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

Abstract

The invention provides a user plane connection establishment method and device, core network equipment, communication equipment, a communication system and a storage medium, and the method comprises the steps that a first network element can receive a first message sent by a second network element, the first message comprises first information, the first information is used for indicating to add a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, and the second network element is used for sending the first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element; the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are / is used for the first service. The method disclosed by the invention supports triggering by the second network element which has established the user plane connection with the terminal so as to add the user plane connection corresponding to the third network element, and supports simultaneous establishment of user plane connections corresponding to a plurality of network elements.

Description

User plane connection establishment method and device, core network equipment, communication equipment, communication system, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for establishing a user plane connection, core network equipment, communication equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In communication systems, positioning services include regulatory positioning services and commercial positioning services. For non-regulatory positioning services, positioning can be supported on the user plane connection between the terminal and the core network element. The terminal and the core network element can use the user plane connection to transmit auxiliary service information and Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, apparatus, core network device, device, chip system, storage medium, computer program and computer program product for establishing a user plane connection, which can be applied in the field of communication technology to solve the technical problem of "not being able to simultaneously establish user plane connections corresponding to multiple network elements".

[0005] The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for establishing a user plane connection, core network equipment, communication equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for establishing a user plane connection is proposed, which is executed by a first network element, including: receiving a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0007] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for establishing a user plane connection is proposed, which is executed by a second network element, including: sending a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0008] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for establishing a user plane connection is proposed, including: a second network element sends a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for a first service; the first network element receives the first message sent by the second network element.

[0009] According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user plane connection establishment device is proposed, including: a transceiver module, used to receive a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0010] According to the fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user plane connection establishment device is proposed, including: a transceiver module, used to send a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0011] According to the sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a core network device is proposed, comprising: a first network element and a second network element; wherein the second network element is used to send a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message comprises: first information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service; the first network element is used to receive the first message sent by the second network element.

[0012] 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 user plane connection establishment method of any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

[0013] According to the eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, characterized in that it includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element and / or a terminal, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the user plane connection establishment method of the first aspect, and the second network element is configured to implement the user plane connection establishment method of the second aspect.

[0014] According to the ninth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions, and is characterized in that when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes a user plane connection establishment method as described in any one of the first, second, and third aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology will be described below.

[0016] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG2A is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG2B is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG3B is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG3C is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane connection according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG4A is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG4B is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG5 is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG6 is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG7A is a schematic structural diagram of a device for establishing a user plane connection proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG7B is a schematic structural diagram of a device for establishing a user plane connection proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a core network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG9A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure provides a user plane connection establishment method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "user plane connection establishment method" and "information processing method" and "communication method" are interchangeable; the terms "user plane connection establishment apparatus" and "information processing apparatus" and "communication apparatus" are interchangeable; and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system" are interchangeable.

[0032] 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 implementation methods 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 implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0036] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0037] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "at least one of", "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, descriptions such as “at least one of A, B, C…”, “A and / or B and / or C…”, etc. include the situation where any one of A, B, C… exists alone, and also include any combination of any multiple of A, B, C…, and each situation can exist alone; for example, “at least one of A, B, C” includes the situation where A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of A, B, and C; for example, A and / or B includes the situation where A exists alone, B exists alone, and the combination of A and B.

[0039] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "in one case A, in another case B," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B," may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: executing A independently of B (in some embodiments, A); executing B independently of A (in some embodiments, B); selectively executing A and B (in some embodiments, selecting between A and B); and executing both A and B (in some embodiments, A and B). The same applies when there are more branches, such as A, B, and C.

[0040] 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 restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0045] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0046] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0049] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The correspondences shown in the tables of the present disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values, which are not limited by the present disclosure. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, in the tables of the present disclosure, the correspondences shown in certain rows may not be configured. For another example, appropriate deformation adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the titles of the above tables may also adopt other names that can be understood by the communication device, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters may also adopt other values ​​or representations that can be understood by the communication device. When implementing the above tables, other data structures may also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables or hash tables, etc.

[0052] The predefined in the present disclosure may be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0053] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 may include a terminal 101 and a core network device 102 .

[0054] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may include, 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.

[0055] In some embodiments, the core network device 102 may be a single device including a first network element 1021, a second network element 1022, a third network element 1023, etc., or may be a plurality of devices or a device group including all or part of the first network element 1021, the second network element 1022, and the third network element 1023. The network elements 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).

