Communication method and device

Abstract

Provided are a communication method and device, the method comprising: determining a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a first network element list, the first network element list comprising two or more network elements, the tunnel information list comprising identification information of the network elements and tunnel identification information, the first network element list is used for indicating a data transmission path; tunnel information lists of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list are sent to the first network element, the first network element is the first network element in the path, and data transmission and processing of the specified path can be achieved by adopting the method and the device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, the fifth-generation (5G) communication network includes a control plane function and a user plane function. The control plane function includes an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a policy control function (PCF), etc. The user plane function is used for data transmission and includes a radio access network (RAN) and a user plane function (UPF).

[0003] When services beyond connectivity are introduced into the communication network, they may be completed by a combination of multiple network elements. For example, a virtual reality (VR) game may include functions such as layer overlay, stream identification, viewpoint calculation, and shadow calculation, and these functions may be deployed on different network elements. The current single data transmission channel is no longer applicable to scenarios beyond connectivity. Therefore, how to support flexible processing and forwarding of service data is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application proposes a communication method and apparatus that can achieve data transmission and processing on a specified path.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication method, which includes: determining a list of tunnel information of network elements corresponding to a first network element list, where the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the list of tunnel information includes identification information of network elements and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate a data transmission path; sending, to a first network element, the list of tunnel information of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element, where the first network element is the first network element in the path.

[0006] This method can be applied to a service function management network element. For example, it can be executed by a service function management network element, or by a component (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in a service function management network element, or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a service function management network element.

[0007] In the above method, through the above manner, the first network element can perform data transmission and processing on a specified path according to the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes the tunnel information of network element 1, the tunnel information of network element 2, and the tunnel information of network element 3. Correspondingly, the first network element transmits data to network element 1 according to the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element, and successively passes through network element 2 and network element 3. Optionally, network element 1, network element 2, and network element 3 can also perform data processing. In summary, it is possible to achieve data transmission and processing on a specified path within the mobile network.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element list includes three or more network elements. In this way, it is possible to determine that the specified path includes three or more network elements based on the first network element list, so as to achieve data transmission and processing on the specified path.

[0009] In another possible implementation manner, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include one or more of the following: a radio access network node, a first user plane function, or a second user plane function, where the second user plane function supports service functions. In this way, the second user plane function can execute the corresponding service functions, thereby supporting flexible processing of service data.

[0010] Optionally, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list are user plane network elements.

[0011] In another possible implementation manner, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include a radio access network node, at least one second user plane function, and a first user plane function. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list includes: the tunnel information of the radio access network node, the tunnel information of the at least one second user plane function, and the tunnel information of the first user plane function. The first network element includes the radio access network node. Sending the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element includes: sending the tunnel information of the at least one second user plane function and the tunnel information of the first user plane function to the radio access network node.

[0012] In the above method, the first network element is a radio access network node. The radio access network node can transmit data to at least one second user plane function according to the tunnel information of the at least one second user plane function and the tunnel information of the first user plane function, and finally pass through the first user plane function. Correspondingly, the at least one second user plane function and the first user plane function can also perform data processing.

[0013] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: determining the first network element list according to the service request message; or determining the network element list other than the radio access network node in the first network element list according to the service request message.

[0014] Optionally, the service request message may come from a terminal device or an application layer function network element.

[0015] In the above method, through the above manner, the data transmission path can be determined based on the service request message, so as to realize the flexible processing and forwarding of service data.

[0016] In yet another possible implementation, determining the first network element list according to the service request message; or determining the network element list other than the radio access network node in the first network element list according to the service request message includes: determining the transmission requirement corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; determining the first network element list based on the transmission requirement; or determining the network element list other than the radio access network node in the first network element list based on the transmission requirement.

[0017] In the above method, through the above manner, it is possible to determine the data transmission path that meets the transmission requirement based on the transmission requirement. For example, when the transmission requirement is latency, determine the data transmission path that meets the latency requirement, thereby ensuring the time of data transmission; for example, when the transmission requirement is bandwidth, determine the data transmission path that meets the bandwidth requirement, thereby ensuring the communication efficiency of data transmission; for example, when the transmission requirement is the data transmission range, determine the data transmission path that meets the transmission range, thereby ensuring the transmission range of data transmission.

[0018] In yet another possible implementation, the transmission requirement includes one or more of the following: latency, bandwidth, or data transmission range.

[0019] In yet another possible implementation, determining the first network element list according to the service request message includes: determining the service function list corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; determining at least one second user plane function in the first network element list based on the service function list, and the at least one second user plane function supports the service function list.

[0020] In the above method, by determining the service function list corresponding to the service request according to the service request message, the service request of the user can be satisfied, the service request is converted into the corresponding service function list, and then at least one second user plane function in the first network element list is determined based on the service function list, which can ensure the service quality. Correspondingly, the at least one second user plane function can execute the service function list, thereby realizing the flexible processing of service data.

[0021] In yet another possible implementation, the service request message includes the location information of the terminal device, and the first network element list is determined according to the service request message; or, determining the network element list other than the radio access network node in the first network element list according to the service request message includes: determining the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device; or determining the network element list other than the radio access network node in the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device.

[0022] In the above method, through the above manner, it is possible to select network elements in the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device, that is, determine the network elements through which data is transmitted. For example, one or more second user plane functions that are relatively close to the location of the terminal device are selected according to the location of the terminal device, thereby ensuring the data transmission delay.

[0023] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: when the first second user plane function in the first network element list does not support the first function in the service function list corresponding to the service request, deploying the first function in the first second user plane function.

[0024] In the above method, through the above manner, when the first function is not deployed on the selected first second user plane function, deploying the first function on the first second user plane function can deploy on demand and reduce the deployment cost.

[0025] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list to the first network element.

[0026] In the above method, through the above manner, the first network element can process the transmission of data on the specified path based on the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list includes the sub-service function of the first network element, the sub-service function of network element 1, the sub-service function of network element 2, and the sub-service function of network element 3. Correspondingly, the data transmission path is the first network element, network element 1, network element 2, and network element 3. Correspondingly, during the data transmission process, the first network element can execute the sub-service function of the first network element, network element 1 can execute the sub-service function of network element 1, network element 2 can execute the sub-service function of network element 2, and network element 3 can execute the sub-service function of network element 3, thereby realizing the transmission and processing of data on the specified path.

[0027] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: if a network element in the first network element list changes, sending a list of tunnel information of the changed network element to the first network element.

[0028] In the above method, in the above manner, when a network element is overloaded or a terminal device moves, the service function management network element needs to reselect a network element, that is, determine the changed network element. Correspondingly, at this time, the network elements in the first network element list change. After receiving the list of tunnel information of the changed network element, the first network element can re-determine the data transmission path, thereby ensuring the data transmission path or the service quality of service processing.

[0029] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the changed network element to the first network element.

[0030] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: if the second function in the list of sub-service functions is not supported by the changed network element, deploying the second function in the changed network element.

[0031] In the above method, in the above manner, when the second function is not deployed on the changed network element, deploying the second function on the changed network element can deploy on demand and reduce the deployment cost.

[0032] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method includes: receiving a list of tunnel information of network elements corresponding to a second network element list, the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list, the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the list of tunnel information includes identification information of network elements and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate the data transmission path; sending first data, the first data includes the list of tunnel information of network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

[0033] This method can be applied to the first network element, including that it can be executed by the first network element, or can be executed by a component in the first network element (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logic module or software execution that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network element.

[0034] This method can be applied to the second network element, including that it can be executed by the second network element, or can be executed by a component in the second network element (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logic module or software execution that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element.

[0035] Optionally, the second network element may be other network elements in the data transmission path except the first network element, and the second network element may also be referred to as an intermediate network element, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0036] Optionally, when the method is applied to the first network element, the first network element receives a list of tunnel information of network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the Service Function Management Function Network Element (Service Function Management Network Element). This enables the first network element to perform data transmission and processing on a specified path based on the list of tunnel information of network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list.

[0037] Optionally, when the method is applied to the second network element, the second network element receives a list of tunnel information of network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the previous network element in the data transmission path, and the second network element sends the first data to the next network element in the data transmission path. This enables the second network element to perform data transmission and processing on a specified path based on the list of tunnel information of network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the first network element list includes three or more network elements.

[0039] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the first data includes the list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0040] Optionally, when the method is applied to the first network element, the first network element receives a list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list from the Service Function Management Network Element. This enables the first network element to perform processing on the data transmission on the specified path based on the list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list includes the sub-service function of the first network element, the sub-service function of Network Element 1, the sub-service function of Network Element 2, and the sub-service function of Network Element 3. Correspondingly, the data transmission path is the first network element, Network Element 1, Network Element 2, and Network Element 3. Correspondingly, during the data transmission process, the first network element can execute the sub-service function of the first network element, Network Element 1 can execute the sub-service function of Network Element 1, Network Element 2 can execute the sub-service function of Network Element 2, and Network Element 3 can execute the sub-service function of Network Element 3, thereby realizing the data transmission and processing on the specified path. In summary, it is possible to realize the data transmission and processing on the specified path within the mobile network.

[0041] Optionally, when the method is applied to the second network element, the second network element receives the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list from the previous network element in the data transmission path. This enables the second network element to continue data transmission and processing on the specified path based on the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list.

[0042] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: determining the sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element; and executing the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0043] Optionally, when the method is applied to the first network element, the first network element determines the sub-service function list corresponding to the first network element and executes the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0044] Optionally, when the method is applied to the second network element, the second network element determines the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element and executes the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0045] In another possible implementation, the first data includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or the sub-service function list of the first network element in the second network element list, or the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or the sub-service function list of the Nth network element in the second network element list, where the Nth network element is the next network element of the current network element in the path, and N is a positive integer.

[0046] Optionally, when the method is applied to the first network element, the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or the sub-service function list of the first network element in the second network element list. Correspondingly, the first network element determines the next network element for data transmission according to the first indication information, so as to perform data transmission and processing on the specified path.

