Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication, and the method comprises the steps that a third device obtains first information, the first information is used for indicating information of a first data network, or is used for indicating a corresponding relation between the information of the first data network and information of a first device, the first device is used for connecting a fourth device, and the fourth device is used for transmitting data between the terminal equipment and the first data network; the third device determines the first device and a second device, the second device is used for connecting a fifth device and obtaining a network address of the terminal device, the fifth device is used for transmitting data between the terminal device and a second data network, the fifth device is further used for sending data of the first data network to the fourth device, and the fourth device is used for sending the data of the second data network to the third device. The second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different service flows. According to the method provided by the embodiment of the invention, transmission resources are saved, and time delay is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and more particularly, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0002] During the process of establishing a protocol data unit (PDU) session, a split user plane function (UPF) can split a part of the traffic locally and send other traffic to an anchor UPF for the anchor UPF to process this traffic. However, if the location of the anchor UPF is near the user equipment (UE), and the location of the split UPF is far from the UE, then the traffic processed by the anchor UPF needs to be first sent to the far - away split UPF, and after being split by the split UPF, it is then passed to the anchor UPF. This results in a circuitous transmission path, wasted transmission resources, and increased latency.

[0003] Therefore, how to save transmission resources is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, which helps to save transmission resources.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a third device, or by a component in the third device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third device. The method includes: the third device obtains first information, where the first information is used to indicate information of a first data network, or is used to indicate the correspondence between the information of the first data network and the information of a first device, where the first device is used to connect to a fourth device, and the fourth device is used to transmit data between a terminal device and the first data network; the third device determines the first device and a second device, where the second device is used to connect to a fifth device and obtain the network address of the terminal device, the fifth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and a second data network, the fifth device is further used to send the data of the first data network to the fourth device, and the second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different traffic flows.

[0006] The fifth device can be regarded as an anchor UPF. If the location of the anchor UPF is near the UE, and the location of the fourth device is far from the UE, then the traffic processed by the anchor UPF can be first sent to the nearby anchor UPF. After being split by the anchor UPF, other traffic flows are passed to the fourth device. Compared with the solution of first passing to the remote split UPF and then back to the proximal anchor UPF, the method provided by the embodiments of this application saves transmission resources and reduces latency.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the third device sends second information or information of the first data network to the second device, where the second information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or is used to instruct the second device to obtain the service flow routing policy sent by the first device, or is used to instruct the fifth device to send data of the first data network to the fourth device.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the service flow routing policy is used to indicate at least one of the correspondence between the flow description information and the fourth device, or the security information of the service flow routing, or the quality of service (QoS) parameters of the service flow routing.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the third device obtains first information, including: the third device receives subscription information from a unified data management network element, and the subscription information includes the first information.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the third device obtains first information, including: the third device receives the first information from a sixth device, and the sixth device includes a policy control network element, a network repository function network element, a network function, or a network data analysis function.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the third device receives third information from a unified data management network element, and the third information is used to instruct to obtain first information from a sixth device.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the third device receives fourth information from the terminal device, and the fourth information is used to indicate the first data network and / or the second data network; wherein, the third device determines the first device, including: the third device determines the first device according to the first information and the fourth information.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the third device sends fifth information or information of the first data network to the first device, where the fifth information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or is used to instruct the first device to send a service flow routing policy to the second device, or is used to instruct the fourth device to receive data of the first data network from the fifth device.

[0014] Second aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second device, or by a component in the second device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second device. The method includes: the second device receives second information from a third device or information from a first data network. The second device is used to select a fifth device and obtain the network address of a terminal device. The fifth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and a second data network. Wherein, the second information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the second device to obtain a service flow routing policy sent by a first device, or to instruct the fifth device to send data of the first data network to a fourth device. The first device is used to connect to the fourth device. The fourth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and the first data network. The second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different service flows.

[0015] The fifth device can be regarded as an anchor UPF. If the location of the anchor UPF is near the UE, while the location of the fourth device is far from the UE, then the service flows processed by the anchor UPF can be first sent to the relatively close anchor UPF. After being split by the anchor UPF, other service flows are passed to the fourth device. Compared with the solution of first passing to a remote splitting UPF and then passing back to the proximal anchor UPF, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application saves transmission resources and reduces latency.

[0016] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementation manners of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second device sends sixth information or information of the first data network to the first device. The sixth information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the first device to send a service flow routing policy to the second device, or to instruct the fourth device to receive data of the first data network from the fifth device.

[0017] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementation manners of the second aspect, the service flow routing policy is used to indicate at least one of the correspondence relationship between flow description information and the fourth device, or the security information of service flow routing, or the QoS parameters of service flow routing.

[0018] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementation manners of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second device receives a service flow routing policy from the first device; the second device sends seventh information to the fifth device. The seventh information is used to instruct the fifth device to send service flow data packets matching the service flow routing policy to the fourth device.

[0019] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second device sends eighth information to the first device, and the eighth information is used to indicate the network address of the terminal device.

[0020] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second device sends a non-access stratum (NAS) message to the terminal device, and the NAS message includes the network address of the terminal device.

[0021] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by a first device, or by a component in the first device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device. The method includes: the first device receives fifth information from a third device or information of a first data network. The fifth information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the first device to send a service flow routing policy to the second device, or to instruct a fourth device to receive data of the first data network from a fifth device; or, the first device receives sixth information from the second device or information of the first data network. The sixth information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the first device to send a service flow routing policy to the second device, or to instruct the fourth device to receive data of the first data network from the fifth device; wherein, the first device is used to select the fourth device, the fourth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and the first data network, the second device is used to connect the fifth device and obtain the network address of the terminal device, the fifth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and a second data network, and the second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different service flows.

[0022] The fifth device can be regarded as an anchor UPF. If the location of the anchor UPF is near the UE, while the location of the fourth device is far from the UE, then the service flow processed by the anchor UPF can be first sent to the relatively close anchor UPF. After being split by the anchor UPF, other service flows are sent to the fourth device. Compared with the solution of first sending to a remote split UPF and then sending back to the proximal anchor UPF, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application saves transmission resources and reduces latency.

[0023] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first device sends the service flow routing policy to the second device.

[0024] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the service flow routing policy is used to indicate the correspondence between the flow description information and the fourth device, or is used to indicate the security information of the service flow routing, or is used to indicate at least one of the QoS parameters of the service flow routing.

[0025] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first device receives eighth information from the second device, and the eighth information is used to indicate the network address of the terminal device.

[0026] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first device selects the fourth device based on the information of the first data network.

[0027] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first device obtains the information of the first data network from a unified data management network element or a sixth device, and the sixth device includes a policy control network element, a network repository function network element, a network function, or a network data analysis function.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor, and the processor is configured to cause the communication device to execute the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or cause the communication device to execute the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect; or cause the communication device to execute the third aspect and any possible method of the third aspect by executing a computer program or instruction, or by means of a processing circuit.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes a memory, which is used to store the computer program or instruction. Further, the processor is specifically configured to call and run the computer program or computer instruction stored in the memory, so that the processor implements any implementation manner in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes a transceiver (which may also be referred to as a communication interface), and the transceiver is used to input and / or output signals through the communication interface. The processor is used to control the transceiver to transmit and receive signals.

[0031] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processing circuit (which may also be referred to as a processor) and an input / output interface (which may also be referred to as an interface circuit), the input / output interface is used to input and / or output signals, and the processing circuit is used to execute the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect; or the processing circuit is used to execute the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect; or the processing circuit is used to execute the third aspect and any possible method of the third aspect.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the processor is used to communicate with other devices through an interface circuit and execute any implementation of the first aspect, any implementation of the second aspect, or any implementation of the third aspect described above. The processor may include one or more.

