Communication method and device

Abstract

Provided are a communication method and apparatus, which relate to the field of wireless communications, and when a terminal in a group accesses a core network, a network element of a core network can be selected according to identification information of the group to provide services for the terminal, so that the terminal in the group accesses the same network element of the core network, thereby facilitating communication between the terminals in the group.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In order to meet the challenges of wireless broadband technology and maintain the leading edge of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, the 3GPP standards group formulated the next generation mobile communication network architecture (next generation system), namely the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication network architecture at the end of 2016. This network architecture supports the wireless technology defined by the 3GPP standards group to access the core network (CN), and supports non-3GPP (N3G) access technology to access the core network through the access network element on the N3G side. Therefore, this network architecture makes it possible for more types of terminals to access the core network. For example, mobile phones, home gateways, or devices in the Internet of Things can access the core network. At present, how the core network manages these devices has always been a hot topic of research. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can manage terminals at a group granularity to facilitate communication between terminals in the group.

[0004] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second network element; or, it can also be executed by a module applied to the second network element, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit; or, it can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second network element, without limitation. For the convenience of description, the following is an example of execution by the second network element. Optionally, the second network element is an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or a session management function (SMF) network element. The method includes: obtaining identification information of a first group; when a first terminal in the first group accesses a core network, selecting a first network element for the first terminal according to the identification information of the first group. Among them, the first network element is a core network element corresponding to the first group. Optionally, if the second network element is an AMF network element, the first network element is an SMF network element, and if the second network element is an SMF network element, the first network element is a user plane function (UPF) network element.

[0006] Based on the method provided in the first aspect above, when the first terminal in the first group accesses the core network, the second network element can select the first network element for the first terminal according to the identification information of the first group, that is, the second network element can select the first network element for the terminals in the first group at a group granularity, so that all the terminals in the first group can access the first network element. In this way, the terminals in the first group can communicate through the first network element, avoiding forwarding messages through the core network network elements to which the terminals respectively access, and thus facilitating communication between the terminals in the first group.

[0007] In a possible implementation manner, the first group also includes a second terminal, and the method further includes: when the second terminal accesses the core network, selecting the first network element for the second terminal.

[0008] Based on the above possible implementation manner, when the second terminal accesses the core network, the second network element may select the first network element for the second terminal, so that the second terminal accesses the first network element.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving information of a core network element corresponding to the first group; and selecting the first network element for the second terminal, including: selecting the first network element for the second terminal according to the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0010] Based on the above possible implementations, the second network element can select the first network element for the second terminal according to the received information of the core network element corresponding to the first group. It can be understood that the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group is used to indicate the core network element corresponding to the first group, which includes the first network element.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method also includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group; selecting the first network element for the second terminal includes: selecting the first network element for the second terminal according to the first indication information.

[0012] Based on the above possible implementations, the second network element can select the first network element for the second terminal and determine that the first network element is the core network element corresponding to the first group. Therefore, the second network element can subsequently select the first network element for the terminal in the first group, so that the terminal in the first group accesses the first network element.

[0013] In a possible implementation, selecting the first network element for the second terminal includes: sending identification information of the first group; receiving second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the first network element, and the first network element is determined according to the identification information of the first group.

[0014] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second network element can request other network elements, such as a network exposure function Repository function (NRF) network element or a unified data management (UDM) network element or a network control function (NCF), to select a core network element for the second terminal.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0016] Based on the above possible implementations, the second network element may indicate to the network element, such as the third network element, that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, to the network element that receives the third indication information, so that the third network element performs corresponding processing, such as selecting the first network element for the terminal in the first group according to the third indication information. The third network element is a network element in the core network. For example, the second network element is an AMF network element, and the third network element is an SMF network element.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending first information, where the first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group.

[0018] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second network element can send the first information to other network elements, such as NRF network element or UDM network element or NCF network element, so that other network elements determine that the first group corresponds to the first network element, so that the second network element can subsequently query the core network network element corresponding to the first group from other network elements.

[0019] In a possible implementation, selecting a first network element for the first terminal based on the identification information of the first group includes: sending the identification information of the first group; receiving fourth indication information, the fourth indication information is used to indicate the first network element, and the first network element is determined based on the identification information of the first group.

[0020] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the second network element may request other network elements, such as an NRF network element, a UDM network element, or an NCF network element, to select a core network element for the first terminal.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: an identification of the first group, a data network name corresponding to the first group, slice information corresponding to the first group, an identification of a user corresponding to the first group, or an identification of a service supported by the first group.

[0022] Based on the above possible implementations, the second network element may select the first network element for the first terminal based on the above at least one information. That is, the first network element may have a corresponding relationship with the above at least one information to be applicable to different scenarios.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a user plane function network element; or, the first network element is a session management function network element.

[0024] Based on the above possible implementation manner, the core network network elements corresponding to the first group include user plane function network elements or session management function network elements.

[0025] On the second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a fifth network element; or, it can also be executed by a module applied to the fifth network element, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit; or, it can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the fifth network element, without limitation. For ease of description, the following is an example of execution by the fifth network element. Optionally, the fifth network element is an NRF network element or a UDM network element or an NCF network element. The method includes: obtaining identification information of the first group; sending fourth indication information, the fourth indication information is used to indicate a first network element, the first network element is determined based on the identification information of the first group, and the first network element is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0026] Based on the method provided in the second aspect above, the fifth network element can determine the core network network element corresponding to the first group according to the obtained identification information of the first group, and indicate the core network network element, so that the network element receiving the fourth indication information, such as the second network element, can determine that the core network network element corresponding to the first group is the first network element. Optionally, if the second network element is an AMF network element, the first network element is an SMF network element, and if the second network element is an SMF network element, the first network element is a UPF network element.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving first information, where the first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group; and storing corresponding relationship information between the first group and the first network element according to the first information.

[0028] Based on the possible implementation manner, the fifth network element may determine the first network element corresponding to the first group according to the first information, and record the corresponding relationship between the first group and the first network element, so that the second network element can query the network element corresponding to the first group.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: the identification of the first group, the name of the data network corresponding to the first group, the slice information corresponding to the first group, the identification of the user corresponding to the first group, or the identification of the service supported by the first group.

[0030] Based on the above possible implementations, the fifth network element may determine the first network element based on the above at least one information. That is, the first network element may have a corresponding relationship with the above at least one information to be applicable to different scenarios.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a user plane function network element; or, the first network element is a session management function network element.

[0032] Based on the above possible implementation manner, the core network network elements corresponding to the first group include user plane function network elements or session management function network elements.

[0033] On the third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a UDM network element; or, it can also be executed by a module applied to the UDM network element, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit; or, it can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the UDM network element functions, without limitation. For the convenience of description, the following is an example of execution by a UDM network element. The method includes: obtaining first identification information, and obtaining contract data corresponding to the first identification information according to the first identification information. The first identification information is used to indicate a second terminal in a first group, or the first identification information is used to indicate a first group; the contract data includes information of a core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0034] Based on the method provided in the third aspect above, the UDM network element can store subscription data with the terminal as the granularity or with the group as the granularity, and the subscription data includes the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group, so that the second terminal can access the core network network element, or so that the terminal in the first group can access the core network network element. Specifically, if the first identification information is used to indicate the second terminal in the first group, the UDM network element can obtain the subscription data corresponding to the second terminal, that is, the subscription data of the second terminal, and the subscription data of the second terminal includes the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group, so that the second terminal can access the core network network element. Alternatively, the first identification information is used to indicate the first group, and the UDM network element can obtain the subscription data corresponding to the first group, that is, the subscription data of the first group, and the subscription data of the first group includes the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group, so that the terminals in the first group can access the core network network element.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the subscription data also includes at least one of the following: identification information or first indication information of the first group, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal in the first group is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0036] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the subscription data may include at least one of the above information. If the first identification information is used to indicate the second terminal in the first group, the identification information of the first group is used to determine that the second terminal belongs to the first group, and the first indication information is used to determine that the second terminal is the main device in the first group, or the terminal in the first group accesses the core network through the second terminal, or the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group. If the first identification information is used to indicate the first group, the identification information of the first group is used to indicate the first group, and the first indication information corresponds to the second terminal, it is used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0037] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending the signing data.

[0038] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the network element that receives the contract data, such as the second network element, can obtain the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group, or obtain the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group, and obtain at least one of the identification information or the first indication information of the first group.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate the first network element, where the first network element is determined based on identification information of the first group, and the first network element is a core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0040] Based on the possible implementation manner described above, the first network element may be indicated to a network element, such as a second network element, that receives the fourth indication information, so that the second network element determines that the core network elements corresponding to the first group include the first network element.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: the identification of the first group, the name of the data network corresponding to the first group, the slice information corresponding to the first group, the identification of the user corresponding to the first group, or the identification of the service supported by the first group.

[0042] Based on the possible implementation methods described above, the first network element may have a corresponding relationship with the at least one information described above to be applicable to different scenarios.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving first information, where the first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group; and storing corresponding relationship information between the first group and the first network element according to the first information.

[0044] Based on the possible implementation manner, the UDM network element may determine the first network element corresponding to the first group according to the first information, and record the correspondence between the first group and the first network element, so that the second network element can query the network element corresponding to the first group.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a user plane function network element; or, the first network element is a session management function network element.

[0046] Based on the above possible implementation manner, the core network network elements corresponding to the first group include user plane function network elements or session management function network elements.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an NRF network element; or, it can also be executed by a module applied to the NRF network element, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit; or, it can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the NRF network element, without limitation. For ease of description, the following is an example of execution by an NRF network element. The method includes: receiving second identification information, and obtaining information about the first service registered in the core network according to the second identification information. Among them, the second identification information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first service, identification information of the second group, or identification information of the second terminal in the second group, and the first service is a service supported by the terminal in the second group; the information of the first service includes at least one of the following: service type information of the first service, resource location information of the first service, or address information of the first service.

[0048] Based on the method provided in the fourth aspect, the NRF network element can register terminals in the second group, such as the first service supported by the first terminal, for other terminals in the second group, such as the third terminal, to query so that the third terminal can access the first service. Exemplarily, if the first terminal is a printer, the first service is a print service, and the third terminal can access the print service to request to print a document; if the first terminal is a storage device, the first service is a storage service, and the third terminal can access the storage service to request to store information; if the first terminal is a display device, the first service is a video service or a video display service, and the third terminal can access the video service or the video display service to request to play a video.

[0049] In a possible implementation manner, the core network element that provides services for the second terminal is a core network element corresponding to the second group.

[0050] Based on the above possible implementation methods, it can be determined that the core network network element providing services for the second terminal is the core network network element corresponding to the second group, which is equivalent to determining that the second terminal is the main device of the second group, or the terminals in the second group access the core network through the second terminal, or the second terminal can assist the terminals in the second group to register services in the NRF network element.

[0051] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending information of the first service.

[0052] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the network element that receives the information of the first service, such as an AMF network element or an SMF network element, can obtain the information of the first service, and then send the information of the first service to the terminal in the second group, such as the third terminal, so that the third terminal can access the first service.

[0053] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving registration information of the first service, where the registration information of the first service includes the second identification information and information of the first service.

[0054] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the NRF network element can receive the registration information of the first service and implement the registration of the first service, for example, store the correspondence between the second identification information and the information of the first service, so as to subsequently query the information of the first service through the second identification information.

[0055] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending a registration result of the first service.

[0056] Based on the above possible implementations, the network element that receives the registration result of the first service, such as an AMF network element or an SMF network element, can obtain the registration result of the first service, and then send the registration result of the first service to the second terminal, so that the second terminal determines whether the first service is successfully registered. Optionally, after receiving the registration result of the first service, the second terminal can send the registration result to the terminal that registers the first service, such as the first terminal, so that the first terminal determines whether the first service is successfully registered.

[0057] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the first service also includes identification information of the first service.

[0058] Based on the above possible implementation methods, the identification information of the first service may be registered to the NRF network element.

[0059] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second network element; or, it can also be executed by a module applied to the second network element, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit; or, it can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second network element, without limitation. For ease of description, the following is an example of execution by the second network element. Optionally, the second network element is an AMF network element or an SMF network element. The method includes: receiving second identification information, wherein the second identification information includes at least one of the following: identification information of a first service, identification information of a second group, or identification information of a second terminal in the second group, and the first service is a service supported by the terminal in the second group; sending the second identification information; receiving information of the first service, the information of the first service is obtained from the core network according to the second identification information, and the information of the first service includes at least one of the following: service type information of the first service, resource location information of the first service, or address information of the first service.

[0060] Based on the method provided in the fifth aspect above, after the second network element obtains the second identification information, it can send the second identification information to the network element registered with the first service, such as the NRF network element, so that the NRF network element can query the information of the first service based on the second identification information.

[0061] In a possible implementation manner, the core network element that provides services for the second terminal is a core network element corresponding to the second group.

[0062] Based on the above possible implementation methods, it can be determined that the core network network element providing services for the second terminal is the core network network element corresponding to the second group, which is equivalent to determining that the second terminal is the main device of the second group, or the terminals in the second group access the core network through the second terminal, or the second terminal can assist the terminals in the second group to register services in the NRF network element.

[0063] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending information of the first service.

[0064] Based on the possible implementation manner described above, the second network element may send the information of the first service to a device requesting the information of the first service, such as a second terminal or a third terminal, so that the second terminal or the third terminal can access the first service.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving registration information of the first service, where the registration information of the first service includes the second identification information and information of the first service; and sending the registration information of the first service.