[0047] Optionally, when the method is applied to the second network element, the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or the sub-service function list of the Nth network element in the second network element list. Correspondingly, the second network element determines the next network element for data transmission according to the first indication information, so as to continue data transmission and processing on the specified path.

[0048] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving the tunnel information list of the changed network element.

[0049] When the method is applied to the first network element, the first network element is used to receive the tunnel information list of the changed network element.

[0050] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the network element after the change.

[0051] When the method is applied to the first network element, the first network element is used to receive a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the network element after the change.

[0052] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method includes: receiving encapsulated data 1, the encapsulated data 1 includes second data, a second network element in the data transmission path, and a list of tunnel information of other network elements after the second network element, the list of tunnel information includes identification information of the network element and tunnel identification information; sending encapsulated data 2, the encapsulated data 2 includes third data and a list of tunnel information of other network elements after the second network element.

[0053] The method can be applied to the second network element, including that it can be executed by the second network element, or can be executed by a component in the second network element (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element.

[0054] Optionally, the second network element can be other network elements except the first network element in the data transmission path, and can also be called an intermediate network element, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0055] In the above method, through the above method, the second network element can continue to implement the transmission and processing of data on the specified path according to the list of tunnel information of the second network element and other network elements after the second network element in the data transmission path. For example, continue to transmit the data to other network elements after the second network element, and the specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list.

[0056] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element in the data transmission path, and the encapsulated data 2 includes a list of sub-service functions corresponding to other network elements after the second network element.

[0057] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: determining a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element; executing the sub-service functions corresponding to the list of sub-service functions.

[0058] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device can be a service function management function network element service function management network element, or can be a component in the service function management network element (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the service function management network element.

[0059] In a possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit is configured to determine a tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to a first network element list, where the first network element list includes two or more network elements, and the tunnel information list includes identification information of the network elements and tunnel identification information. The first network element list is used to indicate the data transmission path. The transceiver unit is configured to send the tunnel information list of the other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element, where the first network element is the first network element in the path.

[0061] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element list includes three or more network elements.

[0062] In another possible implementation manner, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include one or more of the following: a radio access network node, a first user plane function, or a second user plane function, where the second user plane function supports service functions.

[0063] In another possible implementation manner, the processing unit is further configured to determine the first network element list according to a service request message; or, the processing unit is further configured to determine the network element list in the first network element list except the radio access network node according to the service request message.

[0064] In another possible implementation manner, the processing unit is configured to determine the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; the processing unit is configured to determine the first network element list based on the transmission requirements; or the processing unit is configured to determine the network element list in the first network element list except the radio access network node based on the transmission requirements.

[0065] In another possible implementation manner, the transmission requirements include one or more of the following: latency, bandwidth, or data transmission range.

[0066] In another possible implementation manner, the processing unit is configured to determine a service function list corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; the processing unit is configured to determine at least one second user plane function in the first network element list based on the service function list, and the at least one second user plane function supports the service function list.

[0067] In yet another possible implementation, the service request message includes location information of the terminal device, and the processing unit is configured to determine the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device; or the processing unit is configured to determine the network element list other than the radio access network node in the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device.

[0068] In yet another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, when the first and second user plane functions in the first network element list do not support the first function in the service function list corresponding to the service request, deploy the first function in the first and second user plane functions.

[0069] In yet another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to send, via the transceiver unit, the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list to the first network element.

[0070] In yet another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, when a network element in the first network element list changes, send, via the transceiver unit, the tunnel information list of the changed network element to the first network element.

[0071] In yet another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to send, via the transceiver unit, the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element to the first network element.

[0072] In yet another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, when the changed network element does not support the second function in the sub-service function list, deploy the second function in the changed network element.

[0073] Regarding the technical effects brought by the fourth aspect or possible implementations, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding embodiments.

[0074] Fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be the first network element or the second network element, or may be a component in the first network element or the second network element (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or may also be a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element or the second network element.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, and the modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0076] In a possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive a list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, where the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include the network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list. The first network element list includes two or more network elements. The list of tunnel information includes identification information of the network elements and tunnel identification information. The first network element list is used to indicate the data transmission path. The transceiver unit is configured to send first data, where the first data includes the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

[0077] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element list includes three or more network elements.

[0078] In yet another possible implementation manner, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the first data includes the list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0079] In yet another possible implementation manner, the processing unit is further configured to determine a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the current network element, and the processing unit is further configured to execute the sub-service functions corresponding to the list of sub-service functions.

[0080] In yet another possible implementation manner, the first data includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the list of tunnel information and / or the list of sub-service functions of the first network element in the second network element list, or the first indication information is used to indicate the list of tunnel information and / or the list of sub-service functions of the Nth network element in the second network element list. The Nth network element is the next network element of the current network element in the path, and N is a positive integer.

[0081] In yet another possible implementation manner, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a list of tunnel information of the changed network element.

[0082] In yet another possible implementation manner, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the changed network element.

[0083] Regarding the technical effects brought by the fifth aspect or the possible implementation manners, reference can be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the second aspect or the corresponding embodiments.

[0084] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a second network element, or a component in the second network element (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or may also be a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network element.

[0085] In a possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software.

[0086] In a possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive second data, where the second data includes a list of tunnel information of a second network element in the path of data transmission and other network elements after the second network element. The list of tunnel information includes identification information of the network element and tunnel identification information. The transceiver unit is configured to send third data, where the third data includes a list of tunnel information of other network elements after the second network element.

[0087] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element in the path of data transmission, and the third data includes a list of sub-service functions corresponding to other network elements after the second network element.

[0088] In yet another possible implementation manner, the processing unit is further configured to determine a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element, and the processing unit is further configured to execute the sub-service functions corresponding to the list of sub-service functions.

[0089] Regarding the technical effects brought by the sixth aspect or possible implementation manners, reference may be made to the introduction of the technical effects of the third aspect or corresponding embodiments.

[0090] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, where the communication device includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor calls computer programs or instructions stored in a memory to execute the method described in the first aspect or possible implementation manners in the first aspect.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes the memory. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0092] In a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0093] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, where the communication device includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor calls computer programs or instructions stored in a memory to execute the method described in the second aspect or possible implementation manners in the second aspect.

[0094] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes the memory. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0096] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes at least one processor and a communication interface. The at least one processor invokes a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to execute the method described in the third aspect or the possible implementation manners in the third aspect.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes the memory. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0099] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip device, which includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is used to execute a computer program or instruction to implement the method described in any of the above aspects.

[0100] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction runs on a processor, the method described in any of the above aspects is implemented.

[0101] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction runs on a computer, the method described in any of the above aspects is implemented.

[0102] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes: the device described in the seventh aspect, the device described in the eighth aspect, and the device described in the ninth aspect. Description of the Drawings

[0103] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack provided;

[0104] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a forwarding plane protocol stack provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] Figure 5It is a schematic diagram of uplink data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of downlink data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] Figure 9 It is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] Figure 10 It is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] Figure 12 It is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0115] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0116] In the present application, the reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, the statements "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in still other embodiments", etc. that appear in different parts of this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0117] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. The "and / or" in this document is merely an associative relationship describing associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0118] It can be understood that in this application, "indicate" can include direct indication, indirect indication, display indication, and implicit indication. When it is described that a certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can be understood that this indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0119] In this application, the information indicated by the indication information is called the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated. For example, but not limited to, it can directly indicate the information to be indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated, etc., or it can indirectly indicate the information to be indicated by indicating other information, where there is an associative relationship between this other information and the information to be indicated. It can also only indicate a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or pre-agreed. For example, it can also rely on the arrangement order of each piece of information pre-agreed (such as stipulated by the protocol) to achieve the indication of specific information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent.

[0120] The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole, or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately, and the sending periods and / or sending timings of these sub-information can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application. Among them, the sending periods and / or sending timings of these sub-information can be predefined, such as predefined according to the protocol, or can be configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0121] It can be understood that "transmission" and "reception" in this application represent the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending a message to XX" can be understood as the destination of the message being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or a wired medium, and also include indirect transmission via the air interface or a wired medium by other units or modules. "Receiving a message from YY" can be understood as the source of the message being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or a wired medium, and may also include indirect reception from YY via the air interface or a wired medium from other units or modules. "Transmission" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "reception" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0122] In other words, transmission and reception can be carried out between devices. For example, between a network device and a terminal device, or can be carried out within a device. For example, transmission or reception between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, trace, or interface.

[0123] It can be understood that necessary processing may be performed on the information between the source and destination of the information transmission, such as encoding, modulation, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be elaborated here.

[0124] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application can be applied to cellular communication systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as the 4th generation (4G) communication system, such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system, and can also be applied to the 5th generation (5G) communication system, such as the 5G New Radio (NR) communication system, or to various communication systems evolved after 5G, such as the 6th generation (6G) communication system. The method provided by the embodiments of this application can also be applied to Bluetooth systems, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) systems, LoRa systems, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, communication systems that support the integration of multiple wireless technologies, device-to-device (D2D) systems. The method provided by the embodiments of this application can also be applied to satellite communication systems, where the satellite communication system can be integrated with the above-mentioned communication systems.

[0125] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack is provided. A user equipment (UE) may include a protocol layer, a protocol data unit (PDU) layer, and an application layer; an access network device includes an L1 layer, an L2 layer, a user datagram protocol (UDP) layer / internet protocol (IP) layer, and a GPRS tunnelling protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) layer; UPF1 includes an L1 layer, an L2 layer, a UDP / IP layer, and a GTP-U layer, and UPF2 may include an L1 layer, an L2 layer, a UDP / IP layer, a GTP-U layer, and a PDU layer. As can be seen from the figure, a 5G communication network can be regarded as a single connection model, maintaining a user plane data transmission channel from the UE to a data network (DN) (i.e., UE-RAN-UPF1-UPF2-DN), so that the UE can access DN data services. The user plane function network element is unaware of services / applications / content and cannot process service data.

