCL UPF network element into the PDU session based on ULCL insertion rules to offload data packets from the target terminal.

[0036] Next, the first SMF network element determines whether it can provide private network service access to the target terminal based on the ULCL insertion rules. If it is determined that it cannot provide private network service access to the target terminal, the first SMF network element sends a network element discovery request to the Network Repository Function (NRF) network element to request the NRF network element to provide a list of SMF network elements that match the dedicated DNN. In response to the network element discovery request sent by the first SMF network element, the NRF network element queries at least one second SMF network element that can provide private network service access to the target terminal, and sends a list of SMF network elements including at least one second SMF network element to the first SMF network element.

[0037] Furthermore, after receiving the SMF network element list sent by the NRF network element, the first SMF network element selects a second SMF network element from at least one second SMF network element based on the current location of the target terminal, and requests the second SMF network element to select a second UPF network element for the target terminal based on the dedicated DNN; when the data packet sent by the target terminal arrives at the ULCL UPF, the ULCL UPF forwards the data packet based on the traffic splitting rules, using the general DNN data exit of the first UPF network element or the dedicated DNN data exit of the second UPF network element.

[0038] Here, the target terminal can be a device used to implement communication functions. The target terminal can be a user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, wireless communication device, terminal agent, or terminal device in a 5G network or a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). The target terminal can be mobile or fixed; this disclosure does not limit this. Optionally, the operating system running on the target terminal can include, but is not limited to, Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows systems.

[0039] Access terminals can be cellular phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices or smart wearable devices, Virtual Reality (VR) terminal devices, Augmented Reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0040] It should be noted that the specific type of the target terminal is not limited in this embodiment. Preferably, in this embodiment, the target terminal is a UE, such as a mobile phone.

[0041] SMF network elements are mainly used for session management, execution of control policies issued by PCF network elements, selection of UPF network elements, and allocation of UE IP addresses. The first SMF network element can be either the home SMF network element or the roaming SMF network element. The second SMF network element can also be the home SMF network element. In roaming scenarios, the home SMF network element can also be referred to as the target terminal's anchor SMF (ASMF) network element.

[0042] A PDU session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a PDU session between the UE and the Data Network (DN). In other words, a PDU session establishment request is used to request access to public network services or private network services. The PDU session establishment request can be initiated by the target terminal located in its home area, or it can be initiated from its current roaming location when the target terminal is in a roaming state. When the target terminal is located in different regions, it can initiate different PDU session establishment requests to the corresponding SMF network element through the base station deployed in its location. This PDU session establishment request can carry information indicating whether the target terminal is in a roaming state. After initiating a PDU session establishment request to the SMF network element, it can use the SMF network element to connect to the UPF network element deployed in the target terminal's current location, and then connect to the DN through the UPF network element for data transmission.

[0043] DN (Data Network) is a data network that provides services to users. Typically, the client is located at the UE (User Equipment), and the server is located in the data network. The data network can be a private network, such as a local area network (LAN); it can also be an external network not controlled by the operator, such as the Internet; or it can be a dedicated network jointly deployed by the operator, such as a configured IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem (IMS) service. In roaming scenarios, the local data network deployed in the home location can be different from the local data network deployed in the roaming location. For ease of understanding, the local data network deployed in the home location can also be referred to as a campus network, enterprise network, enterprise private network, local network, etc., and this disclosure does not impose any limitations on these terms.

[0044] The general DNN supports communication within the province where the target area is located. If the UE's subscription method with the target area's intranet is general DNN, then the access range supported by this subscription method is within the province where the target area is located. The UE and the target area's intranet subscribe through general DNN, enabling the UE to access the target area's intranet when the UE's location is within the province where the target area is located, but preventing access when the UE is outside the province where the target area is located.

[0045] The dedicated DNN supports communication outside the province where the target area is located. If the UE's subscription method with the target area's intranet is a dedicated network DNN, then the access range supported by this subscription method includes outside the province where the target area is located. The UE and the target area's intranet subscribe through a dedicated network DNN, enabling the UE to access the target area's intranet even when the UE's location information is outside the province where the target area is located.

[0046] Operators can subscribe to dedicated DNNs for private network users. When a UE registers as a private network user, it can be subscribed to a dedicated DNN; while for UEs that have not registered as private network users, a general DNN can be subscribed to. In other words, it is possible to determine whether a target terminal is a registered private network user based on the target terminal's subscribed DNN.

[0047] It should be noted that a dedicated DNN can access both the public network and the target private network; a general DNN can only access the public network and cannot access the target private network. Here, the target private network is the intranet relative to the public network, and the public network is the extranet relative to the target private network.

[0048] UPF network elements, as the interface UPF network elements with DN, are mainly used for UE service data routing and forwarding, data and service identification, action and policy execution, etc. The first UPF network element, also known as the primary anchor UPF network element, refers to the UPF network element that the UE connects to during initial session creation. It is mainly used to allocate IP addresses to the UE and forward user plane data. The first UPF network element can be deployed in the home location or the roaming location; this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this. The second UPF network element, also known as the secondary anchor UPF network element, refers to the UPF network element inserted after the UE's session creation is completed. It is mainly used to forward user plane data for the UE. The ULCL UPF network element is a working mode of UPF network element, mainly used for service offloading. It can determine the direction of data flow based on different destination addresses accessed by the user. In this disclosure, the ULCL UPF network element can be inserted in the home location or the roaming location; this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this. The ULCL UPF network element can also be deployed together with other UPF network elements to indicate that the network element can simultaneously serve as a ULCL UPF network element to achieve offloading functionality.

