Communication method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and device, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for reducing the time delay of service processing and improving the network resource utilization rate and the communication efficiency. The method may comprise: a first device receiving first data, and matching a corresponding first data packet detection rule for the first data; according to the first data packet detection rule, an associated first data processing rule is determined, and the first data processing rule is associated with the first service function; and executing one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain second data.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The core network of the fifth generation mobile communication (5G) includes a user plane function (UPF) network element, which is used to forward data and realize the user plane transmission channel between the user terminal and the data network.

[0003] At present, UPF only supports the function of data transmission pipeline. UPF forwards business data to the data network. The core network itself does not process business data. Business processing is performed by the data network side. For example, after UPF forwards business data to the data network, the business data can be processed by the application server (AS). In the above implementation process, if the data network is far away from the user terminal, the business processing delay is long, and a large amount of data forwarding occupies a large amount of network transmission resources, for example, there is a lot of redundancy in video data in video surveillance services, resulting in low communication efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device for reducing the delay of business processing and improving network resource utilization and communication efficiency.

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

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first device or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) of the first device. The method includes: receiving first data; matching a first data packet detection rule corresponding to the first data; determining an associated first data processing rule according to the first data packet detection rule, wherein the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function; and executing one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain second data.

[0007] In the above implementation, the first device supports specific service functions, so that when the terminal sends or receives data, the first device can perform corresponding data processing during the data forwarding process, so that the service functions of some business processing can be realized within the mobile network, thereby effectively reducing the business processing delay, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method further includes: sending the second data to the internal interface. In the above embodiment, the first device can send the second data obtained after performing data processing to the internal interface for caching so as to be forwarded later.

[0009] In one embodiment, before executing one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule, the method further includes: sending the first data to an internal interface. In the above embodiment, the first device may first send the first data to the internal interface, and then execute the service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain the second data.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method further includes: matching a corresponding second data packet detection rule for the second data packet; determining an associated forwarding action rule based on the second data packet detection rule, and sending the second data to a corresponding second device.

[0011] In the above implementation, the first device obtains the second data after processing the data, can match the corresponding data packet detection rules for the second data, and determine the associated forwarding action rules to complete the forwarding of the user data. The second device continues to perform business processing on the second data, thereby improving the flexibility of business processing.

[0012] In one implementation, the second device includes a radio access network RAN, a user plane function UPF, or a router or gateway of a data network, etc.

[0013] In the above implementation manner, the second data after the first device of the user plane network element performs data processing may be sent to the RAN or transmitted to the terminal through the RAN for downlink transmission, or may be sent to the next user plane network element to continue forwarding or data processing, or may be sent to a router or network element of the data network for uplink transmission to complete the forwarding function of the user plane. The present application increases the data processing capability within the mobile network (such as the user plane function), thereby effectively reducing the service processing delay, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method further includes: sending service functions supported by the third device, including the first service function.

[0015] In the above implementation, the first device can report the service functions supported by itself to the third device that manages or selects the user plane network element, so that when the third device selects the user plane network element to perform data processing and forwarding operations according to the user's business request, it can determine the preferred forwarding path based on the service functions supported by each user plane network element and the service functions corresponding to the user's business request, thereby reducing business processing delays and improving communication efficiency.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes: obtaining at least one of the following processing rules: the first data packet detection rule, the second data packet detection rule, the first data processing rule, or a forwarding action rule.

[0017] In the above implementation, the first device supports specific service functions, so that when the third device selects the first device to provide services for the terminal, the third device can configure data processing rules for the first device. When the terminal sends or receives data, the first device can perform corresponding data processing in the data forwarding process, so that the service functions of some business processing can be realized within the mobile network (such as user plane functions), thereby effectively reducing business processing delays, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0018] In one implementation, the first device may be a user plane function UPF or an enhanced user plane function UPF.

[0019] In one implementation, the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function list, and the first service function list corresponds to one or more service functions.

[0020] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a third device or by a module (such as a chip or circuit) of the third device. The method includes: receiving a service request from a user; determining a first device according to the service request, the first device supporting a first service function corresponding to the service request; and sending a first data processing rule to the first device, the first data processing rule being associated with the first service function.

[0021] In one embodiment, determining the first device according to the business request includes: determining one or more service functions corresponding to the business request according to the business request; and determining that a first service function among the one or more service functions is executed by the first device, wherein the first service function includes at least one service function.

[0022] In one embodiment, the business request determines one or more service functions corresponding to the business request, including: negotiating with a global controller, a network intelligent management and orchestration function, or an application controller to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request.

[0023] In one implementation, determining the first device according to the first service function includes: determining the first device according to the location of the user, the first service function, and service functions supported by the first device.

[0024] In one implementation, the method further includes: determining a second service function executed by the application server according to the service request, wherein the second service function includes one or more service functions.

[0025] In one implementation, the determining the first device further includes: determining the first device according to a location of an application server.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method further includes: determining one or more service functions corresponding to the business request according to the business request;

[0027] It is determined that a third service function among the one or more service functions is executed by a fourth device, wherein the third service function includes at least one service function.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method further includes: determining the fourth device according to the location of the user, the third service function, and the service functions supported by the fourth device, wherein the fourth device is used to execute the third service function.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method further includes: sending a second data processing rule to a fourth device, wherein the second data processing rule is associated with the third service function.

