User plane connection establishment method and apparatus, core network device, communication device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

This disclosure proposes a user plane connection establishment method and apparatus, core network equipment, communication equipment, communication system, and storage medium. The method includes: a first network element receiving first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element related to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, and a user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between a terminal and a fourth network element. The fourth network element is different from a fifth network element, the fifth network element being a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service; and selecting the fourth network element according to the first information. The method of this disclosure, when adding a third network element to a PDU session, triggers the addition of a new fourth network element to support the simultaneous establishment of multiple user plane connections corresponding to multiple network elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a user plane connection establishment method and apparatus, core network equipment, communication equipment, communication system, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, location services include regulated location services and commercial location services. For unregulated location services, location can be supported on the user plane connection between the terminal and the core network element. In this case, the terminal and the core network element can use the user plane connection to transmit auxiliary service information and Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a user plane connection establishment method, apparatus, core network equipment, device, chip system, storage medium, computer program, and computer program product, which can be applied in the field of communication technology to solve the technical problem of "not being able to establish multiple user plane connections corresponding to multiple network elements respectively".

[0004] This disclosure presents a user plane connection establishment method and apparatus, core network equipment, communication equipment, communication system, and storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a user plane connection establishment method is proposed, executed by a first network element, comprising: receiving first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, the user plane path associated with the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between a terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from a fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service; and selecting a fourth network element according to the first information.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a user plane connection establishment method is proposed, executed by a second network element, comprising: sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, a user plane path associated with the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between a terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from a fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a user plane connection establishment method is proposed, comprising: a second network element sending first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, and a user plane path associated with the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between a terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element being different from a fifth network element, the fifth network element being a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection being used for the first service; the first network element receiving the first information sent by the second network element and selecting a fourth network element according to the first information.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a user plane connection establishment apparatus is provided, comprising: a transceiver module, configured to receive first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, and a user plane path associated with the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between a terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element being different from a fifth network element, the fifth network element being a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection being used for the first service; and a processing module, configured to select a fourth network element according to the first information.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a user plane connection establishment apparatus is provided, comprising: a transceiver module, configured to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is configured to indicate a third network element associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, a user plane path associated with the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between a terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from a fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising: a first network element and a second network element; wherein the second network element is configured to send first information to the first network element, wherein the first information is configured to indicate a third network element associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session being used to access a first service, and a user plane path associated with the third network element being used to establish a first user plane connection between a terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element being different from a fifth network element, the fifth network element being a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection being used for the first service; the first network element is configured to receive the first information sent by the second network element and select the fourth network element according to the first information.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to perform a user plane connection establishment method according to any one of the first, second, and third aspects.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, characterized in that it includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, a fifth network element and / or a terminal, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the user plane connection establishment method of the first aspect, and the second network element is configured to implement the user plane connection establishment method of the second aspect.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device causes the communication device to perform a user plane connection establishment method as described in any one of the first, second, and third aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure will be described below.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3A This is an interactive schematic diagram of a user plane connection establishment method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3B This is an interactive schematic diagram of a user plane connection establishment method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3C This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 6 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a user plane connection establishment method shown in another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of the user plane connection establishment device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of the user plane connection establishment device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the core network device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This disclosure provides a user plane connection establishment method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "user plane connection establishment method" and "information processing method" and "communication method" can be used interchangeably; the terms "user plane connection establishment apparatus" and "information processing apparatus" and "communication apparatus" can be used interchangeably; and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system" can be used interchangeably.

[0029] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0030] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0031] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0033] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0034] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0035] The descriptions in this disclosure, such as "at least one of A, B, C..." or "A and / or B and / or C...", include the case where any one of A, B, C... exists alone, as well as the case where any combination of any of A, B, C... exists alone. Each case can exist alone. For example, "at least one of A, B, C" includes the cases of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B combination, A and C combination, B and C combination, and A and B and C combination. For example, A and / or B includes the cases of A alone, B alone, and A and B combination.

[0036] In some embodiments, the notation "in one case A, in another case B" or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: A is executed regardless of B, i.e., A is executed in some embodiments; B is executed regardless of A, i.e., B is executed in some embodiments; A and B are selectively executed, i.e., A and B are selected for execution in some embodiments; A and B are both executed, i.e., A and B are executed in some embodiments. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0037] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0038] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0039] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0040] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0041] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0042] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0043] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0044] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriberstation, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, and client can be used interchangeably.

[0045] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0046] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0047] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0048] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0049] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 may include a terminal 101 and a core network device 102.

[0051] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may include, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] In some embodiments, the core network device 102 may be a single device, including a first network element 1021, a second network element 1022, a third network element 1023, a fourth network element 1024, a fifth network element 1025, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element 1021, the second network element 1022, the third network element 1023, the fourth network element 1024, and the fifth network element 1025. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), the 5G Core Network (5GCN), and the Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0053] In some embodiments, the first network element 1021 and the third network element 1023 may or may not be connected.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first network element 1021 is, for example, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first network element 1021 is used to provide access and mobility management functions, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second network element 1022 is, for example, a Session Management Function (SMF) network element.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second network element 1022 is used to provide session management functions, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0058] In some embodiments, the third network element 1023 is, for example, a User Plane Function (UPF) network element.

[0059] In some embodiments, the third network element 1023 is used to provide user plane functions, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0060] In some embodiments, the AMF network element and the UPF network element may or may not be connected.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1024 is, for example, a network element that provides a location management function (LMF) for location services.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1024 is used to provide location management functions, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0063] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1024 may be a newly added LMF network element, and the fourth network element 1024 may also be referred to as the target LMF network element.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1025 is, for example, a network element that provides a location management function (LMF) for location services.