[0049] The PCF network element is mainly used for policy control such as billing at the session and service flow levels, Quality of Service (QoS) bandwidth assurance and mobility management, and UE policy decision-making. The UDR network element is mainly used for storing and retrieving data of various types, such as subscription data, policy data, and application data. The Unified Data Management (UDM) network element is mainly used for managing subscription data and user access authorization. In this embodiment, the UDM / UDR network element is mainly used for storing and retrieving UE subscription data, which includes at least a general DNN; the PCF / UDR network element is mainly used for storing and retrieving UE subscription data, which includes at least a dedicated DNN, ULCL insertion rules, and traffic splitting rules. Furthermore, the dedicated DNN includes at least a special identifier field for dual-domain private networks to indicate that the UE has subscribed to dual-domain private network services.

[0050] The ULCL insertion rule is used to instruct SMF network elements (e.g., the first SMF network element) to insert ULCL UPF network elements and secondary anchor UPF network elements for the UE's PDU session when the dedicated DNN subscribed to by the UE includes a special identifier field for a dual-domain private network. It also instructs SMF network elements (e.g., the first or second SMF network element) to select the secondary anchor UPF network element based on the dedicated DNN. It should be noted that the selection of the secondary anchor UPF network element is based on the dedicated DNN, not the general DNN.

[0051] The traffic splitting rules include the destination IP address and the target Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the dual-domain private network. These rules instruct ULCL UPF network elements to detect the destination IP address or target URL of uplink data packets. If the detected destination IP address or target URL matches the destination IP address or target URL in the traffic splitting rules, the ULCL UPF network element forwards the uplink data packet to the secondary anchor UPF network element; otherwise, the ULCL UPF network element forwards the uplink data packet to the primary anchor UPF network element.

[0052] The NRF network element is mainly used to receive network element discovery requests sent by the SMF network element, query other SMF network elements that match the network element discovery request, and send a list of other SMF network elements to the SMF network element. Here, other SMF network elements refer to SMF network elements that can provide access services for private network services to the target terminal and can control the second UPF network element. The network element discovery request carries at least the dedicated DNN subscribed by the target terminal. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the SMF network element can be a first SMF network element, other SMF network elements can be second SMF network elements, and the list of other SMF network elements can be an SMF network element list that includes multiple second SMF network elements.

[0053] According to the technical solution provided in this disclosure, a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request (PDS) is received from a target terminal. The PDS request requests the establishment of a PDS session for the target terminal and carries the target terminal's generic data network name. Based on the generic data network name and the target terminal's current location, a first user plane function network element is selected, and a subscription information acquisition request is sent to a policy control function network element. The subscription information acquisition request requests the acquisition of the target terminal's private data network name. If the private data network name is acquired, an uplink classifier user plane function network element is selected based on the target terminal's current location. The uplink classifier user plane function network element is used to offload data packets from the target terminal. If it is determined that access to private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, a network element discovery request is sent to a network storage function network element. This system requests a list of session management function network elements that match the private data network name. This list includes multiple second session management function network elements. It receives the session management function network element list from the network storage function network element, selects one second session management function network element from the multiple second session management function network elements based on the target terminal's current location, and requests the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function network element. Based on traffic splitting rules, it uses the general data network name data exit of the first user plane function network element or the private data network name data exit of the second user plane function network element to forward data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function network element. This enables the target terminal to access public network services and private network services while roaming, thus avoiding public network traffic detours and bypasses, reducing the workload of existing network upgrades, lowering public network service latency and network element upgrade costs, and further improving the service experience.

[0054] In some embodiments, receiving a packet data unit session establishment request sent by a target terminal includes: receiving a packet data unit session establishment request sent by the target terminal through a target base station and an access and mobility management function network element, wherein the first session management function network element is selected by the access and mobility management function network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal.

[0055] Specifically, the target terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF network element through the target base station. Upon receiving the PDU session establishment request, the AMF network element selects an SMF network element from the corresponding SMF network element pool as the first SMF network element based on the general DNN and the current location of the target terminal, or directly selects an SMF network element as the first SMF network element. The first SMF network element can be located in the home area or the roaming area.

[0056] When the UE is located in its home location, the target base station can be a home base station deployed in the UE's current home location, and the AMF network element can be a home AMF network element deployed in the UE's current home location. The AMF network element can select the home SMF network element as the first SMF network element. When the UE is located in its roaming location, the target base station can be a roaming base station deployed in the roaming location, and the AMF network element can be a roaming AMF network element deployed in the roaming location. The AMF network element can select the roaming SMF network element as the first SMF network element. Thus, the AMF network element can flexibly select the SMF network element as the first SMF network element based on the UE's current location.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the name of a dedicated data network is obtained, selecting an uplink classifier user plane function network element based on the current location of the target terminal includes: if a first user plane function network element has a first interface with the target base station, then selecting the first user plane function network element as the uplink classifier user plane function network element; if there is no first interface between the first user plane function network element and the target base station, then selecting the user plane function network element that is closest to the current location of the target terminal and has a first interface with the target base station as the uplink classifier user plane function network element.

