Communication method, communication device, and communication system

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method, a communication device and a communication system, and relates to the technical field of communication. In the method, a first network element sends identity information of a second network element and function information of the second network element to a terminal device or a network device, and the function information of the second network element is used for indicating functions supported by the second network element. The network device or the terminal device can determine whether the second network element can still continue to serve as the selected network element according to the function supported by the second network element. When the second network element can continue to serve as the selected network element, the terminal equipment or the network equipment does not need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, so that the overall overhead when the first network element performs network element selection can be effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, a network device can communicate with other network elements through an access and mobility management function (AMF). For example, when a terminal device wants to send information to a certain network element, the terminal device sends information for the AMF to perform network element selection to the network device, the network device forwards the information to the AMF, the AMF performs network element selection based on this information, and sends the address information of the selected network element to the network device, and the network device sends the information that the terminal device wants to transmit to this network element according to the address information of this network element.

[0003] When the terminal device wants to send information to a certain network element again, the terminal device sends information for the AMF to perform network element selection to the network device again, the network device forwards the information to the AMF again, the AMF performs network element selection again based on this information, and sends the address information of the selected network element to the access network device, and the network device sends the information that the terminal device wants to transmit to this network element according to the address information of this network element.

[0004] When the network element with which the terminal device communicates again is the same as the network element with which the terminal device communicated previously, the above process will cause unnecessary network element selection by the AMF, resulting in a relatively high overall overhead when the AMF performs network element selection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system, which can support reducing the overall overhead when performing network element selection.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, including: sending first information to a first network element, where the first information is used to indicate information of a terminal device; receiving identity information of a second network element and function information of the second network element from the first network element, where the second network element is a network element selected by the first network element based on the information of the terminal device, and the function information of the second network element is used to indicate functions supported by the second network element.

[0007] The execution subject of the solution in the first aspect can be a network device, or a module in the network device (such as a chip system, etc.), or a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device, which is not limited herein. For ease of description, the network device is used as an example for description below.

[0008] The function information of the second network element described above can also be used by a network device or a terminal device to determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again.

[0009] In the above technical solution, in addition to sending the identity information of the second network element to the network device, the first network element can also send the function information of the second network element to the network device. The network device can determine the functions supported by the second network element based on the function information of the second network element, and can determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again based on the functions supported by the second network element. For example, when the network device determines based on the functions supported by the second network element that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, the network device can directly forward the information that the terminal device wants to transmit to the second network element. In this way, the first network element does not need to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead when performing network element selection.

[0010] In a first aspect, a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the terminal device.

[0011] When the network device forwards the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the terminal device, the terminal device can determine the functions supported by the second network element based on the function information of the second network element, and can determine whether the second network element can still continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device based on the functions supported by the second network element. When the terminal device determines that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, the terminal device can determine that there is no need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead when performing network element selection can be effectively reduced.

[0012] In a first aspect, a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving second information from the terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate the identity information of the second network element, or receiving third information from the terminal device, where the third information is used for the first network element to perform network element selection.

[0013] When the second information sent by the terminal device to the network device is used to indicate the identity information of the second network element, the network device can determine that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device based on the identity information of the second network element indicated by the second information, and can determine that there is no need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead when performing network element selection can be effectively reduced.

[0014] When the third information sent by the terminal device to the network device is used for the first network element to perform network element selection, the network device can determine that the second network element can no longer meet the communication requirements of the terminal device based on the third information, and the network device can determine that it is necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, it can support the completion of communication between the terminal device and other network elements.

[0015] In a first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: determining, according to fourth information and the function information of a second network element, whether the second network element is a network element to be continuously selected, where the fourth information is used by a first network element for network element selection, and the fourth information comes from a terminal device.

[0016] When the terminal device sends the fourth information to the network device, the network device may determine, according to the fourth information and the function information of the second network element, whether the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device. For example, if the network device determines, according to the fourth information, that the network element with which the terminal device wants to communicate needs to support function 1, and the function information of the second network element indicates that the second network element also supports function 1, the network device may determine accordingly that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, and thus does not need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead during network element selection can be effectively reduced.

[0017] In a first aspect, in a possible implementation, determining whether the second network element is a network element to be continuously selected includes: determining that the second network element continues to be a selected network element, and sending fifth information to the second network element, where the fifth information is the information that the terminal device needs to transmit to the second network element; or determining that the second network element is not a network element to be continuously selected, and sending the fourth information to the first network element.

[0018] When the network device determines that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, or in other words, when the network device determines that the second network element is a network element to be continuously selected, the network device may directly send the information that the terminal device wants to transmit to the second network element to the second network element. In this way, this does not need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead during network element selection.

[0019] When the network device determines that the second network element cannot continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, or in other words, when the network device determines that the second network element is not a network element to be continuously selected, the network device may trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, this can support communication between the terminal device and other network elements.

[0020] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, including: determining a second network element; sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element, where the function information of the second network element is used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element. The execution subject of the solution in the second aspect may be the first network element, or a module in the first network element (such as a chip system, etc.), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network element, which is not limited herein. For ease of description, the first network element is used as an example for description below.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the first network element may feedback the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element. The function information of the second network element can be used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element. Or rather, the function information of the second network element can be used by the terminal device or the network device to determine whether the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device for the next time. The terminal device or the network device can determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again according to whether the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device for the next time based on the function information of the second network element, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead during network element selection. For example, when the terminal device or the network device determines according to the function information of the second network element that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device for the next time, the terminal device or the network device may not need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead during network element selection can be reduced.

[0022] In a second aspect, a possible implementation for determining the second network element includes: receiving first information for indicating information of the terminal device; performing network element selection based on the information of the terminal device and determining the second network element.

[0023] In this way, the first network element can determine the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to the information of the terminal device indicated by the first information.

[0024] In a second aspect, a possible implementation for sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element includes: sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the terminal device; or sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the network device.

[0025] When the first network element sends the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the terminal device, the terminal device can determine the functions supported by the second network element according to the function information of the second network element, and can determine whether the second network element can still continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device based on the functions supported by the second network element. When the terminal device determines that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, the terminal device determines that there is no need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead during network element selection can be effectively reduced.

[0026] When the first network element sends the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the network device, the network device can determine the functions supported by the second network element according to the function information of the second network element, and can determine whether the second network element can still continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device based on the functions supported by the second network element. When the network device determines that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, the network device determines that it is not necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead during network element selection can be effectively reduced.

[0027] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, including: sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate information of a terminal device; receiving the identity information of a second network element and the function information of the second network element, where the second network element is a network element selected by the first network element based on the information of the terminal device, and the function information of the second network element is used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element.

[0028] The execution subject of the solution in the third aspect may be the terminal device, or a module in the terminal device (such as a chip system, etc.), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device, which is not limited herein. For ease of description, the terminal device is used as an example for description below.

[0029] In the above solution, after the terminal device sends the first information, the terminal device can receive the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element, where the function information of the second network element is used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element. The terminal device can determine whether the second network element can continue to be the network element for which the terminal device wants to communicate next according to the function information of the second network element. When the terminal device determines that the second network element continues to be the network element for which the terminal device wants to communicate next, the terminal device can determine that it is not necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead during network element selection.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner in the third aspect, the method further includes: sending second information, where the second information is used to indicate the identity information of the second network element; or sending third information, where the third information is used for the first network element to perform network element selection.

[0031] When the second information sent by the terminal device to the network device is used to indicate the identity information of the second network element, the network device can determine that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device according to the identity information of the second network element indicated by the second information, and can determine that it is not necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead during network element selection can be effectively reduced.

[0032] When the third information sent by the terminal device to the network device is used by the first network element for network element selection, the network device may determine, based on the third information, that the second network element can no longer meet the communication requirements of the terminal device. The network device may determine that it is necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, communication between the terminal device and other network elements can be supported and completed.

[0033] Combined with the solutions described in any of the first, second, and third aspects, in a possible implementation, the function information of the second network element is used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element, including: the function information of the second network element is used to indicate the conditions for the second network element to be valid.