[0065] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1025 is used to provide location management functions, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0066] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1025 may be an LMF network element that has established a user plane connection with the terminal, and the fifth network element 1025 may also be referred to as the source LMF network element.

[0067] In some embodiments, new LMF network elements can be selected and added by the AMF network element.

[0068] In some embodiments, terminal 101 and core network device 102 can be connected via access network device. Optionally, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects the terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next generation eNB (ng-eNB), next generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0070] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown, or a part thereof, but not limited to it. Figure 1 The entities shown are illustrative; a communication system may include... Figure 1 All or part of the main body, or may include Figure 1 Other entities besides the main body, the number and form of each entity are arbitrary, the connection relationship between the entities is illustrative, the entities may not be connected or may be connected, and the connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0071] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Futuregeneration radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other user plane connection establishment methods, and next-generation systems extended from them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0072] To facilitate understanding, the terminology used in this disclosure will be introduced first.

[0073] 1. Access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0074] The AMF (Access Controller Function) network element is a logical node functional network element on the core network side. It serves as the core network control plane access point for terminals and wireless devices. It receives all connection and session-related information from user equipment and performs registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management. Furthermore, the AMF network element provides a session management message transmission channel for terminal devices and session management function (SMF) devices, providing authentication and authorization functions for user access.

[0075] 2. Location Management Function (LMF) network element.

[0076] The Location Management Function (LMF) is located on the local side of the radio access network (RAN) or the core network (CN) and is used to provide location management function services to the UE.

[0077] 3. User plane function (UPF) network elements, including routing and forwarding of user data packets, data interaction with external data networks, QoS processing of the user plane, and implementation of flow control rules (such as gating, redirection, and traffic redirection).

[0078] In communication systems, positioning services include regulated positioning services and commercial positioning services. For unregulated positioning services, positioning can be supported on the user plane connection between the UE and the LMF network element. In this case, the LMF network element and the UE can use the user plane connection to transmit auxiliary service information and LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages.

[0079] Optionally, location can be achieved via a user plane connection. The LMF network element can act as an application server and be deployed within the 5GC. A user plane connection between the terminal and the LMF network element can be established within a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, and the user plane path between the terminal and the LMF network element is used to establish this user plane connection.

[0080] Optionally, the UE may establish a PDU session for user plane positioning based on local configuration or the UE Routing Selection Policy (URSP) using PDU session parameters (such as Data Network Name (DNN) and Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI)) related to user plane positioning services.

[0081] Optionally, the SMF network element can select a PDU session anchor UPF (PDU session anchor UPF, PSA UPF, located at the central site or local site) network element connected to the LMF network element to conduct this PDU session based on S-NSSAI, DNN and UE location information, etc.

[0082] Optionally, the selection of the local PSA can be determined by the Internet Protocol Address (IP address), network prefix, and Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of the local LMF (Local Management Function) pre-configured in the SMF network element for location services within a specific service area. Session packets from the local LMF network element can also be supported for user plane location services.

[0083] Optionally, it can support switching from a source LMF network element to a target LMF network element. During this process, the source LMF network element terminates its user plane connection with the terminal, while the target LMF network element can establish a user plane connection with the terminal.

[0084] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when a third network element is added to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, a new fourth network element can be triggered to support the establishment of multiple user plane connections corresponding to multiple network elements respectively.

[0085] Figure 2 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, this disclosure relates to a user plane connection establishment method, which can be used in a communication system 100. The method includes:

[0086] Step S2101: The second network element sends the first information to the first network element.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, an AMF network element.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, an SMF network element.

[0089] In some embodiments, information used to indicate the addition of a third network element to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session may be referred to as first information.

[0090] In some embodiments, the third network element is, for example, a UPF network element. The third network element is newly added for the PDU session. The third network element can also be referred to as the first UPF network element. The first UPF network element may be different from the existing UPF network element.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate a third network element associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate a third network element associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. This can be understood as the first information being used to indicate the addition of a third network element to the PDU session. For example, the first information is used to indicate that a third network element has already been added to the PDU session, or the first information is used to indicate that a third network element needs to be added to the PDU session.

[0093] In some embodiments, a PDU session is used to access a first service.

[0094] In some embodiments, the user plane path associated with the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element. The fourth network element is different from the fifth network element. The fifth network element is a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal. The first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0095] In some embodiments, the fourth network element is, for example, an LMF network element.

[0096] In some embodiments, the fifth network element is, for example, an LMF network element.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fourth network element can be a newly added LMF network element, and the fourth network element can also be referred to as the target LMF network element.

[0098] In some embodiments, the fifth network element may be an LMF network element that has established a user plane connection with the terminal, and the fifth network element may also be referred to as the source LMF network element.

[0099] In some embodiments, the user plane path associated with the first UPF network element is used to establish a user plane connection between the terminal and the target LMF network element. This user plane connection may be referred to as the first user plane connection.

[0100] In some embodiments, the user plane path associated with an existing UPF network element is used to establish a user plane connection between the terminal and the source LMF network element. This user plane connection may be referred to as a second user plane connection.

[0101] In other words, a new UPF network element can be added to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. In order to support the first service based on this PDU session, a corresponding target LMF network element can be added to the newly added UPF network element. A user plane path can be established based on the newly added UPF network element, and a user plane connection between the terminal and the target LMF network element can be established based on the newly established user plane path. This is equivalent to enabling the terminal to connect to multiple LMF network elements at the same time, thus supporting the simultaneous establishment of multiple user plane connections corresponding to multiple LMF network elements.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first service is a user plane positioning service; of course, the first service can also be any other possible service.

