Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method and device. The terminal device can know that the multicast group is added based on the first protocol version through the first information, so that the terminal device can send the second information generated based on the first protocol version to the UPF network element. Since the first protocol version is a protocol version used by the UPF network element, the UPF network element can successfully analyze the second information, and further know that the second information is used for requesting to join the first multicast group. Therefore, the terminal equipment can be successfully added into the multicast group, so that multicast communication can be carried out. Therefore, network resources are saved, and the utilization rate of the network resources is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the communication scenario, multicast communication can be carried out between hosts. During multicast communication, the internet group management protocol (IGMP) can be used to manage multicast members. IGMP can be divided into three versions, such as V1, V2, and V3. Generally speaking, the V3 version of IGMP is complex to implement, so the current user plane function (UPF) network elements often use the V2 version of IGMP. This results in the UPF network element being unable to fully parse the V3 version of the message from the terminal device. If the message is used to request to join the multicast group, it also means that the terminal device cannot successfully join the multicast group, let alone conduct multicast communication. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a communication method and device, which can enable the UPF network element to successfully parse the information from the terminal device requesting to join the multicast group, and can ensure that the terminal device can join the multicast group, so that multicast communication can be performed. This saves network resources and improves the utilization rate of network resources.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, including: obtaining first information, the first information being used to indicate joining a multicast group based on a first protocol version, the first protocol version being the protocol version used by a UPF network element; sending second information to the UPF network element, the second information being generated based on the first protocol version, the second information being used to request joining the first multicast group.

[0005] It can be seen that in the above embodiment, the terminal device can learn to join the multicast group based on the first protocol version through the first information, which enables the terminal device to send the second information generated based on the first protocol version to the UPF network element. Because the first protocol version is the protocol version used by the UPF network element, the UPF network element can successfully parse the second information and then learn that the second information is used to request to join the first multicast group. In this way, the terminal device can successfully join the multicast group, so that multicast communication can be carried out. This saves network resources and improves the utilization rate of network resources.

[0006] Optionally, obtaining the first information includes: receiving the first information from a UPF network element.

[0007] Optionally, before receiving the first information from the UPF network element, the method also includes: sending third information to the UPF network element, the third information is generated based on the second protocol version, the second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the UPF network element, and the third information is used to request to join the first multicast group.

[0008] It can be seen that in the above embodiment, before receiving the first information from the UPF network element, the terminal device can send the third information generated based on the second protocol version to the UPF network element. Because the second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the UPF network element, the UPF network element cannot successfully parse the third information. This causes the UPF network element to send the first information to the terminal device, that is, this triggers the UPF network element to send the first information.

[0009] Optionally, the first protocol version is IGMP version V2, and the second protocol version is IGMP version V3.

[0010] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, including: sending first information, the first information is used to indicate joining a multicast group based on a first protocol version, the first protocol version being the protocol version used by the UPF network element; receiving second information from a terminal device, the second information is generated based on the first protocol version, and the second information is used to request joining the first multicast group.

[0011] Optionally, sending the first information includes: sending the first information to a terminal device.

[0012] Optionally, sending the first information to the terminal device includes: sending the first information to the terminal device in the broadcast domain in a first time period; or sending the first information to the terminal device in a unicast manner.

[0013] It can be seen that in the above embodiment, the UPF network element can send the first information to the terminal devices in the broadcast domain in the first time period, thus avoiding the problem of excessive energy consumption of the UPF network element caused by continuously sending the first information. Alternatively, the UPF network element can send the first information to the terminal device in a unicast manner, that is, there is no need to send the first information to one or more other terminal devices, thus saving network resources.

[0014] Optionally, the first time period is the running time of the timer, and the timer is started and / or times out according to a preset period. This indicates that the UPF network element can periodically start the timer and send the first information to the terminal device in the broadcast domain during the running time of the timer, thereby avoiding the problem of excessive energy consumption of the UPF network element caused by the continuous sending of the first information.

[0015] Optionally, sending the first information to the terminal device via unicast includes: receiving third information from the terminal device, the third information is generated based on the second protocol version, the second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the UPF network element, and the third information is used to request to join the first multicast group; when parsing the third information fails, sending the first information to the terminal device via unicast.

