Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, and the method comprises the steps: receiving first indication information from a first user plane function network element, the first indication information is used for indicating the time delay of a first interface, and the first interface is between the first user plane function network element selected for the communication of terminal equipment and a first edge application server; executing at least one of the following operations according to the first interface time delay: selecting a second user plane function network element; selecting a second edge application server; selecting a second application on the first edge application server; or, selecting a second tunnel of the first interface; wherein the first function network element is a network element for managing a user plane function network element and an edge application server. According to the scheme of the invention, the new network element is selected according to the interface time delay to replace the current network element to transmit the communication data, and the problem that the communication quality is reduced due to the abnormal interface time delay can be effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An application may be served by one or more edge application servers (EAS) deployed at the edge of an external network. When accessing an application in one or more edge application servers deployed at the network edge, the communication quality may deteriorate. Therefore, how to solve the problem of deteriorated communication quality is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can effectively solve the problem of deteriorated communication quality caused by abnormal interface delay or abnormal load of edge application servers.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method may be executed by a core network element, or may also be executed by a component (such as a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit) of a core network element. There is no limitation in this regard. For the sake of description, the following takes the execution by a first functional network element as an example for illustration.

[0005] The first functional network element is a network element that manages the session between the user plane function and the edge application server. The first functional network element may be: a service function (SRF), or a local session management function (L-SMF).

[0006] In some possible implementation manners, the first functional network element may also be an intermediate session management function (I-SMF).

[0007] The method includes: a first functional network element receiving first indication information from a first user plane functional network element, the first indication information being used to indicate a first interface delay, the first interface delay including at least one of the following: the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for a first application, the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for a first edge application server, or the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for a first tunnel, the first interface being between the first user plane functional network element and the first edge application server selected for the communication of the terminal device; performing at least one of the following operations according to the first interface delay: reselecting a second user plane functional network element, where the second user plane functional network element is different from the first user plane functional network element; selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application; or selecting a second tunnel of the first interface, where the second tunnel is different from the first tunnel.

[0008] Optionally, the first interface is a first N6 interface.

[0009] Optionally, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: information for indicating the status of the first interface delay, or information for indicating the delay value of the first interface delay.

[0010] It should be understood that the first functional network element can perceive the delay of the interface between the first user plane functional network element and the first edge application server by receiving the interface delay for the corresponding granularity (for example, the granularity can be the granularity of the first application, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first edge application server, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first tunnel).

[0011] Based on the above solution, the first functional network element receives the interface delay for the corresponding granularity, can timely perceive whether the interface delay is abnormal, and performs a reselection operation for the interface delay abnormal situation, which can effectively solve the problem of the communication quality degradation caused by the interface delay abnormality.

[0012] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, a second user plane functional network element is used to transmit the communication data instead of the first user plane functional network element; a second edge application server is used to transmit the communication data instead of the first edge application server; a second application is used to transmit the communication data instead of the first application; a second tunnel is used to transmit the communication data instead of the first tunnel.

[0013] Optionally, the first user plane functional network element is the current network element for the communication of the terminal device. By selecting a second user plane functional network element to replace the current first user plane functional network element to transmit the communication data, the communication path is modified from the first user plane functional network element to the second user plane functional network element, ensuring the data transmission.

[0014] Optionally, the first edge application server is the current network element for the terminal device to communicate. By selecting the second edge application server to replace the current first edge application server to transmit the communication data, the communication path is modified from the first edge application server to the second edge application server, ensuring data transmission.

[0015] Optionally, the first application is the current network element for the terminal device to communicate. By selecting the second application to replace the current first application to transmit the communication data, the communication path is modified from the first application to the second application, ensuring data transmission.

[0016] Optionally, the first tunnel of the interface is the current network element for the terminal device to communicate. By selecting the second tunnel to replace the current first tunnel to transmit the communication data, the communication path is modified from the first tunnel to the second tunnel, ensuring data transmission.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the communication includes the communication between the terminal device and the first application, or the communication between the terminal device and the second application. Based on the above solution, by replacing the current network element with a reselection network element to transmit communication data, the communication path can be further optimized, ensuring the stability and reliability of data transmission and improving the communication quality.

[0018] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending the result of the operation to the application function network element, where when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the result includes the identifier of the second application; or when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server; or when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the result includes the endpoint information of the second tunnel.

[0019] In a possible implementation, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the method further includes: sending the result of the operation to the first user plane function network element.

[0020] Based on the above solution, the application function network element or the user plane function network element can be made to know the information of the reselected network element, which helps the application function network element or the user plane function network element to make corresponding adjustments and optimizations to better adapt to the change of the communication path, thereby improving the communication quality.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the first function network element receives a session modification request from the session management network element, and the session modification request is used to request to select a second user plane function network element.

[0022] Based on the above solution, in the case of abnormal interface latency, relevant session modification can be achieved by reselecting a user plane function network element. That is, when the session is switched to the reselected user plane function network element, the session of the interface corresponding to the original user plane function network element will also be modified to the reselected user plane function network element, which can quickly and effectively solve the communication interruption that may be caused by abnormal interface latency, reduce the latency generated during the communication process, and improve the communication efficiency.

[0023] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, receiving first indication information from a first user plane function network element includes: receiving a first response message from the first user plane function network element, where the first response message is a response to a first subscription message, and the first response message includes the first indication information.

[0024] In some possible implementation manners, the method further includes: sending the first subscription message to the first user plane function network element, where the first subscription message includes an identifier of a first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first application;

[0025] Alternatively, the first subscription message includes an identifier of a first edge application server, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first edge application server;

[0026] Alternatively, the first subscription message includes information about a first tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first tunnel.

[0027] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: information for indicating the state of the first interface latency, or information for indicating the latency value of the first interface latency.

[0028] Based on the above solution, by subscribing to the interface latency for the corresponding granularity, the interface latency of the corresponding granularity can be obtained in a timely manner and the reselection operation can be performed accordingly, which can effectively solve the problem of the decline in communication quality that may be caused by abnormal interface latency in a timely manner and improve the communication reliability.

[0029] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a core network network element, or can also be executed by a component (such as a chip or a circuit) of the core network network element. There is no limitation in this regard. For the sake of convenience of description, the following takes the execution by a first function network element as an example for illustration.

[0030] The first function network element is a network element that manages the session between the user plane function network element and the edge application server. The first function network element may be: a service function network element SRF, a local session management function network element L-SMF.

[0031] In some possible implementation manners, the first functional network element may also be an intermediate session management function network element I-SMF.

[0032] The method includes: receiving second indication information from an application function network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate a first edge application server load, and the first edge application server load includes at least one of the following: an edge application server load for a first edge application server, an edge application server load for a first application, and the first edge application server is an edge application server selected for communication of a terminal device; performing at least one of the following operations according to the first edge application server load: selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; or, selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application.

[0033] It should be understood that the first functional network element may sense the first edge application server load by receiving an edge application server load for a corresponding granularity (for example, the granularity may be the granularity of the first edge application server, or the granularity may be the granularity of the first application).

[0034] Based on the above solution, the first functional network element receives an edge application server load for a corresponding granularity, can timely sense whether the edge application server load is abnormal, and perform a reselection operation for an abnormal edge application server load, which can effectively solve the problem of deteriorated communication quality caused by an abnormal edge application server load.

[0035] Combined with the second aspect, in some implementation manners of the second aspect, the second edge application server is used to transmit communication data instead of the first edge application server; the second application is used to transmit communication data instead of the first application.

[0036] Optionally, the first edge application server is the current network element for communication of the terminal device. By selecting a second edge application server to replace the current first edge application server to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first edge application server to the second edge application server, ensuring data transmission.

[0037] Optionally, the first application is the current network element for communication of the terminal device. By selecting a second application to replace the current first application to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first application to the second application, ensuring data transmission.

[0038] In some possible implementation manners, the communication includes communication between the terminal device and the first application, or communication between the terminal device and the second application. Based on the above solution, by using a reselection network element to replace the current network element to transmit communication data, the communication path can be further optimized, ensuring the stability and reliability of data transmission and improving communication quality.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending the result of the operation to the application function network element, where when the first edge application server load is the edge application server load for the first edge application server, the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server; or when the first edge application server load is the edge application server load for the second application, the result includes the identifier of the second application.

[0040] Based on the above solution, the application function network element can learn the information of the reselected network element, which helps the application function network element to make corresponding adjustments and optimizations to better adapt to the change of the communication path, thereby improving the communication quality.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, receiving the second indication information from the application function network element includes: receiving a second response message from the application function network element, where the second response message is a response to the second subscription message, and the second response message includes the second indication information.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: sending the second subscription message to the application function network element, where the second subscription message includes the identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first edge application server; or the second subscription message includes the identifier of the first application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first application.

[0043] In some possible implementations, the second indication information includes at least one of the following: information for indicating the level of the first edge application server load, or information for indicating the percentage of the first edge application server load.

[0044] Based on the above solution, by subscribing to the edge application server load for the corresponding granularity, the edge application server load for the corresponding granularity can be learned in a timely manner and the reselection operation can be performed accordingly, which can effectively solve the problem of the decline in communication quality that may be caused by the abnormal edge application server load in a timely manner and improve the communication reliability.

[0045] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second indication information includes a session update request from the application function network element.

[0046] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a user plane function network element, or by a component of the user plane function network element (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit), and there is no limitation in this regard. For the sake of convenient description, the user plane function network element is taken as an example for illustration below.

[0047] The method includes: obtaining a first interface latency, where the first interface latency includes at least one of the following: the interface latency of the first user plane function entity for the first application, the interface latency of the first user plane function entity for the first edge application server, or the interface latency of the first user plane function entity for the first tunnel, and the first interface is between the first user plane function entity and the first edge application server selected for the communication of the terminal device; sending first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the first interface latency; where the first interface latency is used for at least one of the following operations: selecting a second user plane function entity, where the second user plane function entity is different from the first user plane function entity; selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application; or selecting a second tunnel of the first interface, where the second tunnel is different from the first tunnel.

[0048] Optionally, the first interface is the first N6 interface.

[0049] In some possible implementation manners, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: information used to indicate the status of the first interface latency, or information used to indicate the latency value of the first interface latency.

[0050] It should be understood that the user plane function entity can perceive the latency of the interface between the first user plane function entity and the first edge application server by receiving the interface latency for the corresponding granularity (for example, the granularity can be the granularity of the first application, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first edge application server, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first tunnel).

[0051] Based on the above solution, the user plane function entity can timely perceive whether the latency of the interface is abnormal through the obtained interface latency for the corresponding granularity, and send the interface latency for the corresponding granularity to other network elements so that other network elements perform reselection operations, which can effectively solve the problem of the degradation of communication quality caused by abnormal interface latency.