[0058] Specifically, after acquiring the dedicated DNN, the first SMF network element determines which ULCLUPF network element needs to be inserted based on the ULCL insertion rules. Further, the first SMF network element determines whether a first interface exists between the first UPF network element and the target base station. If a first interface exists, it indicates that the first UPF network element can also function as a ULCL UPF network element, and the first SMF network element selects the first UPF network element as the ULCL UPF network element. If no first interface exists between the first user plane function network element and the target base station, it indicates that the first UPF network element cannot also function as a ULCL UPF network element, and the first SMF network element needs to reselect a UPF network element as the ULCL UPF network element. This UPF network element must be closest to the UE's current location and have a first interface with the target base station. Here, the first interface is the N3 interface (i.e., a physical connection exists between the first UPF network element and the target base station), used to transmit user plane data between the target base station and the first UPF network element.

[0059] It should be noted that, considering the costs of network element transformation, traffic detours and redirections, and increased service latency, the first UPF network element is prioritized as the ULCL UPF network element when it can also function as an ULCL UPF network element. This avoids public network traffic detours and redirections, reduces the workload of existing network transformation, lowers public network service latency and network element transformation costs, and further improves the service experience.

[0060] In some embodiments, when the target terminal is located in a roaming area, the first session management function network element is a roaming session management function network element located in the roaming area. If it is determined that access services for private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, a network element discovery request is sent to the network storage function network element. This includes: determining that access services for private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal if there is no second interface between the first session management function network element and the second user plane function network element; sending a network element discovery request to the network storage function network element; and selecting a second session management function network element based on the list of session management function network elements returned by the network storage function network element, wherein the second session management function network element is a home session management function network element located in the home area of ​​the target terminal.

[0061] Specifically, when the UE is located in the roaming area, the first SMF network element is the roaming SMF network element located in the roaming area. Since there is no second interface between the first SMF network element located in the roaming area and the second UPF network element located in the home area, the first SMF network element cannot provide the UE with access services for private network services. At this time, the first SMF network element sends a network element discovery request to the NRF network element to request the NRF network element to provide a list of SMF network elements that can provide access services for private network services to the UE. After receiving the SMF network element list returned by the NRF network element, the first SMF network element selects an SMF network element located in the UE's home area that can control the second UPF network element from the SMF network element list as the second SMF network element. Here, the second interface is the N4 interface, which is used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including the distribution of forwarding rules, QoS control rules, traffic statistics rules, etc., from the control plane to the user plane, as well as the reporting of information from the user plane.

[0062] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, when the first SMF network element cannot provide access services for private network services to the dedicated DNN, the dedicated DNN performs SMF service discovery on the NRF network element to determine the second SMF network element, and selects the auxiliary anchor point UPF by using the dual SMF network element of the first SMF network element and the second SMF network element. The selection of the auxiliary anchor point UPF can be realized by the dedicated DNN through the dual SMF network elements, thereby realizing access to public network services and private network services based on the ULCL UPF network element.

[0063] In some embodiments, the traffic splitting rule includes the destination Internet Protocol address (IPA) and the destination Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the target private network. Based on the traffic splitting rule, data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function element are forwarded using the general data network name data egress of the first user plane function element or the dedicated data network name data egress of the second user plane function element. This includes: when the destination IPA of the packet data unit session establishment request matches the destination IPA of the target private network, or when the destination URL of the packet data unit session establishment request matches the destination URL of the target private network. If the locator matches, the dedicated data network name data exit of the second user plane function element is used to forward the data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function element to the target private network; if the destination Internet Protocol address of the packet data unit session establishment request does not match the destination Internet Protocol address of the target private network, or if the target Uniform Resource Locator of the packet data unit session establishment request does not match the target Uniform Resource Locator of the target private network, the general data network name data exit of the first user plane function element is used to forward the data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function element to the public network.

[0064] Specifically, the traffic splitting rules can include the destination IP address and destination URL of the target private network. Upon receiving a PDU session establishment request, the first SMF network element can determine the data packet splitting direction based on the destination IP address or destination URL of the PDU session establishment request. Here, the data packet splitting direction can include the target private network and the public network. Taking the destination IP address as an example, if the destination IP address belongs to the target private network, the data packet splitting direction is determined to be the target private network. In this case, the dedicated DNN data exit of the second UPF network element is used to forward the data packet from the ULCL UPF network element to the target private network. If the destination IP address belongs to the public network, the data packet splitting direction is determined to be the public network. In this case, the general DNN data exit of the first UPF network element is used to forward the data packet from the ULCL UPF network element to the public network. Here, the target private network is the internal network relative to the public network, and the public network is the external network relative to the target private network.

[0065] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the direction of data packet routing can be determined based on the destination IP address or target URL of the PDU session establishment request, thus facilitating the user's network access operations.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the target terminal is located in the home location, the first session management function network element is the home session management function network element located in the home location. The method further includes: when it is determined that access services for private network services can be provided to the target terminal, selecting a user plane function network element located in the home location as the second user plane function network element based on the private data network name.

[0067] Specifically, when the UE is located in the home location, the first SMF network element is the home SMF network element located in the home location. Therefore, the first SMF network element can provide the UE with access services for private network services. At this time, the first SMF network element can directly select the home UPF network element as the second user plane function network element based on the dedicated DNN.

