Signaling transmission method, device and system

Abstract

Disclosed are a signaling transmission method, device and system, which relate to the field of communications and are used for reducing the congestion degree of a control plane and improving the efficiency of signaling transmission. The method comprises: receiving service information, and according to the service information, sending a first signaling message to a first network element of the service plane, the first signaling message comprising a signaling of a first service; the service information is used for indicating information of at least one service supporting signaling transmission through a service plane; the first service belongs to the at least one service. Therefore, the signaling message (such as the first signaling message) can be transmitted between the terminal and the network function CP-NF of the control plane through the service plane, so that the probability of congestion of the control plane can be reduced, and the signaling transmission efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Mobile networks can provide connection services for terminals, so that signaling messages of various services can be transmitted quickly and reliably between terminals and data networks (DN). With the evolution of networks, in future networks (such as the sixth generation (6G) communication system), the network will not only provide connection services, but also various services such as computing, perception, and data processing.

[0003] As the types of network services increase, the signaling required to implement network services also increases accordingly, resulting in high signaling overhead on the network control plane, which makes network signaling prone to congestion. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a signaling transmission method, device and system for reducing the congestion level of the control plane and improving the efficiency of signaling transmission.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the technical solution of the present application provides a signaling transmission method, which can be applied to a terminal device or a component supporting terminal device functions (such as a chip system), the method comprising: receiving service information; the service information is used to indicate information of at least one service that supports signaling sent through a service plane; based on the service information, sending a first signaling message to a first network element of the service plane, the first signaling message including signaling of a first service; the first service belongs to the at least one service.

[0007] In this application, the terminal device and the network function CP-NF can transmit signaling messages (such as the first signaling message) through the service plane, thereby reducing the probability of congestion on the control plane and improving the transmission efficiency of the signaling. Especially in scenarios where signaling interactions are frequent, or the amount of data is large, or the CP-NF is deployed on the service plane, transmitting signaling through the service plane can reduce the probability of congestion on the control plane and improve the transmission efficiency of the signaling.

[0008] This method can be applied to a variety of possible future network development scenarios. For example, it supports large data packets, high-frequency signaling transmission, and supports flexible deployment of network functions, such as deployment on the service plane or DN. In addition, transmitting control signaling through the service plane also simplifies the implementation of terminal device chips.

[0009] In some possible designs, the method further includes:

[0010] According to the service information, signaling of a second service is sent through a control plane network element, where the second service does not belong to the at least one service, and the second service is a service that does not support signaling sent through the service plane.

[0011] In this way, it is possible to avoid the signaling of other services (such as the second service) occupying service plane resources.

[0012] In some possible designs, the first signaling message also includes a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane; or, the quality of service QoS flow mapped by the first signaling message is a first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is the QoS flow mapped by the signaling of the service plane of the first service.

[0013] In this way, the first signaling message can be identified as a signaling message that needs to be transmitted through the service plane according to the first identifier or the QoS flow mapped to the first signaling message.

[0014] Among some possible designs, they also include:

[0015] Receive session information; the session information includes at least one of the following information: session rules of the service plane; processing method of signaling messages of the service plane;

[0016] The session rule includes at least one of the following information: a mapping relationship between the first signaling message and the QoS flow, information about a target network function of the first signaling message, and charging information of the first service;

[0017] The processing method of the signaling message of the service plane includes any of the following methods: the signaling message of the service plane includes an identifier; the signaling message of the service plane is mapped to a QoS flow. For example, the signaling message of the service plane includes a first identifier; the signaling message of the service plane is mapped to a first QoS flow.

[0018] In this way, the terminal device knows how to process the signaling message of the service plane, and processes the signaling message accordingly, so that the signaling message can be transmitted through the service plane and recognized by the corresponding network element (such as the UPF of the service plane).

[0019] In addition, the terminal device can confirm a session in which signaling can be transmitted through a service plane message based on the session information, and establish a corresponding session or transmit signaling through the established session.

[0020] In some possible designs, sending a first signaling message to a first network element of the service plane according to the service information includes:

[0021] The first signaling message is sent to the first network element according to the service information and the session information.

[0022] In some possible designs, the first signaling message is mapped to a first QoS flow, the second signaling message is mapped to a second QoS flow, the second signaling message is a signaling message sent through a control plane network element, and the first QoS flow and the second QoS flow are different QoS flows.

[0023] In this way, the signaling messages on the business plane can be distinguished by mapping different QoS flows, and the signaling messages can be forwarded without encapsulating the signaling messages on the business plane in IP packets. Therefore, the protocol stack can be simplified, such as not setting up the IP layer, reducing the terminal device's additional operations such as IP packetization for signaling, and reducing the implementation complexity of the terminal device.

[0024] In some possible designs, before receiving the service information, the following is also included:

[0025] A first message is sent, wherein the first message includes the first capability indication, and the first message is used to request the service information; the first capability indication is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane.

[0026] In some possible designs, before receiving the session information, the following is also included:

[0027] Send a second message, the second message including a second capability indication, the second message being used to request the session information; the second capability indication being used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane.

[0028] In some possible designs, sending a second capability indication includes:

[0029] Sending a session establishment request, wherein the session establishment request includes the second capability indication; the session establishment request is used to request establishment of a session on the service plane;

[0030] Sending a first signaling message to a first network element of the service plane includes: sending the first signaling message through a session of the service plane.

[0031] In some possible designs, the service information includes at least one of the following information: whether the terminal device supports signaling through the service plane, and how to process the signaling messages of the service plane.

[0032] For terminal equipment, the processing method of signaling messages on the service plane can be configured by service information, or by session information, or by other feasible methods.

[0033] When the network side supports configuring the above two processing methods, the network side dynamically configures an identifier to the terminal device, where the identifier is used to indicate which processing method the terminal device uses to process the signaling message of the service plane.

[0034] According to a second aspect, a signaling transmission method is provided, which can be applied to a terminal device or a component supporting terminal device functions (such as a chip system), and the method includes: generating signaling of a first service; the first service is a service that supports the terminal device to send signaling through a service plane; sending signaling of the first service to an access device; the signaling of the first service is used to instruct the access device to send a first signaling message to a first network element on the service plane, and the first signaling message includes signaling of the first service.

[0035] In this method, the terminal device still uses the control plane to transmit signaling in the air interface, and the base station encapsulates the signaling into the service plane message and then forwards it to the corresponding service plane functional network element. For example, the terminal device transmits signaling with the base station through RRC messages, and the base station encapsulates the NAS message of the terminal device into the service plane message (carrying the first identifier) ​​and sends it to the UPF based on the configuration information obtained from the AMF or SMF or other network side devices, or maps the NAS message to a specific QoS flow.

[0036] In some possible designs, the signaling of the first service includes a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate that the signaling of the first service is signaling of the service plane; and / or the name of the signaling of the first service is the name of signaling of at least one service plane.

[0037] According to a third aspect, a signaling transmission method is provided for a first network element on a service plane or a component (such as a chip system) supporting the function of the network element, including: obtaining an identification rule for a first signaling message, wherein the first signaling message includes signaling of a first service; the first service is a service for which a terminal device sends signaling through the service plane; the identification rule is used to identify that the first signaling message is a signaling message on the service plane; receiving the first signaling message; and sending the first signaling message to a core network device according to the identification rule.

[0038] In this way, the first network element of the service plane can identify, according to the identification rule, that the first signaling message needs to be transmitted through the service plane, and accordingly send the first signaling message to the core network device, thereby reducing the congestion level of the control plane.

[0039] In some possible designs, the identification rules include at least one of the following rules: the first signaling message contains a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane; the quality of service QoS flow mapped by the first signaling message is a first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is the QoS flow mapped by the signaling of the service plane of the first service.

[0040] In some possible designs, the core network device is a control plane functional network element of the core network.

[0041] In this manner, the first network element (such as UPF) does not need to know the address of the destination CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message.

[0042] In some possible designs, the core network device is a control plane function network element of the core network or a control plane network function CP-NF network element; and the method further includes:

[0043] Obtaining address information of the CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message;

[0044] Sending the first signaling message to a core network device according to the identification rule includes:

[0045] According to the identification rule and the address information of the CP-NF network element, the first signaling message is sent to the core network device.

[0046] In this way, the first network element (such as UPF) needs to know the address of the destination CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message, and based on the address, sends the first signaling message to the destination CP-NF network element through the control plane function network element (such as SMF) of the core network, or directly sends the first signaling message to the destination CP-NF network element.

[0047] In some possible designs, the CP-NF network element is a first CP-NF network element; and the method further includes:

[0048] Receiving address information of a second CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message;

[0049] According to the address information of the second CP-NF network element, the first signaling message is sent to the control plane function network element of the core network or to the second CP-NF network element.

[0050] In this way, when the destination CP-NF network element corresponding to the signaling message of the first service changes, the first network element can promptly obtain the address of the updated destination CP-NF network element and send the signaling message of the first service accordingly, which can improve the success rate of signaling transmission.