[0033] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a third device, or a device or module for performing the functions of the third device, etc.; the communication device may be a second device, or a device or module for performing the functions of the second device, etc.; the communication device may be a third device, or a device or module for performing the functions of the third device, etc.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. The modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0035] In another possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect. The modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0036] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect. The modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. A computer program or instruction is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program or the instruction runs on a computer, the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect are executed; or, the second aspect and any possible method described in the second aspect are executed; or, the third aspect and any possible method described in the third aspect are executed.

[0038] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction runs on a computer, the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect are executed; or, the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect are executed; or, the third aspect and any possible method of the third aspect are executed.

[0039] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor connected to a memory and configured to call a program stored in the memory to execute any possible method of the first aspect, any possible method of the second aspect, or any possible method of the third aspect. The memory may be located inside or outside the communication device. And the processor includes one or more.

[0040] In one implementation, the communication device of the fourth aspect, fifth aspect, sixth aspect, or ninth aspect may be a chip or a chip system.

[0041] In a tenth aspect, a chip device is provided, including a processor configured to call a computer program or computer instruction in a memory, so that the processor executes any implementation of the first aspect, any implementation of the second aspect, or any implementation of the third aspect.

[0042] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory through an interface.

[0043] In an eleventh aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a first device, a second device, and a third device; the third device is configured to execute the method shown in the first aspect, the second device is configured to execute the method shown in the second aspect, and the first device is configured to execute the method shown in the first aspect.

[0044] For the description of the beneficial effects of any aspect from the fourth aspect to the eleventh aspect, reference may be made to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect. Description of the Drawings

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a PDU session connection architecture.

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of another PDU session connection architecture.

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a PDU session connection architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Figure 7It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart of yet another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Figure 9 It is a schematic flowchart of still another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0054] Figure 10 It is a schematic flowchart of still another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Figure 11 It is a schematic flowchart of still another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Figure 12 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Figure 13 It is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0058] It can be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0059] Next, the technical solutions in the present application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0060] The technical solutions provided by the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: the fifth generation (5 th generation, 5G) or new radio (NR) system, long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, etc. The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation (6 thgeneration, 6G) mobile communication system. The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0061] Figure 1 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. The network architecture includes a terminal device, an access network device, an access and mobility management network element, a session management network element, a user plane function network element, a policy control network element, a network slice selection network element, a network repository function network element, a network data analysis network element, a unified data management network element, a unified data storage network element, an authentication service function network element, a network capability open network element, an application function network element, and a data network (DN) connecting to the operator network. The terminal device can send service data to the data network and receive service data from the data network through the access network device and the user plane function network element.

[0062] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver functions that can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as a ship, etc.); it can also be deployed in the air (such as an airplane, a balloon, a satellite, etc.). The terminal device can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN) and exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. The terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver functions, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a drone, a drone controller, and so on. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios. The terminal device can sometimes also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), a customer premise equipment (CPE), a mobile station, a remote station, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies, device forms, and names adopted by the terminal device.

[0063] An access network device is a device in the network used to connect a terminal device to a wireless network. The access network device can be a node in a wireless access network, also known as a base station, and can also be referred to as a (radio) access network ((R)AN) node (or device). Additionally, (R)AN can be equivalent to the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) in a layer 3 relay architecture. In other words, (R)AN can be NG-RAN. For ease of description, RAN will sometimes be used hereinafter to refer to the access network device. It can be understood that RAN can also be AN.

[0064] The access network device may include an evolved Node B (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutional Node B) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system or an evolved LTE system (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A), such as a traditional macro eNB and a micro eNB in a heterogeneous network scenario, or may also include a next generation node B (gNB) in a 5G or NR system, or may further include a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a transmission reception point (TRP), a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), a BBU pool, or a WiFi access point (AP), etc. Or it may further include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CloudRAN) system. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this. In a scenario where the access network device includes a separate deployment of a CU and a DU, the CU supports protocols such as radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU mainly supports the radio link control layer (RLC), the media access control layer (MAC), and physical layer protocols. The access network device may include a radio network device in a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network or an access point in a non-3GPP network.

[0065] The access and mobility management network element is mainly used for the attachment and tracking area update process of the terminal in the mobile network. The access and mobility management network element can provide non-access stratum (NAS) messages, complete registration management, connection management, reachability management, assign tracking area list (TA list), legal monitoring, access authorization, authentication and mobility management, etc., and transparently route session management (SM) messages to the session management network element. In the fifth generation (5G) communication system, the access and mobility management network element can be the access and mobility management function (AMF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the mobility management network element can still be the AMF network element, or it can have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0066] The session management network element is mainly used for session and bearer management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals, selecting user plane function network elements that provide message forwarding functions, etc. The session management network element can issue data packet forwarding policies, QoS policies, etc. to user plane function network elements based on the NG4 interface. In a 5G communication system, the session management network element may be a session management function (SMF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the session management network element may still be an SMF network element, or it may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0067] The user plane function network element is mainly used to process user messages, such as forwarding, billing, legal monitoring, etc. In addition, the user plane function network element can be used for routing forwarding, threshold control, traffic monitoring, verification and other functions of user plane data. The user plane function network element can also be used for the management of UE IP addresses, the management of core network (CN) tunnel information, etc. The user plane function network element may also be called a PDU session anchor (PSA). In a 5G communication system, the user plane function network element may be a UPF. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the user plane function network element may still be a UPF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0068] Corresponding to the user plane function network element may be a control plane function network element (control plane function, CP), and the control plane function network element may include the above access and mobility management network element and session management network element.

[0069] The policy control network element includes user subscription data management function, policy control function, charging policy control function, QoS control, etc. In the 5G communication system, the policy control network element may be a policy control function (policy control function, PCF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the policy control network element may still be a PCF network element, or it may also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0070] The network slice selection function network element is mainly used to select a suitable network slice for the services of the terminal device. In the 5G communication system, the network slice selection network element may be a network slice selection function (network slice selection function, NSSF) network element. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the network slice selection network element may still be an NSSF network element, or it may also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0071] The network repository function network element is mainly used to provide the registration and discovery functions of network elements or services provided by network elements. In the 5G communication system, the network repository function network element may be a network repository function (network repository function, NRF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the network repository function network element may still be an NRF network element, or it may also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0072] The network data analysis network element can collect data from various network functions (network function, NF), such as the policy control network element, session management network element, user plane function network element, access and mobility management network element, application function network element (through the network capability open function network element), and perform analysis and prediction. In the 5G communication system, the network data analysis network element may be a network data analytics function (network data analytics function, NWDAF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the network data analysis network element may still be an NWDAF network element, or it may also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0073] The unified data management network element is mainly used to manage the subscription information of terminal devices. In a 5G communication system, the unified data management network element can be the unified data management (UDM). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the unified data management network element can still be the UDM network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0074] The unified data storage network element is mainly used to store structured data information, including subscription information, policy information, and network data or service data defined in a standard format. In a 5G communication system, the unified data storage network element can be the unified data repository (UDR). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the unified data storage network element can still be the UDR network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0075] The authentication service function network element is mainly used to perform security authentication on terminal devices. In a 5G communication system, the authentication service function network element can be the authentication server function (AUSF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the authentication service function network element can still be the AUSF network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0076] The network capability open network element can expose some functions of the network to applications in a controlled manner. In a 5G communication system, the network capability open network element can be the network exposure function (NEF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the network capability open network element can still be the NEF network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0077] The application function network element can provide service data of various applications to the control plane network elements of the operator's communication network, or obtain network data information and control information from the control plane network elements of the communication network. In a 5G communication system, the application function network element can be the application function (AF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the application function network element can still be the AF network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application. For example, the application function network element can also be called an application server or a service server. In addition, the application function network element can be deployed by the operator network or by a third party.