[0066] Based on the above possible implementation methods, after receiving the registration information of the first service, the second network element can send the registration information of the first service to the network element used to register the first service, such as the NRF network element, so that the network element used to register the first service completes the registration of the first service.

[0067] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a registration result of the first service.

[0068] Based on the above possible implementation, the second network element may receive the registration result of the first service so as to send the registration result to a device requesting registration of the first service, such as the second terminal or the first terminal, so that the device determines whether the first service is successfully registered.

[0069] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the first service also includes identification information of the first service.

[0070] Based on the above possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first service may be registered in the core network.

[0071] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second terminal; or, it can also be executed by a module applied to the second terminal, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit; or, it can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second terminal, without limitation. For the convenience of description, the following is an example of execution by the second terminal. The method includes: sending second identification information to the core network, and receiving information about a first service from the core network. Among them, the second identification information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first service, identification information of the second group, or identification information of the second terminal in the second group, and the first service is a service supported by the terminal in the second group; the information of the first service is used to indicate at least one of the following: service type information of the first service, resource location information of the first service, or address information of the first service; the information of the first service is determined according to the second identification information.

[0072] Based on the method provided in the sixth aspect above, the second terminal can query the information of the first service in the core network, such as the NRF network element in the core network, according to the second identification information. Subsequently, the second terminal can access the first service according to the information of the first service, or the second terminal can send the information of the first service to other terminals in the second group, such as the third terminal, so that the terminal can access the first service. Taking the example of the second terminal sending the information of the first service to the third terminal so that the third terminal can access the first service, if the first service is a printing service, the third terminal can access the printing service and request to print the document; if the first service is a storage service, the third terminal can access the storage service and request to store information; if the first service is a video service or a video display service, the third terminal can access the video service or the video display service and request to play the video.

[0073] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending registration information of the first service to a core network, where the registration information of the first service includes the second identification information and information of the first service.

[0074] Based on the above possible implementation manner, the second terminal may register the first service with the core network, for example, register with the NRF network element in the core network.

[0075] In a possible implementation manner, the registration information of the first service is carried in a non-access layer message or a performance detection function message.

[0076] Based on the above possible implementation, the second terminal may send the registration information of the first service to the core network through a non-access layer message or a performance detection function message to implement the registration of the first service in the core network.

[0077] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the first service also includes identification information of the first service.

[0078] Based on the above possible implementation manner, the identification information of the first service may be registered in the core network.

[0079] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device may be the second network element in the above first aspect, or a device including the above second network element, or a module in the second network element in the above first aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can implement part or all of the functions of the second network element; or, the communication device may be the fifth network element in the above second aspect, or a device including the above fifth network element, or a module in the fifth network element in the above second aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can implement part or all of the functions of the fifth network element; or, the communication device may be the UDM network element in the above third aspect, or a device including the above UDM network element, or a module in the UDM network element in the above third aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can implement part or all of the functions of the UDM network element; or The communication device may be the NRF network element in the fourth aspect, or a device including the NRF network element, or a module in the NRF network element in the fourth aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the NRF network element; or the communication device may be the second network element in the fifth aspect, or a device including the second network element, or a module in the second network element in the fifth aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the second network element; or the communication device may be the second terminal in the sixth aspect, or a device including the second terminal, or a module in the second terminal in the sixth aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the second terminal. The communication device includes a module, unit, or means corresponding to the implementation of the above method, and the module, unit, or means may be implemented by hardware, software, or by executing the corresponding software implementation by hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0080] In a possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module. The processing module, which may also be referred to as a processing unit, may be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor.

[0081] In a possible implementation, the communication device may further include an interface module. The interface module, which may also be referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The interface module may be composed of an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver or a communication interface.

[0082] In a possible implementation, the interface module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are respectively used to implement the sending and receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0083] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor is used to couple with a memory, and after reading the instruction in the memory, execute the method as described in any of the above aspects according to the instruction. The communication device can be the second network element in the above first aspect, or a device including the above second network element, or a module in the second network element in the above first aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the second network element; or, the communication device can be the fifth network element in the above second aspect, or a device including the above fifth network element, or a module in the fifth network element in the above second aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the fifth network element; or, the communication device can be the UDM network element in the above third aspect, or a device including the above UDM network element, or a module in the UDM network element in the above third aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the UDM network element; or Alternatively, the communication device may be the NRF network element in the fourth aspect, or a device including the NRF network element, or a module in the NRF network element in the fourth aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the NRF network element; or, the communication device may be the second network element in the fifth aspect, or a device including the second network element, or a module in the second network element in the fifth aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the second network element; or, the communication device may be the second terminal in the sixth aspect, or a device including the second terminal, or a module in the second terminal in the sixth aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the second terminal.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory, and the memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data.

[0085] In a possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0086] In the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to receive a computer program or instruction and transmit it to the processor; the processor is used to execute the computer program or instruction so that the communication device executes the method as described in any of the above aspects. The communication device can be the second network element in the above first aspect, or a device including the above second network element, or a module in the second network element in the above first aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the second network element; or, the communication device can be the fifth network element in the above second aspect, or a device including the above fifth network element, or a module in the fifth network element in the above second aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the fifth network element; or, the communication device can be the UDM network element in the above third aspect, or a device including the above UDM network element, or a module in the UDM network element in the above third aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the UDM network element; or Alternatively, the communication device may be the NRF network element in the fourth aspect, or a device including the NRF network element, or a module in the NRF network element in the fourth aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the NRF network element; or, the communication device may be the second network element in the fifth aspect, or a device including the second network element, or a module in the second network element in the fifth aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the second network element; or, the communication device may be the second terminal in the sixth aspect, or a device including the second terminal, or a module in the second terminal in the sixth aspect, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or a software implementation that can realize part or all of the functions of the second terminal.

[0087] In a possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0088] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer can execute the method described in any one of the above aspects.

[0089] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in any one of the above aspects.

[0090] In the twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a second network element for executing the method described in the first aspect, and at least one of the following network elements: a fifth network element for executing the method described in the second aspect or a UDM network element for executing the method described in the third aspect.

[0091] In the thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes at least two of an NRF network element for executing the method described in the fourth aspect, a second network element for executing the method described in the fifth aspect, or a second terminal for executing the method described in the sixth aspect.

[0092] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method in the seventh to thirteenth aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by any aspect in the first to sixth aspects or different possible implementation methods in any aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0093] It can be understood that, under the premise that the solutions are not contradictory, the solutions in each aspect can be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the communication system architecture provided for this application;

[0095] Figure 1B Schematic diagram 1 of the connection relationship between the terminal 1031, the access point 102 and the core network 101 provided in this application;

[0096] Figure 1C Schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the terminal 1031, the access point 102 and the core network 101 provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0097] Figure 1D Schematic diagram 1 of the network architecture provided for this application;

[0098] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device provided in this application;

[0099] Figure 3 Flow chart 1 of the communication method provided in this application;

[0100] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the network architecture provided for this application Figure 2 ;

[0101] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0102] Figure 6Schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application Figure 3 ;

[0103] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application Figure 4 ;

[0104] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application Figure 5 ;

[0105] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application Figure 6 ;

[0106] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] The implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0108] The method provided in the present application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a fifth generation (5G) communication system, a 3GPP-related communication system, a future evolution communication system (such as a sixth generation (6G) communication system, etc.), or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. Among them, 5G can also be called new radio (NR). The following is a description of the method provided in the present application. Figure 1A The method provided in the present application is described by taking the communication system 10 as an example. Figure 1A It is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application.

[0109] like Figure 1A , which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 provided in the present application. Figure 1A In the embodiment, the communication system 10 may include a core network 101, one or more access points 102 ( Figure 1A Only one is shown in FIG. 1 ), a terminal 1031 communicating with the access point 102, and at least one terminal ( Figure 1A Terminals 1032 to 1034 are shown in FIG. 1 ). Terminals 1031 to 1034 may form a group 103.

[0110] exist Figure 1AIn the embodiment, at least one terminal can communicate with the terminal 1031 via a wired or wireless method. For example, the terminal 1032 communicates with the terminal 1031 via wireless fidelity (WiFi), and the terminal 1033 and the terminal 1034 communicate with the terminal 1031 via a wired home network. Of course, the wired or wireless communication between the terminals is not limited to WiFi and wired home networks, but also includes local area networks, Bluetooth, etc., which are not listed here. The terminal 1031 can communicate with the access point 102 via a wired or wireless method, and the access point 102 can communicate with the core network 101 via a wired or wireless method.

[0111] exist Figure 1A In the figure, the access point 102 is used to connect the terminal 1031 to the core network 101. It can be understood that the access point 102 can use different access technologies to connect the terminal 1031 to the core network. For different access technologies, the specific form of the access point 102 is different, and the connection method between the access point 102 and the core network 101 is also different. For example, the access point 102 can connect the terminal 1031 to the core network 101 through the wireless access technology defined by the 3GPP standard group. In this scenario, the access point 102 is a radio access network (RAN) node. For another example, the access point 102 can connect the terminal 1031 to the core network 101 through a non-3GPP access technology. In this scenario, the access point 102 is a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) network element, a trusted non-3GPP gateway function (TNGF) network element, or a wireline access gateway function (W-AGF) network element, etc.

[0112] In this application, the wireless access technology defined by the 3GPP standard group includes but is not limited to: 2G access technology, 3G access technology, 4G access technology, 5G access technology or future evolved 3GPP access technology (such as 6G access technology). Non-3GPP access technology can be understood as communication technology other than 3GPP access technology, including but not limited to: wireless local area network (WLAN) access technology, trusted WAN access technology, untrusted WAN access technology, wired access technology, fixed network access technology or home network access technology. It can be understood that WLAN access technology corresponds to WLAN access points (AP) deployed in the park, or WLAN AP hotspots deployed in public places, and wired access technology corresponds to wired communication deployed in the home network. The above-mentioned trusted WAN access technology can also be called trusted non-3GPP access technology, and the above-mentioned untrusted WAN access technology can also be called untrusted non-3GPP access technology.

[0113] The following describes the connection relationship between the terminal 1031, the access point 102 and the core network 101 by taking 5G access technology and untrusted non-3GPP access technology as examples.

[0114] For example, taking 5G access technology as an example, the connection relationship between the terminal 1031, the access point 102 and the core network 101 can be as follows: Figure 1B shown. Figure 1B The user equipment (UE) in the embodiment corresponds to the terminal 1031. Figure 1B The (R)AN in corresponds to the access point 102. Figure 1B In the embodiment, the core network (corresponding to the above core network 101) includes UPF network element, SMF network element, AMF network element, authentication server function (AUSF) network element, network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, network exposure function (NEF) network element, NRF network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, UDM network element, application function (AF) network element, etc. It can be understood that in this example, the core network is a 5G core network (5G core, 5GC).

[0115] Understandably, in Figure 1BIn the 5G network, UE can access the 5G network through (R)AN, UE communicates with AMF network element through N1 interface (referred to as N1); (R)AN communicates with AMF network element through N2 interface (referred to as N2); (R)AN communicates with UPF network element through N3 interface (referred to as N3); SMF network element communicates with UPF network element through N4 interface (referred to as N4); UPF network element accesses data network (DN) through N6 interface (referred to as N6). In addition, Figure 1B The control plane network elements shown, such as the AUSF network element, AMF network element, SMF network element, NSSF network element, NEF network element, NRF network element, PCF network element, UDM network element or AF network element, can interact with each other using service-oriented interfaces. For example, the service-oriented interface provided by the AUSF network element to the outside may be Nausf; the service-oriented interface provided by the AMF network element to the outside may be Namf; the service-oriented interface provided by the SMF network element to the outside may be Nsmf; the service-oriented interface provided by the NSSF network element to the outside may be Nnssf; the service-oriented interface provided by the NEF network element to the outside may be Nnef; the service-oriented interface provided by the NRF network element to the outside may be Nnrf; the service-oriented interface provided by the PCF network element to the outside may be Npcf; the service-oriented interface provided by the UDM network element to the outside may be Nudm; and the service-oriented interface provided by the AF network element to the outside may be Naf.

[0116] For example, taking the untrusted non-3GPP access technology as an example, the connection relationship between the terminal 1031, the access point 102 and the core network 101 can be as follows: Figure 1C shown. Figure 1C The UE in corresponds to the above terminal 1031, Figure 1C The N3IWF network element in corresponds to the above-mentioned access point 102. Figure 1C In the embodiment, the core network (corresponding to the above core network 101) includes AMF network elements, SMF and UPF network elements. The network elements in the core network and the N3IWF network elements are located in the home public land mobile network (HPLMN). The UE can communicate with the core network through non-trusted non-3GPP access technology. For example: the UE can communicate with the non-trusted non-3GPP access point through the Y1 interface (referred to as Y1); the non-trusted non-3GPP access point can communicate with the N3IWF network element through the Y2 interface (referred to as Y2); the N3IWF network element can communicate with the AMF network element through the N2 interface (referred to as N2), and communicate with the UPF network element through the N3 interface (referred to as N3). In addition, the SMF network element communicates with the UPF network element through the N4 interface (referred to as N4); the UPF network element accesses the DN through the N6 interface (referred to as N6).

