Access distinguishing method, device and equipment, communication equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of communication, in particular to an access distinguishing method, device and equipment, communication equipment and a storage medium, and the access distinguishing method comprises the steps that a first node sends a first message to a second node, the first message comprises first information, and the first information is used for distinguishing a plurality of access networks used by a terminal. According to the method and the device, under the condition that the terminal accesses the core network through the plurality of access networks, the first node can indicate the second node to which access network the first message aims at is used by the terminal through the first information, so that the second node can distinguish the plurality of access networks used by the terminal according to the first information; therefore, it is ensured that the first message can be successfully processed by the second node, implementation of the ATSSS function can also be ensured, and the communication problem caused by the fact that the second node cannot accurately distinguish multiple access networks used by the terminal is avoided.

Description

Access differentiation method, device, equipment, communication equipment and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an access differentiation method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The terminals and networks in the 5G system can support access traffic steering, splitting, switching (ATSSS) functions.

[0003] The ATSSS function enables Multi-Access Protocol Data Unit (MA PDU) connection services. The MA PDU connection service can be implemented by establishing an MA PDU session, i.e., a PDU session with user plane resources on multiple access networks. When a terminal registers with the core network through multiple access networks, it can request the establishment of an MA PDU session to implement the ATSSS function.

[0004] When a terminal registers with the core network through multiple access networks, there may be confusion about the access network.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose an access differentiation method, apparatus, device, communication device and storage medium to solve the technical problem in related technologies that when a terminal registers to a core network through multiple access networks, there may be confusion in the access network.

[0007] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an access differentiation method is proposed, which is executed by a first node. The method includes: sending a first message to a second node, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish multiple access networks used by a terminal.

[0008] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an access differentiation method is proposed, which is executed by a second node. The method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first node, the first message containing first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish multiple access networks used by a terminal.

[0009] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device is proposed, comprising: a transceiver module, configured to send a first message to a second node, wherein the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by a terminal.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second device is proposed, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving a first message sent by a first node, wherein the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by a terminal.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the first device to execute the access differentiation method of the first aspect above.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the second device to execute the access differentiation method of the second aspect above.

[0013] According to the seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions so that the communication device executes the access differentiation method of the first aspect above, and / or the access differentiation method of the second aspect above.

[0014] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, comprising a first node and a second node, wherein the first node is configured to implement the access differentiation method of the first aspect, and the second node is configured to implement the access differentiation method of the second aspect.

[0015] According to the ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the access differentiation method of the first aspect and / or the access differentiation method of the second aspect.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first node may send a first message containing first information to a second node, and the first information may be used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal. Accordingly, in the case where the terminal accesses the core network through multiple access networks, since the message transmitted between the terminal and the network may be for any one or more access networks among the multiple access networks used by the terminal, the first node may indicate to the second node through the first information which access network the first message is for, so that the second node can distinguish between the multiple access networks used by the terminal based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the first message can be successfully processed by the second node, and also ensuring the implementation of the ATSSS function, avoiding the second node being unable to accurately distinguish between the multiple access networks used by the terminal and causing communication problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0018] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG2 is an interactive diagram illustrating an access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system supporting the ATSSS function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG4 is a schematic flowchart showing an access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG5 is an interactive diagram illustrating an access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG6 is an interactive diagram illustrating another access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG7 is an interactive diagram illustrating another access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG8 is a schematic flowchart showing another access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG10 is a schematic block diagram showing a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an access differentiation method, apparatus, device, communication device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0031] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an access differentiation method, which is executed by a first node. The method includes: sending a first message to a second node, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish multiple access networks used by the terminal.

[0032] In the above embodiment, the first node may send a first message containing first information to the second node, and the first information may be used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal. Accordingly, when the terminal accesses the core network through multiple access networks, since the message transmitted between the terminal and the network may be for any one or more access networks among the multiple access networks used by the terminal, the first node may indicate to the second node through the first information which access network the first message is for, so that the second node can distinguish between the multiple access networks used by the terminal based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the first message can be successfully processed by the second node, and also ensuring the implementation of the ATSSS function, avoiding the second node being unable to accurately distinguish between the multiple access networks used by the terminal and causing communication problems.

[0033] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to distinguish between multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0034] In the above embodiment, since the access types of the multiple access networks used by the terminal are the same, the first information is only used to indicate the access type of the access network and is insufficient to distinguish between the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal. Accordingly, the first node can use the first information to indicate to the second node which 3GPP access network used by the terminal the first message is intended for, so that the second node can distinguish between the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the first message can be successfully processed by the second node and that the ATSSS function is implemented, thereby avoiding communication problems caused by the second node's inability to accurately distinguish between the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0035] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

[0036] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first node includes the terminal, and the second node includes a first core network function.

[0037] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, sending the first message to the second node includes: sending a performance measurement function protocol access report PMFP Access Report message to the first core network function, wherein the PMFP Access Report message is used to report to the first core network function whether the access network indicated by the first information is available.

[0038] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, sending the first message to the second node includes: sending a Performance Measurement Function Protocol User Assistance Data Provision (PMFP UAD) provision message to the first core network function, wherein the PMFP UAD provision message is used to instruct the first core network function to divert downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information.

[0039] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that downlink data transmitted to the terminal is split through the multiple access networks, and is also used to indicate a transmission ratio of each access network for transmitting the downlink data.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first core network function is a user plane function UPF or a performance measurement function PMF.

[0041] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first node includes a second core network function, and the second node includes a third core network function.

[0042] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, sending the first message to the second node includes: sending a session management message to the third core network function, wherein the session management message is used to instruct the third core network function to perform a user plane connection and a control plane connection between the access network indicated by the first information and the terminal; the user plane connection is a connection for service data interaction between the terminal and the core network; the control plane connection is a connection for control signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the operation includes one of the following: a connection establishment operation; a connection modification operation; or a connection release operation.

[0044] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect. In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates the radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network belongs; wherein the radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network belongs is a first radio access network type, the radio access network type to which the second 3GPP access network belongs is a second radio access network type, and the first radio access network type is different from the second radio access network type.

[0045] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second core network function is a session management function SMF, and the third core network function is an access management function AMF or a user plane function UPF.

[0046] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an access differentiation method, which is executed by a second node. The method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first node, the first message containing first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish multiple access networks used by the terminal.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the second node can receive a first message containing first information sent by the first node, and the first information can be used to distinguish multiple access networks used by the terminal. Accordingly, when the terminal accesses the core network through multiple access networks, since the message transmitted between the terminal and the network may be for any one or more access networks among the multiple access networks used by the terminal, the first node can indicate to the second node through the first information which access network the first message is for, so that the second node can distinguish the multiple access networks used by the terminal based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the first message can be successfully processed by the second node, and also ensuring the implementation of the ATSSS function, avoiding the second node being unable to accurately distinguish the multiple access networks used by the terminal and causing communication problems.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to distinguish between multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0049] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first node includes the terminal, and the second node includes a first core network function.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the receiving the first message sent by the first node includes: receiving a PMFP Access Report message sent by the terminal, wherein the PMFP Access Report message is used to report to the first core network function whether the access network indicated by the first information is available.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the receiving the first message sent by the first node includes: receiving a PMFP UAD provision message sent by the terminal, wherein the PMFP UAD provision message is used to instruct the first core network function to divert downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that downlink data transmitted to the terminal through the multiple access networks is split, and is also used to indicate a transmission ratio of each access network for transmitting the downlink data;

[0054] The method further includes: distributing the downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information according to the ratio indicated by the first information.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first core network function is a user plane function UPF or a performance measurement function PMF.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first node includes a second core network function, and the second node includes a third core network function.

