Communication method and communication device

Abstract

Provided are a communication method and a communication device, the method comprising: a mobility management function network element determining that a first intermediate session management function network element cannot support a first data network access identifier (DNAI), the first intermediate session management function network element being used for providing services for a first PDU session, the first PDU session comprising the first DNAI; the mobility management function network element determines a second intermediate session management function network element, wherein the second intermediate session management function network element supports the first DNAI; the mobility management function network element sends first identification information and information of a first DNAI to a second intermediate session management function network element, the first identification information being an identifier of the first intermediate session management function network element, or the mobility management function network element sends second identification information and information of the first DNAI to the first intermediate session management function network element, the second identification information being an identifier of the first intermediate session management function network element, and the first DNAI being an identifier of the first intermediate session management function network element. The second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology migrates computing, storage and business service capabilities to the edge of the network, eliminating the need to transmit data back to the cloud as much as possible, reducing the waiting time and network costs for data to and from the cloud.

[0003] When the user equipment (UE) uses MEC services, each session management function (SMF) has its own service area. Only when the UE is within the service area of ​​the SMF can the SMF manage the UE's session. When the UE is outside the service area of ​​the SMF, an intermediate session management (I-SMF) network element can be inserted based on the UE location. The I-SMF is responsible for session management of the local user plane function (UPF) at the UE's location. The I-SMF is inserted between the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and the SMF.

[0004] Currently, it is not supported to insert multiple I-SMFs into a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. However, the same PDU session may carry services that need to access different data network access identifiers (DN Access Identifiers, DNAI), and different DNAIs cannot be covered by a single I-SMF. How to insert multiple I-SMFs into a PDU session is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device. When it is determined that the current I-SMF cannot serve the target DNAI, a new I-SMF is selected and inserted, so that multiple I-SMFs are supported in one PDU session.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by a mobility management function network element, or may be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the mobility management function network element, and the present application does not limit this.

[0007] The method includes: a mobility management function network element determines that a first intermediate session management function network element cannot support a first data network access identifier DNAI; the mobility management function network element determines a second intermediate session management function network element, and the second intermediate session management function network element supports the first DNAI; the mobility management function network element sends first identification information and information of the first DNAI to the second intermediate session management function network element, and the first identification information is an identification of the first intermediate session management function network element, or the mobility management function network element sends second identification information and information of the first DNAI to the first intermediate session management function network element, and the second identification information is an identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0008] Through the above solution, when the mobility management function network element determines that the current intermediate session management function network element cannot support a certain DNAI, it can determine a new intermediate session management function network element and support multiple intermediate session management function network elements to jointly provide services.

[0009] It should be understood that the first intermediate session management function network element is an existing intermediate session management function network element, which is used to provide services for the first PDU session, and the first PDU session includes the first DNAI; the second intermediate session management function network element is a new intermediate session management function network element.

[0010] In the above implementation, when the mobility management function network element determines that the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the first DNAI, a new second intermediate session management function network element is determined. In another implementation, the mobility management function network element does not need to determine that the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the first DNAI, but can determine a new second intermediate session management function network element in any scenario where a new second intermediate session management function network element is needed.

[0011] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by an intermediate session management function network element, or may be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the intermediate session management function network element, and the present application does not limit this.

[0012] The method includes: a second intermediate session management function network element receives first identification information and first data network access identification DNAI information sent by a mobility management function network element, wherein the first identification information is the identification of the first intermediate session management function network element; the second intermediate session management function network element sends DNAI information and second identification information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first intermediate session management function network element, wherein the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0013] Alternatively, the method includes: the second intermediate session management function network element receives the first identification information and the first DNAI information sent by the mobility management function network element, the first identification information is the identification of the first intermediate session management function network element; the second intermediate session management function network element sends the data network access identification DNAI information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element, the second downlink tunnel information and the second identification information to the first intermediate session management function network element, the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element, the second downlink tunnel information is the downlink tunnel information corresponding to the second uplink classification point, the second uplink classification point is used for the second intermediate session management function network element to divert traffic, the first intermediate session management function network element is used to provide services for the first PDU session, and the first PDU session includes the first DNAI; the second intermediate session management function network element receives the first uplink tunnel information sent by the first intermediate session management function network element, the first uplink tunnel information is the uplink tunnel information corresponding to the first uplink classification point, and the first uplink classification point is used to divert traffic for the first intermediate session management function network element.

[0014] Through the above solution, after receiving the information of the existing intermediate session management function network element, the new intermediate session management function network element can establish a connection with it, thereby supporting multiple intermediate session management function network elements to jointly provide services.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the second intermediate session management function network element sends the DNAI information and the second identification information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first intermediate session management function network element, including: the second intermediate session management function network element sends the DNAI information and the second identification information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first intermediate session management function network element according to the first identification information.

[0016] Optionally, the second intermediate session management function network element sends the second downlink tunnel information to the first intermediate session management function network element according to the first identification information.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the second intermediate session management function network element determines a second local session anchor point and a second uplink classification point according to information of the first data network access identifier DNAI.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the method also includes: the second intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; if the second intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, updating the N4 rule of the second local session anchor point and the second uplink classification point; if the second intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, sending information of the second DNAI to the mobility management function network element.

[0019] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by an intermediate session management function network element, or may be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the intermediate session management function network element, and the present application does not limit this.

[0020] The method includes: a first intermediate session management function network element receives information of a DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element and second identification information sent by a second intermediate session management function network element, wherein the second identification information is an identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0021] Alternatively, the method includes: the first intermediate session management function network element receives the information of the DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element, the second downlink tunnel information and the second identification information sent by the second intermediate session management function network element, the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element, the second downlink tunnel information is the downlink tunnel information corresponding to the second uplink classification point, the second uplink classification point is used for the second intermediate session management function network element to divert traffic, the first intermediate session management function network element is used to provide services for the first PDU session, and the first PDU session includes the first DNAI; the first intermediate session management function network element sends the first uplink tunnel information to the second intermediate session management function network element, the first uplink tunnel information is the uplink tunnel information corresponding to the first uplink classification point, and the first uplink classification point is used to divert traffic for the first intermediate session management function network element.