[0016] It can be seen that in the above embodiment, before receiving the first information from the UPF network element, the terminal device can send the third information generated based on the second protocol version to the UPF network element. Because the second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the UPF network element, the UPF network element cannot successfully parse the third information. This triggers the UPF network element to send the first information to the terminal device in a unicast manner, that is, there is no need to send the first information to one or more other terminal devices, which can save network resources.

[0017] Optionally, the first protocol version is IGMP version V2, and the second protocol version is IGMP version V3.

[0018] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a unit or module for implementing the method as described in any one of the first to second aspects.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; and at least one processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that any method described in any one of the first aspect to the second aspect is executed.

[0020] In the fifth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system includes a terminal device and a UPF network element; the terminal device is used to execute the method as described in any one of the first aspects; the UPF network element is used to execute the method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0021] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed, the computer executes any of the methods described in any of the first to fourth aspects.

[0022] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed by a computer, the computer executes any method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0023] In an eighth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising at least one processor and an interface, wherein the processor is used to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, and when the instructions are executed, the chip executes any method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for describing the embodiments.

[0025] Figure 1 A 5G network architecture;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a multicast scenario applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4 A flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 5 A flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Among them, the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably. Unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in this application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. These three situations, where A and B can be singular or plural. And, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be one or more. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between network elements and identical or similar items with substantially the same functions. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit the difference.

[0033] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in the embodiments of the present application mean that one or more embodiments of the present application include specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment. Therefore, the statements "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in some other embodiments", etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0034] The following specific implementation methods further describe in detail the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present application. It should be understood that the following are only specific implementation methods of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

[0035] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or provided in a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the different embodiments are consistent and may be referenced to each other, and the technical features in the different embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0036] The following first introduces a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable.

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as the fifth generation (5th generation, 5G) mobile communication system or the new radio (new radio, NR) system, or to future communication systems or other similar communication systems. Unless otherwise specified, the 5G mobile communication system is taken as an example below.

[0038] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, Figure 1 The 5G network architecture shown is used as an example to illustrate the communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 It is a 5G network architecture, which may include: terminal equipment, access network (AN) equipment, and various network elements in the core network. Optionally, the network architecture may also include a data network (DN) and / or application network elements, etc., which are not described in detail here. Among them, the terminal device can access the core network through the access network device, and the core network communicates with the DN or the application network element. The network elements that may be involved in each embodiment of the present application are described in detail below, specifically:

[0039] 1. Terminal device

[0040] Terminal equipment is an entity on the user side that is used to receive signals, or send signals, or receive and send signals. Terminal equipment is used to provide one or more of voice services and data connectivity services to users. Terminal equipment can be a device that includes wireless transceiver functions and can cooperate with network equipment to provide communication services to users. Specifically, terminal equipment can refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, user device or road side unit (RSU). The terminal device may also be a drone, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a smart phone, a cordless phone, a wireless data card, a tablet computer, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device (also referred to as a wearable smart device), a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a transportation safety (transportation) device, a wearable device (also referred to as a wearable smart device), a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety (transportation) device, a wireless terminal in wireless communication (mobile phone), ... The terminal device may be a wireless terminal in a 5G system or a terminal in a next-generation communication system, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0041] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the device form of the terminal device. The device for realizing the function of the terminal device can be a terminal device; it can also be a device that can use the terminal device to realize the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the terminal device or used in combination with the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0042] 2. UPF Network Elements

[0043] The UPF network element is responsible for forwarding and receiving user data in the terminal device. It can receive user data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal device through the access network device; the UPF network element can also receive user data from the terminal device through the access network device and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions that provide services to the terminal device in the UPF network element are managed and controlled by the SMF network element.

[0044] Optional, Figure 1 Other network elements may also be involved, which will not be introduced in detail here. For example, the core network may also include Figure 1 The unified data repository (UDR) network element, network repository function (NRF) network element, network exposure function (NEF) network element, etc. not shown in the figure.