[0056] In some embodiments, the first network element 1021 is, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first network element 1021 is used to provide access and mobility management functions, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second network element 1022 is, for example, a location management function (LMF) network element that provides positioning services.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second network element 1022 is used to provide a location management function, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0060] In some embodiments, the third network element 1023 is, for example, a location management function (LMF) network element that provides positioning services.

[0061] In some embodiments, the third network element 1023 is used to provide location management functions, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second network element 1022 may be an LMF network element that has established a user plane connection with the terminal, and the second network element 1022 may also be referred to as a source LMF network element.

[0063] In some embodiments, the third network element 1023 may be a newly added LMF network element, and the third network element 1023 may also be referred to as a target LMF network element.

[0064] In some embodiments, the newly added LMF network element may be selected by the AMF network element, or by the source LMF network element.

[0065] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 and the core network device 102 can be connected through an access network device. Optionally, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses the 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, and at least one of an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in Figure 1, or may include other entities outside of Figure 1. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0068] The embodiments of the present disclosure may 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 802.17 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.18 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.19 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.21 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.22 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.23 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.24 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.25 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.26 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.27 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.28 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.29 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.30 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.31 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.32 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.33 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), 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), systems utilizing other user plane connection establishment methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these systems. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0069] To facilitate understanding, the terms involved in this disclosure are first introduced.

[0070] 1. Access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0071] The AMF network element is a logical node function network element on the core network side. It is the access point for the terminal and wireless core network control plane. It receives all connection and session related information from the user equipment and performs registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management. In addition, the AMF network element provides a session management message transmission channel for the terminal equipment and the session management function (SMF) device, providing authentication and authorization functions for user access.

[0072] 2. Location management function (LMF) network element.

[0073] The LMF is located in the local radio access network (RAN) or core network (CN) side and is used to provide location management function services to the UE.

[0074] 3. User plane function (UPF) network elements, including routing and forwarding of user data packets, data interaction with external data networks, user plane quality of service (QoS) processing, and flow control rule implementation (such as gating, redirection, and traffic steering).

[0075] In the communication system, positioning services include regulatory positioning services and commercial positioning services. For non-regulatory positioning services, positioning can be supported on the user plane connection between the UE and the LMF network element. The LMF network element and the UE can use the user plane connection to transmit auxiliary service information and Long Term Evolution LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages.

[0076] Optionally, positioning can be achieved through a user plane connection. The LMF network element can act as an application server and be deployed within the 5GC. The user plane connection between the terminal and the LMF network element can be established within a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. The user plane path between the terminal and the LMF network element is used to establish the user plane connection.

[0077] Optionally, the UE can establish a PDU session for user plane positioning based on local configuration or UE Routing Selection Policy (URSP) using PDU session parameters related to user plane positioning services (such as dedicated data network name (DNN) and single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI)).

[0078] Optionally, the SMF network element can select a PDU session anchor UPF (PDU session anchor UPF, PSA UPF, located at the central site or local site) connected to the LMF for this PDU session based on S-NSSAI, DNN and UE location information.

[0079] Optionally, the selection of the local PSA can be determined by the Internet Protocol Address (IP address), network prefix and Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) of the local LMF for positioning services within a specific service area pre-configured in the SMF. Session grouping of local LMF network elements can also be supported to perform user plane positioning services.

[0080] Optionally, switching from a source LMF network element to a target LMF network element can be supported. During this process, the source LMF network element terminates the user plane connection with the terminal, and the target LMF network element can establish a user plane connection with the terminal.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, it can support triggering by the second network element that has established a user plane connection with the terminal to add a user plane connection corresponding to the third network element, and support simultaneous establishment of user plane connections corresponding to multiple network elements.

[0082] FIG2A is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane connection, which can be used in a communication system 100. The method includes:

[0083] Step S2101: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, an AMF network element.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, a LMF network element.

[0086] In some embodiments, the third network element is, for example, a LMF network element.

[0087] In some embodiments, the second network element may be an LMF network element that has established a user plane connection with the terminal, and the second network element may also be referred to as a source LMF network element.

[0088] In some embodiments, the third network element may be a newly added LMF network element, and the third network element may also be referred to as a target LMF network element.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first service is a user plane positioning service. Of course, the first service may also be any other possible service.

[0091] In some embodiments, the positioning service may share the DNN and S-NSSAI with other services, that is, the positioning service may be deployed on the same DNN and / or S-NSSAI as other services.

[0092] In some embodiments, positioning services may be deployed on dedicated DNNs and / or S-NSSAIs.

