Communication method and device

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, applied to the technical field of communications, the method comprising: receiving a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, the first session being a session of a first Internet of Things; and sending a second data packet to a second user plane function network element according to the first person network and a first corresponding relationship, the first corresponding relationship comprising a corresponding relationship between information of the second user plane function network element and information of at least one person network served by the second user plane function network element, the service data included in the second data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet. The first corresponding relation can comprise the corresponding relation between the information of the second user plane function network element and a plurality of Internet of characters served by the second user plane function network element, and cross-regional communication between different members of the same Internet of characters can be realized through the first corresponding relation.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In personal businesses oriented to consumers (to consumers, to C), multiple terminal devices can be grouped together, such as various terminal devices in a home forming a group. Similarly, in businesses oriented to enterprises (to businesses, to B), multiple terminal devices can also be grouped together, such as the terminal devices of enterprise employees forming a group. Such a group composed of multiple terminal devices can be called a personal Internet of Things network. Members of a personal Internet of Things network may need to communicate across regions, and for this purpose, a connection needs to be established between members of the personal Internet of Things network that communicate across regions. Taking the personal Internet of Things network in a home as an example, if a terminal device that moves to another place needs to access the terminal device at home, it needs to establish a connection with the terminal device at home. Therefore, how to achieve cross-regional communication between different members of the same personal Internet of Things network is a technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus for enabling cross-region communication between different terminal devices in the same personal Internet of Things network.

[0004] In the first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a device including the first user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a chip (or, chip system) or other functional module. The chip or functional module can realize the function of the first user plane functional network element. For example, the chip or functional module is set in the first user plane functional network element without restriction.

[0005] Taking the first user plane function network element as the execution entity as an example, the method may include: the first user plane function network element receives a first data packet from the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the first session is a session of the first personal Internet network; according to the first personal Internet network and the first correspondence, a second data packet is sent to the second user plane function network element, wherein the first correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the second user plane function network element and the information of at least one personal Internet network served by the second user plane function network element, the at least one personal Internet network includes the first personal Internet network, and the business data included in the second data packet is the same as the business data included in the first data packet.

[0006] Optionally, the personal internet of things network can be called a PIN (personal internet of things network), or a personal home (or enterprise, or campus) network, or a group network, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the naming of the personal internet of things network.

[0007] In the above embodiment, the first correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the second user plane functional network element and the information of at least one personal Internet of Things network it serves, so that the personal Internet of Things network to which the session belongs and the first correspondence can be used to determine whether the target user plane functional network element of the service data received based on the session is the second user plane functional network element. In the embodiment of the present application, the first personal Internet of Things network to which the first session belongs is included in the at least one personal Internet of Things network, which means that even if the first terminal device and the second terminal device (the target terminal device of the first data packet) in the first personal Internet of Things network are located in different areas, the first user plane functional network element can also send the service data of the first data packet to the second user plane functional network element that provides services for the second terminal device based on the first personal Internet of Things network and the first correspondence, so that the service data of the first data packet is transmitted to the second terminal device through the second user plane functional network element, thereby realizing cross-regional communication between different terminal devices of the same personal Internet of Things network.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element sends a second data packet to the second user plane function network element based on the first personal Internet of Things network and the first correspondence. This may be as follows: the first user plane function network element determines, based on the first personal Internet of Things network and the first correspondence, that the target user plane function network element for the first data packet is the second user plane function network element; and sends the second data packet to the second user plane function network element based on endpoint information of the second user plane function network element, where the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element is used to transmit service data of at least one personal Internet of Things network, and the header of the second data packet includes an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network. For example, the first user plane function network element may determine the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element, and, based on the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element, send the second data packet to the second user plane function network element.

[0009] Optionally, the endpoint information may include a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID) and an Internet protocol (IP) address, without limitation.

[0010] In the above implementation, the endpoint information of the second user plane functional network element can be used to transmit service data for multiple personal Internet of Things networks. This means that the first user plane functional network element can achieve cross-regional communication with the second user plane functional network element for multiple personal Internet of Things networks through a single tunnel. Compared to the need to establish different tunnels for different personal Internet of Things networks during cross-regional communication, this can reduce the number of tunnels established between user plane functional network elements during cross-regional communication, facilitating tunnel management. Because the tunnel establishment process consumes network resources, the above implementation can reduce the number of tunnels established between the first user plane functional network element and the second user plane functional network element, thereby reducing network resource consumption and improving network resource utilization.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may also receive a third data packet from the second user plane function network element, wherein the header of the third data packet includes an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; determine the first session based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; and send a fourth data packet to the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the service data included in the fourth data packet is the same as the service data included in the third data packet.

[0012] In the above implementation method, the first user plane functional network element can transmit the service data from the second user plane functional network element to the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, thereby realizing cross-regional communication between different terminal devices of the same personal Internet of Things network.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may further send a fifth data packet to the second user plane function network element, wherein a header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the first information is used to indicate that the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network has been released. For example, the first user plane function network element may send the fifth data packet to the second user plane function network element based on the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element.

[0014] In the above implementation method, the header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first person-to-person network, and the first information is used to indicate that the first session of the first person-to-person network has been released, so that the second user-side functional network element can promptly release information related to the first person-to-person network (for example, the third corresponding relationship) to improve the utilization of storage resources.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may further receive a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal internet of things network; the first session is established according to the first message, thereby establishing the first session of the first personal internet of things network. Optionally, the first user plane function network element may store a correspondence between the first session and the first personal internet of things network.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the information of the at least one personal Internet of Things network may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the at least one personal Internet of Things network, mask information of the at least one personal Internet of Things network, or a first identification range; wherein the identifier of the at least one personal Internet of Things network belongs to the first identification range.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the second user plane function network element may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the second user plane function network element, domain name information of the second user plane function network element, or address information of the second user plane function network element.

[0018] On the second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a device including the first user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a chip (or, chip system) or other functional module, and the chip or functional module can realize the function of the first user plane functional network element. For example, the chip or functional module is set in the first user plane functional network element without restriction.

[0019] Taking the first user plane functional network element as the execution entity as an example, the method may include: the first user plane functional network element receives a first data packet from the first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of the first data network, and the first session is a session of the first person-to-person network; according to the first data network and the second correspondence, a second data packet is sent to the second user plane functional network element, wherein the second correspondence includes a correspondence between information of the second user plane functional network element and information of at least one data network supported by the second user plane functional network element, the at least one data network includes the first data network, and the service data included in the second data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet.

[0020] In the above embodiment, the second correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the second user plane functional network element and the information of at least one data network supported by it, so that the data network to which the session belongs and the second correspondence can be used to determine whether the target user plane functional network element of the service data received based on the session is the second user plane functional network element. In the embodiment of the present application, the first data network to which the first session belongs is included in the at least one data network, which means that even if the first terminal device and the second terminal device (the target terminal device of the first data packet) in the first personal Internet network are located in different areas, the first user plane functional network element can also send the service data of the first data packet to the second user plane functional network element providing services for the second terminal device based on the first data network and the second correspondence, so that the service data of the first data packet is transmitted to the second terminal device through the second user plane functional network element, thereby realizing cross-regional communication between different terminal devices of the same personal Internet of Things network.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element sends a second data packet to the second user plane function network element based on the first data network and the second correspondence. This can be as follows: the first user plane function network element determines that the target user plane function network element of the first data packet is the second user plane function network element based on the first data network and the second correspondence; and sends the second data packet to the second user plane function network element based on the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element, wherein the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element is used to transmit service data of at least one personal Internet of Things network, the at least one personal Internet of Things network including the first personal Internet of Things network, and the header of the second data packet includes an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network. For example, the first user plane function network element can determine the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element, and send the second data packet to the second user plane function network element based on the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may also receive a third data packet from the second user plane function network element, wherein the header of the third data packet includes an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; determine the first session based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; and send a fourth data packet to the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the service data included in the fourth data packet is the same as the service data included in the third data packet.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may also send a fifth data packet to the second user plane function network element, wherein the header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the first information is used to indicate that the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network has been released.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may further receive a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal internet of things network, and the first message includes an identifier of the first data network; and the first session is established according to the first message. Optionally, the first user plane function network element may further store a correspondence between the first data network and the first session.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the information of the at least one data network may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the at least one data network, mask information of the at least one data network, or a second identifier range; wherein the identifier of the at least one data network belongs to the second identifier range.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the second user plane function network element may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the second user plane function network element, domain name information of the second user plane function network element, or address information of the second user plane function network element.

[0027] For the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible implementation method of the above-mentioned second aspect, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible implementation method of the above-mentioned first aspect, and no further details will be given.

[0028] On the third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a second user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a device including a second user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a chip (or, chip system) or other functional module, and the chip or functional module can realize the function of the second user plane functional network element. For example, the chip or functional module is set in the second user plane functional network element without restriction.

[0029] Taking the second user plane function network element as the execution entity as an example, the method may include: the second user plane function network element receives a second data packet from the first user plane function network element, and the header of the second data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; determines a third corresponding relationship, and the third corresponding relationship includes the correspondence between the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network and the information of the first user plane function network element; sends a sixth data packet to the second terminal device according to the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the business data included in the sixth data packet is the same as the business data included in the second data packet.

[0030] In the above embodiment, the second user plane function network element can send service data from the first user plane function network element to the second terminal device, thereby enabling cross-region communication between different terminal devices in the same personal Internet of Things network. Furthermore, the second user plane function network element determines a third correspondence, and can then send service data to the first user plane function network element based on the third correspondence, thereby enabling cross-region communication between different terminal devices in the same personal Internet of Things network.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the second user plane function network element may also receive a seventh data packet from the second terminal device, wherein the seventh data packet includes an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; and according to the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network and the third correspondence, send a third data packet to the first user plane function network element, wherein the header of the third data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the service data included in the third data packet is the same as the service data included in the seventh data packet.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the second user plane function network element sends the third data packet to the first user plane function network element based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network and the third correspondence. This may be as follows: the second user plane function network element determines that the target user plane function network element for the seventh data packet is the first user plane function network element based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network and the third correspondence; and sends the third data packet to the first user plane function network element based on the endpoint information of the first user plane function network element, where the endpoint information of the first user plane function network element is used to transmit service data of at least one personal Internet of Things network, including the first personal Internet of Things network. For example, the second user plane function network element may determine the endpoint information of the first user plane function network element, and send the third data packet to the first user plane function network element based on the endpoint information of the first user plane function network element.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the second user plane function network element may also receive a fifth data packet from the first user plane function network element, wherein the header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the first information is used to indicate that the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network has been released; and the third correspondence is deleted according to the first information.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element sends the sixth data packet to the second terminal device according to the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network. This can be: the first user plane function network element determines the second session of the first personal Internet of Things network according to the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; and sends the sixth data packet to the second terminal device based on the second session.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the first user plane function network element may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the first user plane function network element, domain name information of the first user plane function network element, or address information of the first user plane function network element.

[0036] For the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible implementation method of the third aspect mentioned above, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible implementation method of the first aspect mentioned above, and no further details will be given.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a device including a first user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a chip (or, chip system) or other functional module. The chip or functional module can realize the function of the first user plane functional network element. For example, the chip or functional module is set in the first user plane functional network element without restriction.

[0038] Taking the first user plane function network element as the execution entity as an example, the method may include: the first user plane function network element receives a first data packet from the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the first session is a session of the first personal Internet network; according to the first personal Internet network and the first correspondence, an eighth data packet is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the first correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the first user plane function network element and the information of at least one personal Internet network served by the first user plane function network element, and the at least one personal Internet network served by the first user plane function network element includes the first personal Internet network, and the business data included in the eighth data packet is the same as the business data included in the first data packet.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the first correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the first user plane function network element and the information of at least one personal Internet of Things network it serves. In this way, through the personal Internet of Things network to which the session belongs and the first correspondence, it can be determined whether the target user plane function network element of the service data received based on the session is the first user plane function network element, thereby enabling same-area communication between different terminal devices in the same personal Internet of Things network.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element sending the eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the first personal Internet of Things network and the first correspondence may include: the first user plane function network element determining, based on the first personal Internet of Things network and the second correspondence, that the target user plane function network element for the first data packet is the first user plane function network element; determining a third session of the first personal Internet of Things network; and sending the eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the third session. For example, the first user plane function network element may determine the third session based on an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may further receive a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal internet of things network; the first session is established according to the first message, thereby establishing the first session of the first personal internet of things network. Optionally, the first user plane function network element may store a correspondence between the first session and the first personal internet of things network.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the information of the at least one personal Internet of Things network may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the at least one personal Internet of Things network, mask information of the at least one personal Internet of Things network, or a first identification range; wherein the identifier of the at least one personal Internet of Things network belongs to the first identification range.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the first user plane function network element may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the first user plane function network element, domain name information of the first user plane function network element, or address information of the first user plane function network element.