[0045] in addition, Figure 1 The interface between multiple communication devices in the communication system is also shown. Figure 1 N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N10, N11, N25, etc. are interface serial numbers. The meanings of these interface serial numbers can be found in the meanings defined in the 3GPP standard protocol and are not limited here.

[0046] Optional, Figure 1 The system architecture shown can be applied to multicast scenarios. Figure 2 As shown, it may include UPF network elements, access network equipment and multiple terminal devices.

[0047] Optionally, the UPF network element can support a layer 2 5G local area network (LAN) and can also support IGMP snooping, such as acting as a switch. Optionally, the UPF network element can also connect to a multicast router.

[0048] Multiple terminal devices may include Figure 2The personal computers (PC) 1 to PC4 in the figure. PC1 and PC3 are both multicast members. PC4 is a multicast source. Among them, multicast members (also called multicast group members) refer to multicast users that receive multicast data, and multicast sources refer to the source of messages that use the multicast group address as the destination address. Exemplarily, PC4 can send data to the UPF network element through the P0 port, so that the UPF network element sends the data to PC1 and PC3 through the P3 port and the P1 port respectively. It should be pointed out that before the UPF network element sends the data to PC1 and PC3 through the P3 port and the P1 port respectively, PC1 and PC3 can request the UPF network element to join the multicast group through the P3 port and the P1 port.

[0049] Understandably, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The network element or function shown in can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). In one possible implementation, the above network element or function can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices together, or it can be a functional module in a device, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. In addition, in the following text, for the convenience of description, "network element" can be omitted. For example, the UPF network element in the embodiments of the present application expresses the same meaning as UPF, but for the convenience of description, the word network element is omitted, and the rest is similar.

[0050] It should be understood that Figure 1 and Figure 2 The communication system shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication system to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied. Therefore, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to communication systems of various standards, such as: 5G communication system, 6G communication system and future communication system, vehicle to everything (V2X), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), Internet of Vehicles, machine type communications (MTC), IoT, machine to machine (M2M), Internet of Things, etc. In addition, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the names of the network elements in the communication system. For example, in communication systems of different standards, each network element may have other names; for another example, when multiple network elements are integrated into the same physical device, the physical device may also have other names.

[0051] The following will be combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is specifically described. Figure 3As shown, a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0052] 301. The UPF network element sends first information, where the first information is used to indicate joining a multicast group based on a first protocol version, and the first protocol version is a protocol version used by the UPF network element.

[0053] Correspondingly, the terminal device obtains the first information, such as the terminal device receives the first information from the UPF network element. The first information may be carried in an IGMP V2 query message, or the first information may be an IGMP V2 query message. A query message (such as an IGMP V2 query message, etc.) involved in the present application may also be used to obtain identification information of the multicast group to which the terminal device joins, and the identification information of the multicast group may be an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the multicast group. For example, the IP address of the multicast group may be a Class D IP address.

[0054] Optionally, the first protocol version is IGMP V2.

[0055] Among them, the first protocol version is the protocol version used by the UPF network element, which can be understood as: the first protocol version is the protocol version supported by the UPF network element.

[0056] Optionally, step 301 may include: the UPF network element sends the first information to the terminal device. The UPF network element may send the first information to the terminal device in any of the following ways, specifically:

[0057] 1. In the first time period, the UPF network element sends the first information to the terminal device (including the terminal device in step 301) in the broadcast domain. Optionally, the first time period is the running time of the timer. Optionally, the running time of the timer can be predefined or preconfigured, such as a predefined or preconfigured value greater than 0 seconds. It should be noted that the predefined mentioned in this application refers to the predefined protocol, and the preconfigured mentioned in this application refers to the information recorded in the hardware and / or software in a certain device (such as a UPF network element, etc.). Optionally, the timer can be started and / or timed out according to a preset period. Optionally, the timer can be a detection timer or other timer, which is not limited here. Among them, the preset period can be, for example, a predefined or preconfigured value greater than 0 seconds. Optionally, the broadcast domain can refer to a 5G local area network (LAN) group. A 5G LAN group can include multiple LAN members. In a multicast communication scenario, a LAN member in a 5G LAN group can send multicast service messages to other LAN members in the 5G LAN group. Among them, the multicast service can be a media service, and the media service can be, for example, a video service, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) service, cloud gaming and other services, or live broadcast (for example, live broadcast of events, live broadcast of sales, etc.) programs, etc. The media service can also be an audio service, etc., which is not limited in this application. In one possible implementation, a 5G LAN group may include at least one multicast group. In the above embodiment, the problem of excessive energy consumption of the UPF network element caused by the continuous sending of the first information can be avoided.