[0051] In addition, the network side can flexibly configure the service plane path based on the terminal device location, network function load, etc., select the appropriate CP-NF to provide services for the terminal device, and inform the first network element of the service plane (such as UPF) or the control plane function network element (such as SMF) of the address information of the selected appropriate CP-NF (such as the second CP-NF) of the core network.

[0052] Optionally, the CP-NF can be deployed on the control plane or the service plane. Different deployment modes correspond to the first network element (such as UPF) can forward the signaling to the corresponding CP-NF through different paths or interfaces.

[0053] In addition, in this way, network information (such as CP-NF address) is not exposed to the terminal device, which can reduce the implementation complexity of the terminal device.

[0054] In a fourth aspect, a signaling transmission method is provided, which is applied to a control plane function network element of a core network or a component (such as a chip) supporting the function of the network element, the method comprising:

[0055] Obtaining an identification rule; the identification rule is used to identify that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane; the first signaling message includes signaling of the first service; the first service is a service that supports the terminal device to send signaling through the service plane; the first network element is used to forward the signaling message of the service plane;

[0056] The identification rule is sent to the first network element.

[0057] Among some possible designs, they also include:

[0058] receiving the first signaling message from the first network element;

[0059] Acquire address information of a control plane network function CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message;

[0060] Send the first signaling message to the CP-NF network element according to the address information of the CP-NF network element.

[0061] In some possible designs, the CP-NF network element is a first CP-NF network element; and the method further includes:

[0062] Receiving address information of a second CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message;

[0063] Send the first signaling message to the second CP-NF network element according to the address information of the second CP-NF network element.

[0064] In some possible designs, identifying that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane includes:

[0065] According to one or more of the session information, the policy control and charging PCC rules, and the information of the CP-NF network element carried by the first signaling message, it is identified that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane.

[0066] Among some possible designs, they also include:

[0067] Receiving a second capability indication; the second capability indication is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane;

[0068] Generate identification rules, including:

[0069] sending the second capability indication to the second network element;

[0070] receiving, from the second network element, session information corresponding to the second capability indication;

[0071] The identification rule is generated according to the session information. In some possible designs, the session information includes at least one of the following information: an identifier corresponding to a target network function of the first signaling message, billing information of the first service, and a quality of service QoS parameter of the first signaling message.

[0072] In some possible designs, the identification rules include at least one of the following rules: the first signaling message contains a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane; the quality of service QoS flow mapped by the first signaling message is a first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is the QoS flow mapped by the signaling of the service plane of the first service.

[0073] In a fifth aspect, a signaling transmission method is applied to an access device or a component (such as a chip system) supporting a function of the device, the method comprising:

[0074] Receiving signaling of a first service; the first service is a service that supports a terminal device to send signaling through a service plane;

[0075] A first signaling message is sent to a first network element on a service plane, where the first signaling message includes signaling of the first service.

[0076] In this method, the terminal device still uses the control plane to transmit signaling on the air interface, and the base station encapsulates the signaling into a service plane message and then forwards it to the corresponding service plane functional network element.

[0077] In some possible designs, the signaling of the first service includes a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate that the signaling of the first service is signaling of the service plane; and / or the name of the signaling of the first service is the name of the signaling of the service plane.

[0078] In a sixth aspect, a signaling transmission method is provided, which is applied to a second network element or a component (such as a chip system) supporting a function of the network element, the method comprising:

[0079] Receiving first capability indication information, where the first capability indication is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane;

[0080] Send service information corresponding to the first capability indication; the service information is used to indicate information of at least one service that supports signaling sent through the service plane.

[0081] Among some possible designs, they also include:

[0082] receiving a second capability indication, where the second capability indication is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane;

[0083] Sending session information corresponding to the second capability indication; the session information includes at least one of the following information: a session rule of the service plane; a processing method of a signaling message of the service plane;

[0084] The session rule includes at least one of the following information: a mapping relationship between the first signaling message and a quality of service QoS flow, information about a target network function of the first signaling message, and charging information of the first service;

[0085] The processing method of the signaling message of the service plane includes any of the following methods: the signaling message of the service plane includes an identifier; the signaling message of the service plane is mapped to a QoS flow.

[0086] In the seventh aspect, the technical solution of the present application provides a device, comprising: one or more processors, a memory, and one or more computer programs; wherein the processor is coupled to the memory, and the one or more computer programs are stored in the memory, and when the device is running, the processor executes the one or more computer programs stored in the memory so that the device executes the method in any design of any of the above aspects.

[0087] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a device, including a functional module for executing a method in any possible design of any of the above aspects of the present application, the module can be implemented by software or hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware, such as a processing unit and a communication unit.

[0088] In a ninth aspect, the technical solution of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, including computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a device, the device executes any possible design method in any of the above aspects.

[0089] In the tenth aspect, the technical solution of the present application provides a computer program product, which, when running on a device, enables the device to execute any possible design method in any of the above aspects.

[0090] In the eleventh aspect, the technical solution of the present application provides a signaling transmission system, which includes a terminal device in any possible design of any of the above aspects, and a first network element of the service plane (such as UPF). Or the system includes a terminal device in any possible design of any of the above aspects, a first network element of the service plane, and a control plane function network element (such as SMF) of the core network. Optionally, the system may also include an access device and a second network element in any possible design of any of the above aspects. For example, it includes a terminal device in any possible design of the second aspect, an access device in any possible design of the fifth aspect, and a first network element of the service plane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of the system provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 2 , Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the architecture of the interface between devices provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of the architecture of the system provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 5 Another schematic diagram of the architecture of the system provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the architecture of the device provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0096] Figure 7 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a signaling transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] Figure 9-12 A schematic diagram of a scenario of a signaling transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Fig.13 , Fig.14 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a signaling transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of a chip system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] The terminal device can send data to the user plane function (UPF) network element through the base station, and the UPF network element forwards the data message of the terminal device to the data network of the user plane. A data message refers to a message that carries data. A data message can also be called a data packet. Different from the forwarding process of data messages, the terminal device can exchange signaling messages with the network function (NF) network element of the control plane (CP) through the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. Signaling messages are messages that carry signaling, and signaling can also be called control signaling. Signaling messages can also be called signaling packets.

[0102] In some solutions, the terminal device interacts with the CP-NF through AMF. For example, for some signaling, the terminal device sends the signaling to AMF, and AMF forwards the signaling to the CP-NF corresponding to the signaling. For another example, for some signaling, the terminal device sends the signaling to AMF, and AMF forwards the signaling to the corresponding CP-NF through other network elements of the control plane (such as session management function (SMF) network element).

[0103] With the development of mobile networks, new network architectures may be implemented in future mobile networks. For example, CP-NF can be deployed on the user plane, and control and service processing functions can be co-deployed. In these deployment schemes, CP-NF needs to be deployed at the edge of the network, closer to the location of user terminal devices. When high-frequency and large-scale control signaling interactions are required between UE and CN, signaling congestion occurs, resulting in high processing latency.

[0104] The embodiment of the present application provides a service plane, which can be regarded as an extension of the user plane. Different from the user plane transmitting data packets and the control plane transmitting signaling packets in the existing related technology, in the embodiment of the present application, the service plane can be used to carry data packets and signaling packets of the service. The services carried by the service plane are different from traditional services. Traditional services are transmitted through the user plane. The services carried by the service plane refer to various generalized services, such as data processing services, connection services, perception services, computing services, and intelligent services. Accordingly, the service plane may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: data plane, connection plane, perception service, computing plane, intelligent plane, and user plane.

[0105] The computing, perception and other services of the business plane can be used as independent service functions in the core network to provide corresponding services for the terminal devices. For example, the UPF of the user plane provides connection services. Another example is the task processing function (TPF) for executing AI tasks. Another example is the sensing processing function (SPF) for processing sensing data. The business plane can also have other service functions, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The names of the service functions can also be other, without limitation.

[0106] In order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a signaling transmission method, which can transmit signaling messages (such as the first signaling message) through the above-mentioned business plane, thereby reducing congestion on the control plane and improving signaling transmission efficiency.

[0107] The method can be applied to 5G, 6G, or other mobile communication systems. For example, Figure 1 An example of the network architecture involved in the embodiment of the present application is shown. The system includes AMF, SMF, UPF network elements, unified data management (UDM) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, authentication server function (AUSF) network elements, network exposure function (NEF) network elements, network function repository function (NRF) network elements and some network elements not shown, which are not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0108] Among them, AMF can be used for access management. UDM can be used for user contract data management, user identity management, etc. The unified data repository (UDR) can be used to store user contract or authorization data, and store application-related data. SMF can be used to establish and manage sessions for terminal devices, configure signaling message forwarding rules and quality of service (QoS) processing rules on the business plane, etc. PCF can be used to send UE policy information to terminal devices, send UE access management policies to AMF, and send session management policies to SMF. UPF can be used to perform data message forwarding between UE and DN based on the session rules configured by SMF.

[0109] Among them, Figure 1As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device can access the network through the access device of the access network (AN). The access network includes but is not limited to the radio access network (RAN). The terminal device communicates with the AMF network element through the N1 interface, the access device communicates with the AMF network element through the N2 interface, the access device communicates with the UPF network element through the N3 interface, the SMF network element communicates with the UPF network element through the N4 interface, and the UPF network element accesses the data network through the N6 interface.