[0022] Through the above solution, after receiving the information of the existing intermediate session management function network element, the new intermediate session management function network element can establish a connection with it, thereby supporting multiple intermediate session management function network elements to jointly provide services.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the first intermediate session management function network element sending information of the DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first session management function network element.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the method also includes: the first intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; if the first intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, updating the N4 rule of the first local session anchor point and the first uplink classification point; if the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, sending information of the second DNAI to the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by an intermediate session management function network element, or can also be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the intermediate session management function network element, and the present application does not limit this.

[0026] The method includes: a first intermediate session management function network element receives second identification information and information of the first data network access identification DNAI sent by a mobility management function network element, wherein the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element; the first intermediate session management function network element sends information of the first DNAI and third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element, wherein the third identification information is the identification of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is a next-level session management function network element to which the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect.

[0027] Alternatively, the method includes: an intermediate session management function network element receives second identification information and first DNAI information sent by a mobility management function network element, the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element; the first intermediate session management function network element sends first data network access identification DNAI information and third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element, the third identification information is the identification of the first session management function network element, the first session management function network element is the next-level session management function network element to which the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect, the first intermediate session management function network element is used to provide services for the first PDU session, and the first PDU session includes the first DNAI; the first intermediate session management function network element receives second uplink tunnel information sent by the second intermediate session management function network element, the second uplink tunnel information is the uplink tunnel information corresponding to the second uplink classification point, and the second uplink classification point is used to divert traffic for the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0028] Through the above solution, after receiving the information of the new intermediate session management function network element, the existing intermediate session management function network element can establish a connection with it, thereby supporting multiple intermediate session management function network elements to jointly provide services.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the first intermediate session management function network element sends the first DNAI information and the third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element, including: the first intermediate session management function network element sends the first DNAI information and the third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element according to the second identification information.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the method also includes: the first intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; if the first intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, updating the N4 rule of the first local session anchor point and the first uplink classification point; if the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, sending information of the second DNAI to the mobility management function network element.

[0031] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by an intermediate session management function network element, or can also be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the intermediate session management function network element, and the present application does not limit this.

[0032] The method includes: a second intermediate session management function network element receives information of a first data network access identifier DNAI and third identification information sent by a first intermediate session management function network element, wherein the third identification information is an identification of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is a next-level session management function network element to which the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect.

[0033] Alternatively, the method includes: the second intermediate session management function network element receives information of the first data network access identifier DNAI and third identification information sent by the first intermediate session management function network element, the third identification information is the identification of the first session management function network element, the first session management function network element is the next-level session management function network element that the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect to, the first intermediate session management function network element is used to provide services for the first PDU session, and the first PDU session includes the first DNAI; the second intermediate session management function network element sends second uplink tunnel information to the second intermediate session management function network element, the second uplink tunnel information is the uplink tunnel information corresponding to the second uplink classification point, and the second uplink classification point is used to divert traffic for the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0034] Through the above solution, after receiving the information of the new intermediate session management function network element, the existing intermediate session management function network element can establish a connection with it, thereby supporting multiple intermediate session management function network elements to jointly provide services.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the second intermediate session management function network element determines a second local session anchor point and a second uplink classification point according to information of the first DNAI, and the second uplink classification point is used by the second intermediate session management function network element for traffic diversion.

[0036] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the second intermediate session management function network element sending information of the DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first session management function network element.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the method also includes: the second intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; if the second intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, updating the N4 rule of the second local session anchor point and the second uplink classification point; if the second intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, sending information of the second DNAI to the first intermediate session management function network element.

[0038] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by an intermediate session management function network element, or can also be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the intermediate session management function network element, and the present application does not limit this.

[0039] The method includes: a first intermediate session management function network element receives second identification information and first DNAI information sent by a mobility management function network element, wherein the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element; the first intermediate session management function network element sends first data network access identification DNAI information and third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element, wherein the third identification information is the identification of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is the next-level session management function network element that the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect to.

[0040] Optionally, the first intermediate session management function network element receives third uplink tunnel information sent by the second intermediate session management function network element, where the third uplink tunnel information is uplink tunnel information corresponding to the second local session anchor point.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the first intermediate session management function network element sends the first DNAI information and the third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element, including: the first intermediate session management function network element sends the first DNAI information and the third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element according to the second identification information.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the method also includes: the first intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; if the first intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, configures the first uplink classification point; if the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, sends information of the second DNAI to the mobility management function network element.

[0043] In the seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by an intermediate session management function network element, or can also be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the intermediate session management function network element. The present application does not limit this.

[0044] The method includes: a second intermediate session management function network element receives information of a first data network access identifier DNAI and third identification information sent by a first intermediate session management function network element, the third identification information is an identification of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is a next-level session management function network element that the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect to.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner, the second intermediate session management function network element sends third uplink tunnel information to the second intermediate session management function network element, where the third uplink tunnel information is uplink tunnel information corresponding to the second local session anchor point.

[0046] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: a second intermediate session management function network element determines a second local session anchor point according to information of the first DNAI.

[0047] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the second intermediate session management function network element sending information of the DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first session management function network element.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the method also includes: the second intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; if the second intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, configures the first uplink classification point; if the second intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, sends information of the second DNAI to the first intermediate session management function network element.