[0068] All the above-mentioned optional technical solutions can be combined in any way to form the optional embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be described in detail here. In addition, the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0069] The communication method of this disclosure embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific examples. The scenario is set as follows:

[0070] Suppose a government network customer (UE) has signed up for a dual-domain private network, with its home location being Beijing. Beijing Mobile has configured a dedicated UPF network element for the UE, and the government private network connects to the Beijing dedicated UPF network element via a physical leased line. A government network customer (UE) has subscribed to a general DNN (e.g., China Mobile Network, CMNET) in its home UDM / UDR network element in Beijing, and has also subscribed to a dedicated DNN, ULCL insertion rules, and traffic splitting rules in its home PCF / UDR network element in Beijing. The dedicated DNN includes a special identifier field for dual-domain private networks to indicate that the UE has subscribed to dual-domain private network services. The ULCL insertion rule determines whether the UE has subscribed to a dedicated DNN. If the subscribed dedicated DNN includes a special identifier field for dual-domain private networks, the SMF network element needs to insert a ULCL UPF network element and a secondary anchor point UPF network element for the UE's PDU session, and instruct the SMF network element to select the secondary anchor point UPF network element based on the subscribed dedicated DNN. The traffic splitting rule includes the destination IP address and target URL of the government private network. The traffic splitting rule instructs the ULCL UPF network element to detect the destination IP or target URL of the uplink data packet. If the detected destination IP address or target URL matches the destination IP or target URL in the traffic splitting rule, then the ULCL... The UPF network element forwards uplink data packets to the secondary anchor UPF network element; otherwise, the ULCL UPF network element forwards uplink data packets to the primary anchor UPF network element.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an intra-provincial roaming scenario provided by an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2As shown, the roaming scenario within the province can include UE, base station, UDM / UDR network element, PCF / UDR network element, AMF network element, SMF network element, first UPF network element, second UPF network element, Internet and government private network.

[0072] Specifically, the UE, located in Beijing, needs to access public networks (e.g., the Internet) and government private network services. The UE uses a general DNN and initiates a PDU session establishment request through a base station to request the establishment of a PDU session with the Internet or government private network. Upon receiving the PDU session establishment request, the AMF network element in Beijing selects a general SMF network element in Beijing as the SMF network element based on the general DNN and the UE's current location. The SMF network element then selects a general UPF network element in Beijing as the first UPF network element (i.e., the primary anchor UPF network element for the PDU session) based on the general DNN and the UE's current location. Further, the SMF network element assigns an IP address to the UE and establishes a session management policy association with the PCF / UDR network element in Beijing. The PCF / UDR network element sends the UE's subscribed private DNN, ULCL insertion rules, and traffic splitting rules to the SMF network element.

[0073] When the SMF network element discovers that the UE has subscribed to a dedicated DNN and determines from the special field identifier contained in the dedicated DNN that the UE is a dual-domain private network UE, the SMF network element determines, based on the ULCL insertion rules, that a ULCL UPF network element and a second UPF network element (i.e., the secondary anchor point UPF network element of the PDU session) need to be inserted into the PDU session. The SMF network element selects a ULCL UPF network element based on the UE's current location. If the selected first UPF network element has an N3 interface (i.e., there is a physical connection between the first UPF network element and the base station), the first UPF network element is selected first and used as the ULCL UPF network element. If the selected first UPF network element does not have an N3 interface (i.e., there is no physical connection between the first UPF network element and the base station), the UPF network element closest to the UE and with an N3 interface to the current base station is selected as the ULCL UPF network element. Here, it is assumed that the first UPF network element has an N3 interface, that is, the first UPF network element is used as the ULCL UPF network element.

[0074] Next, based on the UE's subscription policy rules, the SMF network element uses a dedicated DNN to select a secondary anchor point UPF network element (i.e., the dedicated UPF network element as described above) for the PDU session. Since the secondary anchor point UPF network element is within the jurisdiction of the SMF network element, the SMF network element directly selects the secondary anchor point UPF network element as the second UPF network element based on the dedicated DNN. After selecting the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, the SMF network element establishes an N4 interface connection with the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element respectively, and requests the second UPF network element to allocate its N9 interface tunnel information, the first UPF network element to allocate its N9 interface tunnel information and N3 interface tunnel information, and transmits the traffic splitting rules to the first UPF network element through the N4 interface.

[0075] Furthermore, the SMF network element transmits the N9 interface tunnel information allocated by the second UPF network element to the first UPF network element, and transmits the N9 interface tunnel information allocated by the first UPF network element to the second UPF network element, so that an N9 interface connection is established between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element (i.e., the dedicated UPF network element as described above); the SMF network element transmits the N3 tunnel information allocated by the first UPF network element on the core network side to the AMF network element, and then the AMF network element transmits it to the base station. After the base station allocates the N3 interface tunnel information on the radio network side, it transmits it to the SMF network element through the AMF network element, and then the SMF network element transmits it to the first UPF network element, so that an N3 interface connection is established between the first UPF network element and the base station. Thus, the UE's PDU session establishment process is completed.