[0110] Figure 1 Only the connection mode between some network elements is shown, and these network elements can also communicate with each other in other ways. In addition, the connection mode between other network elements can refer to the relevant technology, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. For example, the AMF network element communicates with the SMF network element through the N11 interface, the AMF network element communicates with the UDM network element through the N8 interface, the AMF network element communicates with the AUSF network element through the N12 interface, the AMF network element communicates with the PCF network element through the N15 interface, the SMF network element communicates with the PCF network element through the N7 interface, and the NEF network element communicates with the SMF network element through the N29 interface.

[0111] like Figure 2 An example of the connection relationship between the devices involved in signaling transmission through the service plane is shown. The SMF and the control plane CP-NF can communicate using the current service-based interface (SBI). The user equipment (UE) can encapsulate the non-access-stratum (NAS) message in the signaling message of the service plane, and send the signaling message to the SMF through the UPF, and the SMF forwards the signaling message to the CP-NF.

[0112] like Figure 3 Another example of the connection relationship between devices involved in transmitting signaling through the service plane is shown. A new interface Nx can be added between UPF and CP-NF, and the terminal device can send signaling messages directly to CP-NF through UPF.

[0113] The embodiment of the present application takes the service plane as the user plane and describes the control signaling through the user plane session transmission as an example, mainly involving UPF and SMF network elements. With the development of future networks, more service planes, such as computing plane, data plane, intelligent plane, etc., are also applicable to the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application. In a system including a service plane, the SMF in the example of the present application can be replaced with a network function that manages service execution in the control plane, and the UPF can be replaced with a corresponding function that executes services or forwards service data in the service plane to implement the solution of the embodiments of the present application. This is a unified description and will not be repeated below.

[0114] Optionally, the terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present application may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication functions; it may also include a subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a tablet computer, a wireless modem (modem), a handheld device (handheld), a laptop computer, a cordless phone or a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal device, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), or a relay user device, etc. Among them, the relay user device can be, for example, a 5G residential gateway (RG). For the convenience of description, in the embodiments of the present application, the above-mentioned devices are collectively referred to as terminal devices. In some examples, the terminal device needs to be registered in the operator's network in order to use the network provided by the operator, such as a mobile phone with a SIM card, an IoT device using an eSIM card, etc.

[0115] Optionally, the access device involved in the embodiments of the present application refers to the medium for the terminal device to access the core network. The access device is used for wireless resource management, uplink and downlink data classification and QoS application, as well as completing signaling processing with the control plane network element, completing data forwarding with the user plane function network element, etc. The access device can be, for example, a third generation partnership project (3GPP) access device, such as the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) device in the 5G network, the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) device in the 4G network, a base station, etc. The base station can include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, access points, etc. The terminal device accesses the core network through the 3GPP access device, which can be called a 3GPP access method. In this way, the terminal device can communicate with the core network device.

[0116] The access device may also be a non-3GPP access device, such as a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) entity, etc. The access of a terminal device to a core network via a non-3GPP device may be referred to as a non-3GPP access mode.

[0117] The access device may also be a device in a non-3GPP network. Non-3GPP networks include, but are not limited to, wireless local area networks (WLAN), such as Wi-Fi. Non-3GPP devices may include non-3GPP access points (APs). Access points include, but are not limited to, routers, optical modems, etc. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to the form of the access device, such as a broadband network service gateway (BNG) or a convergence switch.

[0118] Figure 4 The system architecture of deploying CP-NF in the edge network is shown. Figure 4 ,CP-NF1 and CP-NF2 are deployed in the edge network close to the terminal devices.

[0119] It should be noted that Figure 1-Figure 4 It is only a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture of the embodiment of the present application. Of course, the system architecture may also be other, such as the future 6G network architecture, and this embodiment does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0120] It should be noted that Figure 1-Figure 4 The name of each network element and the interface name between each network element is only an example. In the specific implementation, the name of each network element and the interface name between each network element may be other, such as the name of the network element in the 6G network and the interface name between each network element in the 6G network. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0121] The technical solution in the embodiment of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the present application. Among them, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this article is only a kind of association relationship describing the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, in the embodiment of the present application, the words "first", "second" and the like are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that the words "first", "second" and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words "first", "second" and the like do not limit them to be necessarily different.

[0122] In addition, the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0123] In the embodiments of the present application, when A sends a message to B, A may send the message directly to B, or A may forward the message to B through other devices. The other device forwards the message to B, either directly or after processing.

[0124] like Figure 5 As shown, a communication system 30 is provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the communication system 30 includes a terminal device 301, a service plane functional network element 303 and a core network device 302.

[0125] The terminal device 301 is used to send a first signaling message to the service plane functional network element 303. The first signaling message includes signaling related to a first service; the first service is a service that can be sent by the terminal device through the service plane by signaling.

[0126] The service plane functional network element 303 is used to forward the signaling message of the service plane. Specifically, the service plane functional network element 303 obtains the identification rule of the first signaling message; receives the first signaling message; and sends the first signaling message to the core network device according to the identification rule.

[0127] The core network device 302 is used to receive and process the first signaling message.

[0128] In some embodiments, the core network device may be a control plane function network element (such as SMF) of the core network. That is, the service plane function network element 303 sends the first signaling message to the control plane function network element of the core network, and the control plane function network element of the core network sends the first signaling message to the CP-NF according to the CP-NF information corresponding to the first signaling message.

[0129] In some other embodiments, the core network device may be a control plane function network element (such as SMF) or a CP-NF network element of the core network. In this manner, the service plane function network element 303 obtains the address information of the CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message, and sends the first signaling message to the CP-NF according to the address information, or sends the first signaling message to the CP-NF through the control plane function network element of the core network according to the address information.

[0130] Optionally, the communication system provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to Figure 1-Figure 5 In the network architecture shown, the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0131] For example, if the communication system provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to Figure 1-Figure 4 In the network architecture shown, the network element or entity corresponding to the service plane function network element 303 can be the above-mentioned UPF or other network elements in the service plane. The core network device 302 can be an SMF or CP-NF, or other control plane network element. Optionally, Figure 5 The illustrated system may also include access equipment, such as a base station.

[0132] Exemplarily, the terminal device, access device, service plane function network element or core network device in the embodiment of the present application can be Figure 6 This is achieved by the communication device in. Figure 6 The hardware structure diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG.

[0133] The processor 401 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the present application.

[0134] Optionally, the communication device may include a communication line 402, which may include a path for transmitting information between corresponding components of the device.

[0135] The communication interface 404 uses any transceiver or other device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, RAN, wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.

[0136] The memory 403 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor via a communication line 402. The memory may also be integrated with the processor.

[0137] The memory 403 is used to store computer-executable instructions for executing the solution of the present application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 401. The processor 401 is used to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403, thereby implementing the method provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0138] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as application code, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0139] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 401 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 6 CPU0 and CPU1 in.

[0140] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 400 may include multiple processors, such as Figure 6 401 and processor 408 in the embodiment of the present invention. Each of these processors may be a single-CPU processor or a multi-CPU processor. The processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0141] The communication device 400 mentioned above may be a general device or a special device. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the communication device 400.

[0142] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below.

[0143] It should be noted that the message names between network elements or the names of parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of the present application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations, and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0144] This article mainly takes the service plane functional network element (first network element) as UPF and the access device as a base station as an example, but it does not constitute a limitation on the implementation form of the corresponding network elements.

[0145] First, Figure 5 The communication system shown is applied to Figure 1-Figure 4 The network architecture shown in Figure 7 As shown, the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0146] S101. A service plane functional network element sends service information to a terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the service information from the service plane functional network element.

[0147] The service information is used to indicate information of at least one service that supports signaling via the service plane. Optionally, the service information includes service subscription or authorization information of the terminal device, and / or service policy information of the terminal device.

[0148] In the embodiments of the present application, the services suitable for signaling messages transmitted using the service plane are not limited, and can be services provided by any network, such as session services, perception services, AI services, computing services, data services, etc.

[0149] Optionally, the service information includes but is not limited to at least one of the following information: an identifier of at least one service that supports signaling through the service plane; whether the terminal device is allowed or supported to send signaling through the service plane; information on the CP-NF corresponding to the service that supports signaling through the service plane; session parameters corresponding to at least one service that supports signaling through the service plane (the session parameters can be used by the terminal device to establish a session for transmitting messages); and rules for at least one service that supports signaling through the service plane.