[0078] A data network is mainly used to provide data transmission services for terminal devices. The data network can be a private network, such as a local area network, or a public data network (PDN), such as the Internet, or a proprietary network jointly deployed by operators, such as the configured IP multimedia core network subsystem (IMS) service. The data network can also come from a third party.

[0079] In Figure 1 the architecture shown below, the interface names and functions between each network element are as follows:

[0080] 1. N1: The interface between the AMF and the UE, which can be used to transfer QoS control rules, etc., to the UE.

[0081] 2. N2: The interface between the AMF and the (R)AN, which can be used to transfer radio bearer control information from the core network side to the RAN, etc.

[0082] 3. N3: The interface between the RAN and the UPF, which is used to transfer uplink or downlink user plane data between the RAN and the UPF.

[0083] 4. N4: The interface between the SMF and the UPF, which can be used to transfer information between the control plane and the user plane, including the issuance of forwarding rules from the control plane to the user plane, QoS control rules, traffic statistics rules, etc., and the information reporting of the user plane.

[0084] 5. N6: The interface between the UPF and the DN, which is used to transfer uplink or downlink user data streams between the UPF and the DN.

[0085] 6. The service-oriented interfaces Nnssf, Nnef, Nausf, Nnrf, Namf, Npcf, Nsmf, and Nudm are service-oriented interfaces provided by the above-mentioned NSSF network element, NEF network element, AUSF network element, NRF network element, AMF network element, PCF network element, SMF network element, and UDM network element respectively, which are used to call corresponding service-oriented operations.

[0086] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network elements or functions can be either network components in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). Optionally, the above-mentioned network elements or functions can be implemented by one device, or jointly implemented by multiple devices, or can also be a functional module within one device. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0087] Figure 1The network architecture shown not only supports the access of radio technologies defined by the 3GPP standard group (such as LTE, 5G(R)AN, etc.) to the core network side, but also supports the access of non-3GPP access technologies to the core network side through the non-3GPP conversion function (non-3GPP interworking function, N3IWF) or the next-generation access gateway (next generation packet data gateway, ngPDG).

[0088] When the 5G core network supports non-trusted non-3GPP (N3G) access, the network architecture is as Figure 2 shown. Among them, N3IWF is the non-trusted non-3GPP access gateway, and the non-trusted non-3GPP access network can be a non-trusted wireless local area network (wireless local area networks, WLAN) access network, etc., without limitation.

[0089] Figure 2 It shows a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0090] Figure 2 In it, communication can be carried out between the UE and the N3IWF through the NWu interface, communication can be carried out between the N3IWF and the UPF through the N3 interface, communication can be carried out between the UE and the non-trusted non-3GPP access network through the Y1 interface, communication can be carried out between the N3IWF and the non-trusted non-3GPP access network through the Y2 interface, and the relationship between other interfaces and each network element is as Figure 2 shown. For the sake of simplicity, it will not be elaborated one by one here.

[0091] In addition, the 5G core network can also support trusted non-3GPP access or / and wired network access. Among them, the trusted non-3GPP network includes a trusted WLAN network, and the wired network can include fixed home network access, etc. The network side architecture is similar to the non-trusted non-3GPP access architecture, and the non-trusted non-3GPP access gateway is replaced by a trusted WLAN access gateway, such as the trusted non-3GPP gateway function (trusted non-3GPP gateway function, TNGF), or replaced by a wired network access gateway, such as the wireline access gateway function (wireline access gateway function, W-AGF). The access network devices between the UE and the above access gateways can include WLAN APs, wired network access network devices (fixed access network, FAN), switches, routers, etc.

[0092] In summary, the N3G access technology may include access technologies such as trusted WLAN access, untrusted WLAN access, or wired access. Whether it is trusted Non-3GPP access or untrusted Non-3GPP access, the core network side may be as Figure 2 shown as a point-to-point interface protocol, or similar to the Figure 1 3GPP access core network architecture shown, and use a service-based interface.

[0093] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a PDU session connection architecture. Figure 3 shows the PDU session establishment process initiated by the UE to a certain data network name (DNN).

[0094] The AMF selects the SMF based on the UE's location information and DNN information, etc. The SMF selects the anchor UPF (A-UPF) based on the UE's location information and DNN information. The above SMF or A-UPF will allocate a UE IP address for this PDU session. If the target SMF selected by the AMF cannot be directly connected, then the AMF will also select an intermediate SMF (I-SMF) at the same time. In this way, the AMF first connects to the I-SMF, and then notifies the I-SMF to continue connecting to the target SMF. Similarly, if the access network side (RAN) cannot be directly connected to the A-UPF, then a connection can also be established through an intermediate UPF (I-UPF), that is, the RAN first connects to the I-UPF, and the I-UPF then connects to the A-UPF.

[0095] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of another PDU session connection architecture.

[0096] See Figure 4 , a splitting UPF can be inserted in the PDU session. The position of the splitting UPF is similar to that of the Figure 3 I-UPF. The splitting UPF is deployed between the A-UPF and the RAN. However, different from the I-UPF, the splitting UPF can split a part of the traffic flow locally according to the splitting rules, and then continue to send other traffic flows to the A-UPF. For example, the traffic flows received by the splitting UPF include a first traffic flow and a second traffic flow. The splitting UPF can send the first traffic flow to the A-UPF and send the second traffic flow to the data network where the splitting UPF is located for processing.

[0097] However, if the anchor UPF is located near the UE while the split UPF is located far from the UE, then the traffic flow processed by the anchor UPF needs to be first sent to the split UPF that is far away, and after being split by the split UPF, it is then passed to the anchor UPF, which results in a roundabout transmission path, waste of transmission resources, and increased latency.

[0098] Figure 5 It is a schematic block diagram of a PDU session connection architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 The shown architecture can help save transmission resources and reduce latency.

[0099] Exemplarily, Figure 5 The shown architecture can be applicable to the 5G mobile core network. Specifically, Figure 5 The shown architecture can be applicable after the UE completes the registration process by accessing the mobile core network through 3GPP or non-3GPP. The network side can select an access SMF (A-SMF) and a service SMF (S-SMF) according to the location of the UE and the services initiated by the UE to provide corresponding services for the UE. The S-SMF providing the above services may be deployed far from the UE, so an appropriate A-SMF and A-UPF can be selected locally at the UE to allocate a UE IP address for the UE.

[0100] Different DNs can correspond to different traffic. Exemplarily, normal traffic, such as Internet access traffic, can be routed to DN1 (as the Internet) through the A-UPF, and special traffic can be sent to the S-UPF through the A-UPF and then routed to DN2 (as the corresponding service server) by the S-UPF.

[0101] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Method 600 helps save transmission resources and reduce latency. The following combines Figure 6 to introduce method 600.

[0102] S610, the third device obtains first information.

[0103] Wherein, the first information can be used to indicate information of a first data network or can be used to indicate the correspondence between the information of the first data network and the information of the first device.

[0104] Wherein, the first device can be used to connect to a fourth device, and the fourth device can be used to transmit data between the terminal device and the first data network.

[0105] Exemplarily, the third device may be an AMF. However, the present application does not limit the name of the third device, and the third device may also have other names. Exemplarily, the first device may be an S-SMF. However, the present application does not limit the name of the first device, and the first device may also have other names. Exemplarily, the fourth device may be an S-UPF. However, the present application does not limit the name of the fourth device, and the fourth device may also have other names.

[0106] The first information may be used to indicate information about the first data network. The first information may include an identifier of the first data network (e.g., the DNN of the first data network). In other words, the information about the first data network may be the identifier of the first data network. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the information about the first data network may include at least one of service description information, data network name, service level information, service security information, user attribute information, and user level information. Among them, the service description information may include a service identifier or a description of the personal service of the user or an identifier of the group where the UE is located. The description of the personal service of the user is used to represent the description of the service that the personal user can provide, such as the identifier of the personal service. Through the information about the first data network, the correspondence between the first data network and the first device can be determined.