[0044] For the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible implementation method of the fourth aspect mentioned above, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible implementation method of the first aspect mentioned above, and no further details will be given.

[0045] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a device including a first user plane functional network element, or can also be executed by a chip (or, chip system) or other functional module. The chip or functional module can realize the function of the first user plane functional network element. For example, the chip or functional module is set in the first user plane functional network element without restriction.

[0046] Taking the first user plane functional network element as the execution entity as an example, the method may include: the first user plane functional network element receives a first data packet from the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the first session is a session of the first data network, and the first session is a session of the first person-to-person network; according to the first data network and the second correspondence, an eighth data packet is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the first user plane functional network element and the information of at least one data network supported by the first user plane functional network element, and the at least one data network supported by the first user plane functional network element includes the first data network, and the service data included in the eighth data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the second correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the first user plane functional network element and the information of at least one data network supported by it. In this way, through the data network to which the session belongs and the second correspondence, it can be determined whether the target user plane functional network element of the service data received based on the session is the first user plane functional network element, thereby enabling same-area communication between different terminal devices in the same personal Internet of Things network.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element sending the eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the first data network and the second correspondence may include: the first user plane function network element determining, based on the first data network and the second correspondence, that the target user plane function network element for the first data packet is the first user plane function network element; determining a third session of the first personal internet of things network; and sending the eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the third session. For example, the first user plane function network element may determine the third session based on an identifier of the first personal internet of things network.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the first user plane function network element may further receive a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal internet of things network, and the first message includes an identifier of the first data network. The first session is established according to the first message, thereby establishing the first session of the first personal internet of things network. Optionally, the first user plane function network element may further store a correspondence between the first data network and the first session.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the information of the at least one data network may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the at least one data network, mask information of the at least one data network, or a second identifier range; wherein the identifier of the at least one data network belongs to the second identifier range.

[0051] In a possible implementation manner, the information of the first user plane function network element may include one or more of the following: an identifier of the first user plane function network element, domain name information of the first user plane function network element, or address information of the first user plane function network element.

[0052] For the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible implementation method of the above-mentioned fifth aspect, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by any possible implementation method of the above-mentioned first aspect, and no further details will be given.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device that can be used to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication device can, for example, be a first user plane function network element.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the communication device may include a baseband device and a radio frequency device.

[0055] In another possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module (sometimes also referred to as a processing unit) and a transceiver module (sometimes also referred to as a transceiver unit). The transceiver module can implement both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver module implements the sending function, it may be referred to as a sending module (sometimes also referred to as a sending unit); when the transceiver module implements the receiving function, it may be referred to as a receiving module (sometimes also referred to as a receiving unit). The sending module and the receiving module may be the same functional module, referred to as a transceiver module, which is capable of both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending module and the receiving module may be different functional modules, with the transceiver module being a general term for these functional modules.

[0056] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which can be used to execute the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication device can be, for example, a second user plane function network element communication device.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the communication device may include a baseband device and a radio frequency device.

[0058] In another possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module (sometimes also referred to as a processing unit) and a transceiver module (sometimes also referred to as a transceiver unit). The transceiver module can implement both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver module implements the sending function, it may be referred to as a sending module (sometimes also referred to as a sending unit); when the transceiver module implements the receiving function, it may be referred to as a receiving module (sometimes also referred to as a receiving unit). The sending module and the receiving module may be the same functional module, referred to as a transceiver module, which is capable of both sending and receiving functions; alternatively, the sending module and the receiving module may be different functional modules, with the transceiver module being a general term for these functional modules.

[0059] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes one or more of the following: the communication device described in the sixth aspect above, or the communication device described in the seventh aspect above.

[0060] In a ninth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, which may include one or more processors configured to execute the method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0061] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory, wherein the memory is used to store one or more computer programs or instructions, and the one or more processors are used to execute the one or more computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects above and any possible implementation method thereof.

[0062] In the tenth aspect, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer executes the method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects above and any possible implementation method thereof.

[0063] In the eleventh aspect, the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the method described in any one of the above-mentioned first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation method thereof.

[0064] In a twelfth aspect, the present application further provides a chip system, comprising a processor configured to execute the method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of a chip, or the chip system may also include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0065] The technical effects that can be achieved by the above-mentioned sixth to twelfth aspects and any possible implementation methods thereof may refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the above-mentioned first to fifth aspects and any possible implementation methods thereof, and no repetition will be given. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture;

[0067] Figure 1b A schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a point-to-point interface;

[0068] Figure 1c This is a schematic diagram of another 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interfaces;

[0069] Figure 2a A schematic diagram of an architecture for cross-regional communication provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of another cross-region communication architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 3 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 4 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 5 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Figure 6 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] The network architecture and business scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. For example, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, fifth generation (5G) communication systems, or new radio (NR) systems, and can also be applied to future communication systems or other similar communication systems. The embodiments of this application are described using the 5G mobile communication system as an example. When the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are applied to other communication systems, the devices, components, modules, etc. in the embodiments can be replaced with corresponding devices, components, modules in other communication systems without limitation.

[0079] Figure 1a Provided is a network architecture for a 5G communication system based on a service-oriented architecture. The network architecture may include user equipment (UE) and an operator network portion. The network architecture may also include a data network (DN) and / or an application function (AF) network element.

[0080] A UE, also known as a terminal device or terminal, is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water (such as ships); or in the air (such as on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). Specifically, a UE can be a mobile phone, a tablet, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal used in industrial control, a wireless terminal used in self-driving cars, a wireless terminal used in remote medical care, a wireless terminal used in smart grids, a wireless terminal used in transportation safety, a wireless terminal used in smart cities, a wireless terminal used in smart homes, a terminal device used in the Internet of Things (IoT) (such as terminal devices in smart factories and smart manufacturing), or a terminal device supporting SparkLink short-range communication technology.

[0081] The operator network may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following network elements: a network storage function network element, an access management function network element, a policy control function network element, a unified data management network element, a session management function network element, a user plane function network element, and an access network (AN). The portion of the operator network other than the access network may be referred to as the core network (CN). In one possible implementation, the operator network may also include an AF.

[0082] The above-mentioned terminal device can establish a connection with the operator network through the interface provided by the operator network (such as N1, etc.), and use the data and / or voice services provided by the operator network. The terminal device can also access the DN through the operator network, use the operator services deployed on the DN, and / or services provided by a third party. Among them, the above-mentioned third party may be a service provider other than the operator network and the terminal device, and can provide data and / or voice services to the terminal device. Among them, the form of expression of the above-mentioned third party can be determined according to the actual application scenario and is not limited here.

[0083] The following is an introduction to some network elements in the core network.

[0084] The network storage function network element is responsible for providing network element discovery functions and providing network element information corresponding to the network element type based on requests from other network elements. Optionally, the network storage function network element can also provide network element management services, such as network element registration, update, deregistration, and network element status subscription and push. In the 5G communication system, the network storage function network element can be a network storage function network element (network repository function, NRF) network element. In future communication systems, the network storage function network element can also have other names, which are not limited.

[0085] The access management function (AMF) network element is responsible for access control and mobility management for terminal devices accessing the operator's network. For example, it performs functions such as mobility status management, allocating temporary user identities, authentication, and authorization. In 5G communication systems, this AMF network element may be the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the AMF network element may have other names, which are not limited.

[0086] The unified data management network element is responsible for generating authentication credentials, user identification processing (such as storing and managing user permanent identities), and contract data management. In 5G communication systems, this unified data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In future communication systems, this unified data management network element can also have other names, which are not limited.

[0087] The session management function (SMF) network element is primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, or release. The SMF network element can also allocate Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to users and select user plane function (UPF) network elements that provide message forwarding functions. In 5G communication systems, the SMF network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the SMF network element may have other names, which are not limited.

[0088] The policy control function network element mainly provides policy rules and is responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to policy decisions. In the 4G communication system, the policy control function network element can be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. In the 5G communication system, the policy control function network element can be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In future communication systems, the policy control function network element can also have other names, which are not limited. The PCFs to which the AMF and SMF are connected correspond to AM PCF (PCF for access and mobility control) and SM PCF (PCF for session management), respectively, and may not be the same PCF entity in actual deployment scenarios.

[0089] The user plane function network element is responsible for receiving and forwarding user data. For example, it can receive user data from the DN and transmit it to the terminal device via the access network equipment. The user plane function network element can also receive user data from the terminal device via the access network equipment and forward it to the DN. In 5G communication systems, this user plane function network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane function network element may have other names, which are not limited.

[0090] AN includes AN equipment. The AN equipment is used to connect the terminal device to the wireless network. As a node in the access network, the AN equipment can also be called an access network element, a base station, a radio access network (RAN) node (or device, or network element), an access point (AP), a small tower, etc. For example, the next generation node B (gNB) in the 5G communication system, the evolved node B (eNB) in the LTE system, the radio network controller (RNC), the node B (NB), the base station controller (BSC), the base transceiver station (BTS), the home node B (HNB), the baseband unit (BBU), the wireless fidelity (WiFi) access point, the transmission reception point (TRP), the transmission point (TP), or the mobile switching center, etc.

[0091] It should be noted that in communication systems using different radio access technologies, the devices that function as base stations may vary. For example, in 5G communication systems, this device may be called a gNB or 5G NodeB; in LTE systems, this device may be called an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB); and in third-generation (3G) communication systems, it may be called a NodeB.

[0092] A DN is a network located outside of a mobile communications system that provides services to users. For example, a DN can be a packet data network (PDN), such as the Internet, an Internet Protocol Multimedia Service (IMS) network, certain application-specific data networks, Ethernet, or an Internet Protocol (IP) local network. A DN can deploy a variety of services, providing data and / or voice services to terminal devices. A DN can contain multiple application servers (ASs), each of which can provide at least one service.

[0093] The AF primarily communicates application-side requirements to the network, such as quality of service (QoS) requirements or user status event subscriptions. The AF can be a third-party functional entity or an application service deployed by an operator, such as the IMS voice call service.

[0094] As above, Figure 1a This section mainly introduces the network elements that may be involved in various embodiments of this application. Figure 1a The communication system shown may also involve other network elements. For example, the core network may further include one or more of the following: a unified data repository (UDR) network element, a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, an authentication server function (AUSF) network element, or a network exposure function (NEF) network element, etc. Figure 1a Not shown in the figure.

[0095] Figure 1a Where, Nnrf, Namf, Npcf, Nsmf, Nudm, Naf, N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface serial numbers. The meanings of these interface serial numbers can be found in the definitions of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard protocol and are not limited here.

[0096] The 5G network architecture supports 3GPP-defined radio access technologies (RATs) for access to the core network. 3GPP-defined RATs include long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G RAN. The 5G network architecture also supports non-3GPP (N3G) access technologies through the non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) or the next-generation packet data gateway (ngPDG).

[0097] When the 5G core network supports untrusted non-3GPP access, the 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interfaces is as follows: Figure 1bAs shown. The access network includes a 3GPP access network and an untrusted non-3GPP access network. Access devices in the 3GPP access network may be referred to as RAN devices. Access devices in the untrusted non-3GPP access network may be referred to as N3IWF devices. N3IWF devices may include, for example, routers.

[0098] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interfaces. The functions of the network elements can be referred to in Figure 1a The introduction of the functions of the corresponding network elements will not be repeated here. Figure 1b and Figure 1a The main differences are: Figure 1b The interfaces between the network elements in the network are point-to-point interfaces, and Figure 1a The interfaces between the various network elements in the network are service-oriented interfaces. Figure 1b N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, N11, NWu, and Y1 are interface serial numbers. The meanings of these interface serial numbers can be found in the 3GPP standard protocol and are not limited thereto.