[0093] In some embodiments, if the first service is a user plane positioning service, the user plane connection established based on the user plane path can be enabled to support effective implementation of the user plane positioning service.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first message is used to instruct adding a first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first message includes: first information, where the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first information may also be used to indicate information of an added third network element.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first information may also be used to indicate adding a third network element.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first information may also be an instruction requesting to add a third network element.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first information may also be an indication requesting to add a target LMF network element.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the status of the user plane connection of the first service; second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the modification of the user plane connection of the first service; third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate the reason for modifying the user plane connection of the first service; fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate a request to add a third network element; fifth indication information, wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the user plane connection of the first service needs to be reconnected, so as to accurately and flexibly indicate to the first network element the addition of the first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first message is used by the second network element to notify the first service user plane of changes, thereby being able to reuse existing messages and effectively avoid excessive indication overhead.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first message is sent by the second network element by calling the Nlmf_Location_UPNotify service operation.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first information is the status information of the user plane connection of the first service, and the status information of the user plane connection of the first service is used to indicate the addition of the first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element to the first network element. This can achieve the reuse of existing information, effectively avoid excessive indication overhead, and improve indication flexibility.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first message also includes: second information; wherein, the second information is used to indicate the third network element selected by the second network element, thereby, the third network element can be selected by the second network element, and the second network element can also indicate the selected third network element to the first network element, thereby improving the selection flexibility of the third network element and being effectively applicable to personalized communication scenarios.

[0105] In some embodiments, the information used to indicate the third network element selected by the second network element may be referred to as second information.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second information includes: an identifier of a third network element; user plane information of the third network element; service area information of the third network element; service information supported by the third network element; an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the third network element; and at least one of the following: a data network access identifier (DNAI) of the third network element, which can facilitate the first network element to accurately determine the third network element selected by the second network element based on the second information.

[0107] Step S2102: The first network element receives a first message sent by the second network element.

[0108] In some embodiments, after receiving the first message, the first network element may learn that the second network element instructs to add a first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first network element may trigger establishment of a first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element, so as to timely establish the first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element to support effective implementation of the first service.

[0110] Step S2103: The first network element obtains user plane information of the third network element.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first network element may obtain second information from the first message, the second information may include user plane information of the third network element, and the user plane information of the third network element may be used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element.

[0112] In some embodiments, if the second information does not include user plane information of the third network element, the first network element may request to obtain user plane information of the third network element based on other information related to the third network element in the second information (such as the identifier of the third network element).

[0113] In some embodiments, the user plane information of the third network element is used to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element

[0114] In some embodiments, the user plane information of the third network element may be, for example, the user plane location address, security-related information, etc. of the target LMF network element.

[0115] In some embodiments, the user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element may be referred to as a first user plane connection.

[0116] In some embodiments, the user plane connection between the terminal and the second network element may be referred to as a second user plane connection.

[0117] Step S2104: The first network element sends user plane information of the third network element to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first network element may send the obtained user plane information of the third network element to the terminal. After obtaining the user plane information of the third network element, the terminal may establish a first user plane connection with the third network element with reference to the user plane information of the third network element.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terminal can establish a first user plane connection by referring to the user plane location address, security-related information, etc. of the target LMF network element.

[0120] In some embodiments, the AMF network element can send the user plane location address, security-related information, etc. of the target LMF network element to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish a first user plane connection between it and the target LMF network element.

[0121] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network element sends user plane information of the third network element to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish a first user plane connection between it and the third network element, so as to timely establish the first user plane connection between the terminal and the target LMF network element to support the first service based on the user plane connection.

[0122] Step S2105: The first network element updates the user plane connection context for the first service according to the first user plane connection.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first network element may obtain the context of the first user plane connection and update the user plane connection context for the first service according to the context of the first user plane connection, thereby timely updating the user plane connection context of the first service to support the effective implementation of the first service.

[0124] Step S2106: The first network element sends a fourth message to the second network element.

[0125] In some embodiments, the fourth message is used to request the second network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to a third network element.

[0126] In some embodiments, the message for requesting the second network element to migrate the selected portion of the first service to the third network element may be referred to as a fourth message.

[0127] In some embodiments, the fourth message is, for example, an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message.

[0128] In some embodiments, the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message may include a request from the source LMF network element to move the selected positioning service to the target LMF network element.

[0129] In some embodiments, taking the first service as a positioning service as an example, the number of positioning services may be one or more, and the selected positioning service may be, for example, some positioning services among multiple positioning services, or a part of one positioning service.