[0076] When a UE initiates a private network service request, the UE sends an uplink private network data packet. After the private network data packet arrives at the first UPF network element, the first UPF network element checks whether the destination IP address is a private network IP address based on the UE's traffic splitting rules. If the destination IP address is determined to be a private network IP address, the private network data packet is forwarded to the second UPF network element through the N9 interface. When a UE initiates a public network service request, the UE sends an uplink data packet. After the data packet arrives at the first UPF network element, the first UPF network element checks whether the destination IP address matches the IP address in the traffic splitting rules. In this case, the first UPF network element forwards the data packet to the Internet through the N6 interface.

[0077] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an inter-provincial roaming scenario provided by an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the inter-provincial roaming scenario may include UE, roaming base station, UDM / UDR network element, PCF / UDR network element, roaming AMF network element, first SMF network element, second SMF network element, first UPF network element, second UPF network element, Internet and government private network.

[0078] Specifically, when a UE is roaming in Hebei Province, it needs to access public networks (e.g., the Internet) and government private network services. The UE uses a general DNN and initiates a PDU session establishment request through a roaming base station located in Hebei Province to request the establishment of a PDU session with the Internet or government private network. Upon receiving the PDU session establishment request, the AMF network element in Hebei Province selects a general SMF network element in Hebei Province as the first SMF network element based on the general DNN and the UE's current location. The first SMF network element then selects a general UPF network element in Hebei Province as the first UPF network element (i.e., the main anchor UPF network element of the PDU session) based on the general DNN and the UE's current location. Further, the first SMF network element assigns an IP address to the UE and establishes a session management policy association with the PCF / UDR network element in the home location, Beijing. The PCF / UDR network element sends the UE's subscribed dedicated DNN, ULCL insertion rules, and traffic splitting rules to the first SMF network element.

[0079] When the first SMF network element discovers that the UE has subscribed to a dedicated DNN and determines from the special field identifier contained in the dedicated DNN that the UE is a dual-domain private network UE, the first SMF network element determines, based on the ULCL insertion rules, that a ULCLUPF network element and a second UPF network element (i.e., the secondary anchor point UPF network element of the PDU session) need to be inserted into the PDU session. The first SMF network element selects a ULCL UPF network element based on the UE's current location. If the selected first UPF network element has an N3 interface (i.e., there is a physical connection between the first UPF network element and the base station), the first UPF network element is selected first and used as the ULCL UPF network element. If the selected first UPF network element does not have an N3 interface (i.e., there is no physical connection between the first UPF network element and the base station), the UPF network element closest to the UE and with an N3 interface to the current base station is selected as the ULCL UPF network element. Here, it is assumed that the first UPF network element has an N3 interface, that is, the first UPF network element is used as the ULCL UPF network element.

[0080] Next, the first SMF network element selects a secondary anchor point UPF network element (i.e., the dedicated UPF network element as described above) for the PDU session using a dedicated DNN according to the UE's subscription policy rules. Since there is no N4 interface between the SMF network element in Hebei and the dedicated UPF network element in Beijing, there is no jurisdictional relationship. At this time, the first SMF network element determines that it cannot provide the UE with access services for private network services. The first SMF network element then sends a request message to the NRF network element based on the dedicated DNN to request the NRF network element to perform SMF service discovery. The request message includes at least the NF type of the target NF (which should be SMF), the UE's identifier (e.g., GPSI), and the dedicated DNN. The NRF network element performs a matching query based on the UE's identifier, dedicated DNN, and other information to obtain a list of SMF network elements that can provide access services for private network services to the UE. This list of SMF network elements includes multiple second SMF network elements. The NRF network element then sends the list of SMF network elements to the first SMF network element.

[0081] Further, after receiving the SMF network element list, the first SMF network element selects one second SMF network element from multiple second SMF network elements and sends a secondary anchor point selection request to the second SMF network element. The secondary anchor point selection request includes at least the PDU session identifier (ID), the UE identifier, the dedicated DNN, and the identifier of the first SMF network element. The second SMF network element selects a dedicated UPF network element in Beijing as the second UPF network element (i.e., the secondary anchor point UPF of the PDU session) based on the dedicated DNN. The second SMF network element establishes a connection with the second UPF network element via the N4 interface and requests the second UPF network element to allocate N9 interface tunnel information for the UE's PDU session. The second SMF network element sends the N9 tunnel information allocated by the second UPF network element to the first SMF network element. The first SMF network element establishes a connection with the first UPF network element via the N4 interface and requests the allocation of N9 interface tunnel information and N3 interface tunnel information for the PDU session. The first SMF network element sends the traffic splitting rules to the first UPF network element through the N4 interface.

[0082] The first SMF network element transmits the N9 interface tunnel information allocated by the second UPF network element to the first UPF network element, and then transmits the N9 interface tunnel information allocated by the first UPF network element to the second UPF network element through the second SMF network element, so as to establish an N9 interface connection between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element (i.e., the dedicated UPF network element as described above); the first SMF network element transmits the N3 tunnel information allocated by the first UPF network element on the core network side to the roaming AMF network element, and then the roaming AMF network element transmits it to the roaming base station. After the roaming base station allocates the N3 interface tunnel information on the radio network side, it transmits it to the first SMF network element through the roaming AMF network element, and then the first SMF network element transmits it to the first UPF network element, so as to establish an N3 interface connection between the first UPF network element and the roaming base station. Thus, the UE's PDU session establishment process is completed.