[0052] Combined with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the second user plane function entity is used to transmit communication data instead of the first user plane function entity; the second edge application server is used to transmit communication data instead of the first edge application server; the second application is used to transmit communication data instead of the first application; the second tunnel is used to transmit communication data instead of the first tunnel.

[0053] In a possible implementation manner, the communication includes the communication between the terminal device and the first application, or the communication between the terminal device and the second application.

[0054] Optionally, the first user plane function network element is the current network element for the terminal device to communicate. By selecting a second user plane function network element to replace the current first user plane function network element to transmit the communication data, the communication path is modified from the first user plane function network element to the second user plane function network element, ensuring data transmission.

[0055] Optionally, the first edge application server is the current network element for the terminal device to communicate. By selecting a second edge application server to replace the current first edge application server to transmit the communication data, the communication path is modified from the first edge application server to the second edge application server, ensuring data transmission.

[0056] Optionally, the first application is the current network element for the terminal device to communicate. By selecting a second application to replace the current first application to transmit the communication data, the communication path is modified from the first application to the second application, ensuring data transmission.

[0057] Optionally, the first tunnel of the interface is the current network element for the terminal device to communicate. By selecting a second tunnel to replace the current first tunnel to transmit the communication data, the communication path is modified from the first tunnel to the second tunnel, ensuring data transmission.

[0058] Based on the above solution, by reselecting a network element to replace the current network element to transmit communication data, the communication path can be further optimized, ensuring the stability and reliability of data transmission and improving communication quality.

[0059] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, obtaining the first interface delay includes: sending a first detection request to the first edge application server; receiving the first interface delay; where when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the first detection request is used to request to detect the interface delay for the first application; or when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, the first detection request is used to request to detect the interface delay for the first edge application server; or when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the first detection request is used to request to detect the interface delay for the first tunnel.

[0060] Based on the above solution, the detection of the interface delay for the corresponding granularity is realized, and the delay of the interface for the corresponding granularity can be timely obtained, and other network elements can accordingly adopt corresponding reselection schemes in a targeted manner, avoiding the problem of deterioration of communication quality caused by abnormal interface delay.

[0061] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, sending the first indication information includes: receiving a first subscription message; sending a first response message, where the first response message is a response to the first subscription message, and the first response message includes the first indication information; where the first subscription message includes an identifier of a first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first application; or, the first subscription message includes an identifier of a first edge application server, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first edge application server; or, the first subscription message includes information about a first tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first tunnel.

[0062] Based on the above solution, by receiving the subscription of the interface delay at the corresponding granularity, the interface delay detection at the corresponding granularity can be carried out in a targeted manner, and the interface delay at the corresponding granularity can be known in a timely manner.

[0063] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the method further includes: receiving the endpoint information of a second tunnel and updating the endpoints of the second tunnel.

[0064] Based on the above solution, in the case where the interface delay appears abnormal, receiving the endpoint information of the reselected interface tunnel and updating the endpoints of the reselected interface tunnel accordingly can realize the re-selection of the interface tunnel in a timely manner, effectively avoiding the communication interruption problem that may be caused by the abnormal interface delay.

[0065] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by an application function network element, or can also be executed by a component of the application function network element (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit), and there is no limitation in this regard. For the convenience of description, the application function network element is taken as an example for illustration below.

[0066] The method includes: obtaining a first edge application server load, where the first edge application server load includes at least one of the following: the edge application server load for the first edge application server, or the edge application server load for the first application, and the first edge application server is the edge application server selected for the communication of the terminal device; sending a second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the first edge application server load; where the first edge application server load is used for at least one of the following operations: selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; or selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application.

[0067] It should be understood that the application function network element can sense the load of the first edge application server by receiving the load of the edge application server for the corresponding granularity (for example, the granularity can be the granularity of the first edge application server, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first application).

[0068] Based on the above solution, the application function network element can timely sense whether the load of the edge application server is abnormal by obtaining the load of the edge application server for the corresponding granularity, and send the load of the edge application server for the corresponding granularity to other network elements so that the other network elements perform reselection operations, which can effectively solve the problem of degraded communication quality caused by abnormal load of the edge application server.

[0069] Combined with the fourth aspect, in some implementation manners of the fourth aspect, the second edge application server is used to replace the first edge application server to transmit communication data; the second application is used to replace the first application to transmit communication data.

[0070] In some possible implementation manners, the communication includes communication between the terminal device and the first application, or communication between the terminal device and the second application.

[0071] Optionally, the first edge application server is the current network element for the terminal device to communicate. By selecting the second edge application server to replace the current first edge application server to transmit communication data, the path of the communication is modified from the first edge application server to the second edge application server, ensuring data transmission.

[0072] Optionally, the first application is the current network element for the terminal device to communicate. By selecting the second application to replace the current first application to transmit communication data, the path of the communication is modified from the first application to the second application, ensuring data transmission.

[0073] Based on the above solution, by using the reselection network element to replace the current network element to transmit communication data, the communication path can be further optimized, ensuring the stability and reliability of data transmission and improving communication quality.

[0074] Combined with the fourth aspect, in some implementation manners of the fourth aspect, obtaining the load of the first edge application server includes: sending a second detection request to the first edge application server; receiving the load of the first edge application server; wherein, when the load of the first edge application server is the load of the edge application server for the first edge application server, the second detection request is used to request to detect the load of the edge application server for the first edge application server; or, when the load of the first edge application server is the load of the edge application server for the second application, the second detection request is used to request to detect the load of the edge application server for the second application.

[0075] Based on the above solution, the detection of the load of the edge application server for the corresponding granularity is realized, and the load of the edge application server for the corresponding granularity can be timely obtained. Accordingly, other network elements can adopt corresponding reselection solutions in a targeted manner, avoiding the problem of communication quality degradation caused by abnormal load of the edge application server.

[0076] Combined with the fourth aspect, in some implementation manners of the fourth aspect, sending the second indication information includes: receiving a second subscription message; sending a second response message, where the second response message is a response to the second subscription message, and the second response message includes the second indication information; where the second subscription message includes an identifier of a first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the load of the edge application server for the first edge application server; or, the second subscription message includes an identifier of a second application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the load of the edge application server for the second application.

[0077] Based on the above solution, by receiving the subscription of the load of the edge application server for the corresponding granularity, the load of the edge application server for the corresponding granularity can be detected in a targeted manner, and the load of the edge application server for the corresponding granularity can be timely obtained.

[0078] Combined with the fourth aspect, in some implementation manners of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving the result of an operation; when the result includes an identifier of a second application, updating the second application; or, when the result includes an identifier of a second edge application server, updating the second edge application server; or, when the result includes the endpoint information of a second tunnel, updating the second tunnel.

[0079] Based on the above solution, in the case of abnormal load of the edge application server, the corresponding reselection operation can be timely implemented, effectively avoiding the problem of communication interruption that may be caused by abnormal load of the edge application server.

[0080] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, and the device is used to execute any method provided in the first aspect to the fourth aspect. Specifically, the device may include units and / or modules for executing the methods provided in the first aspect to the fourth aspect, such as a processing module and / or a communication module. In one implementation manner, the device is a network device. For example, the device is a first functional network element, or a user plane function network element, or an application function network element. When the device is a network device, the communication module may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing module may be a processor.

[0081] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit in a network device. When the device is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit in a communication device, the communication module may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or a related circuit, etc. on the chip, the chip system, or the circuit; the processing module may be a processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit, etc.

[0082] In one possible case, the device is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit in a first functional network element. In this case, the device may include units and / or modules for performing the methods provided in the first aspect or the second aspect, such as a processing unit and / or a communication unit.

[0083] In yet another possible case, the device is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit in a user plane function network element. In this case, the device may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in the third aspect, such as a processing module and / or a communication module.

[0084] In yet another possible case, the device is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit in an application function network element. In this case, the device may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in the fourth aspect, such as a processing module and / or a communication module.

[0085] Optionally, the above transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the above input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0086] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a memory for storing a program; a processor for executing the program stored in the memory, and when the program stored in the memory is executed, the processor is used to execute any of the methods provided in the first aspect to the fourth aspect above.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a processor for executing the methods provided in the above aspects. During the execution of these methods, the processes of sending the above information and obtaining / receiving the above information in the above methods can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the above information, and the process of the processor receiving the input above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver for transmission by the transceiver. After the above information is output by the processor, other processing may be required before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives the input above information, the transceiver obtains / receives the above information and inputs it to the processor. Further, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to be processed otherwise before being input to the processor.

[0088] Based on the above principle, for example, the reception of a request message mentioned in the foregoing method can be understood as the processor receiving input information.

[0089] For operations such as emission, transmission, and acquisition / reception involved by the processor, without special instructions, or if it does not conflict with its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, they can generally be understood as operations of the processor for output, reception, input, etc., rather than the emission, transmission, and reception operations directly performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna.

[0090] In the implementation process, the above-mentioned processor can be a processor dedicated to executing these methods, or a processor that executes computer instructions in the memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The above-mentioned memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as a read only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or can be separately provided on different chips. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of the memory and the setting manner of the memory and the processor.

[0091] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable medium stores program code for a device to execute, and the program code includes any method provided in the first aspect to the fourth aspect above.

[0092] In a ninth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided. When the computer program product runs on a computer, it causes the computer to execute any method provided in the first aspect to the fourth aspect above.

[0093] In a tenth aspect, a chip or a chip system is provided. The chip or the chip system includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored on a memory through the communication interface and executes any method provided in the first aspect to the fourth aspect above.

[0094] Optionally, as an implementation manner, the chip or the chip system may further include a memory. Instructions are stored in the memory, and the processor is used to execute the instructions stored on the memory. When the instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute any method provided in the first aspect to the fourth aspect above.

[0095] In an eleventh aspect, a communication system is provided, including one or more of the foregoing first functional network element, user plane function network element, and application function network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0097] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of another network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0098] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of an edge computing scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a communication method 200 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0100] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a communication method 300 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0101] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 400 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0102] Figure 7 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 500 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0103] Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 600 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0104] Figure 9 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 700 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0105] Figure 10 It shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0106] Figure 11 It shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device 20 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0107] Next, the technical solutions in the present application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0108] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: the fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR) or long term evolution (LTE) system, etc. The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system. The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0109] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, first, in combination with Figure 1 and Figure 2 a simple introduction to the communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application will be given.