[0126] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic architecture diagram of a communication system 200 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Taking Figure 2 the architecture of the communication system 200 shown as an example, the application scenarios used in the present application are described. The communication system 200 may include a service function management network element 201 and a first network element 202. Optionally, the first network element 202 may be a radio access network (RAN) node, a first user plane function, or a second user plane function. Among them, the first user plane function may be a user plane function (UPF), and the second user plane function may be any user plane function (X-UPF), where X represents the service function it supports. In one example, the service function supported by the X-UPF is layer overlay, and the X-UPF may be referred to as a layer overlay-UPF. Optionally, the first network element 202 is the first network element in the data transmission path. The first network element is used for data transmission and processing. Optionally, the communication system 200 may further include a second network element, which may be other network elements in the data transmission path except the first network element, and the second network element may also be referred to as an intermediate network element, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The second network element is used for data transmission and processing. For ease of description, in the following embodiments, the UPF is described as the first user plane function and the X-UPF is described as the second user plane function.

[0127] The main functions of the service function management network element 201 include: managing the service functions supported by the X-UPF and the topology between the X-UPFs, and can also obtain the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list or allocate the tunnel information list for the network elements corresponding to the first network element list, and send the tunnel information list of the other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list to the first network element. Optionally, it can also determine the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list and send it to the first network element. It can also determine the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device, etc.

[0128] Exemplarily, the service function management network element 201 can be the service function management function (SFMF) 201. The service function management network element can also have other names, which are not limited in this application. The following description will take SFMF 201 as an example.

[0129] It should be noted that the service function management network element 201 can be implemented as an independent network element or function module, or can be implemented in other network elements, that is, enhance other network elements. The enhanced other network elements can implement the functions implemented by the service function management network element 201. For example, it can be implemented in the session management function network element (SMF). The SMF is enhanced, and the enhanced SMF can implement the functions implemented by the SFMF 201. The embodiments of this application do not make limitations.

[0130] The service function management network element is used to manage the X-UPF, and the SMF is used to manage the UPF. When the service function management network element and the SMF are combined into one network element, this one network element can be used to manage the X-UPF and the UPF. The embodiments of this application do not make limitations.

[0131] UPF: It is mainly used for packet routing and forwarding, policy implementation, traffic reporting, quality of service (QoS) processing, etc.

[0132] The X-UPF can support the basic capabilities of the UPF, and can also include the following functions: The X-UPF can determine the sub-service function list corresponding to the X-UPF and execute the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list, and can also support the forwarding of service data. Among them, the X-UPFs passed through in the data transmission path can be heterogeneous X-UPFs, that is, the service functions supported by the X-UPFs can be different, and it can also support the serial processing of services between multiple X-UPFs. It should be noted that if the X-UPF does not support the service function, this X-UPF can be regarded as a UPF.

[0133] Optionally, a wireless mesh network can be formed between the UPF and the X-UPF, between the UPF and the UPF, and between the X-UPF and the X-UPF, that is, mesh networking.

[0134] RAN Node: Responsible for radio resource management, uplink and downlink data classification and QoS application, as well as completing signaling processing with control plane network elements and data forwarding with user plane network elements. For example, the RAN node can also be referred to as an access network device or a RAN device, and the embodiments of this application do not make limitations. For example, the RAN node can be used to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access. In a possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in the 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, or an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a network device in a mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, that is, it can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or a satellite, etc. The RAN node can also be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The network device can also be a device that serves as a base station function in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, or machine communication. Optionally, the network device can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an in-vehicle device, etc. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU). In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes cooperate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement some functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be set separately, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU).The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as included in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). It can be understood that the RAN node may be a CU node, or a DU node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU may be classified as a network device in the radio access network RAN, or the CU may be classified as a network device in the core network CN, which is not limited herein. In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an Open RAN (O-RAN) system, the CU may also be referred to as an O-CU (Open CU), the DU may also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU may also be referred to as an O-RU. For the convenience of description, in this application, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU are taken as examples for description. Any unit among the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0135] Optionally, the communication system 200 may further include an access and mobility management function network element (AMF), a unified data management network element (UDM), an SMF, a policy control function network element (PCF), a user equipment (UE), a network exposure function network element (NEF), or an NF repository function network element (NRF), which is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0136] AMF: mainly used to perform registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management.

[0137] UDM: mainly used for user subscription data management, user identification management, etc.

[0138] SMF: mainly used to establish and manage sessions for users, configure packet forwarding rules and QoS processing rules for the username function, etc.

[0139] PCF: It is mainly used to send policy information to the UE, send the access management policy of the UE to the AMF, send the session management policy to the SMF, etc.

[0140] NEF: It is mainly used for network openness function, opening the capabilities of various network functions (NFs), and converting internal and external information.

[0141] NRF: It is mainly used to provide a new function for registration and discovery functions, enabling NFs to discover each other and communicate through the application programming interface (API).

[0142] It should be noted that the names of the above network elements are not limited in this application. In the communication system evolved after 5G, the network elements implementing the same or similar functions may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0143] A user equipment can also be referred to as a terminal device, a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), etc. It is a device that provides voice or data connectivity to users. Specifically, it includes a device that provides voice to users, or a device that provides data connectivity to users, or a device that provides both voice and data connectivity to users. For example, it can include a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or a processing device connected to a wireless modem. This terminal device can communicate with the core network via a radio access network, exchange voice or data with the RAN, or interact with the RAN for both voice and data. Currently, the terminal device can be: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device (such as a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a pedometer, smart glasses, etc.), a vehicle (such as a car, a bicycle, an electric vehicle, an airplane, a ship, a train, a high-speed train, etc.)-mounted device, an extended reality (XR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a smart home device (such as a refrigerator, a TV, an air conditioner, an electric meter, etc.), a smart robot, a workshop device, a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a wireless terminal in remote surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home, a flying device (such as a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a customer-premises equipment (CPE), etc. The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, the terminal device can also be a device that serves as a terminal function in D2D communication, and can also be a vehicle device, such as a vehicle device, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted chip, an on-board unit (OBU), or a telematics box (T-BOX), etc.The terminal device may also include vehicle to everything (V2X) terminal devices, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal devices, internet of things (IoT) terminal devices, light UEs, reduced capability UEs (REDCAP UEs), subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations, remote stations, access points (APs), remote terminals, access terminals, user terminals, user agents, or user devices, drone devices, etc. For example, it may include mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers with mobile terminal devices, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, or computer-built-in mobile devices, etc. For example, personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other devices. It also includes restricted devices, such as devices with lower power consumption, or devices with limited storage capacity, or devices with limited computing capacity, etc. For example, it includes information sensing devices such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning system (GPS), laser scanners, etc. In this application, the terminal device with wireless transceiver function and the chip that can be set in the aforementioned terminal device are collectively referred to as the terminal device.

[0144] It should be noted that the terminal device may be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus integrated with a circuit, or a chip, module, or control unit in the devices or apparatuses shown above. Specifically, this application does not make a limitation.

[0145] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited to Figure 2In the system architecture shown. For example, a communication system to which the communication method of the embodiments of the present application can be applied may include more or fewer network elements or devices. Figure 2 The devices or network elements in it can be hardware, software functionally divided, or a combination of the two above. Figure 2 The devices or network elements in it can communicate through other devices or network elements.

[0146] Next, in combination with Figure 2 the communication system shown, and taking the service function management network element as an independent network element or functional module as an example, the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail.

[0147] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 which is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0148] Step S301: The service function management network element determines the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list.

[0149] Optionally, the first network element list can also be referred to as the first device list, the first network function list, the first device list, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific form.

[0150] Among them, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include one or more of the following: RAN, UPF, X-UPF. Among them, the number of UPFs can be one or more, and the number of X-UPFs can be one or more. Among them, X-UPF supports service functions. The service function can refer to microservices, function as a service (FaaS), service application programming interface (service API), service function (SF). The embodiments of the present application do not make a limitation. Optionally, X-UPF can also be referred to as a UPF that supports specific service functions, where X represents the service function it supports. In one example, the service function supported by X-UPF is layer overlay, and this X-UPF can be called layer overlay-UPF.

[0151] Among them, the first network element list includes two or more network elements. In one possible implementation, the first network element list may include three or more network elements. In one example, the first network element list sequentially includes RAN and at least two UPFs; in another example, the first network element list sequentially includes RAN, at least one X-UPF, and UPF; in another example, the first network element list sequentially includes RAN and at least two X-UPFs; in another example, the first network element list sequentially includes RAN, UPF, and at least one X-UPF.

[0152] Among them, the first network element list is used to indicate the path of data transmission. The network elements corresponding to the first network element list may refer to the network elements through which the path of data transmission passes, and may or may not include RAN. Optionally, the path of data transmission may be referred to as a specified path.

[0153] Among them, the tunnel information list includes the identification information of network elements and tunnel identification information. Exemplarily, the identification information of network elements may be the Internet Protocol (IP) address or the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of network elements. Exemplarily, the tunnel identification information may be the Tunnel Endpoint Identifier (TEID), the identification of a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), or the identification of a Virtual Extensible Local Area Network (VXLAN).

[0154] In one example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the data transmission path is Path 1, that is, RAN—UPF—……—UPF……, which also includes RAN and at least two UPFs. For example, the at least two UPFs include UPF1 and UPF2. The service function management network element determines that the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list includes: the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of UPF1, and the tunnel information of UPF2. Among them, the tunnel information of RAN includes the identification information of RAN and the tunnel identification information of RAN. The tunnel information of UPF1 includes the identification information of UPF1 and the tunnel identification information of UPF1. The tunnel information of UPF2 includes the identification information of UPF2 and the tunnel identification information of UPF2. Unless otherwise specified below, the uplink data transmission of Path 1 means RAN→UPF→…→UPF, that is, RAN and at least two UPFs. For example, the at least two UPFs are UPF1 and UPF2. Correspondingly, Path 1 is specifically RAN→UPF1→UPF2. It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "→" indicates that the data transmission direction is uplink transmission. The downlink data transmission of Path 1 means RAN←UPF←…←UPF, that is, RAN and at least two UPFs. For example, the at least two UPFs are UPF1 and UPF2. Correspondingly, Path 1 is specifically RAN←UPF1←UPF2. It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "←" indicates that the data transmission direction is downlink transmission.