[0034] The function information of the second network element is only used as an information example, and it can be replaced by other information examples. For example, the function information of the second network element can be replaced by the selection condition information of the second network element, or the valid information of the second network element, or the information for maintaining the validity of the second network element, etc. When the function information of the second network element is used to indicate the conditions for the second network element to be valid, the network device or the terminal device can determine whether the second network element can still be the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with next based on the conditions for the second network element to be valid. When the terminal device or the network device determines accordingly that the second network element can still be the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with next, the terminal device or the network device can determine that it is not necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead during network element selection.

[0035] Combined with the solutions described in any of the first, second, and third aspects, in a possible implementation, the function information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: the network slice allowed for the terminal device to select, the service type allowed for the terminal device to select, the service precision allowed for the terminal device to select, the quality of service allowed for the terminal device to request, the data network name allowed for the terminal device to select, or the location information of the allowed terminal device.

[0036] In this way, the network device or the terminal device can determine whether the second network element can continue to be the selected network element based on one or more of the above, and further determine whether it is necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. When the network device or the terminal device determines based on one or more of the above that the second network element continues to be the selected network element, the terminal device or the network device does not need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead during network element selection.

[0037] Combined with the solution described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the information of the terminal device includes at least one of the following: the network slice selected by the terminal device, the service type selected by the terminal device, the service precision selected by the terminal device, the quality of service requested by the terminal device, the data network name selected by the terminal device, or the location information of the terminal device.

[0038] In this way, the first network element can determine the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to one or more of the above.

[0039] Combined with the solution described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the identity information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the second network element, the Internet protocol address of the second network element, or the fully qualified domain name of the second network element.

[0040] In this way, the network device can determine the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to one or more of the above.

[0041] In a fourth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes: a network device and a first network element. The network device is configured to send first information to the first network element, and the first information is used to indicate the information of the terminal device; the first network element is configured to receive the first information, and send the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the network device, where the second network element is the network element selected by the first network element based on the information of the terminal device, and the function information of the second network element is used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element; the network device is further configured to receive the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element.

[0042] The above access network device and the first network element can also be respectively configured to execute the methods described in the foregoing first aspect and second aspect.

[0043] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which can be a network device, or a device or module for executing the functions of a network device, etc.

[0044] 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, and the modules or units can be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which can be the first network element, or a device or module for executing the functions of the first network element, etc.

[0046] A 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.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a terminal device, or a device or module for performing the functions of a terminal device, etc.

[0048] A 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.

[0049] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: an interface unit for sending first information to a first network element, the first information being used to indicate information of a terminal device; the interface unit is further configured to receive identity information of a second network element and function information of the second network element from the first network element, the second network element being a network element selected by the first network element based on the first information, and the function information of the second network element being used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element.

[0050] The above-mentioned communication device may also be used to execute the solutions of the methods described in the foregoing first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0051] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: a processing unit for determining a second network element; an interface unit for sending identity information of the second network element and function information of the second network element, the second network element being a network element selected by the first network element based on information of the terminal device, and the function information of the second network element being used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element.

[0052] The above-mentioned communication device may also be used to execute the solutions of the methods described in the foregoing second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0053] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: an interface unit for sending first information, the first information being used to indicate information of a terminal device; the interface unit is further configured to receive identity information of a second network element and function information of the second network element, the second network element being a network element selected by the first network element based on information of the terminal device, and the function information of the second network element being used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element.

[0054] The above-mentioned communication device may also be used to execute the solutions of the methods described in the foregoing third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0055] In an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor configured to cause the communication device to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect by executing a computer program or instruction, or by means of a logic circuit; or to cause the communication device to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect; or to cause the communication device to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0056] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instruction.

[0057] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

[0058] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a logic circuit and an input / output interface for inputting and / or outputting signals, where the logic circuit is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect; or the logic circuit is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect; or the logic circuit is configured to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0059] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or the instruction runs on a computer, it causes the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to be executed; or causes the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect to be executed; or causes the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect to be executed.

[0060] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, including instructions that, when running on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to be executed; or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect to be executed; or cause the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect to be executed.

[0061] In a fifteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, where the chip is connected to a memory, and the chip is configured to read and execute a software program stored in the memory to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect as described above; or to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect as described above; or to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect as described above.

[0062] In a sixteenth aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system includes: a communication interface for communicating with other devices; a processor for causing a communication device installed with the chip system to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, for causing a communication device installed with the chip system to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, for causing a communication device installed with the chip system to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

[0063] In a seventeenth aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system includes a processor, a memory, and an input / output port. The memory is used to store a computer program. The processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory so that the processor executes the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, so that the processor executes the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, so that the processor executes the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

[0064] In an eighteenth aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system is applied to an electronic device. The chip system includes one or more processors. The processor is used to call computer instructions to cause the electronic device to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner in the first aspect; or, the processor is used to call computer instructions to cause the electronic device to execute the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner in the second aspect; or, the processor is used to call computer instructions to cause the electronic device to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner in the third aspect.

[0065] The description of the beneficial effects of any one of the fourth aspect to the eighteenth aspect and the like can refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an applicable communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0067] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an applicable network architecture according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0068] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an interaction process of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an interaction process of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0070] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Figure 6 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] Figure 7 It is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0073] Next, the technical solutions in the present application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0074] For the convenience of understanding the embodiments of the present application, the following explanations are made first.

[0075] 1. In the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple or at least two" is two or more.

[0076] 2. In each embodiment of the present application, if there is no special specification and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal logical relationships.

[0077] 3. The various digital numbers involved in the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present application. The size of the serial numbers involved in the present application does not mean the sequence of execution. The execution sequence of each process should be determined according to its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and other various term numbers (if any) in the specification, claims and drawings of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects and do not have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. Among them, such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments described here can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described here.

[0078] At the same time, any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Exactly speaking, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific way for easy understanding.

[0079] 4. The terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those clearly listed steps or units, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0080] V. In this application, "for indicating" can be understood as "enabling", and "enabling" can include direct enabling and indirect enabling. When it is described that a certain piece of information is used to enable A, it can include that the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, and it does not necessarily mean that A is carried in the information.

[0081] The information enabled by the information is called the information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the information to be enabled. For example, but not limited to, the information to be enabled can be directly enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or the index of the information to be enabled, etc. It is also possible to indirectly enable the information to be enabled by enabling other information, where there is an association relationship between the other information and the information to be enabled. It is also possible to only enable a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts of the information to be enabled are known or pre-agreed. For example, it is also possible to achieve the enabling of specific information by means of the arrangement order of each piece of information pre-agreed (such as protocol regulations), so as to reduce the enabling overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, it is also possible to identify the common parts of each piece of information and enable them uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by enabling the same information separately.

[0082] VI. In this application, "pre-configuration" can include pre-definition. For example, protocol definition. Among them, "pre-definition" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other ways that can be used to indicate relevant information in devices (such as including each network element). This application does not limit its specific implementation method.

[0083] VII. The "storage" or "saving" involved in this application can refer to being saved in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be set separately, or can be integrated in an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories can also be partly set separately and partly integrated in a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The type of the memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0084] VIII. The "protocol" involved in this application can refer to the standard protocols in the communication field. For example, it can include the fourth generation (4G) network, the fifth generation (5G) network protocol, the new radio (NR) protocol, the 5.5G network protocol, the sixth generation (6 th generation, 6G) network protocol, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0085] IX. In the schematic diagrams in the attached drawings of the specification of this application, the arrows or boxes shown by dotted lines represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0086] 10. In this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B may represent A or B. The "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship of the 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. Here, A and B can be singular or plural.

[0087] 11. In this application, indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Directly indicating information A means including this information A. Implicitly indicating information A means indicating information A through the correspondence between information A and information B and directly indicating information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, prestored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0088] 12. In this application, information C is used for the determination of information D, which includes both the case where information D is determined only based on information C and the case where it is determined based on information C and other information. In addition, when information C is used for the determination of information D, there can also be an indirect determination case. For example, information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0089] 13. In this application, "device A sends information A to device B" can be understood as the destination of this information A or the intermediate network element in the transmission path between the destination and the source is device B, which can include directly or indirectly sending information to device B.

[0090] 14. In this application, "device B receives information A from device A" can be understood as the source of this information A or the intermediate network element in the transmission path between the source and the destination is device A, which can include directly or indirectly receiving information from device A. The information may be subject to necessary processing, such as format change, etc., between the source and the destination of the information transmission, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be elaborated here.