[0107] The first information may be used to indicate the correspondence between the information about the first data network and the information about the first device. Exemplarily, the first information may include the DNN of the first data network and the identifier of the first device. Alternatively, the first information may include the DNNs of multiple data networks and the identifiers of multiple first devices, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the DNNs of the multiple data networks and the identifiers of the multiple first devices.

[0108] The information about the first device may be the identifier of the first device or the selection information of the first device. In other words, through the information about the first device, the first device or the identifier of the first device can be determined. The present application does not limit the specific form of the information about the first device. For example, the information about the first device may be a service network access identifier, and through the service network access identifier, the first device or the identifier of the first device can be determined.

[0109] The first data network may be any data network. The fourth device may be used to transmit data between the terminal device and the first data network. In other words, the fourth device may be used to connect to the first data network. For example, the fourth device may transmit uplink data sent by the terminal device to the first data network. Also, for example, the fourth device may transmit downlink data sent by the first data network to the terminal device.

[0110] The first device may be used to connect to the fourth device. In other words, the first device may be used to select, control, or manage the fourth device.

[0111] S620, the third device determines the first device and the second device.

[0112] Wherein, the second device can be used to connect to the fifth device and obtain the network address of the terminal device. The fifth device can be used to transmit data between the terminal device and the second data network. The fifth device can also be used to send data of the first data network to the fourth device. The second data network and the first data network can respectively correspond to different traffic flows.

[0113] Exemplarily, the second device can be an A-SMF. However, the name of the second device is not limited in this application, and the second device can also have other names. Exemplarily, the fifth device can be an A-UPF. However, the name of the fifth device is not limited in this application, and the fifth device can also have other names.

[0114] The above S620 can also be expressed as that the third device selects the first device and the second device. In some other alternative implementation manners, the third device can select at least one first device and the second device. Wherein, at least one first device corresponds to at least one fourth device respectively, and at least one fourth device is respectively connected to at least one first data network.

[0115] The second device can be used to connect to the fifth device. In other words, the second device can be used to select, control or manage the fifth device.

[0116] The second device is used to obtain the network address of the terminal device, which can include: the second device is used to allocate a UE IP for the terminal device; or, the second device is used to receive the UE IP from the fifth device. In the case where the second device receives the UE IP from the fifth device, the UE IP can be allocated by the fifth device.

[0117] The second data network can be any data network. The fifth device can be used to transmit data between the terminal device and the second data network. In other words, the fifth device can be used to connect to the second data network. For example, the fifth device can transmit the uplink data sent by the terminal device to the second data network. For another example, the fifth device can transmit the downlink data sent by the second data network to the terminal device.

[0118] Wherein, the DNNs corresponding to the second data network and the first data network can be the same or different.

[0119] The second device for obtaining the network address of the terminal device is an A-SMF, and the fifth device connected to the A-SMF is an A-UPF. And, the fifth device is used to send data for the first data network (connected to the fourth device) to the fourth device (S-UPF). Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, the anchor UPF is advanced relative to other technical solutions.

[0120] The fifth device can be regarded as the anchor UPF. If the location of the anchor UPF is near the UE, while the location of the fourth device is far from the UE, then the traffic flow processed by the anchor UPF can be first sent to the relatively close anchor UPF. After being split by the anchor UPF, other traffic flows are sent to the fourth device. Compared with the solution of first sending to the remote split UPF and then sending back to the proximal anchor UPF, the method provided by the embodiments of the present application saves transmission resources and reduces latency.

[0121] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, S610 includes: the third device receives subscription information from the unified data management network element, and the subscription information includes the first information.

[0122] Exemplarily, the unified data management network element can be a UDM. However, the present application does not limit the name of the unified data management network element, and the unified data management network element can also have other names.

[0123] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 600 further includes: the third device receives third information from the unified data management network element, and the third information is used to indicate obtaining the first information from the sixth device; wherein, S610 includes: the third device receives the first information from the sixth device.

[0124] Exemplarily, the sixth device can be a PCF, NRF, NF, or NWDAF, etc. However, the present application does not limit the name of the sixth device, and the sixth device can also have other names.

[0125] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 600 further includes: the third device receives fourth information from the terminal device, and the fourth information is used to indicate information of the first data network and / or information of the second data network; wherein, S620 includes: the third device determines the first device according to the first information and the fourth information.

[0126] The information of the first data network may include at least one of service description information, data network name, service level information, service security information, user attribute information, and user level information. The information of the second data network may include at least one of service description information, data network name, service level information, service security information, user attribute information, and user level information. Among them, the service description information may include a service identifier or an identifier of the group where the UE is located.

[0127] The information of the first data network is associated with the information of the second data network. As described above, the first device can be determined according to the information of the first data network. Therefore, the first device can also be determined according to the information of the second data network. The association between the information of the first data network and the information of the second data network is reflected in that data transmission can be carried out between the fourth device connected to the first data network and the fifth device connected to the second data network. Moreover, the first device that selects the fourth device and the second device that selects the fifth device are both selected by the third device (i.e., the same AMF). There may be a correspondence or mapping relationship between the information of the first data network and the information of the second data network.

[0128] Exemplarily, the fourth information may be carried in the PDU session request message. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and the fourth information may also be carried in messages with other names.

[0129] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 600 further includes: the third device sends the second information or the information of the first data network to the second device, and the second information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the second device to obtain the service flow routing policy sent by the first device, or to instruct the fifth device to send the data of the first data network to the fourth device.

[0130] The second information may instruct that the second device is an A-SMF. In the case where the second information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, the second device determines that it is the second device itself that obtains the network address of the terminal device. Therefore, the second device can determine that it is the second device itself that is an A-SMF. In the case where the second information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the service flow routing policy sent by the first device, the second device determines that it is the second device itself that obtains the service flow routing policy. Therefore, the second device can determine that it is the second device itself that is an A-SMF. In the case where the second information is used to instruct the fifth device to send the data of the first data network to the fourth device, the second device determines that the fifth device selected by the second device actively sends data to the fourth device. Therefore, the second device can determine that it is the second device itself that is an A-SMF.

[0131] In the case where the third device sends the information of the second device or the first data network, the second device can determine that it is an A-SMF according to the information of the first data network. For example, the second device determines that the fifth device it is connected to does not transmit the data of the first data network, and thus determines that it is an A-SMF.

[0132] In some alternative embodiments, the method 600 includes: a second device receiving information of a first device; and the second device sending a message to the first device according to the information of the first device and second information. The message can be used to indicate that the first device is an S-SMF. In other words, after determining that it is an A-SMF itself, the second device can actively request to communicate with the S-SMF.

[0133] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the service flow routing policy is used to indicate at least one of the correspondence between the flow description information and the fourth device, or the security information of the service flow routing, or the QoS parameter of the service flow routing.

[0134] The fourth device can correspond to the tunnel information of the fourth device, that is, the IP address and / or tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID) of the fourth device. For example, there is a correspondence between flow IP1 and UPF IP3 + TEID a, and this correspondence can be used to indicate that the tunnel identifier for sending the traffic flow packet of IP1 to the tunnel endpoint with TEID a of UPF IP3 is to encapsulate the GTP-U header of TEID a outside the packet of IP1, and encapsulate UPF IP3 as the destination IP address.

[0135] The fifth device can determine the data packet to be sent to the fourth device according to the service flow routing policy. For example, in the case where the service flow routing policy is used to indicate the correspondence between the flow description information and the fourth device, if the flow description information of the data packet corresponds to the flow description information in the service flow routing policy, then it can be determined that the data packet needs to be sent to the fourth device. Another example is that in the case where the service flow routing policy is used to indicate the security information of the service flow routing, if the data packet meets the security information of the service flow routing in the service flow routing policy, then it can be determined that the data packet needs to be sent to the fourth device. Still another example is that in the case where the service flow routing policy is used to indicate the QoS parameter of the service flow routing, if the data packet meets the QoS parameter of the service flow routing in the service flow routing policy, then it can be determined that the data packet needs to be sent to the fourth device.