[0103] In some embodiments, the location service can share the DNN and S-NSSAI with other services, that is, the location service can be deployed on the same DNN and / or S-NSSAI as other services.

[0104] In some embodiments, the location service is deployed on a dedicated DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0105] In some embodiments, if the first service is a user plane positioning service, then multiple user plane connections corresponding to multiple network elements can support the effective implementation of the user plane positioning service.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first information may be information of a third network element.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first information may be information about the first UPF network element.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first information includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the third network element, the range of Internet Protocol IP addresses accessible to the third network element, the Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) associated with the third network element, and indication information. The indication information is used to indicate that a third network element has been added, thereby enabling the first network element to accurately know the information of the newly added third network element for the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first network element may receive a message sent by the second network element and obtain first information from the message.

[0110] In some embodiments, the message may be a reused existing message or a new message.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first network element may receive a first message sent by the second network element, wherein the first message includes first information; the first message is used to notify the state of the SM context of the PDU session.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first network element may receive a second message sent by the second network element, wherein the second message includes first information; the second message is used to notify the status of the PDU session.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first network element may receive a third message sent by the second network element, wherein the third message includes first information; the third message is used to notify the PDU of information related to the event, and the first network element has subscribed to the event.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first message is, for example, the Nsmf_PDUSession_SMContextStatusNotify message.

[0115] In some embodiments, the second message is, for example, the Nsmf_PDUSession_StatusNotify message.

[0116] In some embodiments, the third message is, for example, the Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify message.

[0117] Therefore, the second network element can send the first information to the first network element based on the first message, the second message, or the third message mentioned above, which can effectively improve the flexibility of the first information indication. Furthermore, since it reuses existing messages to indicate the first information, it can effectively reduce the indication overhead of the first information.

[0118] In step S2102, the first network element receives the first information sent by the second network element.

[0119] In some embodiments, an AMF network element can receive first information sent by an SMF network element and, based on the first information, learn about the information of a third network element added to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0120] In some embodiments, the AMF network element can receive a first message, a second message, or a third message sent by the SMF network element, and obtain first information from the first message, the second message, or the third message.

[0121] In step S2103, the first network element determines the second information based on the first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the information of the fourth network element.

[0122] In some embodiments, the information used to indicate the fourth network element may be referred to as second information.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second information may be information of the fourth network element.

[0124] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate information about the target LMF network element, which is a newly added LMF network element.

[0125] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may refer to the information of the first UPF network element newly added to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session to determine the information of the LMF network element that the user plane path based on the first UPF network element can be effectively connected to, and use the information of the LMF network element as the second information.

[0126] In some embodiments, the AMF network element can select the target LMF network element from multiple candidate network elements based on the second information.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second information includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the fourth network element, the service area information of the fourth network element, the service information supported by the fourth network element, the first Internet Protocol IP address of the fourth network element, and the first data network access identifier (DNAI) of the fourth network element. This enables the first network element to know the information of the fourth network element that can be effectively connected to based on the user plane path of the third network element, so as to support the selection of a suitable fourth network element.

[0128] In step S2104, the first network element selects the fourth network element based on the second information.

[0129] In some embodiments, after the first network element learns the information used to indicate the fourth network element, it can refer to the information used to indicate the fourth network element to select the fourth network element.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first network element may select a fourth network element from multiple candidate network elements. The candidate network elements may be network elements of the same type as the fourth network element. For example, if the candidate network element is a candidate LMF network element, a candidate LMF network element may be selected from multiple candidate LMF network elements as the target LMF network element.

[0131] Therefore, the first network element can determine the second information based on the first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the information of the fourth network element. By referring to the second information, the fourth network element is selected, so that when a third network element is added to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the first network element can determine and select the fourth network element to support the addition of a new fourth network element for user plane connection.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first network element may select a candidate network element whose identifier matches that of the fourth network element as the fourth network element.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first network element may select a candidate network element that matches the first IP address as the fourth network element.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first network element may select a candidate network element that matches the first DNAI as the fourth network element.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first network element may select a candidate network element that matches the first IP address and the first DNAI as the fourth network element.

[0136] Therefore, the first network element can select the fourth network element based on the identifier of the fourth network element and / or the first IP address and / or the first DNAI of the fourth network element, thereby accurately and quickly selecting the fourth network element from multiple candidate network elements.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first network element can select a fourth network element based on local configuration information, thereby effectively improving the flexibility of the fourth network element selection when adding a third network element to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, and effectively adapting to personalized communication scenarios.

[0138] In some embodiments, the local configuration information includes: the identifier of the candidate network element, the service area information of the candidate network element, the service information supported by the candidate network element, the candidate IP address of the candidate network element, and the candidate DNAI of the candidate network element, which enables the first network element to select a candidate network element as the fourth network element.

[0139] In some embodiments, if the first network element learns from the first information that a third network element has been added to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, or if a third network element needs to be added to the PDU session, the first network element may also select a fourth network element by referring to local configuration information. For example, it may select a candidate network element as the fourth network element by referring to one or more of the following: the identifier of the candidate network element, the service area information of the candidate network element, the service information supported by the candidate network element, the candidate IP address of the candidate network element, and the candidate DNAI of the candidate network element.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first network element may select a fourth network element from multiple candidate network elements. The candidate network elements may be network elements of the same type as the fourth network element. For example, if the candidate network element is a candidate LMF network element, a candidate LMF network element may be selected from multiple candidate LMF network elements as the target LMF network element.