[0057] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, the receiving of the first message sent by the first node includes: receiving a session management message sent by the second core network function, wherein the session management message is used to instruct the third core network function to perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations between the access network indicated by the first information and the terminal; the user plane connection is a connection for service data interaction between the terminal and the core network; the control plane connection is a connection for control signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the operation includes one of the following: a connection establishment operation; a connection modification operation; or a connection release operation.

[0059] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect. In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates the radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network belongs; wherein the radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network belongs is a first radio access network type, the radio access network type to which the second 3GPP access network belongs is a second radio access network type, and the first radio access network type is different from the second radio access network type;

[0060] The method also includes: performing user plane connection and control plane connection operations with the terminal through the first 3GPP access network according to the first information indicating the first radio access network type; or performing user plane connection and control plane connection operations with the terminal through the second 3GPP access network according to the first information indicating the second radio access network type.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second core network function is a session management function SMF, and the third core network function is an access management function AMF or a user plane function UPF.

[0062] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first device, comprising:

[0063] The transceiver module is configured to send a first message to the second node, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal.

[0064] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second device, comprising:

[0065] The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message sent by a first node, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by a terminal.

[0066] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a first device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the first device to execute the access differentiation method described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect.

[0067] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a second device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the second device to execute the access differentiation method described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0068] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, which includes: one or more processors; one or more memories for storing instructions; wherein the processor is used to call the instructions so that the communication device executes the method described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0069] In the eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, which includes: a first node and a second node; wherein the first node is configured to execute the method described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects, and the second node is configured to execute the method described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0070] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0071] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0072] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods described in the first and second aspects, and the optional embodiments of the first and second aspects.

[0073] It is understandable that the first node, the second node, the communication device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, and the computer program are all used to execute the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0074] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide access differentiation methods, devices, equipment, communication devices, and storage media. In some embodiments, the terms "access differentiation method" and "information processing method" and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "first device" and "terminal" and "network device" and "access differentiation device" and "communication device" are interchangeable; the terms "second device" and "terminal" and "network device" and "access differentiation device" and "communication device" are interchangeable; and the terms "access differentiation system" and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0075] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional embodiments in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional embodiments of other embodiments.

[0076] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0077] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0078] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "aforementioned", "this", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc.

[0079] For example, when using articles such as “a”, “an”, and “the” in English in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0080] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0081] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0082] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0083] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0084] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description objects, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restrictions should be constituted due to the use of prefixes.

[0085] For example, if the description object is "field," the ordinal number preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" does not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the modified "fields" are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of the "first field" and "second field." For another example, if the description object is "level," the ordinal number preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" does not restrict the priority of the "levels." For another example, the number of description objects is not restricted by the ordinal number and can be one or more. For example, in the case of "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device," "first device" and "second device" can be the same or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. For another example, if the description object is "information," "first information" and "second information" can be the same or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0086] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0087] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0088] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0089] In some embodiments, devices and the like can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those in the embodiments.

[0090] The recorded names, "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject" and other terms can be used interchangeably.

[0091] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0092] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0093] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0094] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0095] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0096] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0097] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0098] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0099] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 , an access network device 102 , and a core network device 103 .

[0101] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, and at least one of a satellite in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), but is not limited thereto.

[0103] In some embodiments, the access network device can connect the terminal to different types of access networks. For example, the access network device can connect the terminal to a 3GPP access network or a non-3GPP access network.

[0104] In some embodiments, the access network device may connect the terminal to a 3GPP access network belonging to a different radio access network type. For example, the access network device may connect the terminal to an NR access network or a satellite NR access network.

[0105] In some embodiments, the type of wireless access network to which the 3GPP access network belongs may specifically include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: New Radio (NR), Low Earth Orbiting-New Radio (LEO-NR), Medium Earth Orbiting-New Radio (MEO-NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), satellite NR, etc.

[0106] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0107] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0108] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0109] In some embodiments, the core network device may include at least one of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); User Plane Function (UPF); Performance Measurement Function (PMF); Session Management Function (SMF); and Unified Data Management (UDM).

[0110] In some embodiments, the first node may include one of the following: a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device. The second node may include one of the following: a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device. The first node and the second node may be different nodes in the communication system 100.

[0111] In some embodiments, the core network device may include at least one core network function. The first node and the second node may be any core network function.

[0112] In a possible implementation, the first node may include a terminal, and the second node may include a first core network function, wherein the first core network function may include a user plane function or a performance measurement function.

[0113] In one possible implementation, the first node may include a second core network function, and the second node may include a third core network function, wherein the second core network function may be a session management function, and the third core network function may be an access and mobility management function or a user plane function.

[0114] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0115] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 , or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. The connection relationships between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0116] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), satellite communication systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0117] FIG2 is an interactive diagram illustrating an access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] As shown in Figure 2, the access differentiation method includes:

[0119] Step S201: A first node sends a first message to a second node.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first message may include first information.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal.

[0122] In some embodiments, the access method may further include:

[0123] Step S202: The second node receives the first message.

[0124] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through at least one 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through at least one non-3GPP access network, the first information can be used to distinguish between the 3GPP access network and the non-3GPP access network used by the terminal.

[0125] In a possible implementation, the first information may be used to indicate the type of access network, wherein the type of access network may include a 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network.

[0126] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through at least two 3GPP access networks, the first information may be used to distinguish between multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the first information may be used to indicate a radio access network type to which the 3GPP access network belongs. The radio access network type to which the 3GPP access network belongs may specifically include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: New Radio (NR), Low Earth Orbiting-New Radio (LEO-NR), Medium Earth Orbiting-New Radio (MEO-NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), satellite NR, etc.

[0128] In some embodiments, the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, and the first information may indicate the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first node may include the terminal, and the second node may include a first core network function.

[0130] In a possible implementation, the first core network function may be a user plane function (UPF) or a performance measurement function (PMF).

[0131] In some embodiments, the first node sending the first message to the second node may include: the terminal sending a Performance Measurement Function Protocol Access Availability Report (PMFP Access Report) message to the first core network function. The PMFP Access Report message may be used to report to the first core network function whether the access network indicated by the first information is available.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the first information may specifically include: a first field for indicating that the radio access network type of the 3GPP access network is the first radio access network type or the second radio access network type; and a second field for indicating the availability (availability) or unavailability (unavailability) of the 3GPP access network.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first node sending a first message to the second node may include: the terminal sending a performance measurement function protocol user assisted data provision (PMFP UAD provision) message to the first core network function, wherein the PMFP UAD provision message is used to instruct the first core network function to divert downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information.

[0134] In a further embodiment, the first information may be used to indicate that downlink data transmitted to the terminal is split through the multiple access networks, and further used to indicate a transmission ratio of the downlink data transmitted by each access network.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first core network function may divert downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information according to the ratio indicated by the first information.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first node may include a second core network function and the second node may include a third core network function, wherein the second core network function is different from the third core network function.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the second core network function may be a session management function (SMF), and the third core network function may be an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a UPF.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first node sending a first message to the second node may include: the second core network function sending a session management message to the third core network function, wherein the session management message is used to instruct the third core network function to perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations between the access network indicated by the first information and the terminal.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the user plane connection may be a connection for exchanging service data between the terminal and the core network. The control plane connection may be a connection for exchanging control signaling between the terminal and the core network.