[0049] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processing unit, used to determine that a first intermediate session management function network element cannot support a first data network access identifier DNAI; the processing unit is also used to determine a second intermediate session management function network element, and the second intermediate session management function network element supports the first DNAI; a sending unit, used to send first identification information and first DNAI information to the second intermediate session management function network element, the first identification information is the identification of the first intermediate session management function network element, or the sending unit is used to send second identification information and first DNAI information to the first intermediate session management function network element, and the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0050] In the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a receiving unit, used to receive first identification information and first data network access identification DNAI information sent by a mobility management function network element received by a second intermediate session management function network element, wherein the first identification information is the identification of the first intermediate session management function network element; a sending unit, used to send DNAI information and second identification information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first intermediate session management function network element, wherein the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0051] In a possible implementation manner, the sending unit is further configured to send DNAI information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element and the second identification information to the first intermediate session management function network element according to the first identification information.

[0052] In a possible implementation manner, the device further includes: a processing unit, configured to determine a second local session anchor point and a second uplink classification point according to information of the first data network access identifier DNAI.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit is also used to receive information of a second DNAI; if the second intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to update the N4 rules of the second local session anchor point and the second uplink classification point; if the second intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to send information of the second DNAI to the mobility management function network element.

[0054] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a receiving unit, used to receive information of a first data network access identifier DNAI and second identification information sent by a second intermediate session management function network element, wherein the second identification information is an identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0055] In a possible implementation manner, the device further includes: a sending unit, configured to send information of the DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first session management function network element.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit is also used to receive information about a second DNAI; if the first intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to update the N4 rules of the first local session anchor point and the first uplink classification point; if the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to send information about the second DNAI to the second intermediate session management function network element.

[0057] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a receiving unit, used to receive second identification information and information of the first data network access identification DNAI sent by a mobility management function network element, the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element; a sending unit, used to send the first DNAI information and third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element, the third identification information is the identification of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is the next-level session management function network element to which the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect.

[0058] In a possible implementation manner, the sending unit is further configured to send the first DNAI information and the third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element according to the second identification information.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit is also used to receive information of a second DNAI; if the first intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to update the N4 rules of the first local session anchor point and the first uplink classification point; if the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to send information of the second DNAI to the mobility management function network element.

[0060] In the twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a receiving unit, used to receive information of a first data network access identifier DNAI and third identification information sent by a first intermediate session management function network element, wherein the third identification information is an identifier of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is a next-level session management function network element that the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect to.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the device further includes: a processing unit, configured to determine a second local session anchor point and a second uplink classification point according to information of the first DNAI, wherein the second uplink classification point is used for diverting traffic to a second intermediate session management function network element.

[0062] In a possible implementation manner, the sending unit is further configured to send information of the DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first session management function network element.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit is also used to receive information of a second DNAI; if the second intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to update the N4 rules of the second local session anchor point and the second uplink classification point; if the second intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to send information of the second DNAI to the first intermediate session management function network element.

[0064] In the thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a sending unit, used to send information of a first data network access identifier DNAI and third identification information to a second intermediate session management function network element, the third identification information is the identification of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is the next-level session management function network element to which the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect; a receiving unit, used to receive third uplink tunnel information sent by the second intermediate session management function network element, the third uplink tunnel information is the uplink tunnel information corresponding to the second local session anchor point

[0065] In a possible implementation manner, the receiving unit is further configured to receive second identification information and first DNAI information sent by a mobility management function network element, where the second identification information is an identification of a second intermediate session management function network element.

[0066] In a possible implementation manner, the sending unit is further configured to send the first DNAI information and the third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element according to the second identification information.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit is also used to receive information about the second DNAI; if the first intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to configure the first uplink classification point; if the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to send information about the second DNAI to the mobility management function network element.

[0068] In the fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a receiving unit, used to receive information of a first data network access identifier DNAI and third identification information sent by a first intermediate session management function network element, the third identification information is the identification of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is the next-level session management function network element that the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect to; a sending unit, used to send third uplink tunnel information to the second intermediate session management function network element, the third uplink tunnel information is the uplink tunnel information corresponding to the second local session anchor point.

[0069] In a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is configured to determine the second local session anchor point according to information of the first DNAI.

[0070] In a possible implementation manner, the sending unit is further configured to send information of the DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first session management function network element.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit is also used to receive information of the second DNAI; if the second intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to configure the first uplink classification point; if the second intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, the processing unit is also used to control the device to send information of the second DNAI to the first intermediate session management function network element.

[0072] In a fifteenth aspect, a wireless communication device is provided, comprising modules or units for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0073] In the sixteenth aspect, a wireless communication device is provided, comprising various modules or units for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0074] In the seventeenth aspect, a wireless communication device is provided, comprising various modules or units for executing the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0075] In an eighteenth aspect, a wireless communication device is provided, comprising modules or units for executing the method in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0076] In the nineteenth aspect, a wireless communication device is provided, comprising various modules or units for executing the method in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the fifth aspect.

[0077] In the twentieth aspect, a wireless communication device is provided, comprising various modules or units for executing the method in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect.

[0078] In the twenty-first aspect, a wireless communication device is provided, comprising various modules or units for executing the method in the seventh aspect or any possible implementation manner of the seventh aspect.

[0079] In a twenty-second aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, and can be used to execute the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. In a possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. In a possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface, the processor is coupled to the communication interface. In a possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface, the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0080] In one implementation, the communication device is a mobility management function network element. When the communication device is a mobility management function network element, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0081] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the communication interface may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit on the chip or the chip system. The processor may also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0082] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and being configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement any one of the second to seventh aspects described above, and any possible implementation of each of the above aspects. In a possible implementation, the communication device further comprises a memory. In a possible implementation, the communication device further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface. In a possible implementation, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. In a possible implementation, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0083] In one implementation, the communication device is an intermediate session management function network element. When the communication device is an intermediate session management function network element, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. In one possible implementation, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. In one possible implementation, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0084] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the communication interface may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit on the chip or the chip system. The processor may also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0085] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is used to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that any aspect from the first aspect to the seventh aspect, and any possible implementation of the above aspects are implemented.