[0110] As an exemplary illustration, Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the architecture of a 5G system 100 applicable to the embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 1 shown, the network architecture may include, but is not limited to, the following network elements (or referred to as functional network elements, functional entities, nodes, devices, etc.):

[0111] User Equipment (UE), (Radio) Access Network Equipment (Radio Access Network, (R)AN), User Plane Function (UPF) network element, Edge Application Server (EAS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, Session Management Function (SMF) network element, Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element, EASDF network element, Network Repository Function (NRF) network element, Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, Application Function (AF) network element, Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, etc.

[0112] Next, a simple introduction to each network element shown in (a) of Figure 1 will be given:

[0113] 1. User Equipment: It can be referred to as terminal equipment, terminal device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user apparatus. A terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users. For example, it can be a handheld device with wireless connection function, in-vehicle device, etc. Currently, some examples of terminals can be: mobile phone, pad, computer with wireless transceiver function (such as laptop, handheld computer, etc.), mobile internet device (MID), virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication function, computing device or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal device in a 5G network or terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0114] In addition, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an internet of things (IoT) system. The IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection. IoT technology can achieve massive connection, deep coverage, and power saving for terminals through, for example, narrowband (NB) technology.

[0115] In addition, the terminal device may further include an intelligent printer, a train detector, etc. Its main functions include collecting data (for some terminal devices), receiving control information and downlink data from the network device, and transmitting electromagnetic waves to transmit uplink data to the network device.

[0116] It should be understood that the user equipment may be any device that can access the network. A certain air interface technology may be adopted for communication between the terminal device and the access network device.

[0117] Optionally, the user equipment can be used as a base station. For example, the user equipment can act as a scheduling entity that provides sidelink signals between user equipments in V2X or D2D, etc. For instance, a cellular phone and a vehicle communicate with each other using sidelink signals. The cellular phone communicates with a smart home device without relaying the communication signal through a base station.

[0118] 2. (Radio) Access Network Device: It is used to provide an access function for authorized user equipments in a specific area and can use transmission tunnels with different service qualities according to the level of the user equipment, service requirements, etc.

[0119] (R)AN can manage radio resources, provide access services for user equipments, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and user equipment data between the user equipment and the core network. (R)AN can also be understood as a base station in a traditional network.

[0120] Exemplarily, the access network device in the embodiments of this application may be any communication device with wireless transceiver functions used for communicating with user equipments. The access network device includes but is not limited to an evolved NodeB (eNB) or a gNB in a 5G, such as an NR, system, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group (including multiple antenna panels) of antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or, it may also be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU), or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0121] In some deployments, the gNB may include a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU). The gNB may also include an Active Antenna Unit (AAU). The CU implements some functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and the Physical (PHY) layer. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and related functions of active antennas. Since the information of the RRC layer will ultimately become the information of the PHY layer, or is transformed from the information of the PHY layer, therefore, in this architecture, high-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or sent by the DU + AAU. It can be understood that the access network device may be a device including one or more of the CU node, the DU node, and the AAU node. In addition, the CU can be classified as an access network device in the Radio Access Network (RAN), or the CU can be classified as an access network device in the Core Network (CN), and this application does not make a limitation on this.

[0122] 3. User Plane Function Network Element: The user plane function network element mainly includes the following functions: functions related to the user plane such as packet routing and transmission, packet detection, service usage reporting, Quality of Service (QoS) processing, lawful interception, uplink packet detection, and downlink packet storage.

[0123] Exemplarily, the UPF can be divided into a Protocol Data Unit Session Anchor UPF (PSA UPF) and an Uplink Classifier Functionality UPF (UL CL UPF).

[0124] Figure 1The UPF shown in (a) therein is a PSA UPF. The PSA UPF is a UPF that supports the PDU session anchor function. The UE is connected to the AMF through the N1 interface; the AN is connected to the AMF through the N2 interface and to the PSA UPF through the N3 interface; the PSA UPF is connected to the SMF through the N4 interface; the PSA UPF is connected to the EAS through the N6 interface.

[0125] In the following text, for the sake of brevity of description, the PSA UPF can be abbreviated as PSA; the UL CL UPF can be abbreviated as UL CL.

[0126] The user plane function network element referred to in the 5G architecture can still be a UPF network element in a future communication system, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0127] 4. Edge Application Service: EAS is an edge application service deployed in a data network (DN), generally deployed on an (edge hosting environment, EHE) in the DN. The EHE can be considered a multi-access edge computing (MEC) environment, which is controlled by an operator or a third party.

[0128] This edge application server can also be called an "application instance", which can specifically refer to an instance where a server application program (such as social media software, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR)) is deployed in an edge data network. An application (or also called a service) can be deployed on one or more EASs in one or more DNs. The EASs running in different DNs can be different EASs of an application, and they can share a domain name, or can use a different domain name from the application deployed in the cloud. The domain name can be a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), and can use an anycast IP address, or can use different IP addresses.

[0129] It can be understood that the EAS can also be called an edge application (server), application instance, edge application instance, multi-access edge computing application (server), EAS function, etc.

[0130] The above-mentioned DN can be a local part of the DN. The local DN includes an edge enabler server (EES) and multiple EASs, and each local DN has a specific service scope.

[0131] 5. Access and Mobility Management Function Network Element: The mobility management network element mainly includes the following functions: connection management, mobility management, registration management, access authentication and authorization, reachability management, security context management, and other functions related to access and mobility.

[0132] The network element called the access and mobility management function network element in the 5G architecture may still be the AMF network element in future communication systems. Or, it may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0133] 6. Session Management Function Network Element: It is mainly used for session management, allocation and management of the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the terminal device, selection of the manageable user plane function, termination of the policy control and charging function interface, and downlink data notification. The session management network element can be the network element that provides services for the session of the UE.

[0134] In future communication systems, the session management function network element may still be the SMF network element. Or, it may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0135] 7. Network Exposure Function Network Element: It can be understood as the naming of the capability exposure network element in the 5G architecture. Among them, the capability exposure network element mainly includes the following functions: securely exposing the services and capabilities provided by the 3GPP network functions, with internal exposure or exposure to third parties, etc.; transforming or translating the information interacted with the AF and the information interacted with the internal network functions, such as AF service identifiers and internal 5G core network information such as data network name (DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), etc.

[0136] 8. EAS Discovery Function Network Element: It is mainly responsible for discovering the EAS, and the functions it includes are registering to the NRF for discovery and selection, processing DNS messages according to the instructions of the SMF (for example, receiving the DNS message processing rules sent by the SMF, sending the DNS message to the local DNS server or the central DNS server, adding the ECS option to the DNS query message, exchanging the DNS message sent by the UE, notifying the SMF of the EASDF-related information, etc.), and terminating DNS security, etc.

[0137] 9. Network Storage Function Network Element: It can be understood as the naming of the network storage function network element in the 5G architecture. Among them, the network storage function network element mainly includes the following functions: service discovery function, maintaining the NF profiles of available network function (NF) instances and the services they support.

[0138] 10. Policy Control Function Network Element: A unified policy framework for guiding network behavior, providing policy rule information for control plane function network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0139] In future communication systems, the policy control function network element can still be the PCF network element, or there can be other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0140] 11. Application Function Network Element: Used to provide application layer information for data routing affected by applications, and can interact with the policy framework through the access network open function network element or directly with the policy framework for policy decision request control, etc.

[0141] In future communication systems, the application function network element can still be the AF network element, or there can be other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0142] 12. Unified Data Management Network Element: It can be understood as the naming of the unified data management network element in the 5G architecture. Among them, the unified data management network element mainly includes the following functions: unified data management, supporting authentication credential processing, user identity processing, access authorization, registration and mobility management, subscription management, short message management, etc. in the 3GPP authentication and key negotiation mechanism.

[0143] In future communication systems, the unified data management network element can still be the UDM network element, or there can be other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0144] As an exemplary illustration, Figure 1 (b) in shows the schematic architecture diagram of another 5G system 100b applicable to the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 The system 100b shown in (b) in and Figure 1 The difference between the system 100b shown in (b) in and the system 100a shown in (a) in is that: Figure 1 In the 5G system in the system 100a shown in (a) in, the access to the EAS is not provided through UL CL / BP, Figure 1 In the 5G system in the system 100b shown in (b) in, the access to the EAS is provided through UL CL / BP. As shown in Figure 1 (b) in, this network architecture can include but is not limited to the following network elements (or referred to as function network elements, functional entities, nodes, devices, etc.):

[0145] UE, (R)AN, UPF, EAS, central DN, AMF network element, SMF network element, NEF network element, EASDF network element, NRF network element, PCF network element, AF network element, UDM network element, etc.

[0146] Figure 1 The network elements included in (b) and the connections between each network element are Figure 1 similar to (a), and Figure 1 similar to (a) will not be elaborated here. The differences are as follows:

[0147] 1. Figure 1 The UPF shown in (b) includes UL CL UPF (or called branching point UPF (BPUPF)), local PSA UPF (L-PSA UPF), and central PSA UPF (C-PSA UPF).

[0148] Figure 1 The UPF shown in (a) includes UL CL UPF (or called branching point UPF (BPUPF)), local PSA UPF (L-PSA UPF), and central PSA UPF (C-PSA UPF).

[0149] Among them, UL CL UPF is a UPF with uplink splitting function. The UE is connected to the AMF through the N1 interface; the AN is connected to the AMF through the N2 interface and to the UL CL UPF through the N3 interface; the UL CL UPF is connected to the SMF through the N4 interface and to the PSA UPF through the N9 interface; the SMF is connected to the PSA UPF through the N4 interface respectively; the C-PSA UPF is connected to the central DN through the N6 interface; the L-PSA UPF is connected to the EAS through the N6 interface.

[0150] In the following text, for the sake of simplicity of description, the L-PSA UPF can be abbreviated as LUPF.

[0151] 2. Figure 1 The architecture shown in (b) includes a central DN in addition to the EAS.

[0152] As an exemplary illustration, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 200 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 The network elements included and the connections between each network element are Figure 1 similar, where Figure 2The network elements included in (a) and the connections between the various network elements are the same as those in Figure 1 (a), Figure 2 The network elements included in (b) and the connections between the various network elements are the same as those in Figure 1 (b).

[0153] Similar to Figure 1 will not be elaborated further. The differences are as follows:

[0154] 1. Figure 2 In the system 200a or 200b shown, a first functional network element is newly added between the session management function network element and the local user plane function network element. This first functional network element is used to manage the data transmission between the LUPF and the EAS.

[0155] Optionally, this first functional network element may be a service function (SRF), a local session management function (L-SMF).

[0156] Optionally, this first functional network element may also be an intermediate session management function (I-SMF).