[0136] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 600 further includes: the third device sending fifth information or information of a first data network to the first device, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the second device acquires the network address of the terminal device, or is used to indicate that the first device sends the service flow routing policy to the second device, or is used to indicate that the fourth device receives the data of the first data network from the fifth device.

[0137] The fifth piece of information may indicate that the first device is an S-SMF. When the fifth piece of information is used to indicate that the second device acquires the network address of the terminal device, the first device determines that it does not acquire the network address of the terminal device by itself. Therefore, the first device may determine that the first device itself is an S-SMF, and further, the first device may determine that the A-SMF is the second device. When the fifth piece of information is used to indicate that the second device acquires the traffic flow routing policy sent by the first device, the first device determines that it sends the traffic flow routing policy by itself. Therefore, the first device may determine that the first device itself is an S-SMF. When the fifth piece of information is used to indicate that the fifth device sends the data of the first data network to the fourth device, the first device determines that the fourth device selected by the first device receives the data sent by other devices. Therefore, the first device may determine that the first device itself is an S-SMF.

[0138] When the third device sends the information of the first data network to the first device, the first device may determine that it is an S-SMF according to the information of the first data network. For example, the first device determines that the fourth device to which it is connected transmits the data of the first data network, so it determines that it is an S-SMF.

[0139] Figure 7 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 700 provided by an embodiment of this application. The method 700 may be combined with any embodiment of the foregoing method 600. The following combines Figure 7 Describe the embodiments of the above method 700.

[0140] S710, the second device receives the second piece of information from the third device.

[0141] Alternatively, the second device receives the information of the first data network from the third device.

[0142] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 700 further includes: the second device sends the sixth piece of information or the information of the first data network to the first device, and the sixth piece of information is used to indicate that the second device acquires the network address of the terminal device, or is used to indicate that the first device sends the traffic flow routing policy to the second device, or is used to indicate that the fourth device receives the data of the first data network from the fifth device.

[0143] The sixth piece of information may indicate that the first device is the S-SMF. When the sixth piece of information is used to indicate that the second device acquires the network address of the terminal device, the first device determines that it is not the first device itself that acquires the network address of the terminal device. Therefore, the first device can determine that the first device itself is the S-SMF, and further, the first device can determine that the A-SMF is the second device. When the sixth piece of information is used to indicate that the second device acquires the traffic flow routing policy sent by the first device, the first device determines that it is the first device itself that sends the traffic flow routing policy. Therefore, the first device can determine that the first device itself is the S-SMF. When the sixth piece of information is used to indicate that the fifth device sends the data of the first data network to the fourth device, the first device determines that the fourth device selected by the first device receives the data sent by other devices. Therefore, the first device can determine that the first device itself is the S-SMF.

[0144] When the second device sends the information of the first data network to the first device, the first device can determine that it is the S-SMF according to the information of the first data network. For example, the first device determines that the fourth device to which it is connected transmits the data of the first data network, so it determines that it is the S-SMF.

[0145] The difference from the foregoing fifth piece of information is that the sixth piece of information is sent by the second device to the first device, and the fifth piece of information is sent by the third device to the first device.

[0146] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the foregoing embodiment, the method 700 further includes: the second device receives the traffic flow routing policy from the first device; the second device sends the seventh piece of information to the fifth device, and the seventh piece of information is used to indicate that the fifth device sends traffic flow data packets matching the traffic flow routing policy to the fourth device.

[0147] Correspondingly, the first device sends the traffic flow routing policy to the second device.

[0148] Further, in some optional embodiments, the fifth device may send traffic flow data packets matching the traffic flow routing policy to the fourth device according to the seventh piece of information.

[0149] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the foregoing embodiment, the method 700 further includes: the second device sends the eighth piece of information to the first device, and the eighth piece of information is used to indicate the network address of the terminal device.

[0150] Correspondingly, the first device receives the eighth piece of information from the second device.

[0151] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiments, the method 700 further includes: the second device sends a NAS message to the terminal device, where the NAS message includes the network address of the terminal device.

[0152] Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 800 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method 800 can be combined with any embodiment of the foregoing method 600 and method 700. The following combines Figure 8 to describe the embodiments of the above method 800.

[0153] S810, the first device receives fifth information from a third device.

[0154] Alternatively, the first device receives information of a first data network from a third device.

[0155] S820, the first device receives sixth information from a second device.

[0156] Alternatively, the first device receives information of a first data network from a second device.

[0157] It can be understood that S810 and S820 can be executed alternatively. In other words, if S810 is executed, S820 may not be executed. If S820 is executed, S810 may not be executed.

[0158] In other words, the information indicating that the first device is the S-SMF can come from the third device or the second device.

[0159] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiments, the method 800 further includes: the first device selects the fourth device based on the information of the first data network. For example, the information of the first data network is a user group identifier (such as user1.beijing.home.com, indicating the service of user1's family in Beijing), and the first device determines the fourth device serving the family group service in Beijing based on this user family group identifier. Or the information of the first data network is an enterprise service (such as huawei.com), and the first device searches for the fourth device serving the enterprise based on the enterprise service identifier.

[0160] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiments, the method 800 further includes: the first device obtains the information of the first data network from a unified data management network element or a sixth device.

[0161] Wherein, the sixth device may include a policy control network element, a network repository function network element, a network function or a network data analysis function.

[0162] For example, the first device may receive subscription information from the third device, where the subscription information includes information about the first data network. As another example, the first device may receive subscription information from the third device, where the subscription information includes indication information for indicating to obtain information about the first data network from the sixth device. The first device may receive information about the first data network from the sixth device.

[0163] Figure 9 It is a schematic flowchart of yet another communication method 900 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Method 900 may be combined with any embodiment of any of the foregoing methods. The following combines Figure 9 to describe embodiments of the above method 900.

[0164] S901, the UE initiates a registration process to the 5G core network. That is, the UE sends a registration request message to the AMF.

[0165] S902, the AMF obtains the subscription data of the UE from the UDM and registers the AMF identifier to the UDM.

[0166] S903, the UDM looks up the UE subscription data and sends the UE subscription data to the AMF.

[0167] The above S903 corresponds to the foregoing S610. The above UE subscription data contains extended new parameters. The extended new parameters may include first information.

[0168] For example, the first information may be service information and corresponding SMF selection information. Specifically, service information and corresponding SMF selection information may be newly added to the subscription data related to a certain existing DNN.

[0169] The above service information may be used to represent network information for providing this service. For example, it may be a service identifier (such as a service ID, or a UE group identifier enjoying this service, etc.), or a service DNN (service DNN, S-DNN). The service information and the information about the foregoing first data network may be mutually replaceable in expression. Among them, the S-DNN may also be referred to as a secondary DNN or a sub-DNN. The S-DNN may adopt the data format of an existing DNN or a so-called primary DNN, but the specific value may be different from that of the existing DNN or the primary DNN.

[0170] The above SMF selection information can be used for SMF selection. For example, the SMF selection information can be at least one of the SMF ID, the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the SMF, and the SMF IP address. Alternatively, the SMF selection information can be the service network access identity. The SMF selection information and the information of the foregoing first device can be mutually replaced in terms of expression.

[0171] S904, the AMF sends a registration success message to the UE.

[0172] The network side completes the authentication of the UE. For the UE with successful authentication, the AMF sends a registration success message to the UE.

[0173] S905, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF.

[0174] The UE initiates a PDU session establishment process for a certain DNN. That is, the UE sends a UL NAS transport message to the AMF, which contains the PDU session establishment request message.