[0117] It is understandable that, in addition to the untrusted non-3GPP access technology, the terminal 1031 can also communicate with the core network through a trusted non-3GPP access technology or a wired access technology. The network architecture in which the terminal 1031 communicates with the core network through a trusted non-3GPP access technology is similar to Figure 1C The network architecture shown is similar to that shown in Figure 1C Replace the untrusted non-3GPP access in the network with a trusted non-3GPP access or with a wired access. Figure 1C The N3IWF network element in the network is replaced by a trusted non-3GPP access network element, such as a TNGF network element, or replaced by a wired network access network element, such as a W-AGF network element.

[0118] It is understandable that whether communicating with the core network through a trusted non-3GPP access technology, an untrusted non-3GPP access technology, or a wired access technology, the situation on the core network side can be as follows: Figure 1C The interface protocol is shown as point-to-point, or it can be Figure 1B The figure shows that the 3GPP access core network architecture consistently adopts service-oriented interfaces.

[0119] In a possible implementation, the communication system 10 may be applied to Figure 1D In the network architecture shown. Figure 1D The network architecture shown includes: a plurality of terminals that communicate with each other, such as terminals 1031 to 1034, constituting a group 103, an access point 102 that communicates with the terminal 1031, and a core network that communicates with the access point 102. The core network includes an AMF network element 1011, an SMF network element 1012, and a UPF network element 1013. Optionally, the core network also includes at least one of the following: an NRF network element 1014, a UDM network element 1015, an AF network element 1016, an SMF network element 1017, and a UPF network element 1018.

[0120] Understandably, the above Figures 1B to 1D The core network shown is only exemplary. In a specific application, the core network may include Figure 1B , Figure 1C or Figure 1D More or fewer network elements are shown without limitation.

[0121] The above exemplary introductions are given to the communication systems and network architectures to which the method provided by the present application can be applied. It should be understood that, in specific applications, the communication systems or network architectures to which the method provided by the present application can be applied are not limited to the above examples. In order to better understand the method provided by the present application, the nodes, devices or network elements involved in the above communication systems and network architectures are introduced below.

[0122] The access point in this application, such as the access point 102, can communicate with the terminal 1031 through 3GPP access technology or non-3GPP access technology. When the access point communicates with the terminal 1031 through 3GPP access technology, the access point is a RAN node, and when the access point communicates with the terminal 1031 through non-3GPP access technology, the access point is a non-3GPP access network element, such as N3IWF network element, residential gateway (RG), TNGF network element, trusted WLAN interworking function (TWIF), W-AGF network element or next generation access gateway (next generation packetdata gateway, ngPDG), etc.

[0123] The RAN node in this application is mainly responsible for the functions of wireless resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption on the air interface side. For example, the RAN node may include 5G, such as the gNB in ​​the NR system, or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of the base station in 5G, or it may also be a network node constituting a gNB, a transmission point (TRP or transmission point, TP) or a transmission measurement function (TMF), such as a baseband unit (building baseband unit, BBU), or a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU) or a road side unit (RSU) with a base station function. Alternatively, the RAN node may include an evolved base station (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutional Node B) in LTE, an evolved base station (next generation eNB, ng-eNB) in the next generation LTE, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations or access points, etc. Alternatively, the RAN node may include an access network device of a next generation mobile communication system (such as a 6G communication system), such as a 6G base station. In this application, the RAN node may be replaced by a RAN device, an access network device, a wireless access network device, or a wireless access device, etc.

[0124] In the present application, the terminal 1031 has the ability to access the core network, such as accessing the core network through an access point. The terminal 1031 can also connect the terminals 1032 to 1034 connected thereto to the core network. For example, the terminal 1031 is an RG or a personal IoT network (PIN) element gateway capability (PEGC) network element with core network access capability.

[0125] Terminal 1032, terminal 1033 or terminal 1034 can access the core network through terminal 1031. Terminal 1032, terminal 1033 or terminal 1034 has the ability to access the core network or does not have the ability to access the core network. For example, terminal 1032, terminal 1033 or terminal 1034 is a handheld device with wireless communication function, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a customer premises equipment (CPE), a computer, a display device, a vehicle-mounted device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a terminal in telemedicine, a terminal in a smart grid, a terminal in a smart city, a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system or a terminal in a smart home (such as a printer, a camera or a speaker, etc.), a wearable device, a storage device or a computing device. In the present application, a terminal may also be referred to as a terminal device or a user equipment (UE), etc. Since terminal 1032 , terminal 1033 or terminal 1034 accesses the core network through terminal 1031 , terminal 1032 , terminal 1033 or terminal 1034 may be referred to as terminal devices of terminal 1031 .

[0126] In this application, the core network is mainly responsible for maintaining the subscription data of the mobile network and providing functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management and security authentication for the terminal. The core network includes UPF network elements and control plane function (CPF) network elements. Optionally, the UPF network element is mainly responsible for user data processing (such as forwarding, receiving, quality of service (QoS) control or billing information statistics, etc.). For example, the UPF network element can receive user data from the DN and forward the user data to the terminal through the RAN node or access network element. The UPF network element can also receive user data from the terminal through the RAN node or access network element, and forward the user data to the DN. DN can provide data transmission services for users. For example, mobile operator services, Internet services or third-party services can be provided. The CPF network element is mainly responsible for user registration and authentication, mobility management, and issuing data packet forwarding policies, QoS control policies, etc. to the user plane (such as UPF). The CPF network element may include at least one of the following: AUSF network element, AMF network element, SMF network element, NSSF network element, NEF network element, NRF network element, PCF network element, UDM network element or AF network element. The functions of these network elements are introduced below.

[0127] Optionally, the AUSF network element is mainly used to perform terminal security authentication, such as authenticating the terminal and determining the legitimacy of the terminal.

[0128] Optionally, the AMF network element is mainly used for mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location update, user network registration, user switching, etc.

[0129] Optionally, the SMF network element is mainly used for session management in mobile networks. For example, session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to users, selecting UPFs that provide message forwarding functions, and sending data packet forwarding policies and QoS policies to UPF network elements based on the interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element.

[0130] Optionally, the PCF network element mainly supports providing a unified policy framework to control network behavior, providing policy rules to the control layer network function, and is responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to policy decisions. The PCF network element can provide policies to the AMF network element and SMF network element, such as QoS policy, slice selection policy, etc.

[0131] Optionally, the NSSF network element is mainly used to select network slices for terminals.

[0132] Optionally, the NEF network element is mainly used to support the opening of capabilities and events.

[0133] Optionally, the UDM network element is mainly used to store user data, such as contract data, authentication / authorization data, etc.

[0134] Optionally, the AF network element mainly supports interaction with the core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions, providing some third-party services to the network side, or sending application-related requirements to the PCF network element, so that the PCF network element generates corresponding policies.

[0135] As can be seen from the previous introduction, currently various types of terminals can access the core network, for example, Figure 1A or Figure 1D In the example, terminal 1031 can access the core network, and terminals 1032 to 1034 can access the core network through terminal 1031. Then, how the core network manages these terminals is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0136] In order to facilitate the core network to manage these terminals, group management is proposed. In other words, the terminal 1031 and the terminals connected to the terminal 1031 can be divided into at least one group, each group includes two or more terminals, for example, Figure 1A or Figure 1D In the example, terminals 1031 to 1034 form a group 103. The core network manages these terminals in groups.

[0137] In this application, the group can be replaced by a group, a network, a PIN group, a PIN network or a sub-network, etc., without limitation. In this application, the group is used as an example for description. The group can be created by the user. For example, taking terminal 1031 as PEGC, terminal 1032 as a mobile phone, terminal 1033 as a tablet computer, and terminal 1034 as a printer as an example, the user can create a family group, which includes PEGC, a mobile phone, a tablet computer and a printer; or the user can create a work group and an entertainment group, wherein the work group includes PEGC, a mobile phone and a printer, and the entertainment group includes PEGC and a tablet computer.

[0138] In this application, the core network supports the management of groups. For example, the core network can select core network elements at the group level so that all terminals in the group can access the core network element. In this way, the terminals in the group can communicate through the core network element, avoiding the forwarding of messages through the core network elements that the terminals access. Therefore, it is convenient for the terminals in the group to communicate with each other. For details, please refer to the following Figure 3 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 For another example, the services supported by the terminals in the group can be registered in the core network so that other terminals in the group can query through the core network. For details, please refer to the following Figures 7 to 9 The corresponding description in the method shown.

[0139] Understandably, Figures 1A to 1D The communication system or network architecture shown is only used as an example and is not used to limit the technical solution of the present application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in the specific implementation process, the above-mentioned communication system or the above-mentioned network architecture may also include other devices, and the number of access points, terminals, AMF network elements, UPF network elements, NRF network elements, UDM network elements, AF network elements, SMF network elements, etc. may also be determined according to specific needs without limitation.

[0140] Optional, this application Figures 1A to 1D Each network element or device (such as access point, terminal, AMF network element, UPF network element, NRF network element, UDM network element, AF network element, SMF network element, etc.) can also be called a communication device, which can be a general device or a special device, and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0141] Optional, this application Figures 1A to 1D The related functions of each network element or device (such as access point, terminal, AMF network element, UPF network element, NRF network element, UDM network element, AF network element, SMF network element, etc.) can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices together, or by one or more functional modules in one device, and this application does not make specific restrictions on this. It can be understood that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform).

[0142] In specific implementation, this application Figures 1A to 1D Each network element or device in (such as access point, terminal, AMF network element, UPF network element, NRF network element, UDM network element, AF network element, SMF network element, etc.) can be used Figure 2 The structure shown, or including Figure 2 Parts shown. Figure 2 The figure shows a hardware structure diagram of a communication device applicable to the present application. The communication device 20 includes at least one processor 201 and at least one communication interface 204, which are used to implement the method provided by the present application. The communication device 20 may also include a communication line 202 and a memory 203.

[0143] The processor 201 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the present application.

[0144] The communication link 202 may include a path to transmit information between the above-mentioned components, such as a bus.

[0145] The communication interface 204 is used to communicate with other devices or communication networks. The communication interface 204 can be any transceiver-like device, such as an Ethernet interface, a radio access network (RAN) interface, a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, a transceiver, a pin, a bus, an interface circuit, or a transceiver circuit.

[0146] The memory 203 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be coupled to the processor 201 via the communication line 202. The memory 203 may also be integrated with the processor 201. The memory provided in the present application may generally be non-volatile.

[0147] Among them, the memory 203 is used to store the computer execution instructions involved in executing the solution provided by this application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 201. The processor 201 is used to execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 203, so as to implement the method provided by this application. Alternatively, optionally, in this application, the processor 201 may also perform the processing-related functions in the method provided below in this application, and the communication interface 204 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0148] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in the present application may also be referred to as application code, which is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0149] The coupling in this application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules.

[0150] As an embodiment, the processor 201 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 2 CPU0 and CPU1 in.

[0151] As an embodiment, the communication device 20 may include multiple processors, such as Figure 2 201 and processor 207 in the embodiment of the present invention. Each of these processors may be a single-CPU processor or a multi-CPU processor. The processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0152] As an embodiment, the communication device 20 may further include an output device 205 and / or an input device 206. The output device 205 is coupled to the processor 201 and can display information in a variety of ways. For example, the output device 205 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector. The input device 206 is coupled to the processor 201 and can receive user input in a variety of ways. For example, the input device 206 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensor device.

[0153] Understandably, Figure 2 The structure shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except Figure 2 In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0154] The method provided by the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each network element in the following embodiments may have Figure 2 The parts shown are not described in detail.

[0155] It can be understood that the message names between the network elements or the names of the parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of the present application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations, and the present application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0156] It is understandable that in the present application, " / " can indicate that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can indicate A or B; "and / or" can be used to describe that there are three relationships between the associated objects, for example, A and / or B can indicate: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, expressions similar to "at least one of A, B and C" or "at least one of A, B or C" are usually used to indicate any of the following: A exists alone; B exists alone; C exists alone; A and B exist at the same time; A and C exist at the same time; B and C exist at the same time; A, B and C exist at the same time. The above uses A, B and C as an example to illustrate the optional items of the item. When there are more elements in the expression, the meaning of the expression can be obtained according to the above rules.

[0157] In order to facilitate the description of the technical solution of the present application, in the present application, words such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish between technical features with the same or similar functions. The words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit them to be different. In the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations, and any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way for easy understanding.

[0158] It is understood that the "embodiment" mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments in the entire specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It is understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution, and 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 present application.

[0159] It can be understood that in the present application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that corresponding processing will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, but do not limit the time, nor do they require any judgment action when implementing them, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0160] The term “simultaneously” in the present application may be understood as at the same time point, within a period of time, or within the same cycle.

[0161] In this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" can be understood as two or more than two. For example, "multiple sessions" can be understood as "two or more sessions".

[0162] It is understandable that some optional features in this application may be implemented independently in some scenarios without relying on other features, such as the solution on which it is currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. They may also be combined with other features according to needs in some scenarios. Accordingly, the device provided in this application may also realize these features or functions accordingly, which will not be elaborated here.

[0163] It can be understood that the same step or steps or technical features with the same functions in different embodiments of the present application can be referenced to each other.

[0164] It is understandable that in the present application, the access point, the first terminal, the second terminal, the AMF network element, the UPF network element, the NRF network element, the UDM network element or the SMF network element can perform some or all of the steps in the present application, and these steps are only examples. The present application can also perform other steps or variations of various steps. In addition, the various steps can be performed in different orders presented in the present application, and it is possible that not all the steps in the present application need to be performed.