[0030] In one implementation, the method further includes: determining, according to the service request, a service function list corresponding to the service request, wherein the service function list includes a first service function, a second service function, and a third service function.

[0031] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device may be the first device in the above first aspect, or the third device in the second aspect, or a node or device including the above first device or the third device, or a module in the above first device or the third device, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement some or all of the functions.

[0032] The communication device includes a module, unit, or means corresponding to the above method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0033] In conjunction with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module may be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The transceiver module may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, and is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver or a communication interface.

[0034] In combination with the third aspect above, in a possible implementation, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are respectively used to implement the sending and receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0035] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor is used to couple with a memory, and after reading the instruction in the memory, execute the method as described in any of the above aspects according to the instruction. The communication device can be the first device in the above first aspect, or the third device in the second aspect, or a node or device including the above first device or the third device, or a module in the above first device or the third device, such as a chip, a chip system or a circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or software that can realize part or all of the functions.

[0036] In combination with the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory, and the memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data.

[0037] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0038] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to receive a computer program or instruction and transmit it to the processor; the processor is used to execute the computer program or instruction so that the communication device performs the method described in any of the above aspects. The communication device can be the first device in the above first aspect, or the third device in the second aspect, or a node or device including the above first device or third device, or a module in the above first device or third device, such as a chip, a chip system or circuit, or a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement some or all of the functions.

[0039] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer can execute the method described in any of the above aspects.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in any one of the above aspects.

[0042] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a first device for executing any possible implementation of the first aspect, and a third device for executing any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0043] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication system further includes a second device for executing any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0044] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method in the second to eighth aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by different possible implementation methods in the above-mentioned first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] It can be understood that, under the premise that the solutions are not contradictory, the solutions in each aspect can be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided for this application;

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided for this application;

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of UPF data forwarding provided for this application;

[0049] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the present application;

[0050] Figure 5 A flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0051] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a process flow of processing data by a first device provided in the present application;

[0052] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a data processing flow provided for this application;

[0053] Figure 8 A flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0054] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided for this application;

[0055] Fig.10 A flowchart of another communication method provided by the present application;

[0056] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments.

[0058] First, the implementation scenario of the embodiment of the present application is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, narrowband Internet of Things system (NB-IoT), global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution system (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access system (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 system (CDMA2000), time division synchronous code division multiple access system (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution system (LTE), 5G mobile communication system and next generation such as 6G mobile communication system.

[0060] Below Figure 1 Taking the communication system shown as an example, the communication scenario of the embodiment of the present application is introduced.

[0061] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a possible, non-limiting system. Figure 1As shown, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g. Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 1 RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment ( Figure 1 The terminal 120 is connected to the RAN node 110 in a wireless manner. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 in a wireless or wired manner. The core network device in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 may be different physical devices, or may be the same physical device that integrates the core network logical function and the radio access network logical function.

[0062] RAN 100 may be a cellular system related to the third generation partnership project (3GPP), for example, a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future evolution system (for example, a 6G mobile communication system). RAN 100 may also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (cloud radio access network, CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (wireless fidelity, WiFi) system. RAN 100 may also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0063] The RAN node 110, which may also be sometimes referred to as an access network device, a RAN entity or an access node, constitutes a part of the communication system to help the terminal achieve wireless access. The multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 10 may be nodes of the same type or nodes of different types. In some scenarios, the roles of the RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are relative, for example, Figure 1 The network element 120i may be a helicopter or a drone, which may be configured as a mobile base station. For the terminals 120j that access the RAN 100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; but for the base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal. The RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example Figure 1 The network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and the network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0064] In one possible scenario, a RAN node may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in a sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node may be a macro base station (e.g. Figure 1 110a in), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 110b in the description), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an on-board device, etc. For example, the access network device in the vehicle to everything (V2X) technology may be a road side unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in the present application may also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The RAN node in the present application may also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0065] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU) or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0066] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are described as examples in this application. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0067] The terminal may also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. The terminal can be widely used in various scenarios, for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IOT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a wearable device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, a smart home device, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0068] The terminal can also be a VR terminal, an AR terminal, or a mixed reality (MR) terminal. VR terminals, AR terminals, and MR terminals can all be called extended reality terminals. The XR terminal can be, for example, a head-mounted device (such as a helmet, a head mounted display (HMD) or glasses), or an all-in-one machine, or a TV, a monitor, a car, a vehicle-mounted device, a tablet or a smart screen. The XR terminal can access the network wirelessly or wired, for example, through a WiFi or 5G system. The XR terminal can present XR data to the user, and the user can experience a variety of XR services by wearing or using the XR terminal.

[0069] The core network is mainly responsible for maintaining the subscription data of mobile network terminals / users, and providing functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management, and security authentication for terminals. The core network can be a centralized network architecture. The network function (NF) of the core network is deployed by the management plane, and the deployed NF can be called a network element or network device.

[0070] Exemplarily, the network elements of the core network may include but are not limited to: access management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), network exposure function (NEF), network storage function (NF repository function, NRF), policy control function (PCF), unified data management (UDM), application function (AF), edge application server discovery function (EASDF) or authentication service function (AUSF), etc.