[0175] Optionally, the above UL NAS transport message contains the DNN. If there is no DNN, the AMF uses the default DNN based on the subscription data received in S903.

[0176] S906, the AMF selects an A-SMF and at least one S-SMF.

[0177] The above S906 corresponds to the foregoing S620. The AMF can select the A-SMF according to the DNN and / or the location information of the UE, etc. The AMF can select at least one S-SMF according to the service information and the SMF selection information contained in the subscription data of a certain DNN received in S903.

[0178] For example, in the case where the SMF selection information includes SMF information (such as at least one of the SMF ID, the SMF FQDN, and the SMF IP address), the AMF selects the SMF indicated by the SMF information. For another example, in the case where the SMF selection information includes the service network access identity, the AMF selects the serving SMF based on the service network access identity.

[0179] It should be noted that when the first information includes multiple service information and multiple SMF selection information, the AMF selects the corresponding S-SMF for each service. Additionally, if the AMF cannot directly interact with the selected A-SMF and / or S-SMF, the AMF can select an I-SMF. For details, please refer to Figure 3 。

[0180] In S907, the AMF sends a request message (CreateSMContextRequest) to the A-SMF.

[0181] It should be noted that in the case where the AMF cannot directly interact with the A-SMF, the AMF can first send the above message to the I-AMF, and then the I-AMF sends the above message to the A-SMF.

[0182] The above request message may include at least one S-SMF information (such as at least one of the SMF ID, SMF FQDN, and SMF IP address). In some alternative embodiments, the above request message may further include the S-DNN corresponding to the S-SMF. In some alternative embodiments, the above request message may further include the aforementioned second information.

[0183] It should be noted that the A-SMF can process the UE's NAS messages, and can allocate a UE IP address for the UE or receive a UE IP address allocated by the UPF.

[0184] In the case where the second information is not included in the above request message, the SMF can determine itself as the A-SMF based on the received S-SMF information, that is, the AMF can implicitly indicate to the SMF that it is the A-SMF.

[0185] In the case where the AMF selects multiple S-SMFs in S906, the above request message in S907 may include multiple S-SMF information.

[0186] In some alternative implementation manners, method 900 further includes: the AMF sends a PDU session establishment request message, and sends the DNN received from the UE or the default DNN determined based on the subscription to the A-SMF.

[0187] S908, the A-SMF obtains the subscription data corresponding to the DNN from the UDM.

[0188] For example, the subscription data may include the PDU session type, QoS parameters, etc. Further, the A-SMF may generate a session context and add at least one S-SMF information and the corresponding S-DNN to the above session context. In addition, the A-SMF may determine itself as the A-SMF based on the second information or the S-SMF information. The A-SMF may parse the PDU session establishment message.

[0189] At S909, the A-SMF selects the A-UPF and sends a PFCP session establishment message to the A-UPF.

[0190] The above PFCP session establishment message may include N4 rules. If the A-UPF allocates an IP address, the A-SMF may instruct the A-UPF to allocate a UE IP.

[0191] Further, the A-UPF may allocate a tunnel identifier and send the tunnel identifier to the A-SMF. Among them, the tunnel identifier may include the A-UPF IP and / or TEID.

[0192] At S910, the A-SMF sends a message to the above S-SMF based on the received S-SMF information.

[0193] It should be noted that in the case where the A-SMF receives multiple S-SMF information, the A-SMF may send different messages to different S-SMFs respectively.

[0194] In some alternative embodiments, the above message may include S-DNN information. In some alternative embodiments, the above message may further include the aforementioned sixth message. The sixth message may be used to indicate that the device receiving the sixth message is the S-SMF. In the case where the above message does not include the sixth message, the A-SMF may indicate as the S-SMF based on the S-DNN information, that is, indicate as the S-SMF in an implicit manner. The S-SMF may not be responsible for allocating the UE IP, nor may it receive the UE IP address from the UPF. The S-SMF may receive the UE IP address from the A-SMF.

[0195] In some alternative embodiments, the above message may include the A-UPF tunnel identifier sent by the A-SMF. The tunnel identifier may be used to establish a user plane tunnel connection between the A-UPF and the S-UPF, and to receive the UE IP address allocated by the A-SMF or the A-UPF.

[0196] At S911, the S-SMF obtains the subscription data related to the S-DNN from the UDM.

[0197] In some alternative embodiments, the S-SMF may generate a session context. The context includes the PDU session type corresponding to this S-DNN, QoS parameters, etc.

[0198] S912, based on the S-DNN information, the S-SMF selects an S-UPF and sends a PFCP session establishment message to the S-UPF.

[0199] Among them, the PFCP session establishment message may carry the A-UPF tunnel identifier and / or the UE IP address. The S-UPF may store the above tunnel identifier.

[0200] In some alternative embodiments, the S-UPF may allocate its own tunnel identifier and send it to the S-SMF. The S-UPF may store the correspondence between the UE IP and the A-UPF tunnel identifier.

[0201] When the S-UPF receives a downlink data packet, the S-UPF may match the destination IP address carried in the data packet with the UE IP address. In the case of a successful match, the S-UPF may send the data packet to the A-UPF corresponding to this UE IP, that is, encapsulate the above data packet using the tunnel identifier corresponding to the A-UPF and send it to the A-UPF.

[0202] S913, the S-SMF sends a traffic flow routing policy to the A-SMF. The above traffic flow routing policy includes flow description information and S-UPF tunnel information.

[0203] Among them, the S-SMF may generate traffic flow description information, or the S-SMF may receive the traffic flow description information sent by the PCF.

[0204] The above traffic flow description information may be traffic flow description information related to the S-DNN. For example, the traffic flow description information may include at least one of the source / destination IP address, source / destination port number, protocol type, and five-tuple. In some alternative implementation manners, the S-SMF may also send the tunnel identifier information of the S-UPF to the A-SMF.

[0205] S914, the A-SMF sends the traffic flow description information and the S-UPF tunnel information to the A-UPF.

[0206] That is, the A-SMF may send a PFCP update request to the A-UPF, and the above update request may include the traffic flow description information and the S-UPF tunnel identifier.

[0207] The A-UPF can store the correspondence between the above service flow description information and the S-UPF tunnel identifier. When the A-UPF receives a data packet sent by the UE, the A-UPF can detect whether at least one of the IP five-tuple information (e.g., source / destination IP address, source / destination port number, protocol type) carried in the data packet matches the service flow description information (e.g., the destination IP of the data packet is the same as the destination IP included in the routing policy). If there is a match, the above data packet can be sent to the corresponding S-UPF. That is, this data packet can be transmitted through the S-UPF tunnel corresponding to the service flow description information, which means that the above data packet can be encapsulated with the tunnel identifier corresponding to the S-UPF and sent to the S-UPF.

[0208] S915. The A-SMF generates a PDU session establishment accept message and sends it to the AMF.

[0209] The AMF encapsulates the above message in a DL NAS transport message.

[0210] S916. The AMF sends the DL NAS transport message to the UE, where the DL NAS transport message can include the PDU session establishment accept message.

[0211] Figure 10 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 1000 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method 1000 can be combined with any embodiment of any of the foregoing methods. The following combines Figure 10 Describe the embodiment of the above method 1000. Some steps in the method 1000 can refer to the foregoing method 900 and will not be repeated below.

[0212] S901 to S905. Different from the method 900, in S903 of the method 1000, the subscribed data includes indication information, and the indication information is used to instruct the AMF to obtain information related to the DNN in the subscribed information from the PCF. It should be noted that the method 1000 only takes the sixth device as the PCF as an example, and the present application does not limit that the sixth device can only be the PCF. For example, the sixth device can also be the NRF, NF, or NWDAF, etc.

[0213] S1001. The AMF sends a SM policy request or policy update request message to the PCF based on the indication information.

[0214] S1002. The PCF sends a subscribed policy to the AMF.