[0165] It can be understood that the method provided below in the present application takes multiple network elements such as access point, first terminal, second terminal, AMF network element, UPF network element, NRF network element, UDM network element or SMF network element as the execution subject of the interaction diagram as an example to illustrate the method, but the present application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction diagram. For example, the access point in the method provided in the following embodiment of the present application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the access point to implement the method, or a logical node, logic module or software that can implement all or part of the access point function; the terminal (such as the first terminal or the second terminal) in the method provided below in the present application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal to implement the method, or a logical node, logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal function; the AMF network element in the method provided below in the present application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the AMF network element to implement the method, or a logical node, logic module or software that can implement all or part of the AMF network element function; the UPF network element in the method provided below in the present application may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the UPF network element to implement the method. The NRF network element in the method provided below in the present application may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the NRF network element to implement the method, or it may be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the NRF network element function; the UDM network element in the method provided below in the present application may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the UDM network element to implement the method, or it may be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the UDM network element function; the SMF network element in the method provided below in the present application may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the SMF network element to implement the method, or it may be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the SMF network element function.

[0166] like Figure 3 As shown, a communication method provided by the present application may include the following steps:

[0167] S301: The second network element obtains identification information of the first group.

[0168] In the present application, the second network element is a core network element, such as an AMF network element or an SMF network element. The first group includes two or more terminals. The above-mentioned terminal can be a terminal with core network (such as 5G core network) access capability, or a terminal without core network access capability, without limitation. Among them, the terminal with core network access capability can support a subscriber identity module (Subscriber Identity Module, SIM) card, or support a SIM card and a non-access stratum (non accessstratum, NAS) module or a cellular module. The terminal without core network access capability does not support SIM cards, and does not support NAS modules or cellular modules. The first group contains at least one terminal with core network access capability. For example, the first group includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The second terminal is a terminal with core network access capability, and the first terminal is a terminal with core network access capability, or a terminal without core network access capability. Optionally, the number of second terminals is 1, and the number of first terminals is greater than or equal to 1. With Figure 1D For example, the second network element is AMF network element 1011 or SMF network element 1012, the first group is group 103, the second terminal is terminal 1031, and the first terminal includes one or more of terminal 1032, terminal 1033 or terminal 1034.

[0169] In the present application, the identification information of the first group is used to indicate the first group. For example, the identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: the identification of the first group, the data network name (DNN) corresponding to the first group, the slice information corresponding to the first group, the identification of the user corresponding to the first group, or the identification of the service supported by the first group. Among them, the identification of the first group is the ID of the first group. The user corresponding to the first group is a user using a terminal in the first group, and the identification of the user corresponding to the first group is the user's account, the user's ID, or the user's employee number, etc. The identification of the service supported by the first group is used to indicate the services supported by the first group, for example, the identification of the service supported by the first group includes uniform resource locator (URL) information or service type information supported by the first group. Service types are, for example, printing services, storage services, or video services.

[0170] In a possible implementation manner, if the second network element is an AMF network element, the second network element obtains the identification information of the first group from the first terminal, the second terminal or the access point. Figure 1DFor example, terminal 1032, terminal 1033 or terminal 1034 sends the identification information of the first group to AMF network element 1011 through terminal 1031 and access point 102. Correspondingly, AMF network element 1011 receives the identification information of the first group. The AMF network element 1011 receives the identification information of the first group, that is, obtains the identification information of the first group.

[0171] In another possible implementation, if the second network element is an SMF network element, the second network element obtains the identification information of the first group from the AMF network element. Figure 1D For example, terminal 1032, terminal 1033 or terminal 1034 sends the identification information of the first group to AMF network element 1011 through terminal 1031 and access point 102. After receiving the identification information of the first group, AMF network element 1011 sends the identification information of the first group to SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, SMF network element 1012 receives the identification information of the first group. When SMF network element 1012 receives the identification information of the first group, it obtains the identification information of the first group.

[0172] S302: When a first terminal in the first group accesses the core network, the second network element selects a first network element for the first terminal according to identification information of the first group.

[0173] In the present application, the first network element is a core network element selected by the second network element for the first terminal. For example, if the second network element is an AMF network element, the first network element is an SMF network element; if the second network element is an SMF network element, the first network element is a UPF network element. In other words, in the present application, the AMF network element can select the SMF network element to serve the first terminal according to the identifier of the first group, and the SMF network element can select the UPF network element to serve the first terminal according to the identifier of the first group.

[0174] In one possible design, the first network element is the core network element corresponding to the first group. In other words, the core network supports allocating core network elements to terminals based on group granularity. The first network element is the core network element allocated by the core network to the first group. In this way, all terminals in the first group can access the first network element. In this way, the terminals in the first group can communicate through the first network element, avoiding forwarding messages through the core network elements to which the terminals respectively access. Therefore, communication between terminals in the first group can be facilitated. Figure 4 Taking the network architecture shown as an example, if terminal 1032 moves from location A to location B, terminal 1032 usually accesses the core network element corresponding to access point 104. According to the method provided in the present application, terminal 1032 can access the core network element corresponding to group 103 to communicate with terminal 1031, terminal 1033 or terminal 1034.

[0175] It is understandable that if the terminal 1032 cannot directly access the core network element corresponding to the group 103, the terminal 1032 can access the core network element corresponding to the access point 104, and establish a connection with the core network element corresponding to the group 103 through the core network element corresponding to the access point 104, so that the terminal 1032 can access other terminals in the group 103. For example, if the core network element corresponding to the access point 104 includes Figure 1D The SMF network element 1017 and UPF network element 1018 in the group 103 include the core network network elements Figure 1D If there are SMF network element 1012 and UPF network element 1013 in the network, then SMF network element 1017 establishes a connection with SMF network element 1012, and UPF network element 1018 establishes a connection with UPF network element 1013.

[0176] It is understandable that the second network element can select the first network element for the first terminal by itself, or request other network elements in the core network to select the first network element for the first terminal.

[0177] In a possible implementation, the second network element locally searches for the first network element corresponding to the identification information of the first group based on the identification information of the first group. For example, the second network element stores the correspondence between the identification information of the first group and the identification of the first network element, and can determine the first network element based on the identification information of the first group and the correspondence. The identification of the first network element can be used to indicate the first network element. Exemplarily, the identification of the first network element includes at least one of the following: a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the first network element, an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the first network element, or a name of the first network element.

[0178] Exemplarily, taking the second network element as an AMF network element and the first network element as an SMF network element, if the identification information of the first group includes group ID 1, and the group ID 1 stored in the AMF network element corresponds to SMF network element 1, the AMF network element selects SMF network element 1 to provide services for the first terminal. Taking the second network element as an SMF network element and the first network element as a UPF network element, if the identification information of the first group includes DNN 1, and the DNN 1 stored in the SMF network element corresponds to UPF network element 1, the SMF network element selects UPF network element 1 to provide services for the first terminal.

[0179] In another possible implementation, the second network element requests other network elements, such as an NRF network element, a UDM network element, or an NCF network element, to select the first network element for the first terminal. Specifically, the second network element sends identification information of the first group to other network elements, and receives fourth indication information from other network elements. The fourth indication information is used to indicate the first network element, for example, the fourth indication information includes the identification of the first network element. The first network element is determined based on the identification information of the first group.

[0180] It can be understood that after receiving the identification information of the first group, that is, obtaining the identification information of the first group, the other network elements search for the first network element corresponding to the identification information of the first group locally according to the identification information of the first group. For example, the other network elements store the corresponding relationship between the identification information of the first group and the identification of the first network element, and can determine the identification of the first network element according to the identification information of the first group and the corresponding relationship. Afterwards, the other network elements can send fourth indication information to the second network element.

[0181] It can be understood that the actions of the second network element or the NRF network element or the UDM network element in the above S301-S302 can be Figure 2 The processor 201 in the communication device 20 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 203 for execution, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0182] based on Figure 3 In the method shown, when the first terminal in the first group accesses the core network, the second network element can select the first network element for the first terminal according to the identification information of the first group, that is, the second network element can select the first network element for the terminals in the first group at the group granularity, so that all the terminals in the first group can access the first network element. In this way, the terminals in the first group can communicate through the first network element, avoiding the forwarding of messages through the core network elements to which the terminals respectively access, and thus facilitating communication between the terminals in the first group.

[0183] Optional, in Figure 3 In one possible implementation of the method shown, when the second terminal accesses the core network, the second network element selects the first network element for the second terminal. Optionally, the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group. In other words, after the second network element selects the first network element for the second terminal, it can be determined that the core network elements corresponding to the first group include the first network element. At this time, the second terminal can be regarded as the master device of the first group. Optionally, the second terminal accesses the core network before the first terminal. In summary, Figure 5 As shown, Figure 3 The method shown also includes the following optional steps: S300a-S300b or S300c-S300d.

[0184] S300a: The UDM network element sends first indication information to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the first indication information from the UDM network element.

[0185] In the present application, the first indication information can be used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, or to indicate that the second terminal is the master device of the first group. Therefore, after the second network element receives the first indication information, it can be determined that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, or the second terminal is the master device of the first group. In the present application, "master device" can be replaced by "master user device", "master terminal", etc., without limitation.

[0186] Optionally, the first indication information is included in the subscription data of the second terminal, that is, the UDM network element sends the subscription data of the second terminal to the second network element, and the subscription data of the second terminal includes the first indication information.

[0187] Exemplarily, the first indication information includes 1 bit, and when the value of the 1 bit is "0" or "1", the first indication information indicates that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, or the second terminal is the main device in the first group. Alternatively, the first indication information includes identification information of the first group. Alternatively, the first indication information includes the above 1 bit and the identification information of the first group.

[0188] Optionally, the UDM network element can also store the contract data in groups, so the "contract data of the second terminal" in this application can be replaced by "contract data of the first group", which is explained uniformly here and will not be repeated later. Among them, the contract data of the first group includes the contract data of the first terminal and the contract data of the second terminal.

[0189] Optionally, if the second network element is an SMF network element, the “subscription data of the second terminal” may be replaced with “session management (SM) subscription data of the second terminal”, wherein the SM subscription data of the second terminal includes subscription data related to the session of the second terminal.

[0190] Optionally, after the UDM network element obtains the first identification information, it sends the first indication information to the second network element. The first identification information is used to indicate the second terminal in the first group, for example, the first identification information includes the identification of the second terminal. Alternatively, the first identification information is used to indicate the first group, for example, the first identification information includes the identification information of the first group. The identification of the second terminal is the user permanent identification (subscription permanent identifier, SUPI) of the second terminal or the global unique temporary identification (global unique temporary identity, GUTI) of the second terminal, etc.

[0191] Exemplarily, the second network element sends the first identification information to the UDM network element, and the first identification information includes the identification of the second terminal. After receiving the first identification information, the UDM network element obtains the subscription data corresponding to the second terminal according to the identification of the second terminal, that is, the subscription data of the second terminal, and sends the first indication information included in the subscription data to the second network element. Alternatively, the second network element sends the first identification information to the UDM network element, and the first identification information includes the identification information of the first group. After receiving the first identification information, the UDM network element obtains the subscription data corresponding to the first group according to the identification information of the first group, that is, the subscription data of the first group, and sends the first indication information contained in the subscription data to the second network element. Alternatively, the second network element sends the first identification information to the UDM network element, and the first identification information includes the identification information of the first group. After receiving the first identification information, the UDM network element obtains the subscription data corresponding to the first group according to the identification information of the first group, that is, the subscription data of the first group. The subscription data of the first group includes the identification of the second terminal. Subsequently, the UDM network element obtains the subscription data of the second terminal according to the identification of the second terminal, and sends the first indication information contained in the subscription data of the second terminal to the second network element.

[0192] Optionally, the subscription data also includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first group or information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group. When the subscription data is the subscription data of the second terminal, the identification information of the first group is used to indicate that the second terminal belongs to the first group, and the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group enables the second network element to determine the core network network element corresponding to the second terminal (that is, the core network network element indicated by the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group). When the subscription data is the subscription data of the first group, the identification information of the first group is used to indicate the first group, and the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group is used to indicate the core network network element corresponding to the first group.

[0193] Optionally, the UDM network element may send the identification information of the first group or / and the information of the core network network elements corresponding to the first group to the second network element. The information of the core network network elements corresponding to the first group includes the identification of at least one core network network element corresponding to the first group. It can be understood that if the second network element receives the identification information of the first group, the second network element can determine that the second terminal belongs to the first group. If the second network element receives the information of the core network network elements corresponding to the first group, the second network element can determine at least one core network network element corresponding to the first group, and subsequently select the core network element for the terminal in the first group.

[0194] S300b: When the second terminal accesses the core network, the second network element selects the first network element for the second terminal.

[0195] It is understandable that, if before S300b, the second network element receives the first indication information, the second network element selects the first network element for the second terminal according to the first indication information. In other words, the second network element selects the core network element corresponding to the first group, or the second network element selects the first network element for the second terminal and determines that the core network element corresponding to the first group includes the first network element.

[0196] In the present application, the second network element can select the first network element for the first terminal by itself, or request other network elements in the core network to select the first network element for the first terminal.

[0197] In a possible implementation, the second network element searches locally for the first network element corresponding to the identification information of the first group according to the identification information of the first group. For example, the second network element stores the correspondence between the identification information of the first group and the identification of the first network element, and can determine the first network element according to the identification information of the first group and the correspondence.