[0130] Therefore, the first network element can also select part of the first service and request the second network element to migrate the selected part of the first service to the third network element, so as to execute the selected part of the first service based on the first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element, which can improve the flexibility of the implementation of the first service and is suitable for the personalized implementation scenario of the first service.

[0131] Step S2107: The second network element receives the fourth message sent by the first network element.

[0132] In some embodiments, after receiving the fourth message sent by the first network element, the second network element may migrate a selected portion of the first service to the third network element.

[0133] In some embodiments, after the source LMF network element receives the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message sent by the AMF network element, it can migrate the selected part of the positioning service to the target LMF network element.

[0134] Step S2108: The first network element executes other first services based on the second user plane connection.

[0135] In some embodiments, the other first services are different from the selected portion of the first services, and the selected portion of the first services has been migrated to the third network element.

[0136] In some embodiments, other first services refer to the remaining first services except the selected portion of first services, and may be the unselected portion of first services among multiple first services, or the unselected remaining portion of first services.

[0137] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may execute the first service that has not been migrated based on the second user plane connection between the terminal and the source LMF network element, and execute the first service that has been migrated based on the first user plane connection between the terminal and the target LMF network element.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first network element may further continue to execute the first service that has not been migrated based on the second user plane connection between the terminal and the second network element, thereby ensuring the implementation continuity of the first service that has not been migrated.

[0139] The user plane connection establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2108. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S2101+S2102 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S2101+S2102+S2103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0140] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0141] In this embodiment, the second network element can indicate the first information and the second information to the first network element, the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service, and the second information is used to indicate the third network element selected by the second network element. Thus, it supports triggering by the second network element that has established a user plane connection with the terminal to add a user plane connection corresponding to the third network element, and supports the simultaneous establishment of user plane connections corresponding to multiple network elements. The second network element can also select the third network element, and the second network element can also indicate the selected third network element to the first network element, thereby improving the flexibility of selecting the third network element and effectively applying it to personalized communication scenarios.

[0142] FIG2B is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2B , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane connection, which can be used in a communication system 100. The method includes:

[0143] Step S2201: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element.

[0144] Step S2202: The first network element receives a first message sent by the second network element.

[0145] For the description of step S2201-step S2202, please refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0146] Step S2203: The first network element selects a third network element according to the first information.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first network element may also refer to the first information to select a newly added third network element.

[0148] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may refer to the first information to select a target LMF network element.

[0149] Therefore, the first network element can select the third network element, which improves the selection flexibility of the third network element and is effectively applicable to personalized communication scenarios.

[0150] Step S2204: The first network element sends a second message to the third network element, where the second message is used to request establishment of a first user plane connection.

[0151] In some embodiments, the second message may be, for example, a Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message.

[0152] In some embodiments, a request for obtaining user plane information of a third network element may be made based on an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message.

[0153] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may send an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message to the target LMF network element to request the user plane information of the target LMF network element.

[0154] Step S2205: The third network element sends a third message to the first network element according to the second message, where the third message includes user plane information of the third network element.

[0155] In some embodiments, the target LMF network element can feedback a third message to the AMF network element, and the third message carries the user plane information of the target LMF network element.

[0156] In some embodiments, the third message is used by the third network element to forward the N1N2 interface message, thereby being able to reuse existing messages and effectively avoid occupying too much indication overhead.

[0157] In some embodiments, the third message may be, for example, a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0158] Thus, the first network element can also obtain the user plane information of the third network element from the third network element, and can obtain the user plane information of the third network element in a timely manner to support timely establishment of the first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element.

[0159] Step S2206: The first network element sends user plane information of the third network element to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element.

[0160] Step S2207: The first network element updates the user plane connection context for the first service according to the first user plane connection.

[0161] Step S2208: The first network element sends a fourth message to the second network element.

[0162] Step S2209: The second network element receives the fourth message sent by the first network element.

[0163] Step S2210: The first network element executes other first services based on the second user plane connection.

[0164] For the description of steps S2206 to S2210, please refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0165] The user plane connection establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2210. For example, step S2201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps S2201+S2202 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S2201+S2202+S2203 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0166] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0167] In this embodiment, the second network element can indicate first information to the first network element, where the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element. The second network element is different from the third network element, and the second network element has already established a second user plane connection with the terminal. The first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service. Thus, it is possible to support the triggering of the second network element that has established a user plane connection with the terminal to add a user plane connection corresponding to the third network element, and to support the simultaneous establishment of user plane connections corresponding to multiple network elements. The third network element can be selected by the first network element, which improves the flexibility of the third network element selection and is effectively applicable to personalized communication scenarios.