[0215] Among them, the subscribed policy can include the foregoing first information.

[0216] S906 to S916.

[0217] Figure 11 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 1100 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Method 1100 can be combined with any embodiment of any of the foregoing methods. The following combines Figure 11 to describe the embodiments of the above method 1100. Some steps in method 1100 can refer to the foregoing method 900 or method 1000, which will not be elaborated below.

[0218] S901 to S907. Or, S901 to S905, S1001 to S1002, S906 to S907.

[0219] S1101, the AMF sends a request message (CreateSMContextRequest) to the S-SMF.

[0220] It should be noted that in the case where the AMF cannot directly interact with the S-SMF, the AMF can first send the above message to the I-AMF, and then the I-AMF sends the above message to the S-SMF.

[0221] The above request message can include at least one S-SMF information (such as at least one of the SMF ID, SMF FQDN, and SMF IP address). In some alternative embodiments, the above request message can further include the S-DNN corresponding to the S-SMF. In some alternative embodiments, the above request message can further include the foregoing fifth information.

[0222] In the case where the fifth information is not included in the above request message, the SMF can determine itself as the S-SMF based on the received S-SMF information, that is, the AMF can implicitly indicate to the SMF that it is the S-SMF.

[0223] In some alternative implementation manners, method 900 further includes: the AMF sends a PDU session establishment request message, and sends the DNN received from the UE or the default DNN determined based on the subscription to the S-SMF.

[0224] S911 to S913. S908 to S909. S914 to S916.

[0225] The difference from method 1000 and method 900 is that in method 1100, the AMF indicates the S-SMF, so there is no need for the A-SMF to indicate the S-SMF, that is, S910.

[0226] The corresponding device embodiments of the method embodiments of the present application are introduced below. Only a brief introduction to the device is given below, and the specific implementation steps and details of the solution can refer to the foregoing method embodiments.

[0227] To implement the various functions in the method provided by this application, both the terminal device and the network device may include a hardware structure and / or software module, and implement the above-mentioned various functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module. Whether a certain function among the above-mentioned various functions is executed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0228] Figure 12 FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1200 includes a processor 1210 and a communication interface 1220, and the processor 1210 and the communication interface 1220 may be connected to each other through a bus 1230. The communication device 1200 may be a first device, a second device, or a third device.

[0229] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a memory 1240. The memory 1240 includes, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and the memory 1240 is used for storing relevant instructions and data. The memory 1240 may be integrated with the processor 1210 or disposed separately.

[0230] The processor 1210 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the processor 1210 is a single CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. Among them, the processor 1210 may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuits that can implement the method of the present application, or a partial circuit for processing functions in the foregoing processor, chip, or integrated circuit. In addition, the communication interface 1220 may also be an input / output interface, and the input / output interface is used for inputting or outputting signals or data, and may also be an input / output circuit.

[0231] When the communication device 1200 is a third device, exemplarily, the processor 1210 is used to perform the following operations: the third device obtains first information; the third device determines the first device and the second device.

[0232] When the communication device 1200 is a second device, exemplarily, the processor 1210 is used to perform the following operations: the second device receives second information from the third device.

[0233] When the communication device 1200 is the first device, exemplarily, the processor 1210 is configured to perform the following operations: the first device receives fifth information from the third device; alternatively, the first device receives sixth information from the second device.

[0234] The above content is only described as an example. When the communication device 1200 is the first device, the second device, or the third device, it will be responsible for performing the methods or steps related to the first device, the second device, or the third device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0235] It can be understood that when the communication device 1200 is the first device, the second device, or the third device, the communication interface 1220 can also be referred to as a transceiver. The transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is used to perform transmission operations, and the receiver is used to perform reception operations. For example, the processor 1210 is configured to control the transceiver to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0236] It should be noted that the communication device 1200 may include a transmitter but not a receiver. Alternatively, the communication device 1200 may include a receiver but not a transmitter. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1200 includes transmission actions and reception actions.

[0237] The above description is only an exemplary description. For specific content, reference can be made to the content shown in the foregoing method embodiments. Figure 12 The implementation of each operation in may also correspondingly refer to Figures 6 to 11 the corresponding description of the method embodiment shown.

[0238] For example, the communication device 1200 may be used to execute Figures 6 to 11 the scheme shown.

[0239] In the case where the communication device 1200 is the third device: the communication interface 1220 is used to obtain first information.

[0240] In the case where the communication device 1200 is the second device: the communication interface 1220 is used to receive second information from the third device.

[0241] In the case where the communication device 1200 is the first device: the communication interface 1220 is used to receive fifth information from the third device, or to receive sixth information from the second device.

[0242] For other implementation manners, specific reference can be made to the detailed introduction of the foregoing Figures 6 to 11 shown embodiments, which will not be elaborated here. It should be understood that the specific processes for each component to execute the above corresponding processes have been described in detail in the foregoing method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated here.

[0243] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1300 may be the first device, the second device, or the third device, or may be a chip or module in the first device, the second device, or the third device, and is used to implement Figures 6 to 11 the method involved in the illustrated embodiment. For specific details, please refer to the relevant introduction in the above method embodiments.

[0244] The communication device 1300 includes a transceiver unit 1310. The transceiver unit 1310 will be introduced exemplarily below.

[0245] The transceiver unit 1310 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to perform the transmitting action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving action of the communication device. For the convenience of description, in the embodiments of the present application, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are combined into one transceiver unit. This is explained uniformly here and will not be repeated later. The transceiver unit 1310 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1310 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication module.

[0246] It should be noted that the communication device 1300 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Or, the communication device 1300 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-mentioned scheme executed by the communication device 1300 includes a transmitting action and a receiving action.

[0247] When the communication device 1300 is the third device, exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1310 is used to obtain the first information, etc.

[0248] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a processing unit 1320, which is used to execute the content related to the processing, coordination, etc. steps involved in the first device.

[0249] When the communication device 1300 is the second device, exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1310 is used to receive the second information, etc. from the third device.

[0250] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a processing unit 1320, which is used to execute the content related to the processing, coordination, etc. steps involved in the second device.

[0251] When the communication device 1300 is the first device, exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1310 is used to receive the fifth information, etc. from the third device.

[0252] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a processing unit 1320, which is used to execute the content related to the processing, coordination, etc. steps involved in the third device.

[0253] The above content is only for exemplary description. When the communication device 1300 is the first device, the second device, or the third device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the first device, the second device, or the third device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0254] Optionally, the communication device 1300 further includes a storage unit 1330, and the storage unit 1330 is used to store programs or codes for executing the foregoing methods. Or rather, the storage unit 1330 can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1320 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit 1330 to enable the communication device 1300 to implement the foregoing method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1300 can be used to execute Figure 3 the solution shown.

[0255] In the case where the communication device 1300 is the third device: The transceiver unit 1310 is used to obtain first information, and the first information is used to indicate information of a first data network or to indicate a correspondence between the information of the first data network and the information of the first device. Among them, the first device is used to connect to a fourth device, and the fourth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and the first data network; The processing unit 1320 is used to determine the first device and the second device. Among them, the second device is used to connect to a fifth device and obtain the network address of the terminal device. The fifth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and a second data network, and the fifth device is further used to send the data of the first data network to the fourth device. The second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different traffic flows.

[0256] In the case where the communication device 1300 is the second device: The transceiver unit 1310 is used to receive second information from the third device. The second device is used to select a fifth device and obtain the network address of the terminal device. The fifth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and a second data network; Among them, the second information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the second device to obtain the traffic flow routing policy sent by the first device, or to instruct the fifth device to send the data of the first data network to the fourth device. Among them, the first device is used to connect to the fourth device, and the fourth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and the first data network. The second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different traffic flows.