[0140] In one implementation shown, the connection may include one of the following: N1 connection, N2 connection, UP (User Plane) connection.

[0141] In one implementation shown, the operation may include one of the following: a connection establishment operation; a connection modification operation; or a connection release operation.

[0142] In a further embodiment, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information may indicate a radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network belongs. The radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network belongs may be a first radio access network type, and the radio access network type to which the second 3GPP access network belongs may be a second radio access network type, and the first radio access network type and the second radio access network type are different.

[0143] In a possible implementation manner, the first information may include at least a first field for indicating that the radio access network type of the 3GPP access network is the first radio access network type or the second radio access network type.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second core network function may indicate the first wireless access network type based on the first information, and perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations with the terminal through the first 3GPP access network; or, the second core network function may indicate the second wireless access network type based on the first information, and perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations with the terminal through the second 3GPP access network.

[0145] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to 202. For example, step S201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S201+S202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0146] In some embodiments, steps S201 and S202 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0147] In some embodiments, step S201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0148] In some embodiments, step S202 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0149] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional embodiments described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0150] In some embodiments, terminals and networks in the 5G System (5GS) may support access traffic steering, splitting, and switching (ATSSS) functions. Access Traffic Steering refers to the selection of an access network for new service traffic and transmission of service traffic on the selected access network; Access Traffic Splitting refers to the transmission of service traffic for the same service across multiple access networks; and Access Traffic Switching refers to the migration of ongoing service traffic from one access network to another in a manner that maintains service traffic continuity.

[0151] The ATSSS function involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be referred to as an ASSSS feature.

[0152] The ATSSS feature enables Multi-Access Protocol Data Unit (MA PDU) connection services. MA PDU connection services can be implemented by establishing MA PDU sessions, that is, PDU sessions with user plane resources on multiple access networks. Using the ATSSS feature helps improve data service reliability and quality of service (QoS) (e.g., bandwidth).

[0153] In some embodiments, when a terminal registers with a core network through multiple access networks, the terminal may request to establish an MA PDU session to implement the ASS function.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the terminal may register with the core network through a 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access network and / or a non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access network, and then the terminal may request to establish an MA PDU session. After the MA PDU session is successfully established, and when both the 3GPP access network and the non-3GPP access network have user plane resources, the terminal may decide how to allocate uplink traffic between the two access networks based on the policies provided by the network (such as ATSSS rules); similarly, the UPF (User Plane Function) anchor point of the MA PDU session may decide how to allocate downlink traffic between the two access networks based on the policies provided by the network (such as N4 rules).

[0155] For example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system supporting the ATSSS function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, service data can be transmitted between a terminal (i.e., UE) and a data network (i.e., server host) by simultaneously using a 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network, as well as two independent N3 / N9 tunnels between the RAN / AN (Radio Access Network) and the PSA (PDU Session Anchor).

[0156] In another possible implementation, the terminal may register with the core network through a dual 3GPP access network (ie, dual 3GPP access), and then the terminal may request to establish an MA PDU session, which will not be described in detail here.

[0157] In some embodiments, when a terminal registers with a core network through multiple access networks, both the terminal and the network need to distinguish between different accesses, such as 3GPP access and / or non-3GPP access, to implement ATSSS. However, current methods for distinguishing accesses have some technical issues.

[0158] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an access differentiation method. Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The access differentiation method illustrated in this embodiment may be executed by a first node.

[0159] As shown in FIG4 , the access differentiation method may include the following steps:

[0160] In step S401, a first message is sent to a second node.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first message may include first information, and the first information may be used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal. The types of the access networks may include 3GPP access networks and non-3GPP access networks.

[0162] For example, the first information may be an "access network differentiation information" field, and the first node may send a first message containing the above field to the second node, so that the second node can distinguish multiple access networks used by the terminal according to the "access network differentiation information" field contained in the received first message.

[0163] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 can be implemented independently or in combination with at least one other embodiment in the present disclosure. The specific selection can be made as needed and the present disclosure does not limit it.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first node may include one of the following: a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device. The core network device may include at least one core network function (NF). The first node may also include any core network function.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second node may include one of the following: a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device. The core network device may include at least one core network function. The second node may also include any core network function. The first node and the second node are different nodes in the communication system.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first node may support ATSSS functionality.The second node may also support ATSSS functionality.

[0167] Optionally, the second node may receive the first message sent by the first node. In a further embodiment, the second node may distinguish multiple access networks used by the terminal based on the first information included in the first message.

[0168] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first node may send a first message containing first information to a second node, and the first information may be used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal. Accordingly, in the case where the terminal accesses the core network through multiple access networks, since the message transmitted between the terminal and the network may be for any one or more access networks among the multiple access networks used by the terminal, the first node may indicate to the second node through the first information which access network the first message is for, so that the second node can distinguish between the multiple access networks used by the terminal based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the first message can be successfully processed by the second node, and also ensuring the implementation of the ATSSS function, avoiding the second node being unable to accurately distinguish between the multiple access networks used by the terminal and causing communication problems.

[0169] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through at least one 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through at least one non-3GPP access network, the first information can be used to distinguish between the 3GPP access network and the non-3GPP access network used by the terminal.

[0170] In a possible implementation, the first information may be used to indicate the type of access network, wherein the type of access network may include a 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network.

[0171] For example, the first information may be an "access network differentiation information" field; when the value of this field is "3GPP", the first information may be used to indicate a 3GPP access network among multiple access networks used by the terminal; when the value of this field is "non-3GPP", the first information may be used to indicate a non-3GPP access network among multiple access networks used by the terminal.

[0172] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through at least two 3GPP access networks, the first information may be used to distinguish between multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the first information may be used to indicate a radio access network type to which the 3GPP access network belongs. The radio access network type to which the 3GPP access network belongs may specifically include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: New Radio (NR), Low Earth Orbiting-New Radio (LEO-NR), Medium Earth Orbiting-New Radio (MEO-NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), satellite NR, etc.

[0174] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the type of wireless access network to which the 3GPP access network belongs may also be described as the type of the 3GPP access network.

[0175] For example, the first information may be an "access network differentiation information" field; when the value of this field is "NR", the first information may be used to indicate the NR access network among the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal; when the value of this field is "satellite NR", the first information may be used to indicate the satellite NR access network among the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0176] It should be noted that in the examples of this disclosure, the specific value of the "access network differentiation information" field is merely an exemplary description and does not represent a particular limitation on this disclosure. For example, the value of the "access network differentiation information" field can also be "3GPP-NR" to indicate the NR access network among the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0177] In another possible implementation, in addition to the radio access network type to which the 3GPP access network belongs, other methods may be used to distinguish different 3GPP access networks. For example, the terminal and the network may agree on identifiers or serial numbers corresponding to different types of 3GPP access networks, and the first information may be used to indicate the identifier or serial number corresponding to the 3GPP access network.

[0178] In the above embodiment, since the access types of the multiple access networks used by the terminal are the same, the first information is only used to indicate the access type of the access network and is insufficient to distinguish between the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal. Accordingly, the first node can use the first information to indicate to the second node which 3GPP access network used by the terminal the first message is intended for, so that the second node can distinguish between the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the first message can be successfully processed by the second node and that the ATSSS function is implemented, thereby avoiding communication problems caused by the second node's inability to accurately distinguish between the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first information may be a newly defined field. For example, the first information may be a newly defined "access network differentiation information" field.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first information may be extended using existing fields or represented by a combination of existing information. For example, the first information may be obtained by combining the "access type (access network type)" and "RAT type (radio access technology type)" fields.