[0168] FIG3A is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane connection, which can be used in a first network element. The method includes:

[0169] Step S3101, receiving a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0170] The user plane connection establishment method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include step S3101. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0171] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0172] FIG3B is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane connection, which can be used in a first network element. The method includes:

[0173] Step S3201, receiving a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes: first information and second information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service, and the second information is used to indicate the third network element selected by the second network element.

[0174] Step S3202: Obtain user plane information of the third network element.

[0175] Step S3203: Send user plane information of the third network element to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element.

[0176] The user plane connection establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3203. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto. Steps S3201+S3202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and so on, but are not limited thereto.

[0177] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0178] FIG3C is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane connection, which can be used in a first network element. The method includes:

[0179] Step S3301, receive a first message sent by the second network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0180] Step S3302: Select a third network element based on the first information.

[0181] Step S3303: Send a second message to the third network element, where the second message is used to request establishment of a first user plane connection.

[0182] Step S3304: Receive a third message sent by a third network element, where the third message includes: user plane information of the third network element.

[0183] Step S3305: Send user plane information of the third network element to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element.

[0184] Step S3306: Update the user plane connection context for the first service according to the first user plane connection.

[0185] Step S3307: Send a fourth message to the second network element, where the fourth message is used to request the second network element to migrate the selected part of the first service to the third network element.

[0186] Step S3308: Execute other first services based on the second user plane connection, wherein the other first services are different from the selected part of the first services, and the selected part of the first services have been migrated to the third network element.

[0187] The user plane connection establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3308. For example, step S3301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but is not limited thereto. Steps S3301+S3302 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and so on, but are not limited thereto.

[0188] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0189] FIG4A is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane connection, which can be used in a second network element. The method includes:

[0190] Step S4101, send a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0191] The user plane connection establishment method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include step S4101.

[0192] For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

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

[0194] FIG4B is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane connection, which can be used for a second network element. The method includes:

[0195] Step S4201, send a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information and second information, the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection is used for the first service, and the second information is used to indicate the third network element selected by the second network element.

[0196] Step S4202: Receive a fourth message sent by the first network element, where the fourth message is used to request the second network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to the third network element.

[0197] The user plane connection establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 and S4202. For example, step S4201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto. Steps S4201+S4202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0198] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0199] Figure 5 is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane connection, which can be used in a communication system. The method includes:

[0200] In step S5101, the second network element sends a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to the third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for the first service.

[0201] Step S5102: The first network element receives a first message sent by the second network element.

[0202] The user plane connection establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 and S5102. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto. Steps S5101+S5102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0203] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0204] The following is an exemplary introduction to the above method.

[0205] Optional embodiment:

[0206] As shown in Figure 6, Figure 6 is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane connection, shown in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the present disclosure embodiment includes an AMF network element, a source LMF network element, a target LMF network element, and a UE. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a user plane connection has already been established between the UE and the source LMF network element. The source LMF network element triggers the addition of a new LMF, which can be referred to as a target LMF network element.

[0207] 1. The source LMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_UPNotify message to the AMF network element (including the identifier of the target LMF network element, an indication requesting to add the target LMF network element, and the user plane information of the target LMF network element).

[0208] In some embodiments, the source LMF network element may indicate the identifier of the target LMF network element, the request to add the target LMF network element, and the user plane information of the target LMF network element to the AMF network element through the Nlmf_Location_UPNotify message.

[0209] In some embodiments, the source LMF network element may decide to add a new LMF network element based on the location service configuration.

[0210] In some embodiments, the location service configuration may include all LMF network elements in the service area of ​​each location service, as well as deployment information of the LMF network elements.

[0211] In some embodiments, the target LMF network element can be selected by the source LMF network element, and the source LMF network element can send the identity (ID) of the target LMF network element to the AMF network element, which also includes the information of the LMF network element requested to be added, and may also include the user plane information of the target LMF network element.

[0212] In some embodiments, in order to include information about the LMF network element requested to be added, the status information of the user plane connection of the first service (for example, the positioning service user plane connection status (LCS-UP connection status)) can be set to modification in the Nlmf_Location_UPNotify service operation, and the reason for the modification can be set to a request to add an LMF network element or a request to reconnect.

[0213] In some embodiments, other methods may also be used to achieve the same purpose, for example, setting the user plane connection state of the positioning service and requesting reconnection or requesting to add an LMF network element.

[0214] In some embodiments, the added LMF network element may also be referred to as a target LMF network element.