[0071] Furthermore, the communication system may include a user plane transmission channel between the terminal and the data network (DN), thereby enabling the UE to access the data service of the DN. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, UE-RAN-UPF-DN. Among them, UPF can be used to be responsible for the routing and forwarding of user-plane data packets in the 5G core network. As a user-plane network element of the communication network, UPF mainly supports routing and forwarding of user service data, data and service identification, action and policy execution, etc. UPF can interact with the session management function SMF through the N4 interface, and is directly controlled and managed by SMF, and performs service flow processing according to various policies issued by SMF.

[0072] like Figure 3As shown, the current process of UPF data forwarding mainly includes: UPF obtains the first data of the user plane from a certain interface, finds the Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session that matches the first data, and the Packet Detection Rule (PDR) corresponding to the PFCP session, and performs corresponding processing on the service data according to the Forwarding Action Rule (FAR) associated with the PDR, such as discarding, caching or forwarding. Optionally, UPF can also perform QoS control according to the Quality of Service (QoS) enforcement rule (QER) associated with the PDR, and report usage according to the Usage Reporting Rule (URR) associated with the PDR.

[0073] Figure 1 or Figure 2 The communication system shown is only used as an example and is not used to limit the technical solution of the present application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in the specific implementation process, the communication system may also include other network elements or devices, and the number of each node may also be determined according to specific needs without limitation.

[0074] Optional, this application Figure 1 or Figure 2 Each network element or device in the communication device may also be referred to as a communication device, which may be a general device or a dedicated device, and this application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0075] Optional, this application Figure 1 or Figure 2 The related functions of each network element or device in the network can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices together, or by one or more functional modules in one device, and this application does not make specific restrictions on this. It can be understood that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0076] In specific implementation, this application Figure 1 or Figure 2 Each network element or device in the Figure 4 The structure shown, or including Figure 4 Parts shown. Figure 4The hardware structure diagram of the communication device applicable to the present application is shown. The communication device 40 includes at least one processor 401 and at least one communication interface 404, which are used to implement the method provided by the present application. The communication device 40 may also include a communication line 402 and a memory 403.

[0077] The processor 401 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the present application.

[0078] The communication link 402 may include a path to transmit information between the above-mentioned components, such as a bus.

[0079] The communication interface 404 is used to communicate with other devices or communication networks. The communication interface 404 can be any transceiver-like device, such as an Ethernet interface, a radio access network (RAN) interface, a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, a transceiver, a pin, a bus, or a transceiver circuit.

[0080] The memory 403 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may be independent and coupled to the processor 401 via a communication line 402. The memory 403 may also be integrated with the processor 401. The memory provided in the present application may generally be non-volatile.

[0081] Among them, the memory 403 is used to store the computer execution instructions involved in executing the solution provided by this application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 401. The processor 401 is used to execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 403, so as to implement the method provided by this application. Alternatively, optionally, in this application, the processor 401 may also perform the processing-related functions in the method provided in the following embodiments of this application, and the communication interface 404 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0082] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in the present application may also be referred to as application code, which is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0083] The coupling in this application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules.

[0084] As an embodiment, the processor 401 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 4 CPU0 and CPU1 in.

[0085] As an embodiment, the communication device 40 may include multiple processors, such as Figure 4 401 and processor 407 in the embodiment of the present invention. Each of these processors may be a single-CPU processor or a multi-CPU processor. The processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0086] As an embodiment, the communication device 40 may further include an output device 405 and / or an input device 406. The output device 405 is coupled to the processor 401 and can display information in a variety of ways. For example, the output device 405 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector. The input device 406 is coupled to the processor 401 and can receive user input in a variety of ways. For example, the input device 406 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensor device.

[0087] Understandably, Figure 4 The structure shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except Figure 4In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0088] The method provided by the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each network element in the following embodiments may have Figure 4 The parts shown are not described in detail.

[0089] It can be understood that the message names between the network elements or the names of the parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of the present application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations, and the present application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0090] In order to facilitate the description of the technical solution of the present application, in the present application, words such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish between technical features with the same or similar functions. The words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit them to be different. For example, the first service function in the specific embodiment of the specification may be the same as or different from the first service function in the claims; the second service function in the specific embodiment of the specification may be the same as or different from the third service function in the claims. The first / second / third service functions in the embodiments of the claims and the specification in this application are only examples of service functions and do not refer to specific service functions. The serial number does not indicate a limitation on the quantity or execution order, and will not be elaborated on later.

[0091] In this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions, and any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. The use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way for easy understanding.

[0092] It is understood that the "embodiment" mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments in the entire specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It is understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the present application.

[0093] It can be understood that in the present application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that corresponding processing will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, but do not limit the time, nor do they require judgment actions when implementing them, nor do they mean the existence of other limitations.

[0094] The term “simultaneously” in the present application may be understood as at the same time point, within a period of time, or within the same cycle.

[0095] It is understandable that some optional features in this application may be implemented independently in some scenarios without relying on other features, such as the solution on which it is currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. They may also be combined with other features according to needs in some scenarios. Accordingly, the device provided in this application may also realize these features or functions accordingly, which will not be elaborated here.