[0155] In yet another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission is Path 2, i.e., RAN—X-UPF—……—X-UPF—UPF, that is, RAN, at least one X-UPF, and UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. The service function management network element determines that the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to a network element list includes: the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, the tunnel information of X-UPF2, and the tunnel information of UPF. Among them, the tunnel information of RAN includes the identification information of RAN and the tunnel identification information of RAN. The tunnel information of X-UPF1 includes the identification information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel identification information of X-UPF1. The tunnel information of X-UPF2 includes the identification information of X-UPF2 and the tunnel identification information of X-UPF2. The tunnel information of UPF includes the identification information of UPF and the tunnel identification information of UPF. Unless otherwise specified below, the uplink data transmission of Path 2 means RAN→X-UPF→……→X-UPF→UPF, that is, RAN, at least one X-UPF, and UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. Correspondingly, Path 2 is specifically RAN→X-UPF1→X-UPF2→UPF. The downlink data transmission of Path 2 means RAN←X-UPF←……←X-UPF←UPF, that is, RAN, at least one X-UPF, and UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. Correspondingly, Path 2 is specifically RAN←X-UPF1←X-UPF2←UPF.

[0156] In yet another example, the path of the data transmission can be Path 3, i.e., RAN—X-UPF—……—X-UPF, that is, RAN and at least two X-UPFs; for example, the at least two X-UPFs include X-UPF1 and XUPF2. The service function management network element determines that the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to a network element list includes: the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Among them, the tunnel information of RAN includes the identification information of RAN and the tunnel identification information of RAN, the tunnel information of X-UPF1 includes the identification information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel identification information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 includes the identification information of X-UPF2 and the tunnel identification information of X-UPF2. Unless otherwise specified below, the uplink data transmission of Path 3 means RAN→X-UPF→…→X-UPF, that is, RAN and at least two X-UPFs; for example, the at least two X-UPFs include X-UPF1 and XUPF2. Correspondingly, Path 3 is specifically RAN→X-UPF1→X-UPF2. The downlink data transmission of Path 3 means RAN←X-UPF←…←X-UPF, that is, RAN and at least two X-UPFs; for example, the at least two X-UPFs include X-UPF1 and XUPF2. Correspondingly, Path 3 is specifically RAN←X-UPF1←X-UPF2.

[0157] In yet another example, the path of the data transmission can be Path 4, i.e., RAN—UPF—X-UPF—……—X-UPF, that is, RAN, UPF, and at least one X-UPF. The at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. The service function management network element determines that the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to a network element list includes: the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Among them, the tunnel information of RAN includes the identification information of RAN and the tunnel identification information of RAN. The tunnel information of UPF includes the identification information of UPF and the tunnel identification information of UPF. The tunnel information of X-UPF1 includes the identification information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel identification information of X-UPF1. The tunnel information of X-UPF2 includes the identification information of X-UPF2 and the tunnel identification information of X-UPF2. Unless otherwise specified below, the uplink data transmission of Path 4 means RAN→UPF→X-UPF→……→X-UPF, that is, RAN, UPF, and at least one X-UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. Correspondingly, Path 4 is specifically RAN→UPF→X-UPF1→X-UPF2. The downlink data transmission of Path 4 means RAN←UPF←X-UPF←……←X-UPF, that is, RAN, UPF, and at least one X-UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. Correspondingly, Path 4 is specifically RAN←UPF←X-UPF1←X-UPF2.

[0158] In a possible implementation manner, the tunnel information of RAN is allocated by RAN. The service function management network element determines the tunnel information of RAN, which can be that the service function management network element sends a request message to RAN to obtain the tunnel information of RAN. The tunnel information of UPF can be allocated by UPF itself or by SMF. The service function management network element determines the tunnel information of UPF, which can be that the service function management network element sends a request message to UPF or SMF to obtain the tunnel information of UPF. The tunnel information of X-UPF can be allocated by X-UPF itself or by the service function management network element. If the tunnel information of X-UPF is allocated by X-UPF itself, the service function management network element determines the tunnel information of X-UPF, which can be that the service function management network element sends a request message to X-UPF to obtain the tunnel information of X-UPF.

[0159] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the service function management network element determines a first network element list according to the service request message; or determines the network element list other than the RAN node in the first network element list according to the service request message.

[0160] Optionally, the service request message is used to represent a service request and can also be referred to as other messages, that is, the name of the message is not limited.

[0161] Among them, when the service function management network element determines the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list according to the service request message, the first network element list is used to indicate that the data transmission path can include RAN nodes, and the service function management network element determines other network elements except RAN nodes according to the service request message.

[0162] Optionally, the service request message can come from a terminal device. In one example, the terminal device sends a service request message, and the service request message includes the identification information of the service. The terminal device may first send a service request message to the SMF. After receiving the service request message, the SMF forwards the service request message to the service function management network element. Optionally, the SMF determines that the service request can be processed within the network or determines that the service request needs to be forwarded along a specified path, and then forwards the service request to the service function management network element, or the SMF defaults to sending the service request to the service function management network element. It should be understood that if the service function management network element is co-deployed with the SMF as a logical function, this step can be understood as the SMF or the service function management network element determines that the service request can be processed within the network or determines that the service request needs to be forwarded along a specified path, and there is no need to perform a forwarding action. Processing within the network can be understood as the X-UPF executing the corresponding sub-service function. By receiving the service request message from the terminal device and determining the first network element list or the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list based on the service request message, the user request can be satisfied, thus ensuring the service quality.

[0163] In another example, the terminal device may send a service request message to the RAN. After receiving the service request message, the RAN sends it to the SMF or the service function management network element. At this time, the service request message may carry the location information of the terminal device, such as the identification information of the current access network device of the terminal device, such as the RAN ID, or the cell identification information Cell ID. UE-level service requests can be realized, which can satisfy user requests and thus ensure service quality.

[0164] Optionally, the service request message comes from an application layer function network element (AF), and the service request message includes the identification information of the service.

[0165] In a possible implementation, the service function management network element can determine the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request according to the service request message, and then determine the first network element list based on the transmission requirements, or determine the network element list other than RAN nodes in the first network element list based on the transmission requirements.

[0166] Optionally, this case corresponds to the forwarding of a specified path, i.e., data transmission, which may not involve data processing. It can be understood that the network elements through which the data transmission path passes include the UPF, but do not include the X-UPF. In this way, it is possible to implement data transmission on a specified path within the mobile network, thereby achieving flexible forwarding of service data. Optionally, the service function management network element can determine the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request according to the service request message. It can be that the service function management network element converts the service request into transmission requirements based on local configuration information, subscription information, or artificial intelligence (AI) analysis.

[0167] Optionally, the transmission requirements can also refer to quality of service (QoS) requirements. The embodiments of this application do not make limitations. The transmission requirements can include one or more of the following: latency, bandwidth, or data transmission range. In one example, the data transmission range can include data transmission within the park, that is, not leaving the park, or the data terminates in the park. Specifically, the data transmission ranges of the X-UPF and / or UPF can be determined by the service ranges of the X-UPF and UPF covered within the park.

[0168] Optionally, the network element list in the first network element list except for the RAN node can be understood as a list composed of other network elements except for the RAN node in the network elements corresponding to the first network element list.

[0169] In one example, the service function management network element can determine that the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request according to the service request message are that the data is transmitted within the park, that is, the data terminates in the park. Based on this transmission requirement, the first network element list is determined to be the RAN and at least two UPFs, that is, path 1, RAN—UPF—……—UPF……. For example, the at least two UPFs include UPF1 and UPF2; or based on the transmission requirement, the network element list in the first network element list except for the RAN is determined, that is, at least two UPFs. For example, the at least two UPFs include UPF1 and UPF2.

[0170] Optionally, the service function management network element determines the first network element list according to the service request message, including: the service function management network element determines the service function list corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; then, based on the service function list, at least one X-UPF in the first network element list is determined, and the at least one X-UPF supports the service function list.

[0171] Optionally, the service function management network element determines the service function list corresponding to the service request according to the service request message can be understood as the service function management network element converts the service request into a service function list based on local configuration information, subscription information, or AI analysis, or determines the service function list based on the service request, local configuration information, and subscription information.

[0172] Optionally, the service function list may include one or more service functions, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0173] Optionally, one X-UPF in the first network element list may support one or more service functions in the service function list, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0174] In one example, the service function management network element determines that the service function list corresponding to the service request message includes SF#1, SF#2, SF#3, and SF#4, where SF#1 represents layer overlay, SF#2 represents flow identification, SF#3 represents viewpoint calculation, and SF#4 represents shadow calculation. Based on this service function list, three X-UPFs in the first network element list are determined, namely X-UPF1, X-UPF2, and X-UPF3, where X-UPF1 supports SF#1 and SF#2, X-UPF2 supports SF#3, and X-UPF3 supports SF#4.

[0175] In another possible implementation, the service request message includes the location information of the terminal device, and the first network element list is determined according to the service request message; or, the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list is determined according to the service request message, including: determining the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device; or determining the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device.

[0176] Optionally, when the service request message comes from the terminal device, the location information of the terminal device may be carried in the service request message. When the service request message comes from the AF, the service function management network element may obtain the location information of the terminal device from the AMF or the location management function (LMF).

[0177] Optionally, determining the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device; or determining the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device may mean determining the data transmission path according to the location information of the terminal device, that is, determining the list composed of the network elements through which the data transmission path passes, that is, the first network element list, or the list composed of other network elements other than RAN in the data transmission path, that is, the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list.

[0178] In one example, the X-UPF that is relatively close to the location of the terminal device may be determined according to the location information of the terminal device, and this X-UPF is a network element in the first network element list, or this X-UPF is a network element in the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list.

[0179] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: when the first X-UPF in the first network element list does not support the first function in the service function list corresponding to the service request, deploy the first function in the first X-UPF.