[0157] It should be understood that the intermediate session management function network element is not a newly added network element between the session management function network element and the local user plane function network element in the system 200a or 200b.

[0158] 2. Figure 2 The architecture shown may include multiple local PSA UPFs, such as L-PSA UPF1, L-PSA UPF2, etc. For the sake of convenience in description, L-PSA UPF1 may be abbreviated as LUPF1, and L-PSA UPF2 may be abbreviated as LUPF2.

[0159] Among them, the LUPF is connected to the EAS through the N6 interface; LUPF1 is connected to LUPF2 through the N9 interface.

[0160] It can be understood that the above-mentioned network elements or functional network elements can be either network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform).

[0161] In Figure 1 or Figure 2 In the network architecture shown, the various network elements can communicate through the interfaces shown in the figure, and some interfaces can be implemented in a non-service-based interface manner. For example, Figure 1 or Figure 2As shown, the UE and the AMF can interact through the N1 interface, and the interaction messages can be called N1 messages (N1 Message) for example. The RAN and the AMF can interact through the N2 interface, and the N2 interface can be used for sending non-access stratum (NAS) messages, etc. The RAN and the UPF can interact through the N3 interface, and the N3 interface can be used for transmitting user plane data, etc. The SMF and the UPF can interact through the N4 interface, and the N4 interface can be used for transmitting information such as tunnel identification information of the N3 connection, data caching indication information, and downlink data notification messages, etc. The UPF and the EAS can interact through the N6 interface, and the N6 interface can be used for transmitting user plane data, etc. The UPF and the UPF can interact through the N9 interface, and the N9 interface can be used for transmitting user plane packets, etc.

[0162] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the first interface is the N6 interface, that is, the first interface is between the user plane function network element selected for the communication of the terminal device and the edge application server.

[0163] In addition, Figure 1 or Figure 2 Each network element in the control plane function can also communicate through the service-based interface. For example, the AMF accesses the service-based architecture through the Namf interface to provide corresponding services; the SMF accesses the service-based architecture through the Nsmf interface to provide corresponding services; similarly, the NRF, the PCF, and the AF access the service-based architecture through their respective corresponding interfaces to provide corresponding services, which will not be elaborated here. The relationships between other interfaces and each network element are as Figure 1 or Figure 2 shown, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail one by one here.

[0164] It should be understood that the network architectures applicable to the embodiments of the present application described above are only exemplary descriptions, and the network architectures applicable to the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. Any network architecture capable of implementing the functions of each of the above network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0165] It should also be understood that Figure 1 and Figure 2 the UPF, the AF, the SMF shown in Figure 2 and the first function network element shown in Figure 2 can be understood as network elements for implementing different functions. For example, they can be combined into network slices as needed. These network elements can be independent devices respectively, or can be integrated in the same device to implement different functions, or can be network elements in hardware devices, or can be software functions running on dedicated hardware, or can be virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The present application does not limit the specific forms of the above network elements.

[0166] It should also be understood that the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not impose any limitation on this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of using other naming in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in 6G networks, some or all of the above network elements may continue to use the terms in 5G, or other names may also be adopted.

[0167] It should also be understood that Figure 1 and Figure 2 the interface names between the network elements in are just an example. In specific implementations, the names of the interfaces may be other names, and this application does not make specific limitations on this. In addition, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the above network elements are also just an example and do not impose any limitation on the functions of the messages themselves.

[0168] To facilitate the understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, before introducing the solutions of the embodiments of this application based on the 5G architecture, some terms or concepts in 5G that may be involved in the embodiments of this application are first briefly described.

[0169] 1. 5G architecture.

[0170] The evolved packet system (EPS) defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) includes in the 5G network architecture based on service-based interfaces or in the 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interfaces. The 5G network can be divided into three parts, namely UE, DN, and the operator network.

[0171] Among them, the operator network may include Figure 1 one or more of the network elements shown other than UE and DN, or may also include other network elements. This application does not limit the 5G network structure and can refer to the introductions in current related technologies.

[0172] 2. Edge computing

[0173] The rapid development of mobile communication has promoted the continuous emergence of various new services. In addition to traditional mobile broadband and the Internet of Things, mobile communication has given birth to many new application fields such as augmented reality (AR) technology, virtual reality (VR) technology, vehicle-to-everything technology, industrial control, and the Internet of Things (IoT). At the same time, higher requirements are also put forward for network performance such as network bandwidth and latency, and the network load is further increased.

[0174] In LTE, the traditional centralized anchor deployment method is increasingly difficult to support the rapidly growing mobile service traffic model. On the one hand, in the network with centralized deployment of anchor gateways, the increasing traffic eventually concentrates at the gateway and the core computer room, posing higher and higher requirements for the backhaul network bandwidth, computer room throughput, and gateway specifications. On the other hand, the long-distance backhaul network from the access network to the anchor gateway and the complex transmission environment result in significant delays and jitters in the transmission of user packets.

[0175] Based on the above situation, the industry has proposed edge computing (EC). By moving the user plane network elements and service processing capabilities to the network edge, edge computing realizes the local processing of distributed service traffic, avoids the over-concentration of traffic, and thus greatly reduces the specifications requirements for the core computer room and centralized gateways. At the same time, edge computing also shortens the distance of the backhaul network, reduces the end-to-end transmission delay and jitter of user packets, making the deployment of ultra-low latency services possible.

[0176] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of an edge computing scenario. Compared with the DN network, the edge computing platform is deployed at the sunken UPF (i.e., the local UPF); the DN network is deployed at the remote UPF. Compared with the path for the UE to access the DN (as shown by the solid line), the path for the UE to access the edge computing platform (as shown by the dotted line) is greatly shortened. Therefore, edge computing technology can provide users with low-latency and high-bandwidth services.

[0177] The user plane function network element UPF serves as the connection anchor between the 5G network and the multi-access edge computing MEC. All core network data must be forwarded by the UPF before flowing to the external network. In the MEC deployment scenario, some application services may be provided by one or more EASs deployed at the edge of the external network. Therefore, core network data can be forwarded by the UPF to the EAS to provide services for users. During the communication data transmission process, once the network experiences an anomaly, the service communication cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, how to detect network anomalies and how to restore network communication in the event of network anomalies so that the relevant devices can obtain service business guarantees are issues that need to be solved.

[0178] As mentioned above in combination with Figure 1 and Figure 2 the scenarios to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied are introduced, and the basic concepts involved in the present application are also briefly introduced. In the following, the communication method provided by the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0179] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are explained.

[0180] First, in the present 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.

[0181] 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 stipulated in the protocol), thereby reducing 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.

[0182] Second, the first, second, and various numerical numbers shown in the present application (for example, "#1", "#2", etc.) are only for convenience of description and are used to distinguish objects, and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. For example, to distinguish different network elements, etc. Instead, it is not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so as to be able to describe the solutions other than the embodiments of the present application.

[0183] Third, the terms "comprising" and "having" 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 steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0184] Fourth, in the present application, "pre-configuration" may 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 a device (for example, including each network element). The present application does not limit its specific implementation manner.

[0185] Fifth, the "saving" involved in the embodiments of the present application may refer to saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories may be separately provided or integrated in an encoder, a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories may also have a part separately provided and a part integrated in a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The type of the memory may be any form of storage medium, and the present application does not limit this.

[0186] Sixth, the "protocol" involved in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a standard protocol in the communication field. For example, it may include a 5G protocol, a new radio (NR) protocol, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. The present application does not limit this.

[0187] The following embodiments do not particularly limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As long as it can communicate according to the method provided by the embodiments of the present application by running a program recorded with the code of the method provided by the embodiments of the present application. For example, the execution subject of the method provided by the embodiments of the present application may be a core network device or a functional module in the core network device that can call and execute the program.

[0188] Hereinafter, taking the interaction between network elements as an example, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail. It should be understood that the terms and steps in the embodiments of the present application can refer to each other.

[0189] Hereinafter, for distinction, the UL CL UPF and L-PSA UPF deployed in the network in the present application are respectively referred to as ULCL and LUPF.

[0190] Figure 4 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 200 provided by the embodiments of the present application. Figure 4 The shown method 200 can be used for Figure 2 the shown network architecture, and this method 200 can be executed by Figure 2 the shown first functional network element.

[0191] S210, the first functional network element sends a first subscription message to the user plane function network element. The first subscription message is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay. Correspondingly, the user plane function network element receives the first subscription message.

[0192] The first functional network element is a network element that manages the session between the user plane function network element and the edge application server. The first functional network element includes: a service function network element SRF and a local session management function network element L-SMF.

[0193] In some possible implementation manners, the first functional network element may also be an intermediate session management function network element I-SMF.

[0194] Optionally, the user plane function network element belongs to an LUPF set, and the LUPF set includes at least a first local user plane function network element LUPF#1 and a second local user plane function network element LUPF#2. For ease of description, the LUPF set may be referred to as LUPFs. It should be understood that the present application places no limit on the number of LUPFs in the LUPF set.

[0195] For ease of explanation, in the following text, the user plane function network element is taken as an example of LUPF, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0196] In a possible implementation manner, the first function network element sends a first subscription message for the N6 interface delay to each LUPF in the LUPFs.

[0197] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an N6 interface delay reporting criterion, which is used to report the status of the N6 interface delay, such as an abnormal N6 interface delay, or to report the value of the N6 interface delay according to a certain period according to the N6 interface delay criterion.

[0198] It should be understood that the first subscription message may subscribe to the interface delay for the corresponding granularity through some granularities (for example, the granularity may be APPid, or the edge application server identifier, or the endpoint information of the interface tunnel).

[0199] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an application identifier (APPid), and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the application.

[0200] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an edge application server identifier, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the edge application server.

[0201] Optionally, the first subscription message includes the endpoint information of the N6 interface tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the tunnel.

[0202] It should be understood that the edge application server identifier in the present application may be the user plane information used to determine the EAS. Specifically, it may be the information of the application side endpoint of the user plane path, such as the potential location of the application (which may be represented by DNAI); the edge application server identifier may also include the delay corresponding to the DNAI, etc.

[0203] For ease of description, in the embodiments of the present application, the edge application server identifier including DNAI is taken as an example for description, but it should be understood that the edge application server identifier itself may be DNAI, and the present application does not make any limitation thereto.

[0204] It should be understood that in some alternative implementations, the subscription message can also be sent by other network elements, such as the SMF, to the user plane function network element.

[0205] S220, the user plane function network element obtains the N6 interface latency.