[0096] It can be understood that the same step or steps or technical features with the same functions in different embodiments of the present application can be referenced to each other.

[0097] It should be noted that in this application, RAN nodes can also be expressed in different ways, such as network devices. In this application, unless otherwise specified, network devices are used to express them. Among them, network devices are the original expressions for access network devices (such as base stations).

[0098] It can be understood that in this application, "sending certain information (such as first configuration information) to (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the destination end of the information is the terminal. It can include sending the information to the terminal directly or indirectly. "Receiving certain information (such as first indication information) from (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the source end of the information is the terminal, which can include receiving information from the terminal directly or indirectly. The information may be processed as necessary between the source end and the destination end of the information transmission, such as format changes, etc., but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0099] It can be understood that in this application, "sending certain information (such as first indication information) to (such as a first device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the first device. It can include sending the information directly or indirectly to the first device. "Receiving certain information (such as first configuration information) from (such as a second device)" can be understood as the source of the information being the second device, and can include receiving information from the second device directly or indirectly. The information may be processed as necessary between the source and destination of the information, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0100] It is understandable that the method provided below in this application takes a node or a communication device as an example of the execution subject of the interaction diagram to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction diagram. For example, the method executed by the communication device in this application can also be executed by a module of a network device (such as a chip, a chip system, or a processor), and can also be implemented by a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0101] The present application provides a communication method, which configures data processing rules for the inside of a mobile network (such as a user plane function) so that the user plane function can implement the service function of part of the business processing. In other words, the present application provides a model and method for the user plane function to implement part of the business processing or data processing function, thereby effectively reducing the business processing delay, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, the present application provides a communication method which may include the following steps.

[0103] 501: A first device receives first data.

[0104] In one implementation, the first device may be a UPF, or an enhanced user plane function (enhanced UPF, X-UPF), or may be other logical functions or functional entities in the core network, etc. Among them, X-UPF means enhancement based on UPF, or may be a new network element, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the name of the communication device.

[0105] The first data may be service data sent by the user or service data sent to the user, for example, it may be a service message corresponding to a service requested by the user, or a service message sent to the user by a data network.

[0106] Exemplarily, the first device can receive the first data from an interface such as an N6 interface, an N3 interface, an N9 interface, an N19 interface or an internal interface. For example, the first device can receive data from a data network such as an AS from the N6 interface, or the first device can receive data from other UPFs from the N9 interface or the N19 interface, or the first device can receive data from an access network device from the N3 interface, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any specific restrictions on the way in which the first device obtains the first data.

[0107] 502: The first device matches the first data packet detection rule corresponding to the first data.

[0108] The first device determines the first PDR that matches the first data by querying. Figure 3As shown, the first device can query the PFCP session that matches the first data and determine the PDR associated with the PFCP session.

[0109] Exemplarily, the information included in the PDR may include at least one of the following: source interface, tunnel information, destination address, service information, associated data processing rule information, identification information of the associated FAR (such as FARID), or indication of decapsulating the tunnel header, etc. Among them, the source interface, tunnel information, destination address, service information, etc. may be referred to as matching information.

[0110] The data processing rules may be associated with one or more service functions for executing the associated service functions. For example, the service functions associated with the data processing rules may include data processing such as extracting feature data, encoding, compressing, computing, or artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of video data.

[0111] Optionally, the data processing rule may also be called a processing action rule (PAR) or other names, which are not specifically limited in the present application. In the following embodiments, PAR may be used as an example for introduction, and the corresponding identification information may be represented as a PAR ID.

[0112] In addition, the source interface is used to indicate which interface the first device receives the first data from, such as an indication including an N3 interface, an N9 interface, an N6 interface or an internal interface. Tunnel information is used to indicate which tunnel the first data is received from, for example, by a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID). The destination address (Destination IP) is used to indicate the destination address of the data. Service information can be used to indicate which service the data belongs to, such as service information can be indicated by a task identifier (such as Task ID) or a service identifier (such as Service ID). The indication of removing the tunnel header (removal Outer header) can be, for example, an indication of removing the General Packet Radio Service Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) tunnel header. The associated data processing rule information can be rule identification information or an associated service function, and the identification information of the associated data processing rule is used to indicate the data processing rule that matches the first data, so that the first device can process the first data according to the data processing rule. The identification information of the associated FAR is used to indicate the FAR matched by the first data, so that the first data or the data (such as the second data) processed accordingly according to the data processing rule can be forwarded accordingly.

[0113] In one implementation, a first PDR is configured on the first device, and the first PDR includes the following information: source interface is N3, tunnel information is TEID#1 and PAR ID#2. When the first device receives first data from the RAN through the tunnel corresponding to TEID#1, the first PDR can be matched.

[0114] 503: The first device determines an associated first data processing rule according to the first data packet detection rule.

[0115] The first data processing rule is associated with a service function (SF). The first device supports one or more service functions. Specifically, the one or more service functions can be associated with the first data processing rule. For example, the service function associated with the first data processing rule may include feature extraction processing of video data according to a configured algorithm. For another example, the service function associated with the first data processing rule may include two service functions: feature extraction processing and encoding compression of video data.