[0181] In some embodiments, the terminal and the network using dual 3GPP access networks are required to support the ASS function.

[0182] In a further embodiment, the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, and the first information may indicate the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

[0183] For example, when the terminal accesses the 5G core network through the NR access network and the satellite NR access network, the first 3GPP access network may be the NR access network, the second 3GPP access network may be the satellite NR access network, and the first information may be used to indicate the NR access network or the satellite NR access network.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first node may include the terminal, and the second node may include a first core network function. The terminal may send the first information to the network to inform the network of which access network the operation related to the first message is for.

[0185] In a possible implementation, the first core network function may be a UPF (User Plane Function) or a PMF (Performance Measurement Function).

[0186] In some embodiments, sending the first message to the second node may include sending a PMFP Access Report (Performance Measurement Function Protocol Access Availability Report) message to the first core network function.

[0187] In some embodiments, the PMFP Access Report message may be used to report to the first core network function whether the access network indicated by the first information is available.

[0188] For example, when the terminal accesses the core network through the first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through the second 3GPP access network, the terminal can send a PMFP Access Report message to the UPF or PMF, wherein the first information contained in the PMFP Access Report message can be used to indicate at least one of the following: the first 3GPP access network is available, the first 3GPP access network is unavailable, the second 3GPP access network is available, and the second 3GPP access network is unavailable.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the first information may specifically include: a first field for indicating that the radio access network type of the 3GPP access network is the first radio access network type or the second radio access network type; and a second field for indicating the availability (availability) or unavailability (unavailability) of the 3GPP access network.

[0190] For example, when the value of the first field is "NR" and the value of the second field is "availability", the first information may indicate that the 3GPP access network of type "NR" used by the terminal is available.

[0191] For example, when the value of the first field is "LEO-NR" and the value of the second field is "unavailability", the first information may indicate that the 3GPP access network of the type "LEO-NR" used by the terminal is unavailable.

[0192] In one possible implementation, before sending the PMFP Access Report message to the first core network function, the method may further include: receiving measurement assistance information sent by the first core network function; and detecting the availability of the access network in response to the measurement assistance information. The measurement assistance information may be used to assist the terminal in determining which measurements need to be performed in the first 3GPP access network and the second 3GPP access network, and whether a measurement report needs to be sent to the network.

[0193] In some embodiments, in addition to reporting to the first core network function whether the access network is available, the terminal may also report to the first core network function a performance measurement report of the access network, which will not be repeated here.

[0194] In some embodiments, sending the first message to the second node may include: sending a PMFP UAD provision (Performance Measurement Function Protocol User Assisted Data Provision) message to the first core network function, wherein the PMFP UAD provision message is used to instruct the first core network function to divert downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information.

[0195] For example, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the terminal can send a PMFP UAD provision message to the UPF or PMF, wherein the first information included in the PMFP UAD provision message can be used to indicate at least one of the following: a first transmission ratio of downlink data transmitted by the first 3GPP access network, and a second transmission ratio of downlink data transmitted by the second 3GPP access network.

[0196] In a further embodiment, the first information may be used to indicate that downlink data transmitted to the terminal is split through the multiple access networks, and further used to indicate a transmission ratio of the downlink data transmitted by each access network.

[0197] For example, when the value of the first information is "NR=70%, LEO-NR=30%", the first information may indicate that the terminal expects the UPF or PMF to divert the downlink data transmitted to the terminal through dual 3GPP access, wherein the transmission ratio of downlink data transmitted by the 3GPP access network of the type "NR" used by the terminal is 70%, and the transmission ratio of downlink data transmitted by the 3GPP access network of the type "LEO-NR" used by the terminal is 30%.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first node may include a second core network function, and the second node may include a third core network function, wherein the second core network function is different from the third core network function. One NF may send the first information to another NF to inform the other NF of which access network the operation related to the first message is used for by the terminal.

[0199] In one possible implementation, the second core network function may be SMF (Session Management Function), and the third core network function may be AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) or UPF.

[0200] In some embodiments, sending the first message to the second node may include: sending a session management message to the third core network function, wherein the session management message is used to instruct the third core network function to perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations between the access network indicated by the first information and the terminal.

[0201] In the above embodiment, the user plane connection may be a connection for exchanging service data between the terminal and the core network. The control plane connection may be a connection for exchanging control signaling between the terminal and the core network.

[0202] In one implementation shown, the connection may include one of the following: N1 connection, N2 connection, UP (User Plane) connection.

[0203] In one implementation shown, the operation may include one of the following: a connection establishment operation; a connection modification operation; or a connection release operation.

[0204] In a further embodiment, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information may indicate a radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network belongs. The radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network belongs may be a first radio access network type, and the radio access network type to which the second 3GPP access network belongs may be a second radio access network type, and the first radio access network type and the second radio access network type are different.

[0205] For example, when the terminal accesses the core network through the first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through the second 3GPP access network, the SMF may send a first Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message and a second Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF, wherein the first Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message is used to instruct the AMF to establish an N2 connection with the first 3GPP access network, and the second Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message is used to instruct the AMF to establish an N2 connection with the second 3GPP access network.

[0206] In a possible implementation manner, the first information may include at least a first field for indicating that the radio access network type of the 3GPP access network is the first radio access network type or the second radio access network type.

[0207] For example, when the value of the first field is "NR", the first information may indicate that the N2 session management information contained in the first message is sent to the 3GPP access network of type "NR" used by the terminal.

[0208] For example, when the value of the first field is "LEO-NR", the first information may indicate that the N2 session management information contained in the first message is sent to the 3GPP access network of the type "LEO-NR" used by the terminal.

[0209] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the second core network function is SMF and the third core network function is AMF. This is merely an exemplary description. In connection processing operations involving user plane connections, the third core network function may be UPF, and the detailed process is not repeated here.

[0210] An optional embodiment of the method according to the first aspect is described below in conjunction with Figure 5. Figure 5 is an interactive diagram illustrating an access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] As shown in FIG5 , after establishing the MA PDU session, the terminal may report to the network whether the designated access network is available.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first node may include a terminal (UE), and the second node may include a user plane function (UPF) or a performance measurement function (PMF).

[0213] In some embodiments, in step 1, the terminal may register with the 5GC through the NR access network. The NR access network may be the first 3GPP access network.

[0214] In some embodiments, in step 2, the terminal may register with the 5GC via a satellite NR access network. In one illustrated implementation, the terminal registers with the same PLMN via the satellite NR access network and the NR access network. The satellite NR access network may be a second 3GPP access network.

[0215] In some embodiments, in step 3, if the terminal has registered with the 5GC via dual 3GPP access, an MA PDU session needs to be established between the terminal and the UPF to implement the ATSSS function. An MA PDU session ID may be assigned to the session. For the specific process of establishing an MA PDU session between the terminal and the UPF, please refer to the relevant art and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0216] In a possible implementation, the AMF may send a PDU Session Establishment Accept message to the terminal through the first 3GPP access network and the second 3GPP access network. The PDU Session Establishment Accept information may include measurement assistance information. The measurement assistance information may include the IP address of the PMF (PMF IP address) and the access availability report indicator (AARI). The IP address of the PMF may be used to indicate to the terminal the reporting address of the measurement report for the first 3GPP access network and / or the second 3GPP access network. The access availability report indicator may be used to instruct the terminal to report to the network whether the access network is available.

[0217] For example, in step 3a, the AMF may send a PDU Session Establishment Accept message to the terminal via the NR access network; and in step 3b, the AMF may send a PDU Session Establishment Accept message to the terminal via the satellite NR access network. Steps 3a and 3b are not performed in the same order.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first message may be a PMFP Access Report message.