[0206] Specifically, the LUPFs receives a first subscription message for the N6 interface latency from the first function network element, and initiates N6 interface latency detection to the EAS; correspondingly, the EAS feeds back the detected N6 interface latency to the LUPFs.

[0207] Optionally, the N6 interface latency includes the status of the N6 interface latency, such as the N6 interface latency is normal, or the N6 interface latency is abnormal.

[0208] Optionally, the N6 interface latency also includes the latency value of the N6 interface latency.

[0209] S230, the user plane function network element sends first indication information to the first function network element. The first indication information is used to indicate the N6 interface latency.

[0210] Specifically, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: information for indicating the status of the N6 interface latency, or information for indicating the latency value of the N6 interface latency.

[0211] Optionally, the LUPFs may send the first indication information to the first function network element when a triggering condition is met.

[0212] For example, the triggering condition may be that the N6 interface latency is abnormal.

[0213] Exemplarily, the abnormality of the N6 interface latency is that the data transmission latency on the N6 interface does not meet the user plane latency requirement. Here, the user plane latency requirement is used to indicate the maximum latency allowed for user plane transmission, or rather, the user plane latency requirement indicates the threshold of the user plane transmission latency. It should be understood that the user plane latency requirement (or threshold) here can be pre-configured by the application function network element to the first function network element before S310, or rather, the user plane latency requirement (or threshold) here can be pre-configured by the application function network element to the session management network element corresponding to all terminal devices in the terminal set before S310.

[0214] Correspondingly, the first function network element receives the first indication information from the LUPFs. The first indication information is used to indicate the N6 interface latency. The first function network element performs reselection operations according to the N6 interface latency, or rather, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first function network element reselects a user plane function network element for the terminal device, or reselects an edge application server, or reselects an application, or reselects an N6 interface tunnel.

[0215] It should be understood that in the above solution, it is the user plane function network element that triggers the first function network element to perform an operation when the triggering condition is met (such as abnormal N6 interface delay). However, in some possible implementation manners, the above process may also be triggered by the session management function network element SMF. For example, when the SMF needs to refer to the application whitelist of the N6 interface delay according to the local configuration and sends a session modification request to the first function network element, the session modification request is used to instruct the first function network element to reselect the user plane function network element. For specific descriptions, please refer to Figure 9 , which will not be elaborated here.

[0216] S240, the first function network element performs an operation, and the operation includes at least one of the following: reselecting the user plane function network element, or reselecting the edge application server, or reselecting the application, or reselecting the N6 interface tunnel.

[0217] It should be understood that the reselection here can also be said to be a pending handover, etc. For example, reselecting the user plane function network element can also be said to be pending handover of the user plane function network element; for another example, reselecting the edge application server can also be said to be pending handover of the edge application server; for another example, reselecting the application can also be said to be pending handover of the application; for another example, reselecting the N6 interface tunnel can also be said to be pending handover of the N6 interface tunnel.

[0218] That is to say, the reselected user plane function network element is different from the current user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the reselected edge application server is different from the current edge application server, the reselected application is different from the current application, and the reselected N6 interface tunnel is different from the current N6 interface tunnel. Some specific implementation manners of the present application will be described later in combination with Figures 6 to 9 for description.

[0219] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 The method 300 shown can be used for Figure 2 the network architecture shown, and the method 300 can be executed by Figure 2 the first function network element shown.

[0220] S310, the first function network element sends a second subscription message to the application function network element. The second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load. Correspondingly, the AF receives the second subscription message.

[0221] The first function network element is a network element that manages the sessions of the user plane function network element and the edge application server. The first function network element includes: a service function network element SRF and a local session management function network element L-SMF.

[0222] In some possible implementation manners, the first function network element may also be an intermediate session management function network element I-SMF.

[0223] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an EAS load reporting criterion for reporting the EAS load status, such as an abnormal EAS load, or the EAS load reporting criterion reports the level or percentage of the EAS load at a certain period.

[0224] It should be understood that the second subscription message can subscribe to the edge application server load for the corresponding granularity through some granularities (for example, the granularity can be an APPid or an edge application server identifier).

[0225] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an edge application server identifier, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load of the edge application server corresponding to the edge application server identifier.

[0226] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an application identifier (Appid), and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load of the application corresponding to the application identifier. It should be understood that the edge application server identifier in this application can be used to determine the user plane information of the EAS. Specifically, it can be the information of the user plane path application side endpoint, such as the potential location of the application (which can be represented by DNAI); the edge application server identifier can also include the delay corresponding to the DNAI, etc.

[0227] For the convenience of description, in the embodiments of this application, the edge application server identifier including DNAI is taken as an example for description, but it should be understood that the edge application server identifier itself can be DNAI, and this application does not make any limitation on this.

[0228] S320. The application function network element obtains the edge application server load.

[0229] Specifically, after receiving the second subscription message for the EAS load from the first function network element, the AF initiates an edge application server load detection for the DNAI or Appid to the EAS; correspondingly, the EAS feeds back the detected edge application server load to the AF.

[0230] Optionally, the edge application server load includes the status of the edge application server load, such as a normal edge application server load or an abnormal edge application server load.

[0231] Optionally, the edge application server load further includes the level of the edge application server load or the percentage of the edge application server load.

[0232] S330. The application function network element sends second indication information to the first function network element. The second indication information is used to indicate the edge application server load.

[0233] Optionally, the second indication information includes at least one of the following: information for indicating the level of the load of the edge application server, or information for indicating the percentage of the load of the edge application server.

[0234] Optionally, the AF may send the second indication information to the first functional network element when a trigger condition is met.

[0235] For example, the trigger condition may be an abnormal EAS load.

[0236] Exemplarily, an abnormal EAS load means that the EAS load is too high, or the EAS is unable to provide services, etc.

[0237] It should be understood that the AF may also send indication information to the first functional network element under other trigger conditions (for example, it may also be when the edge application server fails), and the present application does not limit this.

[0238] Correspondingly, the first functional network element receives the second indication information from the AF. The second indication information is used to indicate the load of the edge application server, and the first functional network element performs a reselection operation according to the load of the edge application server. Or rather, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first functional network element reselects an edge application server for the terminal device, or reselects an application.

[0239] S340, the first functional network element performs an operation, and the operation includes at least one of the following: reselecting an edge application server, or reselecting an application.

[0240] It should be understood that the reselection here can also be said to be handover to be performed, etc. For example, reselecting an edge application server can also be said to be handing over to an edge application server; or for another example, reselecting an application can also be said to be handing over to an application.

[0241] That is to say, the reselected edge application server is different from the current edge application server. Correspondingly, the reselected application is different from the current application.

[0242] Next, in combination with Figures 6 to 9 Describe some specific implementation manners of the present application. It should be understood that these are only some implementation manners of the present application and should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0243] Figure 6 Fig. shows a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method 400 can be regarded as a specific implementation manner of the method 200. The method 400 may include the following steps:

[0244] S410A, the UE establishes a session; S410B, the UE establishes a session via LUPF#1 and accesses multiple applications on EAS#1.

[0245] Optionally, the session is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0246] It should be understood that the establishment of the session is for the terminal device to transmit communication data.

[0247] S420, the first functional network element subscribes to the N6 interface delay from LUPF#1.

[0248] Among them, the subscription includes an APPid or a DNAI, and an N6 interface delay reporting criterion, which is used to report the status of the N6 interface delay, such as an abnormal N6 interface delay, or the N6 interface delay value is reported according to a certain period according to the N6 interface delay criterion.

[0249] Exemplarily, the N6 interface delay reporting criterion stipulates that reporting is performed when the N6 interface delay is greater than 10 ms, or reporting is performed when the N6 interface delay is abnormal. For the sake of easy explanation, this application takes the abnormal N6 interface delay as an example, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0250] Optionally, the subscription includes an Application Program ID (APPid), and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for an application.

[0251] Optionally, the subscription includes an edge application server identifier, and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the edge application server.

[0252] S430, LUPF#1 initiates N6 interface delay detection to EAS#1.

[0253] It should be noted that after receiving the N6 interface delay detection initiated by LUPF#1, EAS#1 sends the N6 interface delay to LUPF#1.

[0254] S440, after receiving the N6 interface delay sent by EAS#1, LUPF#1 reports it to the first functional network element according to the N6 interface delay reporting criterion. For example, sending the abnormal N6 interface delay to the first functional network element can be used to instruct the first functional network element to perform a reselection operation.

[0255] It should be understood that the first functional network element performs a reselection operation according to the received abnormal N6 interface delay. The reselection operation includes: reselection of the user plane function network element, that is, the following steps S450(a1)-S450(a5) (mode 1), reselection of the edge application server, that is, the following steps S450(b1)-S450(b4) (mode 2), reselection of the application, that is, the following steps S450(c1)-S450(c4) (mode 3). Mode 1, mode 2, and mode 3 can be selected and executed one by one, and the embodiments of this application do not make any limitations in this regard.

[0256] S450(a1), the first functional network element reselects LUPF#2.

[0257] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect LUPF#2.

[0258] S450(a2), the first functional network element requests to modify the session to the reselected LUPF#2 from LUPF#2, and this request includes tunnel information for connecting to this LUPF#2.

[0259] Optionally, this tunnel information includes N9 interface tunnel information or N3 interface tunnel information.

[0260] S450(a3), via the reselected LUPF#2, the UE can continue to access multiple applications on EAS#1 to perform data transmission.

[0261] Optionally, if the reselected LUPF#2 is related to ULCL or I-UPF, the first functional network element may request the SMF to insert / modify ULCL or I-UPF, and this request includes tunnel information for connecting to this reselected LUPF#2. The SMF initiates a session modification to the selected ULCL or I-UPF, and the execution steps are as follows: S450(a4), the first functional network element requests the SMF to insert or modify ULCL or I-UPF; S450(a5), the SMF initiates a session modification to ULCL.

[0262] S450(b1), the first functional network element reselects EAS#2.

[0263] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect EAS#2.

[0264] S450(b2), the first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected EAS#2, and this request includes the DNAI of the reselected EAS#2.

[0265] S450(b3), the AF updates the reselected EAS#2.

[0266] S450(b4), the UE can access multiple applications on the reselected EAS#2 via LUPF#1 to perform data transmission.

[0267] S450(c1), the first functional network element reselects an application.

[0268] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect an application.

[0269] S450(c2), the first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected application, and this request includes the APPid of the reselected application.

[0270] S450(c3), Application of AF update and reselection.

[0271] S450(c4), The UE can access the reselected application on EAS#1 via LUPF#1 for data transmission.

[0272] Based on the above solution, by reselecting the network element on the data transmission path to replace the current network element for communication, the communication path can be further optimized to ensure the stability and reliability of data transmission and improve the communication quality.