[0086] In the specific implementation process, the above-mentioned communication device can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter, and the input circuit and the output circuit can be different circuits or the same circuit. In this case, the circuit is used as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific implementation method of the processor and various circuits.

[0087] In aspect 25, a processing device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. The processor is used to read instructions stored in the memory, and can receive signals through a receiver and transmit signals through a transmitter to execute any one of aspects 1 to 7, and any possible implementation of the above aspects.

[0088] In a possible implementation, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0089] In a possible implementation manner, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory and the processor may be provided separately.

[0090] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or can be set on different chips respectively. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of memory and the setting method of the memory and the processor.

[0091] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, such as sending indication information, can be a process of outputting indication information from a processor, and receiving capability information can be a process of receiving input capability information from a processor. Specifically, the processed output data can be output to a transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from a receiver. Among them, the transmitter and the receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0092] The processor in the above aspects can be a chip, which can be implemented by hardware or by software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, which is implemented by reading software codes stored in a memory. The memory can be integrated in the processor or can be located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0093] In the twenty-sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instruction), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute any one of the first to seventh aspects, and any possible implementation of the above aspects.

[0094] In the twenty-seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions) which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the first to seventh aspects described above, as well as a method in any possible implementation of the above aspects.

[0095] In aspect 28, a communication system is provided, comprising at least one of the aforementioned mobility management function network element, the first intermediate session management function network element, and the second intermediate session management function network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication system to which the present application is applicable.

[0097] Figure 2 It is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0098] Figure 3It is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0100] Figure 5 It is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0101] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0102] Figure 7 It is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0103] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0104] Fig. 9 A schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0105] Fig.10 A schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0106] Fig.11 A schematic block diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0108] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR) or other evolved communication systems.

[0109] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture 100. The various embodiments of the present application can be applied to Figure 1 In the network architecture shown in the figure, Figure 1 Each part involved in the network architecture shown is explained separately.

[0110] 1. Terminal equipment.

[0111] The terminal device can also be called: user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device, etc.

[0112] The terminal device may be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminal devices are: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication functions, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (public land mobile The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN) is not limited to this.

[0113] The terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices can also be called wearable smart devices. They are a general term for wearable devices that use wearable technology to intelligently design and develop wearable devices for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include full-featured, large-sized, and independent of smartphones to achieve complete or partial functions, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and can be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0114] In addition, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in the Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that interconnects people and machines and things.

[0115] 2. (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN): It is used to provide network access for authorized users in a specific area and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities according to the user level and business requirements. (R)AN network elements can manage wireless resources, provide access services for terminal devices, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and user data between terminal devices and the core network. Specifically, (R)AN can also be understood as the base station in (R)AN, which can be called access network equipment.

[0116] Specifically, the access network device can be a transmission reception point (TRP), an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, a home base station (for example, home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or the access network device can be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, and an access network device in a 5G network or an access network device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) network, etc. It can be an access point (AP) in a WLAN, or a gNB in ​​a new wireless system (new radio, NR) system, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited. In a network structure, the access network device may include a centralized unit (CU) node, or a distributed unit (DU) node, or a RAN device including a CU node and a DU node, or a RAN device including a control plane CU node (CU-CP node) and a user plane CU node (CU-UP node) and a DU node.

[0117] 3. Access and mobility management function (AMF): Mainly used for mobility management and access management. Specifically, AMF can be used to implement other functions of the mobility management entity (MME) except session management, such as lawful interception or access authorization (or authentication).

[0118] 4. Session management function (SMF): also known as session management function network element, mainly used for session management, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management of terminal equipment, selection of endpoints for manageable user plane functions, policy control, or charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification. Specifically, Figure 1 The source session management network element 110, the anchor session management network element 120, and the target session management network element 190 can all be SMFs.

[0119] It should be understood that in the above system architecture 100, the access network device 120 may be Figure 2 The RAN in the access and mobility management network element 130 can be Figure 2 AMF in; the session management network element 140 can be Figure 2 The SMF in is not restricted.

[0120] Optionally, the system architecture 200 may further include:

[0121] 5. User plane function (UPF): also known as user plane function or user plane network element or user plane function network element, used for packet routing and forwarding, or quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data, etc.

[0122] 6. Data network (DN): A network used to provide data transmission, such as the Internet.

[0123] 7. Authentication server function (AUSF): mainly used for user authentication, etc.

[0124] 8. Policy control function (PCF): A unified policy framework used to guide network behavior and provide policy rule information to control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0125] 9. Unified data management (UDM): used to handle user identification, access authentication, registration, or mobility management.

[0126] 10. Application function (AF): mainly supports interaction with the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) core network to provide services, for example, influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing some third-party services to the network side. It can be understood as a third-party server, such as an application server in the Internet, providing relevant business information, including providing service quality requirement information corresponding to the business to the PCF, and sending user plane data information of the business to the PSA-UPF. AF can be a service provider (content provider, CP).

[0127] 11. Network slice selection function (NSSF): used to select network slices.

[0128] In the system architecture 100, the N1 interface is a reference point between the terminal device and the AMF; the N2 interface is a reference point between the (R)AN and the AMF, and is used for sending non-access stratum (NAS) messages, etc.; the N3 interface is a reference point between the (R)AN and the I-UPF, and is used for transmitting user plane data, etc.; the N4 interface is a reference point between the SMF and the I-UPF, and is used for transmitting information such as tunnel identification information, data cache indication information, and downlink data notification messages of the N3 connection; the N5 interface is a reference point between the PCF and the AF; the N6 interface is a reference point between the UPF and the DN, and is used for transmitting user plane data, etc.; the N7 interface is a reference point between the SMF and the PCF; the N8 interface is a reference point between the AMF and the UDM; the N9 interface is a reference point between the UPF; the N10 interface is a reference point between the SMF and the UDM; the N11 interface is a reference point between the AMF and the SMF; the N12 interface is a reference point between the AMF and the AUSF; and the N22 interface is a reference point between the AMF and the NSSF.