[0091] First, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application is described.

[0092] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. As Figure 1As shown, the communication system includes: a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (such as 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as 120a - 120j, collectively referred to as 120). Other RAN nodes may also be included in the RAN 100, for example, wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices ( Figure 1 not shown) and the like. The terminal device 120 is connected to the RAN node 110 wirelessly. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 wirelessly or by wire. The core network devices in the core network 200 and the RAN nodes 110 in the RAN 100 may be different physical devices respectively, or may be the same physical device integrating the core network logic function and the radio access network logic function.

[0093] The RAN 100 may be a 3GPP-related cellular system, for example, a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or an evolved system for the future (such as a 6G mobile communication system). The RAN 100 may also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (C-RAN), a WiFi system. The RAN 100 may also be a communication system integrating two or more of the above systems.

[0094] The RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as an access network device, a RAN entity, or an access node, etc., forms part of the communication system to help the terminal device achieve wireless access. The multiple RAN nodes 110 in this communication system may be of the same type of node or different types of nodes. In some scenarios, the roles of the RAN node 110 and the terminal device 120 are relative. For example, the network element 120i may be a helicopter or a drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For the terminal devices 120j accessing the RAN 100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; but for the base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal device. The RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, the network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and the network elements 120a - 120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0095] In a possible scenario, the RAN node may be a base station (BS), eNodeB, access point (AP), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), gNB, next-generation base station in a 6G mobile communication system, base station in a future mobile communication system, or access node in a WiFi system, etc. The RAN node may be a macro base station (such as Figure 1 110a in Figure 1 ), micro base station or indoor station (such as

[0096] 110b in

[0097] ), relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario.

[0098] Optionally, the RAN node may also be a server, wearable device, vehicle or in-vehicle device, etc. All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application may also be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the RAN node functions. In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes cooperate to assist the terminal device in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node may be a CU, DU, CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), or radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and DU may be set separately, or may also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as included in a remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU) or remote radio head (RRH).

[0098] In different communication systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU may also be referred to as O-CU (Open CU), the DU may also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU may also be referred to as O-RU. For the convenience of description, in this application, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU are used as examples for description. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0099] It should be understood that the number of each device in the above communication system is only for illustration and is not limited thereto. In actual applications, the communication system may also include more terminal devices, more RAN devices, and may also include other devices.

[0100] In the embodiments of this application, a terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver functions, and may refer to a user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a user station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device.

[0101] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may also be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, a machine type communication device, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a communication device carried on a high-altitude aircraft, a wearable device, a drone, a robot, a terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, a terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, 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, or a terminal device in a communication network evolved after 5G, etc., without limitation in this regard.

[0102] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may also be a device with communication function in a 6G communication system, without limiting the form or type of the terminal device in 6G and other future communication systems.

[0103] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device for implementing the functions of the terminal device may be the terminal device or a device capable of supporting the terminal device to implement such functions, such as a chip system. This device may be installed in the terminal device or used in matching with the terminal device. In the present application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0104] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device is a device with wireless transceiver functions and is used to communicate with terminal devices. The network device may be a node in the RAN, also known as a base station, and may also be referred to as a RAN node. It may be an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) of Long Term Evolution (LTE); or a base station in a 5G network such as a gNodeB (gNB), or a base station in a public land mobile network (PLMN) evolved after 5G, a broadband network gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch, or a network device of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). rd generation partnership project, 3GPP) network device, etc.

[0105] The above RAN may be configured as a RAN defined by the 3GPP protocol, an O-RAN, a C-RAN, etc. The network device may also include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, TRPs, transmitting points (TPs), mobile switching centers, and devices that undertake the functions of base stations in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, network devices in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), etc., without specific limitations.

[0106] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device may also include a network element or module that implements some functions of the base station, for example, including one or more of the following: a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Optionally, the CU can be further separated into a CU-control plane (CP) and a CU-user plane (UP). The functions of the CU and DU can be implemented by different network elements, or simultaneously by the baseband unit (BBU) of the base station. The function of the RU can be implemented by the radio frequency equipment of the base station. For example, the radio frequency equipment of the base station may be a radio frequency remote processing unit (RRU), a pico remote radio unit (pRRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or other units, modules or devices with radio frequency processing functions. The communication interface protocol between the BBU and the radio frequency equipment can be a common public radio interface (CPRI) interface protocol, an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) interface protocol, or a fronthaul interface protocol between the DU and the RU in the O-RAN system, etc., without limitation.

[0107] In different communication systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are described as examples in this application. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0108] In the embodiment of the present application, the network device may also be a device with communication functions in a 6G communication system, without limiting the form or type of the network device in 6G and other future communication systems.

[0109] In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device for implementing the functions of a network device may be the network device itself or a device capable of supporting the network device to implement such functions, such as a chip system. This device may be installed in the network device or used in matching with the network device. The chip system in the embodiments of the present application may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0110] The above-mentioned network device may include a baseband device and a radio frequency device. The baseband device may be implemented by one node or multiple nodes. The radio frequency device may be remotely implemented separately from the baseband device, integrated in the baseband device, or partially independently integrated and partially integrated in the baseband device. For example, in an LTE communication system, the network device includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device, and the radio frequency device may be remotely arranged relative to the baseband device. For example, an RRU is a remote radio unit arranged relative to a BBU.

[0111] The communication between the network device and the terminal device follows a certain protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure may include functions of protocol layers such as the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer; the user plane protocol layer structure may include functions of protocol layers such as the PDCP layer, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical layer; in a possible implementation, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer may also be included above the PDCP layer.

[0112] The network device may implement the functions of protocol layers such as RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC by one node, or may implement the functions of these protocol layers by multiple nodes. For example, in an evolved architecture, the network device includes a CU and a DU, and multiple DUs are centrally controlled by one CU. For example, the CU and the DU may be divided according to the protocol layers of the wireless network. For example, the functions of protocol layers above the PDCP layer are set in the CU, and the protocol layers below the PDCP layer, such as the RLC layer and the MAC layer, are set in the DU.

[0113] This division of protocol layers is merely an example, and it can also be divided at other protocol layers. For example, at the RLC layer, the functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layers above it are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU; or, it can be divided within a certain protocol layer. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU. In addition, it can also be divided in other ways. For example, it can be divided according to latency. The functions whose processing time needs to meet the latency requirements are set in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement are set in the CU.

[0114] In addition, the radio frequency device can be independently integrated and not placed in the DU, or it can be integrated in the DU, or part of it can be remotely located and part of it can be integrated in the DU, and there are no restrictions here.

[0115] The network architecture and service scenarios described in this application are to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art know that with the evolution of the communication network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems. For example, this application can be applied to the V2X scenario.

[0116] The following combines Figure 2 to describe the applicable network architecture of the embodiments of this application.

[0117] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the applicable network architecture of the embodiments of this application. As Figure 2 shown, exemplarily, this network architecture includes: network elements such as terminal devices, RAN, AMF, session management function (SMF), network repository function (NRF), and unified data management (UDM).

[0118] The AMF mainly performs functions such as mobility management or access authentication / authorization. In addition, the AMF is also responsible for transmitting user policies between the terminal device and the policy control function (PCF) network element. Additionally, the AMF can receive non-access stratum (NAS) signaling from the terminal device (including mobility management (MM) signaling and session management (SM) signaling) and relevant signaling from the access network device (e.g., the next generation (NG) 2 interface signaling at the base station granularity that interacts with the AMF), and complete the user registration process, the forwarding of SM signaling, and mobility management.

[0119] The SMF is mainly used for session management, the allocation and management of the internet protocol (IP) address of the terminal device, the selection of manageable user plane functions, the termination of the policy control and charging function interfaces, or the notification of downlink data, etc. The SMF can also be used to complete processes such as the establishment, release, or update related to the protocol data unit (PDU) session.

[0120] The UDM mainly includes the following functions: unified data management, supporting the processing of authentication credentials in the 3GPP authentication and key agreement mechanism, user identity processing, access authorization, registration and mobility management, subscription management, and short message management, etc.

[0121] The NRF is responsible for maintaining network element service information, supporting the acceptance of network element registration services, and returning the target network element service information based on network element discovery requests. Since it has interfaces with all the service-oriented network elements (such as AMF, SMF, PCF, etc.) in the above architecture, it is not presented in the figure.