[0058] 2. The UPF network element sends the first information to the terminal device via unicast. For example, the UPF network element receives the third information from the terminal device, and when parsing the third information fails, the UPF network element sends the first information to the terminal device via unicast. Optionally, the third information is generated based on the second protocol version, the second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the UPF network element, and the third information is used to request to join the first multicast group. Among them, the third information can be carried in an IGMP V3 report message, or the third information can be an IGMP V3 report message. Optionally, the first protocol version is lower than the second protocol version, such as the first protocol version is the V2 version of IGMP, and the second protocol version is the V3 version of IGMP. Among them, the second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the UPF network element, which can be understood as: the second protocol version is a protocol version not supported by the UPF network element. Optionally, the method also includes: the UPF network element discards the third information, such as, when parsing the third information fails, the UPF network element discards the third information. In the above embodiments, network resources can be saved and the utilization rate of network resources can be improved.

[0059] 302. The terminal device sends second information to the UPF network element, where the second information is generated based on the first protocol version and is used to request to join the first multicast group.

[0060] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the second information from the terminal device.

[0061] The second information may be carried in an IGMP V2report message, or the second information may be an IGMP V2report message. Optionally, the second information may include identification information of the first multicast group, and the identification information of the first multicast group may be an IP address of the first multicast group. For example, the IP address of the first multicast group may be a Class D IP address.

[0062] It can be seen that in the above embodiment, the terminal device can learn to join the multicast group based on the first protocol version through the first information, which enables the terminal device to send the second information generated based on the first protocol version to the UPF network element. Because the first protocol version is the protocol version used by the UPF network element, the UPF network element can successfully parse the second information and then learn that the second information is used to request to join the first multicast group. In this way, the terminal device can successfully join the multicast group, so that multicast communication can be carried out. This saves network resources and improves the utilization rate of network resources.

[0063] Optionally, the method may also include: when the second information is parsed successfully, the UPF network element generates a multicast forwarding table, the multicast forwarding table includes the correspondence between the identification information of the first multicast group and the interface, and the interface is the input interface of the second information. Among them, the input interface mentioned in the present application can be understood as a 5G Ethernet session, 5G Ethernet session: an association between a terminal device and a UPF network element, which is used to provide connection services for communication between the terminal device and the visited network or with other terminal devices. For example, a 5G Ethernet session may refer to a protocol data unit (PDU) session. Optionally, the successful parsing of the second information can also be understood as: the terminal device has successfully joined the first multicast group.

[0064] Optionally, the method may further include: the UPF network element obtains a multicast service message, the multicast service message includes identification information of the first multicast group; the UPF network element determines the interface corresponding to the multicast service message according to the identification information of the first multicast group and the multicast forwarding table; the UPF network element sends the multicast service message through the interface. Because the interface here is the input interface of the second information, and the second information is sent by the terminal device, when the UPF network element sends the multicast service message through the interface, the multicast members of the first multicast group (such as Figure 3 The terminal device in receives the multicast service message.

[0065] Among them, the UPF network element obtaining the multicast service message may include: the UPF network element receiving the multicast service message from the multicast source.

[0066] above Figure 3 The method embodiment shown includes many possible implementation schemes. Figure 4 or Figure 5 Some of the implementation schemes are illustrated with examples. It should be noted that: Figure 4 or Figure 5 For related concepts, operations or logical relationships that are not explained, please refer to Figure 3 The corresponding description in the illustrated embodiment is therefore not repeated again.

[0067] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 A flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 In the example, the first information is an IGMP V2 query message, the second information is an IGMP V2 report message, Figure 3 The terminal device is UE1 and the first multicast group is multicast group A. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0068] 401. UE1 sends an IGMP V3 report message to the UPF network element. The IGMP V3 report message is used to request to join multicast group A.