[0116] Exemplarily, the first device supports multiple service functions, and a first service function list or a first service function set can be associated through a first data processing rule, wherein the first service function list or the first service function set includes one or more service functions supported by the first device.

[0117] In one implementation, a first PDR is configured on the first device, and the first PDR includes the following information: the source interface is N3, and the tunnel information is TEID#1 and PAR ID#2. When the first device receives the first data from the RAN through the tunnel corresponding to TEID#1, the first PDR can be matched, thereby determining the data processing rule corresponding to the associated PAR ID#2.

[0118] 504: The first device performs a corresponding service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain second data.

[0119] Specifically, the first device can execute the service function associated with the first data processing rule on the first data. For example, the first service function list associated with the first data processing rule includes two service functions: feature extraction and encoding compression on the video data. The first device can perform feature extraction and encoding compression on the first data based on a preset algorithm to obtain the second data.

[0120] In one implementation, the first device may send the processed second data to an internal interface and cache it for subsequent forwarding.

[0121] Alternatively, in another implementation, the first device may first send the first data to the internal interface, and then perform a service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain the second data.

[0122] That is to say, the first device may first send the first data to the internal interface and then execute SF, or the first device may first execute SF and then send the processed second data to the internal interface, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0123] In one embodiment, after the first device processes and obtains the second data, the following steps may also be included: the first device matches the corresponding second data packet detection rule for the second data; according to the second data packet detection rule, the associated forwarding action rule is determined, and the second data is sent to the corresponding second device. For example, a second PDR is configured on the first device, and the second PDR contains the following information: the source interface is an internal interface, the destination address is IP add#1 and FAR ID#1. When the first device obtains the second data on the internal interface, it can match the second PDR according to the destination address of the second data (IP add#1), thereby determining the forwarding action rule corresponding to the associated FAR ID#1.

[0124] In one implementation, the second device may be a RAN node, a user plane function UPF, a router or a gateway of a data network, etc.

[0125] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the first device processes the first data including: PDR1—PAR1—FAR1—PDR2—FAR2. PDR1—PAR1 corresponds to steps 501 and 502, FAR1 forwards the data to the internal interface in step 504, and PDR2—FAR2 corresponds to the detection and forwarding of the second data in step 504.

[0126] If the first device is UPF1 (or X-UPF1) and the destination address corresponding to the second data is a RAN node, the forwarding action rule matched by the first device for the second data can be used to send the second data to the RAN node; if the destination address corresponding to the second data is another UPF such as UPF2 (or X-UPF2), the forwarding action rule matched by the first device for the second data can be used to send the second data to UPF2 (or X-UPF2).

[0127] In one embodiment, Figure 7 As described, UPF2 can be used to perform a second service function, for example, AI analysis or computational processing in video processing. UPF2 supports the second service function and can associate the second service function through a second data processing rule such as PAR2. Similar to the aforementioned processing process, UPF2 receives the second data, matches the corresponding PDR for the second data, such as matching PDR3, and then determines the PAR2 associated with PDR3. UPF2 can perform a corresponding service function such as AI analysis on the second data according to PAR2, and can obtain third data. Then, the associated forwarding action rule FAR3 is determined for the third data, and the third data is sent to DN for subsequent data processing.

[0128] In one implementation, the first device may send the service functions supported by itself, such as including the first service function, to the third device, so that the third device can select the third device as the terminal service according to the service functions supported by the first device and configure data processing rules for the first device.

[0129] In one embodiment, the first device may obtain at least one processing rule from the third device or other network element or node: a first data packet detection rule, a second data packet detection rule, a first data processing rule or a forwarding action rule, etc. That is, the network may configure corresponding rules for the first device according to the processing capability or processing requirements of the first device, such as supported service functions, received data types or data forwarding requirements, etc., which may include but are not limited to one or more PDRs, one or more PARs, one or more FARs, one or more QERs or URRs, etc.

[0130] In the above implementation, the first device supports specific service functions, so that when the third device selects the first device to provide services for the terminal, the third device can configure data processing rules for the first device. When the terminal sends or receives data, the first device can perform corresponding data processing in the data forwarding process, so that the service functions of some business processing can be realized within the mobile network (such as user plane functions), thereby effectively reducing business processing delays, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0131] In addition, the present application also provides another communication method, such as Figure 8 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0132] 801: The third device receives a service request from a user.

[0133] Specifically, the third device may receive a service request from the user through the RAN node. Optionally, the service request may include an indication of a service function requested to be executed, and the service request may include the user's location information.

[0134] 802: The third device determines the first device according to the service request, and is used to execute the first service function corresponding to the service request, wherein the first device supports the first service function corresponding to the service request.

[0135] In one implementation, the third device first determines the location information of the user, and the determination method can be based on the location information included in the service request in step 801, or the third device requests the user's location information from other network elements or devices. The third device first determines a candidate device set based on the user's location information, and the first device set is closer to the user. The third device then determines the first device based on the service functions supported by each device in the candidate device set and the first service function corresponding to the service request, and the first device supports the first service function corresponding to the service request.