[0122] Figure 2 The shown network architecture may also include network elements such as the PCF, unified data repository (UDR), application function (AF), network element function (NEF), data network (DN), authentication server function (AUSF), and short message service function (SMSF), etc.

[0123] In the above description, the above network element can be either a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). One or more services can be partitioned from the above functional network element. Further, there may also be services that exist independently of the network function. Instances of the above functional network element, or instances of the services included in the above functional network element, or service instances that exist independently of the network function can all be referred to as service instances.

[0124] Figure 2 The interfaces between the various network elements shown are point-to-point interfaces. In actual implementation, the interfaces between the various control plane network elements can also be service-based interfaces. For example, the service-based interfaces provided by Npcf, Nudr, Nudm, Naf, Namf, and Nsmf for the above PCF, UDR, UDM, AF, AMF, and SMF respectively are used to call the corresponding service-based operations.

[0125] Figure 2 The naming of the various network elements shown is only a name, and the name does not limit the functions of the network element itself. In the 5G network and other future networks, the above various network elements can also have other names, and the embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations in this regard. For example, in the 6G network, some or all of the above various network elements can use the terms in 5G, or there may be other naming, etc. This is uniformly explained here and will not be elaborated further below.

[0126] In addition, the "network element" in this article can also be referred to as a network function instance, network function (NF), device, apparatus, or module, etc., and this application does not make special limitations. Additionally, the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation. This application does not exclude the possibility of using other naming in the 5G network and other future networks. For example, in the 6G network, some or all of the above various networks can use the terms in 5G, or other names may be adopted. The interface names between the above various network elements are only an example, and the interface names in specific implementation may be other names, and no specific limitations are made in this regard. In addition, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the above various network elements are also only an example and do not limit the functions of the messages themselves.

[0127] In Figure 2 In the network architecture shown, the RAN has a direct connection interface with other network elements in the core network control plane. For example, all network elements of the RAN and the core network control plane are connected to the same bus, and the RAN can communicate directly with all network elements. In this architecture, when the UE needs to send a message to other network elements, the RAN can directly send it to the corresponding network element, thereby reducing signaling detours.

[0128] In Figure 2 the network architecture shown, the AMF can still perform the function of network element selection. When the AMF performs network element selection in Figure 2 the network architecture shown, there may be technical problems as described in the background art section in this network architecture.

[0129] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system, which can support reducing the overall overhead during network element selection.

[0130] The communication method of the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0131] Figure 3 is a schematic interaction flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 The method shown can be executed by a terminal device, a network device, and a first network element, or by modules and / or devices (such as chips or integrated circuits, etc.) with corresponding functions installed in the terminal device, the network device, and the first network element, which is not limited. The following takes the terminal device, the network device, and the first network element as examples for illustration.

[0132] As Figure 3 shown, the method includes:

[0133] S301. The terminal device sends first information to the network device.

[0134] Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information.

[0135] The message exchanged between the terminal device and the network device can be a radio resource control (RRC) message. The first information can be carried in the RRC message. For example, the terminal device sends an RRC message to the network device, and the RRC message includes the first information.

[0136] Optionally, the first information can also be an RRC message, which is not limited in this regard.

[0137] S302. The network device sends the first information to the first network element.

[0138] Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first information.

[0139] When the AMF has the function of network element selection, the first network element can be the AMF. When other network elements (network elements other than the AMF) have the function of network element selection, the first network element can be other network elements (network elements other than the AMF), which is not limited in this regard.

[0140] When the first network element is an AMF, the message exchanged between the network device and the first network element can be an N2 message. The first information can be carried in the N2 message. For example, the network device sends an N2 message to the first network element, and the N2 message includes the first information.

[0141] When the first network element is other network elements, the message exchanged between the network device and the first network element can be an Nx message (it can also be other information names, which are not limited herein). The first information can be carried in the Nx message. For example, the network device sends an Nx message to the first network element, and the Nx message includes the first information.

[0142] When the network device sends the first information to the first network element, the information format of the first information can be changed. For example, the first information is carried in an RRC message, the network device changes the format of the first information, and carries the first information in an N2 message or an Nx message.

[0143] For ease of description, hereinafter, the first network element refers to a network element with a network element selection function, which can correspond to an AMF or other network elements, and is not limited herein.

[0144] The first information can be used to indicate information of the terminal device (such as information of a UE). The first network element can determine the information of the terminal device according to the first information, and can perform network element selection based on the information of the terminal device, or the first network element can refer to the information of the terminal device for network element selection, and then determine the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with. Among them, the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with can also be called the target network element of the terminal device. In other words, the first network element can determine the target network element of the terminal device according to or by referring to the information of the terminal device.

[0145] In a possible implementation, the information of the terminal device can include at least one of the following:

[0146] The network slice selected by the terminal device;

[0147] The service type selected by the terminal device;

[0148] The service accuracy selected by the terminal device;

[0149] The quality of service (QoS) requested by the terminal device;

[0150] The data network name (DNN) selected by the terminal device; or,

[0151] The location information of the terminal device.

[0152] In this way, the first network element can determine the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to one or more of the above.

[0153] Exemplarily, the information of the terminal device includes the network slice selected by the terminal device (for example, the network slice selected by the terminal device is network slice #1). The first network element can determine the network element that can support this network slice according to the network slice selected by the terminal device, and can determine that this network element is the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with.

[0154] Exemplarily, the information of the terminal device includes the service type selected by the terminal device (for example, speed awareness service, direction awareness service, etc.). The first network element can determine the network element that can support this service type according to the service type selected by the terminal device, and can determine that this network element is the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with.

[0155] Exemplarily, the information of the terminal device includes the service accuracy selected by the terminal device (for example, the direction / angle awareness error is less than 10 degrees, the speed awareness error is less than 1 m / s, etc.). The first network element can determine the network element that can support this service accuracy according to the service accuracy selected by the terminal device, and can determine that this network element is the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with.

[0156] Exemplarily, the information of the terminal device includes the QoS requested by the terminal device (for example, the delay is less than 1 ms, the aggregation rate is greater than 100 Mbps, etc.). The first network element can determine the network element that can support this QoS according to the QoS selected by the terminal device, and can determine that this network element is the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with.

[0157] Exemplarily, the information of the terminal device includes the DNN selected by the terminal device. The first network element can determine the network element that can support this DNN according to the DNN selected by the terminal device, and can determine that this network element is the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with.

[0158] Exemplarily, the information of the terminal device includes the location information of the terminal device (for example, the cell where the terminal device is located, the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the terminal device, etc.). The first network element can determine the network element that can support providing services for the terminal device located within the location indicated by this location information according to the location information of the terminal device, and can determine that this network element is the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with.

[0159] In the embodiments of the present application, different network elements may respectively support different service types, service precisions, QoS, or data network names, etc. When there is one or more network elements that support the same service type, service precision, QoS, or data network name, the first network element may feedback all network elements among the one or more network elements to the network device, or the first network element may feedback one network element among the one or more network elements to the network device, which is not limited herein. Therefore, the second network element described below may refer to one network element or multiple network elements, which is not limited herein.

[0160] S303. The first network element determines the second network element.

[0161] The first network element may obtain the function information and identity information of multiple network elements (including the second network element). For example, the first network element obtains the information (profile) of several network elements, and this information can be used by the first network element for network element selection. Among them, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner in which the first network element obtains the information of several network elements. The network management may pre-configure the information of several network elements for the first network element, or other network elements may send the information of several network elements to the first network element.

[0162] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific content of the information of several network elements. For example, it may be one or more of the following: the identifier of the network element, the address of the network element (this address may be an Internet Protocol (IP) address or a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)), the network to which the network element belongs, the network slice corresponding to the network element, the service type supported by the network element, the quality of service supported by the network element, the DNN supported by the network element, the location information of the terminal device corresponding to the network element (this location information may be the timing advance (TA) of the terminal device), the load of the network element, the capacity of the network element, the priority of the network element, etc.

[0163] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element may determine the second network element as the network element (or target network element) that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to the information of the terminal device. In this way, the first network element may determine the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to the information of the terminal device indicated by the first information.