[0219] In some embodiments, in step 4, the terminal may send a PMFP Access Report message to the UPF. The PMFP Access Report message may include first information. The first information may include a first field for distinguishing the first 3GPP access network from the second 3GPP access network, and a second field for indicating whether the corresponding 3GPP access network is available.

[0220] For example, if the terminal detects that the second 3GPP access network is unavailable, it can determine that the value of the first field is "satellite NR", and the value of the second field can be determined as "unavailability"; further, the terminal can send a PMFP Access Report message containing the above-mentioned first information to the UPF or PMF through any user plane (UP) connection of the MA PDU session.

[0221] In some embodiments, after receiving the PMFP Access Report message, the UPF or PMF may create a PMFP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (Performance Measurement Function Protocol Acknowledgement) message and may send the PMFP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT message to the terminal.

[0222] In some embodiments, the UPF may send a PMFP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT message to the terminal.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the UPF may send a PMFP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT message to the terminal based on the access receiving the PMFP Access Report message, where the access receiving the PMFP Access Report message may be an NR access network or a satellite NR access network.

[0224] An optional embodiment of the method according to the first aspect is described below in conjunction with Figure 6. Figure 6 is an interactive diagram illustrating another access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0225] As shown in FIG6 , after establishing the MA PDU session, the terminal may request the network to configure a diversion strategy for downlink data.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first node may include a terminal (UE), and the second node may include a user plane function (UPF) or a performance measurement function (PMF).

[0227] In some embodiments, in step 1, the UE may register with the 5GC through the NR access network. The NR access network may be the first 3GPP access network.

[0228] In some embodiments, in step 2, the terminal may register with the 5GC via a satellite NR access network. In one illustrated implementation, the terminal registers with the same PLMN via the satellite NR access network and the NR access network. The satellite NR access network may be a second 3GPP access network.

[0229] In some embodiments, in step 3, if the terminal has registered with the 5GC through dual 3GPP access, an MA PDU session needs to be established between the terminal and the UPF to implement the ATSSS function. For the specific process of establishing an MA PDU session between the terminal and the UPF, please refer to the relevant technology and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0230] In a possible implementation, the AMF may send a PDU Session Establishment Accept message to the terminal through the first 3GPP access network and the second 3GPP access network. The PDU Session Establishment Accept information may include measurement assistance information. The measurement assistance information may include the IP address of the PMF (PMF IP address) and the access availability report indicator (AARI). The IP address of the PMF may be used to indicate to the terminal the reporting address of the measurement report for the first 3GPP access network and / or the second 3GPP access network. The access availability report indicator may be used to instruct the terminal to report to the network whether the access network is available.

[0231] For example, in step 3a, the AMF may send a PDU Session Establishment Accept message to the terminal via the NR access network; and in step 3b, the AMF may send a PDU Session Establishment Accept message to the terminal via the satellite NR access network. Steps 3a and 3b are not performed in the same order.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first message may be a PMFP UAD provision message. To initiate terminal assistance data provision, the terminal may send a PMFP UAD provision message to the UPF or PMF.

[0233] In some embodiments, in step 4, the terminal may send a PMFP UAD provision message to the UPF or PMF.

[0234] In some embodiments, the PMFP UAD provision message may include first information, where the first information may be used to instruct the UPF or PMF to offload downlink data through the 3GPP access network indicated by the first information. The first information may be used to indicate at least one of the following: a first 3GPP access network and a corresponding first ratio, or a second 3GPP access network and a corresponding second ratio.

[0235] For example, the UE expects to use downlink data distribution, such as transmitting 70% of the downlink data through the NR access network and 30% of the downlink data through the satellite NR access network. The UE may send a PMFP UAD provision message to the UPF, where the PMFP UAD provision message includes a downlink distribution information element (DL distribution IE) carrying the downlink data distribution, which may be applied by the UPF to all downlink data. The downlink distribution information element shall indicate that 70% of the downlink data is transmitted through the NR access network and 30% of the downlink data is transmitted through the satellite NR access network.

[0236] It should be noted that, in the above embodiments, the downlink data distribution may also be described as downlink traffic distribution, downlink service traffic distribution, etc.

[0237] In some embodiments, the UPF or PMF may receive a PMFP UAD provision message.

[0238] In some embodiments, after receiving the PMFP UAD provision message, the UPF or PMF may align the downlink data distribution of all downlink data according to the downlink distribution information element included in the PMFP UAD provision message. Furthermore, the UPF or PMF may create a PMFP UAD provision complete message and return it to the UE.

[0239] In some embodiments, in step 5, the UPF or PMF may send a PMFP UAD provision complete message to the terminal.

[0240] An optional embodiment of the method according to the first aspect is described below in conjunction with Figure 7. Figure 7 is an interactive diagram illustrating another access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0241] As shown in Figure 7, SMF can notify AMF through which 3GPP access to establish a UP connection and establish an MA PDU session.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first node may include a session management function (SMF) and the second node may include an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0243] In some embodiments, in step 1, the terminal may register with the 5GC through the NR access network. The NR access network may be the first 3GPP access network.

[0244] In some embodiments, in step 2, the terminal may register with the 5GC via a satellite NR access network. In one illustrated implementation, the terminal registers with the same PLMN via the satellite NR access network and the NR access network. The satellite NR access network may be a second 3GPP access network.

[0245] In some embodiments, the UE may initiate a UE-requested PDU session establishment procedure by sending an uplink NAS message. The uplink NAS message may include a request type of "MA PDU Request" and the UE's ATSSS policy in a PDU Session Establishment Request message. The PDU Session Establishment Request message may be sent via the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

[0246] In some embodiments, in step 3, the terminal may send a PDU Session Establishment Request message to the AMF.

[0247] In a possible implementation, the UE sends a PDU Session Establishment Request message to the AMF through NR access as an example.

[0248] In some embodiments, if the AMF supports MA PDU sessions, the AMF may select an SMF that supports MA PDU sessions. In step 4, the AMF may send an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message to the SMF. The Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message may include indication information indicating that the request type is "MA PDU request", which is used to indicate to the SMF that the request is for an MA PDU session. In addition, the AMF may also indicate to the SMF whether the UE is registered on two access networks. The SMF obtains whether the user is allowed to establish an MA PDU session from the session management subscription data.

[0249] In a possible implementation, if a dynamic PCC is deployed, the SMF may request policy control for the MA PDU session from the PCF (Policy Control Function).

[0250] In some embodiments, in step 5, the SMF may select the UPF and may establish an N4 session with the UPF. The SMF may instruct the UPF to activate steer functions, such as MPTCP and MPQUIC. The UPF may allocate an IP address associated with the ATSSS to the UE and return it to the SMF.

[0251] In some embodiments, in step 6, the SMF may send a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF.

[0252] In some embodiments, the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message sent by the SMF to the AMF may include indication information of "MA PDU session accepted" and indicate to the AMF that the N2 session management information contained in the message should be sent to the NR access network.

[0253] In some embodiments, the AMF may mark the PDU session as an MA PDU session based on the received indication information of "MA PDU session accepted".

[0254] In some embodiments, in step 7, the AMF may send N2 session management information to the NR access network. And, in step 8, the AMF may send a downlink NAS message to the UE via the NR access network. The downlink NAS message may include an MA PDU session ID and a PDU session establishment accept message.