[0083] When a UE initiates a private network service request, the UE sends an uplink private network data packet. After the private network data packet arrives at the first UPF network element, the first UPF network element checks whether the destination IP address is a private network IP address based on the UE's traffic splitting rules. If the destination IP address is determined to be a private network IP address, the private network data packet is forwarded to the second UPF network element through the N9 interface. When a UE initiates a public network service request, the UE sends an uplink data packet. After the data packet arrives at the first UPF network element, the first UPF network element checks whether the destination IP address matches the IP address in the traffic splitting rules. In this case, the first UPF network element forwards the data packet to the Internet through the N6 interface.

[0084] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided by an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 The communication methods are applied to access and mobility management function network elements. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0085] S401, Receive a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by the target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the target terminal's General Data Network Name;

[0086] S402, based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, select a first session management function network element, wherein the first session management function network element is used to perform the method described above.

[0087] According to the technical solution provided in this disclosure, by receiving a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by a target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the general data network name of the target terminal; based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, a first session management function network element is selected, wherein the first session management function network element is used to select a first user plane function network element, and if it is determined that access services for private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, a second session management function network element is selected and requested to select a second user plane function network element, the target terminal can access public network services and private network services while roaming. Therefore, public network traffic detours and bypasses are avoided, the workload of existing network transformation is reduced, the latency of public network services and the cost of network element transformation are reduced, and the service experience is further improved.

[0088] By dividing each function into corresponding functional modules, this disclosure provides a communication device. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, the communication device 500 includes:

[0089] The receiving module 501 is configured to receive a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by the target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the target terminal's General Data Network Name.

[0090] The first sending module 502 is configured to select a first user plane function network element and send a subscription information acquisition request to the policy control function network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal. The subscription information acquisition request is used to request the acquisition of the private data network name of the target terminal.

[0091] The first selection module 503 is configured to select an uplink classifier user plane function network element based on the current location of the target terminal when the name of the dedicated data network is obtained. The uplink classifier user plane function network element is used to decentralize the data packets of the target terminal.

[0092] The second sending module 504 is configured to send a network element discovery request to the network storage function network element when it is determined that access services for private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal. The network element discovery request is used to request a list of session management function network elements that match the private data network name. The list of session management function network elements includes multiple second session management function network elements.

[0093] The second selection module 505 is configured to receive a list of session management function network elements sent by the network storage function network element, select a second session management function network element from multiple second session management function network elements based on the current location of the target terminal, and request the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function network element.

[0094] The forwarding module 506 is configured to forward data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function element based on the traffic splitting rules, using the general data network name data exit of the first user plane function element or the dedicated data network name data exit of the second user plane function element.

[0095] According to the technical solution provided in this disclosure, a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request (PDS) is received from a target terminal. The PDS request requests the establishment of a PDS session for the target terminal and carries the target terminal's generic data network name. Based on the generic data network name and the target terminal's current location, a first user plane function network element is selected, and a subscription information acquisition request is sent to a policy control function network element. The subscription information acquisition request requests the acquisition of the target terminal's private data network name. If the private data network name is acquired, an uplink classifier user plane function network element is selected based on the target terminal's current location. The uplink classifier user plane function network element is used to offload data packets from the target terminal. If it is determined that access to private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, a network element discovery request is sent to a network storage function network element. This system requests a list of session management function network elements that match the private data network name. This list includes multiple second session management function network elements. It receives the session management function network element list from the network storage function network element, selects one second session management function network element from the multiple second session management function network elements based on the target terminal's current location, and requests the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function network element. Based on traffic splitting rules, it uses the general data network name data exit of the first user plane function network element or the private data network name data exit of the second user plane function network element to forward data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function network element. This enables the target terminal to access public network services and private network services while roaming, thus avoiding public network traffic detours and bypasses, reducing the workload of existing network upgrades, lowering public network service latency and network element upgrade costs, and further improving the service experience.

[0096] In some embodiments, Figure 5 The receiving module 501 receives a packet data unit session establishment request sent by the target terminal through the target base station and the access and mobility management function network element, wherein the first session management function network element is selected by the access and mobility management function network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal.

[0097] In some embodiments, if a first interface exists between the first user plane function network element and the target base station, then Figure 5 The first selection module 503 selects a first user plane functional network element as the uplink classifier user plane functional network element; if there is no first interface between the first user plane functional element and the target base station, then Figure 5 The first selection module 503 selects the user plane function network element that is closest to the current location of the target terminal and has a first interface with the target base station as the uplink classifier user plane function network element.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the target terminal is located in a roaming area, the first session management function network element is a roaming session management function network element located in the roaming area. If there is no second interface between the first session management function network element and the second user plane function network element, it is determined that access services for private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal. Figure 5 The second sending module 504 sends a network element discovery request to the network storage function network element, and selects a second session management function network element based on the session management function network element list returned by the network storage function network element. The second session management function network element is the home session management function network element located in the home location of the target terminal.

[0099] In some embodiments, the traffic splitting rule includes the destination Internet Protocol address (IPA) and the destination Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the target private network. This occurs when the destination IPA of the Packet Data Unit (PaDN) session establishment request matches the destination IPA of the target private network, or when the destination URL of the PaDN session establishment request matches the destination URL of the target private network. Figure 5 The forwarding module 506 utilizes the dedicated data network name data exit of the second user plane function network element to forward data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function network element to the target private network; in the event that the destination Internet Protocol address of the packet data unit session establishment request does not match the destination Internet Protocol address of the target private network, or in the event that the target Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the packet data unit session establishment request does not match the target URL of the target private network, Figure 5 The forwarding module 506 uses the general data network name data exit of the first user plane functional network element to forward data packets from the uplink classifier user plane functional network element to the public network.