[0129] It should be understood that the above-mentioned system architecture 100 is only an example of a network architecture described from the perspective of a reference point architecture, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0130] It should be noted that Figure 1 The interface name between the various network elements is only an example. The name of the interface in a specific implementation may be other names, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

[0131] It should be noted that Figure 1 The names of the various network elements (such as SMF, AF, UPF, etc.) included in are only examples and do not limit the functions of the network elements themselves. In 5G networks and other future networks, the above-mentioned network elements may also have other names, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology in 5G, or may use other names, etc., which are uniformly explained here and will not be repeated below. In addition, it should be understood that the name of the message (or signaling) transmitted between the above-mentioned network elements is only an example and does not constitute any limitation on the function of the message itself.

[0132] Above Figure 1The network architecture shown is only an example, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0133] For example, in some network architectures, network function entities such as AMF, SMF, PCF, and UDM are all called network functions (NF); or, in other network architectures, the collection of AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, etc. can be called control plane functions.

[0134] When the UE uses MEC services, each SMF has its own service area. Only when the UE is within the service area of ​​the SMF can the SMF manage the UE's session. When the UE is outside the service area of ​​the SMF, an I-SMF network element can be inserted based on the UE location. The I-SMF is responsible for session management of the local UPF at the UE's location. The I-SMF is inserted between the AMF and the SMF.

[0135] Currently, it is not supported to insert multiple I-SMFs into a PDU session. However, the same PDU session may carry services that need to access LDNs corresponding to different DNAIs, and different DNAIs cannot be covered by the same I-SMF.

[0136] This application provides multiple communication methods, and multiple I-SMFs can be inserted into one PDU session.

[0137] It should be understood that the description of the specific scenarios in the embodiments of the present application is only an example. In addition to being applicable to the application scenarios described above, the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to application scenarios with similar problems.

[0138] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" or "multiple" means two or more. In addition, "at least one" can be replaced by "one or more".

[0139] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first indication information and the second indication information can be the same information or different information, and such a name does not indicate the difference in the content, size, application scenario, sender / receiver, priority or importance of the two messages. In addition, the numbering of the steps in the various embodiments introduced in the present application is only for distinguishing different steps, and is not used to limit the order of the steps.

[0140] The technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to wireless communication between communication devices. Wireless communication between communication devices may include: wireless communication between network devices and terminals, wireless communication between network devices and network devices, and wireless communication between terminals. In the embodiment of the present application, the term "wireless communication" may also be referred to as "communication", and the term "communication" may also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission" or "transmission".

[0141] It should be understood that the names of all nodes and messages in this application are merely names set for the convenience of description in this application. The names in the actual network may be different. This application should not be understood to limit the names of various nodes and messages. On the contrary, any name that has the same or similar function as the node or message used in this application is regarded as the method of this application or an equivalent replacement, and is within the scope of protection of this application, and will not be repeated below.

[0142] The various communication methods provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0143] It should be understood that the step numbers in the embodiments of the present application are only used for illustration and do not limit the order in which the steps occur.

[0144] Figure 2 A communication method 200 provided by the present application is shown, through which a corresponding I-SMF is inserted for a DNAI (if an existing I-SMF cannot cover a certain DNAI, a new I-SMF is inserted for the DNAI). Each I-SMF independently controls the uplink classifier (ULCL) required to access the LDN corresponding to the DNAI.

[0145] like Figure 3 As shown, a new I-SMF is inserted into a network before, in which there is only one existing I-SMF (ie, I-SMF1), and ULCL1 and L-PSA1 have been established for the I-SMF1.

[0146] pass Figure 2 After inserting a new I-SMF (i.e., I-SMF2) by the method, Figure 4 Shown is the network after the new I-SMF is inserted.

[0147] Figure 2 The method includes at least part of the contents of steps S210 to S280.

[0148] S210, SMF sends the destination DNAI (i.e., an instance of the first DNAI) to AMF.

[0149] Specifically, SMF receives the PCC rule from PCF, which carries service information and a DNAI list (the DNAI list contains one or more DNAIs). SMF determines that the UE is located in an area corresponding to one or more DNAIs in the DNAI list (the one or more DNAIs here are referred to as target DNAIs), and determines that the UE is located in the area corresponding to the target DNAI, but the SMF does not cover the target DNAI, then the SMF sends the target DNAI to the AMF.

[0150] S220, AMF determines that I-SMF1 (the existing I-SMF) cannot support (or cannot serve) the destination DNAI, and then determines a new I-SMF (I-SMF2) based on the destination DNAI.

[0151] The I-SMF1 is used to provide services for the first PDU session, and the first PDU session corresponds to the destination DNAI. The I-SMF2 supports the destination DNAI.

[0152] It should be understood that I-SMF1 and I-SMF2 both provide services for the first PDU session, and it can also be understood that I-SMF1 and I-SMF2 both correspond to the first PDU session, or it can be understood that I-SMF1 and I-SMF2 both control the first PDU session.

[0153] S230, AMF sends first identification information and destination DNAI information to I-SMF2, where the first identification information is the identification of I-SMF1.

[0154] Optionally, the identifier of I-SMF1 is the SM Context ID corresponding to I-SMF1.

[0155] S240, I-SMF2 determines L-PSA (L-PSA2) and ULCL UPF (ULCL2) based on the target DNAI, and obtains downlink tunnel information (DL tunnel info, an example of second downlink tunnel information) corresponding to ULCL2.