[0215] In some embodiments, if the source LMF network element can retrieve the user plane information of the target LMF network element, the user plane information of the target LMF network element can be indicated to the AMF network element.

[0216] In some embodiments, when the target LMF network element is selected through a Network Repository Function (NRF) network element, the user plane information may be included in the NRF network element, or the user plane information may be configured locally in the source LMF network element.

[0217] In some embodiments, the information of the target LMF network element included in the message may include address information of the target LMF network element in addition to the identifier of the target LMF network element.

[0218] In some embodiments, the message does not include user plane information of the target LMF network element.

[0219] In some embodiments, the message does not include the identifier of the target LMF network element and the user plane information of the target LMF network element. In this case, the AMF network element can select the target LMF network element to be added based on local configuration information and / or location information.

[0220] 2a. The AMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message to the target LMF network element.

[0221] In some embodiments, the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message, if the user plane information of the target LMF network element is not included in step 1, the AMF network element can request the user plane information from the target LMF network element according to the ID of the target LMF network element.

[0222] 2b. The target LMF network element sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message (including user plane information) to the AMF network element.

[0223] In some embodiments, if the target LMF network element accepts the request for positioning using the user plane in step 2a, and no secure user plane connection is established between the UE and the target LMF network element, the target LMF network element can send user plane information to the AMF network element, indicating that the UE accepts and uses the user plane for positioning.

[0224] In some embodiments, the user plane information may include the user plane location address and security-related information of the target LMF network element.

[0225] 2. The AMF network element sends a DL NAS TRANSPORT message (including user plane information) to the UE.

[0226] In some embodiments, the DL NAS TRANSPORT message refers to a downlink non-access layer transport message, and the DL NAS TRANSPORT message includes user plane information of a target LMF network element.

[0227] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may send the user plane information of the target LMF network element to the UE via a DL NAS TRANSPORT message.

[0228] In some embodiments, the AMF network element receives user plane information from the target LMF network element in step 2b, or receives user plane information from the source LMF network element in step 1, or retrieves user plane information locally based on the ID of the target LMF network element received in step 1.

[0229] 3. The UE sends a UL NAS TRANSPORT message (user plane location confirmation information) to the AMF network element.

[0230] In some embodiments, the UL NAS TRANSPORT message represents an uplink non-access stratum transport message.

[0231] In some embodiments, if a new applicable PDU session needs to be established for a new user plane positioning service, the UE can use the user equipment routing selection policy (URSP) to establish a PDU session that supports the user plane positioning service. The URSP includes PDU session parameters related to user plane positioning, such as dedicated DNN, S-NSSAI, etc.

[0232] 4. The AMF network element sends a Namf_N1MessageNotify message (user plane positioning confirmation information) to the target LMF network element.

[0233] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may send user plane location confirmation information to the target LMF network element via a Namf_N1MessageNotify message.

[0234] In some embodiments, the Namf_N1MessageNotify message may represent an N1 interface notification message.

[0235] In some embodiments, through steps 3 and 4, the UE can send user plane positioning confirmation information to the target LMF network element through the AMF network element, indicating that the user plane connection positioning service is successful or the user plane connection positioning service fails.

[0236] 5. Notify the UE via the known UE IP address.

[0237] In some embodiments, if the target LMF network element knows the IP address of the UE, the target LMF network element may notify the UE to establish a user plane connection through the known IP address.

[0238] 6. The UE establishes a user plane connection.

[0239] In some embodiments, the UE may establish a user plane connection with the target LMF network element.

[0240] 7. The target LMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_UPNotify message (user plane positioning confirmation information) to the AMF network element.

[0241] In some embodiments, the target LMF network element may indicate to the AMF network element through an Nlmf_Location_UPNotify message that the user plane connection between the UE and the target LMF network element has been established.

[0242] 8. The AMF network element updates the user plane connection context of the positioning service.

[0243] In some embodiments, the positioning service user plane connection or the location service user plane connection may be expressed as a Location Service-UP connection (LCS-UP connection).

[0244] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may update the LCS-UP connection context, and the updated LCS-UP connection context may include: the connection context from the UE to the target LMF network element.

[0245] 9. The AMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message to the source LMF network element.

[0246] In some embodiments, the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request message may include a request from the source LMF network element to move the selected positioning service to the target LMF network element.

[0247] 10. The source LMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer request message to the target LMF network element.

[0248] In some embodiments, the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer request message, for example, is Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer Request.

[0249] 11. The target LMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer response message to the source LMF network element.

[0250] In some embodiments, the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer response message, for example, is Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer Response.