[0180] It can be understood that when the first function is not deployed on an X-UPF in the data transmission path, deploy the first function on the X-UPF.

[0181] Optionally, the first function may also be referred to as the first service function, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0182] Optionally, the first X-UPF is any one or more X-UPFs in the first network element list, and the first function is one or more service functions in the service function list.

[0183] In one example, the first X-UPF is an X-UPF in the first network element list, for example, X-UPF1, the service function list includes SF#1, SF#2, SF#3, and SF#4, where SF#1 represents layer overlay, SF#2 represents flow identification, SF#3 represents viewpoint calculation, SF#4 represents shadow calculation, and the first function is SF#1, that is, when X-UPF1 in the first network element list does not support SF#1, deploy SF#1 on the X-UPF1.

[0184] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: determining the respective sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and then sending the respective sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list to the first network element.

[0185] Optionally, after the service function management network element determines the respective sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, it may send the respective sub-service function lists corresponding to the other one or more network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element.

[0186] Optionally, determining the respective sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list can be understood as determining the sub-service function lists supported by each X-UPF in the first network element list.

[0187] Optionally, the sub-service function list includes one or more service functions, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The sub-service function list includes one or more of the following: address information, identification information, entry information, or interface information of the service function.

[0188] Optionally, the service function management network element may determine the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list in the following ways: Way 1: The service function management network element statically configures the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, that is, the sub-service function lists supported by each X-UPF in the first network element list. Way 2: The sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list are registered on the service function management network element, that is, the X-UPF in the first network element list registers the supported sub-service function list on the service function management network element. When the supported sub-service function list of the X-UPF changes, a notification message can be sent to the service function management network element. Way 3: The X-UPF in the first network element list registers or updates the supported sub-service function list to other entities, such as the NRF. The service function management network element determines the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, which may mean that the service function management network element obtains the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the determined first network element list from the NRF. For example, the service function management network element sends a query request message to the NRF, and the query request message is used to request the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0189] In one example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the data transmission path can be Path 3, that is, RAN—X-UPF—……—X-UPF, which also means including RAN and at least two X-UPFs. For example, the at least two X-UPFs include X-UPF1 and XUPF2, then the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include RAN, X-UPF1, and XUPF2. The service function management network element determines the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1, for example, SF#1 and SF#2, where SF#1 represents layer overlay and SF#2 represents flow identification; determines the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2, for example, SF#3, where SF#3 represents viewpoint calculation. Assuming the first network element is RAN, the service function management network element sends the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1, for example, SF#1 and SF#2, and the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2, for example, SF#3, to RAN.

[0190] Step S302: The service function management network element sends the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element.

[0191] Wherein, the first network element is the first network element in the path, and the first network element can be RAN, or the first X-UPF, or the first UPF.

[0192] Optionally, step S302 may also be replaced by the service function management network element sending a tunnel information list of the first network element list to the first network element, that is, including the tunnel information of the first network element. In other words, step S302 further includes the service function management network element also sending the tunnel information of the first network element to the first network element.

[0193] Optionally, the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element may be encapsulated in the extended header of the general packet radio system (GPRS) tunneling protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) protocol layer. Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 which is a schematic diagram of a forwarding plane protocol stack provided by an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the sub-service function lists corresponding to other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element may also be encapsulated in this extended header, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Alternatively, a new protocol layer is added outside the GUP-U protocol layer to encapsulate the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element. Optionally, this new protocol layer may also be used to encapsulate the sub-service function lists corresponding to other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element. Optionally, this new protocol layer may be called a forwarding layer, a service layer, and the name is not limited.

[0194] The following takes the uplink data transmission as an example for illustration:

[0195] In one example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission may be Path 1, specifically RAN→UPF1→UPF2, the first network element is RAN, the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes the tunnel information of UPF1 and the tunnel information of UPF2, and the service function management network element sends the tunnel information of UPF1 and the tunnel information of UPF2 to RAN.

[0196] In yet another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission can be Path 2, specifically RAN → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2 → UPF. The first network element is RAN. The tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes: the tunnel information of X-UPF1, the tunnel information of X-UPF2, and the tunnel information of UPF. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF1, the tunnel information of X-UPF2, and the tunnel information of UPF to RAN. Optionally, the service function management network element can also send the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to RAN. For example, the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 can be SF#1 and SF#2, and the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 can be SF#3.

[0197] In yet another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission can be Path 3, specifically RAN → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2. When the first network element is RAN, the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes: the tunnel information of X-UPF1, the tunnel information of X-UPF2. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 to RAN. Optionally, the service function management network element can also send the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to RAN. For example, the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 can be SF#1 and SF#2, and the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 can be SF#3.

[0198] In yet another example, the path for data transmission can be Path 4, specifically RAN → UPF → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2. The first network element is RAN. The tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes: the tunnel information of UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 to RAN. Optionally, the service function management network element can also send the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to RAN. For example, the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 can be SF#1 and SF#2, and the list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 can be SF#3.

[0199] The following examples illustrate data transmission:

[0200] In one example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission can be Path 1, specifically RAN ← UPF1 ← UPF2. The first network element is UPF2. The tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes: the tunnel information of UPF1 and the tunnel information of RAN. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of UPF1 and the tunnel information of RAN to UPF2.

[0201] In another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission can be Path 2, specifically RAN ← X-UPF1 ← X-UPF2 ← UPF. The first network element is UPF. The tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes: the tunnel information of X-UPF2, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of RAN. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF2, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of RAN to UPF.

[0202] In another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission can be Path 3, specifically RAN ← X-UPF1 ← X-UPF2. The first network element is X-UPF2. The tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes: the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of RAN. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of RAN to X-UPF2.

[0203] In another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission can be Path 4, specifically RAN ← UPF ← X-UPF1 ← X-UPF2. The first network element is X-UPF2. The tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes: the tunnel information of X-UPF1, the tunnel information of UPF, and the tunnel information of RAN.

[0204] In a possible implementation manner, after the service function management network element sends the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element, the method further includes: if the network elements in the first network element list change, determining the tunnel information list of the changed network elements, and then sending the tunnel information list of the changed network elements or the tunnel information list of the network elements that need to be updated to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the tunnel information list of the changed or the network elements that need to be updated. In a possible implementation manner, the service function management network element sends the changed first network element list or the changed second network element list to the first network element; in another possible implementation manner, the service function management network element sends the tunnel information list of the changed network elements and an indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate the position of the changed network elements in the path.

[0205] Optionally, when the terminal device moves or the network elements in the first network element list, such as UPF or X-UPF, are overloaded, the service function management network element needs to reselect network elements, that is, determine the changed network elements. At this time, the network elements in the first network element list change. Optionally, the changed network elements can be determined based on the location information of the terminal device or based on the service request message. For specific details, reference can be made to the relevant description in step S301 above and will not be elaborated here.

[0206] Optionally, the service function management network element can also determine the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element, and then send the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element. Optionally, the sub-service function list includes one or more service functions. Optionally, if the changed network element does not support the second function in the sub-service function list, the second function is deployed in the changed network element. The second function can be one or more service functions in the service function list. Optionally, the second function can also be referred to as the second service function, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In one example, the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element includes SF#1 and SF#2, and the second function can be SF#1. If the changed network element does not support SF#1, then SF#1 is deployed in the changed network element; or, the second function can be SF#1 and SF#2. If the changed network element does not support SF#1 and SF#2, then SF#1 and SF#2 are deployed in the changed network element.

[0207] In one example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the data transmission path is Path 3, specifically RAN → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2. Suppose X-UPF1 is overloaded and X-UPF1 is no longer a suitable X-UPF for executing the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF1. For example, the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF1 is SF#1 and SF#2. The service function management network element re-selects an X-UPF, such as X-UPF3, to ensure the quality of service of the path or service processing. Correspondingly, Path 3 at this time is specifically RAN → X-UPF3 → X-UPF2. The service function management network element determines the tunnel information list of the transformed network element, that is, X-UPF3. The first network element is RAN, and the service function management network element sends the tunnel information list of X-UPF3 to RAN. Optionally, the service function management network element determines the sub-service function list of the changed network element, that is, X-UPF3, which can be, for example, SF#1 and SF#2. The service function management network element sends the sub-service function list of X-UPF3 to RAN. In one possible implementation, the service function management network element sends the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of X-UPF3, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Correspondingly, RAN can re-determine the data transmission path as RAN → X-UPF3 → X-UPF2 according to the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of X-UPF3, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2; In another possible implementation, the service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF3 and an indication message, and the indication message is used to indicate the position of the changed network element in the path. For example, the indication message is used to indicate position 2. Correspondingly, RAN determines that the network element at position 2 in the path RAN → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2 has changed, and re-determines the data transmission path as RAN → X-UPF3 → X-UPF2.

[0208] Step S303: The first network element receives the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list from the service function management network element.

[0209] Among them, the network element corresponding to the second network element list includes other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list. The second network element list can be understood as a list composed of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list. The first network element list includes two or more network elements. Optionally, the first network element list can include three or more network elements. For the relevant explanations of the first network element list, please refer to the relevant descriptions in step S301.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first network element receives the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the first data includes the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0211] Among them, the relevant descriptions of the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list can refer to the relevant descriptions in step S301, which will not be elaborated here.

[0212] Optionally, the method further includes: the first network element receives the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the service function management network element, and the first data includes the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

[0213] Optionally, the first network element receives the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list from the service function management network element.

[0214] Step S304: The first network element sends the first data.

[0215] Among them, the first data includes the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. Or, the first network element encapsulates the first data and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0216] In a possible implementation, the first network element sends the first data to the next network element of the first network element in the data transmission path.

[0217] In a possible implementation, the first data may include first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or the sub-service function list of the first network element in the second network element list. Correspondingly, the first network element determines that the next network element in the specified path is the first network element in the second network element list according to the first indication information, so as to realize the data transmission and processing of the specified path.

[0218] Optionally, the first network element encapsulates the first data and the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0219] Optionally, the first network element encapsulates the first data, the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0220] In yet another possible implementation manner, an upstream rule and a downstream rule are installed on the first network element, and the following will be described from two aspects of the upstream rule and the downstream rule.