[0198] Optionally, after determining the first network element, the second network element may indicate the first network element corresponding to the first group to other network elements. For example, the second network element sends the first information to other network elements. The first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group. For example, the first information includes identification information of the first group and the identification of the first network element. Optionally, the first information also includes the identification of the second terminal. After receiving the first information, the other network elements record or update the core network element corresponding to the first group. For example, the other network elements store the correspondence between the first group and the first network element so that the first network element can be queried later according to the identification information of the first group. Optionally, the other network elements send indication information storing the first network element corresponding to the first group to the second network element so that the second network element can subsequently query the first network element corresponding to the first group from other network elements.

[0199] It can be understood that if the second network element is an AMF network element and the first network element is an SMF network element, after the AMF network element determines the SMF network element, the SMF network element can also send the first information to other network elements. Similarly, if the second network element is an SMF network element and the first network element is a UPF network element, after the SMF network element determines the UPF network element, the UPF network element can also send the first information to other network elements.

[0200] Another possible implementation is that the second network element requests other network elements, such as an NRF network element or a UDM network element, to select the first network element for the first terminal. Specifically, the second network element sends the identification information of the first group to other network elements, and receives the second indication information from other network elements. The second indication information is used to indicate the first network element, for example, the second indication information includes the identification of the first network element. The first network element is determined based on the identification information of the first group. It should be understood that if the second network element receives the first indication information before S300b, the second network element sends the identification information of the first group to other network elements based on the first indication information. In other words, after receiving the first indication information, the second network element determines that the core network network element selected for the second terminal is the core network network element corresponding to the first group, or the second terminal is the main device in the first group, and requests other network elements to select the core network network element for the first group. The second network element may also send the first indication information to other network elements.

[0201] It can be understood that after other network elements receive the identification information of the first group, that is, obtain the identification information of the first group, they search for the core network element corresponding to the identification information of the first group locally according to the identification information of the first group. For example, other network elements store the correspondence between the identification information of the first group and the identification of the first network element, and can determine the identification of the first network element according to the identification information of the first group and the correspondence. Afterwards, other network elements can send second indication information to the second network element. If other network elements fail to find the core network element corresponding to the identification information of the first group, they can send indication information that was not found to the second network element, such as sending a null indication.

[0202] It is understandable that the second network element preferentially selects the core network element indicated by other network elements for the second terminal. However, if the second network element receives indication information that has not been queried, or the second network element cannot select the core network element indicated by other network elements (such as the core network element indicated by other network elements and the second network element are not in the same area, or the core network element indicated by other network elements is faulty, etc.), or the load of the core network element indicated by other network elements is greater than a certain threshold, the second network element can reselect the core network element for the second terminal based on the identification information of the first group. Since the second terminal is the master device of the first group, the core network element selected by the second network element for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group. Therefore, based on the above process, the second network element can dynamically select a core network element for the first group, so that the selected core network element can better provide services for the terminals in the first group and avoid service interruptions.

[0203] Optionally, if the second network element reselects a core network element for the second terminal, the second network element may indicate to other network elements that the core network elements corresponding to the first group include the core network elements reselected by the second network element. For example, the second network element sends second information to other network elements. The second information is used to determine that the core network elements corresponding to the first group include the core network elements reselected by the second network element. For example, the second information includes identification information of the first group and the identification of the core network element. Optionally, the second information also includes the identification of the second terminal. After receiving the second information, the other network elements record or update the core network elements corresponding to the first group, for example, the other network elements store the corresponding relationship between the first group and the core network element, so as to query the core network element later according to the identification information of the first group. Optionally, the other network elements send indication information storing the core network elements corresponding to the first group to the second network element, so that the second network element can subsequently query the core network elements corresponding to the first group at other network elements.

[0204] It can be understood that if the second network element is an AMF network element and the first network element is an SMF network element, after the AMF network element determines the SMF network element, the SMF network element can also send the second information to other network elements. Similarly, if the second network element is an SMF network element and the first network element is a UPF network element, after the SMF network element determines the UPF network element, the UPF network element can also send the second information to other network elements.

[0205] The foregoing describes that other network elements record the core network elements corresponding to the first group. The following takes the other network elements as UDM network elements as an example to introduce the manner in which other network elements record the core network elements corresponding to the first group.

[0206] In one possible implementation, the UDM network element may store the core network element corresponding to the first group in the subscription data of the second terminal. For example, after receiving the first information, the UDM network element may obtain the subscription data of the second terminal based on the identifier of the second terminal, and store the correspondence between the identifier information of the first group and the identifier of the first network element in the subscription data of the second terminal. For another example, after receiving the second information, the UDM network element may obtain the subscription data of the second terminal based on the identifier of the second terminal, and store the correspondence between the identifier information of the first group and the identifier of the core network element reselected by the second network element in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0207] In another possible implementation, after receiving the first information or the second information, the UDM network element directly stores the core network elements corresponding to the first group. That is, the core network elements corresponding to the first group are not stored in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0208] Optionally, the UDM network element stores the correspondence between the first group and the terminals in the first group, so as to query the situation of the first group. For example, the UDM network element stores the identifier of the first group and the terminal identifier list in the first group. For the second terminal, the UDM network element also stores the first indication information. Figure 1D Taking the group 103 shown as an example, the correspondence between the group 103 stored in the UDM network element and the terminals in the group 103 can be shown in Table 1. It can be understood that if Table 1 is stored in the UDM network element, the UDM network element can query the terminals in the first group according to the identifier of the first group, or query the group where the terminal is located according to the identifier of the terminal, or the UDM network element can also query the master device of the first group.

[0209] Table 1

[0210]

[0211] In the above S300a-S300b, it is introduced that the second network element can determine that the second terminal is the main device in the first group based on the received first indication information, select the first network element for the second terminal, and determine that the first network element is the core network element corresponding to the first group, so as to realize the subsequent selection of the first network element for the first terminal. In addition to the above method, the core network can pre-configure the core network element for the first group, and the second network element can select the first network element for the second terminal according to the configuration of the core network.

[0212] S300c: The UDM network element sends information about the core network elements corresponding to the first group to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives information about the core network elements corresponding to the first group from the UDM network element.

[0213] Optionally, the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group is included in the subscription data of the second terminal, that is, the UDM network element sends the subscription data of the second terminal to the second network element, and the subscription data of the second terminal includes the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0214] Optionally, if the second network element is an SMF network element, the “subscription data of the second terminal” may be replaced with “session management (SM) subscription data of the second terminal”, wherein the SM subscription data of the second terminal includes subscription data related to the session of the second terminal.

[0215] Optionally, after the UDM network element obtains the first identification information, it sends the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group to the second network element. The information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group is used to indicate the core network network element corresponding to the first group. For example, the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group includes the identification of at least one core network network element corresponding to the first group. The second network element receives the information of the core network network element corresponding to the first group, and can determine at least one core network network element corresponding to the first group, and subsequently select the core network network element for the terminal in the first group. Among them, the introduction of the first identification information can refer to the corresponding description in S300a above.

[0216] Exemplarily, the second network element sends the first identification information to the UDM network element, and the first identification information includes the identification of the second terminal. After receiving the first identification information, the UDM network element obtains the subscription data corresponding to the second terminal according to the first identification information, that is, the subscription data of the second terminal, and sends the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group contained in the subscription data to the second network element. Alternatively, the second network element sends the first identification information to the UDM network element, and the first identification information is the identification information of the first group. After receiving the first identification information, the UDM network element obtains the subscription data corresponding to the first group according to the identification information of the first group, that is, the subscription data of the first group, and sends the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group contained in the subscription data to the second network element. Alternatively, the second network element sends the first identification information to the UDM network element, and the first identification information includes the identification information of the first group. After receiving the first identification information, the UDM network element obtains the subscription data corresponding to the first group according to the identification information of the first group, that is, the subscription data of the first group. The subscription data of the first group includes the identification of the second terminal. Subsequently, the UDM network element obtains the subscription data of the second terminal according to the identifier of the second terminal, and sends the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group contained in the subscription data of the second terminal to the second network element.

[0217] Optionally, the contract data also includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first group or first indication information. When the contract data is the contract data of the second terminal, the identification information of the first group is used to indicate that the second terminal belongs to the first group. The first indication information is used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group. When the contract data is the contract data of the first group, the identification information of the first group is used to indicate the first group, and the first indication information corresponds to the identification of the terminal (such as the identification of the second terminal), and is used to indicate that the core network element selected for this terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0218] Optionally, the UDM network element sends the identification information of the first group or / and the first indication information to the second network element. It can be understood that if the second network element receives the identification information of the first group, the second network element can determine that the second terminal belongs to the first group. If the second network element receives the first indication information, the second network element can determine that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0219] S300d: When the second terminal accesses the core network, the second network element selects the first network element for the second terminal.

[0220] It is understandable that, if before S300d, the second network element receives information about the core network element corresponding to the first group, the second network element selects the first network element for the second terminal according to the information about the core network element corresponding to the first group. For example, the information about the core network element corresponding to the first group includes the identifier of the first network element, so the second network element selects the first network element for the terminal.

[0221] Optionally, after determining the first network element, the second network element may indicate the first network element corresponding to the first group to other network elements. For example, the second network element sends first information to other network elements. The first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group. For details, please refer to the corresponding description in S300b above.

[0222] It can be understood that in S300c-S300d, the manner in which the UDM network element records the core network element corresponding to the first group is similar to that in S300a-S300b, and reference may be made to the corresponding description in the above S300a-S300b.

[0223] Optional, in Figure 3 In a possible implementation of the method shown, after receiving the first indication information, the second network element may indicate to the third network element that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, or indicate that the second terminal is the master device of the first group, so that the third network element selects a core network element for the terminal in the first group according to the indication. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 3 The method shown also includes the following optional steps:

[0224] S300e: The second network element sends third indication information to the third network element. Correspondingly, the third network element receives the third indication information from the second network element.

[0225] In the present application, the third indication information can be used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, or to indicate that the second terminal is the master device of the first group. That is, the second network element can indicate to the third network element that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, or that the second terminal is the master device of the first group, so that the third network element performs corresponding operations, such as the third network element selects a core network element for the terminals in the first group according to the third indication information, so that the terminals in the first group all access the same core network element.

[0226] In this application, the third network element is a network element in the core network. For example, the second network element is an AMF network element, and the third network element is an SMF network element. The AMF network element can indicate to the SMF network element that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, or the second terminal is the master device of the first group, so after the SMF network element selects the UPF network element, it can be determined that the core network element corresponding to the first group includes the UPF network element.

[0227] Exemplarily, the third indication information includes 1 bit, and when the value of the 1 bit is "0" or "1", the third indication information indicates that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, or the second terminal is the main device in the first group. Alternatively, the third indication information includes identification information of the first group. Alternatively, the third indication information includes the above 1 bit and the identification information of the first group.

[0228] It is understandable that in the present application, the second network element may select a core network element for the second terminal multiple times. Exemplarily, after the second network element selects a core network element for the second terminal, the second terminal is disconnected from the core network (such as the second terminal is shut down, restarted, or moved outside the coverage area of ​​the core network). When the second terminal accesses the core network again, the second network element may reselect a core network element for the second terminal. It should be understood that the core network element reselected by the second network element for the second terminal may be the same as or different from the core network element selected previously.

[0229] As an example, after S300b, the second terminal is disconnected from the core network. When the second terminal accesses the core network again, the second network element may determine, based on the first indication information, that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group, or that the second terminal is the master device of the first group, and select a core network element for the second terminal based on the current network state, such as selecting the first network element or the fourth network element. If the second network element is an AMF network element, the fourth network element is an SMF network element; if the second network element is an SMF network element, the fourth network element is a UPF network element. However, the fourth network element is different from the first network element.

[0230] As another example, after S300d, the second terminal is disconnected from the core network. When the second terminal accesses the core network again, the second network element selects the first network element for the second terminal according to the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0231] Optionally, if the core network element re-selected by the second network element for the second terminal is different from the previously selected core network element, the second network element re-selects the core network element re-selected by the second network element for the first terminal, so that the first terminal and the second terminal can access the same core network element.

[0232] The actions of the UDM network element or the second network element or the third network element in the above S300a-S300e can be performed by Figure 2 The processor 201 in the communication device 20 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 203 for execution, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0233] In order to better understand the method provided by the present application, Figure 1D The network architecture shown is used as an example. Figure 3 The method shown and Figure 5 The complete process of the method shown, for details, please refer to the following Figure 6 The method shown. Figure 6 The terminal 1031 in the method shown is equivalent to the second terminal, and the terminal 1032 is equivalent to the first terminal. Figure 3 The introduction of each feature in the method shown above Figure 5 The description of each feature in the method shown and the following Figure 6 The introduction of each feature in the methods shown can draw on each other.

[0234] like Figure 6 As shown, another communication method provided by the present application may include the following steps:

[0235] S601: The terminal 1031 sends a registration request message to the AMF network element 1011. Correspondingly, the AMF network element 1011 receives the registration request message from the terminal 1031.

[0236] In the present application, the registration request message is used to request to register the terminal 1031 in the core network. Optionally, the registration request message includes an identifier of the terminal 1031, such as the SUPI or GUTI of the terminal 1031. If the above core network is a 5G core network, the GUTI can be replaced with a 5G GUTI.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the terminal 1031 sends a registration request message to the AMF network element 1011 through the access point 102.