[0100] In some embodiments, when the target terminal is located in the home location, the first session management function network element is the home session management function network element located in the home location, provided that it is determined that it can provide access services for private network services to the target terminal. Figure 5The second selection module 505 selects the user plane function network element located at the home location as the second user plane function network element based on the dedicated data network name.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 includes:

[0102] The receiving module 601 is configured to receive a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by the target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the target terminal's General Data Network Name;

[0103] Selection module 602 is configured to select a first session management function network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, wherein the first session management function network element is used to perform the method described above.

[0104] According to the technical solution provided in this disclosure, by receiving a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by a target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the general data network name of the target terminal; based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, a first session management function network element is selected, wherein the first session management function network element is used to select a first user plane function network element, and if it is determined that access services for private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, a second session management function network element is selected and requested to select a second user plane function network element, the target terminal can access public network services and private network services while roaming. Therefore, public network traffic detours and bypasses are avoided, the workload of existing network transformation is reduced, the latency of public network services and the cost of network element transformation are reduced, and the service experience is further improved.

[0105] The specific implementation process of the functions and roles of each module in the above device can be found in the implementation process of the corresponding steps in the above method, and will not be repeated here.

[0106] This disclosure also provides an electronic device, including: at least one processor; a memory for storing at least one processor-executable instruction; wherein the at least one processor is used to execute the instruction to implement the steps of the method disclosed in this disclosure.

[0107] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 7As shown, the electronic device 700 includes at least one processor 701 and a memory 702 coupled to the processor 701. The processor 701 can perform the corresponding steps in the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0108] The processor 701 described above can also be referred to as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), which can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. Each step in the method disclosed in this embodiment can be implemented by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor 701's hardware or by software instructions. The processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in this embodiment can be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in the memory 702, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The processor 701 reads information from the memory 702 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0109] Furthermore, various operations / processes according to this disclosure, implemented via software and / or firmware, can be transmitted from a storage medium or network to a computer system with a dedicated hardware architecture, for example, Figure 8 The computer system 800 shown is equipped with the programs that constitute the software. When various programs are installed, the computer system is able to perform various functions, including those described above. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0110] Computer system 800 is intended to represent various forms of digital electronic computer devices, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframe computers, and other suitable computers. Electronic devices may also represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital processors, cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices, and other similar computing devices. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present disclosure described and / or claimed herein.

[0111] like Figure 8 As shown, the computer system 800 includes a computing unit 801, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on a computer program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 802 or a computer program loaded from a storage unit 808 into a random access memory (RAM) 803. The RAM 803 may also store various programs and data required for the operation of the computer system 800. The computing unit 801, ROM 802, and RAM 803 are interconnected via a bus 804. An input / output (I / O) interface 805 is also connected to the bus 804.

[0112] Multiple components in the computer system 800 are connected to the I / O interface 805, including: an input unit 806, an output unit 807, a storage unit 808, and a communication unit 809. The input unit 806 can be any type of device capable of inputting information into the computer system 800. The input unit 806 can receive input numerical or character information and generate key signal inputs related to user settings and / or function control of the electronic device. The output unit 807 can be any type of device capable of presenting information and may include, but is not limited to, a monitor, speaker, video / audio output terminal, vibrator, and / or printer. The storage unit 808 may include, but is not limited to, a hard disk and an optical disk. The communication unit 809 allows the computer system 800 to exchange information / data with other devices via a network such as the Internet, and may include, but is not limited to, a modem, network card, infrared communication device, wireless communication transceiver, and / or chipset, such as Bluetooth™ device, WiFi device, WiMax device, cellular communication device, and / or the like.

[0113] The computing unit 801 can be a variety of general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of the computing unit 801 include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), various special-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, various computing units running machine learning model algorithms, a digital signal processor (DSP), and any suitable processor, controller, microcontroller, etc. The computing unit 801 performs the various methods and processes described above. For example, in some embodiments, the methods disclosed in this disclosure can be implemented as a computer software program tangibly contained in a machine-readable medium, such as storage unit 808. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program can be loaded and / or installed on the electronic device 800 via ROM 802 and / or communication unit 809. In some embodiments, the computing unit 801 can be configured to perform the methods disclosed in this disclosure by any other suitable means (e.g., by means of firmware).

[0114] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the instructions in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by a processor of an electronic device, the electronic device is able to perform the methods disclosed in this disclosure.

[0115] The computer-readable storage medium in this disclosure can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specifically, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may include electrical connections based on one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0116] The aforementioned computer-readable medium may be included in the aforementioned electronic device; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the electronic device.

[0117] This disclosure also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0118] In embodiments of this disclosure, computer program code for performing the operations of this disclosure can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof. These programming languages ​​include, but are not limited to, object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network (including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)), or it can be connected to an external computer.

[0119] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0120] The modules, components, or units described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in software or hardware. The names of the modules, components, or units do not necessarily constitute a limitation on the module, component, or unit itself.

[0121] The functions described above in this document can be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, without limitation, exemplary hardware logic components that can be used include: field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and so on.