[0069] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the IGMP V3 report message from UE1.

[0070] 402. When parsing the IGMP V3 report message fails, the UPF network element discards the IGMP V3 report message.

[0071] Among them, the failure to parse the IGMP V3 report message also indicates that the UPF network element cannot generate a multicast forwarding table.

[0072] Optionally, step 401 to step 402 may be optional steps.

[0073] 403. UE2 sends an IGMP V2 report message to the UPF network element. The IGMP V2 report message is used to request to join multicast group A.

[0074] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the IGMP V2 report message from UE2.

[0075] Among them, UE1 and UE2 are different UEs.

[0076] 404. The UPF network element successfully parses the IGMP V2 report message from UE2 and generates a multicast forwarding table, which includes the correspondence between the identification information of multicast group A and interface 2. Interface 2 is the inbound interface of the IGMP V2 report message.

[0077] Among them, after the UPF network element successfully parses the IGMP V2 report message from UE2, UE2 becomes a multicast member in multicast group A.

[0078] It should be noted that there is no necessary execution order between step 401 to step 402 and step 403 to step 404. Any step from step 401 to step 402 can be executed before or after any step from step 403 to step 404, or executed simultaneously with any step from step 403 to step 404.

[0079] 405. The multicast source sends a multicast service message 1 to the UPF network element. The multicast service message 1 includes identification information of the multicast group A.

[0080] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives multicast service message 1 from the multicast source.

[0081] 406 . The UPF network element determines the interface 2 corresponding to the multicast service message 1 according to the identification information of the multicast group A and the multicast forwarding table, and sends the multicast service message 1 through the interface 2 .

[0082] Optionally, steps 403 to 406 may be optional steps.

[0083] 407. The UPF network element starts or restarts the detection timer. Before the detection timer times out, it sends an IGMP V2 query message to the UEs that are not registered with the multicast group in the broadcast domain. The IGMP V2 query message is used to indicate joining the multicast group based on the IGMP V2 version. The UEs that are not registered with the multicast group in the broadcast domain include UE1.

[0084] In other words, the UPF network element starts or restarts the detection timer, and before the detection timer times out, it copies and broadcasts it to all UEs (including UE1) in the 5GLAN group, and sends an IGMP V2 query message through the dedicated air interface channel of each UE.

[0085] Optionally, before the detection timer times out may also be understood as: within the running time of the detection timer.

[0086] 408. UE1 sends an IGMP V2 report message to the UPF network element. The IGMP V2 report message is used to request to join multicast group A.

[0087] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the IGMP V2 report message from UE1.

[0088] That is, after UE1 receives the IGMP V2 query message, it perceives that the UPF network element uses the IGMP V2 version, and then sends an IGMP V2 report message to the UPF network element to re-register with multicast group A.

[0089] 409. The UPF network element successfully parses the IGMP V2 report message from UE1 and updates the multicast forwarding table. The correspondence between the identification information of multicast group A and interface 1 is included in the multicast forwarding table. Interface 1 is the inbound interface of the IGMP V2 report message.

[0090] Among them, after the UPF network element successfully parses the IGMP V2 report message from UE1, UE1 becomes a multicast member in multicast group A.

[0091] When steps 403 to 406 are optional steps, updating the multicast forwarding table mentioned in step 409 can also be understood as generating the multicast forwarding table.

[0092] 410. The multicast source sends multicast service message 2 to the UPF network element. Multicast service message 2 includes identification information of multicast group A.

[0093] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives multicast service message 2 from the multicast source.

[0094] 411. The UPF network element determines interface 1 and interface 2 corresponding to multicast service message 2 according to the identification information of multicast group A and the multicast forwarding table, and sends multicast service message 2 through interface 1 and interface 2.

[0095] Among them, when steps 403 to 406 are optional steps, the multicast forwarding table does not include the correspondence between the identification information of multicast group A and interface 2. Therefore, step 411 can also be replaced by: the UPF network element determines the interface 1 corresponding to the multicast service message 2 according to the identification information of multicast group A and the multicast forwarding table, and sends the multicast service message 2 through interface 1.