[0164] In another possible implementation manner, the first network element may refer to the information of the terminal device when performing network element selection. For example, the first network element may determine the second network element as the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to the information of the terminal device and other information (such as the load of the network element).

[0165] Another possible implementation is that the first network element may not refer to the information of the terminal device when selecting a network element. For example, the first device may determine the second network element as the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to other information (for example, the information pre-provisioned by the network management for the first device indicates that a specific network element is selected during a certain time period, and the specific network element may be the second network element).

[0166] In summary, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner in which the first network element determines the second network element. Herein, the second network element is the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with.

[0167] It should be noted that the second network element may also be a network element that can meet the communication requirements of the terminal device. For example, if the terminal device wants to access network slice #1 for communication and the second network element supports network slice #1, the second network element can meet the communication requirements of the terminal device.

[0168] S304. The first network element sends the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element.

[0169] After the first network element determines the second network element, in addition to being able to feedback the identity information of the second network element, the first network element can also feedback the function information of the second network element. The two can be carried in one piece of information or in different pieces of information respectively, and this is not limited. Herein, the function information of the second network element can be used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element. Or rather, the function information of the second network element can be used by the terminal device or the network device to determine whether the second network element can still meet the next communication requirements of the terminal device. The terminal device or the network device can determine whether the second network element can still meet the next communication requirements of the terminal device according to the function information of the second network element to determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead during network element selection. For example, when the terminal device or the network device determines according to the function information of the second network element that the second network element can still meet the next communication requirements of the terminal device, the terminal device or the network device may not need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead during network element selection can be reduced.

[0170] In a possible implementation, the first network element may send the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the network device, and the network device may not forward the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the terminal device. In this way, the network device may determine the functions supported by the second network element based on the function information of the second network element, and may determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again based on the functions supported by the second network element. For example, when the network device determines based on the functions supported by the second network element that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device next time, the network device may directly forward the information that the terminal device wants to transmit to the second network element. In this way, the first network element does not need to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead when performing network element selection.

[0171] In another possible implementation, the first network element may send the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the network device, and the network device may forward the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device may determine whether the second network element can continue to be the network element for the terminal device to communicate next time based on the function information of the second network element. When the terminal device determines that the second network element continues to be the network element for the terminal device to communicate next time, the terminal device may determine that there is no need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead when performing network element selection.

[0172] The identity information of the second network element can be used to indicate the identity of the second network element. The network device may determine that the second network element is the network element for the terminal device to communicate based on the identity of the second network element, and may forward the information to be transmitted from the terminal device to the second network element.

[0173] In a possible implementation, the identity information of the second network element may include at least one of the following:

[0174] The identification information of the second network element;

[0175] The IP address of the second network element; or,

[0176] The FQDN of the second network element.

[0177] In this way, the network device may determine the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with based on one or more of the above.

[0178] Exemplarily, the identity information of the second network element includes the identification information of the second network element (for example, it may include information such as the identification or index of the second network element that can distinguish the second network element), and the network device may determine the corresponding second network element based on the identification information of the second network element, and forward the information to be transmitted from the terminal device to the second network element.

[0179] Exemplarily, the identity information of the second network element includes the IP address of the second network element. The network device can determine the second network element based on the IP address of the second network element and forward the information to be transmitted from the terminal device to the second network element.

[0180] Exemplarily, the identity information of the second network element includes the FQDN of the second network element. The network device can determine the second network element based on the FQDN of the second network element and forward the information to be transmitted from the terminal device to the second network element.

[0181] The function information of the second network element can be used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element, or the function information of the second network element can also be used by the terminal device or the network device to determine whether the second network element can still continue to meet the next communication requirements of the terminal device. After the terminal device or the network device obtains the function information of the second network element, it can determine the functions supported by the second network element and can determine whether the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with next time continues to be the second network element based on the functions supported by the second network element.

[0182] In a possible implementation, the function information of the second network element may include at least one of the following:

[0183] Network slices allowed for the terminal device to select;

[0184] Service types allowed for the terminal device to select;

[0185] Service precisions allowed for the terminal device to select;

[0186] Quality of service allowed for the terminal device to request;

[0187] Data network names allowed for the terminal device to select; or,

[0188] Allowed location information of the terminal device.

[0189] In this way, the network device or the terminal device can determine whether the second network element can continue to be the selected network element based on one or more of the above, and then determine whether it is necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. When the network device or the terminal device determines that the second network element continues to be the selected network element based on one or more of the above, the terminal device or the network device may not need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead when performing network element selection.

[0190] Exemplarily, the function information of the second network element is used to indicate that the network slices allowed by the second network element for the terminal device to select include: network slice #1 and network slice #2. After the terminal device completes an information interaction with the second network element, when the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports network slice #2, the second network element can be the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again, or the second network element can continue to meet the terminal device's next communication requirement.

[0191] Exemplarily, the function information of the second network element is used to indicate that the service types allowed by the second network element for the terminal device to select include: service type #1 and service type #2. After the terminal device completes an information interaction with the second network element, when the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports service type #2, the second network element can be the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again, or the second network element can continue to meet the terminal device's next communication requirement.

[0192] Exemplarily, the function information of the second network element is used to indicate that the service precisions allowed by the second network element for the terminal device to select include: service precision #1 and service precision #2. After the terminal device completes an information interaction with the second network element, when the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports service precision #2, the second network element can be the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again, or the second network element can continue to meet the terminal device's next communication requirement.

[0193] Exemplarily, the function information of the second network element is used to indicate that the QoSs allowed by the second network element for the terminal device to select include: QoS #1 and QoS #2. After the terminal device completes an information interaction with the second network element, when the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports QoS #2, the second network element can be the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again, or the second network element can continue to meet the terminal device's next communication requirement.

[0194] Exemplarily, the function information of the second network element is used to indicate that the data network names allowed by the second network element for the terminal device to select include: data network name #1 and data network name #2. After the terminal device completes an information interaction with the second network element, when the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports data network name #2, the second network element can be the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again, or the second network element can continue to meet the terminal device's next communication requirement.

[0195] Exemplarily, the function information of the second network element for indicating the location information allowed by the second network element for the terminal device to select includes: location information #1 and location information #2. After the terminal device completes the first information interaction with the second network element, when the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports location information #2, the second network element can be the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again, or the second network element can continue to meet the terminal device's next communication requirement.

[0196] In a possible implementation, the function information of the second network element can be used to indicate that the second network element supports function 1 and function 2. After the terminal device has an information interaction with the second network element, when the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports function 2, the terminal device can determine that the second network element supports function 2 based on the function information of the second network element, and then can determine that the second network element is the network element to be continuously selected or the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again. Or, the second network element can continue to meet the terminal device's next communication requirement and can instruct the network device to forward the information that the terminal device needs to transmit to the second network element to the second network element.

[0197] In another possible implementation, when the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports function 2, the terminal device can send information for network element selection to the network device, and the network device can determine whether the second network element is the network element to be continuously selected based on this information and the function information of the second network element.

[0198] For example, the network device can determine based on this information that the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports function 2, and the function information of the second network element indicates that the second network element supports function 2. The network device can determine that the second network element is the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with, or rather, the network device can determine that the second network element is the network element to be continuously selected. Correspondingly, the network device can forward the information from the terminal device to the second network element.

[0199] It should be noted that the function information of the second network element is only used as an information example, and it can be replaced by other information examples. For example, the function information of the second network element can be replaced by the selection condition information of the second network element, or the valid information of the second network element, or the maintained valid information of the second network element, or the non-change condition information of the second network element, or the condition information for not reselecting the second network element, etc.

[0200] Optionally, the above function information of the second network element can also be used to indicate the conditions for the second network element to be valid. Correspondingly, the function information of the second network element can also be replaced by the selection condition information of the second network element, and it can also be used to indicate the conditions for the second network element to be valid.

[0201] When the function information of the second network element is replaced with the selection condition information of the second network element (which can also be used to indicate the conditions for the second network element to be valid), the terminal device or the network device can determine the conditions for selecting the second network element (the conditions for the second network element to be valid) according to the selection condition information of the second network element. For example, the selection conditions of the second network element (or the conditions for the second network element to be valid) may include:

[0202] 1): The network slice selected by the terminal device is network slice #1 or network slice #2;

[0203] 2): The service type selected by the terminal device is "speed awareness" or "direction awareness";

[0204] 3): The speed awareness error requested by the terminal device is less than 1 meter per second, or the direction / angle awareness error requested by the terminal device is less than 10 degrees;

[0205] 4): The TA of the terminal device is less than 100 milliseconds.