[0156] S250, a PDU session is established between I-SMF2 and I-SMF1. This step S250 includes:

[0157] S250-1, I-SMF2 sends a session establishment request message to I-SMF1.

[0158] Specifically, the session establishment request information includes DNAI information supported by I-SMF2 (including one or more DNAIs), second downlink tunnel information and second identification information, and the second identification information is the identification of I-SMF2.

[0159] Optionally, the identifier of I-SMF2 is the SM Context ID corresponding to I-SMF2.

[0160] Optionally, I-SMF2 sends session establishment request information to I-SMF1 according to the first identification information received in step S230.

[0161] S250-2, I-SMF1 configures ULCL1 based on DL tunnel info of ULCL2 obtained from I-SMF2 (implements path connection between ULCL1 and ULCL2), and I-SMF1 obtains uplink tunnel information (UL tunnelinfo, an example of first uplink tunnel information) of ULCL1.

[0162] S250-3, I-SMF1 sends the first uplink tunnel information to I-SMF2.

[0163] S260, I-SMF2 returns a response to AMF with respect to step S230.

[0164] S270, I-SMF1 sends DNAI information (including one or more DNAIs) supported by I-SMF2 to SMF (ie, an instance of the first session management network element).

[0165] Among them, SMF is the SMF connected to I-SMF1 (the SMF here may also be other I-SMF).

[0166] S280: Configure a data plane forwarding path.

[0167] For the above method 200, after inserting the new I-SMF2, the SMF receives the new target DNAI (such as the second DNAI), as described below.

[0168] Specifically, the SMF receives a PCC rule from the PCF, which includes service information (eg application ID, IP quintuple) and a second DNAI.

[0169] If the SMF determines that it does not serve the second destination DNAI, it sends the second destination DNAI to the I-SMF connected to it.

[0170] In this application, SMF service DNAI can also be understood as SMF support DNAI.

[0171] If I-SMF1 determines that it serves the DNAI, it updates the N4 rules of ULCL1 and L-PSA1; otherwise, it forwards the information to the next I-SMF. If all I-SMFs cannot serve the second destination DNAI, the second destination DNAI will eventually be sent to AMF, and AMF will select a new I-SMF based on the second destination DNAI.

[0172] Figure 5 A communication method 500 provided by the present application is shown, through which a corresponding I-SMF is inserted for a DNAI (if an existing I-SMF cannot cover a certain DNAI, a new I-SMF is inserted for the DNAI). Each I-SMF independently controls the uplink classifier (ULCL) required to access the LDN corresponding to the DNAI.

[0173] like Figure 3 As shown, a new I-SMF is inserted into a network before, in which there is only one existing I-SMF (ie, I-SMF1), and ULCL1 and L-PSA1 have been established for the I-SMF1.

[0174] pass Figure 5 After inserting a new I-SMF (i.e., I-SMF2) by the method, Figure 6 The network is shown after the new I-SMF is inserted. It can be seen that the main difference between method 500 and method 200 is that the insertion position of I-SMF2 is different.

[0175] Figure 5 The method includes at least part of the contents of steps S510 to S560.

[0176] Step S510 refers to step S210 , and step S520 refers to step S220 .

[0177] S530, AMF sends second identification information and target DNAI information to I-SMF1, where the second identification information is the identification of I-SMF2.

[0178] Optionally, the identifier of I-SMF2 is the SM Context ID corresponding to I-SMF2.

[0179] S540, a PDU session is established between I-SMF2 and I-SMF1. This step includes:

[0180] S540-1, I-SMF-1 sends a session establishment request message to I-SMF-2.

[0181] Specifically, the session establishment request information includes information of the target DNAI, information of the second downlink tunnel and third identification information, the third identification information is the identification of SMF, and SMF is the next level SMF / I-SMF to which I-SMF2 needs to connect.

[0182] Optionally, the SMF identifier is the SM Context ID corresponding to the SMF.

[0183] Optionally, I-SMF1 sends session establishment request information to I-SMF2 according to the second identification information received in step S530.

[0184] S540-2, I-SMF2 determines L-PSA (L-PSA2) and ULCL UPF (ULCL2) based on the target DNAI, and obtains uplink tunnel information (UL tunnel info, an example of second uplink tunnel information) corresponding to ULCL2.

[0185] S540-3, I-SMF2 sends the second uplink tunnel information to I-SMF2.

[0186] S540-4, I-SMF1 configures ULCL1 based on the second uplink tunnel information.

[0187] S550, I-SMF1 sends a PDU session modification request to I-SMF2 and configures ULCL2

[0188] S560, I-SMF2 sends DNAI information (including one or more DNAIs) supported by I-SMF2 to SMF.

[0189] For the above method 500, after inserting the new I-SMF2, the SMF receives the new destination DNAI (such as the second DNAI) as described below.

[0190] Specifically, the SMF receives a PCC rule from the PCF, which includes service information (eg application ID, IP quintuple) and a second DNAI.

[0191] If the SMF determines that it does not serve the second destination DNAI, it sends the second destination DNAI to the I-SMF connected to it.

[0192] If I-SMF2 determines that it serves the DNAI, it updates the N4 rules of ULCL2 and L-PSA2; otherwise, it forwards the information to the next-hop I-SMF. If all I-SMFs cannot serve the second destination DNAI, the second destination DNAI will eventually be sent to AMF, and AMF will select a new I-SMF based on the second destination DNAI.

[0193] Figure 7 A communication method 700 provided by the present application is shown, through which a corresponding I-SMF is inserted for a DNAI (if an existing I-SMF cannot cover a DNAI, a new I-SMF is inserted for the DNAI). I-SMF1 controls all uplink classifiers (ULCL).