[0141] In some embodiments, an AMF network element may decide to add a new LMF network element locally.

[0142] In some embodiments, AMF network elements may be configured with relevant information, such as the service area of ​​each LMF network element and the location services it supports.

[0143] In some embodiments, an AMF network element can select one candidate LMF network element from multiple candidate LMF network elements as the target LMF network element based on the configured relevant information.

[0144] Step S2105: The first network element obtains the user plane information of the fourth network element.

[0145] In some embodiments, the user plane information of the fourth network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element.

[0146] In some embodiments, the user plane information of the fourth network element may be, for example, the user plane location address of the target LMF network element, security-related information, etc.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first network element can retrieve the user plane information of the fourth network element locally.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first network element may request the user plane information of the fourth network element from the fourth network element.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first network element may send a fourth message to the fourth network element, wherein the fourth message is used to request the establishment of a first user plane connection and to receive a fifth message sent by the fourth network element, wherein the fifth message includes: user plane information of the fourth network element; the fifth message is used by the fourth network element to forward N1N2 interface messages.

[0150] In some embodiments, the fourth message may be, for example, an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message.

[0151] In some embodiments, the user plane information of the fourth network element can be requested based on the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message.

[0152] In some embodiments, an AMF network element may send an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message to a target LMF network element to request user plane information of the target LMF network element.

[0153] In some embodiments, the fourth network element may feed back its user plane information to the first network element.

[0154] In some embodiments, the target LMF network element may send a fifth message to the AMF network element, and carry the user plane information of the target LMF network element in the fifth message.

[0155] In some embodiments, the fifth message is used by the fourth network element to forward N1N2 interface messages, thereby enabling the reuse of existing messages and effectively avoiding excessive indication overhead.

[0156] In some embodiments, the fifth message may be, for example, the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0157] Therefore, the first network element can also request user plane information from the fourth network element, enabling timely acquisition of this information to support the timely establishment of the first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element. It can also reuse existing messages, effectively avoiding excessive instruction overhead.

[0158] Step S2106: The first network element establishes a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element based on the user plane information of the fourth network element.

[0159] In some embodiments, the user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element can be referred to as the first user plane connection.

[0160] In some embodiments, the user plane connection between the terminal and the fifth network element can be referred to as the second user plane connection.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first network element can trigger the establishment of a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element to enable the timely establishment of the first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element, thereby supporting the effective implementation of the first service.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first network element can obtain the user plane information of the fourth network element and establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element based on the user plane information of the fourth network element, thereby achieving accurate and rapid establishment of the first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element.

[0163] In step S2107, the first network element updates the user plane connection context used for the first service based on the first user plane connection.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first network element can obtain the context of the first user plane connection and update the user plane connection context for the first service according to the context of the first user plane connection, thereby realizing timely updating of the user plane connection context of the first service to support the effective implementation of the first service.

[0165] In step S2108, the first network element sends a sixth message to the fifth network element.

[0166] In some embodiments, the sixth message is used to request the fifth network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to the fourth network element.

[0167] In some embodiments, the sixth message is used to request the fifth network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to the fourth network element.

[0168] In some embodiments, a message used to request a fifth network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to a fourth network element may be referred to as a sixth message.

[0169] In some embodiments, the sixth message is, for example, an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message.

[0170] In some embodiments, the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message may include a request from the source LMF network element to move the selected location service to the target LMF network element.

[0171] In some embodiments, taking location services as an example, the number of location services can be one or more, and the selected location services can be, for example, some of the multiple location services, or for example, a part of a single location service.

[0172] Therefore, the first network element can also select some of the first services and request the fifth network element to migrate the selected first services to the fourth network element, so as to execute the selected first services based on the first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element. This can improve the flexibility of the implementation of the first services and is suitable for personalized implementation scenarios of the first services.

[0173] In some embodiments, after receiving the sixth message sent by the first network element, the fifth network element can migrate a selected portion of the first service to the fourth network element.

[0174] In some embodiments, after receiving the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message sent by the AMF network element, the source LMF network element can migrate the selected location services to the target LMF network element.

[0175] Step S2109: The first network element performs other first services based on the second user plane connection.

[0176] In some embodiments, other first services are not the same as the selected portion of first services, and the selected portion of first services has been migrated to the fourth network element.

[0177] In some embodiments, other first services refer to the first services remaining after the selected portion of first services. These may be a portion of the first services that were not selected from a plurality of first services, or the remaining portion of the first services that were not selected.

[0178] In some embodiments, an AMF network element can execute a first service that has not been migrated based on a second user plane connection between the terminal and the source LMF network element, and execute a first service that has been migrated based on a first user plane connection between the terminal and the target LMF network element.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first network element may also continue to execute the unmigrated first service based on the second user plane connection between the terminal and the fifth network element, thereby ensuring the continuity of the implementation of the unmigrated first service.

[0180] The user plane connection establishment method disclosed in this embodiment may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2109. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps S2101+S2102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and steps S2101+S2102+S2103 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but is not limited thereto.

[0181] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0182] In this embodiment, the second network element can indicate first information to the first network element. The first information is used to indicate a third network element related to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. The PDU session is used to access the first service. The user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element. The fourth network element is different from the fifth network element. The fifth network element is a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal. The first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service. Thus, when a third network element is added to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, a new fourth network element is triggered to support the simultaneous establishment of multiple user plane connections corresponding to multiple network elements.