[0150] Optionally, the identification of the service includes but is not limited to the service type and service identification number (service identification). The information of the CP-NF corresponding to the service includes at least one of the following information: CP-NF type, CP-NF identification, CP-NF address, and CP-NF service interface. Optionally, the rules of the service include at least one of the following: service usage conditions; service execution rules. The service usage conditions include at least one of the following conditions: the time allowed to use the service, the location allowed to use the service, the wireless interface allowed to use the service (such as 3GPP interface, non-3GPP interface, PC5 interface, satellite communication interface, etc.); whether the terminal device is allowed to use the first service corresponding to the first capability indication. The execution rules of the service include at least one of the following rules: the processing method (or processing rule) of the signaling message of the service plane, the QoS parameters of the signaling message of the service plane, the interface priority, the communication frequency band information of the signaling message transmitted through the service plane, and the processing method of the failure of the signaling message transmitted through the service plane. Optionally, the QoS parameters include but are not limited to at least one of the following parameters: the delay of the QoS flow, the transmission rate of the QoS flow, and the packet loss rate of the QoS flow. For example, dynamically configure the transmission rate, latency, packet loss rate that need to be met when transmitting signaling messages, or configure standardized QoS values, such as protocol pre-configuration. The session parameters include at least one of the following information: the correspondence between the DNN and the first service; the correspondence between the slice and the first service; the session type corresponding to the first service. Interface priority, when a terminal device can connect to multiple wireless interfaces at the same time, it can determine which wireless interface to use to establish a session based on the interface priority, or the terminal device uses an existing session to transmit signaling messages on the service plane.

[0151] Considering that the transmission paths of the signaling messages of the service plane and the signaling messages of the control plane are different, the terminal device processes the signaling messages of the service plane differently from the signaling messages of the control plane, so as to distinguish the signaling messages of the service plane from the signaling messages of the control plane. As a possible implementation method, the terminal device can obtain the processing method of the signaling messages of the service plane, and send a first signaling message containing signaling to the service plane functional network element according to the processing method, so that the service plane functional network element can identify the first signaling message as a signaling message of the service plane.

[0152] Optionally, the forwarding processing method for the signaling message of the service plane includes the forwarding processing method for the uplink signaling message and / or the downlink signaling message. The downlink signaling message refers to the signaling message sent by the service plane functional network element to the base station; the uplink signaling message refers to the signaling message sent by the service plane functional network element to the corresponding CP-NF.

[0153] Optionally, the processing method of the signaling message of the service plane includes at least one of the following: (1) the signaling message of the service plane includes an identifier (such as a first identifier), and the identifier is used to indicate that the message is a signaling message of the service plane; (2) the signaling message of the service plane is mapped to a QoS flow (such as a first QoS flow). Exemplarily, the processing method of the uplink service signaling of the service plane is carried in the service information (such as the policy of the terminal device).

[0154] Exemplarily, the service information is used to indicate: the services that support signaling through the service plane include perception services, computing services, and intelligent services; the CP-NF address corresponding to the perception service, the CP-NF address corresponding to the computing service, and the CP-NF address corresponding to the intelligent service; the session parameters corresponding to the perception service, the session parameters corresponding to the computing service, and the session parameters corresponding to the intelligent service. Table 1-1 shows an example of some information in the service information. It should be noted that the CP-NF address is used to indicate the CP-NF. The embodiment of the present application uses the CP-NF address as an example to indicate the CP-NF. In actual implementation, the CP-NF can also be indicated by other indication information, such as the CP-NF identifier, the CP-NF tunnel information, etc. The present application does not specifically limit the indication information of the CP-NF.

[0155] Table 1-1 Service information

[0156]

[0157] Optionally, there may be a many-to-one relationship between the service and the above parameters, such as the perception service and the computing service, both corresponding to the CP-NF address xx session parameter bb. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific corresponding relationship between the service and the above parameters.

[0158] Optionally, the services that can be sent through signaling on the service plane of different terminal devices are the same or different. Table 1-2 shows an example of service information sent by the network side for another terminal device.

[0159] Table 1-2 Service information

[0160]

[0161] Optionally, the service information also includes the identifier (ID) of the terminal device. A one-to-one or many-to-one relationship between CP-NF and UE ID. One terminal device corresponds to one CP-NF, which provides signaling processing services for the terminal device. Alternatively, one terminal device may correspond to multiple CP-NFs, which provide signaling processing for the terminal device.

[0162] As a possible implementation, the service contract or authorization information in the service information may be, but is not limited to, generated by a user contract management function (such as UDM) and sent to the terminal device. The service policy information may be, but is not limited to, generated by a policy control function (such as PCF) and sent to the terminal device.

[0163] The information used by the terminal device to determine whether the signaling of a certain service needs to be transmitted through the service plane can also be carried in other information outside the service information, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0164] Optionally, before S101, the terminal device sends a first capability indication to the second network element, where the first capability indication is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane. Accordingly, the second network element receives the first capability indication from the terminal device. The second network element sends the above service information to the terminal device according to the first capability indication of the terminal device.

[0165] As a possible implementation manner, the terminal device sends the first capability indication, which can be implemented as follows: sending a first message, the first message including the first capability indication, taking the first message as a registration request as an example, illustratively, Figure 8 , the UE sends a registration request to the AMF, and the registration request includes a first capability indication (S201). Accordingly, the AMF receives the registration request. After the AMF obtains the first capability indication of the UE, it sends the first capability indication to the PCF (an example of the second network element) (S202). Accordingly, the PCF receives the first capability indication. Optionally, the AMF may send the first capability indication to the PCF via the SMF.

[0166] After receiving the first capability indication corresponding to the UE, the PCF performs service policy information association, determines the service policy information corresponding to the first capability indication, and sends the service policy information to the AMF (S203). Accordingly, the AMF receives the service policy information. Accordingly, S101 can be implemented as follows: S101a, the AMF sends a registration request response to the UE, and the registration request response includes the above-mentioned service policy information. Accordingly, the UE receives the registration request response from the AMF.

[0167] Optionally, the first capability indication may be an indication identifier, which indicates that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane.

[0168] Or the first capability indication may be a specific data network name (data network name, DNN). The specific DNN is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane. For example, after the SMF receives a session establishment request containing a specific DNN, it learns that the session corresponding to the DNN can be used to transmit signaling messages on the service plane, and thus determines that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane. The SMF requests session policy information from the PCF, such as sending a first request, and the first request carries a first capability indication. Based on the first capability indication, the PCF determines that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane, and accordingly sends the session policy information corresponding to the service plane signaling message to the SMF.

[0169] Optionally, the format of the first indication information received by the SMF and the first indication information sent by the SMF to the PCF may be different. For example, the first indication information received by the SMF may be a specific DNN, and the first indication information sent by the SMF to the PCF may be an indication identifier.

[0170] Alternatively, the first capability indication may be an identifier of a specific network slice, and the identifier of the specific network slice is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane. Alternatively, the first capability indication may include an identifier of a specific DNN and a specific network slice, for example, a registration request carries an identifier of a specific DNN and a specific network slice. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific implementation of the first capability indication.

[0171] Figure 8 Taking the case where the service information is service policy information as an example, in other embodiments, the terminal device may obtain service contract or authorization information from, for example, UDM as service information. Alternatively, the terminal device may obtain service policy information and service contract or authorization information, and use both as service information, and transmit signaling through the service plane according to the service information.

[0172] Figure 8 Taking the terminal device reporting the first capability indication as an example, in other embodiments, the terminal device may not report the first capability indication. For example, if the UE's contract or policy in the network has indicated that the UE supports signaling of one or more services transmitted through the service plane, in this case, the UE may not report the first capability indication to the network.

[0173] Optionally, the service information may also indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to use the network service corresponding to the first capability indication. For example, the first capability indication indicates that the terminal device supports the signaling of the perception service transmitted through the service plane, and the service information corresponding to the first capability indication is used to indicate: allowing the terminal device to use the perception service, and indicating that the terminal device is allowed to transmit the signaling of the perception service through the service plane.

[0174] Optionally, the above-mentioned registration request can also be replaced by a service request, and correspondingly, the registration request response can be replaced by a service request response. That is, the terminal device initiates a service request and receives a service request response, and the service request response carries the above-mentioned service information (such as service policy information). Alternatively, the registration request can be replaced by a handover request, and correspondingly, the registration request response can be replaced by a handover request response. For example, the location of the terminal device changes, the network providing services to the terminal device may change, and the corresponding service information may change. The terminal device can initiate a handover request and receive a handover request response, and the handover request response includes service information.

[0175] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific manner in which the terminal device obtains service information. For example, the service information may be obtained periodically or triggered by an event.

[0176] In this method, the terminal device receives service information from the network side. In this way, the terminal device can determine the processing method of sending signaling through the business plane according to the service information, and send signaling through the business plane accordingly.

[0177] Optionally, the terminal device may also receive session information. As a possible implementation, the terminal device sends a second message, the second message includes a second capability indication, and the second capability indication is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane; the terminal device receives session information corresponding to the second capability indication; the session information includes at least one of the following information: session rules of the service plane; processing method of signaling messages of the service plane. Session rules refer to the rules for the network side to process messages of the session after the session is established.