[0099] When the 5G core network supports trusted non-3GPP access and / or wired network access, the 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interfaces is as follows: Figure 1c As shown. If the 5G core network supports trusted non-3GPP access, the access network includes a 3GPP access network and a trusted non-3GPP access network, and the access device in the trusted non-3GPP access network can be called a trusted non-3GPP access gateway (TNGF). If the 5G core network supports wired network access, the access network includes a 3GPP access network and a wired network, such as a fixed home network, and the TNGF is replaced by a wired access gateway (W-AGF) ( Figure 1c The access network equipment between the UE and the access gateway may include a WLAN access point, a fixed access network (FAN), a switch, a router, etc.

[0100] Figure 1c This is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interfaces. The functions of the network elements can be referred to in Figure 1a The introduction of the functions of the corresponding network elements will not be repeated here. Figure 1c and Figure 1a The main differences are: Figure 1c The interfaces between the network elements in the network are point-to-point interfaces, and Figure 1aThe interfaces between the various network elements in the network are service-oriented interfaces. Figure 1c N1, N2, N3, N6, N11, NWu, and Uu are interface serial numbers. The meanings of these interface serial numbers can be found in the 3GPP standard protocol and are not limited thereto.

[0101] It can be seen that the core network can adopt Figure 1a The 3GPP access core network architecture and service interface shown, or can be used Figure 1b or Figure 1c The network architecture and point-to-point interface protocol shown.

[0102] It is understandable that Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b and Figure 1c The network elements or functions shown in any of the communication architectures can be network components in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). In one possible implementation, the network elements or functions can be implemented by a single device, by multiple devices, or as a functional module within a single device, without limitation.

[0103] In addition, for the sake of convenience, the device names mentioned in this application may omit the word "network element". For example, SMF network element and SMF have the same meaning. For another example, UPF network element and UPF have the same meaning.

[0104] It should be understood that Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b and Figure 1c Any of the communication systems shown in the does not constitute a limitation on the communication systems applicable to the embodiments of the present application. The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to various communication systems, such as: LTE communication system, 5G communication system, 6G communication system and future communication system, vehicle to everything (V2X), LTE-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle network, machine type communications (MTC), IoT, LTE-machine to machine (LTE-M), machine to machine (M2M), Internet of Things, etc.

[0105] In addition, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the names of the network elements in the communication system. For example, in communication systems of different standards, each network element may have other names; for example, when multiple network elements are integrated into the same physical device, the physical device may also have other names.

[0106] Next, the technical features involved in the embodiments of this application are introduced.

[0107] In consumer-oriented personal services, multiple terminal devices can be grouped together, such as the various terminal devices in a home. Similarly, in enterprise-oriented services, multiple terminal devices can also be grouped together, such as the terminal devices of enterprise employees. Such a group consisting of multiple terminal devices can be referred to as a personal internet of things (PIoT) network. In other words, a PIoT network can be understood as a network consisting of at least one terminal device, a subnetwork consisting of at least one terminal device, or a group consisting of at least one terminal device. For example, a PIoT network can be a network consisting of at least one terminal device in a home. Another example is a PIoT network consisting of at least one terminal device in an enterprise (or campus). A PIoT network can be referred to as a PIN (personal internet of things network), a personal home (or enterprise, or campus) network, a group network, a subnet, a network, a PIN subnet, or a PIN group, etc. The present embodiments do not limit the naming of PIoT networks. For ease of description, the following description uses the PIoT network as an example.

[0108] Figure 2a A network architecture for an inter-regional communication system is provided. Figure 2a Take the PIN in the home as an example. Optionally, the home can be replaced by a campus, or an enterprise, etc. Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b or Figure 1c The system architecture shown in the figure mainly enhances the functions of UPF.

[0109] The enhanced UPF is mainly responsible for receiving and forwarding user data of PINs in the entire public land mobile network (PLMN), or for receiving and forwarding user data of all or part of the PINs in an area in the PLMN. The enhanced UPF can still be called UPF, or can also be called PIN-UPF, or can also be called X-UPF. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the name of the enhanced UPF. For the convenience of description, the following description uses PIN-UPF as an example. The number of PIN-UPFs deployed in the PLMN can be one or more, without limitation. Unless otherwise specified, the following description uses the deployment of multiple PIN-UPFs in the PLMN as an example. One PIN-UPF or multiple PIN-UPFs can be deployed in one area, without limitation. Figure 2a In the example, one PIN-UPF is deployed in one area. For example, PIN-UPF1 is deployed in area 1 and is responsible for receiving and forwarding user data of all PINs in area 1; PIN-UPF2 is deployed in area 2 and is responsible for receiving and forwarding user data of all PINs in area 2; PIN-UPF3 is deployed in area 3 and is responsible for receiving and forwarding user data of all PINs in area 3. Connections can be established between PIN-UPFs in different areas, such as establishing an N19 connection, to achieve cross-area communication. A connection can be established between the PIN-UPF and the DN, or not. Figure 2a Indicated by dotted line.

[0110] One or more SMFs can be deployed in an area to be responsible for the session management of PINs in the area. The SMF deployed in this area can still be called SMF, or can also be called local SMF (denoted as L-SMF), or can also be called X-SMF. The embodiment of this application does not limit the name of the SMF deployed in this area. For the sake of distinction, the following description will take SMF as an example. Connections can be established between multiple SMFs in one area. Connections can be established between multiple SMFs in different areas, or they may not be established. Figure 2a A connection can be established between the PIN-UPF and the SMF in the area served by the PIN-UPF.

[0111] In a possible implementation, one or more UPFs may be deployed in an area to be responsible for receiving and forwarding user data of PINs in the area, such as Figure 2bAs shown. The UPF deployed in this area can still be called UPF, or it can also be called local UPF (denoted as L-UPF). The embodiment of the present application does not limit the name of the UPF deployed in this area. For the sake of distinction, the following text takes L-UPF as an example. Multiple L-UPFs in an area can establish a connection, such as establishing an N19 connection, or they can not establish a connection, without limitation. A PIN-UPF can establish a connection with the L-UPF in the area served by the PIN-UPF, such as establishing an N19 connection.

[0112] It should be noted that N19 is an interface serial number, and its meaning can be referred to as the meaning defined in the 3GPP standard protocol without limitation. In the embodiments of the present application, the interface between the PIN-UPF and the PIN-UPF can still be referred to as the N19 interface, or the N19+ interface, or the N20 interface, or the Nx interface, etc., without limitation. Figure 2a and Figure 2b N19+ is taken as an example.

[0113] It should be pointed out that Figure 2a and Figure 2b The communication system shown may also involve other network elements, such as AMF, UDM, UDR, NRF, etc., which can be referred to in the aforementioned Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b or Figure 1c Any of the communication systems shown in the figure will not be described in detail. Figure 2a and Figure 2b In FIG, the division of area 1, area 2 and area 3 is represented by a thick dashed line. In addition, this application does not limit the division rules of each area.

[0114] PIN members may need to communicate across regions, so a connection needs to be established between PIN members communicating across regions. For example, if a terminal device that moves to another place needs to access a terminal device at home, a connection needs to be established between the terminal device at home. Figure 2a or Figure 2b PIN network gateway capability device (PEGC) 1 and UE2 are members of PIN1. UE2 moves from area 1 to area 2. When UE2 needs to communicate with PEGC1, a connection must be established between UE2 and PEGC1. Therefore, how to achieve cross-area communication between different members of the same PIN is a technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0115] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method and apparatus for realizing cross-region communication between different terminal devices with the same PIN. Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b 、 Figure 1c 、 Figure 2a or Figure 2b In any of the communication systems shown in, but not limited to this. The following first introduces the technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0116] For the sake of convenience of description, the first user plane function network element is referred to as the first UPF, the second user plane function network element is referred to as the second UPF, the session management function network element is referred to as SMF, and the access management function network element is referred to as AMF.

[0117] The first UPF can be Figure 2a or Figure 2b The PIN-UPF or components in the PIN-UPF in the network architecture shown can also be Figure 2b The L-UPF or components in the L-UPF in the network architecture shown are not limited. In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present application, the first UPF is used as the following text unless otherwise specified. Figure 2a or Figure 2b Take the PIN-UPF in the network architecture shown as an example.

[0118] The first SMF can be Figure 2a or Figure 2b The SMF or components in the SMF in the network architecture shown are not limited. The first SMF and the first UPF are located in the same area.

[0119] The second UPF can be Figure 2a or Figure 2b The PIN-UPF or components in the PIN-UPF in the network architecture shown can also be Figure 2b The L-UPF or components in the L-UPF in the network architecture shown are not limited. If the second UPF is a PIN-UPF (or a component in a PIN-UPF), the second UPF and the first UPF are located in different areas. In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the second UPF is referred to as Figure 2a or Figure 2b Take the PIN-UPF in the network architecture shown as an example.

[0120] In the embodiments of the present application, the connection established between UPFs can be referred to as a tunnel, a channel, or a transmission path, without limitation. The tunnel can be a General Packet Radio Service Tunnel Protocol User Plane (GTP-U) tunnel, or a tunnel defined by other protocols, without limitation. For ease of understanding, the following text uses a tunnel as an example.

[0121] For ease of description, the embodiment of the present application refers to the tunnel established between the first UPF and the second UPF as the first tunnel. The first tunnel can be used to transmit the business data of one PIN or for transmitting the business data of multiple PINs. For example, if the first UPF and the second UPF are two L-UPFs in the same area or are L-UPF and PIN-UPF in the same area, then the first tunnel can be used to transmit the business data of one PIN. Alternatively, if the first UPF and the second UPF are PIN-UPFs in different areas, then the first tunnel can be used to transmit the business data of one PIN or for transmitting the business data of multiple PINs. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the rules for dividing areas.

[0122] The term "PIN" involved in the embodiments of this application can be replaced by "personal Internet of Things network", "business data of at least one PIN" can be replaced by "business data of one PIN or business data of multiple PINs", and "business data of a data packet" can be replaced by "business data included in the data packet". No further details will be given below.

[0123] Figure 3 FIG1 shows a flow chart of the first communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, terminal devices under the same PIN can achieve cross-region communication through the first corresponding relationship. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0124] S301: The first terminal device sends a first data packet to the first UPF based on the first session.

[0125] Accordingly, the first UPF receives a first data packet from the first terminal device based on the first session.

[0126] The first session may be a session for the first PIN. The first session being a session for the first PIN may be understood as: the first session belongs to the session for the first PIN; or may also be understood as: the first session can be used for communication between terminal devices within the first PIN. The first session may be, for example, a protocol data unit (PDU), without limitation.

[0127] The business data included in the first data packet may be video data, picture data, documents, messages, or signaling, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the implementation form of the business data.

[0128] For example, the first terminal device may initiate a first session establishment process and send a first data packet to the first user plane function network element based on the first session. In one embodiment, the first session establishment process may include the following steps:

[0129] In step A1, the first terminal device may send a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the PDU session establishment request message from the first terminal device.

[0130] The PDU session establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a first session. Optionally, the PDU session establishment request message can be carried by a UL NAS transport message, that is, the first terminal device can send a UL NAS transport message to the AMF, and the UL NAS transport message includes the PDUsession establishment request message, without limitation. The UL NAS transport message or the PDUsession establishment request message may include a first data network name (data network name, DNN), or include an identifier (identity, ID) of a first PIN, or include a DNN and a first PIN ID. The first data network name can be understood as the name of the first data network, which is used to identify the first data network. The first data network is related to the first PIN. For example, the first data network name can identify the first PIN.

[0131] Step A2: AMF selects the first SMF.

[0132] After receiving the PDU session establishment request message, the AMF can select an SMF to provide services for the first session. In this embodiment, the AMF selects the first SMF to provide services for the first session. For example, the AMF can select the first SMF based on the first DNN; or, the AMF can select the first SMF based on the first PIN ID; or, the AMF can select the first SMF based on the first DNN and the first PIN ID. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the implementation process of the AMF selecting the first SMF. The first SMF and the first UPF are located in the same area. Optionally, if the UL NAS transport message does not include the first PIN ID, the AMF can obtain the first PIN ID from the UDM. Optionally, if the UL NAS transport message does not include the first DNN, the AMF can obtain the first DNN from the UDM. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the implementation process of the AMF obtaining the first PIN ID or the first DNN from the UDM.

[0133] Among them, the first SMF and the first UPF are located in the same area, which can be understood as: the first SMF supports providing services for the first UPF; or it can also be understood as: the PIN of the first SMF service overlaps or partially overlaps with the PIN of the first UPF service; or it can also be understood as: the communication range of the first SMF overlaps or partially overlaps with the communication range of the first UPF, without restriction.