[0255] In some embodiments, the UE may receive a PDU session establishment accept message, which may indicate to the UE that the MA PDU session it requested has been successfully established. The PDU session establishment accept message may include the ASSS rules for the MA PDU session generated by the SMF.

[0256] In some embodiments, if in step 4, the AMF notifies the SMF that the UE is registered on both access networks, then in step 9, the SMF may also send a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF, which may include indication information that the MA PDU session has been accepted, and indicate to the AMF that the N2 session management information contained in the message should also be sent to the satellite NR access network. The Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message does not include the N1 session management container for the UE. Accordingly, in step 10, the AMF may send the N2 session management information to the satellite NR access network. And, in step 11, the AMF may send a downlink NAS message to the UE via the satellite NR access network.

[0257] In some embodiments, the downlink NAS message may include an MA PDU session ID and a PDU session establishment accept message.

[0258] After the above steps are completed, an MA PDU session is established through the NR access network and the satellite NR access network. Two N3 tunnels are established between the UPF (PSA) and the NR / satellite NR for the MA PDU session.

[0259] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, steps 6-8 and steps 9-10 shown in FIG. 7 may be executed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0260] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an access differentiation method. Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart illustrating another access differentiation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The access differentiation method illustrated in this embodiment may be executed by a second node.

[0261] As shown in FIG8 , the access differentiation method may include the following steps:

[0262] In step S801, a first message sent by a first node is received.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first message may include first information, and the first information may be used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal. The types of the access networks may include 3GPP access networks and non-3GPP access networks.

[0264] For example, the first information may be an "access network differentiation information" field; the second node may receive the first message sent by the first node, and may distinguish multiple access networks used by the terminal according to the "access network differentiation information" field included in the first message.

[0265] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG8 can be implemented independently or in combination with at least one other embodiment in the present disclosure. The specific selection can be made as needed and the present disclosure does not limit it.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first node may include one of the following: a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device. The core network device may include at least one core network function (NF). The first node may also include any core network function.

[0267] In some embodiments, the second node may include one of the following: a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device. The core network device may include at least one core network function (NF). The second node may also include any core network function. The first node and the second node are different nodes in the communication system.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first node may support ATSSS functionality.The second node may also support ATSSS functionality.

[0269] Optionally, the first node may send a first message to the second node.

[0270] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second node can receive a first message containing first information sent by a first node, and the first information can be used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal. Accordingly, in the case where the terminal accesses the core network through multiple access networks, since the message transmitted between the terminal and the network may be for any one or more access networks among the multiple access networks used by the terminal, the first node can indicate to the second node through the first information which access network the first message is for, so that the second node can distinguish between the multiple access networks used by the terminal based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the first message can be successfully processed by the second node, and also ensuring the implementation of the ATSSS function, avoiding the second node being unable to accurately distinguish between the multiple access networks used by the terminal and causing communication problems.

[0271] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through at least one 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through at least one non-3GPP access network, the first information can be used to distinguish between the 3GPP access network and the non-3GPP access network used by the terminal.

[0272] In a possible implementation, the first information may be used to indicate the type of access network, wherein the type of access network may include a 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network.

[0273] For example, the first information may be an "access network differentiation information" field; when the value of this field is "3GPP", the first information may be used to indicate a 3GPP access network among multiple access networks used by the terminal; when the value of this field is "non-3GPP", the first information may be used to indicate a non-3GPP access network among multiple access networks used by the terminal.

[0274] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through at least two 3GPP access networks, the first information may be used to distinguish between multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0275] In one possible implementation, the first information may be used to indicate a radio access network type to which the 3GPP access network belongs. The radio access network type to which the 3GPP access network belongs may specifically include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: NR, LEO-NR, MEO-NR, LTE, satellite NR, etc.

[0276] For example, the first information may be an "access network differentiation information" field; when the value of this field is "NR", the first information may be used to indicate the NR access network among the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal; when the value of this field is "satellite NR", the first information may be used to indicate the satellite NR access network among the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0277] In another possible implementation, in addition to the radio access network type to which the 3GPP access network belongs, other methods may be used to distinguish different 3GPP access networks. For example, the terminal and the network may agree on identifiers or serial numbers corresponding to different types of 3GPP access networks, and the first information may be used to indicate the identifier or serial number corresponding to the 3GPP access network.

[0278] In the above embodiment, since the access types of the multiple access networks used by the terminal are the same, the first information is only used to indicate the access type of the access network and is insufficient to distinguish between the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal. Accordingly, the first node can use the first information to indicate to the second node which 3GPP access network used by the terminal the first message is intended for, so that the second node can distinguish between the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal based on the first information, thereby ensuring that the first message can be successfully processed by the second node and that the ATSSS function is implemented, thereby avoiding communication problems caused by the second node's inability to accurately distinguish between the multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first information may be a newly defined field. For example, the first information may be a newly defined "access network differentiation information" field.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first information may be an extension of an existing field or a combination of existing information. For example, the first information may be the "access network differentiation information" field newly defined in Rel-19. For example, the first information may be a combination of the "access type (access network type)" field and the "RAT type (radio access technology type)" field.

[0281] In some embodiments, the terminal and network using dual 3GPP access networks need to support the ATSSS function. In a further embodiment, the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, and the first information may indicate the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

[0282] For example, when the terminal accesses the 5G core network through the NR access network and the satellite NR access network, the first 3GPP access network may be the NR access network, the second 3GPP access network may be the satellite NR access network, and the first information may be used to indicate the NR access network or the satellite NR access network.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first node may include the terminal, and the second node may include a first core network function. The terminal may send the first information to the network to inform the network of which access network the operation related to the first message is for.

[0284] In a possible implementation, the first core network function may be UPF or PMF.

[0285] In some embodiments, receiving the first message sent by the first node may include receiving a PMFP Access Report message sent by the terminal, wherein the PMFP Access Report message is used to report to the first core network function whether the access network indicated by the first information is available.

[0286] For example, when a terminal accesses a core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses a core network through a second 3GPP access network, the terminal may send a PMFP Access Report message to a UPF or a PMF, wherein the first information contained in the PMFP Access Report message may be used to indicate at least one of the following: the first 3GPP access network is available, the first 3GPP access network is unavailable, the second 3GPP access network is available, and the second 3GPP access network is unavailable. Based on the received PMFP Access Report message, the UPF or the PMF may determine whether the first 3GPP access network and / or the second 3GPP access network indicated by the first information are available.

[0287] In one possible implementation, the first information may specifically include: a first field for indicating that the radio access network type of the 3GPP access network is the first radio access network type or the second radio access network type; and a second field for indicating the availability (availability) or unavailability (unavailability) of the 3GPP access network.

[0288] For example, when the value of the first field is "NR" and the value of the second field is "availability", the first information may indicate that the 3GPP access network of type "NR" used by the terminal is available.

[0289] For example, when the value of the first field is "LEO-NR" and the value of the second field is "unavailability", the first information may indicate that the 3GPP access network of the type "LEO-NR" used by the terminal is unavailable.

[0290] In one possible implementation, before receiving the PMFP Access Report message sent by the terminal, the method may further include: sending measurement assistance information to the terminal. The measurement assistance information may be used to assist the terminal in determining which measurements need to be performed in the first 3GPP access network and the second 3GPP access network, and whether a measurement report needs to be sent to the network.

[0291] In some embodiments, in addition to requiring the terminal to report whether the access network is available, the first core network function may also require the terminal to report a performance measurement report of the access network, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0292] In some embodiments, receiving the first message sent by the first node may include: receiving a PMFP UAD provision message sent by the terminal, wherein the PMFP UAD provision message is used to instruct the first core network function to divert downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information.