[0178] Optionally, the session rules include at least one of the following parameters: a mapping relationship between the first signaling message and the QoS flow, a mapping relationship between the first service and the QoS flow, QoS parameters of the QoS flow, information of the target CP-NF of the first signaling message (such as address, etc.), and billing information of the first service. The session information may carry a processing method for uplink signaling messages on the service plane, such as a mapping relationship between messages and QoS flows. Regarding the processing method for downlink signaling messages on the service plane, the second network element may send information (such as SM Policy) to the control plane function network element of the core network. The information may carry a processing method for downlink signaling messages on the service plane. The control plane function network element of the core network configures the processing method to the service plane function network element, so that the service plane function network element can process downlink signaling messages according to the processing method. It should be noted that in Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, UPF corresponds to the service plane function network element (first network element), SMF corresponds to the control plane function network element of the core network, and PCF corresponds to the second network element, which are uniformly described here.

[0179] The session rules can indicate the mapping relationship between signaling messages and QoS flows. Different signaling messages of a service can be mapped to different or the same QoS flows. This can increase flexibility. The session rules can also indicate the mapping relationship between all signaling messages of the service and QoS flows. For example, all signaling messages of a service are mapped to the same QoS flow. This can reduce the indication overhead.

[0180] The processing method of signaling messages on the business plane can also be configured to the terminal device or the business plane functional network element in other ways, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application, such as pre-configuring the processing of signaling messages on the business plane using the first identifier.

[0181] Optionally, the first signaling message is mapped to the first QoS flow, and the second signaling message is mapped to the second QoS flow, the second signaling message is a signaling message sent by the control plane network element, and the first QoS flow and the second QoS flow are different QoS flows. That is, the signaling message of the business plane and the signaling message of the control plane are mapped to different QoS flows to distinguish the signaling message of the business plane from the signaling message of the control plane. Among them, different QoS flows can correspond to different CP-NFs, and different QoS flows correspond to different QoS flow identifiers (QoS flow identifiers, QFIs).

[0182] For example, the network side configures the terminal device: session-related service plane signaling is mapped to QFI1, location service-related service plane signaling is mapped to QFI2, and perception service-related signaling is mapped to QFI3. For another example, the signaling of session-related services and perception-related services are both mapped to QFI1. The specific mapping relationship is not limited, and QoS flows of different QFIs can use the same or different QoS parameters.

[0183] Optionally, the session information may be session policy information generated by the PCF, or session subscription information generated by the UDM.

[0184] Taking the session information as the session policy information as an example, for example, Figure 8, the terminal device establishes a session based on the service information and sends a session establishment request to the SMF, the session establishment request is used to request to establish a session on the service plane; the session establishment request includes a second capability indication (S204), and accordingly, the SMF receives the session establishment request. After receiving the second capability indication, the SMF sends a session policy request to the PCF (an example of a second network element), and the session policy request carries the second capability indication (S205) and the identifier of the terminal device, and accordingly, the PCF receives the session policy request. The PCF performs a session policy (SM policy) association, obtains the SM policy corresponding to the second capability indication, and returns the session policy information corresponding to the second capability indication to the SMF (S206), and accordingly, the SMF receives the session policy information. The SMF sends a session establishment response to the terminal device, and the session establishment response includes the session policy information (S210), and accordingly, the terminal device receives the session establishment response.

[0185] Optionally, the second capability indication may be a specific indication identifier, or a specific DNN, and / or a specific network slice. The second capability indication may be the same as or different from the first capability indication.

[0186] In some embodiments, the SMF may obtain information (such as an address) of the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message by receiving session information. In other embodiments, if the session information does not include the CP-NF information corresponding to the first signaling message, the SMF may obtain the CP-NF information corresponding to the first signaling message from the NRF. For example, Figure 8 , SMF sends a CP-NF discovery request to NRF, the request is used to request to obtain the CP-NF information corresponding to the first signaling message (S207), and accordingly, NRF receives the CP-NF discovery request. NRF sends a CP-NF discovery response to SMF, the response includes the CP-NF information corresponding to the first signaling message (S208), and accordingly, SMF receives the CP-NF discovery response.

[0187] The terminal device may obtain service information in other ways, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0188] S102. The service plane functional network element obtains an identification rule for a first signaling message, where the first signaling message includes signaling of a first service; the first service is a service for which signaling is sent by a terminal device through the service plane.

[0189] The first signaling message includes signaling related to the first service; the first service is a service that can be sent by the terminal device through the service plane by signaling.

[0190] As a possible implementation, Figure 8, UPF receives identification rules from SMF, and the identification rules are used by UPF to identify signaling messages that carry signaling. As a possible implementation, SMF generates identification rules for signaling messages based on session subscription information and / or session policy information of the terminal device, and configures the identification rules to UPF. Optionally, SMF generates identification rules, or SMF receives identification rules from other network elements.

[0191] Optionally, UPF may also receive processing rules from SMF, where the processing rules are processing methods for signaling messages on the service plane, including but not limited to forwarding methods. As a possible implementation method, SMF generates processing rules for signaling messages based on session subscription information and / or session policy information of the terminal device, and configures the processing rules to UPF.

[0192] For example, Figure 8 , S102 can be implemented as follows: S102a, SMF sends a session configuration message A to UPF, and the session configuration message A includes a processing rule for the signaling message. Accordingly, UPF receives the session configuration message A from SMF. Optionally, the session configuration message A may also include at least one of the following information: CP-NF information (such as address) corresponding to the signaling message of the service plane, and QoS parameters corresponding to the signaling message of the service plane.

[0193] Optionally, the UPF's identification rules for signaling messages include at least one of the following rules: (1) the message contains a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the message is a signaling message transmitted through the service plane; (2) the QoS flow mapped by the message is at least one QoS flow mapped by a signaling message transmitted through the service plane.

[0194] Optionally, the way in which the service plane functional network element forwards the signaling message includes at least one of the following rules: (1) the service plane functional network element sends the service plane signaling message to the CP-NF according to the CP-NF information corresponding to the service plane signaling message; (2) the service plane functional network element sends the service plane signaling message to the SMF (an example of a control plane functional network element of the core network), and the SMF forwards it according to the CP-NF information.

[0195] Optionally, the protocol predefines the service plane function network element to adopt the above identification rule (1) or (2). Alternatively, the network side configures the above identification rule (1) or (2) for the service plane function network element. For example, when the network side supports the configuration of the above two identification rules, the network side dynamically configures an identifier to the service plane function network element, and the identifier is used to indicate that the service plane function network element adopts the identification rule (1) or method (2). The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific implementation of configuring the identification rules adopted by the service plane function network element.

[0196] Optionally, the protocol predefines the service plane functional network element to adopt the above forwarding mode (1) or (2). Alternatively, the network side configures the above forwarding mode (1) or (2) for the service plane functional network element. For example, the network side dynamically configures an identifier to the service plane functional network element, and the identifier is used to indicate that the service plane functional network element adopts forwarding mode (1) or mode (2). The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific implementation of configuring the forwarding mode adopted by the service plane functional network element.

[0197] In some embodiments, the base station may also have a signaling message identification rule, so that the base station can determine whether the message is a signaling message of the service plane according to the identification rule. As a possible implementation manner, Figure 8 , the SMF sends a session configuration message B to the base station, the session configuration message B includes an identification rule (S209), and accordingly, the base station receives the session configuration message B. Optionally, the session configuration message B may also include QoS parameters corresponding to the signaling message of the service plane.

[0198] Optionally, the base station's identification rules for signaling messages on the service plane include at least one of the following rules: (1) the message contains a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate that the message carries signaling, and to identify that the signaling message is transmitted through the service plane; (2) the QoS flow mapped by the message is a QoS flow mapped by a signaling message on at least one service plane.

[0199] S103. The terminal device sends a first signaling message to the service plane functional network element according to the service information, where the first signaling message includes signaling of the first service.

[0200] Correspondingly, the service plane functional network element (an example of the first network element) receives the first signaling message.

[0201] The first service is a service indicated by the service information that supports or allows the terminal device to send signaling through the service plane. In other words, the first service belongs to at least one service that supports signaling through the service plane.

[0202] As a possible implementation manner, the terminal device sends the first signaling message through an established service plane session.

[0203] As a possible implementation method, the terminal device may determine that the first signaling message needs to be transmitted through the service plane based on the above service information and trigger conditions. Optionally, the trigger condition may include but is not limited to at least one of the following conditions: signaling congestion on the control plane; the service corresponding to the first signaling message is a service that supports signaling transmission through the service plane; the terminal device receives an indication from the network side, which is used to indicate that the terminal device can send signaling through the service plane message; the terminal device is located at the first position. For example, the AMF or SMF or the CP-NF corresponding to the service sends an indication to the UE, indicating that the UE can send signaling through the service plane message. For another example, the service information (UE Policy) indicates that the UE can use the service plane message to transmit signaling at certain locations (first locations), so when the UE is within the range of this location, the signaling can be sent through the service plane message. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the triggering conditions. As long as it can trigger the terminal device to transmit signaling through the service plane and alleviate the degree of signaling congestion on the control plane, it can be regarded as the triggering condition here.

[0204] Optionally, the terminal device may determine the signaling congestion of the control plane based on indications sent by the network (such as NAS congestion indications, RRC messages sent by the base station, etc.).