[0122] The above description is merely an embodiment of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features disclosed in this disclosure that have similar functions.

[0123] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of example, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to the first session management function network element, includes: Receive a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by a target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the General Data Network Name of the target terminal; Based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, a first user plane function network element is selected and a subscription information acquisition request is sent to the policy control function network element, wherein the subscription information acquisition request is used to request the acquisition of the dedicated data network name of the target terminal; Upon obtaining the name of the dedicated data network, an uplink classifier user plane function network element is selected based on the current location of the target terminal, wherein the uplink classifier user plane function network element is used to offload the data packets of the target terminal; If it is determined that access to private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal, a network element discovery request is sent to the network storage function network element. The network element discovery request is used to request a list of session management function network elements that match the name of the private data network. The list of session management function network elements includes multiple second session management function network elements. Receive the list of session management function network elements sent by the network storage function network element, select a second session management function network element from the plurality of second session management function network elements based on the current location of the target terminal, and request the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function network element; Based on the traffic splitting rules, the data packets from the uplink classifier user plane function element are forwarded using the general data network name data exit of the first user plane function element or the dedicated data network name data exit of the second user plane function element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving of the packet data unit session establishment request sent by the target terminal includes: The system receives a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session establishment request sent by the target terminal through a target base station and an access and mobility management (AM) network element, wherein the first AM network element is selected by the AM network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of selecting the uplink classifier user plane function network element based on the current location of the target terminal after obtaining the name of the dedicated data network includes: If there is a first interface between the first user plane function network element and the target base station, then the first user plane function network element is selected as the uplink classifier user plane function network element. If there is no first interface between the first user plane function network element and the target base station, then the user plane function network element that is closest to the current location of the target terminal and has the first interface with the target base station is selected as the uplink classifier user plane function network element.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the target terminal is located in a roaming area, the first session management function network element is a roaming session management function network element located in the roaming area. The step of sending a network element discovery request to the network storage function network element when it is determined that access to private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal includes: If there is no second interface between the first session management function network element and the second user plane function network element, it is determined that the private network service access service cannot be provided to the target terminal. Send the network element discovery request to the network storage function network element, and select the second session management function network element based on the list of session management function network elements returned by the network storage function network element, wherein the second session management function network element is the home session management function network element located in the home location of the target terminal.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The traffic splitting rules include the destination Internet Protocol address and the destination Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the target private network. The forwarding of data packets from the uplink classifier user plane functional network element based on the traffic splitting rules, using the general data network name data exit of the first user plane functional network element or the dedicated data network name data exit of the second user plane functional network element, includes: If the destination Internet Protocol address of the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request matches the destination Internet Protocol address of the target private network, or if the target Uniform Resource Locator of the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request matches the target Uniform Resource Locator of the target private network, the data packet from the uplink classifier user plane function element is forwarded to the target private network using the dedicated data network name data exit of the second user plane function element. If the destination Internet Protocol address of the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request does not match the destination Internet Protocol address of the target private network, or if the target Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request does not match the target URL of the target private network, the data packet from the uplink classifier user plane function element is forwarded to the public network using the general data network name data exit of the first user plane function element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, When the target terminal is located in its home location, the first session management function network element is the home session management function network element located in the home location, and the method further includes: If it is determined that the private network service can be provided to the target terminal, the user plane function network element located in the home location is selected as the second user plane function network element based on the private data network name.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to network elements for access and mobility management functions, the method includes: Receive a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by a target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the General Data Network Name of the target terminal; Based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, a first session management function network element is selected, wherein the first session management function network element is used to execute the method as described in claim 1.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, The device, applied to the first session management function network element, includes: The receiving module is configured to receive a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by a target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the General Data Network Name of the target terminal; The first sending module is configured to select a first user plane function network element and send a subscription information acquisition request to the policy control function network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, wherein the subscription information acquisition request is used to request the acquisition of the private data network name of the target terminal; The first selection module is configured to select an uplink classifier user plane function network element based on the current location of the target terminal when the name of the dedicated data network is obtained, wherein the uplink classifier user plane function network element is used to offload the data packets of the target terminal; The second sending module is configured to send a network element discovery request to the network storage function network element when it is determined that access service for private network services cannot be provided to the target terminal. The network element discovery request is used to request a list of session management function network elements that match the name of the private data network. The list of session management function network elements includes multiple second session management function network elements. The second selection module is configured to receive the list of session management function network elements sent by the network storage function network element, select a second session management function network element from the plurality of second session management function network elements based on the current location of the target terminal, and request the second session management function network element to select a second user plane function network element. The forwarding module is configured to forward the data packets from the uplink classifier user plane functional network element based on the traffic splitting rules, using the general data network name data exit of the first user plane functional network element or the dedicated data network name data exit of the second user plane functional network element.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, The device is applied to network elements for access and mobility management functions, and includes: The receiving module is configured to receive a Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request sent by a target terminal, wherein the Packet Data Unit Session Establishment Request is used to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit Session for the target terminal and carries the General Data Network Name of the target terminal; The selection module is configured to select a first session management function network element based on the general data network name and the current location of the target terminal, wherein the first session management function network element is used to perform the method as described in claim 1.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; Memory for storing the at least one processor-executable instruction; The at least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, When the instructions in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by the processor of the electronic device, the electronic device is enabled to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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