[0293] For example, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the terminal can send a PMFP UAD provision message to the UPF or PMF, wherein the first information included in the PMFP UAD provision message can be used to indicate at least one of the following: a first transmission ratio of downlink data transmitted by the first 3GPP access network, and a second transmission ratio of downlink data transmitted by the second 3GPP access network.

[0294] In a further embodiment, the first information may be used to indicate that downlink data transmitted to the terminal through the multiple access networks is split, and further used to indicate a transmission ratio of the downlink data transmitted by each access network.

[0295] In a further embodiment, the method may further include: distributing the downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information according to the ratio indicated by the first information.

[0296] For example, when the value of the first information is "NR=70%, LEO-NR=30%", the first information may indicate that the terminal expects the UPF or PMF to divert the downlink data transmitted to the terminal through dual 3GPP access, wherein the transmission ratio of the downlink data transmitted by the 3GPP access network of the type "NR" used by the terminal is 70%, and the transmission ratio of the downlink data transmitted by the 3GPP access network of the type "LEO-NR" used by the terminal is 30%.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first node may include a second core network function, and the second node may include a third core network function, wherein the second core network function is different from the third core network function. One NF may send the first information to another NF to inform the other NF of which access network the operation related to the first message is used for by the terminal.

[0298] In one possible implementation, the second core network function may be SMF (Session Management Function), and the third core network function may be AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) or UPF.

[0299] In some embodiments, the receiving of the first message sent by the first node may include: receiving a session management message sent by the second core network function, wherein the session management message is used to instruct the third core network function to perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations between the access network indicated by the first information and the terminal.

[0300] In the above embodiment, the user plane connection may be a connection for exchanging service data between the terminal and the core network, and the control plane connection may be a connection for exchanging control signaling between the terminal and the core network.

[0301] In one implementation shown, the connection may include one of the following: an N1 connection, an N2 connection, and an UP connection.

[0302] In one implementation shown, the operation may include one of the following: a connection establishment operation; a connection modification operation; or a connection release operation.

[0303] In a further embodiment, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information may indicate a radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network belongs. The radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network belongs may be a first radio access network type, and the radio access network type to which the second 3GPP access network belongs may be a second radio access network type, and the first radio access network type and the second radio access network type are different.

[0304] For example, when the terminal accesses the core network through the first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through the second 3GPP access network, the SMF may send a first Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message and a second Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF, wherein the first Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message is used to instruct the AMF to establish an N2 connection with the first 3GPP access network, and the second Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message is used to instruct the AMF to establish an N2 connection with the second 3GPP access network.

[0305] In a possible implementation manner, the first information may include at least a first field for indicating that the radio access network type of the 3GPP access network is the first radio access network type or the second radio access network type.

[0306] For example, when the value of the first field is "NR", the first information may indicate that the N2 session management information contained in the first message is sent to the 3GPP access network of type "NR" used by the terminal.

[0307] For example, when the value of the first field is "LEO-NR", the first information may indicate that the N2 session management information contained in the first message is sent to the 3GPP access network of the type "LEO-NR" used by the terminal.

[0308] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0309] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0310] In some embodiments, the terms "component carrier (CC)", "cell", "frequency carrier", "carrier frequency" and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0311] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0312] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0313] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiment of the access differentiation method, the present disclosure also provides embodiments of a first device and a second device.

[0314] An embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes a first device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the first device is used to execute the access differentiation method described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect.

[0315] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG9 , the first device 900 includes a transceiver module 901 .

[0316] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to send a first message to the second node, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first information is used to distinguish between multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0318] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first node includes the terminal and the second node includes a first core network function.

[0320] In some embodiments, the transceiver module includes:

[0321] The first sending submodule is configured to send a Performance Measurement Function Protocol Access Report (PMFP Access Report) message to the first core network function, wherein the PMFP Access Report message is used to report to the first core network function whether the access network indicated by the first information is available.

[0322] In some embodiments, the transceiver module includes:

[0323] The second sending submodule is used to send a Performance Measurement Function Protocol User Assisted Data Provision PMFP UAD provision message to the first core network function, wherein the PMFP UAD provision message is used to instruct the first core network function to divert downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that downlink data transmitted to the terminal is split through the multiple access networks, and is also used to indicate a transmission ratio of each access network for transmitting the downlink data.

[0325] In some embodiments, the first core network function is a user plane function UPF, or a performance measurement function PMF.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first node includes a second core network function and the second node includes a third core network function.

[0327] In some embodiments, the transceiver module includes:

[0328] The third sending submodule is used to send a session management message to the third core network function, wherein the session management message is used to instruct the third core network function to perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations between the access network indicated by the first information and the terminal; the user plane connection is a connection for business data interaction between the terminal and the core network; the control plane connection is a connection for control signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0329] In some embodiments, the operation includes one of the following: a connection establishment operation; a connection modification operation; a connection release operation.

[0330] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates the wireless access network type to which the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network belongs; wherein the wireless access network type to which the first 3GPP access network belongs is a first wireless access network type, and the wireless access network type to which the second 3GPP access network belongs is a second wireless access network type, and the first wireless access network type is different from the second wireless access network type.

[0331] In some embodiments, the second core network function is a session management function SMF, and the third core network function is an access management function AMF or a user plane function UPF.

[0332] It should be noted that the modules included in the first device are not limited to the modules described in the above embodiments, and may also include other modules, such as a storage module, a display module, etc.

[0333] An embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes a second device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the second device is used to execute the access differentiation method described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0334] FIG10 is a schematic block diagram of a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG10 , the second device 1000 includes a transceiver module 1001 .

[0335] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive a first message sent by a first node, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal.

[0336] In some embodiments, the first information is used to distinguish between multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

[0337] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

[0338] In some embodiments, the first node includes the terminal and the second node includes a first core network function.

[0339] In some embodiments, the transceiver module includes:

[0340] The first receiving submodule is configured to receive a PMFP Access Report message sent by the terminal, wherein the PMFP Access Report message is used to report to the first core network function whether the access network indicated by the first information is available.

[0341] In some embodiments, the transceiver module includes:

[0342] The second receiving submodule is configured to receive a PMFP UAD provision message sent by the terminal, wherein the PMFP UAD provision message is used to instruct the first core network function to offload downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that downlink data transmitted to the terminal through the multiple access networks is split, and is also used to indicate a transmission ratio of each access network for transmitting the downlink data;

[0344] The second device further includes:

[0345] The diversion module is configured to divert downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information according to the ratio indicated by the first information.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first core network function is a user plane function UPF, or a performance measurement function PMF.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first node includes a second core network function and the second node includes a third core network function.

[0348] In some embodiments, the transceiver module includes:

[0349] The first receiving submodule is used to receive a session management message sent by the second core network function, wherein the session management message is used to instruct the third core network function to perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations between the access network indicated by the first information and the terminal; the user plane connection is a connection for business data interaction between the terminal and the core network; the control plane connection is a connection for control signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0350] In some embodiments, the operation includes one of the following: a connection establishment operation; a connection modification operation; a connection release operation.

[0351] In some embodiments, when the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates a radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network belongs; wherein the radio access network type to which the first 3GPP access network belongs is a first radio access network type, the radio access network type to which the second 3GPP access network belongs is a second radio access network type, and the first radio access network type is different from the second radio access network type;

[0352] The second device further includes:

[0353] A first processing module, configured to perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations with the terminal through the first 3GPP access network according to the first information indicating the first radio access network type;

[0354] The second processing module is configured to perform user plane connection and control plane connection operations with the terminal through the second 3GPP access network according to the second radio access network type indicated by the first information.