[0205] Exemplarily, the terminal device wants to send signaling for a perception service. The terminal device can determine, based on service information such as shown in Table 1, that the network supports the transmission of signaling for a perception service (an example of a first service) through the service plane. The terminal device then sends a first signaling message to a service plane functional network element (such as SPF) corresponding to the perception service. The first signaling message includes the signaling for the perception service. As another example, the terminal device can determine, based on service information such as shown in Table 1, that the network supports the transmission of signaling for a perception service through the service plane. If the current control plane signaling is congested, the terminal device sends a first signaling message to a service plane functional network element corresponding to the perception service. The first signaling message includes the signaling for the perception service. In this way, the congestion level of the control plane can be reduced and the efficiency of signaling transmission can be improved.

[0206] As another example, the terminal device wants to send signaling of service 1. The terminal device may determine, based on service information such as that shown in Table 1, that the network does not support the terminal device to transmit signaling of service 1 through the service plane. In this case, the terminal device sends signaling of service 1 (an example of the second service) through the control plane network element, for example, the terminal device sends the signaling to the AMF through the base station.

[0207] In another exemplary embodiment, the terminal device wants to send data of a sensing service. The terminal device sends a data packet carrying the sensing service data through the service plane functional network element corresponding to the sensing service. The method of the terminal device sending data and controlling the plane signaling can be referred to the relevant technology and will not be described in detail.

[0208] Optionally, the terminal device may send the first signaling message carrying the signaling through the service plane in any of the following ways:

[0209] Mode 1 (corresponding to the above identification rule (1)): For a signaling message that needs to be transmitted through the service plane, the terminal device encapsulates a first identifier in an IP packet according to the acquired processing mode of the service plane signaling message to generate a first signaling message. The first identifier is used to indicate that the first signaling message carries signaling. For example, Fig. 9 (a), the terminal device encapsulates the signaling in the format of the NAS signaling of the control plane (an example of the signaling of the first service), and the encapsulated signaling is transmitted from the NAS layer to the IP layer. After determining that the NAS signaling needs to be transmitted through the service plane, the IP layer marks the signaling with a first identifier (also called the service plane signaling identifier) ​​and encapsulates it into an IP packet. The IP packet contains the signaling of the first service and the first identifier. The terminal device can continue to encapsulate the IP packet through the lower layer to obtain a first signaling message containing the signaling and the first identifier, and send the first signaling message to the UPF through the access device (such as a base station). For example, the first identifier can be a configured destination address. For another example, the first identifier can be the address of the CP-NF corresponding to the service plane signaling. For another example, the first identifier is a special identifier used to indicate that the message carries signaling. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the first identifier, as long as it is an identifier that can identify that the message is a signaling message, it can be used as the first identifier.

[0210] Mode 2 (corresponding to the above identification rule (2)): The terminal device does not need to encapsulate the first identifier in the IP packet. For example, Fig. 10A (a), the terminal device performs QoS flow mapping on the first signaling message carrying NAS signaling, and sends the first signaling message after QoS flow mapping to UPF through the base station. Therefore, the terminal device can indicate that the message with the QFI is a signaling message of the service plane by mapping the first signaling message to a special QoS flow (QoS flow mapped with the signaling message). For example, the message mapped with the QoS flow with QFI A can be configured as a signaling message of the service plane.

[0211] In method 2, since the terminal device does not need to encapsulate IP packets, the protocol stack of the terminal device can be optimized and improved accordingly, such as canceling the IP layer, or canceling other protocol layers used for routing or switching.

[0212] Method 3: If Fig. 10B, the terminal device still uses the control plane to transmit signaling in the air interface, and the signaling sent by the terminal device to the base station still uses the signaling encapsulation format of the control plane. The base station encapsulates the signaling into the signaling message of the service plane and then forwards it to the corresponding service plane functional network element. For example, the terminal device transmits signaling with the base station through RRC messages, and the base station receives the configuration information obtained from AMF or SMF or other network side devices, such as Fig. 10B (b), encapsulate the NAS message of the terminal device into a signaling message of the service plane (carrying the first identifier) ​​and send it to the UPF, or Fig. 10B (a) maps the NAS message to a specific QoS flow. Downlink transmission is similar, for example, the base station receives the service plane message and sends it to the terminal device through RRC signaling.

[0213] As a possible implementation method, the terminal device adds a second identifier in the NAS signaling to indicate that the NAS signaling is transmitted through the service plane. Optionally, the indication information may also indicate a protocol data unit (PDU) session bound to the NAS signaling. After the base station receives the NAS signaling from the terminal device, it encapsulates the NAS signaling into a service plane signaling message (or maps it to a specific QoS flow) according to the second identifier in the NAS signaling, and sends the service plane signaling message to the service plane functional network element corresponding to the corresponding PDU session. For example, an information element (IE) is added in front of the container (container) of the NAS signaling, and the IE includes the above-mentioned second identifier, which is used to indicate that the container after the IE needs to be transmitted through the service plane. In the embodiment of the present application, the method of carrying the second identifier in the signaling is not limited to this.

[0214] As another possible implementation method, the network side informs the base station that the information sent to a specific CP-NF needs to be transmitted through the service plane. For example, the NAS signaling sent to a specific CP-NF is bound to a specified PDU session. Based on this, the base station encapsulates the NAS signaling that needs to be transmitted through the service plane, or maps it to a specific QoS flow, and transmits the processed NAS signaling to the corresponding service plane functional network element.

[0215] The name of the signaling of the first service is the name of the signaling of at least one service plane. Exemplarily, different NAS message names correspond to different CP-NFs, and the NAS message name can be used to distinguish which CP-NF the NAS message is sent to. For example, the name of the NAS message sent by the terminal device is "Perceptual NAS". Based on the name of the NAS message, the base station can know that the NAS message needs to be transmitted through the service plane, and know the CP-NF corresponding to the NAS message. Based on this, the base station can encapsulate the NAS message, or map it to a specific QoS flow, and transmit the processed NAS message to the corresponding service plane functional network element.

[0216] The above takes the forwarding method of the service plane signaling message carried in the service information (such as UE policy) as an example. In other embodiments, the network side can also carry the forwarding method of the service plane signaling message in the session information. In this case, the terminal device learns from the service information that the current signaling to be transmitted is the signaling that can be transmitted through the service plane, and processes and forwards the signaling according to the session information.

[0217] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, the network side configures the processing method of the signaling message of the service plane for the terminal device, so that the terminal device can send signaling messages through the service plane, and other network elements (such as UPF) can identify the signaling messages of the service plane to perform corresponding processing on the signaling messages of the service plane, thereby reducing the probability of congestion in the control plane when there are too many signaling messages.

[0218] Corresponds to Fig. 9 Method 1 shown, such as Fig. 9 (a), after the base station receives the first signaling message from the terminal device, if the first signaling message includes a first identifier, the base station determines that the first signaling message is a signaling message, and the signaling message needs to be transmitted through the service plane. In this case, the base station sends the first signaling message to the UPF of the service plane.

[0219] like Fig. 9 (b) After the base station receives a message from the terminal device, if the message does not contain the first identifier and the base station determines that the message is a normal signaling message, the base station sends the signaling message to the corresponding network element (such as AMF) of the control plane.

[0220] For another example, after the base station receives a message from the terminal device, if the message does not contain the first identifier, and the base station determines that the message is a packet carrying data (not a packet carrying signaling), the base station sends the data message to the UPF.

[0221] Corresponds to Fig. 10A Method 2 shown, such as Fig. 10A(a), after the base station receives the first signaling message from the terminal device, if the first signaling message is mapped to a specific QoS flow, the base station determines that the first signaling message is a signaling message, and the signaling message needs to be transmitted through the service plane. In this case, the base station sends the first signaling message to the UPF.

[0222] Corresponds to Fig. 10A Method 2 shown, such as Fig. 10A (b) After the base station receives a message from the terminal device, if the message is not mapped to a specific QoS flow and the base station determines that the message is an ordinary signaling message, the base station sends the signaling message to the corresponding device (such as AMF) on the control plane.

[0223] Corresponds to Fig. 10A In the method 2 shown, after the base station receives a message from the terminal device, if the message is not mapped to a specific QoS flow and the base station determines that the message is a data message, the base station sends the data message to the UPF.

[0224] S104. The service plane functional network element sends a first signaling message to the core network device according to the identification rule.

[0225] Correspondingly, the core network device receives the first signaling message.

[0226] As a possible implementation manner, the service plane functional network element identifies that the first signaling message is a signaling message according to an identification rule, and sends the signaling message to the core network device.

[0227] Corresponding to Fig. 9 In the method 1 shown, it is assumed that the identification rule of UPF is: the signaling message of the service plane contains the first identifier.

[0228] In some examples, after receiving the first signaling message from the base station, the UPF parses the first signaling message. If the first signaling message contains a first identifier, the UPF can determine that the first signaling message is a signaling message that carries signaling, and the first signaling message needs to be transmitted through the control plane, and the first signaling message is sent to the core network device corresponding to the control plane. For example, if the first signaling message carries a configured CP-NF ID or CP-NF type or the name of the first signaling message is a specific NAS message name, the UPF determines that the first signaling message is a message that needs to be transmitted through the service plane.