[0238] S602: The AMF network element 1011 sends the identifier of the terminal 1031 to the UDM network element 1015. Correspondingly, the UDM network element 1015 receives the identifier of the terminal 1031 from the AMF network element 1011.

[0239] S603: The UDM network element 1015 sends the subscription data of the terminal 1031 to the AMF network element 1011. Correspondingly, the AMF network element 1011 receives the subscription data of the terminal 1031 from the UDM network element 1015.

[0240] In the present application, the subscription data of the terminal 1031 includes the first indication information, for details, refer to the corresponding description in S300a above. Alternatively, the subscription data of the terminal 1031 includes the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group, for details, refer to the corresponding description in S300c above.

[0241] Optionally, after receiving the subscription data of the terminal 1031, the AMF network element 1011 stores the subscription data.

[0242] S604: The terminal 1031 sends a first session establishment request to the AMF network element 1011. Correspondingly, the AMF network element 1011 receives the first session establishment request from the terminal 1031.

[0243] Exemplarily, the terminal 1031 sends a first session establishment request to the AMF network element 1011 through the access point 102.

[0244] In the present application, the first session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first session corresponding to the group 103. The first session is a protocol data unit (PDU) session. If the first session is a PDU session, the first session establishment request is a PDU session establishment request.

[0245] Optionally, the first session establishment request is carried in an uplink NAS transport (UL NAS transport) message.

[0246] Optionally, the UL NAS transport message or the first session establishment request includes identification information of group 103, such as one or more of the identification of group 103, the DNN corresponding to group 103, the slice information corresponding to group 103, or the identification of the user corresponding to group 103.

[0247] S605: AMF network element 1011 selects SMF network element 1012 for terminal 1031.

[0248] It can be understood that the process of S605 is similar to the process of the AMF network element selecting the SMF network element in the above S300b or S300d. Therefore, you can refer to the corresponding description in the above S300b or S300d without further details.

[0249] It should be understood that after S605, the core network network elements corresponding to group 103 include SMF network element 1012.

[0250] S606: AMF network element 1011 sends N11 message to SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, SMF network element 1012 receives N11 message from AMF network element 1011.

[0251] In the present application, the N11 message includes the first session establishment request. Optionally, the N11 message includes identification information of the group 103 and / or third indication information.

[0252] Optionally, the SMF network element 1012 obtains the SM subscription data of the terminal 1031 from the UDM network element 1015 so that the SMF network element 1012 establishes the first session.

[0253] S607: SMF network element 1012 selects UPF network element 1013 for terminal 1031.

[0254] It can be understood that the process of S607 is similar to the process of the SMF network element selecting the UPF network element in the above S300b or S300d. Therefore, you can refer to the corresponding description in the above S300b or S300d without further details.

[0255] It should be understood that after S607, the core network network elements corresponding to group 103 include SMF network element 1012 and UPF network element 1013.

[0256] S608: The SMF network element 1012 sends a second session establishment request to the UPF network element 1013. Correspondingly, the UPF network element 1013 receives the second session establishment request from the SMF network element 1012.

[0257] In the present application, the second session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a second session corresponding to the group 103. The second session is a packet forwarding control protocol (PFCP) session. If the second session is a PFCP session, the second session establishment request is a PFCP session establishment request (PFCP session establishment request).

[0258] S609: The UPF network element 1013 sends a second session establishment completion message to the SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, the SMF network element 1012 receives the second session establishment completion message from the UPF network element 1013.

[0259] S610: The SMF network element 1012 sends a first session establishment completion message to the AMF network element 1011. Correspondingly, the AMF network element 1011 receives the first session establishment completion message from the SMF network element 1012.

[0260] S611: The AMF network element 1011 sends a first session establishment completion message to the terminal 1031. Correspondingly, the terminal 1031 receives the first session establishment completion message from the AMF network element 1011.

[0261] S612: Terminal 1032 sends identification information of group 103 to AMF network element 1011 via terminal 1031. Correspondingly, AMF network element 1011 receives identification information of group 103 from terminal 1032 via terminal 1031.

[0262] For example, when terminal 1032 accesses the core network, the identification information of group 103 is sent to AMF network element 1011 through terminal 1031.

[0263] S613: AMF network element 1011 selects SMF network element 1012 for terminal 1032 according to the identification information of group 103.

[0264] It can be understood that the process of S613 is similar to the process in which the AMF network element in the above S302 selects the SMF network element for the first terminal according to the identification information of the first group. Therefore, you can refer to the corresponding description in the above S302 and no further details will be given.

[0265] S614: The AMF network element 1011 sends the identification information of the group 103 to the SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, the SMF network element 1012 receives the identification information of the group 103 from the AMF network element 1011.

[0266] S615: The SMF network element 1012 selects the UPF network element 1013 for the terminal 1032 according to the identification information of the group 103.

[0267] It can be understood that the process of S615 is similar to the process in which the SMF network element selects the UPF network element for the first terminal according to the identification information of the first group in the above S302. Therefore, you can refer to the corresponding description in the above S302 and no further details will be given.

[0268] It can be understood that when terminal 1033 or terminal 1034 accesses the core network, the core network can also determine the SMF network element 1012 and the UFP network element 1013 through a method similar to S612-S615.

[0269] It can be understood that the actions of the terminal 1031, the terminal 1032, the AMF network element 1011, the UDM network element 1015, the SMF network element 1012 or the UPF network element 1013 in the above S601-S615 can be Figure 2 The processor 201 in the communication device 20 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 203 for execution, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0270] based on Figure 6 In the method shown, when the main device terminal 1031 of the group 103 accesses the core network, the core network can select the SMF network element and the UPF network element for the terminal 1031, and determine that the SMF network element and the UPF network element are the core network elements corresponding to the group 103. When other terminals in the group 103, such as the terminal 1032, access the core network, the core network can select the core network element corresponding to the group 103 for the terminal 1032, so that the terminals in the group 103 are connected to the same core network element, which facilitates communication between the terminals in the group 103.

[0271] Apart from Figure 3 The method shown, Figure 4 The method shown and Figure 6 In addition to the method shown, in order to enable the core network to support the management of terminals in the group, the present application also provides a communication method. In the communication method, the core network supports registration of services supported by the terminals in the group so that other terminals in the group can query through the core network.

[0272] like Figure 7 As shown, a communication method provided by the present application may include the following steps:

[0273] S701: The second network element obtains second identification information.

[0274] In this application, the second network element is a core network element, such as an AMF network element or an SMF network element. Figure 1D For example, the second network element is AMF network element 1011 or SMF network element 1012.

[0275] In the present application, the second identification information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first service, identification information of the second group, or identification information of the second terminal in the second group.

[0276] The second group includes two or more terminals, such as a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. In one possible design, the second terminal is the master device of the second group. In other words, the terminals in the second group other than the second terminal access the core network through the second terminal, or the core network element providing services for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the second group. The first terminal supports at least one service, and the third terminal can query the services supported by the first terminal. Figure 1D For example, the second terminal is group 103 in Figure 1D The terminal 1031 in the example is a PEGC network element, and the first terminal is Figure 1D The terminal 1033 or the terminal 1034 in the example is a computer or a printer, and the third terminal is Figure 1D The terminal 1032 in the example is a mobile phone. It is understandable that the third terminal may also support at least one service. The identification information of the second group is used to indicate the second group. For example, the identification information of the second group includes at least one of the following: the identification of the second group, the DNN corresponding to the second group, the slice information corresponding to the second group, or the identification of the user corresponding to the second group. Among them, the identification of the second group is the ID of the second group. The user corresponding to the second group is a user who uses a terminal in the second group, and the identification of the user corresponding to the second group is the user's account, the user's ID, or the user's employee number. The identification information of the second terminal is used to indicate the second terminal. For example, the identification information of the second terminal includes the SUPI of the second terminal or the GUTI of the second terminal.

[0277] The first service is a service supported by the terminals in the first group, such as a service supported by the first terminal. Exemplarily, if the first terminal is a printer, the first service is a printing service; if the first terminal is a storage device, the first service is a storage service; if the first terminal is a display device, the first service is a video service or a video display service. The identification information of the first service is used to indicate the first service, for example, the identification information of the first service includes an identification of the first service.

[0278] In the present application, the second network element may obtain the second identification information in a variety of ways. The following three ways are used as examples to introduce the process of the second network element obtaining the second identification information.

[0279] Method 1: The second network element is an AMF network element, and the second network element obtains the second identification information from the third terminal.

[0280] In one possible implementation, when a user of a third terminal wants to query the services supported by the terminals in the second group, the second identification information is sent to the AMF network element. Accordingly, the AMF network element receives the second identification information from the third terminal. It can be understood that the AMF network element obtains the second identification information upon receiving the second identification information. Optionally, the second identification information is carried in a NAS message.

[0281] Method 2: The second network element is an SMF network element, and the second network element obtains the second identification information from the third terminal through the AMF network element.

[0282] A possible implementation method is that when the user of the third terminal wants to query the services supported by the terminals in the second group, the second identification information is sent to the AMF network element. After receiving the second identification information, the AMF network element sends the second identification information to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the second identification information from the AMF network element. It can be understood that the SMF network element obtains the second identification information when it receives the second identification information. Optionally, the above-mentioned second identification information can be carried in a NAS message.

[0283] Method 3: The second network element is an SMF network element, and the second network element obtains the second identification information from the third terminal through the UPF network element.

[0284] In one possible implementation, when a user of the third terminal wants to query the services supported by the terminals in the second group, the second identification information is sent to the UPF network element. After receiving the second identification information, the UPF network element sends the second identification information to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the second identification information from the UPF network element. Optionally, the second identification information sent by the third terminal to the UPF network element can be carried in a performance measurement function (PMF) message.

[0285] It is understandable that after the second network element obtains the second identification information, it can send the second identification information to the network element that has registered the first service, so that the network element can send the relevant information of the first service to the second network element. It should be understood that the network element that has registered the first service can be an existing core network element or a newly defined core network element or a core network element to be introduced in the future. For example, the network element that has registered the first service is an NRF network element, an AF network element, or a PIN-AF network element, etc., which is used for service management, without limitation. This application is described using the NRF network element as an example.

[0286] S702: The second network element sends second identification information to the NRF network element. Correspondingly, the NRF network element receives the second identification information from the second network element.

[0287] S703: The NRF network element obtains information of the first service registered in the core network according to the second identification information.

[0288] In the present application, the information of the first service includes at least one of the following: service type information of the first service, resource location information of the first service, or address information of the first service. The service type information of the first service is used to indicate the service type of the first service, such as a storage service, a printing service, or a video service. The service type information of the first service may include an identifier of the service type of the first service. Optionally, the identifier of the service type of the first service may be used as an identifier of the first service. The resource location information of the first service is used to indicate the address of the resource providing the first service. For example, the resource location information of the first service includes one or more of the URL of the first service (such as URL=http: / / printer.huawei.xx.com.), the DNN of the first service, or the FQDN of the first service. The address information of the first service includes the address of the device providing the first service, such as an IP address. For example, terminal 1034 provides the first service. After terminal 1034 is connected to the core network through terminal 1031, the core network allocates an IP address to terminal 1034.

[0289] Optionally, the information of the first service also includes identification information of the first service.

[0290] In a possible implementation, the NRF network element stores the correspondence between the second identification information and the information of the first service. Taking the second terminal identification (SUPI) included in the second identification information as xxx, the second group identification (PIN ID) included in the second identification information as PIN ID 1, the service type (service ID) of the first service as a printing service, the resource location information (URL) of the first service including http: / / printer.huawei.xx.com, and the address information of the first service including IP1 as an example, the NRF network element stores the following information: SUPI=xxx, PIN ID=PIN ID 1, service ID=printing service, URL=http: / / printer.huawei.xx.com, IP address=IP1.

[0291] It can be understood that the NRF network element can obtain the information of the first service according to the second identification information and the corresponding relationship.

[0292] S704: The NRF network element sends the information of the first service to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the information of the first service from the NRF network element.

[0293] It can be understood that after receiving the information of the first service, the second network element can send the information of the first service to the third terminal.

[0294] For example, for the above-mentioned method 1, the second network element is an AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends information about the first service to the third terminal. For the above-mentioned method 2, the second network element is an SMF network element, and the SMF network element can send information about the first service to the third terminal through the AMF network element. For the above-mentioned method 3, the second network element is an SMF network element, and the SMF network element can send information about the first service to the third terminal through the UPF network element.

[0295] It is understandable that after receiving the information of the first service, the third terminal can access the first service according to the information of the first service. For example, if the third terminal is a mobile phone, the first terminal is a printer, and the first service is a printing service, the mobile phone can send a print request according to the information of the first service to request the printing service.

[0296] It can be understood that the actions of the second network element, NRF network element, first terminal, second terminal or third terminal in the above S701-S704 can be Figure 2 The processor 201 in the communication device 20 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 203 for execution, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0297] based on Figure 7 According to the method shown, the core network may register a first service supported by a first terminal in a second group for query by other terminals in the second group, such as a third terminal, so that the third terminal can access the first service.

[0298] Optional, in Figure 7 In a possible implementation of the method shown, a terminal in the second group, such as the first terminal, can register the first service in the core network through the second terminal, so that other terminals in the second group, such as the third terminal, can query the service. It can be understood that the terminals in the second group that can provide services can register the services they support in the core network, and the logic of each terminal registering the services it supports in the core network is the same. The following is an example of the first terminal registering the first service in the core network. Figure 8 As shown, Figure 7 The method shown also includes the following steps:

[0299] S700a: The second network element obtains registration information of the first service.