[0206] It should be noted that the above conditions can be understood as: under certain conditions, the network element selected by the first network element will not change, and thus there is no need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, etc. For the description of the conditions, please refer to the description in the previous paragraph and will not be elaborated here.

[0207] When the terminal device or the network device determines that the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again meets one or more of the foregoing conditions, the terminal device or the network device can determine that the second network element is the selected network element or determine that the second network element is the network element that continues to be selected, or the terminal device or the network device can determine that the second network element can continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device.

[0208] When the terminal device or the network device determines that the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again does not meet the foregoing conditions, the terminal device or the network device can determine that the second network element is not the selected network element or determine that the second network element is not the network element that continues to be selected, or the terminal device or the network device can determine that the second network element cannot continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device.

[0209] When the function information of the second network element is replaced with the valid information of the second network element, the terminal device or the network device can determine the information that the second network element can continue to be the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to the valid information of the second network element. For the description of the valid information of the second network element, please refer to the foregoing example description of the selection conditions of the second network element and will not be elaborated here.

[0210] Similarly, when the function information of the second network element is replaced with the maintain valid information of the second network element, for the description of the maintain valid information of the second network element, please refer to the foregoing example description of the selection conditions of the second network element.

[0211] In summary, after the terminal device and the second network element perform an information interaction, the terminal device or the network device can determine whether the second network element can continue to be the network element with which the terminal device wants to communicate according to the function information of the second network element. When the second network element continues to be the selected network element, the terminal device or the network device does not need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection, which helps to reduce the overall overhead when the first network element performs network element selection.

[0212] In the above technical solution, in addition to sending the identity information of the second network element, the first network element can also send the function information of the second network element. The network device or the terminal device can determine the functions supported by the second network element according to the function information of the second network element, and can determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again based on the functions supported by the second network element. For example, when the network device or the terminal device determines according to the functions supported by the second network element that the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, the network device can directly forward the information that the terminal device wants to transmit to the second network element. In this way, the first network element does not need to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead when performing network element selection.

[0213] In summary, through the above technical solution, the embodiments of the present application can reduce the overall overhead when performing network element selection. For example, when the terminal device or the network device determines according to the function information of the second network element that the second network element is the network element to be continuously selected, the network device or the terminal device does not need to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead when the first network element performs network element selection can be reduced.

[0214] The following combines Figure 4 and Figure 5 to Figure 3 further describe the

[0215] Figure 4 is a schematic interaction flow diagram of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 The method shown can be executed by a terminal device, a network device, an AMF (an example of the first network element), and an SMF (an example of the second network element), or by modules and / or devices with corresponding functions (such as chips or integrated circuits, etc.) installed in the terminal device, the network device, the AMF, and the SMF, which is not limited. The following takes the terminal device, the network device, the AMF, and the SMF as examples for illustration. As Figure 4 shown, the method includes:

[0216] S401. The terminal device sends first information to the network device.

[0217] Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information.

[0218] S402. The network device sends the first information to the AMF.

[0219] Correspondingly, the AMF receives the first information.

[0220] For the description of the first information, reference can be made to the foregoing description, which will not be elaborated here.

[0221] S403. The AMF determines the SMF.

[0222] For the description of S403, reference can be made to the foregoing description of S303, which will not be elaborated here.

[0223] S404. The AMF sends the identity information and function information of the SMF to the network device.

[0224] Correspondingly, the network device receives the identity information and function information of the SMF.

[0225] S405. The network device sends the identity information and function information of the SMF to the terminal device.

[0226] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the identity information and function information of the SMF.

[0227] When the network device forwards the identity information and function information of the SMF to the terminal device, the terminal device can determine the functions supported by the SMF according to the function information of the SMF, and can determine whether the SMF can still continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device based on the functions supported by the SMF. When the terminal device determines that the SMF can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, the terminal device can determine that there is no need to trigger the AMF to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead during network element selection can be effectively reduced.

[0228] After the terminal device sends the first information, the terminal device can receive the identity information and function information of the SMF. The terminal device can determine whether the SMF can continue to be the network element for the next communication of the terminal device according to the function information of the SMF. When the terminal device determines that the SMF continues to be the network element for the next communication of the terminal device, the terminal device can determine that there is no need to trigger the AMF to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead during network element selection.

[0229] S406. The terminal device determines whether the SMF is the network element to be continuously selected according to the function information of the SMF.

[0230] After the terminal device and the SMF perform the first information interaction, the terminal device can determine whether the SMF is the network element to be continuously selected according to whether the functions supported by the network element with which the terminal device wants to communicate again correspond to the functions supported by the SMF. Or rather, the terminal device can determine whether the SMF can continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device according to the function information of the SMF. For example, the communication requirement of the terminal device is that the terminal device wants to communicate with a network element that supports Network Slice #1, and the function information of the SMF indicates that the SMF also supports Network Slice #1. Thus, the SMF can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device.

[0231] When the terminal device determines that the SMF is the network element to be continuously selected according to the function information of the SMF, the terminal device can refrain from triggering the AMF to perform network element selection again, thereby reducing the overall overhead during the network element selection by the AMF.

[0232] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0233] S407a. The terminal device sends a second piece of information and a fifth piece of information to the network device.

[0234] Correspondingly, the network device receives the second piece of information and the fifth piece of information. The second piece of information is used to indicate the identity information of the SMF. The fifth piece of information is the information that the terminal device needs to transmit to the SMF.

[0235] When the terminal device wants to communicate with a certain network element, the terminal device can determine whether the SMF is the network element with which the terminal device wants to communicate again according to the function information of the SMF. When the terminal device determines that the SMF continues to be the network element with which the terminal device wants to communicate according to the function information of the SMF, the terminal device can send a second piece of information to the network device, which is used to indicate the identity information of the SMF, and the network device can determine that it needs to forward the fifth piece of information to the SMF according to the second piece of information.

[0236] In summary, when the second piece of information sent by the terminal device to the network device is used to indicate the identity information of the SMF, the network device can determine that the SMF can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device according to the identity information of the SMF indicated by the second piece of information, and can determine that there is no need to trigger the AMF to perform network element selection again, thereby effectively reducing the overall overhead during the network element selection.

[0237] S407b. The network device sends the fifth piece of information to the SMF.

[0238] Correspondingly, the SMF receives the fifth piece of information.

[0239] In this way, the information interaction between the terminal device and the SMF can be completed.

[0240] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0241] S408a. The terminal device sends the third information and the fifth information to the network device.

[0242] Correspondingly, the network device receives the third information and the fifth information. Among them, the third information is used for the AMF to perform network element selection. The fifth information is the information that the terminal device wants to transmit.

[0243] When the third information sent by the terminal device to the network device is used for the AMF to perform network element selection, the network device can determine according to the third information that the SMF can no longer meet the communication requirements of the terminal device. The network device can determine that it is necessary to trigger the AMF to perform network element selection again. In this way, it can support the completion of communication between the terminal device and other network elements.

[0244] In a possible implementation, the third information may include information for indicating network element selection. Exemplarily, the third information includes indication information and the information of the terminal device. The indication information is used to indicate to the network device that the SMF is not the network element to be continuously selected, or the indication information is used to indicate to the network device that the terminal device has no selected network element, or the indication information can be used to indicate to the network device to trigger the AMF to perform network element selection again. Correspondingly, the network device can determine according to the indication information in the third information that it is necessary to trigger the AMF to perform network element selection again.

[0245] When the terminal device wants to communicate with a certain network element, the terminal device can determine whether the SMF is the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with according to the function information of the SMF. When the terminal device determines according to the function information of the SMF that the SMF is not the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with, the terminal device can send the third information to the network device, which is used for the AMF to perform network element selection. Correspondingly, the network device can determine according to the third information that it is not necessary to send the fifth information to the SMF, and send the third information to the AMF.

[0246] S408b. The network device sends the third information to the AMF.

[0247] Correspondingly, the AMF receives the third information.

[0248] The AMF can perform network element selection according to the third information, and send the identity information and function information of the network element selected by the AMF (for example, it can be the third network element, etc.) to the network device.