[0096] It can be seen that in the above embodiment, the UPF network element can start or restart the detection timer, and before the detection timer times out, send an IGMP V2 query message to the UE that is not registered in the multicast group in the broadcast domain, so that the UE (including UE1) that is not registered in the multicast group in the broadcast domain is informed to join the multicast group based on the IGMP V2 version, so that UE1 sends an IGMPV2 report message to the UPF network element. Because the UPF network element can successfully parse the IGMP V2 report message, it can ensure that UE1 successfully joins the multicast group, so that multicast communication can be carried out. This saves network resources and improves the utilization rate of network resources.

[0097] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 A flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 In the example, the first information is an IGMP V2 query message, the second information is an IGMP V2 report message, Figure 3 The terminal device is UE1, the first multicast group is multicast group A, and the third information is an IGMP V3 report message. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0098] 501. UE1 sends an IGMP V3 report message to the UPF network element. The IGMP V3 report message is used to request to join multicast group A.

[0099] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the IGMP V3 report message from UE1.

[0100] 502. When parsing of the IGMP V3 report message fails, the UPF network element sends an IGMPV2 query message to UE1 via unicast. The IGMP V2 query message is used to indicate joining the multicast group based on the IGMP V2 version.

[0101] Correspondingly, UE1 receives the IGMP V2 query message from the UPF network element.

[0102] 503. UE1 sends an IGMP V2 report message to the UPF network element. The IGMP V2 report message is used to request to join multicast group A.

[0103] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the IGMP V2 report message from UE1.

[0104] That is, after UE1 receives the IGMP V2 query message, it perceives that the UPF network element uses the IGMP V2 version, and then sends an IGMP V2 report message to the UPF network element to re-register with multicast group A.

[0105] 504. The UPF network element successfully parses the IGMP V2 report message from UE1 and generates a multicast forwarding table. The correspondence between the identification information of multicast group A and interface 1 is included in the multicast forwarding table. Interface 1 is the inbound interface of the IGMP V2 report message.

[0106] Among them, after the UPF network element successfully parses the IGMP V2 report message from UE1, UE1 becomes a multicast member in multicast group A.

[0107] 505. The multicast source sends a multicast service message to the UPF network element. The multicast service message includes identification information of multicast group A.

[0108] Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives multicast service messages from the multicast source.

[0109] 506. The UPF network element determines the interface 1 corresponding to the multicast service message according to the identification information of the multicast group A and the multicast forwarding table, and sends the multicast service message through the interface 1.

[0110] It can be seen that in the above embodiment, when the UPF network element fails to parse the IGMP V3 report message, it can send an IGMP V2 query message to UE1 in a unicast manner, so that UE1 learns to join the multicast group based on the IGMP V2 version, so that UE1 sends an IGMP V2 report message to the UPF network element. Because the UPF network element can successfully parse the IGMP V2report message, it can ensure that UE1 successfully joins the multicast group, so that multicast communication can be carried out. This saves network resources and improves the utilization rate of network resources.

[0111] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the present application from the perspective of interaction between various devices. It is understandable that in order to realize the above functions, the above-mentioned implementation devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present application.

[0112] The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional modules of the terminal device or UPF network element according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0113] See also Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 600 can be applied to the above Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 In the method shown in the embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 includes: a processing module 601 and a transceiver module 602. The processing module 601 can be one or more processors, and the transceiver module 602 can be a transceiver or a communication interface. The communication device can be used to implement the terminal device or UPF network element involved in any of the above method embodiments, or to implement the functions of the network element involved in any of the above method embodiments. The network element or network function can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). Optionally, the communication device 600 may also include a storage module 603 for storing program code and data of the communication device 600.

[0114] In one example, when the communication device is used as a terminal device or a chip used in a terminal device, the steps performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment are performed. The transceiver module 602 is used to specifically perform Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The sending and / or receiving actions performed by the terminal device in the embodiment, for example, support the terminal device to perform other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 601 can be used to support the communication device 600 to perform the processing actions in the above method embodiment, for example, support the terminal device to perform other processes of the technology described herein.