[0229] In other examples, after the UPF receives a message from the base station, if the message does not contain the first identifier, and the UPF determines that the message is a data message carrying data, the UPF sends the data message to the corresponding device on the service plane.

[0230] Corresponding to Fig. 10AIn the method 2 shown, it is assumed that the identification rule of UPF is: the QoS flow mapped by the message is the QoS flow mapped by at least one service plane signaling message.

[0231] In some examples, the UPF receives a general packet radio service tunneling protocol user plane (GTP-U) packet from a base station. If the GTP-U packet header carries a specific QFI (for example, QFI is A), the UPF determines that the signaling message is a service plane signaling message that carries signaling, and can transmit the signaling message to the core network device of the control plane.

[0232] In other examples, UPF receives a GTP-U packet from a base station. If the GTP-U packet header does not carry a specific QFI, and UPF determines that the packet is a data packet carrying data, UPF may transmit the data packet to the corresponding device on the service plane.

[0233] The service plane functional network element may send the first signaling message to the corresponding core network device in any of the following ways:

[0234] Method 1: Fig.11 After the UPF identifies the first signaling message as a signaling message of the service plane according to the above identification rule, it sends the first signaling message to the CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message according to the address information of the CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message. Optionally, the UPF may directly send the first signaling message to the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message. Or, Figure 8 , UPF first sends a first signaling message to SMF (S104a), and accordingly, SMF receives the first signaling message. SMF forwards the first signaling message to the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message (S104b), and accordingly, the CP-NF receives the first signaling message.

[0235] In method 1, UPF needs to obtain the address information of the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message. As a possible implementation method, UPF can obtain the CP-NF address information therein by receiving the above-mentioned service information. Or, after UPF receives the first signaling message, if it is not sure about the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message, it can query NRF for the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message. For example, UPF can send a CP-NF discovery request, which is used to request the address information of the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message. NRF receives the CP-NF discovery request and sends a CP-NF discovery response to UPF, and the CP-NF discovery response contains the CP-NF address information corresponding to the first signaling message. Or, UPF can also obtain the address information of the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message by other means, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0236] Method 2: UPF does not need to know the CP-NF address information corresponding to the first signaling message. Fig.12 After the UPF identifies the first signaling message as a signaling message of the service plane according to the above identification rules, it directly forwards the first signaling message to the SMF. The SMF determines the CP-NF address information corresponding to the first signaling message, and sends the first signaling message to the CP-NF according to the address information of the CP-NF.

[0237] In method 2, SMF needs to obtain the address information of the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message. As a possible implementation method, the service information generated by SMF contains the CP-NF address information corresponding to the first signaling message. Or, after SMF receives the first signaling message, if it is not sure about the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message, it can query NRF about the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message. Or, SMF can also obtain the address information of the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message through other methods, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0238] Optionally, UPF forwards the first signaling message through SMF, and SMF can directly forward the first signaling message to the CP-NF corresponding to the first signaling message, or SMF processes the first signaling message and sends the processed signaling message to the corresponding CP-NF.

[0239] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application enables signaling messages (such as the first signaling message) to be transmitted between the terminal device and the CP-NF through the service plane, thereby reducing the probability of congestion on the control plane and improving the transmission efficiency of the signaling.

[0240] The embodiment of the present application also provides a signaling transmission method, which can dynamically update the information of the CP-NF network element corresponding to the service plane signaling message, so that the terminal device can forward the signaling message to the correct CP-NF through the service plane, such as Fig.13 An example of a process of the method is shown in FIG. Fig.13 Before S104, the process may further include:

[0241] S301. The service plane function network element obtains address information of the second CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message.

[0242] Assume that initially, the CP-NF network element corresponding to the signaling message of the first service is the first CP-NF network element, and the address of the first CP-NF network element is the first address. Subsequently, due to the different locations of the terminal devices, the current CP-NF load of the network, or changes in the operator providing services to the terminal devices, the CP-NF providing services to the terminal devices may change. The service plane functional network element (such as UPF) can obtain the address information of the updated CP-NF network element from the network side.

[0243] In any embodiment of this document, CP-NF may refer to the original function of the core network, or an external application (APP) deploying its own function in the core network (ie, application function (AF)).

[0244] Optionally, as a possible implementation, Fig.14 , SMF performs CP-NF discovery and obtains information (such as address) of the second CP-NF network element that provides services to the terminal device from NRF. The address of the second CP-NF network element is assumed to be recorded as the second address. SMF can configure the information of the second CP-NF network element to UPF through session configuration message A (S402). For example, if SMF obtains the address information (second address) of the second CP-NF network element, the mapping relationship between the first address and the second address is configured to UPF. For another example, SMF configures the mapping relationship between the QFI (or CP-NF identifier) ​​used by the service plane signaling message and the second address to UPF. In this way, UPF completes the update of CP-NF information.

[0245] Alternatively, as another possible implementation method, if UPF does not obtain the address information (second address) of the second CP-NF network element from SMF, UPF can query the second address from NRF.

[0246] After acquiring the address information of the second CP-NF network element, the service plane function network element executes the following step S104a.

[0247] S104a. The service plane function network element sends a first signaling message to the control plane function network element of the core network or to the second CP-NF network element according to the identification rule and the address information of the second CP-NF network element.

[0248] Correspondingly, the control plane function network element of the core network receives the first signaling message from the second CP-NF network element.

[0249] The service plane functional network element determines that the destination address of the signaling message of the first service is updated to the second address based on the address information of the second CP-NF network element, such as the mapping relationship between the QFI (or CP-NF identifier) ​​of the service plane signaling message and the second address, or the mapping relationship between the first address and the second address, or the mapping relationship between the CP-NF address sent by the terminal device and the second address, and accordingly sends the signaling message of the first service to the CP-NF corresponding to the second address.

[0250] Optional, such as Fig.14 The method may also include: S401, updating service information (such as updating service policy information of PCF).

[0251] For example, AF or CP-NF that can use the service plane to transmit signaling can initiate a service request to PCF or UDM to request PCF or UDM to update the capabilities of the terminal device so that the terminal device can communicate with AF or CP-NF through signaling messages. The request message can carry at least one of the following information: CP-NF information (such as CP-NF ID, CP-NF type, etc.), address information used for service plane signaling message transmission, corresponding usage rules, and identity information or address information (such as UE ID, UE IP) used to identify the terminal device. Optionally, the usage rules include at least one of the following information: session parameters (such as slice information), time when the service can be used, location where the service is allowed to be used, and wireless interface where the service is allowed to be used.

[0252] like Fig.14 For the specific implementation of other steps, reference may be made to the relevant steps of other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0253] Optionally, step S401 may also be applied in Figure 7 , Figure 8 The corresponding method.

[0254] In some embodiments, the service plane functional network element sends service plane signaling to the CP-NF according to the updated CP-NF address. In other embodiments, the network side configures the updated CP-NF address to the SMF, and the SMF sends service plane signaling to the CP-NF according to the updated CP-NF address.

[0255] The above mainly discusses the service plane transmission process of uplink signaling. The service plane transmission process of downlink signaling can refer to the service plane transmission process of uplink signaling. For example, CP-NF sends the signaling message (such as carrying the first identifier, or mapping to a specific QoS flow) to the control plane function network element of the core network. The control plane function network element of the core network identifies that the signaling message needs to be transmitted through the service plane according to the identification rules configured on the network side, and then sends the signaling message to the service plane function network element, which forwards the signaling message to the terminal device. For another example, CP-NF sends the signaling message directly to the service plane function network element, and the service plane function network element forwards the signaling message to the terminal device.

[0256] It should be noted that the above-mentioned multiple embodiments can be combined and the combined scheme can be implemented. Optionally, some operations in the process of each method embodiment are optionally combined, and / or the order of some operations is optionally changed. In addition, the execution order between the steps of each process is only exemplary and does not constitute a limitation on the execution order between the steps. There can also be other execution orders between the steps. It is not intended to indicate that the execution order is the only order in which these operations can be performed. Ordinary technicians in this field will think of many ways to reorder the operations of this article. In addition, it should be pointed out that the process details involved in a certain embodiment of this article are also applicable to other embodiments in a similar manner, or different embodiments can be used in combination.

[0257] In addition, some steps in the method embodiment may be equivalently replaced by other possible steps. Alternatively, some steps in the method embodiment may be optional and may be deleted in certain usage scenarios. Alternatively, other possible steps may be added in the method embodiment. Alternatively, the execution subject (such as a functional module) of some steps in the method embodiment may be replaced by other execution subjects.

[0258] Furthermore, the above method embodiments may be implemented separately or in combination.

[0259] Some other embodiments of the present application provide a device, which may be the above-mentioned terminal device or service plane functional network element (first network element) or control plane functional network element of the core network or access device or second network element or corresponding components (such as chip system), etc. The device may include: a memory and one or more processors. The memory and the processor are coupled. The memory is used to store computer program code, and the computer program code includes computer instructions. When the processor executes the computer instructions, the device can execute the various functions or steps executed by the corresponding device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The structure of the device can refer to Figure 6 The equipment (device) shown.