[0134] The first SMF that provides services for the first session is selected by the AMF. In another embodiment, the first SMF that provides services for the first session may also be selected by the NRF. That is, the NRF may select the first SMF and send a second message to the AMF, where the second message is used to indicate the first SMF (for example, the second message may include information about the first SMF); accordingly, the AMF receives the second message and determines the first SMF based on the second message. Exemplarily, the AMF may send a third message to the NRF, where the third message includes a first PIN ID and / or a first DNN; the NRF receives the third message, selects the first SMF based on the third message, and sends the second message to the AMF. For example, the NRF determines (or queries) at least one SMF that supports providing services for the first session based on the first PIN ID and / or the first DNN, and selects one SMF (i.e., the first SMF) from the at least one SMF to provide services for the first session. Optionally, the third message may be used to request the SMF that provides services for the first session.

[0135] Optionally, when the first SMF is selected by the NRF, that is, when the AMF queries the first SMF from the NRF, the NRF may also determine (or store, or maintain, or record, or establish) a fourth correspondence. The fourth correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the first SMF and the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF, or includes the correspondence between the information of the first SMF and the information of at least one PIN served by the first SMF, or includes the correspondence between the information of the first SMF and the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF and the correspondence between the information of the first SMF and the information of at least one PIN served by the first SMF. For example, the first SMF may send second information to the NRF, and the second information includes the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF and / or the information of at least one PIN served by the first SMF; the NRF receives the second information and determines the fourth correspondence based on the second information. In an embodiment of the present application, the at least one DN supported by the first SMF includes the first DN. The at least one PIN served by the first SMF includes the first PIN.

[0136] The information of the first SMF is used to identify the first SMF. In one embodiment, the information of the first SMF may include the identifier of the first SMF; or, the information of the first SMF may include the domain name information of the first SMF; or, the information of the first SMF may include the address information of the first SMF; or, the information of the first SMF may include the identifier of the first SMF and the domain name information of the first SMF; or, the information of the first SMF may include the identifier of the first SMF and the address information of the first SMF; or, the information of the first SMF may include the domain name information of the first SMF and the address information of the first SMF; or, the information of the first SMF may include the identifier of the first SMF, the domain name information of the first SMF and the address information of the first SMF. The domain name information of the first SMF may be the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the first SMF, without limitation. The address information of the first SMF may be the IP address of the first SMF, without limitation.

[0137] The information of at least one PIN of the first SMF service is used to identify the at least one PIN. In one embodiment, the information of at least one PIN of the first SMF service may include the identification of at least one PIN; or, the information of at least one PIN of the first SMF service may include the mask information (and / or mask length value) of at least one PIN; or, the information of at least one PIN of the first SMF service may include a third identification range; or, the information of at least one PIN of the first SMF service may include the identification of at least one PIN and the mask information of at least one PIN; or, the information of at least one PIN of the first SMF service may include the identification of at least one PIN and the third identification range; or, the information of at least one PIN of the first SMF service may include the mask information of at least one PIN and the third identification range; or, the information of at least one PIN of the first SMF service may include the identification of at least one PIN, the mask information of at least one PIN and the third identification range.

[0138] The identifier of at least one PIN may be referred to as at least one PIN ID, without limitation. The at least one PIN ID may be included in a PIN ID list, i.e., the PIN ID list includes at least one PIN ID. The PIN ID may be a string or an integer value. The embodiments of this application do not limit the implementation of the PIN ID.

[0139] The mask information of the at least one PIN may include a mask parameter, or information obtained by masking the identifier of the at least one PIN or the domain name information of the at least one PIN based on the mask parameter, or information obtained by masking the identifier of the at least one PIN or the domain name information of the at least one PIN based on the mask parameter. For example, if the PIN ID is user1.beijing.PIN.com, the mask parameter may be 0.255.255.255, and the information obtained by masking the PIN ID based on the mask parameter may be 0.beijing.PIN.com.

[0140] The third identification range can be understood as the range to which the PIN ID of the first SMF support service belongs. The identification of at least one PIN of the first SMF service belongs to the third identification range. In the embodiment of the present application, the third identification range includes the identification of the first PIN. The identification of the first PIN belongs to the third identification range. For example, the third identification range is expressed as 100-200, which means that at least one PIN ID of the first SMF service belongs to 100-200.

[0141] The information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF is used to identify the at least one DN. In one embodiment, the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF may include the identification of at least one DN; or, the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF may include the mask information of at least one DN; or, the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF may include the second identification range; or, the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF may include the identification of at least one DN and the mask information of at least one DN; or, the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF may include the identification of at least one DN and the second identification range; or, the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF may include the mask information of at least one DN and the second identification range; or, the information of at least one DN supported by the first SMF may include the identification of at least one DN, the mask information of at least one DN and the second identification range.

[0142] The identifier of at least one DN supported by the first SMF may be, for example, the name of at least one DN, that is, at least one DNN, without limitation. The at least one DNN may be included in a DNN list, that is, the DNN list includes at least one DNN. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the implementation form of the DN identifier.

[0143] The mask information of the at least one DN supported by the first SMF may include a mask parameter, or include information obtained by masking the identifier of the at least one DN or the domain name information of the at least one DN based on the mask parameter, or include the mask parameter and information obtained by masking the identifier of the at least one DN or the domain name information of the at least one DN based on the mask parameter. For the mask information of the DN, please refer to the mask information of the PIN and will not be repeated here.

[0144] The fourth identification range can be understood as the range to which the identification of at least one DN supported by the first SMF belongs. The identification of at least one DN supported by the first SMF belongs to the second identification range, that is, the second identification range includes the identification of the at least one DN.

[0145] For example, the mask parameter is a wildcard identifier (such as "*"), and the first SMF reports to the NRF its supported DNN = *.beijing.PIN.com., and the NRF can select the first SMF based on partial information in the DNN. For example, when the first DNN is user1.beijing.PIN.com, the NRF can match the partial information in the first DDN (e.g., beijing.PIN.com) with the DNN = *.beijing.PIN.com. reported by the first SMF, select the first SMF for the first DNN, and send the second message to the AMF.

[0146] As another example, the first SMF reports to the NRF that its supported fourth identifier range is User1 to User100.beijing.PIN.com. When the first DNN is user15.beijing.PIN.com, the NRF can match User1 to User100.beijing.PIN.com based on partial information in the first DDN (for example, beijing.PIN.com), and User 15 belongs to User1 to User100, select the first SMF for the first DNN, and send the second message to the AMF.

[0147] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the implementation process of the NRF selecting the first SMF.

[0148] In step A3, the AMF sends a PDU session establishment request message to the first SMF. Correspondingly, the first SMF receives the PDU session establishment request message from the SMF.

[0149] The PDU session establishment request message can be carried by the CreateSMContextRequest message without restriction. That is, the AMF sends a CreateSMContextRequest message to the first SMF, and the CreateSMContextRequest message includes the PDU session establishment request message. Optionally, the CreateSMContextRequest message or the PDU session establishment request message may include the first DNN, or include the first PIN ID, or include the first DNN and the first PIN ID. Optionally, if the CreateSMContextRequest message does not include the first PIN ID, the first SMF may obtain the first PIN ID from the UDM. Optionally, if the CreateSMContextRequest message does not include the first DNN, the first SMF may obtain the first DNN from the UDM. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the implementation process of the first SMF obtaining the first PIN ID or the first DNN from the UDM.

[0150] Step A4: The first SMF establishes a correspondence between the first PIN and the first session.

[0151] The first SMF may establish (or store, or maintain, or record) a correspondence between the first PIN and the first session. The correspondence between the first PIN and the first session may also be replaced by a correspondence between the first PIN ID and the first session, or may also be replaced by a correspondence between the first PIN ID and the identifier of the first session. In other words, the first SMF may maintain a correspondence between a PIN and at least one session associated with the PIN.

[0152] Step A5: The first SMF selects the first UPF.

[0153] The first SMF may select a UPF to provide services for the first session. In this embodiment, the first SMF selects the first UPF to provide services for the first session. For example, the first SMF may select the first UPF based on the first DNN, or the first SMF may select the first UPF based on the first PIN ID, or the first SMF may select the first UPF based on the first DNN and the first PIN ID. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the implementation process of the first SMF selecting the first UPF.

[0154] Step A6: The first SMF sends a first message to the first UPF. Correspondingly, the first UPF receives the first message from the first SMF.

[0155] The first message may be used to request establishment of a first session for a first PIN. The first message includes a first PIN ID. Optionally, the first message may be a packet forwarding control protocol (PFCP) session establishment request (PFCF session establishment request) message, without limitation.

[0156] Step A7: The first UPF establishes a first session according to the first message.

[0157] The first UPF may establish a first session in response to the first message, for example, assigning an IP address to the first terminal device, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the implementation process of the first UPF establishing the first session. In the embodiment of the present application, the first UPF may associate the first PIN with the first session; in other words, the first UPF may store the correspondence between the first PIN (or first PIN ID) and the user plane GTP-U tunnel of the first session; in other words, the first UPF may establish (or store, or maintain, or record) the correspondence between the first PIN (or first PIN ID) and the first session (or the identifier of the first session).

[0158] Step A8: The first SMF sends a PDU session establishment accept message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the PDU session establishment accept message from the first SMF.

[0159] The PDU session establishment accept message is used to indicate that the establishment of the first session is complete. Optionally, the PDU session establishment accept message can be carried by a CreateSMContextResponse message without limitation. For example, the first SMF can send a CreateSMContextResponse message to the AMF, and the CreateSMContextResponse message includes a PDU session establishment accept message.

[0160] In step A9, the AMF sends a PDU session establishment accept message to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the PDU session establishment accept message from the AMF.

[0161] After receiving the PDU session establishment accept message, the AMF may send the PDU session establishment accept message to the first terminal device. Optionally, the PDU session establishment accept message may be carried by a DL NAS transport message. For example, the AMF may send a DL NAS transport message to the first terminal device, and the DL NAS transport message includes the PDU session establishment accept message.

[0162] At this point, the first session is established. Afterwards, the first terminal device can transmit service data through the user plane of the first session. It should be understood that the establishment process of the first session in the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0163] In S301, the first terminal device sends the first data packet to the first UPF. This can be: the first terminal device sends the first data packet to the access network device that provides access services for the first terminal device; the access network device receives the first data packet from the first terminal device and forwards the first data packet to the first UPF; the first UPF receives the first data packet.

[0164] S302: The first UPF sends a second data packet to the second UPF according to the first PIN and the first corresponding relationship.

[0165] Accordingly, the second UPF receives the second data packet from the first UPF.

[0166] The service data included in the second data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet, or the payload portion of the second data packet is the same as the payload portion of the first data packet. The header of the second data packet includes the identifier of the first PIN. For example, the first UPF can encapsulate a header (e.g., a GTP-U header) outside the first data packet to obtain the second data packet, and the header carries the first PIN ID, without limitation.

[0167] The first correspondence may include a correspondence between the information of the second UPF and the information of at least one PIN served (or connected) by the second UPF, or the first correspondence may be a correspondence between the information of the second UPF and the information of at least one PIN served (or connected) by the second UPF. The at least one PIN served by the second UPF includes the first PIN. This first correspondence may also be referred to as a static correspondence, and the present embodiment does not limit the naming of the first correspondence.

[0168] The information of the second UPF is used to identify the second UPF. In one embodiment, the information of the second UPF may include the identification of the second UPF; or, the information of the second UPF may include the domain name information of the second UPF; or, the information of the second UPF may include the address information of the second UPF; or, the information of the second UPF may include the identification of the second UPF and the domain name information of the second UPF; or, the information of the second UPF may include the identification of the second UPF and the address information of the second UPF; or, the information of the second UPF may include the domain name information of the second UPF and the address information of the second UPF; or, the information of the second UPF may include the identification of the second UPF, the domain name information of the second UPF and the address information of the second UPF. Among them, the domain name information of the second UPF may be the FQDN of the second UPF, without limitation. The address information of the second UPF may be the IP address of the second UPF, without limitation.