[0136] In one embodiment, in addition to determining that the first device performs the first service function corresponding to the service request, the third device may also determine that the fourth device performs the third service function corresponding to the service request, and the third service function corresponds to one or more service functions. For example, the service functions corresponding to the service request include SF#1, SF#2, and SF#3. The third device determines that the first device performs the first service function (associated with SF#1 and SF#2), and the second data processed by the first device can be forwarded to the fourth device, and the fourth device performs the third service function (associated with SF#3). It should be understood that the third device can determine multiple user-plane network elements / devices (for example, the first device, the fourth device, and several fifth devices) to perform the service function corresponding to the service request, and the number is not limited. The process of the third device determining the fourth device is consistent with the above-mentioned embodiment and will not be repeated.

[0137] 803: The third device sends the first data processing rule to the first device.

[0138] The first data processing rule is associated with the first service function. That is, the third device can configure the corresponding data processing rule for the first device according to the service function to be processed by the first device. As described in the above embodiments, the third device can also configure the corresponding rules for the first device, which may include but are not limited to one or more PDRs, one or more PARs, one or more FARs, one or more QERs or URRs, etc.

[0139] Optionally, if the third device also determines that the third service function corresponding to the business request is executed by the fourth device, the third device can send data processing rules (such as the second data processing rules) and other rules to the fourth device, which is similar to step 803 and will not be repeated.

[0140] The fourth device or the fifth device may be a network element of the user plane, such as UPF or X-UPF or other functional network elements, or the fourth device may be a network element of the data network, such as an application server AS.

[0141] That is to say, in one embodiment, the service request of the user can be executed by multiple UPFs in a division of labor, for example, the first device (UPF#1) executes the first service function (associated with SF#1, SF#2), and the fourth device (UPF#1) executes the third service function (associated with SF#3). In another embodiment, the service request of the user can be executed by the UPF and the application server in a division of labor, that is, some SFs in the service function list corresponding to the service request of the user are executed by the core network side, and the other part of the SFs are executed by the data network, for example, the first device (UPF#1) executes the first service function (associated with SF#1, SF#2), and the fourth device (application server) executes the second service function (associated with SF#3).

[0142] Specifically, the third device may determine that the third service function corresponding to the user request is executed by the fourth device according to the user's location, the third service function, and the service functions supported by the fourth device. Then, the third device may send data processing rules and other rules to the fourth device. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the aforementioned step 803, which will not be repeated here.

[0143] The fourth device performs a third service function among the one or more service functions.

[0144] In one embodiment, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to Fig. 9 In the network architecture shown, the communication system may include a network AI management and orchestration function (NAMO) to manage and control the functions of each node in the core network. It can also be called a global controller.

[0145] like Fig. 9 As shown, the communication system may further include a third device for implementing functions such as selecting and controlling multiple UPFs and issuing rules to UPFs. The third device stores topology information of multiple X-UPFs and information about SFs supported by each X-UPF. Optionally, the third device may also obtain information about SFs supported by the UE or RAN.

[0146] Exemplarily, the third device may be any network service-control function (XN-C), or may be an SMF or other network element, and this application does not make any specific limitation on the network element.

[0147] Optionally, the communication system may include multiple X-UPFs, wherein the service processing functions (such as data, technical or security services, etc.) supported in the X-UPF may be represented by a service function SF, and the SF supports dynamic deployment or instantiation. The SFs supported on each X-UPF may be the same or different. For example, Fig. 9 The communication system shown includes X-UPF1 and X-UPF2, wherein X-UPF1 supports SF1 and SF2, and X-UPF2 supports SF3 and SF4.

[0148] like Fig. 9 As shown, the communication system may also include an application controller (Application Function Controller, AF-C), which is used to manage and control the application server AS. For example, the AF-C may select the AS corresponding to the SF according to the user's service request.

[0149] In one embodiment, the third device determines the first device, which may specifically include: the third device may negotiate with the global controller, the network intelligent management and orchestration function NAMO, or the application controller AF-C to determine the division of labor between the core network and the data network for specific data processing, that is, to determine the service functions executed on the core network side and the service functions executed by the application server.

[0150] For example, Fig.10 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0151] 1. Each X-UPF sends the service functions it supports to XN-C.

[0152] 2. AF-C sends the service functions it supports to NAMO.

[0153] The execution order of the above steps 1 and 2 is not limited.

[0154] 3. XN-C or NAMO receives the service request and negotiates to determine the SF to be executed on the network side and the SF to be executed on the cloud side based on the service request.

[0155] For example, XN-C or NAMO receives a service establishment request, requesting to establish a forwarding and processing channel for a video surveillance service, and XN-C determines one or more SFs executed on the network side and one or more SFs executed on the cloud side.

[0156] In a possible implementation, the XN-C and the AF-C interact with each other to perform collaborative division of labor and determine one or more SFs to be executed by each.

[0157] In another possible implementation, the global controller or NAMO may allocate and determine the SFs that the core network and the cloud side are responsible for processing, and then notify the XN-C and AF-C respectively of the SFs that need to be executed.

[0158] 4. XN-C or NAMO can determine the X-UPF corresponding to each SF and determine the processing and forwarding rules corresponding to each X-UPF.

[0159] For example, the XN-C or NAMO may determine the SF executed on each X-UPF, and the corresponding processing and forwarding rules, such as PDR, PAR or FAR.

[0160] 5. XN-C sends the corresponding processing and forwarding rules to each UPF.