[0183] Figure 3A This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to another embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3A As shown, this disclosure relates to a user plane connection establishment method, which can be used in a first network element. The method includes:

[0184] Step S3101: Receive first information sent by the second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate the third network element related to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access the first service, the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service.

[0185] Step S3102: Select the fourth network element based on the first information.

[0186] The user plane connection establishment method disclosed in this embodiment may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto. Steps S3101+S3102 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and so on, but is not limited thereto.

[0187] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0188] Figure 3B This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to another embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3B As shown, this disclosure relates to a user plane connection establishment method, which can be used in a first network element. The method includes:

[0189] Step S3201: Receive first information sent by the second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate the third network element related to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access the first service, the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service.

[0190] Step S3202: Determine the second information based on the first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the information of the fourth network element.

[0191] Step S3203: Select the fourth network element based on the second information.

[0192] The user plane connection establishment method disclosed in this embodiment may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3203. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S3202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto. Steps S3201+S3202 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and so on, but is not limited thereto.

[0193] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0194] Figure 3C This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3C As shown, this disclosure relates to a user plane connection establishment method, which can be used in a first network element. The method includes:

[0195] Step S3301: Receive first information sent by the second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate the third network element related to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access the first service, the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service.

[0196] Step S3302: Determine the second information based on the first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the information of the fourth network element.

[0197] Step S3303: Select the fourth network element based on the second information.

[0198] Step S3304: Obtain the user plane information of the fourth network element.

[0199] Step S3305: Based on the user plane information of the fourth network element, establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element.

[0200] Step S3306: Update the user plane connection context used for the first service based on the first user plane connection.

[0201] Step S3307: Send a sixth message to the fifth network element, wherein the sixth message is used to request the fifth network element to migrate the selected portion of the first service to the fourth network element.

[0202] Step S3308: Execute other first services based on the second user plane connection, wherein the other first services are different from the selected first services and the selected first services have been migrated to the fourth network element.

[0203] The user plane connection establishment method disclosed in this embodiment may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3308. For example, step S3301 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S3302 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps S3301+S3302 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, and so on, but is not limited thereto.

[0204] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0205] Figure 4 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 4 As shown, this disclosure relates to a user plane connection establishment method, which can be used in a second network element. The method includes:

[0206] Step S4101: Send first information to the first network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate the third network element related to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access the first service, the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish the first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element is the network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service.

[0207] The user plane connection establishment method disclosed in this embodiment may include step S4101. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0208] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0209] Figure 5 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 5 As shown, this disclosure relates to a user plane connection establishment method, which can be used in a communication system. The method includes:

[0210] Step S5101: The second network element sends first information to the first network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate the third network element related to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access the first service, the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish the first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element is the network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service.

[0211] In step S5102, the first network element receives the first information sent by the second network element and selects the fourth network element based on the first information.

[0212] The user plane connection establishment method disclosed in this embodiment may include at least one of steps S5101 to S5102. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S5102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, but are not limited thereto. Steps S5101 and S5102 may be implemented as separate embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0213] In this implementation or embodiment, unless there is contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other implementations or other embodiments.

[0214] The following is an exemplary description of the above method.

[0215] Optionally, the following embodiments are available:

[0216] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a user plane connection establishment method in yet another embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 6 As shown in this embodiment, the system includes an AMF network element, an SMF network element, a source LMF network element, a target LMF network element, and a UE. In this embodiment, the addition of a new LMF network element can be triggered by either the SMF network element or the AMF network element. The newly added LMF network element can also be referred to as the target LMF network element, and the already connected LMF network element can be referred to as the source LMF network element.

[0217] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a user plane positioning connection has been established between the UE and the source LMF network element. The SMF network element or AMF network element can trigger the addition of the target LMF network element.

[0218] The above methods may include:

[0219] 1a. Trigger the selection of target LMF network element.

[0220] In some embodiments, an AMF network element may decide to add a target LMF network element locally.

[0221] In some embodiments, AMF network elements may be configured with relevant information, such as the service area of ​​each LMF network element and the location services it supports.

[0222] 1b. The SMF network element instructs the AMF network element to insert the Target Protocol Data Unit Session Anchor Point (PSA).

[0223] In some embodiments, an SMF network element may send a message to an AMF network element, which may be used to notify the PDU session SM context status or to notify the PDU session status, and may carry an indication to add a PSA in the message.

[0224] In some embodiments, the added PSA may also be referred to as the target PSA or the new PSA.

[0225] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can send an Nsmf_PDUSession_SMContextStatusNotify message to the AMF network element.

[0226] In some embodiments, the Nsmf_PDUSession_SMContextStatusNotify message may carry an indication to add a PSA.

[0227] In some embodiments, the added PSA is inserted via an uplink classifier (UL CL) or a branching point (BP) to support simultaneous connection to local LMF network elements and central LMF network elements.

[0228] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can decide and send the changes to the PDU and the instruction to add a PSA to the AMF network element.

[0229] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can perform local PSA and UL CL / BP insertion based on the IP address and / or network prefix and DNAI of the LMF network element used for location services in a specific service area, and determine the addition of a new LMF (i.e., the target LMF network element) based on the added PSA.

[0230] In some embodiments, SMF network elements can send PDU changes and indications of new PSAs to AMF network elements through the PDU session status notification process or the event opening process.

[0231] In some embodiments, SMF network elements can send messages to AMF network elements to implement PDU session status notification procedures or event opening procedures.