[0169] The information of the at least one PIN served by the second UPF is used to identify the at least one PIN. In one embodiment, the information of the at least one PIN served by the second UPF may include the identifier of the at least one PIN; or, the information of the at least one PIN served by the second UPF may include the mask information (and / or mask length value) of the at least one PIN; or, the information of the at least one PIN served by the second UPF may include the first identifier range; or, the information of the at least one PIN served by the second UPF may include the identifier of the at least one PIN and the mask information of the at least one PIN; or, the information of the at least one PIN served by the second UPF may include the identifier of the at least one PIN and the first identifier range; or, the information of the at least one PIN served by the second UPF may include the mask information of the at least one PIN and the first identifier range; or, the information of the at least one PIN served by the second UPF may include the identifier of the at least one PIN, the mask information of the at least one PIN, and the first identifier range. The first identifier range can be understood as the range of PIN IDs supported by the second UPF. The identifier of the at least one PIN served by the second UPF is included in the first identifier range. In other words, the first identifier range includes the identifier of the first PIN. For details about the identifier of the at least one PIN, the mask information of the at least one PIN, and the first identifier range, please refer to the relevant description in S301 and will not be repeated here.

[0170] In a possible implementation, the first UPF may establish (or store, or maintain, or record) the first correspondence. For example, the first UPF may establish the first correspondence before S302. Figure 3Not shown. For example, the first UPF may establish (or store, or maintain, or record) a correspondence (or static correspondence) between the information of the UPF that is connected to the first UPF (and / or has been connected to the first UPF) and the information of at least one PIN served by the UPF, as shown in Table 1. The correspondence between the information of the UPF that is connected to the first UPF (and / or has been connected to the first UPF) and the information of at least one PIN served by the UPF includes a first correspondence. Among them, the UPF that is connected to the first UPF (and / or has been connected to the first UPF) may include an L-UPF, or may include a PIN-UPF, or may include an L-UPF and a PIN-UPF, without limitation. In an embodiment of the present application, the UPF that is connected to the first UPF (and / or has been connected to the first UPF) includes a second UPF. The number of UPFs that are connected to the first UPF (and / or have been connected to the first UPF) may be one or more, without limitation. Table 1 shows UPF 1, UPF 2, and UPF 3 as examples. Optionally, there are multiple UPFs that establish a connection with the first UPF (and / or have previously established a connection with the first UPF). Accordingly, the first UPF may establish multiple static relationships, which may form a static correspondence group. The information about the UPF may refer to the information about the second UPF, and the information about at least one PIN served by the UPF may refer to the information about at least one PIN served by the second UPF. Details are omitted.

[0171] Table 1

[0172] UPF Information Information about at least one PIN for UPF service UPF 1 information PIN 1 information, PIN 2 information UPF 2 Information PIN 2 information UPF 3 information PIN 1 information, PIN 3 information

[0173] In S302, the first UPF sends a second data packet to the second UPF based on the first PIN and the first correspondence. In one embodiment, the first UPF determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is the second UPF based on the first PIN (or the first PIN ID, or the information of the first PIN) and the first correspondence, and sends the second data packet to the second UPF based on the endpoint information of the second UPF. For example, the first UPF determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is the second UPF based on the first PIN and the first correspondence, obtains the endpoint information of the second UPF, and sends the second data packet to the second UPF based on the endpoint information of the second UPF. For example, the first UPF can obtain the endpoint information of the second UPF in response to establishing a tunnel between the first UPF and the second UPF for the first PIN, so as to establish a first tunnel for transmitting at least one PIN; or, after the first tunnel is established, the first UPF can obtain the endpoint information of the second UPF in response to receiving the first data packet of the first PIN, so as to forward the business data included in the first data packet to the second UPF through the first tunnel. This embodiment of the application does not limit the triggering conditions for the first UPF to obtain the endpoint information of the second UPF.

[0174] For example, if the first correspondence is between the information of a second UPF and the identifier of at least one PIN served by the second UPF, PIN-UPF1 determines that the identifier of the at least one PIN includes the identifier of the first PIN and determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is PIN-UPF2. For another example, if the first correspondence is between the information of the second UPF and the mask information of at least one PIN served by the second UPF, and the mask information includes information obtained by masking the identifier of the at least one PIN based on a mask parameter, if the information obtained by masking the identifier of the first PIN matches the mask information in the first correspondence, PIN-UPF1 determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is PIN-UPF2. For another example, if the first correspondence is between the information of the second UPF and a first identifier range, PIN-UPF1 determines that the identifier of the first PIN falls within the first identifier range and determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is PIN-UPF2.

[0175] Among them, the endpoint information of the second UPF can include TEID and IP address, without limitation. The endpoint information of the second UPF can be understood as: the endpoint information of the first tunnel on the second UPF side. The first tunnel can be used to transmit the business data of at least one PIN. For the description of the first tunnel, please refer to the above content and will not be repeated. For example, the first UPF sends a second data packet to the second UPF through the first tunnel; accordingly, the second UPF receives a second data packet from the first UPF through the first tunnel. The at least one PIN includes the first PIN. That is, the endpoint information of the second UPF can be used to transmit the business data of the at least one PIN.

[0176] The second UPF and the first UPF can be located in different areas, that is, the second UPF and the first UPF are both PIN-UPF. In this case, the endpoint information of the second UPF can be used to transmit the business data of one or more PINs. This means that the first UPF can realize cross-regional communication of multiple PINs with the second UPF through one tunnel. Compared with the need to establish different tunnels for different PINs during cross-regional communication, the number of tunnels established between UPFs during cross-regional communication can be reduced, which facilitates tunnel management. Since the tunnel establishment process requires the consumption of network resources, the above implementation method can reduce the number of tunnels established between the first UPF and the second UPF, thereby reducing the consumption of network resources and improving the utilization of network resources.

[0177] Alternatively, the second UPF and the first UPF may be located in the same area, that is, the first UPF is a PIN-UPF and the second UPF is an L-UPF. In this case, the endpoint information of the second UPF can be used to transmit service data of a PIN (ie, the first PIN).

[0178] Optionally, the first UPF may further establish (or store, or maintain, or record) a correspondence (or static correspondence) between the information of the first UPF and the information of at least one PIN served by the first UPF, without limitation. For example, the first correspondence may further include a correspondence between the information of the first UPF and the information of at least one PIN served by the first UPF, thereby enabling intra-regional communication between different terminal devices with the same PIN.

[0179] The information of the first UPF may include an identifier of the first UPF; or the information of the first UPF may include domain name information of the first UPF; or the information of the first UPF may include address information of the first UPF; or the information of the first UPF may include the identifier of the first UPF and domain name information of the first UPF; or the information of the first UPF may include the identifier of the first UPF and address information of the first UPF; or the information of the first UPF may include domain name information of the first UPF and address information of the first UPF; or the information of the first UPF may include the identifier of the first UPF, domain name information of the first UPF, and address information of the first UPF. For the domain name information of the first UPF, please refer to the domain name information of the second UPF. For the address information of the first UPF, please refer to the address information of the second UPF, and no further details will be given.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the first UPF receives a first data packet from the first terminal device based on the first session; and sends an eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the first PIN and the first correspondence, wherein the first correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the first UPF and the information of at least one PIN served by the first UPF, and the at least one PIN served by the first UPF includes the first PIN. For example, the first UPF determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is the first UPF (or determines that cross-regional communication is not required) based on the first PIN and the first correspondence, and sends the eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the third session of the first PIN. For example, the first UPF can determine the third session based on the first PIN and / or the destination address of the first data packet (i.e., the address of the second terminal device). The business data included in the eighth data packet is the same as the business data included in the first data packet, or the payload part of the eighth data packet is the same as the payload part of the first data packet. For the establishment process of the third session, please refer to the establishment process of the first session and will not be repeated. It should be pointed out that, Figure 3 The cross-region communication is described as an example.

[0181] S303: The second UPF determines a third corresponding relationship.

[0182] After the second UPF receives the second data packet, it can determine (or store, or record, or maintain, or establish) a third correspondence. The third correspondence can also be called a dynamic correspondence, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the naming of the third correspondence. The third correspondence may include a correspondence between the identifier of the first PIN (or the first PIN, or the information of the first PIN) and the information of the first UPF; or, the third correspondence is a correspondence between the identifier of the first PIN (or the first PIN, or the information of the first PIN) and the information of the first UPF. For example, the second UPF parses the second data packet to obtain the identifier of the first PIN, and establishes a third correspondence based on the identifier of the first PIN. For example, the second UPF parses the header of the second data packet (for example, the GTP-U header) to obtain the identifier of the first PIN.

[0183] Exemplarily, the second UPF may determine (or store, or record, or maintain, or establish) the correspondence between the identifier of the PIN carried by at least one data packet received by the second UPF and the source UPF. The at least one data packet includes the second data packet. That is, the correspondence between the identifier of the PIN carried by at least one data packet received by the second UPF and the source UPF includes a third correspondence. It can be understood that the correspondence between the identifier of the PIN carried by at least one data packet received by the second UPF and the source UPF may be one or more dynamic correspondences. Optionally, the multiple dynamic correspondences may form a dynamic correspondence group.

[0184] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, static correspondence and dynamic correspondence are relative concepts. Static correspondence (e.g., first correspondence) is stored in advance, for example, when a connection is established between UPFs (e.g., when the connection is first established), and is updated (or modified) less frequently. Dynamic correspondence (e.g., third correspondence) is dynamically maintained in response to a received data packet (e.g., when a data packet is first received), and is updated (or modified) more frequently.

[0185] S304: The second UPF sends a sixth data packet to the second terminal device according to the identifier of the first PIN.

[0186] Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the sixth data packet from the second UPF.

[0187] The service data included in the sixth data packet is the same as the service data included in the second data packet, or the payload portion of the sixth data packet is the same as the payload portion of the second data packet. In other words, the service data included in the sixth data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet, or the payload portion included in the sixth data packet is the same as the payload portion included in the first data packet.

[0188] Exemplarily, the second UPF determines the second session for the first PIN based on the identifier of the first PIN and / or the destination address of the second data packet (i.e., the address of the second terminal device), and sends a sixth data packet to the second terminal device based on the second session. For example, the second UPF parses the header of the second data packet to obtain the identifier of the first PIN, determines the second session based on the identifier of the first PIN, deletes the header of the second data packet to obtain the sixth data packet, and sends the sixth data packet to the second terminal device based on the second session. For example, the second UPF stores a correspondence between the identifier of the first PIN and at least one session for the first PIN, the at least one session including the second session; the second UPF determines the second session based on the identifier of the first PIN and the correspondence between the identifier of the first PIN and the at least one session for the first PIN, and sends the sixth data packet to the second terminal device based on the second session. For another example, the second UPF parses the second data packet to obtain the destination address of the second data packet, determines the second session based on the destination address of the second data packet, deletes the header of the second data packet to obtain the sixth data packet, and sends the sixth data packet to the second terminal device based on the second session. The establishment of the second session is similar to the establishment of the first session and will not be further described.

[0189] At this point, the service data included in the first data packet is successfully transmitted to the second terminal device.

[0190] Optionally, the first communication method described above may further include: the second terminal device sends a seventh data packet to the second UPF, the seventh data packet including the identifier of the first PIN; the second UPF may receive the seventh data packet from the second terminal device and, based on the identifier of the first PIN and the third correspondence, send a third data packet to the first UPF, the header of the third data packet including the identifier of the first PIN; the first UPF receives the third data packet and, based on the identifier of the first PIN and / or the destination address of the third data packet (i.e., the address of the first terminal device), sends a fourth data packet to the first terminal device; the first terminal device receives the fourth data packet from the first UPF based on the first session. For example, the second terminal device may send the seventh data packet to the second UPF based on the second session, and accordingly, the second UPF receives the seventh data packet from the second terminal device based on the second session.

[0191] Exemplarily, the second UPF sends the third data packet to the first UPF based on the identifier of the first PIN and the third correspondence. This can be as follows: the second UPF determines that the target UPF of the seventh data packet is the first UPF based on the identifier of the first PIN and the third correspondence, and sends the third data packet to the first UPF based on the endpoint information of the first UPF. The endpoint information of the first UPF can be used to transmit business data of at least one PIN. The endpoint information of the first UPF can refer to the endpoint information of the second UPF, which will not be repeated. For example, the second UPF can determine the endpoint information of the first UPF, and send the third data packet to the first UPF based on the endpoint information of the first UPF. For the method of determining the endpoint information of the first UPF, please refer to the method of determining the endpoint information of the second UPF, which will not be repeated.