[0161] For example, step 4 determines that X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 are used to implement SF1 and SF2, then XN-C can send corresponding processing and forwarding rules to X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 respectively.

[0162] In one implementation, the third device may determine the first device based on the user's location, the first service function, and the service functions supported by the first device. That is, the third device may determine the service function SF executed by the network side based on the specific service requested, and select the X-UPF based on the user's location, the capabilities of the X-UPF, etc., to ensure the optimal forwarding path.

[0163] The third device may be XN-C or the network intelligent management and orchestration function NAMO.

[0164] In one embodiment, if the data obtained after processing by the first device needs to be forwarded to the application server for subsequent data processing, the third device can also determine the first device according to the location of the application server, thereby selecting the optimal processing path and reducing processing delay.

[0165] Exemplarily, after XN-C determines one or more SFs to be executed on the DN side, it can select one or more X-UPFs based on the user's location, the application server's location, the capabilities of the X-UPF, etc., to determine a better forwarding path for the service data.

[0166] In the above-mentioned implementation mode, through the management or control network element of the core network, the user-side network element that performs data processing and forwarding functions can be selected, and the corresponding data processing and forwarding rules can be issued. Optionally, the core network and the data network can also realize the division of labor and negotiation of data processing, thereby optimizing the data forwarding path, reducing the processing delay of business data, and improving the flexibility of data processing and communication efficiency.

[0167] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without limitation if there is no contradiction between the solutions.

[0168] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the present application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Accordingly, the present application also provides a communication device, which can be the first device in the above method embodiment, or a node or device including the above first device, or a component that can be used for the first device; or, the communication device can be the third device in the above method embodiment, or a node or device including the above third device, or a component that can be used for the third device.

[0169] It is understandable that, in order to realize the above functions, the above communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithmic operations of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0170] It should be understood that the above only describes the interaction between the various network elements by taking the first device, the second device or the third device as an example. In fact, the processing performed by the above terminal is not limited to being performed by only a single network element, and the processing performed by the above network device is not limited to being performed by only a single network element.

[0171] The present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It can be understood that the division of modules in the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0172] For example, when the functional modules are divided in an integrated manner, Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1100 is shown. The communication device 1100 includes an interface module 1101 and a processing module 1102 .

[0173] In some embodiments, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module ( Fig.11 ), for storing program instructions and data.

[0174] Exemplarily, the communication device 1100 may be used to implement the function of the first device. The communication device 1100 is, for example, the first device described in the above embodiments.

[0175] The interface module 1101 is used to receive first data.

[0176] The processing module 1102 is used to match the first data packet detection rule corresponding to the first data; determine the associated first data processing rule based on the first data packet detection rule, and the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function; execute one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain second data.

[0177] In one implementation, the interface module 1101 is further configured to send the second data to an internal interface.

[0178] In one implementation, the interface module 1101 is further configured to send the first data to an internal interface before the processing module 1102 executes one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule.

[0179] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is used to match the second data packet detection rule corresponding to the second data packet, and determine the associated forwarding action rule according to the second data packet detection rule. The interface module 1101 is used to send the second data to the corresponding second device.

[0180] In one implementation, the second device includes a radio access network RAN, a user plane function UPF, or a router or gateway of a data network, etc.

[0181] In one implementation, the interface module 1101 is further configured to send service functions supported by the interface module 1101 to the third device, including the first service function.

[0182] In one implementation, the interface module 1101 is further configured to obtain at least one of the following processing rules: the first data packet detection rule, the second data packet detection rule, the first data processing rule, or a forwarding action rule.

[0183] In one implementation, the first device may be a user plane function UPF or an enhanced user plane function UPF.

[0184] In one implementation, the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function list, and the first service function list corresponds to one or more service functions.

[0185] In addition, the communication device 1100 can also be used to implement the steps performed by the third device in the above-mentioned embodiment, for example.

[0186] The interface module 1101 is used to receive a service request from a user.

[0187] The processing module 1102 is used to determine a first device according to the service request, where the first device supports a first service function corresponding to the service request.

[0188] The interface module 1101 is further configured to send a first data processing rule to the first device, where the first data processing rule is associated with the first service function.

[0189] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is used to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request based on the business request; determine that the first service function among the one or more service functions is executed by the first device, wherein the first service function includes at least one service function.

[0190] In one implementation, the processing module 1102 is used to negotiate with a global controller, a network intelligent management and orchestration function, or an application controller to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request.

[0191] In one implementation, the processing module 1102 is configured to determine the first device according to the location of the user, the first service function, and the service function supported by the first device.

[0192] In one implementation, the processing module 1102 is configured to determine a second service function to be executed by the application server according to the service request, wherein the second service function includes one or more service functions.

[0193] In one implementation, the processing module 1102 is configured to determine the first device according to a location of an application server.

[0194] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is used to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request based on the business request; determine that a third service function among the one or more service functions is executed by a fourth device, wherein the third service function includes at least one service function.

[0195] In one implementation, the processing module 1102 is used to determine the fourth device according to the location of the user, the third service function, and the service function supported by the fourth device, and the fourth device is used to execute the third service function.

[0196] In one implementation, the interface module 1101 is used to send a second data processing rule to the fourth device, where the second data processing rule is associated with the third service function.