[0115] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 602 is used to: obtain first information, the first information is used to indicate joining the multicast group based on the first protocol version, the first protocol version is the protocol version used by the UPF network element; send second information to the UPF network element, the second information is generated based on the first protocol version, and the second information is used to request to join the first multicast group.

[0116] Optionally, when acquiring the first information, the transceiver module 602 is used to receive the first information from the UPF network element.

[0117] Optionally, the transceiver module 602 is also used to send third information to the UPF network element. The third information is generated based on the second protocol version. The second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the UPF network element. The third information is used to request to join the first multicast group.

[0118] In another example, when the communication device is used as a UPF network element or a chip used in a UPF network element, and executes the steps performed by the UPF network element in the above method embodiment. The transceiver module 602 is used to specifically execute Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The sending and / or receiving actions performed by the UPF network element in the embodiment, for example, support the UPF network element to perform other processes of the technology described herein. The processing module 601 can be used to support the communication device 600 to perform the processing actions in the above method embodiment, for example, support the UPF network element to perform other processes of the technology described herein.

[0119] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 602 is used to: send first information, the first information is used to indicate joining the multicast group based on the first protocol version, the first protocol version is the protocol version used by the UPF network element; receive second information from the terminal device, the second information is generated based on the first protocol version, and the second information is used to request to join the first multicast group.

[0120] Optionally, when sending the first information, the transceiver module 602 is used to send the first information to the terminal device.

[0121] Optionally, when sending the first information to the terminal device, the transceiver module 602 is used to: send the first information to the terminal device in the broadcast domain in a first time period; or send the first information to the terminal device in a unicast manner.

[0122] Optionally, when sending the first information to the terminal device via unicast, the transceiver module 602 is used to: receive third information from the terminal device, the third information is generated based on the second protocol version, the second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the UPF network element, and the third information is used to request to join the first multicast group; when parsing of the third information fails, send the first information to the terminal device via unicast.

[0123] In a possible implementation, when the terminal device or UPF network element is a chip, the transceiver module 602 may be a communication interface, a pin or a circuit, etc. The communication interface may be used to input data to be processed to the processor, and may output the processing result of the processor to the outside. In a specific implementation, the communication interface may be a general purpose input output (GPIO) interface, which may be connected to multiple peripheral devices (such as a display (LCD), a camera (camara), a radio frequency (RF) module, an antenna, etc.). The communication interface is connected to the processor via a bus.

[0124] The processing module 601 may be a processor that can execute computer-executable instructions stored in the storage module to enable the chip to execute Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The method involved in the illustrated embodiment. Further, the processor may include a controller, an operator and a register. Exemplarily, the controller is mainly responsible for instruction decoding and sends a control signal for the operation corresponding to the instruction. The operator is mainly responsible for performing fixed-point or floating-point arithmetic operations, shift operations, and logical operations, etc., and may also perform address operations and conversions. The register is mainly responsible for saving register operands and intermediate operation results temporarily stored during the execution of instructions. In a specific implementation, the hardware architecture of the processor may be an ASIC architecture, a microprocessor without interlocked piped stages architecture (MIPS) architecture, an advanced RISC machines (ARM) architecture, or a second processor (NP) architecture, etc. The processor may be single-core or multi-core. The storage module may be a storage module within the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc. The storage module may also be a storage module located outside the chip, such as a ROM or other types of static storage devices, RAM, etc. that can store static information and instructions.

[0125] It should be noted that the functions corresponding to the processor and the interface can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of hardware and software, and there is no limitation here.

[0126] Figure 7A structural diagram of another communication device provided for an embodiment of the present application. It is understandable that the communication device 710 includes necessary means such as modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to implement the present solution. The communication device 710 can be the above-mentioned terminal device or UPF network element, or it can be a component (such as a chip) in these devices, which is used to implement the method described in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The communication device 710 includes one or more processors 711. The processor 711 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it can be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a terminal device, a UPF network element, or a chip, etc.), execute software programs, and process software program data.