[0192] Exemplarily, the first UPF sends the fourth data packet to the first terminal device according to the identifier of the first PIN and / or the destination address of the third data packet. This can be as follows: the first UPF sends the fourth data packet to the first terminal device based on the first session according to the identifier of the first PIN and / or the destination address of the third data packet. For example, the first UPF determines the first session according to the identifier of the first PIN and / or the destination address of the third data packet. For example, the first UPF stores a correspondence between the identifier of the first PIN and at least one session, and the at least one session includes the first session; the first UPF determines the first session according to the identifier of the first PIN and the correspondence between the identifier of the first PIN and at least one session, and sends the fourth data packet to the first terminal device based on the first session. For another example, the first UPF parses the fourth data packet, obtains the destination address of the fourth data packet (i.e., the address of the first terminal device), determines the first session according to the destination address of the third data packet, and sends the fourth data packet to the first terminal device based on the first session.

[0193] The service data included in the third data packet is the same as the service data included in the seventh data packet, or the payload portion of the third data packet is the same as the payload portion of the seventh data packet. The service data included in the fourth data packet is the same as the service data included in the third data packet, or the payload portion of the fourth data packet is the same as the payload portion of the third data packet. In other words, the service data included in the fourth data packet is the same as the service data included in the seventh data packet, or the payload portion of the fourth data packet is the same as the payload portion of the seventh data packet.

[0194] Optionally, the above-mentioned first communication method may further include: the first UPF may send a fifth data packet to the second UPF, the header of the fifth data packet including the first information and the identifier of the first PIN; the second UPF receives the fifth data packet from the first UPF, and deletes (or releases) the third correspondence according to the first information. The first information can be used to indicate that the first session of the first PIN has been released. The first information may be, for example, an end marker, which is not limited. For example, the first UPF determines that the first session has been released and may send the fifth data packet to the second UPF. For example, the first UPF may send the fifth data packet to the second UPF through the first tunnel. Through this implementation method, the second UPF can delete the third correspondence and promptly release the storage resources occupied by the third correspondence, thereby reducing the waste of storage resources.

[0195] The following combination Figure 4 The first communication method mentioned above is introduced in detail. Figure 4 As shown, the first communication method described above may include the following. A first terminal device is located in area 1 and is denoted as UE1. A second terminal device is located in area 2 and is denoted as UE2. UE1 and UE2 are different UEs within the first PIN. A first UPF is located in area 1 and is denoted as PIN-UPF1. A second UPF is located in area 2 and is denoted as PIN-UPF2. A first SMF is located in area 1 and is denoted as SMF1. Area 1 and area 2 are different areas.

[0196] S401: PIN-UPF1 establishes a connection with PIN-UPF2.

[0197] For example, a first tunnel is established between PIN-UPF1 and PIN-UPF2. For example, PIN-UPF1 obtains endpoint information of PIN-UPF2, which can be used to transmit service data of at least one PIN. For example, PIN-UPF2 can obtain endpoint information of PIN-UPF1, which can be used to transmit service data of at least one PIN. The at least one PIN includes the first PIN. This embodiment of the application does not limit the implementation process for establishing the connection between PIN-UPF1 and PIN-UPF2.

[0198] S402: PIN-UPF1 establishes a first correspondence.

[0199] The first correspondence includes information about the PIN-UPF2 and information about at least one PIN served by the PIN-UPF2. The implementation process of S402 is described in S302 and will not be repeated here.

[0200] S403: UE1 sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the PDU session establishment request message from UE1.

[0201] The PDU session establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a first session, such as requesting the establishment of a first session for a first PIN. Optionally, the PDU session establishment request message may be carried by a UL NAS transport message without limitation. The UL NAS transport message or the PDU session establishment request message may include a first DNN and / or a first PIN ID.

[0202] S404: AMF selects SMF1.

[0203] AMF selects SMF1 to provide services for the first session. For the implementation process of S404, please refer to the description in S301 and will not be repeated here.

[0204] S405: AMF sends a PDU session establishment request message to SMF1. Correspondingly, SMF1 receives the PDU session establishment request message from AMF.

[0205] The PDU session establishment request message can be carried by the CreateSMContextRequest message without limitation. That is, the AMF sends a CreateSMContextRequest message to SMF1, and the CreateSMContextRequest message includes the PDU session establishment request message. For the implementation process of S405, please refer to the description in S301 and will not be repeated here.

[0206] S406: SMF1 selects PIN-UPF1.

[0207] SMF1 selects PIN-UPF1 to provide services for the first session. Please refer to the above description for the implementation process of S406, which will not be repeated here.

[0208] S407: SMF1 sends a first message to PIN-UPF1. Correspondingly, PIN-UPF1 receives the first message from SMF1.

[0209] The first message may be used to request establishment of a first session of the first PIN. The first message includes the first PIN ID. Optionally, the first message may be a PFCP session establishment request message, without limitation.

[0210] S408: PIN-UPF1 establishes a correspondence between the first PIN and the first session.

[0211] For the implementation process of S408, please refer to the description in S301 and will not be repeated here.

[0212] S409: PIN-UPF1 establishes a first session according to the first message.

[0213] PIN-UPF1 may establish a first session in response to the first message. In this embodiment of the present application, PIN-UPF1 may associate the first PIN with the first session; in other words, PIN-UPF1 may store the correspondence between the first PIN (or first PIN ID) and the user plane GTP-U tunnel of the first session; in other words, PIN-UPF1 may establish (or store, or maintain, or record) the correspondence between the first PIN (or first PIN ID) and the first session (or the identifier of the first session).

[0214] S410: SMF1 sends a PDU session establishment accept message to AMF. Correspondingly, AMF receives the PDU session establishment accept message from SMF1.

[0215] The PDU session establishment accept message is used to indicate that the first session establishment is completed. Optionally, the PDU session establishment accept message can be carried by the CreateSMContextResponse message without limitation.

[0216] Optionally, PIN-UPF1 may send a response message to the first message to SMF1, and the response message to the first message may be used to indicate that the establishment of the first session is complete. For example, PIN-UPF1 may send a response message to the first message to SMF1 before S410, Figure 4 Not shown in the figure. Accordingly, SMF1 receives a response message to the first message from PIN-UPF1, and sends a PDU session establishment accept message to AMF according to the response message to the first message. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the triggering conditions for SMF1 to send a PDU session establishment accept message to AMF.

[0217] S411: The AMF sends a PDU session establishment accept message to UE1. Correspondingly, UE1 receives the PDU session establishment accept message from the AMF.

[0218] Optionally, the PDU session establishment accept message may be carried by a DL NAS transport message without limitation.

[0219] At this point, the first session is established.

[0220] S412: UE1 sends a first data packet to PIN-UPF1 based on the first session. Correspondingly, PIN-UPF1 receives the first data packet from UE1 based on the first session.

[0221] For the implementation process of S412, please refer to the description in S301 and will not be repeated here.

[0222] S413: PIN-UPF1 determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is PIN-UPF2 according to the first PIN and the first corresponding relationship.

[0223] S414: PIN-UPF1 sends a second data packet to PIN-UPF2 according to the endpoint information of PIN-UPF2. Correspondingly, PIN-UPF2 receives the second data packet from PIN-UPF1.

[0224] Alternatively, S414 can also be expressed as: PIN-UPF1 sends the second data packet to PIN-UPF2 through the first tunnel. Correspondingly, PIN-UPF2 receives the second data packet from PIN-UPF1 through the first tunnel.

[0225] For example, PIN-UPF1 can obtain the endpoint information of PIN-UPF2 based on the first PIN, and the endpoint information of PIN-UPF2 is used to transmit the service data of at least one PIN. The service data included in the second data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet.

[0226] For the implementation process of S413 and S414, please refer to the description in S302 and will not be repeated here.

[0227] S415: PIN-UPF2 determines a third corresponding relationship.

[0228] The third corresponding relationship includes the corresponding relationship between the identifier of the first PIN and PIN-UPF1. For the implementation process of S415, please refer to the description in S303 and will not be repeated here.

[0229] S416: PIN-UPF2 confirms the second session.

[0230] The second session is the session of the first PIN. For example, PIN-UPF2 can determine the second session based on the identifier of the first PIN and / or the destination address of the second data packet. The specific implementation process of S416 is described in S304 and will not be repeated here.

[0231] S417: PIN-UPF2 sends a sixth data packet to UE2 based on the second session. Correspondingly, UE2 receives the sixth data packet from PIN-UPF2 based on the second session.

[0232] Alternatively, S417 may also be expressed as PIN-UPF2 sending a sixth data packet to UE2 according to the first PIN (or the identifier of the first PIN).

[0233] The service data included in the sixth data packet is the same as the service data included in the second data packet.

[0234] S418: UE2 sends the seventh data packet to PIN-UPF2 based on the second session. Correspondingly, PIN-UPF receives the seventh data packet from UE2 based on the second session.

[0235] Alternatively, S418 may also be expressed as: UE2 sends a seventh data packet to PIN-UPF2 according to the first PIN (or the identifier of the first PIN).

[0236] The seventh data packet includes the identifier of the first PIN.

[0237] S419: PIN-UPF2 determines that the target UPF of the seventh data packet is PIN-UPF1 according to the identifier of the first PIN and the third corresponding relationship.

[0238] S420: PIN-UPF2 sends a third data packet to PIN-UPF1 according to the endpoint information of PIN-UPF1. Correspondingly, PIN-UPF1 receives the third data packet from PIN-UPF2.

[0239] Alternatively, S420 may be expressed as: PIN-UPF2 sends the third data packet to PIN-UPF1 through the first tunnel. Correspondingly, PIN-UPF1 receives the third data packet from PIN-UPF2 through the first tunnel.

[0240] For example, PIN-UPF2 can obtain the endpoint information of PIN-UPF1 based on the first PIN, and the endpoint information of PIN-UPF1 is used to transmit the business data of at least one PIN; and send a third data packet to PIN-UPF1 based on the endpoint information of PIN-UPF1, and the header of the third data packet includes the identifier of the first PIN, and the business data included in the third data packet is the same as the business data included in the seventh data packet.

[0241] For the implementation process of S419 and S420, please refer to the above related description and will not be repeated here.

[0242] S421: PIN-UPF1 sends a fourth data packet to UE1 based on the first session. Correspondingly, UE1 receives a fourth data packet from PIN-UPF1 based on the first session.

[0243] Alternatively, S421 may also be expressed as: PIN-UPF1 sends a fourth data packet to UE1 according to the first PIN (or the identifier of the first PIN).

[0244] For example, PIN-UPF1 can determine the first session based on the first PIN (or the identifier of the first PIN), and send a fourth data packet to UE1 based on the first session, where the service data included in the fourth data packet is the same as the service data included in the third data packet. For the implementation process of S420, please refer to the aforementioned related description and will not be repeated here.

[0245] S422: PIN-UPF1 releases the first session.

[0246] PIN-UPF1 can release or delete the first session. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the release process and release reason of the first session.

[0247] S423: PIN-UPF1 sends the fifth data packet to PIN-UPF2. Correspondingly, PIN-UPF2 receives the fifth data packet from PIN-UPF1.

[0248] The fifth data packet includes the first information and the identifier of the first PIN. The first information is used to indicate that the first session has been released. For example, PIN-UPF1 sends the fifth data packet to PIN-UPF2 via the first tunnel (or the endpoint information of PIN-UPF2).

[0249] S424: PIN-UPF2 releases the third correspondence according to the first information.

[0250] For example, PIN-UPF2 determines, based on the first information, that the first session of the first PIN has been released, and releases the third corresponding relationship.

[0251] Among them, S418 to S424 are optional steps. Figure 4 Indicated by dotted line.

[0252] It is understandable that Figure 4 The execution order of the various steps in the preceding example is provided as an example, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. For example, PIN-UPF1 may first establish a correspondence between the first PIN and the first session and then establish the first session; or it may establish the first session and then establish a correspondence between the first PIN and the first session; or it may establish the correspondence between the first PIN and the first session and simultaneously establish the first session.

[0253] In the first communication method described above, the first correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the second UPF and the information of at least one PIN it serves, so that the PIN to which the session belongs and the first correspondence can be used to determine whether the target UPF for the service data received based on the session is the second UPF. In this embodiment of the present application, the first PIN to which the first session belongs is included in the at least one PIN, which means that even if the first terminal device and the second terminal device in the first PIN (the target terminal device of the first data packet) are located in different areas, the first UPF can send the service data of the first data packet to the second UPF that provides services for the second terminal device based on the first PIN and the first correspondence, so that the service data of the first data packet is transmitted to the second terminal device through the second UPF, thereby realizing cross-regional communication between different terminal devices with the same PIN.