[0249] Figure 4 The method shown takes the terminal device determining whether the second network element continues to be the selected network element according to the function information of the second network element as an example for description. The following combines Figure 5 Describe the content of the network device determining whether the second network element continues to be the selected network element according to the function information of the second network element.

[0250] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the interaction process of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 The method shown can be executed by a terminal device, a network device, an AMF (an example of a first network element), and an SMF (an example of a second network element), or by modules and / or devices with corresponding functions (such as chips or integrated circuits, etc.) installed in the terminal device, the network device, the AMF, and the SMF, which is not limited. The following takes the terminal device, the network device, the AMF, and the SMF as examples for illustration. As Figure 5 shown, the method includes:

[0251] S501. The terminal device sends the first information to the network device.

[0252] Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information.

[0253] S502. The network device sends the first information to the AMF.

[0254] Correspondingly, the AMF receives the first information.

[0255] For the description of the first information, reference can be made to the foregoing description, and details will not be repeated.

[0256] S503. The AMF determines the SMF.

[0257] For the description of S503, reference can be made to the foregoing description of S303, and details will not be repeated.

[0258] S504. The AMF sends the identity information of the SMF and the function information of the SMF to the network device.

[0259] Correspondingly, the network device receives the identity information of the SMF and the function information of the SMF.

[0260] S505. The terminal device sends the fourth information and the fifth information to the network device.

[0261] Correspondingly, the network device receives the fourth information and the fifth information. The fourth information is used for the first network element to perform network element selection. For the description of the fourth information, reference can be made to the foregoing description of the first information, and details will not be repeated. The fifth information is the information that the terminal device wants to transmit.

[0262] S506. The network device determines whether the SMF is the network element that continues to be selected according to the fourth information and the function information of the SMF.

[0263] Specifically, the network device can determine whether the SMF is the network element to be continuously selected based on the function information of the SMF and the fourth information. Exemplarily, the function information of the SMF is used to indicate that the second network element supports function 1 and function 2. The network device determines according to the fourth information that the terminal device wants to communicate with the network element supporting function 2. The network device can determine that the SMF is the network element to be continuously selected. Exemplarily, the function information of the SMF is used to indicate that the SMF supports function 1 and function 2. The network device determines according to the fourth information that the terminal device wants to communicate with the network element supporting function 3. The network device can determine that the SMF is not the network element to be continuously selected.

[0264] In summary, when the network device determines that the SMF is the network element to be continuously selected based on the function information of the SMF, the network device may not trigger the AMF to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead during the network element selection by the AMF can be reduced.

[0265] In summary, when the terminal device sends the fourth information to the network device, the network device can determine whether the SMF can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device according to the fourth information and the function information of the second network element. For example, the network device determines according to the fourth information that the network element with which the terminal device wants to communicate needs to support function 1, and the function information of the SMF indicates that the SMF also supports function 1. The network device can determine accordingly that the SMF can still continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, and thus does not need to trigger network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead during network element selection can be effectively reduced.

[0266] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0267] S507a. The network device sends the fifth information to the SMF.

[0268] When the network device determines that the SMF is the network element to be continuously selected according to the fourth information and the function information of the SMF, the network device can directly send the fifth information to the SMF.

[0269] In summary, when the network device determines that the SMF can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, or rather, when the network device determines that the SMF is the network element to be continuously selected, the network device can directly send the information that the terminal device wants to transmit to the second network element to the SMF. In this way, it is not necessary to trigger the AMF to perform network element selection again, which can effectively reduce the overall overhead during network element selection.

[0270] In this way, the information interaction between the terminal device and the SMF can be completed.

[0271] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0272] S507b. The network device sends the fourth information to the AMF.

[0273] Correspondingly, the AMF receives the fourth piece of information. Among them, the AMF can perform network element selection based on the fourth piece of information, determine the corresponding network element, and feedback the identity information and function information of the network element to the network device.

[0274] When the network device determines, based on the function information of the SMF, that the SMF is not the network element to be continuously selected, the network device can send the fourth piece of information to the AMF. The AMF can perform network element selection based on the fourth piece of information, and feedback the identity information and function information of the network element selected by the AMF to the network device. The network device forwards the information that the terminal device wants to transmit to the network element according to the identity information of the network element selected by the AMF.

[0275] In summary, when the network device determines that the SMF cannot continue to meet the communication requirements of the terminal device, or in other words, when the network device determines that the SMF is not the network element to be continuously selected, the network device can trigger the AMF to perform network element selection again. In this way, this can support the communication between the terminal device and other network elements.

[0276] In the embodiments of this application, Figures 3 - 5 The shown solution is that the first network element feeds back the function information of the network element selected by the first network element to the network device or the terminal device, and the terminal device or the network device determines whether the network element is the network element to be continuously selected according to the function information of the network element. When the terminal device or the network device determines, according to the function information of the network element, that the network element is the network element to be continuously selected, the terminal device or the network device determines that it is not necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. In this way, the overall overhead when the first network element performs network element selection can be effectively reduced.

[0277] In the embodiments of this application, the function information of the second network element can be used for the terminal device or the network device to determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again. Or in other words, the terminal device or the network device can determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again according to the function information of the second network element information fed back by the first network element. In this way, the overall overhead when the first network element performs network element selection can be effectively reduced. For example, when the network element that the terminal device wants to communicate with again is the same network element as the network element that the terminal device communicated with before, the first network element does not need to perform network element selection again. This can prevent the first network element from performing unnecessary network element selection, thereby helping to reduce the overall overhead of the first network element.

[0278] Therefore, the function information of the second network element mentioned above is only an information example, and the embodiments of this application do not limit other term names that the function information of the second network element can adopt.

[0279] In the embodiments of this application, Figures 3 to 5The method described above takes the example of a terminal device or a network device obtaining the function information of a second network element during the interaction with a first network element for the first information. The terminal device or the network device may also obtain the function information of the second network element through other means. For example, after the first network element sends the identity information of the second network element to the network device, it may send the function information of the second network element to the network device during other information interactions with the network device, etc., and this is not limited herein.

[0280] In the embodiments of the present application, after the network device or the terminal device obtains the function information of the second network element, it may determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again according to the function information of the second network element. For example, after the network device obtains the first information or the fourth information, it determines whether the second network element can still meet the communication requirements of the terminal device according to the first information or the fourth information and the function information of the second network element, or determines that the second network element can still continue to be the selected network element. Another example is that after the terminal device obtains the function information of the second network element, it determines whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again according to its own communication requirements or the requirements for the functions supported by the target network element and in combination with the functions supported by the second network element.

[0281] In summary, after the terminal device or the network device obtains the function information of the second network element, it may judge or determine whether to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again according to the function information of the second network element. When the terminal device or the network device judges or determines according to the function information of the second network element that it is not necessary to trigger the first network element to perform network element selection again, this can reduce the number of times the first network element performs network element selection, thereby facilitating the reduction of the overall overhead during network element selection.

[0282] The corresponding apparatus embodiments of the method embodiments of the present application are introduced below. Among them, only a brief introduction to the apparatus is given below, and the specific implementation steps and details of the solution can refer to the foregoing method embodiments.

[0283] To implement each function in the method provided by the present application, the terminal device, the network device, and the first network element may all include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and implement the above 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 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 constraint conditions of the technical solution.

[0284] Figure 6 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device includes a processor 610 and a communication interface 620, and the processor 610 and the communication interface 620 may be connected to each other through a bus 630. The communication device may be a terminal device, a network device, or a first network element.

[0285] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 640. The memory 640 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 640 is used for relevant instructions and data.

[0286] The processor 610 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the processor 610 is a single CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0287] Among them, the processor 610 may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuits that can implement the method of this application, or a partial circuit for processing functions in the foregoing processor, chip, or integrated circuit. In addition, the communication interface 620 may also be an input / output interface, and the input / output interface is used for input or output of signals or data, and may also be an input / output circuit.

[0288] When the communication device is a terminal device, for example, the processor 610 is used to perform the following operations: sending first information; receiving function information of a second network element and identity information of the second network element, etc.

[0289] When the communication device is a network device, for example, the processor 610 is used to perform the following operations: sending first information; receiving function information of a second network element and identity information of the second network element, etc.