[0260] The core structure of the device can be expressed as Fig.15In the structure shown, the device includes: a processing module 1301 and a communication module 1305 .

[0261] The processing module 1301 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP) or a communication processor (CP). The processing module 1301 may perform operations or data processing related to control and / or communication of at least one of other elements of the user equipment.

[0262] The communication module 1305 is used to support the personal device to communicate with other personal devices (through the communication network). For example, the communication module can be connected to the network via wireless communication or wired communication to communicate with other personal devices or network servers. The wireless communication can adopt at least one of the cellular communication protocols, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, 6G, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro) or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Wireless communication may include, for example, short-range communication. Short-range communication may include at least one of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Magnetic Stripe Transmission (MST) or GNSS.

[0263] Optionally, a storage module 1303 is also included, which may include a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. The storage module is used to store at least one instruction or data related to other modules of the user equipment device.

[0264] It should be noted that each functional module of the device can execute one or more steps in the above method embodiment.

[0265] The present application also provides a chip system, such as Fig.16 As shown, the chip system includes at least one processor 1401 and at least one interface circuit 1402. The processor 1401 and the interface circuit 1402 can be interconnected via lines. For example, the interface circuit 1402 can be used to receive signals from other devices (such as the memory of the device). For another example, the interface circuit 1402 can be used to send signals to other devices (such as the processor 1401). Exemplarily, the interface circuit 1402 can read the instructions stored in the memory and send the instructions to the processor 1401. When the instruction is executed by the processor 1401, the device can execute the various steps in the above embodiments. Of course, the chip system can also include other discrete devices, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0266] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer storage medium, which includes computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on the above-mentioned device, the device executes the corresponding functions or steps in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0267] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product. When the computer program product runs on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the corresponding functions or steps in the above method embodiment.

[0268] Through the description of the above implementation methods, technical personnel in the relevant field can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above-mentioned functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0269] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of modules or units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0270] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0271] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0272] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a 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 all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions to enable a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or a processor (processor) 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 (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code.

[0273] The above contents are only specific implementation methods of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A signaling transmission method, characterized in that: Applied to a terminal device, the method comprises: Receiving service information; the service information is used to indicate information of at least one service that supports signaling sent through the service plane; According to the service information, a first signaling message is sent to a first network element of the service plane, where the first signaling message includes signaling of a first service; the first service belongs to the at least one service.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: According to the service information, signaling of the second service is sent through the control plane network element, where the second service is a service that does not support signaling sending through the service plane.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first signaling message also includes a first identifier, where the first identifier is used to indicate that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane; or, The quality of service QoS flow mapped to the first signaling message is a first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is a QoS flow mapped to the signaling of the service plane of the first service.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: Receive session information; the session information includes at least one of the following information: session rules of the service plane; processing method of signaling messages of the service plane; The session rule includes at least one of the following information: a mapping relationship between the first signaling message and the QoS flow, information about a target network function of the first signaling message, and charging information of the first service; The processing method of the signaling message of the service plane includes any of the following methods: the signaling message of the service plane includes an identifier; the signaling message of the service plane is mapped to a QoS flow.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Sending a first signaling message to a first network element of the service plane according to the service information includes: The first signaling message is sent to the first network element according to the service information and the session information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first signaling message is mapped to the first QoS flow, the second signaling message is mapped to the second QoS flow, the second signaling message is a signaling message sent through the control plane, and the first QoS flow and the second QoS flow are different QoS flows.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Before receiving service information, it also includes: Sending a first message, the first message including the first capability indication, the first message being used to request the service information; the first capability indication being used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane; The receiving service information includes: Receive service information corresponding to the first capability indication.

8. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: Before receiving session information, it also includes: Sending a second message, where the second message includes a second capability indication, and the second message is used to request the session information; the second capability indication is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane; The receiving session information comprises: Receive session information corresponding to the second capability indication.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The service information includes at least one of the following information: whether the terminal device supports signaling sending through the service plane, and the processing method of the signaling message of the service plane.

10. A signaling transmission method, characterized in that: Applied to a terminal device, the method comprises: Generate signaling of a first service; the first service is a service that supports the terminal device to send signaling through the service plane; Sending signaling of the first service to the access device; the signaling of the first service is used to instruct the access device to send a first signaling message to the first network element of the service plane, and the first signaling message includes the signaling of the first service.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The signaling of the first service includes a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate that the signaling of the first service is signaling of the service plane; and / or the name of the signaling of the first service is the name of the signaling of the service plane.

12. A signaling transmission method, characterized in that: The first network element applied to the service plane includes: Obtaining an identification rule for a first signaling message, where the first signaling message includes signaling of a first service; the first service is a service that a terminal device sends signaling through a service plane; and the identification rule is used to identify that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane; Receiving the first signaling message; According to the identification rule, the first signaling message is sent to the core network device.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The identification rules include at least one of the following rules: the first signaling message includes a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane; the QoS flow mapped by the first signaling message is a first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is the QoS flow mapped by the signaling of the service plane of the first service.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The core network device is a control plane functional network element of the core network.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The core network device is a control plane function network element of the core network or a control plane network function CP-NF network element; the method further includes: Obtaining address information of the CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message; Sending the first signaling message to a core network device according to the identification rule includes: According to the identification rule and the address information of the CP-NF network element, the first signaling message is sent to the core network device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The CP-NF network element is a first CP-NF network element; the method further includes: Receiving address information of a second CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message; According to the address information of the second CP-NF network element, the first signaling message is sent to the control plane function network element of the core network or to the second CP-NF network element.

17. A signaling transmission method, characterized in that: A control plane function network element applied to a core network, the method comprising: Obtaining an identification rule; the identification rule is used to identify that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane; the first signaling message includes signaling of the first service; the first service is a service that supports the terminal device to send signaling through the service plane; the first network element is used to forward the signaling message of the service plane; The identification rule is sent to the first network element.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that Also includes: receiving the first signaling message from the first network element; Acquire address information of a control plane network function CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message; Send the first signaling message to the CP-NF network element according to the address information of the CP-NF network element.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The CP-NF network element is a first CP-NF network element; the method further includes: Receiving address information of a second CP-NF network element corresponding to the first signaling message; Send the first signaling message to the second CP-NF network element according to the address information of the second CP-NF network element.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that: The identification rules include at least one of the following rules: the first signaling message contains a first identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the first signaling message is a signaling message of the service plane; the QoS flow mapped by the first signaling message is a first QoS flow, and the first QoS flow is the QoS flow mapped by the signaling of the service plane of the first service.

21. A signaling transmission method, characterized in that: Applied to an access device, the method comprises: Receiving signaling of a first service; the first service is a service that supports a terminal device to send signaling through a service plane; A first signaling message is sent to a first network element on a service plane, where the first signaling message includes signaling of the first service.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The signaling of the first service includes a second identifier, where the second identifier is used to indicate that the signaling of the first service is signaling of the service plane; and / or the name of the signaling of the first service is the name of the signaling of the service plane.

23. A signaling transmission method, characterized in that: Applied to a second network element, the method comprises: Receiving first capability indication information, where the first capability indication is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane; Send service information corresponding to the first capability indication; the service information is used to indicate information of at least one service that supports signaling sent through the service plane.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that Also includes: receiving a second capability indication, where the second capability indication is used to indicate that the terminal device supports signaling transmission through the service plane; Sending session information corresponding to the second capability indication; the session information includes at least one of the following information: a session rule of the service plane; a processing method of a signaling message of the service plane; The session rule includes at least one of the following information: a mapping relationship between the first signaling message and a quality of service QoS flow, information about a target network function of the first signaling message, and charging information of the first service; The processing method of the signaling message of the service plane includes any of the following methods: encapsulating a first identifier in the signaling message of the service plane; mapping the signaling message of the service plane to a first QoS flow.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: Comprises a program or an instruction, when the program or the instruction is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented, or the method according to claim 10 or 11 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 12 to 16 is implemented, the method according to any one of claims 17 to 20 is implemented, the method according to any one of claims 21 to 22 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 23 to 24 is implemented.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that When the computer program product runs on a device, the device executes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or executes the method as described in claim 10 or 11, or executes the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 16, or executes the method as described in any one of claims 17 to 20, or executes the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 22, or executes the method as described in any one of claims 23 to 24.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a processor, and the processor is connected to a memory; The memory is used to store computer-executable instructions. When the communication device is running, the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to enable the communication device to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or execute the method described in claim 10 or 11, or execute the method described in any one of claims 12 to 16, or execute the method described in any one of claims 17 to 20, or execute the method described in any one of claims 21 to 22, or execute the method described in any one of claims 23 to 24.

28. The communication device according to claim 27, characterized in that The communication device is a chip.

29. A signaling transmission system, characterized in that: The system includes a terminal device that implements the method described in any one of claims 1-9 and a first network element that implements the method described in any one of claims 12-16; or, the system includes a terminal device that implements the method described in claim 10 or 11, an access device that implements the method described in claim 21 or 22, and a first network element that implements the method described in any one of claims 12-16.

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