[0251] In some embodiments, the source LMF network element may call the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer service to provide the target LMF network element with the current location service of the UE or the context of the location service related to the selected location service.

[0252] In some embodiments, if there is a periodically triggered UE location event reporting context, the target LMF network element may notify the source LMF network element of the location service or positioning service context transmission operation result.

[0253] In a service-based architecture, sending an Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer request corresponds to calling the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer service, and an Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer response corresponds to the output after the call to the Nlmf_Location_LocationContextTransfer service is executed.

[0254] 12. The source LMF network element sends an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig response message to the AMF network element.

[0255] In a service-based architecture, sending an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig request corresponds to calling the Nlmf_Location_UPConfig service, and an Nlmf_Location_UPConfig response corresponds to the output after the execution of the calling Nlmf_Location_UPConfig service.

[0256] In some embodiments, the source LMF network element may respond to the AMF network element, and based on the information received in step 1, if the user plane connection of the source LMF network element is still active, the source LMF network element maintains the connection with the UE for other positioning services in addition to the positioning services transferred to the target LMF network element.

[0257] It should be noted that in a service-based architecture, sending messages between core network elements can be achieved, for example, by invoking corresponding services, and the response to the message can be, for example, the output after the corresponding service is executed. The message can be, for example, the message in step 1, step 2b, or step 4 above.

[0258] The disclosed embodiments not only support user plane positioning services, but also support simultaneous connection of multiple LMF network elements. Furthermore, it supports adding a new LMF network element when multiple LMF network elements are connected simultaneously, and adding a user plane connection corresponding to the new LMF network element.

[0259] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a central LMF network element and a local LMF network element may be connected at the same time, or a central LMF network element and a local LMF network element may be connected at different times as the UE moves.

[0260] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user plane connection establishment apparatus proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the user plane connection establishment apparatus includes: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information being used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element being different from the third network element, the second network element having established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection being used for a first service.

[0261] Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to execute the relevant steps performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] Optionally, the user plane connection establishment device also includes at least one of a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to execute the steps related to sending performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, and the receiving module is used to execute the steps related to receiving performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0263] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user plane connection establishment apparatus proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the user plane connection establishment apparatus includes: a transceiver module, configured to send a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information being used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element being different from the third network element, the second network element having established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection being used for a first service.

[0264] Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to execute the relevant steps performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0265] Optionally, the user plane connection establishment device also includes at least one of a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to execute the steps related to sending performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, and the receiving module is used to execute the steps related to receiving performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0266] 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.

[0267] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a core network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0268] As shown in FIG8 , the core network device 80 includes: a first network element 801 and a second network element 802; wherein,

[0269] The second network element is configured to send a first message to the first network element, where the first message includes: first information, the first information being used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element being different from the third network element, the second network element having established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection being used for the first service;

[0270] The first network element is configured to receive a first message sent by the second network element.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first message further includes: second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate the third network element selected by the second network element.

[0272] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0273] The identifier of the third network element;

[0274] User plane information of the third network element;

[0275] Service area information of the third network element;

[0276] Service information supported by the third network element;

[0277] Internet Protocol (IP) address of the third network element;

[0278] Data Network Access Identifier DNAI of the third network element.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first message is used by the second network element to notify the first service of a user plane change.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first information is status information of a user plane connection of the first service.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0282] First indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a status of a user plane connection of a first service;

[0283] Second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct modification of the user plane connection of the first service;

[0284] third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate a reason for modifying the user plane connection of the first service;

[0285] Fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate a request to add a third network element;

[0286] Fifth indication information, wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the user plane connection of the first service needs to be reconnected.

[0287] As shown in Figure 9A, Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 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 the communication protocol 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 9101 is used to call instructions to enable the communication device 9100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0288] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9102 may be located outside the communication device 9100.

[0289] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9103. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 9103, and the other steps are performed by the processor 9101.

[0290] 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.

[0291] Optionally, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more interface circuits 9104, which are connected to the memory 9102. The interface circuits 9104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 9102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 9102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 9104 can read instructions stored in the memory 9102 and send the instructions to the processor 9101.

[0292] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 may not be limited by FIG. 9A. 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.

[0293] FIG9B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 9200 shown in FIG9B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0294] The chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201, and the processor 9201 is used to call instructions so that the chip 9200 executes any of the above methods.

[0295] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202, which are connected to memory 9203. Interface circuits 9202 can be used to receive signals from memory 9203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 9203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 9202 can read instructions stored in memory 9203 and send the instructions to processor 9201. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver are interchangeable.