[0290] When the communication device is a first network element, for example, the processor 610 is used to perform the following operations: receiving first information; sending function information of a second network element and identity information of the second network element, etc.

[0291] The above content is only for exemplary description. When the communication device is a terminal device, a network device, or a first network element, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the terminal device, the network device, or the first network element in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0292] When the communication device is a terminal device, a network device, or a first network element, the communication interface 620 may also be referred to as a transceiver. The above description is only for exemplary description. For specific content, reference may be made to the content shown in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0293] Figure 6The implementation of each operation in it can also be correspondingly referred to Figures 3 to 5 the corresponding description of the method embodiment shown.

[0294] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a terminal device, a network device, or a first network element, or a chip or module in the terminal device, the network device, or the first network element, and is used to implement the method involved in the foregoing embodiment. The communication device includes an interface unit 710 and a processing unit 720. The interface unit 710 and the processing unit 720 will be exemplarily introduced below.

[0295] The interface unit 710 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, in the embodiments of the present application, the sending unit and the receiving unit are combined into one interface unit. A unified description is made here and will not be repeated later.

[0296] When the communication device is a terminal device, exemplarily, the interface unit 710 is used to send the first information and receive the function information and identity information of the second network element, etc. The processing unit 720 is used to execute the content related to processing, coordination, etc. involved in the terminal device. For example, the processing unit 720 is used to determine whether the second network element is the network element to be continuously selected.

[0297] When the communication device is a network device, exemplarily, the interface unit 710 is used to receive the first information; is also used to send the first information; is also used to receive the function information and identity information of the second network element, etc. The processing unit 720 is used to execute the content related to processing, coordination, etc. involved in the network device. For example, the processing unit 720 is used to determine whether the second network element is the network element to be continuously selected.

[0298] When the communication device is a first network element, exemplarily, the interface unit 710 is used to receive the first information; is also used to send the function information and identity information of the second network element, etc. The processing unit 720 is used to execute the content related to processing, coordination, etc. involved in the first network element. For example, the processing unit 720 is used to determine the second network element, etc.

[0299] The above content is only an exemplary description. When the communication device is a terminal device, a network device, or a first network element, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the terminal device, the network device, or the first network element in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0300] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 730, and the storage unit 730 is used to store the program or code for executing the foregoing method.

[0301] Figure 6and Figure 7 The device embodiment shown is used to implement Figures 3 to 5 the content described above. Figure 6 and Figure 7 For the specific execution steps and methods of the device shown, reference may be made to the content described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0302] This application also provides a chip, including a processor for calling and running instructions stored in a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the methods in the above examples.

[0303] This 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 used to execute code in a memory. When the code is executed, the processor is used to execute the methods in the above examples. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory for storing computer programs or code.

[0304] This application also provides a processor for being coupled to a memory and for executing the methods and functions related to network devices or terminal devices in any of the above embodiments.

[0305] In another embodiment of this application, a computer program product containing instructions is provided. When the computer program product runs on a computer, the methods of the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0306] This application also provides a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the methods of the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0307] In another embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the methods described in the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0308] 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. Professionals can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0309] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and conciseness 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.

[0310] In several embodiments provided in this application, 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 units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may 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 devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0311] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components shown 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 technical solution of this embodiment.

[0312] In addition, each functional unit in various embodiments of this application 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.

[0313] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments 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 to enable 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 in various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0314] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application, and all should be covered by the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a network device and includes: Sending first information to a first network element, where the first information is used to indicate information of a terminal device; Receiving identity information of a second network element and function information of the second network element from the first network element, where the second network element is a network element selected by the first network element based on the information of the terminal device, and the function information of the second network element is used to indicate functions supported by the second network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The function information of the second network element is used to indicate functions supported by the second network element and includes: The function information of the second network element is used to indicate conditions for the second network element to be effective.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The function information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: A network slice allowed for the terminal device to select, a service type allowed for the terminal device to select, a service precision allowed for the terminal device to select, a quality of service allowed for the terminal device to request, a data network name allowed for the terminal device to select, or location information of the allowed terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the terminal device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further includes: Receiving second information from the terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate the identity information of the second network element, or Receiving third information from the terminal device, where the third information is used for the first network element to perform network element selection.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determining, according to fourth information and the function information of the second network element, whether the second network element is a network element to be continuously selected, where the fourth information is used for the first network element to perform network element selection and the fourth information comes from the terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The determining whether the second network element is a network element to be continuously selected includes: Determining that the second network element continues to be a selected network element and sending fifth information to the second network element, where the fifth information is information that the terminal device needs to transmit to the second network element; or Determining that the second network element is not a network element to be continuously selected and sending the fourth information to the first network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The information of the terminal device includes at least one of the following: A network slice selected by the terminal device, a service type selected by the terminal device, a service precision selected by the terminal device, a quality of service requested by the terminal device, a data network name selected by the terminal device, or location information of the terminal device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The identity information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: Identification information of the second network element, an Internet Protocol address of the second network element, or a fully qualified domain name of the second network element.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first network element and includes: Determining a second network element; Sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element, where the function information of the second network element is used to indicate functions supported by the second network element.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The determining the second network element includes: Receiving first information, where the first information is used to indicate information of a terminal device; Performing network element selection according to the information of the terminal device and determining the second network element.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The function information of the second network element is used to indicate functions supported by the second network element and includes: The function information of the second network element is used to indicate the conditions for the second network element to be valid.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The function information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: The network slice allowed for the terminal device to select, the service type allowed for the terminal device to select, the service precision allowed for the terminal device to select, the quality of service allowed for the terminal device to request, the data network name allowed for the terminal device to select, or the location information of the allowed terminal device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that Sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element includes: Sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the terminal device; or, Sending the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the network device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The information of the terminal device includes at least one of the following: The network slice selected by the terminal device, the service type selected by the terminal device, the service precision selected by the terminal device, the quality of service requested by the terminal device, the data network name selected by the terminal device, or the location information of the terminal device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The identity information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second network element, the Internet protocol address of the second network element, or the fully qualified domain name of the second network element.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal device and includes: Sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate the information of the terminal device; Receiving the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element, where the second network element is a network element selected by the first network element based on the information of the terminal device, and the function information of the second network element is used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The function information of the second network element is used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element, including: The function information of the second network element is used to indicate the conditions for the second network element to be valid.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The function information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: The network slice allowed for the terminal device to select, the service type allowed for the terminal device to select, the service precision allowed for the terminal device to select, the quality of service allowed for the terminal device to request, the data network name allowed for the terminal device to select, or the location information of the allowed terminal device.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending second information, where the second information is used to indicate the identity information of the second network element; or, Sending third information, where the third information is used for the first network element to perform network element selection.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that, The information of the terminal device includes at least one of the following: The network slice selected by the terminal device, the service type selected by the terminal device, the service precision selected by the terminal device, the quality of service requested by the terminal device, the data network name selected by the terminal device, or the location information of the terminal device.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that, The identity information of the second network element includes at least one of the following: The identification information of the second network element, the Internet protocol address of the second network element, or the fully qualified domain name of the second network element.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes: A network device and a first network element; The network device is configured to send first information to the first network element, where the first information is used to indicate the information of the terminal device. The first network element is configured to receive the first information, and send the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element to the network device. The second network element is the network element selected by the first network element based on the information of the terminal device, and the function information of the second network element is used to indicate the functions supported by the second network element; The network device is further configured to receive the identity information of the second network element and the function information of the second network element.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, comprising a processor, the processor is configured to, by executing a computer program or instruction, or by a logic circuit, cause the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9; or, cause the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 10 to 16; or, cause the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 17 to 22.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, comprising a logic circuit and an input / output interface, the input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting signals, the logic circuit is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9; or, the logic circuit is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 10 to 16; or, the logic circuit is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 17 to 22.

26. 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, cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to be executed; or, cause the method according to any one of claims 10 to 16 to be executed; or, cause the method according to any one of claims 17 to 22 to be executed.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, comprising an instruction, when the instruction runs on a computer, cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to be executed; or, cause the method according to any one of claims 10 to 16 to be executed; or, cause the method according to any one of claims 17 to 22 to be executed.

28. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes a processor, a memory, and an input / output port. The memory is used for storing a computer program; the processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9; or, so that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 10 to 16; or, so that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 17 to 22.

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