[0273] It should be understood that the above steps S450(a1)-S450(a5), S450(b1)-S450(b4), S450(c1)-S450(c4) are to replace the current network element with a reselected network element to transmit communication data, which can further optimize the communication path. For example, in S450(a1)-S450(a5), the reselected LUPF#2 is used to replace LUPF#1 for communication, and the communication path of the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#1 via LUPF#1 is modified to the communication path of the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#1 via LUPF#2, ensuring data transmission. The other steps are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0274] It should be understood that the present application does not limit the number of local user plane function network elements and edge application servers. For example, the local user plane function network element can include one or more network elements, or one or more network slices, etc. Also, the edge application server can include one or more servers, or one or more network slices, etc.

[0275] Figure 7 Fig. shows a schematic interaction diagram of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Method 500 can be regarded as another specific implementation of method 200. This method 500 can include the following steps:

[0276] S510A, The UE establishes a session; S510B, The UE establishes a session and accesses multiple applications on EAS#1 via LUPF#1.

[0277] Optionally, the session is a PDU session.

[0278] It should be understood that the establishment of this session is for the terminal device to transmit communication data.

[0279] S520, The SMF locally configures an application white list that needs to refer to the N6 interface delay. Each application in this application white list corresponds to an APPid.

[0280] It should be noted that the applications in this application white list are used to request the first function network element to perform operations with reference to the N6 interface delay.

[0281] S530. For an application in the application whitelist, the SMF sends a subscription for the N6 interface latency to LUPF#1. The subscription includes the identifier of the first functional network element and the N6 interface latency reporting criterion.

[0282] The N6 interface latency reporting criterion is used to report the status of the N6 interface latency, such as an abnormal N6 interface latency, or to report the value of the N6 interface latency according to a certain period according to the N6 interface latency criterion.

[0283] Exemplarily, the N6 interface latency reporting criterion stipulates that reporting is performed when the N6 interface latency is greater than 10 ms, or reporting is performed when the N6 interface latency is abnormal. For the sake of easy explanation, this application takes the abnormal N6 interface latency as an example, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0284] Optionally, the subscription includes an application identifier (APPid), and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface latency for the application.

[0285] Optionally, the subscription includes an edge application server identifier, and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface latency for the edge application server.

[0286] S540. LUPF#1 initiates N6 interface latency detection to EAS#1.

[0287] It should be noted that after receiving the N6 interface latency detection initiated by LUPF#1, EAS#1 sends the N6 interface latency to LUPF#1.

[0288] S550. After receiving the N6 interface latency sent by EAS#1, LUPF#1 reports it to the first functional network element according to the N6 interface latency reporting criterion. For example, it sends the abnormal N6 interface latency to the first functional network element, which can be used to instruct the first functional network element to perform a reselection operation.

[0289] It should be understood that the first functional network element performs a reselection operation according to the received abnormal N6 interface latency. The reselection operation includes: reselection of the user plane function network element, that is, the following steps S560(a1)-S560(a5) (Method 1), reselection of the edge application server, that is, the following steps S560(b1)-S560(b4) (Method 2), reselection of the application, that is, the following steps S560(c1)-S560(c4) (Method 3). Method 1, Method 2, and Method 3 can be selected for execution, and the embodiments of this application do not make any limitations in this regard.

[0290] S560(a1). The first functional network element reselects LUPF#2.

[0291] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to determine to reselect LUPF#2.

[0292] S560(a2), the first functional network element requests the LUPF #2 to modify the session to the reselected LUPF #2, and the request includes tunnel information for connecting to the LUPF #2.

[0293] Optionally, the tunnel information includes N9 interface tunnel information or N3 interface tunnel information.

[0294] S560(a3), via the reselected LUPF #2, the UE can continue to access multiple applications on the EAS #1 for data transmission.

[0295] Optionally, if the reselected LUPF #2 is related to ULCL or I-UPF, the first functional network element may request the SMF to insert / modify ULCL or I-UPF, and the request includes tunnel information for connecting to the reselected LUPF. The SMF initiates a session modification to the selected ULCL or I-UPF and performs steps such as: S560(a4), the first functional network element requests the SMF to insert or modify ULCL or I-UPF; S560(a5), the SMF initiates a session modification to the ULCL.

[0296] S560(b1), the first functional network element reselects the EAS #2.

[0297] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect the EAS #2.

[0298] S560(b2), the first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected EAS #2, and the request includes the DNAI of the reselected EAS #2.

[0299] S560(b3), the AF updates the reselected EAS #2.

[0300] S560(b4), the UE can access multiple applications on the reselected EAS #2 via the LUPF #1 for data transmission.

[0301] S560(c1), the first functional network element reselects an application.

[0302] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect an application.

[0303] S560(c2), the first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected application, and the request includes the APPid of the reselected application.

[0304] S560(c3), the AF updates the reselected application.

[0305] S560(c4), the UE can access the reselected application on the EAS #1 via the LUPF #1 for data transmission.

[0306] Based on the above solution, by reselecting the network elements on the data transmission path to replace the current network element for communication, the communication path can be further optimized to ensure the stability and reliability of data transmission and improve the communication quality.

[0307] It should be understood that the above steps S560(a1)-S560(a5), S560(b1)-S560(b4), S560(c1)-S560(c4) are to reselect network elements to replace the current network element for transmitting communication data, which can further optimize the communication path. For example, in S560(a1)-S560(a5), the reselected LUPF#2 is used to replace LUPF#1 for communication, and the communication path for the UE to access multiple applications on EAS#1 via LUPF#1 is modified to the communication path for the UE to access multiple applications on EAS#1 via LUPF#2, ensuring data transmission. The other steps are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0308] It should be understood that the present application does not limit the number of local user plane function network elements and edge application servers. For example, the local user plane function network element may include one or more network elements, or one or more network slices, etc. Also, for example, the edge application server may include one or more servers, or one or more network slices, etc.

[0309] Figure 8 FIG. shows a schematic interaction diagram of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method 600 can be regarded as another specific implementation of the method 200. The method 600 may include the following steps:

[0310] S610A, the UE establishes a session; S610B, the UE establishes a session via LUPF#1 to access multiple applications on EAS#1.

[0311] Optionally, the session is a PDU session.

[0312] It should be understood that the establishment of this session is for the terminal device to transmit communication data.

[0313] S620, the SMF locally configures the relationship between the endpoints of the N6 interface tunnel and the session.

[0314] S630, the SMF subscribes to the N6 interface delay from LUPF#1.

[0315] Among them, the subscription includes the endpoints of the N6 interface tunnel of ESA#1, the first function network element identifier, and the N6 interface delay reporting criterion.

[0316] The N6 interface delay reporting criterion is used to report the status of the N6 interface delay, such as the N6 interface delay is abnormal, or the N6 interface delay value is reported according to a certain period according to the N6 interface delay criterion.

[0317] Exemplarily, the N6 interface delay reporting criterion stipulates that reporting is performed when the N6 interface delay is greater than 10 ms, or when the N6 interface delay is abnormal. For the sake of convenience of description, this application takes the N6 interface delay abnormality as an example, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0318] Optionally, the subscription includes an application identifier (APPid), and this subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the application.

[0319] Optionally, the subscription includes an edge application server identifier, and this subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the edge application server.

[0320] S640, LUPF#1 configures the endpoints of the N6 interface tunnel.

[0321] S650, LUPF#1 initiates N6 interface delay detection to EAS#1.

[0322] It should be noted that after receiving the N6 interface delay detection initiated by LUPF#1, EAS#1 sends the N6 interface delay to LUPF#1.

[0323] S660, after receiving the N6 interface delay sent by EAS#1, LUPF#1 reports to the first functional network element according to the N6 interface delay reporting criterion. For example, it sends the N6 interface delay abnormality to the first functional network element, which can be used to instruct the first functional network element to perform a reselection operation.

[0324] It should be understood that the first functional network element performs a reselection operation according to the received N6 interface delay abnormality. This reselection operation includes: reselection of the user plane functional network element, that is, the following steps S670(a1)-S670(a5) (Mode 1), reselection of the edge application server, that is, the following steps S670(b1)-S670(b4) (Mode 2), reselection of the application, that is, the following steps S670(c1)-S670(c4) (Mode 3), reselection of the N6 interface tunnel, that is, the following steps S670(d1)-S670(d6) (Mode 4). Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, and Mode 4 can be selected and executed one by one, and the embodiments of this application do not make any limitations in this regard.

[0325] S670(a1), the first functional network element reselects LUPF#2.

[0326] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to determine to reselect LUPF#2.

[0327] S670(a2), the first functional network element requests to modify the session to the reselected LUPF#2, and this request includes the tunnel information for connecting this LUPF#2.

[0328] Optionally, the tunnel information includes N9 interface tunnel information or N3 interface tunnel information.

[0329] S670(a3), via the reselected LUPF#2, the UE can continue to access multiple applications on EAS#1 for data transmission.

[0330] Optionally, if the reselected LUPF#2 is related to ULCL or I-UPF, the first functional network element may request the SMF to insert / modify ULCL or I-UPF, including the tunnel information for connecting the reselected LUPF in the request. The SMF initiates a session modification to the selected ULCL or I-UPF, and the execution steps are as follows: S560(a4), the first functional network element requests the SMF to insert or modify ULCL or I-UPF; S560(a5), the SMF initiates a session modification to ULCL.

[0331] S670(b1), the first functional network element reselects EAS#2.

[0332] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect EAS#2.

[0333] S670(b2), the first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected EAS#2, and the request includes the DNAI of the reselected EAS#2.

[0334] S670(b3), the AF updates the reselected EAS#2.

[0335] S670(b4), the UE can access multiple applications on the reselected EAS#2 via LUPF#1 for data transmission.

[0336] S670(c1), the first functional network element reselects an application.

[0337] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect an application.

[0338] S670(c2), the first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected application, and the request includes the APPid of the reselected application.

[0339] S670(c3), the AF updates the reselected application.

[0340] S670(c4), the UE can access the reselected application on EAS#1 via LUPF#1 for data transmission.

[0341] S670(d1), the first functional network element reselects the N6 interface tunnel.

[0342] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect the N6 interface tunnel.

[0343] S670(d2), the first functional network element requests LUPF#1 to update the endpoints of the reselected N6 interface tunnel.

[0344] S670(d3), LUPF#1 updates the endpoints of the reselected N6 interface tunnel.

[0345] S670(d4), the first functional network element requests AF to update the reselected N6 interface tunnel, and the request includes the endpoint information of the reselected N6 interface tunnel.