[0232] In some embodiments, the message may be, for example, an Nsmf_PDUSession_StatusNotify message, an Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify message, or an Nsmf_PDUSession_SMContextStatusNotify message.

[0233] In some embodiments, the target DNAI (which represents the DNAI that can be accessed by adding PSA) can also be used by the AMF network element to select the target LMF network element.

[0234] In some embodiments, the target DNAI can be carried in the message sent by the SMF network element to the AMF network element.

[0235] In some embodiments, if the message does not contain a target DNAI, the PDU session may be changed due to the addition of a PSA by extending the status information.

[0236] In some embodiments, extending the status information may, for example, set the ResourceStatus to the “ADD_ANCHOR_UPF” field and / or set the reason value to the “ADDED_ANCHOR_UPF” field.

[0237] In some embodiments, AMF network elements can subscribe to relevant events in advance from SMF network elements.

[0238] 1c.AMF network element selection: Add LMF network element.

[0239] In some embodiments, based on the triggering of step 1a or step 1b, the AMF network element may choose to add an LMF network element.

[0240] In some embodiments, an LMF network element can select to add a new LMF network element based on the LMF network element's service area, other locally configured information, and / or the target DNAI received from step 1b.

[0241] In some embodiments, if an LMF network element is selected to be added based on a target DNAI, then when a Network Repository Function (NRF) network element is used to discover LMF network elements, the LMF information stored in the NRF network element includes DNAI information.

[0242] In some embodiments, based on the information from step 1a or step 1b, the AMF network element determines that it is not necessary to add an LMF network element.

[0243] 2a. The AMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message to the target LMF network element.

[0244] 2b. The target LMF network element sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message (including user plane information) to the AMF network element.

[0245] In some embodiments, if the user plane information of the target LMF network element is not available in the AMF network element, the AMF network element can request the user plane information from the target LMF network element based on the identity (ID) of the target LMF.

[0246] In some embodiments, an AMF network element may send an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message to a target LMF network element to request the establishment of a location service user plane connection.

[0247] In some embodiments, a location service user plane connection or a location service user plane connection can be represented as a Location Service-UP connection (LCS-UP connection).

[0248] In some embodiments, if the target LMF network element accepts location using the user plane and no secure user plane connection is established between the UE and the target LMF network element, the target LMF network element may send user plane information to the AMF network element to indicate that the UE accepts and uses the user plane for location.

[0249] In some embodiments, user plane information may include the user plane location address of the target LMF network element and security-related information.

[0250] 2. The AMF network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message (including user plane information) to the UE.

[0251] In some embodiments, a DL NAS TRANSPORT message represents a downlink non-access stratum transport message, which includes user plane information of the target LMF network element.

[0252] In some embodiments, the AMF network element can send the user plane information of the target LMF network element to the UE via the DL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0253] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may receive user plane information from the target LMF network element in step 2b, or retrieve user plane information locally based on the ID of the target LMF network element received in step 1.

[0254] 3. The UE sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message (user plane location confirmation information) to the AMF network element.

[0255] In some embodiments, the UL NAS TRANSPORT message represents an uplink non-access stratum transport message.

[0256] In some embodiments, if it is necessary to establish a new applicable PDU session for a new user plane positioning service, the UE can use the User Equipment Routing Selection Policy (URSP) to establish a PDU session that supports the user plane positioning service. The URSP contains PDU session parameters related to user plane positioning, such as dedicated DNN, S-NSSAI, etc.

[0257] 4. The AMF network element sends a Namf_N1MessageNotify message (user plane location confirmation information) to the target LMF network element.

[0258] In some embodiments, the AMF network element can send user plane location confirmation information to the target LMF network element via the Namf_N1MessageNotify message.

[0259] In some embodiments, the Namf_N1MessageNotify message can represent an N1 interface notification message.

[0260] In some embodiments, through steps 3 and 4, the UE can send user plane positioning confirmation information to the target LMF network element through the AMF network element, indicating that the user plane connection to the positioning service is successful or the user plane connection to the positioning service has failed, for example, a suitable PDU session has not been established.

[0261] 5. Notify the UE using the known UE IP address.

[0262] In some embodiments, if the target LMF network element knows the UE's IP address, the target LMF network element can notify the UE to establish a user plane connection through the known IP address.

[0263] 6. The UE establishes a user plane connection.

[0264] In some embodiments, the UE can establish a user plane connection with the target LMF network element.

[0265] 7. The target LMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_UPNotify message (user plane location confirmation information) to the AMF network element.

[0266] In some embodiments, the target LMF network element can indicate to the AMF network element via the Nlmf_Location_UPNotify message that the user plane connection between the UE and the target LMF network element has been established.

[0267] 8. AMF network element updates the user plane connection context for positioning services.

[0268] In some embodiments, the AMF network element can update the LCS-UP connection context, and the updated LCS-UP connection context can include the connection context from the UE to the target LMF network element.

[0269] 9. The AMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message to the source LMF network element.

[0270] In some embodiments, the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message may include a request from the source LMF network element to move the selected location service to the target LMF network element.

[0271] 10. The source LMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer request message to the target LMF network element.

[0272] In some embodiments, the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer request message is, for example, the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer Request.

[0273] 11. The target LMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer response message to the source LMF network element.

[0274] In some embodiments, the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer response message is, for example, the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer Response.

[0275] In some embodiments, the source LMF network element may invoke the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer service to provide the target LMF network element with the context of the UE's current location service or location service related to the selected location service.