[0300] In the present application, the registration information of the first service is used to request registration of the first service. The registration information of the first service includes the second identification information and information of the first service.

[0301] In the present application, the second network element may obtain the registration information of the first service in a variety of ways. The following three ways are used as examples to introduce the process of the second network element obtaining the registration information of the first service.

[0302] Method 4: The second network element is an AMF network element, and the second network element obtains the registration information of the first service from the second terminal.

[0303] In one possible implementation, after the second terminal obtains the second identification information and the information of the first service, it sends the registration information of the first service to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the registration information of the first service from the second terminal. It can be understood that the AMF network element obtains the registration information of the first service when it receives the registration information of the first service. Optionally, the registration information of the first service is carried in a NAS message.

[0304] Method 5: The second network element is an SMF network element, and the second network element obtains the registration information of the first service from the second terminal through the AMF network element.

[0305] A possible implementation method is that after the second terminal obtains the second identification information and the information of the first service, it sends the registration information of the first service to the AMF network element. After the AMF network element receives the registration information of the first service, it sends the registration information of the first service to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the registration information of the first service from the AMF network element. It can be understood that the SMF network element obtains the registration information of the first service when it receives the registration information of the first service. Optionally, the registration information of the first service mentioned above can be carried in a NAS message.

[0306] Method 6: The second network element is an SMF network element, and the second network element obtains the registration information of the first service from the second terminal through the UPF network element.

[0307] A possible implementation method is that after the second terminal obtains the first identification information and the information of the first service, it sends the registration information of the first service to the UPF network element. After the UPF network element receives the registration information of the first service, it sends the registration information of the first service to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the registration information of the first service from the UPF network element. Optionally, the registration information of the first service sent by the second terminal to the UPF network element can be carried in a PMF message.

[0308] In a possible implementation manner, the second terminal obtains the information of the first service and the second identification information from the first terminal, or the second terminal obtains the information of the first service from the first terminal and obtains the second identification information locally.

[0309] S700b: The second network element sends the registration information of the first service to the NRF network element. Correspondingly, the NRF network element receives the registration information of the first service from the second network element.

[0310] It can be understood that after receiving the registration information of the first service, the NRF network element stores the correspondence between the second identification information and the information of the first service.

[0311] Optionally, the NRF sends the registration result of the first service to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the registration result of the first service. The registration result of the first service is used to indicate whether the registration of the first service is successful or failed.

[0312] Optionally, the second network element sends the registration result of the first service to the second terminal. For example, for the above method 4, the second network element is an AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the registration result of the first service to the second terminal. For the above method 5, the second network element is an SMF network element, and the SMF network element can send the registration result of the first service to the second terminal through the AMF network element. For the above method 6, the second network element is an SMF network element, and the SMF network element can send the registration result of the first service to the second terminal through the UPF network element.

[0313] It can be understood that the actions of the second network element, NRF network element, first terminal, second terminal or third terminal in the above S700a-S700b can be Figure 2 The processor 201 in the communication device 20 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 203 for execution, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0314] In order to better understand the method provided by the present application, the above-mentioned method 2 and method 5 are combined below. Figure 1D The network architecture shown is used as an example. Figure 7 The method shown and Figure 8 The complete process of the method shown, for details, please refer to the following Fig. 9 The method shown. Fig. 9 The terminal 1031 in the method shown is equivalent to the second terminal, the terminal 1032 is equivalent to the third terminal, and the terminal 1034 is equivalent to the first terminal. Figure 7 The introduction of each feature in the method shown above Figure 8 The description of each feature in the method shown and the following Fig. 9 The introduction of each feature in the methods shown can draw on each other.

[0315] like Fig. 9 As shown, a communication method provided by the present application may include the following steps:

[0316] S901: Terminal 1031 completes registration with the core network and obtains the IP address allocated by the core network to terminal 1034.

[0317] In one possible implementation, after registering in the core network, terminal 1031 can establish a PDU session and obtain the IP address assigned by the core network to terminal 1031. The core network can send the IP address assigned by the core network to terminal 1034 (hereinafter referred to as the IP address of terminal 1034) to terminal 1031 through the PDU session.

[0318] Optionally, after receiving the IP address of terminal 1034 , terminal 1031 sends the IP address to terminal 1034 .

[0319] S902: The terminal 1031 sends a first NAS message to the AMF network element 1011. Correspondingly, the AMF network element 1011 receives the first NAS message from the terminal 1031.

[0320] In a possible design, the first NAS message is a UL NAS transport message. The first NAS message includes a second NAS message. For example, the second NAS message is a PDU session modification request message.

[0321] Optionally, the second NAS message includes information about the first service and second identification information. The information about the first service includes at least one of the following: service type information of the first service, resource location information of the first service, or address information of the first service. The address information of the first service includes the IP address of the terminal 1034. The service type information of the first service and the resource location information of the first service are acquired by the terminal 1031 from the terminal 1034.

[0322] It can be understood that the information of the first service and the second identification information may also be included in the first NAS message instead of being included in the second NAS message, without limitation.

[0323] S903: The AMF network element 1011 sends a second NAS message to the SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, the SMF network element 1012 receives the second NAS message from the AMF network element 1011.

[0324] Optionally, if the second identification information includes the identification information of group 103 but does not include the identification of terminal 1031, AMF network element 1011 or SMF network element 1012 obtains the identification of terminal 1031 from UDM network element 1015 according to the identification information of group 103. For example, UDM network element 1015 stores the correspondence between the identification information of group 103 and the identification of terminal 1031, and obtains the identification of terminal 1031 according to the identification information of group 103 and the correspondence. Optionally, the first indication information may be stored in UDM network element 1015. For details, please refer to the above Figure 3 The method shown, Figure 5 The method shown or Figure 6 The corresponding description in the method shown.

[0325] Optionally, the AMF network element 1011 sends the identifier of the terminal 1031 to the SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, the SMF network element 1012 receives the identifier of the terminal 1031.

[0326] S904: The SMF network element 1012 sends a service registration request message to the NRF network element 1014. Correspondingly, the NRF network element 1014 receives the service registration request message from the SMF network element 1012.

[0327] In the present application, the service registration request message may include information of the first service and second identification information, or include information of the first service and an identification of the terminal 1031 .

[0328] It can be understood that after receiving the service registration request message, the NRF network element 1014 can store the correspondence between the information of the first service and the second identification information, or store the correspondence between the information of the first service and the identification of the terminal 1031.

[0329] S905: The NRF network element 1014 sends a service registration completion message to the SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, the SMF network element 1012 receives the service registration completion message from the NRF network element 1014.

[0330] The service registration completion message is used to indicate whether the first service registration is successful or failed.

[0331] S906: The SMF network element 1012 sends a second NAS reply message to the AMF network element 1011. Correspondingly, the AMF network element 1011 receives the second NAS reply message from the SMF network element 1012.

[0332] S907: The AMF network element 1011 sends a first NAS reply message to the terminal 1031. Correspondingly, the terminal 1031 receives the first NAS reply message from the AMF network element 1011.

[0333] S908: The terminal 1032 sends a third NAS message to the AMF network element 1011. Correspondingly, the AMF network element 1011 receives the third NAS message from the terminal 1032.

[0334] In the present application, the third NAS message is a UL NAS transport message, and the third NAS message includes a fourth NAS message. For example, the fourth NAS message is a PDU session modification request message.

[0335] Optionally, the fourth NAS message includes second identification information.

[0336] It can be understood that the second identification information may also be included in the third NAS message instead of being included in the fourth NAS message.

[0337] S909: The AMF network element 1011 sends a fourth NAS message to the SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, the SMF network element 1012 receives the fourth NAS message from the AMF network element 1011.

[0338] Optionally, if the second identification information includes the identification information of the group 103 but does not include the identification of the terminal 1031, the AMF network element 1011 or the SMF network element 1012 obtains the identification of the terminal 1031 from the UDM network element 1015 according to the identification information of the group 103. For example, the UDM network element 1015 stores the correspondence between the identification information of the group 103 and the identification of the terminal 1031, and obtains the identification of the terminal 1031 according to the identification information of the group 103 and the correspondence.

[0339] Optionally, the AMF network element 1011 sends the identifier of the terminal 1031 to the SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, the SMF network element 1012 receives the identifier of the terminal 1031.

[0340] S910: The SMF network element 1012 sends the second identification information or the identification of the terminal 1031 to the NRF network element 1014. Correspondingly, the NRF network element 1014 receives the second identification information or the identification of the terminal 1031 from the SMF network element 1012.

[0341] It can be understood that after receiving the second identification information, the NRF network element 1014 can determine the information of the first service according to the second identification information and the correspondence between the stored information of the first service and the second identification information. Or after receiving the identification of the terminal 1031, the NRF network element 1014 can determine the information of the first service according to the identification of the terminal 1031 and the correspondence between the stored information of the first service and the identification of the terminal 1031.

[0342] S911: The NRF network element 1014 sends the information of the first service to the SMF network element 1012. Correspondingly, the SMF network element 1012 receives the information of the first service from the NRF network element 1014.

[0343] The service registration completion message is used to indicate the registration result of the first service, such as successful registration.

[0344] S912: The SMF network element 1012 sends a fourth NAS reply message to the AMF network element 1011. Correspondingly, the AMF network element 1011 receives the fourth NAS reply message from the SMF network element 1012.

[0345] Optionally, the fourth NAS reply message includes information about the first service.

[0346] S913: The AMF network element 1011 sends a third NAS reply message to the terminal 1032. Correspondingly, the terminal 1032 receives the third NAS reply message from the AMF network element 1011.

[0347] Optionally, the third NAS reply message includes information about the first service.

[0348] Subsequently, the terminal 1032 may access the first service according to the information of the first service.

[0349] It can be understood that the actions of the terminal 1031, the terminal 1032, the terminal 1034, the AMF network element 1011, the SMF network element 1012, the UDM network element 1015 or the NRF network element 1014 in the above S901-S913 can be Figure 2 The processor 201 in the communication device 20 shown calls the application code stored in the memory 203 for execution, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0350] based on Fig. 9 According to the method shown, terminal 1031 in group 103 can register the first service supported by terminal 1034 in group 103 with the core network. Afterwards, terminal 1032 in group 103 can query the information of the first service in the core network without querying the server corresponding to terminal 1034. It can be understood that if the services supported by multiple terminals in group 103 are all registered in the core network, terminal 1032 can query the information of the service supported by each terminal in the core network without querying the server corresponding to each terminal separately, which is very convenient. In addition, registering the services supported by the terminals in group 103 with the core network can facilitate the core network to manage this information with group as the granularity.

[0351] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without limitation if the solutions are not contradictory. For example, after the second network element selects the first network element for the terminal in the first group, the second terminal can assist the first terminal in registering the first service in the core network. For example, the present application also provides a communication method, which includes S301, S302 and S701-S704. Optionally, the communication method also includes at least one of the following steps: S300a-S300e, or S700a-S700b.

[0352] The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the present application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Accordingly, the present application also provides a communication device, which may be the second network element in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above second network element, or a component that can be used for the second network element; or, the communication device may be the NRF network element in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above NRF network element, or a component that can be used for the NRF network element; or, the communication device may be the UDM network element in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above UDM network element, or a component that can be used for the UDM network element; or, the communication device may be the second terminal in the above method embodiment, or a device including the above second terminal, or a component that can be used for the second terminal. It can be understood that in order to realize the above functions, the above second network element, NRF network element, UMD network element or second terminal, etc., include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm operations 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 performed in hardware or in a computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0353] For example, when the functional modules are divided in an integrated manner, Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 100 is shown. The communication device 100 includes a processing module 1001. Optionally, the communication device 100 also includes an interface module 1002. The processing module 1001, which may also be referred to as a processing unit, is used to perform operations other than transceiver operations, and may be, for example, a processing circuit or a processor. The interface module 1002, which may also be referred to as an interface unit, is used to perform transceiver operations, and may be, for example, an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver or a communication interface.

[0354] In some embodiments, the communication device 100 may further include a storage module ( Fig.10 ), for storing program instructions and data.

[0355] Exemplarily, the communication device 100 is used to implement the function of the second network element. Figure 3 The embodiment shown or Figure 5 The second network element or the communication device 100 described in the embodiment shown is, for example, Figure 6 The AMF network element 1011 or SMF network element 1012 described in the illustrated embodiment.

[0356] The processing module 1001 is used to obtain identification information of the first group. For example, the processing module 1001 can be used to execute S301, S612 or S614.

[0357] The processing module 1001 is further configured to select a first network element for the first terminal according to the identification information of the first group when the first terminal in the first group accesses the core network. The first network element is a core network element corresponding to the first group. For example, the processing module 1001 can be configured to execute S302, S613, or S615.

[0358] In a possible implementation manner, the first group also includes a second terminal, and the processing module 1001 is further configured to select the first network element for the second terminal when the second terminal accesses the core network.

[0359] In a possible implementation, the interface module 1002 is further used to receive information about the core network element corresponding to the first group; the processing module 1001 is specifically used to select the first network element for the second terminal according to the information about the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0360] In a possible implementation method, the interface module 1002 is also used to receive first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group; the processing module 1001 is specifically used to select the first network element for the second terminal according to the first indication information.

[0361] In a possible implementation, the processing module 1001 is specifically configured to send identification information of the first group through the interface module 1002; the processing module 1001 is also specifically configured to receive second indication information through the interface module 1002. The second indication information is used to indicate the first network element, and the first network element is determined according to the identification information of the first group.