[0197] In one implementation, the processing module 1102 is used to determine a service function list corresponding to the service request according to the service request, wherein the service function list includes a first service function, a second service function, and a third service function.

[0198] In summary, when the communication device 1100 is used to implement the functions of the first device or the third device in the above embodiments, for other functions that the communication device 1100 can implement, reference can be made to the relevant introduction of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, and no further details will be given.

[0199] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the communication device 1100 may be configured as follows: Figure 4 For example, Figure 4 The processor 401 in the communication device 1100 can call the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 503 to enable the communication device 1100 to execute the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0200] For example, Fig.11 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1102 in Figure 4 It is implemented by the processor 401 in.

[0201] For example, Fig.11 The function / implementation process of the interface module 1101 can be achieved by Figure 4 The communication interface 404 in is implemented.

[0202] It is understandable that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of the two. When any of the above modules or units is implemented in software, the software exists in the form of computer program instructions and is stored in a memory, and a processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into an SoC (system on chip) or an ASIC, or it can be an independent semiconductor chip. In addition to the core used to execute software instructions for calculation or processing in the processor, it can also further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), PLDs (programmable logic devices), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0203] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processing (DSP) chip, a microcontroller unit (MCU), an artificial intelligence processor, an ASIC, a SoC, an FPGA, a PLD, a dedicated digital circuit, a hardware accelerator or a non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or not rely on the software to execute the above method flow.

[0204] Optionally, the present application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, the at least one processor is coupled to a memory through the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instruction in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system also includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices, which is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0205] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program to instruct the relevant hardware, and the program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device of any of the above embodiments, such as a hard disk or memory of the communication device. The above computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, a smart memory card (smart media card, SMC), a secure digital (secure digital, SD) card, a flash card (flash card), etc. equipped on the above communication device. Further, the above computer-readable storage medium can also include both the internal storage unit of the above communication device and an external storage device. The above computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above computer program and other programs and data required by the above communication device. The above computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or is to be output.

[0206] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program to instruct related hardware, and the program can be stored in the above computer program product. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments.

[0207] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer instruction. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by computer instructions to instruct related hardware (such as computers, processors, network devices or terminals, etc.). The program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium or in the above computer program product.

[0208] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, including: the first device and the third device in the above embodiments.

[0209] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, including: the first device and the second device in the above embodiment.

[0210] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, including: the first device, the second device and the third device in the above embodiment.

[0211] Through the description of the above implementation methods, technical personnel in the relevant field can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above-mentioned functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0212] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the modules or units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0213] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0214] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0215] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first device, the method comprises: receiving first data; Matching a first data packet detection rule corresponding to the first data; Determine, according to the first data packet detection rule, an associated first data processing rule, wherein the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function; One or more service functions corresponding to the first service function are executed on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain second data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second data is sent to the internal interface.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Before executing one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule, the method further includes: The first data is sent to the internal interface.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Matching a corresponding second data packet detection rule for the second data; According to the second data packet detection rule, an associated forwarding action rule is determined, and the second data is sent to a corresponding second device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The second device comprises: Radio access network RAN, user plane function UPF, or router or gateway of data network, etc.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The service functions supported by the third device are sent to the third device, including the first service function.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: At least one of the following processing rules is obtained: the first data packet detection rule, the second data packet detection rule, the first data processing rule, or a forwarding action rule.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first device may be a user plane function UPF or an enhanced user plane function UPF.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first data processing rule is associated with a first service function list, and the first service function list corresponds to one or more service functions.

10. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the third device, the method includes: Receive business requests from users; determining a first device according to the service request, the first device supporting a first service function corresponding to the service request; A first data processing rule is sent to the first device, where the first data processing rule is associated with the first service function.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The determining the first device according to the service request includes: Determine, according to the service request, one or more service functions corresponding to the service request; It is determined that a first service function among the one or more service functions is to be performed by the first device, wherein the first service function includes at least one service function.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: Determining, according to the service request, one or more service functions corresponding to the service request, including: Negotiate with the global controller, the network intelligent management and orchestration function, or the application controller to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: Determining a first device according to the first service function includes: The first device is determined according to the location of the user, the first service function, and the service functions supported by the first device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A second service function to be executed by the application server is determined according to the service request, wherein the second service function includes one or more service functions.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The determining the first device further includes: The first device is determined according to the location of the application server.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Determine, according to the service request, one or more service functions corresponding to the service request; It is determined that a third service function among the one or more service functions is executed by a fourth device, wherein the third service function includes at least one service function.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fourth device is determined according to the location of the user, the third service function, and the service functions supported by the fourth device, and the fourth device is used to execute the third service function.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second data processing rule is sent to the fourth device, where the second data processing rule is associated with the third service function.

19. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that: The method further comprises: According to the service request, a service function list corresponding to the service request is determined, wherein the service function list includes a first service function, a second service function, and a third service function.

20. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory, wherein the memory is used to store programs or instructions, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is executed.

21. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instruction stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program or instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is performed.

22. A computer program product, comprising computer program code, characterized in that: When the computer program code is run on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is executed.

23. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system comprises a communication device for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a communication device for executing the method according to any one of claims 10 to 19.

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