[0254] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of the second communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, terminal devices under the same PIN can achieve cross-region communication through the second corresponding relationship. Figure 5 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0255] in, Figure 5 S501, S503, and S504 in Figure 3 S301, S302, and S304 correspond to the same, except that:

[0256] S502: The first user plane function network element sends a second data packet to the second user plane function network element according to the first data network and the second correspondence.

[0257] Correspondingly, the second user plane function network element receives the second data packet from the first user plane function network element.

[0258] For a description of the second data packet, please refer to S302 and will not be repeated here. In this embodiment, the first session may be a session of a first data network (DN), or the first session may belong to a session of the first data network. If the first session is a session of a first PIN, please refer to S301 and will not be repeated here. The first data network is associated with the first PIN; for example, the first data network corresponds to the first PIN.

[0259] The second correspondence may include a correspondence between the information of the second UPF and at least one data network supported (or connected) by the second UPF, or the second correspondence may be a correspondence between the information of the second UPF and at least one data network supported (or connected) by the second UPF. The at least one data network supported by the second UPF includes the first data network. The second correspondence may also be referred to as a static correspondence, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the naming of the second correspondence. For the information of the second UPF, please refer to the description in S302 and will not be repeated here.

[0260] The information of at least one data network supported by the second UPF is used to identify the at least one data network. In one embodiment, the information of at least one data network supported by the second UPF may include the identifier of the at least one data network; or, the information of at least one data network supported by the second UPF may include mask information of the at least one data network; or, the information of at least one data network supported by the second UPF may include a second identifier range; or, the information of at least one data network supported by the second UPF may include the identifier of the at least one data network and mask information of the at least one data network; or, the information of at least one data network supported by the second UPF may include the identifier of the at least one data network and a second identifier range; or, the information of at least one data network supported by the second UPF may include the identifier of the at least one data network, the mask information of the at least one data network, and a second identifier range. The second identifier range can be understood as the range to which the identifier of the at least one data network supported by the second UPF belongs. The identifier of the at least one data network supported by the second UPF belongs to the second identifier range, i.e., the second identifier range includes the identifier of the at least one data network. In this embodiment of the present application, the second identifier range includes the identifier of the second data network. For the identifier of at least one data network and the mask information of at least one data network, please refer to the above content and will not be repeated here.

[0261] In one possible implementation, the first UPF may establish (or store, or maintain, or record) a second correspondence relationship. Figure 5 Not shown. For example, the first UPF may establish (or store, or maintain, or record) a correspondence (or static correspondence) between the information of the UPF that is connected to the first UPF (and / or has been connected to the first UPF) and the information of at least one data network supported by the UPF, as shown in Table 2. The correspondence between the information of the UPF that is connected to the first UPF (and / or has been connected to the first UPF) and the information of at least one data network supported by the UPF includes a second correspondence. Among them, the UPF that is connected to the first UPF (and / or has been connected to the first UPF) may include an L-UPF, or may include a PIN-UPF, or may include an L-UPF and a PIN-UPF, without limitation. In an embodiment of the present application, the UPF that is connected to the first UPF (and / or has been connected to the first UPF) includes a second UPF. The number of UPFs that are connected to the first UPF (and / or have been connected to the first UPF) may be one or more, without limitation. Table 2 shows UPF1, UPF 2, and UPF 3 as examples. Optionally, there are multiple UPFs that establish a connection with the first UPF (and / or have previously established a connection with the first UPF). Accordingly, the first UPF may establish multiple static relationships, which may form a static correspondence group. The information about the UPF may refer to the information about the second UPF, and the information about the at least one data network supported by the UPF may refer to the information about the at least one data network supported by the second UPF. Details are omitted here.

[0262] Table 2

[0263] UPF Information Information about at least one DN supported by UPF UPF 1 information DN1 information, DN2 information UPF 2 Information DN2 Information UPF 3 information DN1 information, DN3 information

[0264] In S502, the first UPF sends a second data packet to the second UPF based on the first data network and the second correspondence. In one embodiment, the first UPF determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is the second UPF based on the first data network (or the name of the first data network, or the information of the first data network) and the second correspondence, and sends the second data packet to the second UPF based on the endpoint information of the second UPF. For example, the first UPF determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is the second UPF based on the first data network and the second correspondence, obtains the endpoint information of the second UPF, and sends the second data packet to the second UPF based on the endpoint information of the second UPF. For example, the first UPF can obtain the endpoint information of the second UPF in response to establishing a tunnel between the first UPF and the second UPF for the first PIN, so as to establish a first tunnel for transmitting at least one PIN; or, after the first tunnel is established, the first UPF can obtain the endpoint information of the second UPF in response to receiving the first data packet of the first PIN, so as to forward the business data included in the first data packet to the second UPF through the first tunnel. This embodiment of the application does not limit the triggering conditions for the first UPF to obtain the endpoint information of the second UPF. Among them, please refer to the description in S302 for the endpoint information of the second UPF, which will not be repeated here.

[0265] For example, the second correspondence is between the information of the second UPF and the identifier of at least one data network supported by the second UPF. PIN-UPF1 determines that the identifier of the at least one data network includes the identifier of the first data network and determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is PIN-UPF2. For another example, the second correspondence is between the information of the second UPF and the mask information of at least one data network supported by the second UPF, and the mask information includes information obtained by masking the identifier of the at least one data network (e.g., the data network name) based on a mask parameter. If the information obtained by masking the first data network name matches the mask information in the second correspondence, PIN-UPF1 determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is PIN-UPF2. For another example, the second correspondence is between the information of the second UPF and a second identifier range. PIN-UPF1 determines that the identifier of the first data network falls within the second identifier range and determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is PIN-UPF2.

[0266] The second UPF and the first UPF can be located in different areas, that is, both the second UPF and the first UPF are PIN-UPFs. Alternatively, the second UPF and the first UPF can be located in the same area, that is, the first UPF is a PIN-UPF and the second UPF is an L-UPF. The implementation process is described in S302 and will not be repeated here.

[0267] Optionally, the first UPF may also establish (or store, or maintain, or record) a correspondence (or static correspondence) between the information of the first UPF and the information of at least one data network supported by it, without limitation. For example, the second correspondence may also include a correspondence between the information of the first UPF and the information of at least one data network supported by the first UPF, thereby enabling intra-regional communication between different terminal devices with the same PIN.

[0268] In one possible implementation, the first UPF receives a first data packet from the first terminal device based on a first session, where the first session is a session of the first data network; and sends an eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the first data network and a second correspondence, where the second correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the first UPF and the information of at least one data network supported by the first UPF, and the at least one data network supported by the first UPF includes the first data network. For example, the first UPF determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is the first UPF (or determines that cross-regional communication is not required) based on the first data network and the first correspondence, and sends the eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the third session of the first PIN. For example, the first UPF can determine the third session based on the first PIN and / or the destination address of the first data packet (i.e., the address of the second terminal device). The service data included in the eighth data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet, or the payload part of the eighth data packet is the same as the payload part of the first data packet. It should be noted that, Figure 3 The cross-region communication is described as an example. It should be pointed out that Figure 5 The cross-region communication is described as an example.

[0269] The following combination Figure 6 The first communication method mentioned above is introduced in detail. Among them, the first terminal device is located in area 1, denoted as UE1. The second terminal device is located in area 2, denoted as UE2. UE1 and UE2 are different UEs in the first PIN. The first UPF is located in area 1, denoted as PIN-UPF1. The second UPF is located in area 2, denoted as PIN-UPF2. The first SMF is located in area 1, denoted as SMF1. Area 1 and area 2 are different areas. Figure 6 As shown, the second communication method mentioned above may include the following contents.

[0270] in, Figure 6 S601, S605, S606, S609 to S612, S614 to S624 in Figure 4 S401, S405, S406, S408 to S412, S414 to S424 correspond to the same, except that:

[0271] S602: PIN-UPF1 establishes a second corresponding relationship.

[0272] The second correspondence includes information about PIN-UPF2 and information about at least one DN supported by PIN-UPF2, where the at least one DN includes the first DN. For its implementation process, please refer to the description in S502 and will not be repeated here.

[0273] S603: UE1 sends a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the PDU session establishment request message from UE1.

[0274] In this embodiment, the PDU session establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a first session. The first session is a session of a first DN, and the first session is a session of a first PIN. Optionally, the PDU session establishment request message may include an identifier of the first DN (e.g., a first DNN), or an identifier of the first PIN, or both an identifier of the first DN and an identifier of the first PIN, without limitation.

[0275] S604: AMF selects SMF1 based on the first DN.

[0276] In this embodiment, AMF can select SMF1 to provide services for the first session based on the first DN. For example, AMF can select SMF1 to provide services for the first session based on the first DNN. For example, AMF can select SMF1 based on part of the information in the first DNN. For example, the first DNN is user1.beijing.PIN.com, and AMF can select SMF1 that supports the business information (for example, PIN.com) in the first DDN to provide services for the first session. Optionally, AMF can also obtain the first DNN. For example, the first DNN can be carried in a PDU session establishment request message; or, AMF can obtain the first DNN from the UDM without restriction.

[0277] S607: SMF1 sends a first message to PIN-UPF1. Correspondingly, PIN-UPF1 receives the first message from SMF1.

[0278] The first message may be used to request establishment of a first session. The first message includes an identifier of the first DN (e.g., a first DNN). Optionally, the first message may also include an identifier of the first PIN. Optionally, the first message may be a PFCP session establishment request message, without limitation.

[0279] S608: PIN-UPF1 establishes a correspondence between the first DN and the first session.

[0280] PIN-UPF1 may establish (or store, or maintain, or record, or determine) a correspondence between the first DN and the first session. For example, PIN-UPF1 may establish a correspondence between the first DNN and the first session.

[0281] S613: PIN-UPF1 determines that the target UPF of the first data packet is PIN-UPF2 according to the first DN and the second correspondence.

[0282] For example, PIN-UPF1 can determine that the target UPF for the first data packet is PIN-UPF2 based on the first DNN and the second correspondence. For example, the second correspondence is between the information of the second UPF and the identifier of at least one DN supported by the second UPF. PIN-UPF1 determines that the identifier of the at least one DN includes the first DN and determines that the target UPF for the first data packet is PIN-UPF2. For another example, the second correspondence is between the information of the second UPF and the mask information of the at least one DN supported by the second UPF, and the mask information includes information obtained by masking the identifier of the at least one DN (e.g., DNN) based on a mask parameter. If the information obtained by masking the first DNN matches the mask information in the second correspondence, PIN-UPF1 determines that the target UPF for the first data packet is PIN-UPF2. For another example, the second correspondence is between the information of the second UPF and a second identifier range. PIN-UPF1 determines that the identifier of the first DN falls within the second identifier range and determines that the target UPF for the first data packet is PIN-UPF2. The implementation process of S613 is described in S502 and is not further elaborated here.

[0283] In the above-mentioned second communication method, the second correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the second UPF and the information of at least one DN supported by it, so that the DN to which the session belongs and the second correspondence can be used to determine whether the target UPF of the service data received based on the session is the second UPF. In the embodiment of the present application, the first DN to which the first session belongs is included in the at least one DN, which means that even if the first terminal device and the second terminal device in the first PIN (the target terminal device of the first data packet) are located in different areas, the first UPF can also send the service data of the first data packet to the second UPF providing services for the second terminal device based on the first DN and the second correspondence, so that the service data of the first data packet is transmitted to the second terminal device through the second UPF, thereby realizing cross-regional communication between different terminal devices of the same PIN.

[0284] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the method provided in the embodiments of the present application is introduced from the perspective of the interaction between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element. Among them, the steps performed by the communication device (for example, the first user plane function network element, or the second user plane function network element) can be implemented by different functional entities that constitute the communication device. The communication device (for example, the first user plane function network element, or the second user plane function network element) may include a hardware structure and / or a software module to implement the above-mentioned functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module. Whether one of the above-mentioned functions is executed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0285] The following describes the communication device used to implement the above method in the embodiment of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the above contents can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated contents will not be repeated.

[0286] Figure 7 The structure diagram of a communication device 700 is exemplarily shown. The communication device 700 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element in the above-mentioned various method embodiments.