[0221] Upstream rule:

[0222] The first network element is the RAN. The first network element establishes the mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the bearer of the air interface (the transmission channel between the RAN and the terminal device). When receiving uplink data from a specific air interface bearer, encapsulate the uplink data and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. Optionally, the sub-service function list corresponding to each of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list can also be encapsulated.

[0223] The first network element is the UPF. The first network element establishes the mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the N3 tunnel (the tunnel between the RAN and the UPF). When receiving uplink data from a specific N3 tunnel, encapsulate the uplink data and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. Optionally, the sub-service function list corresponding to each of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list can also be encapsulated.

[0224] The first network element is the X-UPF. The first network element establishes the mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the NX tunnel (the tunnel between the RAN and the X-UPF or the tunnel between the UPF and the X-UPF). When receiving uplink data from a specific NX tunnel, encapsulate the uplink data and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. Optionally, the sub-service function list corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list can also be encapsulated. It should be noted that when the first network element is the X-UPF, business processing rules also need to be installed or configured on the X-UPF so that the X-UPF executes its corresponding sub-service function list.

[0225] Downlink rule:

[0226] The first network element is the X-UPF. The first network element establishes the mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the NX interface (the tunnel between the X-UPF and the data network). The first network element receives downlink data from the NX interface and encapsulates the downlink data and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. Optionally, the sub-service function list corresponding to each of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list can also be encapsulated.

[0227] The first network element is the UPF. The first network element establishes the mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the N6 interface (the tunnel between the UPF and the data network) or the address information of the terminal device. For example, the terminal device address information is the IP address of the terminal device, that is, the first network element receives downlink data from a specific N6 interface or from a specific address, and encapsulates the downlink data and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. Optionally, the sub-service function list corresponding to each of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list can also be encapsulated.

[0228] In one example, taking the uplink data transmission as an example, please refer to Figure 5 ,Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of uplink data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application. The path of this data transmission can be UPF → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2. Taking the first network element as UPF as an example for illustration, UPF establishes the mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the N3 tunnel (the tunnel between RAN and UPF). When UPF receives the uplink data payload1 from the N3 tunnel, it encapsulates the uplink data payload1 and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to obtain the encapsulated data #1. Among them, the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list includes: the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Optionally, the encapsulated data #1 can also include the sub-service function list corresponding to each of the network elements in the second network element list, that is, the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1 (for example, SF#1 and SF#2) and the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2 (SF#3). UPF sends the aforementioned encapsulated data #1 to X-UPF1 according to the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. After receiving it, X-UPF1 executes the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1, such as SF#1 and SF#2, and obtains the uplink data payload2, and then encapsulates the uplink data payload2 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 to obtain the encapsulated data #2. Optionally, the encapsulated data #2 can also include the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2. X-UPF1 sends the encapsulated data #2 to X-UPF2 according to the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Correspondingly, after receiving it, X-UPF2 executes the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2, such as SF#3.

[0229] In another example, taking downlink data transmission as an example, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6It is a schematic diagram of downlink data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application. The data transmission path can be Path 4, specifically RAN ← UPF ← X-UPF1 ← X-UPF2. The first network element is X-UPF2. X-UPF2 establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the NX interface (the tunnel between the X-UPF and the data network). X-UPF2 receives downlink data from the NX interface. X-UPF2 encapsulates the downlink data payload1 and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to obtain the encapsulated data #3. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list includes: the tunnel information of X-UPF1, the tunnel information of UPF, and the tunnel information of RAN. X-UPF2 sends the encapsulated data #3 to X-UPF1 according to the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. After receiving it, X-UPF1 encapsulates the downlink data payload2, the tunnel information of UPF, and the tunnel information of RAN to obtain the encapsulated data #4. X-UPF1 sends the encapsulated data #4 to UPF. After receiving it, UPF encapsulates the downlink data payload3 and the tunnel information of RAN to obtain the encapsulated data #5, and sends the encapsulated data #5 to RAN. After receiving it, RAN sends the downlink data payload3 to the terminal device.

[0230] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: the first network element determines the sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element and executes the sub-service function list.

[0231] Among them, the sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element can be understood as the sub-service function list supported by the current network element. Optionally, the sub-service function list includes one or more service functions. Executing the sub-service function list can be understood as processing the service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0232] Among them, the current network element is the first network element, that is, the first network element determines the sub-service function list corresponding to the first network element and executes the sub-service function list.

[0233] Optionally, the first network element can determine (or search for) the sub-service function list corresponding to the first network element based on the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0234] In one example, the current network element is the first network element, which is X-UPF1. X-UPF1 looks up the sub-service function list corresponding to the first network element from the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and determines that the sub-service function list supported by the X-UPF1 is SF#1 and SF#2. Among them, SF#1 represents layer overlay, and SF#2 represents flow recognition. The X-UPF1 executes SF#1 and SF#2, that is, the X-UPF1 performs layer overlay and flow recognition processing.

[0235] The second network element in the data transmission path will be described below, that is, other network elements except the first network element in the data transmission path. For example, the second network element can be related operations of the intermediate network element in the data transmission path. The execution method at the second network element includes at least the following method A or method B:

[0236] Method A:

[0237] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: The second network element receives the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list from the previous network element in the data transmission path.

[0238] Optionally, the relevant explanation of the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list can refer to the above step S303, which will not be elaborated here.

[0239] Among them, the previous network element is the previous network element of the second network element.

[0240] In one example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the data transmission path can be path 4, specifically RAN←UPF←X-UPF1←X-UPF2. The first network element is X-UPF2, and the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include RAN, UPF, and X-UPF1. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list can include: the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of UPF, and the tunnel information of X-UPF1. For example, when the second network element is X-UPF1, the previous network element in the data transmission path is X-UPF2, that is, UPF-1 receives the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of UPF, and the tunnel information of X-UPF1 from X-UPF2; when the second network element is UPF, the previous network element in the data transmission path is X-UPF1, that is, UPF receives the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of UPF, and the tunnel information of X-UPF1 from X-UPF1.

[0241] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: The second network element sends first data to the next network element in the data transmission path, where the first data includes a list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list; or, the second network element encapsulates the first data and the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0242] In a possible implementation, the first data further includes first indication information; or, the second network element encapsulates the first data, the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the first indication information, and sends the encapsulated data. Wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate the list of tunnel information and / or the list of sub-service functions of the Nth network element in the second network element list, and the Nth network element is the next network element of the current network element in the path, and N is a positive integer. That is to say, it can be understood that during the data transmission process, the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list does not change, but the first indication information is added, and the first indication information is used to indicate the list of tunnel information and / or the list of sub-service functions of the next network element of the second network element. In this way, the second network element determines the next network element in the specified path according to the first indication information, so as to continue data transmission and processing.

[0243] In an example, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7It is a schematic diagram of data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application. The data transmission path is specifically UPF → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2. Taking the first network element as UPF as an example, UPF establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the N3 tunnel (the tunnel between RAN and UPF). When UPF receives the uplink data payload1 from the N3 tunnel, it encapsulates the uplink data payload1 and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to obtain the encapsulated data #1. Among them, the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list includes: the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Optionally, the encapsulated data #1 further includes: the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements in the second network element list, that is, the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1 (for example, SF#1 and SF#2) and the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2 (for example, SF#3). Optionally, the encapsulated data #1 may further include a first indication information, which is used to indicate the tunnel information of X-UPF1 or the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1. UPF sends the aforementioned encapsulated data #1 to X-UPF1 according to the first indication information. After X-UPF1 receives it, it executes the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1 according to the first indication information, such as SF#1 and SF#2, to obtain the uplink data payload2. Then, X-UPF1 encapsulates the uplink data payload2 and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to obtain the encapsulated data #2. Among them, the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list includes: the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Optionally, the encapsulated data #2 further includes: the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements in the second network element list, that is, the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1 (for example, SF#1 and SF#2) and the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2 (for example, SF#3). Optionally, the encapsulated data #2 further includes: a first indication information, which is used to indicate the tunnel information of X-UPF2 or the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2. Correspondingly, after X-UPF2 receives the encapsulated data #2, it executes the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2 according to the first indication information, such as SF#3.

[0244] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element receives the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list. The first data includes the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, or the second network element encapsulates the first data and the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0245] Among them, the second network element receives the sub-service function lists respectively corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list from the previous network element in the data transmission path.

[0246] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element receives the sub-service function lists respectively corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. The above first data includes the sub-service function lists respectively corresponding to the second network element list, or the second network element encapsulates the first data and the sub-service function lists respectively corresponding to the second network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0247] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element determines the sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element and executes the sub-service function list.

[0248] Among them, the sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element can be understood as the sub-service function list supported by the current network element. Optionally, the sub-service function list includes one or more service functions. Executing the sub-service function list can be understood as processing the service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0249] Optionally, the second network element determines the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element and executes the sub-service function list. The second network element can determine the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element based on the sub-service function lists respectively corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, that is, find the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element from the sub-service function lists respectively corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0250] In an example, the second network element is X-UPF3. The X-UPF3 determines that the sub-service function list supported by the X-UPF3 is SF#1 and SF#2 from the sub-service function lists respectively corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list. Among them, SF#1 represents layer superposition, and SF#2 represents flow identification. The X-UPF3 executes SF#1 and SF#2, that is, the X-UPF3 performs layer superposition and flow identification processing.

[0251] Mode B:

[0252] In a possible implementation, the second network element receives the encapsulated data 1 and sends the encapsulated data 2.

[0253] Optionally, the encapsulated data 1 may include the second data and the tunnel information list of the second network element and other network elements after the second network element in the data transmission path. The tunnel information list includes the identification information of the network element and the tunnel identification information, and specific reference can be made to the relevant description of the above tunnel information list.

[0254] Optionally, the encapsulated data 2 may include a list of tunnel information of the third data and other network elements after the second network element. The third data may be data determined after the second network element performs the corresponding sub-service function. Or the second network element may receive the encapsulated data 1 and send the third data, and the third data includes a list of tunnel information of other network elements after the second network element.