[0257] When the communication device 1300 is the first device: The transceiver unit 1310 is configured to receive fifth information from a third device, where the fifth information is used to instruct a second device to obtain a network address of a terminal device, or to instruct the first device to send a traffic routing policy to the second device, or to instruct a fourth device to receive data from a first data network of a fifth device; or, the transceiver unit 1310 is configured to receive sixth information from the second device, where the sixth information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the first device to send a traffic routing policy to the second device, or to instruct the fourth device to receive data from the first data network of the fifth device; wherein, the first device is configured to select the fourth device, the fourth device is configured to transmit data between the terminal device and the first data network, the second device is configured to connect to the fifth device and obtain the network address of the terminal device, the fifth device is configured to transmit data between the terminal device and a second data network, and the second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different traffic flows.

[0258] For other implementation manners, reference may specifically be made to the detailed introduction of the foregoing Figures 6 to 11 illustrated embodiments, which will not be elaborated herein. It should be understood that the specific processes for each component to execute the corresponding processes above have been described in detail in the foregoing method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated herein.

[0259] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The illustrated apparatus embodiments are used to implement Figures 6 to 11 the content described above. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The specific execution steps and methods of the illustrated apparatus may refer to the content described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0260] When the device 1100 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. Among them, the transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor is a processor integrated on the chip, or a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. The sending operations of the first device, the second device, or the third device in the foregoing method embodiments may be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operations of the first device, the second device, or the third device in the foregoing method embodiments may be understood as the input of the chip.

[0261] The present application further provides a chip, including a processor, configured to call and run instructions stored in the memory, so that a communication device installed with the chip executes the methods in the foregoing examples.

[0262] The present application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processor. The input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected through an internal connection path. The processor is configured to execute the code in a memory. When the code is executed, the processor is configured to execute the methods in the above examples. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory for storing a computer program or code.

[0263] The present application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory and configured to execute the methods and functions related to the first device, the second device, or the third device in any one of the above embodiments.

[0264] In another embodiment of the present application, there is provided a computer program product including a computer program or instructions. When the computer program product runs on a computer, the methods of the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0265] The present application also provides a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the methods of the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0266] In another embodiment of the present application, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the methods described in the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0267] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes a first device, a second device, and a third device. The first device, the second device, and the third device are respectively configured to execute the methods and functions related to the first device, the second device, or the third device in any one of the above embodiments.

[0268] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0269] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0270] In several embodiments provided by this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there can be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections to each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections of the devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0271] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0272] In addition, in each embodiment of this application, the functional units can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0273] If the described functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art or a part of this technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memory ROM, random access memory RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs and other media that can store program codes.

[0274] As described above, it is only the specific implementation manner of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by this application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, it includes: A third device obtains first information, where the first information is used to indicate information of a first data network, or is used to indicate a correspondence between the information of the first data network and the information of a first device. Wherein, the first device is used to connect to a fourth device, and the fourth device is used to transmit data between a terminal device and the first data network; The third device determines the first device and a second device. Wherein, the second device is used to connect to a fifth device and obtain the network address of the terminal device. The fifth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and a second data network, and the fifth device is further used to send the data of the first data network to the fourth device. The second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different traffic flows.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, it further includes: The third device sends second information or the information of the first data network to the second device. The second information is used to indicate that the second device obtains the network address of the terminal device, or is used to indicate that the second device obtains a traffic routing policy sent by the first device, or is used to indicate that the fifth device sends the data of the first data network to the fourth device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The traffic routing policy is used to indicate at least one of a correspondence between flow description information and the fourth device, or is used to indicate security information of traffic routing, or is used to indicate quality of service QoS parameters of traffic routing.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The third device obtaining the first information includes: The third device receives subscription information from a unified data management network element, and the subscription information includes the first information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The third device obtaining the first information includes: The third device receives the first information from a sixth device, and the sixth device includes a policy control network element, a network repository function network element, a network function, or a network data analysis function.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, it further includes: The third device receives third information from a unified data management network element, and the third information is used to indicate obtaining the first information from the sixth device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, it further includes: The third device receives fourth information from the terminal device, and the fourth information is used to indicate the information of the first data network and / or the information of the second data network; wherein, The third device determining the first device includes: The third device determines the first device according to the first information and the fourth information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, it further includes: The third device sends fifth information or information of the first data network to the first device. The fifth information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the first device to send a traffic routing policy to the second device, or to instruct the fourth device to receive data of the first data network from the fifth device.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, it includes: The second device receives second information or information of the first data network from the third device. The second device is used to select a fifth device and obtain the network address of the terminal device. The fifth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and the second data network, and the fifth device is further used to send the data of the first data network to the fourth device; wherein, The second information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the second device to obtain a traffic routing policy sent by the first device, or to instruct the fifth device to send the data of the first data network to the fourth device. The first device is used to connect the fourth device, and the fourth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and the first data network. The second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different traffic flows.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, it further includes: The second device sends sixth information or information of the first data network to the first device. The sixth information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the first device to send a traffic routing policy to the second device, or to instruct the fourth device to receive data of the first data network from the fifth device.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The traffic routing policy is used to indicate at least one of the correspondence relationship between the flow description information and the fourth device, or the security information of the traffic routing, or the quality of service QoS parameter of the traffic routing.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, it further includes: The second device receives a traffic routing policy from the first device; The second device sends seventh information to the fifth device. The seventh information is used to instruct the fifth device to send traffic data packets matching the traffic routing policy to the fourth device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, it further includes: The second device sends eighth information to the first device. The eighth information is used to indicate the network address of the terminal device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, it further includes: The second device sends a non-access stratum NAS message to the terminal device. The NAS message includes the network address of the terminal device.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, it includes: The first device receives the fifth information from the third device or information from the first data network, where the fifth information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the first device to send a traffic routing policy to the second device, or to instruct the fourth device to receive data from the fifth device on the first data network; or, the first device receives the sixth information from the second device or information from the first data network, where the sixth information is used to instruct the second device to obtain the network address of the terminal device, or to instruct the first device to send the traffic routing policy to the second device, or to instruct the fourth device to receive data from the fifth device on the first data network; wherein, the first device is used to select the fourth device, the fourth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and the first data network, the second device is used to connect to the fifth device and obtain the network address of the terminal device, the fifth device is used to transmit data between the terminal device and the second data network, and the fifth device is further used to send the data of the first data network to the fourth device, and the second data network and the first data network respectively correspond to different traffic flows.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, further comprising: the first device sends the traffic routing policy to the second device.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, the traffic routing policy is used to indicate at least one of the correspondence relationship between the flow description information and the fourth device, or the security information of the traffic routing, or the quality of service QoS parameters of the traffic routing.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, further comprising: the first device receives the eighth information from the second device, and the eighth information is used to indicate the network address of the terminal device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, further comprising: the first device selects the fourth device based on the information of the first data network.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, further comprising: the first device obtains the information of the first data network from the unified data management network element or the sixth device, and the sixth device includes a policy control network element, a network repository function network element, a network function or a network data analysis function.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, comprising a processor, and the processor is used to cause the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or to cause the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, or to cause the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 15 to 20 by executing a computer program or instruction, or by a logic circuit.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a logic circuit and an input / output interface, and the input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting signals. The logic circuit is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 9 to 14, or is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 15 to 20.

23. A computer-readable storage medium Characterized in that A computer program or instruction is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program or the instruction runs on a computer, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is executed, or the method described in any one of claims 9 to 14 is executed, or the method described in any one of claims 15 to 20 is executed.

24. A computer program product Characterized in that It contains a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or the instruction runs on a computer, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is executed, or the method described in any one of claims 9 to 14 is executed, or the method described in any one of claims 15 to 20 is executed.

25. A communication system Characterized in that It includes a first device, a second device and a third device. The third device is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the second device is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 9 to 14, and the first device is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 15 to 20.

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