[0127] Optionally, in one design, the processor 711 may include a program 713 (sometimes also referred to as code or instruction), and the program 713 may be executed on the processor 711 to enable the communication device 710 to perform the method described in the above embodiment. In another possible design, the communication device 710 includes a circuit ( Figure 7 (not shown), the circuit is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or UPF network element in the above embodiment. Optionally, the communication device 710 may include one or more memories 712, on which a program 714 (sometimes also referred to as code or instruction) is stored, and the program 714 can be run on the processor 711, so that the communication device 710 performs the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0128] Optionally, the processor 711 and / or the memory 712 may include an AI module 717 and an AI module 718, and the AI ​​module is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RIC module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC. Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 711 and / or the memory 712. The processor and the memory may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0129] Optionally, the communication device 710 may further include a transceiver 715 and / or an antenna 716. The processor 711 may also be sometimes referred to as a processing unit, which controls the communication device (e.g., a terminal device or a UPF network element). The transceiver 715 may also be sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., which is used to implement the transceiver function of the communication device through the antenna 716.

[0130] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, the communication device includes at least one processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; at least one processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions in the memory, so that Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The method of any one of the embodiments is performed.

[0131] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed, the computer executes the following Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The method of any one of the embodiments.

[0132] The present application also provides a computer program product, comprising: a computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to execute the following Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The method of any one of the embodiments.

[0133] The embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, the chip includes at least one processor and an interface, the processor is used to read and execute instructions stored in the memory, when the instruction is executed, the chip executes as follows Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 The method of any one of the embodiments.

[0134] In the present application, when entity A sends information to entity B, it can be that A sends it directly to B, or that A sends it to B indirectly through other entities. Similarly, when entity B receives information from entity A, it can be that entity B directly receives the information sent by entity A, or that entity B indirectly receives the information sent by entity A through other entities. Entities A and B here can be terminal devices or UPF network elements, or modules inside terminal devices or UPF network elements. The sending and receiving of information can be the information interaction between a terminal device and a UPF network element; the sending and receiving of information can also be the information interaction between different modules inside a device, for example, the information interaction between a chip in a terminal device and other modules in the terminal device, or the information interaction between a chip in a UPF network element and other modules in the UPF network element.

[0135] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the embodiments of the present application. In addition, each network element unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software network element units.

[0136] If the above-mentioned integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software network element unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of the present application, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a terminal device, a cloud server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned methods in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code. The above is only a specific implementation method of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and these modifications or replacements should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Acquire first information, where the first information is used to indicate joining a multicast group based on a first protocol version, where the first protocol version is a protocol version used by a user plane functional network element; Sending second information to the user plane functional network element, where the second information is generated based on the first protocol version, and the second information is used to request to join the first multicast group.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The obtaining of the first information includes: Receive the first information from the user plane functional network element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Before receiving the first information from the user plane function network element, the method further includes: Sending third information to the user plane function network element, the third information is generated based on a second protocol version, the second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the user plane function network element, and the third information is used to request to join the first multicast group.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first protocol version is the V2 version of the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP), and the second protocol version is the V3 version of the IGMP.

5. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate joining a multicast group based on a first protocol version, where the first protocol version is a protocol version used by a user plane functional network element; Second information is received from a terminal device, where the second information is generated based on the first protocol version, and the second information is used to request to join a first multicast group.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The sending of the first information includes: Sending the first information to the terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The sending the first information to the terminal device includes: In a first time period, sending the first information to the terminal device in the broadcast domain; or, The first information is sent to the terminal device via unicast.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first time period is the running time of a timer, and the timer is started and / or times out according to a preset period.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sending the first information to the terminal device in a unicast manner includes: receiving third information from the terminal device, where the third information is generated based on a second protocol version, where the second protocol version is a protocol version not used by the user plane function network element, and the third information is used to request to join the first multicast group; When parsing the third information fails, sending the first information to the terminal device via the unicast method.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that: The first protocol version is the V2 version of the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP), and the second protocol version is the V3 version of the IGMP.

11. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit or a module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes at least one processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; and the at least one processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions in the memory, so that the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 is executed.

13. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes a terminal device and a user plane functional network element; The terminal device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; The user plane function network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises: a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed by a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

16. A chip, characterized in that: The chip includes at least one processor and an interface, wherein the processor is used to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, and when the instructions are executed, the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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