[0255] Among them, the second network element receives the encapsulated data 1 from the previous network element in the data transmission path.

[0256] Among them, the second network element sends the encapsulated data 2 to the next network element in the data transmission path.

[0257] Among them, the second network element receives the encapsulated data 1, and the encapsulated data 1 includes a list of tunnel information of the second network element and other network elements after the second network element in the data transmission path, and sends the encapsulated data 2, and the encapsulated data 2 includes a list of tunnel information of other network elements after the second network element. The whole process can be understood as that every time a network element is passed through, the list of tunnel information of the passed network element is removed.

[0258] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element receives a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element in the data transmission path.

[0259] Optionally, the encapsulated data 1 may further include a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element respectively. Or when the second network element receives the encapsulated data 1 and sends the third data, the third data may further include a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element respectively.

[0260] Among them, the second network element receives a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element respectively from the previous network element in the data transmission path.

[0261] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element determines a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and executes the list of sub-service functions. It can be understood that the second network element may determine the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element from the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element included in the encapsulated data 1, and execute the list of sub-service functions.

[0262] In one example, the second network element determines that the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element from the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element included in the encapsulated data 1 is SF#1, where SF#1 represents layer superposition, and then the second network element performs layer superposition processing.

[0263] In Figure 3 the described method, in the above manner, the first network element can perform data transmission and processing on a specified path according to the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element. The specified path is the path of data transmission indicated by the first network element list. For example, the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes the tunnel information of network element 1, the tunnel information of network element 2, and the tunnel information of network element 3. Correspondingly, the first network element transmits data to network element 1 according to the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element, and sequentially passes through network element 2 and network element 3. Optionally, network element 1, network element 2, and network element 3 can also perform data processing. In summary, it is possible to implement data transmission and processing on a specified path within a mobile network.

[0264] Next, in conjunction with Figure 2 the shown communication system and the SMF as the enhanced network element, where the SMF can implement the functions of a service function management network element, a detailed description of the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application will be given.

[0265] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 which is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0266] Step S801: The SMF determines the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list.

[0267] Optionally, the first network element list can also be referred to as the first device list, the first network function list, the first device list, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific form. Specifically, reference can be made to the relevant description in step S301, which will not be elaborated here.

[0268] Step S802: The SMF sends the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to the first network element.

[0269] Among them, the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element. The first network element is the first network element in the path, and the first network element can be a RAN, or the first X-UPF, or the first UPF. Specifically, reference can be made to the relevant description in step S302, which will not be elaborated here.

[0270] Step S803: The first network element receives the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the SMF.

[0271] Specifically, reference can be made to the relevant description in step S303, which will not be elaborated here.

[0272] Step S804: The first network element sends the first data.

[0273] Among them, the first data includes the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. For specific reference, please refer to the relevant description in step S304, which will not be elaborated here.

[0274] In Figure 8 In the method described above, in the above manner, the first network element can perform data transmission and processing on the specified path according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list includes the tunnel information of network element 1, the tunnel information of network element 2, and the tunnel information of network element 3. Correspondingly, the first network element transmits the data to network element 1 according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list, and sequentially passes through network element 2 and network element 3. Optionally, network element 1, network element 2, and network element 3 can also perform data processing. In summary, it is possible to realize data transmission and processing on the specified path within the mobile network.

[0275] The following takes the data transmission path as RAN→UPF→X-UPF1→X-UPF2 and the first network element as RAN as an example for illustration. Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 FIG. is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0276] Step S901: The SMF obtains a service request message.

[0277] Among them, the service request message may come from a terminal device or an AF. For the relevant description of the service request message, please refer to the relevant description in step S901.

[0278] Step S902: The SMF sends the service request message to the service function management network element.

[0279] Optionally, the service request message may include one or more of the following: the location information of the terminal device, the tunnel information of the RAN, or the tunnel information of the UPF.

[0280] Step S903: The service function management network element receives the service request message.

[0281] In a possible implementation, when the SMF can implement the functions of the service function management network element, steps S902 and S903 can be omitted, and the service function management network element in steps S904-S914 can be replaced by the SMF.

[0282] Step S904: The service function management network element determines the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request based on the service request message.

[0283] Specifically, reference can be made to the relevant description in Step S301, which will not be elaborated here.

[0284] Step S905: The service function management network element determines a first network element list based on the transmission requirements.

[0285] Alternatively, the service function management network element determines the network element list other than the RAN node in the first network element list based on the transmission requirements. Specifically, reference can be made to the relevant description in Step S301, which will not be elaborated here.

[0286] Step S906: The service function management network element determines a tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list.

[0287] Specifically, reference can be made to the relevant description in Step S301, which will not be elaborated here. Among them, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include: RAN, UPF, X-UPF1, and X-UPF2 in sequence. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list includes: the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2.

[0288] Step S907: The service function management network element sends the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to the RAN node.

[0289] Among them, the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include the other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list. Optionally, the service function management network element can also send the respective sub-service function lists of the other network elements except the RAN node in the first network element list to the RAN node. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list includes: the tunnel information of UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Specifically, reference can be made to the relevant description in Step S302.

[0290] Optionally, the service function management network element can also encapsulate the data information and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list and send the encapsulated data. Or, the service function management network element can also encapsulate the data information, the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the respective sub-service function lists of the other network elements except the RAN node in the first network element list and send the encapsulated data.

[0291] Among them, steps S909, S911, S913 are similar to step S907. The processing node can encapsulate the data information and tunnel information and send the encapsulated data; or, the processing node can encapsulate the data information, tunnel information, and the sub-service functions supported by the subsequent network elements in the data transmission path and send the encapsulated data. For the specific descriptions of steps S909, S911, and S913, reference can be made to step S907, which will not be elaborated here.

[0292] Step S908: The RAN node receives the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the service function management network element.

[0293] Among them, the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include the other network elements except the RAN node in the first network element list. The RAN node can also receive the sub-service function list corresponding to each of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the service function management network element. For the specific description, reference can be made to the relevant description in step S303.

[0294] Step S909: The RAN node sends the tunnel information of the UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 to the UPF.

[0295] Optionally, the RAN node can also send the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to the UPF. Among them, the uplink rules and downlink rules can be installed on the RAN node. For the specific description, reference can be made to the relevant description in step S304.

[0296] Step S910: The UPF receives the tunnel information of the UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 from the RAN node.

[0297] Optionally, the UPF can also receive the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 from the RAN node.

[0298] Step S911: The UPF sends the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 to X-UPF1.

[0299] Optionally, the UPF can also send the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to X-UPF1.

[0300] Step S912: X-UPF1 receives the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 from the UPF.

[0301] Optionally, X-UPF1 may also receive the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 from UPF. Correspondingly, X-UPF1 may execute the sub-service functions corresponding to X-UPF1.

[0302] Step S913: X-UPF1 sends the tunnel information of X-UPF2 to X-UPF2.

[0303] Optionally, X-UPF1 may also send the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to X-UPF2.

[0304] Step S914: X-UPF2 receives the tunnel information of X-UPF2 from X-UPF1.

[0305] Optionally, X-UPF2 may also receive the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1. Correspondingly, X-UPF2 may execute the sub-service functions corresponding to X-UPF2.

[0306] In Figure 9 In the method described above, through the above method, the first network element RAN node can perform data transmission and processing on the specified path according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list includes the tunnel information of UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Correspondingly, the RAN node transmits the data to UPF according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list, and sequentially passes through X-UPF1 and X-UPF2. Optionally, X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 may also perform data processing. In summary, it is possible to implement data transmission and processing on the specified path within the mobile network.

[0307] The following takes the data transmission path as RAN→UPF→X-UPF1→X-UPF2 and the first network element as RAN as an example for illustration. Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 is an exemplary flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0308] For Step S1001-Step S1007, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in Step S901-Step S907, which will not be elaborated here.

[0309] Step S1008: The RAN node receives the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the service function management network element.

[0310] This step can refer to the relevant description in step S908 and will not be elaborated here.

[0311] Optionally, the RAN node can also receive first indication information from the service function management network element. This first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information of the UPF or the sub-service function list corresponding to the UPF. Correspondingly, the RAN node can determine that the next network element in the data transmission path is the UPF according to the first indication information.

[0312] Step S1009: The RAN node sends a list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to the UPF.

[0313] Optionally, the RAN node can also send first indication information to the UPF. This first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information of the UPF.

[0314] Optionally, the RAN node can also encapsulate the data information and the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list and send the encapsulated data. Or, the RAN node can also encapsulate the data information, the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the sub-service function lists corresponding to the other network elements except the RAN node in the first network element list and send the encapsulated data. Or the RAN node can also encapsulate the data information, the first indication information, the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the sub-service function lists corresponding to the other network elements except the RAN node in the first network element list and send the encapsulated data.

[0315] Among them, step S1011, step S1013 and step S1009 are similar. The processing node can encapsulate the data information and the tunnel information and send the encapsulated data. Or, the processing node can encapsulate the data information, the tunnel information, and the sub-service functions supported by the subsequent network elements in the data transmission path and send the encapsulated data. Or, the processing node can encapsulate the data information, the first indication information, the tunnel information, and the sub-service functions supported by the subsequent network elements in the data transmission path and send the encapsulated data. The relevant descriptions of step S1011 and step S1013 can specifically refer to step S1009 and will not be elaborated here.

[0316] Step S1010: The UPF receives the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the RAN node.

[0317] Optionally, the UPF can also receive first indication information from the RAN node. This first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information of the UPF.

[0318] Step S1011: The UPF sends the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to X-UPF1.

[0319] Optionally, the UPF may also send first indication information to the X-UPF1, where the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information of the X-UPF1 or the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the X-UPF1.

[0320] Step S1012: The X-UPF1 receives a list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the UPF.

[0321] Optionally, the X-UPF1 may also receive first indication information from the UPF, where the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information of the X-UPF1 or the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the X-UPF1, and execute the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the X-UPF1 according to the first indication information.