[0194] like Figure 3 As shown, a new I-SMF is inserted into a network before, in which there is only one existing I-SMF (ie, I-SMF1), and ULCL1 and L-PSA1 have been established for the I-SMF1.

[0195] pass Figure 7 After inserting a new I-SMF (i.e., I-SMF2) by the method, Figure 8 The network after the new I-SMF is inserted is shown. It can be seen that the main difference between method 700 and method 200 is that only one ULCL is inserted and the ULCL is controlled by one I-SMF.

[0196] Figure 7 The method includes at least part of the contents of steps S710 to S750.

[0197] Step S710 refers to step S210 , step S720 refers to step S220 , and step S730 refers to step S530 .

[0198] Step S740: A PDU session is established between I-SMF2 and I-SMF1. This step includes:

[0199] S740-1, I-SMF-1 sends a session establishment request message to I-SMF-2.

[0200] Specifically, the session establishment request information includes information of the target DNAI and third identification information, where the third identification information is the identification of the SMF, and the SMF is the next level SMF / I-SMF to which the I-SMF2 needs to connect.

[0201] Optionally, the SMF identifier is the SM Context ID corresponding to the SMF.

[0202] Optionally, I-SMF1 sends session establishment request information to I-SMF2 according to the second identification information received in step S730.

[0203] S740-2, I-SMF2 determines L-PSA (L-PSA2) based on the target DNAI, and obtains uplink tunnel information (UL tunnel info, an example of third uplink tunnel information) corresponding to L-PSA2.

[0204] S740-3, I-SMF2 sends the third uplink tunnel information to I-SMF2.

[0205] S740-4, I-SMF1 configures ULCL1 based on the third uplink tunnel information.

[0206] S750, I-SMF2 sends DNAI information (including one or more DNAIs) supported by I-SMF2 to SMF.

[0207] For the above method 700, after inserting the new I-SMF2, the SMF receives the new target DNAI (such as the second DNAI) as described below.

[0208] Specifically, the SMF receives a PCC rule from the PCF, which includes service information (eg application ID, IP quintuple) and a second DNAI.

[0209] If the SMF determines that it does not serve the second destination DNAI, it sends the second destination DNAI to the I-SMF connected to it.

[0210] If I-SMF determines that it serves the DNAI, it configures L-PSA2 based on N4 info; generates diversion rules based on N4 info, and finally sends them to I-SMF1 for configuring ULCL; otherwise, the information is forwarded to the next hop I-SMF2. If all I-SMFs cannot serve the second destination DNAI, the second destination DNAI will eventually be sent to AMF, and AMF will select a new I-SMF based on the second destination DNAI.

[0211] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 900 includes a transceiver unit 910 and a processing unit 920. The transceiver unit 910 can communicate with the outside, and the processing unit 920 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 910 can also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0212] In a possible implementation, the device 900 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 920 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit.

[0213] The device 900 can be used to execute the actions performed by the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment. In this case, the device 900 can be a mobility management function network element, or a component that can be configured in a mobility management function network element. The transceiver unit 910 is used to execute operations related to the transmission and reception of the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 920 is used to execute operations related to the processing of the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0214] Alternatively, the device 900 can be used to execute the actions performed by the intermediate session management function network element in the above method embodiment. In this case, the device 900 can be an intermediate session management function network element or a component that can be configured in an intermediate session management function network element. The transceiver unit 910 is used to execute the transceiver-related operations of the intermediate session management function network element in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 920 is used to execute the processing-related operations of the intermediate session management function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0215] It should also be understood that the device 900 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a merged logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art may understand that the device 900 may be specifically the mobility management function network element, the first intermediate session management function network element or the second intermediate session management function network element in the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobility management function network element, the first intermediate session management function network element or the second intermediate session management function network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments, or the device 900 may be specifically the mobility management function network element, the first intermediate session management function network element or the second intermediate session management function network element in the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobility management function network element, the first intermediate session management function network element or the second intermediate session management function network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and to avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0216] The device 900 of each of the above-mentioned schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the mobility management function network element, the first intermediate session management function network element or the second intermediate session management function network element in the above-mentioned method. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing the corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing unit, can be replaced by a processor to respectively perform the sending and receiving operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0217] In addition, the transceiver unit 910 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, may include a receiving circuit and a sending circuit), and the processing unit may be a processing circuit.

[0218] It should be pointed out that Fig. 9 The device in the embodiment may be a network element or device in the foregoing embodiment, or may be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit may be a processor or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip. This is not limited here.

[0219] like Fig.10 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device 1000. The communication device 1000 includes a processor 1010, the processor 1010 is coupled to a memory 1020, the memory 1020 is used to store computer programs or instructions or and / or data, and the processor 1010 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1020, so that the method in the above method embodiment is executed. The processor 1010 can be one or more.

[0220] In one possible implementation, Fig.10 As shown, the communication device 1000 may further include a memory 1020. The memory 1020 may be one or more.

[0221] In a possible implementation, the memory 1020 may be integrated with the processor 1010 , or be separately provided, or the processor 1020 may be outside the communication device 1000 .

[0222] In one possible implementation, Fig.10 As shown, the wireless communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1030, and the transceiver 1030 is used for receiving and / or sending signals. For example, the processor 1010 is used to control the transceiver 1030 to receive and / or send signals.

[0223] As a solution, the communication device 1000 is used to implement the operations performed by the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0224] For example, the processor 1010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment, and the transceiver 1030 is used to implement the sending and receiving-related operations performed by the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0225] As another solution, the communication device 1000 is used to implement the operations performed by the intermediate session management function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0226] For example, the processor 1010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the intermediate session management function network element in the above method embodiment, and the transceiver 1030 is used to implement the sending and receiving-related operations performed by the intermediate session management function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0227] like Fig.11 , an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system 1100. The chip system 1100 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a circuit 1110 and an input / output interface 1120.