[0296] In some embodiments, the chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 9203 may be located outside the chip 9200.

[0297] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 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 temporary storage medium.

[0298] 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.

[0299] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 9100, enables the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0300] 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.

[0301] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0302] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0303] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0304] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a user plane connection, characterized in that: Executed by a first network element, the method includes: Receive a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for a first service.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first message also includes: second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate the third network element selected by the second network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the third network element; User plane information of the third network element; service area information of the third network element; Service information supported by the third network element; The Internet Protocol IP address of the third network element; The data network access identifier DNAI of the third network element.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first message is used by the second network element to notify the first service user plane change.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first information is status information of the user plane connection of the first service.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a state of a user plane connection of the first service; second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate modification of a user plane connection of the first service; third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate a reason for modifying the user plane connection of the first service; Fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate a request to add the third network element; Fifth indication information, wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the user plane connection of the first service needs to be reconnected.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A first user plane connection is established between the terminal and the third network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The establishing a first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element includes: Acquire user plane information of the third network element; Sending user plane information of the third network element to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish a first user plane connection between the terminal and the third network element.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The acquiring user plane information of the third network element includes: Sending a second message to the third network element, wherein the second message is used to request to establish the first user plane connection; A third message sent by the third network element is received, wherein the third message includes: user plane information of the third network element.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The third message is used by the third network element to forward the N1N2 interface message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The third network element is selected according to the first information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A user plane connection context for the first service is updated according to the first user plane connection.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A fourth message is sent to the second network element, wherein the fourth message is used to request the second network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to the third network element.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Other first services are executed based on the second user plane connection, wherein the other first services are different from the selected part of the first services, and the selected part of the first services have been migrated to the third network element.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The first service is a user plane positioning service.

16. A method for establishing a user plane connection, characterized in that: Executed by the second network element, the method includes: A first message is sent to a first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for a first service.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The first message also includes: second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate the third network element selected by the second network element.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the third network element; User plane information of the third network element; service area information of the third network element; Service information supported by the third network element; The Internet Protocol IP address of the third network element; The data network access identifier DNAI of the third network element.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that: The first message is used by the second network element to notify the first service user plane change.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that: The first information is status information of the user plane connection of the first service.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that: The first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a state of a user plane connection of the first service; second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate modification of a user plane connection of the first service; third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate a reason for modifying the user plane connection of the first service; Fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate a request to add the third network element; Fifth indication information, wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the user plane connection of the first service needs to be reconnected.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A fourth message sent by the first network element is received, wherein the fourth message is used to request the second network element to migrate a selected portion of the first service to the third network element.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that: The first service is a user plane positioning service.

24. A method for establishing a user plane connection, characterized in that: The method comprises: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for a first service; The first network element receives a first message sent by the second network element.

25. A user plane connection establishment device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A transceiver module is used to receive a first message sent by a second network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for a first service.

26. A user plane connection establishment device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A transceiver module is used to send a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate the addition of a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for a first service.

27. A core network device, characterized in that: include: A first network element and a second network element; wherein, The second network element is used to send a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message includes: first information, the first information is used to indicate adding a first user plane connection corresponding to a third network element, the second network element is different from the third network element, the second network element has established a second user plane connection with the terminal, and the first user plane connection and / or the second user plane connection are used for a first service; The first network element is used to receive a first message sent by the second network element.

28. The core network device according to claim 27, characterized in that: The first message also includes: second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate the third network element selected by the second network element.

29. The core network device according to claim 28, characterized in that: The second information includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the third network element; User plane information of the third network element; service area information of the third network element; Service information supported by the third network element; The Internet Protocol IP address of the third network element; The data network access identifier DNAI of the third network element.

30. The core network device according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that: The first message is used by the second network element to notify the first service user plane change.

31. The core network device according to any one of claims 27 to 30, characterized in that: The first information is status information of the user plane connection of the first service.

32. The core network device according to any one of claims 27 to 31, characterized in that: The first information includes at least one of the following: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a state of a user plane connection of the first service; second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate modification of a user plane connection of the first service; third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate a reason for modifying the user plane connection of the first service; Fourth indication information, wherein the fourth indication information is used to indicate a request to add the third network element; Fifth indication information, wherein the fifth indication information is used to indicate that the user plane connection of the first service needs to be reconnected.

33. 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 method according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

34. A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element and / or a terminal, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the method described in any one of claims 1-15, and the second network element is configured to implement the method described in any one of claims 16-23.

35. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

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