[0322] Step S1013: The X-UPF1 sends a list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to the X-UPF2.

[0323] Optionally, the X-UPF1 may also send first indication information to the X-UPF2, where the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information of the X-UPF2 or the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the X-UPF2.

[0324] Step S1014: The X-UPF2 receives a list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the X-UPF1.

[0325] Optionally, the X-UPF2 receives first indication information from the X-UPF1, where the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information of the X-UPF2 or the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the X-UPF2, and execute the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the X-UPF2 according to the first indication information.

[0326] In Figure 10 In the method described above, in the above manner, the first network element RAN node can perform data transmission and processing on a specified path according to the list of tunnel information of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the list of tunnel information of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list includes the tunnel information of the UPF, the tunnel information of the X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of the X-UPF2. Correspondingly, the RAN node transmits data to the UPF according to the list of tunnel information of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list and the first indication information, and sequentially passes through the X-UPF1 and the X-UPF2. Optionally, the X-UPF1 and the X-UPF2 may also perform data processing. In summary, it is possible to realize data transmission and processing on a specified path within the mobile network.

[0327] The method of the embodiments of the present application is elaborated in detail above. Below, the devices of the embodiments of the present application are provided.

[0328] Please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 which is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1100 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1100 may include modules or units corresponding one by one to the methods / operations / steps / actions executed by the service function management network element, the first network element, or the second network element in the above method embodiments. The unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software. In a possible implementation, the communication device 1100 may include a processing unit 1101 and a transceiver unit 1102, and the specific details of each unit are as follows:

[0329] The processing unit 1101 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 1102 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1102 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication module.

[0330] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1101 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module to implement the foregoing method embodiments.

[0331] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1102 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0332] It should be noted that the communication device 1100 may include a sending unit but not a receiving unit. Or, the communication device 1100 may include a receiving unit but not a sending unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above scheme executed by the communication device 1100 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0333] Optionally, the communication device 1100 is used to execute the above Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 actions performed by the service function management functional network element in the shown embodiments. Specifically, reference may be made to the relevant introductions in the above Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown embodiments, which will not be elaborated in detail here. For example, the communication device 1100 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0334] The processing unit 1101 is configured to determine a tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list, where the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes identification information of the network elements and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate a data transmission path; the transceiver unit 1102 is configured to send the tunnel information list of the other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list to the first network element, where the first network element is the first network element in the path.

[0335] Optionally, the communication device 1100 is configured to perform the actions performed by the first network element or the second network element in the above Figure 3 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrated embodiments. Specifically, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in the above Figure 3 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrated embodiments, which will not be elaborated here in detail. For example, the communication device 1100 is configured to perform the following solution:

[0336] The transceiver unit 1102 is configured to receive a tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, where the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include the other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list, the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes identification information of the network elements and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate a data transmission path; the transceiver unit 1102 is configured to send first data, where the first data includes the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

[0337] Optionally, the communication device 1100 is configured to perform the actions performed by the second network element in the above Figure 3 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrated embodiments. Specifically, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in the above Figure 3 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrated embodiments, which will not be elaborated here in detail. For example, the communication device 1100 is configured to perform the following solution:

[0338] The transceiver unit 1102 is configured to receive the encapsulated data 1, where the encapsulated data 1 includes second data, a second network element in the data transmission path, and a list of tunnel information of other network elements after the second network element, and the list of tunnel information includes identification information of the network element and tunnel identification information; the transceiver unit 1102 is configured to send the encapsulated data 2, where the encapsulated data 2 includes third data and a list of tunnel information of other network elements after the second network element.

[0339] It should be noted that the implementation and beneficial effects of each module can also be correspondingly referred to Figure 3 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown. The division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0340] The processing unit 1101 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver unit 1102 can be implemented by a communication interface, an input or output circuit, a transceiver, or transceiver-related circuits. The transceiver unit 1102 can also be referred to as a communication module or a communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0341] Please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 which is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1200 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1200 includes at least one processor 1201 and a communication interface 1203. Optionally, it further includes a memory 1202. The processor 1201, the memory 1202, and the communication interface 1203 are interconnected through a bus 1204. Optionally, the processor 1201 and the memory 1202 can be integrated together.

[0342] The memory 1202 includes, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a cache, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The memory 1202 is used for relevant computer programs and data. The communication interface 1203 is used to receive and send data.

[0343] The processor 1201 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the processor 1201 is a single CPU, it can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0344] The processor 1201 in the communication device 1200 is used to read the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 1202 to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing unit, and the communication interface 1203 in the communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned transceiver unit.

[0345] An embodiment of this application also provides a chip device, which includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is used to call the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the above Figure 3 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 the methods provided in the embodiments shown.

[0346] In a possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any one of the embodiments shown in the above Figure 3 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 embodiments, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any one of the embodiments shown in the above Figure 3 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 embodiments.

[0347] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory through an interface.

[0348] Optionally, the chip device further includes a memory, and computer program instructions are stored in the memory.

[0349] An embodiment of this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer programs or instructions are stored. When the computer programs or instructions run on a processor, the methods executed by the service function management function network element, the first network element, or the second network element in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0350] An embodiment of this application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer programs or instructions. When the computer programs or instructions run on a processor, the methods executed by the service function management function network element, the first network element, or the second network element in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0351] The embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, which includes the service function management function network element in the above embodiment and the first network element in the above embodiment. The service function management network element is used to execute some or all of the operations executed by the service function management network element in the above method embodiment, and the first network element is used to execute some or all of the operations executed by the first network element in the above method embodiment.

[0352] It can be understood that the processor in the embodiment of the present application may be a CPU, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), graphical processing units (GPUs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0353] The method steps in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented in a hardware manner or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions may be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules may be stored in a random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, removable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may be located in a base station, a terminal, or a core network device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may also exist as discrete components in a base station, a terminal, or a core network device.

[0354] 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 programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are executed in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable devices. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center in a wired or wireless manner. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium can be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or can include both volatile and non-volatile types of storage media.

[0355] In various embodiments of the present application, if there is no special description and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0356] In the description of the present application, terms such as "first", "second", "S301", or "S302" are only used for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and facilitating the context of the text. The different sequence numbers themselves do not have specific technical meanings, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor as indicating or implying the execution order of operations. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0357] The term "and / or" in the present application is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Among them, A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, the character " / " in this article indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0358] In this application, "transmission" may include the following three cases: sending of data, receiving of data, or sending and receiving of data. In this application, "data" may include service data and / or signaling data.

[0359] In this application, the term "comprising" or "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process / method that includes a series of steps, or a system / product / device that includes a series of units, is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or are inherent to these processes / methods / products / devices.

[0360] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, for the number of nouns, it means "singular noun or plural noun", that is, "one or more". "At least one" means one or more. "Including at least one of the following: A, B, C." means that it may include A, or include B, or include C, or include A and B, or include A and C, or include B and C, or include A, B, and C. Where A, B, and C may be single or multiple.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, including: determine a list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list, where the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes identification information of the network elements and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate the path of data transmission; send the list of tunnel information of the other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element, where the first network element is the first network element in the path.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first network element list includes three or more network elements.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The network elements corresponding to the first network element list include one or more of the following: Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes, a first User Plane Function (UPF), or a second User Plane Function (UPF), where the second UPF supports service functions.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: determine the first network element list according to the service request message; or, determine the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes according to the service request message.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The determining the first network element list according to the service request message; or determining the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes according to the service request message includes: determine the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; determine the first network element list based on the transmission requirements; or determine the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes based on the transmission requirements.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The transmission requirements include one or more of the following: latency, bandwidth, or data transmission range.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein The determining the first network element list according to the service request message includes: determine the service function list corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; determine at least one second UPF in the first network element list based on the service function list, where the at least one second UPF supports the service function list.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that The service request message includes the location information of the terminal device. The determining the first network element list according to the service request message; or determining the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes according to the service request message includes: determine the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device; or determine the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes according to the location information of the terminal device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the second UPF #1 in the first network element list does not support the first function in the service function list corresponding to the service request, deploy the first function in the second UPF #1.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: send the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list to the first network element.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: if the network elements in the first network element list change, send the list of tunnel information of the changed network elements to the first network element.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: send the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network elements to the first network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: if the changed network elements do not support the second function in the sub-service function list, deploy the second function in the changed network elements.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, including: Receive a list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, where the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include the network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list, the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes the identification information of the network element and the tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate the path of data transmission; Send first data, where the first data includes the list of tunnel information of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The first network element list includes three or more network elements.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein The method further includes: Receive the list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the first data includes the list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The method further includes: Determine the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the current network element; Execute the sub-service functions corresponding to the list of sub-service functions.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein: The first data includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the list of tunnel information and / or the list of sub-service functions of the first network element in the second network element list, or, The first indication information is used to indicate the list of tunnel information and / or the list of sub-service functions of the Nth network element in the second network element list, where the Nth network element is the next network element of the current network element in the path, and N is a positive integer.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the list of tunnel information of the changed network element.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the changed network element.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the second network element, it includes: Receive encapsulated data 1, where the encapsulated data 1 includes second data, the second network element in the path of data transmission, and the list of tunnel information of the other network elements after the second network element, and the tunnel information list includes the identification information of the network element and the tunnel identification information; Send encapsulated data 2, where the encapsulated data 2 includes third data and the list of tunnel information of the other network elements after the second network element.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The method further includes: Receive the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and the other network elements after the second network element in the path of data transmission, and the encapsulated data 2 includes the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the other network elements after the second network element.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The method further includes: Determine the list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element; Execute the sub-service functions corresponding to the list of sub-service functions.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module or unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1-13.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module or unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 14-20.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module or unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 21-23.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor calls a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-13.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor invokes a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 14-20.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor invokes a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 21-23.

30. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes: the device according to claim 27, the device according to claim 28, and the device according to claim 29.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program or instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when it runs on a processor, it implements the method according to any one of claims 1-23.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions run on a computer, it implements the method according to any one of claims 1-23.

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