[0346] S670(d5), AF sends a request to EAS to update the reselected N6 interface tunnel.

[0347] S670(d6), EAS#1 updates the endpoints of the reselected N6 interface tunnel.

[0348] Based on the above solution, by reselecting the network elements on the data transmission path to replace the current network element for communication, the communication path can be further optimized, ensuring the stability and reliability of data transmission and improving the communication quality.

[0349] It should be understood that the above steps S670(a1)-S670(a5), S670(b1)-S670(b4), S670(c1)-S670(c4), S670(d1)-S670(d6) are to replace the current network element with a reselected network element to transmit communication data, which can further optimize the communication path. For example, in S670(a1)-S670(a5), the reselected LUPF#2 is used to replace LUPF#1 for communication, and the communication path for the UE to access multiple applications on EAS#1 via LUPF#1 is modified to the communication path for the UE to access multiple applications on EAS#1 via LUPF#2, ensuring data transmission. The other steps are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0350] It should be understood that the present application does not limit the number of local user plane function network elements and edge application servers. For example, the local user plane function network element may include one or more network elements, or one or more network slices, etc. Again, the edge application server may include one or more servers, or one or more network slices, etc.

[0351] Figure 9 Fig. shows a schematic interaction diagram of the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. The method 700 can be regarded as another specific implementation of the method 300. The method 700 may include the following steps:

[0352] S710A, the UE establishes a session; S710B, the UE establishes a session via LUPF#1 to access multiple applications on EAS#1.

[0353] Optionally, the session is a PDU session.

[0354] It should be understood that the establishment of this session is for the terminal device to transmit communication data.

[0355] S720, the first functional network element subscribes to the EAS load from the AF.

[0356] Among them, the subscription includes an APPid or a DNAI, and an EAS load reporting criterion. The EAS load reporting criterion is used to report the EAS load status. For example, the EAS load is abnormal, or the EAS load reporting criterion reports the level or percentage of the EAS load at a certain period.

[0357] Exemplarily, the EAS load reporting criterion stipulates that reporting is performed when the EAS load is greater than a threshold, or reporting is performed according to the current EAS load value at a period.

[0358] Optionally, the subscription includes an edge application server identifier, and the subscription is used to subscribe to the edge application server load of the edge application server corresponding to the edge application server identifier.

[0359] Optionally, the subscription includes an application identifier (Appid), and the subscription is used to subscribe to the edge application server load of the application corresponding to the application identifier.

[0360] S730, the AF initiates an edge application server load detection to EAS#1.

[0361] It should be noted that after receiving the edge application server load detection initiated by the AF, EAS#1 sends the edge application server load to the AF.

[0362] Correspondingly, S740, the AF receives the edge application server load from EAS#1. In a possible implementation, the AF sends the edge application server load to the first functional network element when a trigger condition is met.

[0363] The trigger condition can be, for example: the edge application server load is abnormal.

[0364] S750, the AF sends the edge application server load abnormality to the first functional network element, which can be used to instruct the first functional network element to perform a reselection operation.

[0365] It should be understood that the first functional network element performs a reselection operation according to the received edge application server load abnormality. The reselection operation includes: reselecting an edge application server, that is, the following steps S760(a1)-S760(a4) (Method 1), reselecting an application, that is, the following steps S760(b1)-S760(b4) (Method 2). Method 1 and Method 2 can be selected for execution, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0366] S760(a1), the first functional network element reselection EAS #2.

[0367] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to determine the reselection of EAS #2.

[0368] S760(a2), the first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected EAS #2, and the request includes the DNAI of the reselected EAS #2.

[0369] S760(a3), the AF updates the reselected EAS #2.

[0370] S760(a4), the UE can access multiple applications on the reselected EAS #2 via LUPF #1 for data transmission.

[0371] S760(b1), the first functional network element reselects an application.

[0372] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to determine the reselection of an application.

[0373] S760(b2), the first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected application, and the request includes the APPid of the reselected application.

[0374] S760(b3), the AF updates the reselected application.

[0375] S760(b4), the UE can access the reselected application on EAS #1 via LUPF #1 for data transmission.

[0376] Based on the above solution, by reselecting the network element on the data transmission path to replace the current network element for communication, the communication path can be further optimized, ensuring the stability and reliability of data transmission and improving the communication quality.

[0377] It should be understood that the above steps S760(a1)-S760(a4), S760(b1)-S760(b4) are to replace the current network element with a reselected network element to transmit communication data, which can further optimize the communication path. For example, in S760(a1)-S760(a4), the reselected EAS #2 is used to replace EAS #1 for communication, and the communication path where the UE accesses multiple applications on EAS #1 via LUPF #1 is modified to the communication path where the UE accesses multiple applications on EAS #2 via LUPF #1, ensuring data transmission. Other steps are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0378] It should be understood that the present application does not limit the number of local user plane function network elements and edge application servers. For example, the local user plane function network element may include one or more network elements, or one or more network slices, and so on. Similarly, the edge application server may include one or more servers, or one or more network slices, and so on.

[0379] In summary, in the above embodiments, detecting the N6 interface delay or the load of the edge application server is used to characterize whether the communication is abnormal. When the N6 interface delay is abnormal or the load of the edge application server is abnormal, an indication message is sent, and the first function network element performs a reselection operation according to the indication message. The first function network element can effectively avoid network interruption that may be caused by abnormal N6 interface delay or EAS load through the reselection operation. Among them, the reselection operation scheme includes four types, that is, the first function network element can reselect the user plane function network element, or reselect the edge application server, or reselect the application, or reselect the N6 interface tunnel, providing multiple reselection scheme options.

[0380] Corresponding to the methods given in the above method embodiments, the embodiments of the present application also provide corresponding devices, and the devices include modules for performing the corresponding operations of the above method embodiments. The module can be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. It can be understood that the technical features described in the above method embodiments are equally applicable to the following device embodiments.

[0381] Figure 10 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The device 10 includes a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12. The transceiver module 11 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. The processing module 12 can be used to implement corresponding processing functions, such as performing a reselection operation according to the indication information from the second function network element.

[0382] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a storage module, and the storage module can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module to enable the device to implement the actions of the device or network element in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0383] In the first design, the device 10 can be the first function network element in the foregoing embodiments, or a component (such as a chip or a chip system) of the first function network element. The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the first function execution in the above method embodiments. Among them, the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the operations related to the transceiver of the first function network element in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the operations related to the processing of the first function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0384] The first possible implementation manner: The transceiver module 11 is configured to receive first indication information from a first user plane function network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate the latency of a first interface.

[0385] The processing module 12 is configured to perform at least one of the following operations according to the first indication information: select a second user plane function network element, where the second user plane function network element is different from the first user plane function network element; select a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; select a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application; or select a second tunnel of the first interface, where the second tunnel is different from the first tunnel.

[0386] In some possible implementation manners, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to: send a first subscription message to the first user plane function network element, where the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the latency of the first interface.

[0387] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first application.

[0388] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first edge application server.

[0389] Optionally, the first subscription message includes information about the first tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first tunnel.

[0390] In some possible implementation manners, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to: send the result of an operation to an application function network element.

[0391] Optionally, when the latency of the first interface is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the result includes an identifier of the second application.

[0392] Optionally, when the latency of the first interface is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, the result includes an identifier of the second edge application server.

[0393] Optionally, when the latency of the first interface is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the result includes endpoint information of the second tunnel.

[0394] Optionally, when the latency of the first interface is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to: send the result of the operation to the first user plane function network element.

[0395] In the second possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is configured to receive second indication information from an application function network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate the load of the edge application server.

[0396] The processing module 12 is configured to perform at least one of the following operations according to the second indication information: select a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; or, select a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application.

[0397] In some possible implementations, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to: send the second subscription message to the application function network element, where the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the load of the first edge application server.

[0398] Optionally, the second subscription message includes the identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the load of the edge application server for the first edge application server.

[0399] Optionally, the second subscription message includes the identifier of the first application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the load of the edge application server for the first application.

[0400] In some possible implementations, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to: send the result of the operation to the application function network element.

[0401] Optionally, when the load of the first edge application server is the load of the edge application server for the first edge application server, the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server.

[0402] Optionally, when the load of the first edge application server is the load of the edge application server for the second application, the result includes the identifier of the second application.

[0403] In the second design, the apparatus 10 may be the user plane function network element in the foregoing embodiments, or a component (such as a chip or a chip system) of the user plane function network element. The apparatus 10 may implement the steps or processes performed by the user plane function network element corresponding to the method embodiments above. Among them, the transceiver module 11 is configured to perform the operations related to the transceiver of the user plane function network element in the method embodiments above, and the processing module 12 is configured to perform the operations related to the processing of the user plane function network element in the method embodiments above.

[0404] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is configured to receive a first subscription message for subscribing to a first interface latency, where the first interface latency includes at least one of the following: the interface latency of the first user plane function entity for a first application, the interface latency of the first user plane function entity for a first edge application server, or the interface latency of the first user plane function entity for a first tunnel, and the first interface is between the first user plane function entity and the first edge application server selected for the communication of the terminal device.

[0405] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is for subscribing to the interface latency for the first application.

[0406] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is for subscribing to the interface latency for the first edge application server.

[0407] Optionally, the first subscription message includes information about the first tunnel, and the third subscription message is for subscribing to the interface latency for the first tunnel.

[0408] Optionally, the processing module 12 is configured to determine the N6 interface latency.

[0409] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send first indication information to a first function entity, where the first indication information is for indicating the first interface latency.

[0410] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send a first detection request to a first edge application server.

[0411] Optionally, when the first interface latency is the interface latency of the first user plane function entity for the first application, the first detection request is for requesting to detect the interface latency for the first application.

[0412] Optionally, when the first interface latency is the interface latency of the first user plane function entity for the first edge application server, the first detection request is for requesting to detect the interface latency for the first edge application server.

[0413] Optionally, when the first interface latency is the interface latency of the first user plane function entity for the first tunnel, the first detection request is for requesting to detect the interface latency for the first tunnel.

[0414] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to receive endpoint information of the second tunnel;

[0415] Optionally, the processing module 12 is used to update the endpoints of the second tunnel.

[0416] In a third design, the device 10 may be the application function network element in the foregoing embodiments, or a component of the application function network element (such as a chip or a chip system). The device 10 can implement the steps or processes executed by the application function network element corresponding to the method embodiments above. Among them, the transceiver module 11 is used to execute the operations related to the transceiver of the application function network element in the foregoing method embodiments, and the processing module 12 is used to execute the operations related to the processing of the application function network element in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0417] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 11 is used to receive a second subscription message, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load; the edge application server load includes at least one of the following: the edge application server load for the first edge application server, or the edge application server load for the first application.