[0276] In some embodiments, if there is a periodically triggered UE location event reporting context, the target LMF network element can notify the source LMF network element of the location service or positioning service context transmission operation result.

[0277] In a service-based architecture, sending an Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer request corresponds to calling the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer service, and the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer response corresponds to the output after the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer service is executed.

[0278] 12. The source LMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig response message to the AMF network element.

[0279] In a service-based architecture, sending an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request corresponds to calling the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig service, and the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig response corresponds to the output after the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig service is executed.

[0280] In some embodiments, the source LMF network element can respond to the AMF network element and, based on the information received in step 1a or step 1b, if the user plane connection of the source LMF network element is still active, the source LMF network element maintains its connection with the UE for use with other location services besides those transferred to the target LMF network element.

[0281] It should be noted that in a service-based architecture, message sending between core network elements can be achieved, for example, by calling corresponding services. The response to the message can be, for example, the output after the corresponding service is executed. This message can be, for example, the message in steps 2a, 2b, and 4 above.

[0282] In this embodiment, not only is user plane positioning service supported, but also simultaneous connection to multiple LMF network elements is supported. For example, a central LMF network element triggered by PDU session packet information and a local LMF network element can be connected simultaneously.

[0283] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a central LMF network element and a local LMF network element can be connected at the same time, and a central LMF network element and a local LMF network element can be connected at different times as the UE moves.

[0284] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of the user plane connection establishment device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7A As shown, the user plane connection establishment device includes: a transceiver module, used to receive first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element related to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service; and a processing module, used to select the fourth network element according to the first information.

[0285] Optionally, the transceiver module described above is used to execute the relevant steps performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0286] Optionally, the user plane connection establishment device further includes at least one of a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending-related steps performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, and the receiving module is used to perform the receiving-related steps performed by the first network element in any of the above methods. Further details will not be provided here.

[0287] Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of the user plane connection establishment device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7B As shown, the user plane connection establishment device includes: a transceiver module, used to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element related to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service.

[0288] Optionally, the transceiver module described above is used to execute the relevant steps performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0289] Optionally, the user plane connection establishment device further includes at least one of a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending-related steps performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, and the receiving module is used to perform the receiving-related steps performed by the second network element in any of the above methods. Further details will not be provided here.

[0290] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0291] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the core network device proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0292] like Figure 8 As shown, the core network device 80 includes: a first network element 801 and a second network element 802; wherein,

[0293] The second network element is used to send first information to the first network element. The first information is used to indicate the third network element related to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. The PDU session is used to access the first service. The user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element. The fourth network element is different from the fifth network element. The fifth network element is a network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal. The first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0294] The first network element is used to receive the first information sent by the second network element and select the fourth network element based on the first information.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first network element is further configured to determine second information based on the first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate information of the fourth network element, and to select the fourth network element based on the second information.

[0296] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the fourth network element; the service area information of the fourth network element; the service information supported by the fourth network element; the first Internet Protocol IP address of the fourth network element; and the first data network access identifier (DNAI) of the fourth network element.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first network element is further configured to select a fourth network element based on local configuration information.

[0298] In some embodiments, the local configuration information includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the candidate network element; the service area information of the candidate network element; the service information supported by the candidate network element; the candidate IP address of the candidate network element; and the candidate DNAI of the candidate network element.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the third network element; the range of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses accessible to the third network element; the Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) associated with the third network element; and indication information, wherein the indication information is used to indicate that a third network element has been added.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first service is a user plane positioning service.

[0301] like Figure 9A As shown, Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The processor 9101 is used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 9100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0302] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9102 may also be located outside the communication device 9100.

[0303] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9103. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceivers 9103, and other steps are performed by the processor 9101.

[0304] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0305] Optionally, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more interface circuits 9104, which are connected to the memory 9102. The interface circuits 9104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 9102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 9102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 9104 can read instructions stored in the memory 9102 and send the instructions to the processor 9101.

[0306] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 may vary. Figure 9A The limitations. The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0307] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to... Figure 9B The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of chip 9200, but it is not limited to this.

[0308] Chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201, which are used to invoke instructions to cause chip 9200 to perform any of the above methods.

[0309] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202 connected to memory 9203. Interface circuits 9202 can be used to receive signals from memory 9203 or other devices, and can also be used to send signals to memory 9203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 9202 can read instructions stored in memory 9203 and send those instructions to processor 9201. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be used interchangeably.

[0310] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9203 may be located outside of chip 9200.

[0311] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 9100, cause the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0312] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0313] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0314] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0315] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0316] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art 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 disclosure.

[0317] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0318] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A user plane connection establishment method, characterized by, The method, executed by the first network element, includes: The terminal receives first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element related to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service; Based on the first information, the fourth network element is selected; A sixth message is sent to the fifth network element, wherein the sixth message is used to request the fifth network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to the fourth network element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of selecting the fourth network element based on the first information includes: Based on the first information, second information is determined, wherein the second information is used to indicate information of the fourth network element; Based on the second information, the fourth network element is selected.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the fourth network element; The service area information of the fourth network element; The service information supported by the fourth network element; The first Internet Protocol IP address of the fourth network element; The first data network access identifier (DNAI) of the fourth network element.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the local configuration information, the fourth network element is selected.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The local configuration information includes at least one of the following: Identifier of candidate network element; Service area information of candidate network elements; Service information supported by candidate network elements; Candidate IP addresses of candidate network elements; Candidate DNAI for candidate network elements.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The method further includes: Establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the third network element; The range of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that the third network element can access; The data network access identifier (DNAI) associated with the third network element; The indication information is used to indicate that the third network element has been added.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The first information received from the second network element includes any one of the following: The system receives a first message sent by the second network element, wherein the first message includes the first information; the first message is used to notify the PDU session of the SM context status. The system receives a second message sent by the second network element, wherein the second message includes the first information; the second message is used to notify the status of the PDU session. The third message sent by the second network element is received, wherein the third message includes the first information; the third message is used to notify the PDU session-related event information, and the first network element has subscribed to the event.

9. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The step of selecting the fourth network element based on the second information includes at least one of the following: Select the fourth network element based on its identifier; The fourth network element is selected based on its first IP address; The fourth network element is selected based on its first DNAI.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein, Establishing the first user plane connection between the terminal and the fourth network element includes: Obtain the user plane information of the fourth network element; Based on the user plane information of the fourth network element, a first user plane connection is established between the terminal and the fourth network element.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The process of obtaining the user plane information of the fourth network element includes: Send a fourth message to the fourth network element, wherein the fourth message is used to request the establishment of the first user plane connection; The fifth message sent by the fourth network element is received, wherein the fifth message includes: user plane information of the fourth network element.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The fifth message is used by the fourth network element to forward N1N2 interface messages.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The method further includes: Update the user plane connection context used for the first service based on the first user plane connection.

14. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The method further includes: Other first services are executed based on the second user plane connection, wherein the other first services are different from the selected portion of the first services, and the selected portion of the first services has been migrated to the fourth network element.

15. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The first service is the user plane positioning service.

16. A user plane connection establishment method, comprising: The method, executed by the second network element, includes: A first message is sent to a first network element, wherein the first message is used to indicate a third network element associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session being used to access a first service, and a user plane path associated with the third network element being used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and a fourth network element. The fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element being a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection being used for the first service. The first network element sends a sixth message to the fifth network element, wherein the sixth message is used to request the fifth network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to the fourth network element.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the third network element; The range of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that the third network element can access; The data network access identifier (DNAI) associated with the third network element; The indication information is used to indicate that the third network element has been added.

18. The method according to any one of claims 16-17, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the first network element includes any one of the following: Send a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes the first information; the first message is used to notify the state of the SM context of the PDU session; A second message is sent to the first network element, wherein the second message includes the first information; the second message is used to notify the PDU session of its status. A third message is sent to the first network element, wherein the third message includes the first information; the third message is used to notify the first network element of information related to the PDU session, and the first network element has subscribed to the event.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16-17, characterized in that, The first service is the user plane positioning service.

20. A method for establishing a user plane connection, characterized in that, The method includes: The second network element sends first information to the first network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element related to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, and the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and a fourth network element. The fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, and the fifth network element is a network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal. The first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service. The first network element receives the first information sent by the second network element, and selects the fourth network element according to the first information, and sends a sixth message to the fifth network element, wherein the sixth message is used to request the fifth network element to migrate a portion of the selected first services to the fourth network element.

21. A user plane connection establishment device, characterized in that, The device includes: The transceiver module is used to receive first information sent by a second network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element related to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and a fourth network element, the fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element is a network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service; The processing module is configured to select the fourth network element based on the first information, and send a sixth message to the fifth network element, wherein the sixth message is configured to request the fifth network element to migrate a portion of the selected first services to the fourth network element.

22. A user plane connection establishment device, characterized in that, The device includes: The transceiver module is used to send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element related to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session being used to access a first service, and a user plane path related to the third network element being used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and a fourth network element. The fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, the fifth network element being a network element that has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal, the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection being used for the first service, and the first network element sending a sixth message to the fifth network element, wherein the sixth message is used to request the fifth network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to the fourth network element.

23. A core network device, characterized in that, include: The first network element and the second network element; among them... The second network element is used to send first information to the first network element, wherein the first information is used to indicate a third network element related to a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, the PDU session is used to access a first service, and the user plane path related to the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and a fourth network element. The fourth network element is different from the fifth network element, and the fifth network element is a network element that has established a second user plane connection with the terminal. The first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service. The first network element is used to receive the first information sent by the second network element, select the fourth network element according to the first information, and send a sixth message to the fifth network element, wherein the sixth message is used to request the fifth network element to migrate a portion of the selected first services to the fourth network element.

24. The core network equipment as described in claim 23, characterized in that, in, The first network element is further configured to determine second information based on the first information, wherein the second information is used to indicate the information of the fourth network element, and to select the fourth network element based on the second information.

25. The core network equipment as described in claim 24, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the fourth network element; The service area information of the fourth network element; The service information supported by the fourth network element; The first Internet Protocol IP address of the fourth network element; The first data network access identifier (DNAI) of the fourth network element.

26. The core network equipment as described in claim 23, characterized in that, in, The first network element is also used to select the fourth network element based on local configuration information.

27. The core network equipment as described in claim 26, characterized in that, The local configuration information includes at least one of the following: Identifier of candidate network element; Service area information of candidate network elements; Service information supported by candidate network elements; Candidate IP addresses of candidate network elements; Candidate DNAI for candidate network elements.

28. The core network equipment as described in any one of claims 23-27, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the third network element; The range of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that the third network element can access; The data network access identifier (DNAI) associated with the third network element; The indication information is used to indicate that the third network element has been added.

29. The core network equipment as described in any one of claims 23-27, characterized in that, The first service is the user plane positioning service.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

31. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fourth network element, a fifth network element, and / or a terminal, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1-15, and the second network element is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 16-19.

32. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

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