[0362] In a possible implementation, the interface module 1002 is further configured to send third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0363] In a possible implementation manner, the interface module 1002 is further configured to send first information, wherein the first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group.

[0364] In a possible implementation, the processing module 1001 is specifically configured to send identification information of the first group through the interface module 1002; the processing module 1001 is also specifically configured to receive fourth indication information. The fourth indication information is used to indicate the first network element, and the first network element is determined according to the identification information of the first group.

[0365] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: an identification of the first group, a data network name corresponding to the first group, slice information corresponding to the first group, an identification of a user corresponding to the first group, or an identification of a service supported by the first group.

[0366] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a user plane function network element; or, the first network element is a session management function network element.

[0367] When used to implement the function of the second network element, for other functions that the communication device 100 can implement, refer to Figure 3 The embodiment shown, Figure 5 The embodiment shown or Figure 6 The relevant introduction of the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated in detail.

[0368] Alternatively, illustratively, the communication device 100 is used to implement the function of the fifth network element. Figure 3 The embodiment shown, Figure 5 The embodiment shown or Figure 6 The NRF network element or UDM network element described in the embodiment shown.

[0369] The processing module 1001 is used to obtain identification information of the first group.

[0370] The interface module 1002 is configured to send fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate a first network element, the first network element is determined according to the identification information of the first group, and the first network element is a core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0371] In a possible implementation, the interface module 1002 is further used to receive first information, where the first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group; and the processing module 1001 is further used to store the correspondence information between the first group and the first network element according to the first information.

[0372] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: an identification of the first group, a data network name corresponding to the first group, slice information corresponding to the first group, an identification of a user corresponding to the first group, or an identification of a service supported by the first group.

[0373] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a user plane function network element; or, the first network element is a session management function network element.

[0374] When used to implement the function of the fifth network element, for other functions that the communication device 100 can implement, refer to Figure 3 The embodiment shown, Figure 5 The embodiment shown or Figure 6 The relevant introduction of the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated in detail.

[0375] Alternatively, illustratively, the communication device 100 is used to implement the function of a UDM network element. Figure 3 The embodiment shown, Figure 5 The embodiment shown or Figure 6 The UDM network element described in the embodiment shown.

[0376] The processing module 1001 is used to obtain first identification information, wherein the first identification information is used to indicate a second terminal in a first group, or the first identification information is used to indicate a first group.

[0377] The processing module 1001 is used to obtain subscription data corresponding to the first identification information according to the first identification information, where the subscription data includes information of the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0378] In a possible implementation, the subscription data further includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first group or first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal in the first group is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0379] In a possible implementation, the interface module 1002 is also used to send signing data.

[0380] In a possible implementation, the interface module 1002 is further used to send fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a first network element, where the first network element is determined based on identification information of the first group, and the first network element is a core network element corresponding to the first group.

[0381] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: an identification of the first group, a data network name corresponding to the first group, slice information corresponding to the first group, an identification of a user corresponding to the first group, or an identification of a service supported by the first group.

[0382] In a possible implementation, the interface module 1002 is further used to receive first information, where the first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group; and the processing module 1001 is further used to store the correspondence information between the first group and the first network element according to the first information.

[0383] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element is a user plane function network element; or, the first network element is a session management function network element.

[0384] When used to implement the function of the UDM network element, for other functions that the communication device 100 can implement, refer to Figure 3 The embodiment shown, Figure 5 The embodiment shown or Figure 6The relevant introduction of the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated in detail.

[0385] Alternatively, illustratively, the communication device 100 is used to implement the function of an NRF network element. Figure 7 The embodiment shown, Figure 8 The embodiment shown or Fig. 9 The NRF network element described in the embodiment shown.

[0386] The interface module 1002 is used to receive second identification information. The second identification information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first service, identification information of the second group, or identification information of the second terminal in the second group, and the first service is a service supported by the terminal in the second group. For example, the interface module 1002 can be used to execute S702.

[0387] The processing module 1001 is used to obtain information of a first service registered in the core network according to the second identification information. The information of the first service includes at least one of the following: service type information of the first service, resource location information of the first service, or address information of the first service. For example, the processing module 1001 can be used to execute S703.

[0388] In a possible implementation manner, the core network element providing service for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the second group.

[0389] In a possible implementation manner, the interface module 1002 is further configured to send information of the first service.

[0390] In a possible implementation manner, the interface module 1002 is further configured to receive registration information of the first service, where the registration information of the first service includes the second identification information and information of the first service.

[0391] In a possible implementation manner, the interface module 1002 is further configured to send a registration result of the first service.

[0392] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the first service further includes identification information of the first service.

[0393] When used to implement the function of the NRF network element, for other functions that the communication device 100 can implement, refer to Figure 7 The embodiment shown, Figure 8 The embodiment shown or Fig. 9 The relevant introduction of the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated in detail.

[0394] Alternatively, illustratively, the communication device 100 is used to implement the function of the second network element. Figure 7 The embodiment shown or Figure 8The second network element or the communication device 100 described in the embodiment shown is, for example, Fig. 9 The AMF network element 1011 or SMF network element 1012 described in the illustrated embodiment.

[0395] The interface module 1002 is used to receive second identification information. The second identification information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first service, identification information of the second group, or identification information of the second terminal in the second group, and the first service is a service supported by the terminal in the second group. For example, the interface module 1002 can be used to execute S701.

[0396] The interface module 1002 is further configured to send the second identification information. For example, the interface module 1002 may be configured to execute S702.

[0397] The interface module 1002 is further configured to receive information about the first service. The information about the first service is obtained from the core network according to the second identification information, and the information about the first service includes at least one of the following: service type information of the first service, resource location information of the first service, or address information of the first service. For example, the interface module 1002 can be configured to execute S704.

[0398] In a possible implementation manner, the core network element providing service for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the second group.

[0399] In a possible implementation manner, the interface module 1002 is further configured to send information of the first service.

[0400] In a possible implementation, the interface module 1002 is further used to receive registration information of the first service, where the registration information of the first service includes the second identification information and information of the first service; the interface module 1002 is further used to send the registration information of the first service.

[0401] In a possible implementation manner, the interface module 1002 is further configured to receive a registration result of the first service.

[0402] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the first service further includes identification information of the first service.

[0403] When used to implement the function of the second network element, for other functions that the communication device 100 can implement, refer to Figure 7 The embodiment shown, Figure 8 The embodiment shown or Fig. 9 The relevant introduction of the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated in detail.

[0404] Alternatively, illustratively, the communication device 100 is used to implement the function of the second terminal. Figure 7 The embodiment shown or Figure 8 The second terminal or the communication device 100 described in the embodiment shown is, for example, Fig. 9 The terminal 1031 described in the embodiment shown.

[0405] The interface module 1002 is configured to send second identification information to the core network. The second identification information includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first service, identification information of the second group, or identification information of the second terminal in the second group, and the first service is a service supported by the terminal in the second group.

[0406] The interface module 1002 is further configured to receive information about the first service from the core network, wherein the information about the first service is used to indicate at least one of the following: service type information of the first service, resource location information of the first service, or address information of the first service; and the information about the first service is determined according to the second identification information.

[0407] In a possible implementation manner, the interface module 1002 is further configured to send registration information of the first service to the core network, where the registration information of the first service includes the second identification information and information of the first service.

[0408] In a possible implementation manner, the registration information of the first service is carried in a non-access layer message or a performance detection function message.

[0409] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the first service further includes identification information of the first service.

[0410] When used to implement the function of the second terminal, for other functions that the communication device 100 can implement, refer to Figure 7 The embodiment shown, Figure 8 The embodiment shown or Fig. 9 The relevant introduction of the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated in detail.

[0411] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the communication device 100 may use Figure 2 For example, Figure 2 The processor 201 in the communication device 100 can call the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 203 to enable the communication device 100 to execute the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0412] For example, Fig.10 The functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1001 and the interface module 1002 can be Figure 2 The processor 201 in the embodiment calls the computer execution instruction stored in the memory 203 to implement. Or, Fig.10 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1001 in Figure 2The processor 201 in the embodiment calls the computer execution instruction stored in the memory 203 to implement, Fig.10 The function / implementation process of the interface module 1002 can be achieved by Figure 2 The communication interface 204 in is implemented.

[0413] It is understandable that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of the two. When any of the above modules or units is implemented in software, the software exists in the form of computer program instructions and is stored in a memory, and a processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into an SoC (system on chip) or an ASIC, or it can be an independent semiconductor chip. In addition to the core used to execute software instructions for calculation or processing in the processor, it can also further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), PLDs (programmable logic devices), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0414] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processing (DSP) chip, a microcontroller unit (MCU), an artificial intelligence processor, an ASIC, a SoC, an FPGA, a PLD, a dedicated digital circuit, a hardware accelerator or a non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or not rely on the software to execute the above method flow.

[0415] Optionally, the present application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, the at least one processor is coupled to a memory through the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instruction in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system also includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices, which is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0416] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program to instruct the relevant hardware, and the program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device of any of the above embodiments, such as a hard disk or memory of the communication device. The above computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, a smart memory card (smart media card, SMC), a secure digital (secure digital, SD) card, a flash card (flash card), etc. equipped on the above communication device. Further, the above computer-readable storage medium can also include both the internal storage unit of the above communication device and an external storage device. The above computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above computer program and other programs and data required by the above communication device. The above computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or is to be output.

[0417] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program to instruct related hardware, and the program can be stored in the above computer program product. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments.

[0418] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer instruction. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by computer instructions to instruct related hardware (such as a computer, a processor, a second network element, an NRF network element, a UDM network element or a second terminal, etc.). The program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium or in the above computer program product.

[0419] Optionally, the present application further provides a communication system, including: Figure 5 The second network element and the UDM network element in the method shown; or, comprising Figure 6 At least two of the terminal 1031, AMF network element 1011, SMF network element 1012, UDM network element 1015 or UPF network element 1013 in the method shown.

[0420] Optionally, the present application further provides a communication system, including: Figure 7 The method shown or Figure 8 The second network element and the NRF network element in the method shown; or, comprising Fig. 9 At least two of the terminal 1031, AMF network element 1011, SMF network element 1012 or NRF network element 1014 in the method shown.

[0421] Through the description of the above implementation methods, technical personnel in the relevant field can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above-mentioned functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0422] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the modules or units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0423] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0424] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0425] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Obtaining identification information of the first group; When a first terminal in the first group accesses the core network, a first network element is selected for the first terminal according to the identification information of the first group, where the first network element is a core network element corresponding to the first group.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first group also includes a second terminal, and the method further includes: When the second terminal accesses the core network, the first network element is selected for the second terminal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving information of core network elements corresponding to the first group; The selecting the first network element for the second terminal includes: Select the first network element for the second terminal according to the information of the core network element corresponding to the first group.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group; The selecting the first network element for the second terminal includes: Select the first network element for the second terminal according to the first indication information.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The selecting the first network element for the second terminal includes: Sending identification information of the first group; Second indication information is received, where the second indication information is used to indicate the first network element, and the first network element is determined according to the identification information of the first group.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending first information, where the first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The selecting a first network element for the first terminal according to the identification information of the first group includes: Sending identification information of the first group; Fourth indication information is received, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate the first network element, where the first network element is determined according to identification information of the first group.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: the identification of the first group, the name of the data network corresponding to the first group, the slice information corresponding to the first group, the identification of the user corresponding to the first group, or the identification of the service supported by the first group.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The first network element is a user plane function network element; or, The first network element is a session management function network element.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Obtaining identification information of the first group; Send fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a first network element, where the first network element is determined according to identification information of the first group, and the first network element is a core network element corresponding to the first group.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving first information, where the first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group; Correspondence information between the first group and the first network element is stored according to the first information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: the identification of the first group, the name of the data network corresponding to the first group, the slice information corresponding to the first group, the identification of the user corresponding to the first group, or the identification of the service supported by the first group.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that The first network element is a user plane function network element; or, The first network element is a session management function network element.

15. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquire first identification information, where the first identification information is used to indicate a second terminal in a first group, or the first identification information is used to indicate a first group; The subscription data corresponding to the first identification information is acquired according to the first identification information, where the subscription data includes information of a core network element corresponding to the first group.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The subscription data also includes at least one of the following: identification information or first indication information of the first group, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the core network element selected for the second terminal in the first group is the core network element corresponding to the first group.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The signing data is sent.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a first network element, where the first network element is determined according to identification information of the first group, and the first network element is a core network element corresponding to the first group.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 18, characterized in that The identification information of the first group includes at least one of the following: the identification of the first group, the name of the data network corresponding to the first group, the slice information corresponding to the first group, the identification of the user corresponding to the first group, or the identification of the service supported by the first group.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving first information, where the first information is used to determine the first network element corresponding to the first group; Correspondence information between the first group and the first network element is stored according to the first information.

21. The method according to claim 18 or 20, characterized in that The first network element is a user plane function network element; or, The first network element is a session management function network element.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or comprises a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, or comprises a unit or module for executing the method according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, or performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, or performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 21.

24. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instruction stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program or instructions are executed, the computer performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, or the method according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

25. A computer program product, comprising computer program code, characterized in that: When the computer program code is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, or the method of any one of claims 11 to 14, or the method of any one of claims 15 to 21.

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