[0418] Optionally, the second subscription message includes the identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first edge application server.

[0419] Optionally, the second subscription message includes the identifier of the second application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the second application.

[0420] Optionally, the processing module 12 is used to determine the edge application server load.

[0421] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 11 is further used to send second indication information to the first function network element, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first edge application server load, and the first edge application server load is used to perform at least one of the following operations: select a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; or select a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application.

[0422] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 11 is further used to send a second detection request to the first edge application server.

[0423] Optionally, when the first edge application server load is the edge application server load for the first edge application server, the second detection request is used to request to detect the edge application server load for the first edge application server.

[0424] Optionally, when the first edge application server load is the edge application server load for the second application, the second detection request is used to request detection of the edge application server load for the second application.

[0425] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to: receive the result of the operation.

[0426] Optionally, when the result includes the identifier of the second application, the processing module 12 is configured to update the second application.

[0427] Optionally, when the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server, the processing module 12 is configured to update the second edge application server.

[0428] Optionally, when the result includes the endpoint information of the second tunnel, the processing module 12 is configured to update the second tunnel.

[0429] It should be understood that the specific processes for the respective modules to execute the above corresponding steps have been described in detail in the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated here.

[0430] It should also be understood that the apparatus 10 is embodied in the form of functional modules here. The term "module" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group of processors, etc.) for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a memory, a combined logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art can understand that the apparatus 10 may specifically be the first functional network element in the above embodiments and may be used to execute each process and / or step corresponding to the first functional network element in the above method embodiments; or, the apparatus 10 may specifically be the user plane function network element in the above embodiments and may be used to execute each process and / or step corresponding to the user plane function network element in the above method embodiments; or, the apparatus 10 may specifically be the application function network element in the above embodiments and may be used to execute each process and / or step corresponding to the application network element in the above method embodiments.

[0431] The device 10 of each of the above solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the network devices (such as the first functional network element, the user plane function network element, and the application function network element) in the above method. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing module, can be replaced by a processor to respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0432] In addition, the above transceiver module 11 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it can include a receiving circuit and a sending circuit), and the processing module can be a processing circuit.

[0433] It should be noted that Figure 10 The device in

[0434] such as Figure 11 shown, the embodiment of the present application provides another communication device 20. The device 20 includes a processor 21, and the processor 21 is used to execute the computer program or instruction stored in the memory 22, or read the data / signaling stored in the memory 22 to execute the methods in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the processor 21 is one or more.

[0435] Optionally, as Figure 11 shown, the device 20 further includes a memory 22, and the memory 22 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 22 can be integrated with the processor 21 or can be separately provided. Optionally, the memory 22 is one or more.

[0436] Optionally, as Figure 11 shown, the device 20 further includes a transceiver 23, and the transceiver 23 is used for receiving and / or sending signals. For example, the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and / or send signals.

[0437] As a solution, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by each network element or device in the above method embodiments.

[0438] For example, the processor 21 is used to execute the computer program or instruction stored in the memory 22 to implement the related operations of the first functional network element in the above method embodiments. For example,Figure 4 or Figure 5 the method performed by the first functional network element in the illustrated embodiment, or Figures 6 to 9 the method performed by the first functional network element in any of the illustrated embodiments.

[0439] For another example, the processor 21 is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 22 to implement the relevant operations of the user plane functional network element in the foregoing method embodiments. For example, Figure 4 or Figure 5 the user plane functional network element in the illustrated embodiment, or Figures 6 to 9 the method performed by the LUPF in any of the illustrated embodiments.

[0440] For another example, the processor 21 is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 22 to implement the relevant operations of the user functional network element in the foregoing method embodiments. For example, Figure 4 or Figure 5 the method performed by the user functional network element in the illustrated embodiment, or Figures 6 to 9 the method performed by the AF in any of the illustrated embodiments.

[0441] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing module (CPU), or may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0442] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, the RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, the RAM includes the following various forms: static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0443] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated in the processor.

[0444] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0445] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the core network element in the above method embodiments are stored.

[0446] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods executed by the first functional network element in the above method embodiments.

[0447] Another example is that when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods executed by the user plane functional network element in the above method embodiments.

[0448] For another example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods executed by the application function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0449] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, including instructions, which, when executed by a computer, are used to implement the methods executed by the core network element in the above method embodiments.

[0450] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, including one or more of the foregoing first function network element, user plane function network element, and application function network element.

[0451] For the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the foregoing devices, reference can be made to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and details are not described herein again.

[0452] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the 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. In addition, the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection to each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of the devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0453] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wirelessly (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that the computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more integrated available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk (SSD), etc.). For example, the foregoing available media include, but are not limited to: USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical discs, etc., all of which can store program codes.

[0454] As described above, the above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that Including: Receiving first indication information from a first user plane function network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first interface delay, and the first interface delay includes at least one of the following: the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for a first application, the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for a first edge application server, or the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for a first tunnel, and the first interface is between the first user plane function network element and the first edge application server selected for communication of a terminal device; Performing at least one of the following operations according to the first interface delay: Selecting a second user plane function network element, where the second user plane function network element is different from the first user plane function network element; Selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; Selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application; Or, Selecting a second tunnel of the first interface, where the second tunnel is different from the first tunnel.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The second user plane function network element is used to transmit data of the communication in place of the first user plane function network element; The second edge application server is used to transmit data of the communication in place of the first edge application server; The second application is used to transmit data of the communication in place of the first application; The second tunnel is used to transmit data of the communication in place of the first tunnel.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The communication includes the communication between the terminal device and the first application, or the communication between the terminal device and the second application.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending the result of the operation to an application function network element, where When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the result includes the identifier of the second application; or When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server; or When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the result includes the endpoint information of the second tunnel.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the method further includes: sending the result of the operation to the first user plane function network element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The receiving the first indication information from the first user plane function network element includes: Receiving a first response message from the first user plane function network element, where the first response message is a response to a first subscription message, and the first response message includes the first indication information.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The method further includes: Sending the first subscription message to the first user plane function network element, where The first subscription message includes the identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first application; or The first subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first edge application server; or, The first subscription message includes information about the first tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first tunnel.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first indication information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating the status of the first interface latency, or information for indicating the latency value of the first interface latency.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, It includes: Receiving second indication information from an application function network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate a first edge application server load, and the first edge application server load includes at least one of the following: an edge application server load for the first edge application server, or an edge application server load for the first application, and the first edge application server is an edge application server selected for communication of a terminal device; Performing at least one of the following operations according to the first edge application server load: Selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; Or, Selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The second edge application server is used to transmit data of the communication instead of the first edge application server; The second application is used to transmit data of the communication instead of the first application.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The communication includes communication between the terminal device and the first application, or communication between the terminal device and the second application.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a result of the operation to the application function network element, where When the first edge application server load is an edge application server load for the first edge application server, the result includes an identifier of the second edge application server; or, When the first edge application server load is an edge application server load for the second application, the result includes an identifier of the second application.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The receiving the second indication information from the application function network element includes: Receiving a second response message from the application function network element, where the second response message is a response to a second subscription message, and the second response message includes the second indication information.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further includes: Sending the second subscription message to the application function network element, where The second subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first edge application server; or, The second subscription message includes an identifier of the first application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first application.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The second indication information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating the level of the first edge application server load, or information for indicating the percentage of the first edge application server load.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, It includes: Obtain the first interface latency, where the first interface latency includes at least one of the following: the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, or the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel. The first interface is between the first user plane function network element and the first edge application server selected for the communication of the terminal device. Send first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the first interface latency. Wherein, the first interface latency is used for at least one of the following operations: Select a second user plane function network element, where the second user plane function network element is different from the first user plane function network element. Select a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server. Select a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application; or Select a second tunnel of the first interface, where the second tunnel is different from the first tunnel.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The second user plane function network element is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first user plane function network element. The second edge application server is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first edge application server. The second application is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first application. The second tunnel is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first tunnel.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The communication includes the communication between the terminal device and the first application, or the communication between the terminal device and the second application.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The obtaining of the first interface latency includes: Send a first detection request to the first edge application server. Receive the first interface latency; wherein When the first interface latency is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the first detection request is used to request the detection of the interface latency for the first application; or When the first interface latency is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, the first detection request is used to request the detection of the interface latency for the first edge application server; or When the first interface latency is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the first detection request is used to request the detection of the interface latency for the first tunnel.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that The sending of the first indication information includes: Receive a first subscription message. Send a first response message, where the first response message is a response to the first subscription message, and the first response message includes the first indication information; wherein The first subscription message includes the identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first application; or The first subscription message includes the identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first edge application server; or The first subscription message includes information about the first tunnel, and the third subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first tunnel.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that, When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the method further includes: Receiving endpoint information of the second tunnel; Updating the endpoints of the second tunnel.

22. A communication method, characterized in that, Includes: Obtaining a first edge application server load, where the first edge application server load includes at least one of the following: an edge application server load for a first edge application server, or an edge application server load for a first application, and the first edge application server is an edge application server selected for communication of a terminal device; Sending second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the first edge application server load; Wherein, the first edge application server load is used for at least one of the following operations: Selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; or, Selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The second edge application server is used to transmit data of the communication in place of the first edge application server; The second application is used to transmit data of the communication in place of the first application.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The communication includes communication between the terminal device and the first application, or communication between the terminal device and the second application.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that, The obtaining the first edge application server load includes: Sending a second detection request to the first edge application server; Receiving the first edge application server load; wherein, When the first edge application server load is an edge application server load for the first edge application server, the second detection request is used to request detection of the edge application server load for the first edge application server; or, When the first edge application server load is an edge application server load for the second application, the second detection request is used to request detection of the edge application server load for the second application.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that, The sending the second indication information includes: Receiving a second subscription message; Sending a second response message, where the second response message is a response to the second subscription message, and the second response message includes the second indication information; wherein, The second subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first edge application server; or, The second subscription message includes an identifier of the second application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the second application.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving the result of the operation; When the result includes an identifier of the second application, updating the second application; or, When the result includes an identifier of the second edge application server, updating the second edge application server; or, When the result includes the endpoint information of the second tunnel, update the second tunnel.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 16 to 21.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, or the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, or the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the computer program product includes instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, or the computer program product includes instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, or the computer program product includes instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

33. A communication system, characterized in that, Comprising at least one of the following: A first communication device, where the first functional network element is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15; A second communication device, where the user plane functional network element is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 16 to 21; A third communication device, where the application functional network element is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

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