[0355] In some embodiments, the second core network function is a session management function SMF, and the third core network function is an access management function AMF or a user plane function UPF.

[0356] For the device embodiment, since it basically corresponds to the method embodiment, the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiment. The device embodiment described above is merely illustrative, wherein the modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the scheme of this embodiment. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without paying any creative work.

[0357] An embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes a first device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the first device to execute the access differentiation method described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect.

[0358] An embodiment of the present disclosure further proposes a second device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the second device to execute the access differentiation method described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0359] An embodiment of the present disclosure also proposes a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the access differentiation method described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect, and / or the access differentiation method described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0360] An embodiment of the present disclosure also proposes a communication system, including a first node and a second node, wherein the first node is configured to implement the access differentiation method described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect, and the second node is configured to implement the access differentiation method described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0361] An embodiment of the present disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the access differentiation method described in the first aspect and the optional embodiment of the first aspect, and / or the access differentiation method described in the second aspect and the optional embodiment of the second aspect.

[0362] The present disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, a device is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by the first node in any of the above methods. For another example, another device is provided that includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by the second node in any of the above methods.

[0363] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0364] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0365] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 11100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 11100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 11100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0366] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 11100 includes one or more processors 11101. The processor 11101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The processor 11101 is used to call instructions to enable the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0367] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more memories 11102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 11102 may be located outside the communication device 11100.

[0368] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more transceivers 11103. When the communication device 11100 includes one or more transceivers 11103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 11103, and the other steps are performed by the processor 11101.

[0369] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0370] Optionally, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more interface circuits 11104, which are connected to the memory 11102. The interface circuits 11104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 11102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 11102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 11104 may read instructions stored in the memory 11102 and send the instructions to the processor 11101.

[0371] The communication device 11100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 11100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 11100 may not be limited by FIG. 11 . The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0372] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 12200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 11100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 12200 shown in FIG12 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0373] The chip 12200 includes one or more processors 12201 , and the processor 12201 is used to call instructions so that the chip 12200 executes any of the above methods.

[0374] In some embodiments, the chip 12200 further includes one or more interface circuits 12202, which are connected to the memory 12203. The interface circuit 12202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 12203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory.

[0375] 12203 or other devices to send signals. For example, the interface circuit 12202 can read the instructions stored in the memory 12203 and send the instructions to the processor 12201. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0376] In some embodiments, chip 12200 further includes one or more memories 12203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of memory 12203 may be located outside chip 12200.

[0377] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 11100, the communication device 11100 is caused to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a transient storage medium.

[0378] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 11100, enables the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0379] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. An access differentiation method, characterized in that: Executed by the first node, the method includes: A first message is sent to the second node, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information is used to distinguish multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that In a case where the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first node includes the terminal, and the second node includes a first core network function.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The sending a first message to the second node includes: A performance measurement function protocol access report (PMFP Access Report) message is sent to the first core network function, wherein the PMFP Access Report message is used to report to the first core network function whether the access network indicated by the first information is available.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The sending a first message to the second node includes: A Performance Measurement Function Protocol User Assisted Data Provision (PMFP UAD) provision message is sent to the first core network function, wherein the PMFP UAD provision message is used to instruct the first core network function to divert downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate that downlink data transmitted to the terminal is split through the multiple access networks, and is also used to indicate a transmission ratio of each access network for transmitting the downlink data.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that The first core network function is a user plane function UPF, or a performance measurement function PMF.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first node includes a second core network function, and the second node includes a third core network function.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The sending a first message to the second node includes: A session management message is sent to the third core network function, wherein the session management message is used to instruct the third core network function to perform operations of user plane connection and control plane connection between the access network indicated by the first information and the terminal; the user plane connection is a connection for business data interaction between the terminal and the core network; the control plane connection is a connection for control signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The operation includes one of the following: Connection establishment operation; Connection modification operations; Connection release operation.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: When the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates a type of wireless access network to which the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network belongs; The wireless access network type to which the first 3GPP access network belongs is a first wireless access network type, the wireless access network type to which the second 3GPP access network belongs is a second wireless access network type, and the first wireless access network type is different from the second wireless access network type.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The second core network function is a session management function SMF, and the third core network function is an access management function AMF or a user plane function UPF.

14. An access differentiation method, characterized in that: Executed by the second node, the method includes: A first message sent by a first node is received, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish multiple access networks used by a terminal.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The first information is used to distinguish multiple 3GPP access networks used by the terminal.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that In a case where the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The first node includes the terminal, and the second node includes a first core network function.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The receiving a first message sent by the first node includes: A PMFP Access Report message is received from the terminal, wherein the PMFP Access Report message is used to report to the first core network function whether the access network indicated by the first information is available.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The receiving a first message sent by the first node includes: A PMFP UAD provision message sent by the terminal is received, wherein the PMFP UAD provision message is used to instruct the first core network function to offload downlink data through the access network indicated by the first information.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate that downlink data transmitted to the terminal through the multiple access networks is split, and is also used to indicate a transmission ratio of each access network for transmitting the downlink data; The method further comprises: According to the ratio indicated by the first information, the downlink data is diverted through the access network indicated by the first information.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that The first core network function is a user plane function UPF, or a performance measurement function PMF.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The first node includes a second core network function, and the second node includes a third core network function.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The receiving a first message sent by the first node includes: Receive a session management message sent by the second core network function, wherein the session management message is used to instruct the third core network function to perform operations of user plane connection and control plane connection between the access network indicated by the first information and the terminal; the user plane connection is a connection for business data interaction between the terminal and the core network; the control plane connection is a connection for control signaling interaction between the terminal and the core network.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The operation includes one of the following: Connection establishment operation; Connection modification operations; Connection release operation.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that When the terminal accesses the core network through a first 3GPP access network and accesses the core network through a second 3GPP access network, the first information indicates a type of wireless access network to which the first 3GPP access network or the second 3GPP access network belongs; The wireless access network type to which the first 3GPP access network belongs is a first wireless access network type, the wireless access network type to which the second 3GPP access network belongs is a second wireless access network type, and the first wireless access network type is different from the second wireless access network type; The method further comprises: According to the first information indicating the first radio access network type, performing user plane connection and control plane connection operations with the terminal through the first 3GPP access network; or, According to the first information indicating the type of the second radio access network, a user plane connection and a control plane connection are performed with the terminal through the second 3GPP access network.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that The second core network function is a session management function SMF, and the third core network function is an access management function AMF or a user plane function UPF.

27. A first device, characterized in that: The device comprises: The transceiver module is used to send a first message to the second node, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish multiple access networks used by the terminal.

28. A second device, characterized in that: The device comprises: The transceiver module is used to receive a first message sent by a first node, where the first message includes first information, wherein the first information is used to distinguish between multiple access networks used by the terminal.

29. A first device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The processor is used to call instructions to enable the first device to execute the access differentiation method described in any one of claims 1-13.

30. A second device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The processor is used to call instructions to enable the second device to execute the access differentiation method described in any one of claims 14-26.

31. A communication device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; The processor is used to call instructions so that the communication device executes the access differentiation method described in any one of claims 1-13 or 14-26.

32. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a first node and a second node, wherein the first node is configured to implement the access differentiation method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and the second node is configured to implement the access differentiation method according to any one of claims 14 to 26.

33. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is enabled to execute the access differentiation method described in any one of claims 1-13 or 14-26.

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