[0228] Among them, the circuit 1110 may be a processing circuit in the chip system 1100. The circuit 1110 may be coupled to a storage unit and call instructions in the storage unit so that the chip system 1100 can implement the methods and functions of each embodiment of the present application. The input / output interface 1120 may be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1100, outputting information processed by the chip system 1100, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1100 for processing.

[0229] As a solution, the chip system 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the mobility management function network element, the first intermediate session management function network element or the second intermediate session management function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0230] For example, the circuit 1110 is used to implement operations related to processing by the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment; the input / output interface 1120 is used to implement operations related to sending and / or receiving by the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0231] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which are stored computer instructions for implementing the method executed by the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment, or the method executed by the intermediate session management function network element.

[0232] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method executed by the intermediate session management function network element or the method executed by the mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0233] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to implement the method executed by the intermediate session management function network element in the above method embodiment, or the method executed by the mobility management function network element.

[0234] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes one or more of the mobility management function network element, the first intermediate session management function network element, or the second intermediate session management function network element in the above embodiment.

[0235] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects in any of the wireless communication devices provided above can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0236] In an embodiment of the present application, a terminal device or a network device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. Among them, the hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and a memory (also called main memory). The operating system of the operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux operating system, Unix operating system, Android operating system, iOS operating system, or Windows operating system. The application layer may include applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0237] The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, as long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application may be a terminal device or a satellite, or a functional module in the terminal device or the satellite that can call and execute the program.

[0238] Various aspects or features of the embodiments of the present application may be implemented as methods, devices, or products using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "product" as used herein may cover a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, a computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to: a magnetic storage device (e.g., a hard disk, a floppy disk, or a magnetic tape, etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), etc.), a smart card, and a flash memory device (e.g., an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a card, a stick, or a key drive, etc.).

[0239] The various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0240] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0241] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM may include the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0242] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0243] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0244] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example 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 performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0245] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0246] In the several embodiments provided in the embodiments of the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0247] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0248] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0249] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code.

[0250] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The mobility management function network element determines that the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the first data network access identifier DNAI; The mobility management function network element determines a second intermediate session management function network element, and the second intermediate session management function network element supports the first DNAI; The mobility management function network element sends first identification information and information of the first DNAI to the second intermediate session management function network element, where the first identification information is an identification of the first intermediate session management function network element, or, The mobility management function network element sends second identification information and information of the first DNAI to the first intermediate session management function network element, where the second identification information is an identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

2. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The second intermediate session management function network element receives the first identification information and the first data network access identification DNAI sent by the mobility management function network element, where the first identification information is the identification of the first intermediate session management function network element; The second intermediate session management function network element sends DNAI information and second identification information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first intermediate session management function network element, where the second identification information is an identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The second intermediate session management function network element sends DNAI information and second identification information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first intermediate session management function network element, including: The second intermediate session management function network element sends the DNAI information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element and the second identification information to the first intermediate session management function network element according to the first identification information.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The second intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; If the second intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, updating the N4 rule of the local session anchor point and the uplink classification point; If the second intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, the information of the second DNAI is sent to the mobility management function network element or other intermediate session management function network elements.

5. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first intermediate session management function network element receives data network access identifier DNAI information and second identification information supported by the second intermediate session management function network element, which are sent by the second intermediate session management function network element. The second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first intermediate session management function network element sends information about the DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first session management function network element.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; If the first intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, updating the N4 rule of the local session anchor point and the uplink classification point; If the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, information of the second DNAI is sent to the second intermediate session management function network element.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first intermediate session management function network element receives the second identification information and the first data network access identification DNAI sent by the mobility management function network element, where the second identification information is the identification of the second intermediate session management function network element; The first intermediate session management function network element sends the first DNAI information and third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element, where the third identification information is the identification of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is the next-level session management function network element that the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect to.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first intermediate session management function network element sends the first DNAI information and the third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element, including: The first intermediate session management function network element sends the first DNAI information and the third identification information to the second intermediate session management function network element according to the second identification information.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; If the first intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, updating the N4 rule of the local session anchor point and the uplink classification point; If the first intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, the information of the second DNAI is sent to the mobility management function network element.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The second intermediate session management function network element receives the first data network access identifier DNAI information and third identification information sent by the first intermediate session management function network element, wherein the third identification information is the identification of the first session management function network element, and the first session management function network element is the next-level session management function network element that the second intermediate session management function network element needs to connect to.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second intermediate session management function network element sends information about the DNAI supported by the second intermediate session management function network element to the first session management function network element.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The second intermediate session management function network element receives information of the second DNAI; If the second intermediate session management function network element can support the second DNAI, updating the N4 rule of the local session anchor point and the uplink classification point; If the second intermediate session management function network element cannot support the second DNAI, information of the second DNAI is sent to the first intermediate session management function network element.

14. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A unit for implementing the method of claim 1; or, a unit for implementing the method of any one of claims 2 to 4; or, a unit for implementing the method of any one of claims 5 to 7; or, a unit for implementing the method of any one of claims 8 to 10; or, a unit for implementing the method of any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, Execute the method as claimed in claim 1, or Execute the method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, or Execute the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, or Execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, or Execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13.

16. A chip system, characterized in that: include: A circuit and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to input information to the circuit or output information generated by the circuit, and the circuit is used to, Execute the method as claimed in claim 1; or Performing the method according to any one of claims 2 to 4; or Performing the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7; or Performing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10; or Execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13.

17. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes one or more of a mobility management function network element, a first intermediate session management function network element and a second intermediate session management function network element, wherein: The mobility management function network element is used to perform the method according to claim 1; The first intermediate session management function network element is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, and the second intermediate session management function network element is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 2 to 4; or, The first intermediate session management function network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, and the second intermediate session management function network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

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