[0287] In one embodiment, the communication device 700 may include a processing module 701 and a transceiver module 702. The processing module 701 may be used to perform data processing, such as executing the various method embodiments described above. The processing module 701 may also be referred to as a processing unit. The processing module 701 may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The transceiver module 702 may be used to implement corresponding communication functions, such as receiving or sending relevant data, information, or messages. The transceiver module 702 may also be referred to as a communication interface, a communication module, or a transceiver unit. The transceiver module 702 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry.

[0288] It should be noted that the communication device 700 may include the processing module 701 but not the transceiver module 702. Alternatively, the communication device 700 may include the transceiver module 702 but not the processing module 701. The specific implementation depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 700 includes both processing and transceiver actions.

[0289] Optionally, the transceiver module 702 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0290] It should be noted that the communication device 700 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 700 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. The specific implementation depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 700 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0291] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a storage module. Figure 7 The storage module may be implemented by at least one memory. The storage module may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing module 701 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage module to enable the communication device 700 to implement the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0292] Optionally, the communication device 700 may be a chip system. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete components, without limitation. The transceiver module 702 may be an input and output interface of a chip (e.g., a baseband chip). The processing module 701 may be a processor of the chip system.

[0293] In a first implementation method, the communication device 700 can implement the function of a first user plane functional network element and can execute the following contents: a transceiver module 601 is used to receive a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of a first personal Internet network; according to the first personal Internet of Things network and the first correspondence, a second data packet is sent to the second user plane functional network element, wherein the first correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the second user plane functional network element and the information of at least one personal Internet of Things network served by the second user plane functional network element, the at least one personal Internet of Things network includes the first personal Internet of Things network, and the business data included in the second data packet is the same as the business data included in the first data packet.

[0294] In one possible implementation, when sending a second data packet to a second user plane function network element based on the first personal Internet of Things network and the first correspondence: the processing module 701 is used to determine, based on the first personal Internet of Things network and the first correspondence, that the target user plane function network element of the first data packet is the second user plane function network element; the transceiver module 702 is used to send the second data packet to the second user plane function network element based on the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element, where the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element is used to transmit service data of at least one personal Internet of Things network, and the header of the second data packet includes an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to receive a third data packet from the second user plane function network element, wherein the header of the third data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; the processing module 701 is used to determine the first session based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; the transceiver module 702 is further used to send a fourth data packet to the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the service data included in the fourth data packet is the same as the service data included in the third data packet.

[0296] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to send a fifth data packet to the second user plane function network element, wherein the header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the first information is used to indicate that the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network has been released.

[0297] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to receive a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network; the processing module 701 is further used to establish the first session according to the first message.

[0298] In a second implementation method, the communication device 700 can implement the function of the first user plane functional network element and can execute the following contents: the transceiver module 702 is used to receive a first data packet from the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the first session is a session of the first data network, and the first session is a session of the first person-to-person network; according to the first data network and the second correspondence, send a second data packet to the second user plane functional network element, wherein the second correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the second user plane functional network element and the information of at least one data network supported by the second user plane functional network element, the at least one data network includes the first data network, and the service data included in the second data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet.

[0299] In one possible implementation, when sending a second data packet to a second user plane function network element according to the first data network and the second correspondence: the processing module 701 is used to determine that the target user plane function network element of the first data packet is the second user plane function network element according to the first data network and the second correspondence; the transceiver module 702 is used to send the second data packet to the second user plane function network element according to the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element, wherein the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element is used to transmit business data of at least one personal Internet of Things network, the at least one personal Internet of Things network includes the first personal Internet of Things network, and the header of the second data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network.

[0300] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to receive a third data packet from the second user plane function network element, wherein the header of the third data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; the processing module 701 is further used to determine the first session based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; the transceiver module 702 is further used to send a fourth data packet to the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the service data included in the fourth data packet is the same as the service data included in the third data packet.

[0301] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to send a fifth data packet to the second user plane function network element, wherein the header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the first information is used to indicate that the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network has been released.

[0302] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to receive a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the first message includes an identifier of the first data network; the processing module 701 is further used to establish the first session based on the first message.

[0303] In a third implementation method, the communication device 700 can implement the function of the second user plane functional network element and can execute the following contents: the transceiver module 702 is used to receive a second data packet from the first user plane functional network element, and the header of the second data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet network; the processing module 701 is used to determine a third correspondence, and the third correspondence includes the correspondence between the identifier of the first personal Internet network and the information of the first user plane functional network element; the transceiver module 702 is also used to send a sixth data packet to the second terminal device according to the identifier of the first personal Internet network, and the business data included in the sixth data packet is the same as the business data included in the second data packet.

[0304] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to receive a seventh data packet from the second terminal device, wherein the seventh data packet includes an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; and based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network and the third correspondence, send a third data packet to the first user plane function network element, wherein the header of the third data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the service data included in the third data packet is the same as the service data included in the seventh data packet.

[0305] In one possible implementation, when sending a third data packet to the first user plane function network element based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network and the third correspondence, the processing module 701 is used to determine that the target user plane function network element of the seventh data packet is the first user plane function network element based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network and the third correspondence; the transceiver module 702 is used to send the third data packet to the first user plane function network element based on the endpoint information of the first user plane function network element, where the endpoint information of the first user plane function network element is used to transmit business data of at least one personal Internet of Things network, and the at least one personal Internet of Things network includes the first personal Internet of Things network.

[0306] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to receive a fifth data packet from the first user plane functional network element, wherein the header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the first information is used to indicate that the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network has been released; the processing module 701 is further used to delete the third correspondence based on the first information.

[0307] In one possible implementation, when sending a sixth data packet to a second terminal device based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network: the processing module 701 is used to determine a second session of the first personal Internet of Things network based on the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network; and the transceiver module 702 is used to send the sixth data packet to the second terminal device based on the second session.

[0308] In a fourth implementation, the communication device 700 can implement the function of a first user plane functional network element and can execute the following contents: the transceiver module 702 is used to receive a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of a first personal Internet network; according to the first personal Internet of Things network and the first correspondence, an eighth data packet is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the first correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the first user plane functional network element and the information of at least one personal Internet of Things network served by the first user plane functional network element, and the at least one personal Internet of Things network served by the first user plane functional network element includes the first personal Internet of Things network, and the business data included in the eighth data packet is the same as the business data included in the first data packet.

[0309] In one possible implementation, when sending an eighth data packet to a second terminal device based on the first personal internet of things network and the first correspondence, the processing module 701 is configured to determine, based on the first personal internet of things network and the second correspondence, that the target user plane function network element for the first data packet is the first user plane function network element; and to determine a third session of the first personal internet of things network; and the transceiver module 702 is configured to send the eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the third session. For example, the first user plane function network element may determine the third session based on an identifier of the first personal internet of things network.

[0310] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to receive a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network; and the processing module 701 is further used to establish the first session based on the first message.

[0311] In a fifth implementation, the communication device 700 can implement the function of a first user plane functional network element and can execute the following contents: the transceiver module 701 is used to receive a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of a first data network, and the first session is a session of a first person-to-person network; according to the first data network and a second correspondence, an eighth data packet is sent to the second terminal device, wherein the second correspondence includes a correspondence between information of the first user plane functional network element and information of at least one data network supported by the first user plane functional network element, and the at least one data network supported by the first user plane functional network element includes the first data network, and the service data included in the eighth data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet.

[0312] In one possible implementation, when sending an eighth data packet to a second terminal device based on the first data network and the second correspondence, the processing module 701 is configured to determine, based on the first data network and the second correspondence, that the target user plane function network element for the first data packet is the first user plane function network element; determine a third session of the first personal internet of things network; and the transceiver module 702 is configured to send the eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the third session. For example, the first user plane function network element may determine the third session based on an identifier of the first personal internet of things network.

[0313] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 702 is further used to receive a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network; and the processing module 701 is further used to establish the first session based on the first message.

[0314] It should be understood that a more detailed description of how each module performs the corresponding process can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, it is not repeated here.

[0315] like Figure 8 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a structural diagram of a communication device 800. The communication device 800 may include a processor 820, which is used to implement or support the communication device 800 to implement the functions of the first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element in any method embodiment of the present application. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the aforementioned method embodiment, which will not be repeated here. For example, the processor 820 is used to read and execute program instructions through a communication interface so that the communication device 800 implements the corresponding method. The processor 820 may include one or more processors without limitation.

[0316] It should be noted that the functional modules mentioned above can be implemented by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, without limitation. Also, when the communication device 800 includes only the processor 820, the communication device 800 can be a chip or a chip system.

[0317] For example, the communication device 800 may be a chip system, wherein the chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices, without limitation.

[0318] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a memory 830 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 830 is coupled to the processor 820. Coupling can be understood as an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between the devices, units, or modules. The processor 820 may operate in conjunction with the memory 830. The processor 820 and the memory 830 may be integrated or separately provided.

[0319] Furthermore, the processor 820 is configured to execute program instructions stored in the memory 830 so that the communication device 800 implements a corresponding method.

[0320] Among them, one or more memories in the memory 830 may be included in the processor, and the memory 830 may also exist independently, such as an off-chip memory, through a communication bus ( Figure 8 The memory 830 and the processor 820 may also be integrated together.

[0321] Optionally, the communication device 800 further includes a communication interface 810 ( Figure 8 (indicated by dashed lines in the figure), is used to communicate with other devices via a transmission medium, so that the device in the communication device 800 can communicate with other devices. For example, when the communication device is a first user plane function network element, the other device can be a second user plane function network element, etc. The processor 820 can use the communication interface 810 to send and receive data. For example, the processor 820 can be used to control the communication interface 810 to receive and / or send signals.

[0322] The communication interface 810 may be a transceiver. In hardware implementation, the transceiver may be used to implement the functions of the transceiver module 802 . The transceiver is integrated into the communication device 800 to form the communication interface 810 .

[0323] It should be pointed out that the communication interface 810 may have both sending and receiving functions, and may realize the reception and sending of signals; or it may have both sending and receiving functions, and may be used to realize the sending of signals; or it may have both receiving and sending functions, and may be used to realize the reception of signals.

[0324] It should be noted that the connection medium between the communication interface 810, the processor 820 and the memory 830 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 The memory 830, processor 820 and communication interface 810 are connected via a communication bus 840. The connection between other components is only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. The communication bus 840 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 8 Only one thick line is used in the figure, but it does not mean that there is only one communication bus or one type of communication bus.

[0325] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor 820 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The methods disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application may be executed by hardware in the processor, or by a combination of hardware and software in the processor.

[0326] In the embodiment of the present application, the memory 830 may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or a volatile memory (volatile memory), such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory may also be any other medium for carrying or storing program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer; or, it may be a circuit or any other device capable of performing a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0327] In one example, the communication device 800 can perform the following: receive a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of the first personal Internet network; send a second data packet to a second user plane function network element based on the first personal Internet network and the first correspondence, wherein the first correspondence includes a correspondence between information of the second user plane function network element and information of at least one personal Internet network served by the second user plane function network element, the at least one personal Internet network includes the first personal Internet network, and the business data included in the second data packet is the same as the business data included in the first data packet.

[0328] In another example, the communication device 800 can perform the following: receiving a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of a first data network, and the first session is a session of a first person-to-person network; sending a second data packet to a second user plane function network element according to the first data network and a second correspondence, wherein the second correspondence includes a correspondence between information of the second user plane function network element and information of at least one data network supported by the second user plane function network element, the at least one data network includes the first data network, and the service data included in the second data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet.

[0329] In another example, the communication device 800 can perform the following: receive a second data packet from a first user plane functional network element, the header of the second data packet including an identifier of a first personal Internet network; determine a third correspondence, the third correspondence including a correspondence between the identifier of the first personal Internet network and the information of the first user plane functional network element; send a sixth data packet to a second terminal device according to the identifier of the first personal Internet network, the business data included in the sixth data packet is the same as the business data included in the second data packet.

[0330] In another example, the communication device 800 can perform the following: receive a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of the first personal Internet network; send an eighth data packet to the second terminal device based on the first personal Internet network and the first correspondence, wherein the first correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the first user plane function network element and the information of at least one personal Internet network served by the first user plane function network element, and the at least one personal Internet network served by the first user plane function network element includes the first personal Internet network, and the business data included in the eighth data packet is the same as the business data included in the first data packet.

[0331] In another example, the communication device 800 can perform the following: receiving a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of a first data network, and the first session is a session of a first person-to-person network; sending an eighth data packet to the second terminal device according to the first data network and a second correspondence, wherein the second correspondence includes a correspondence between information of the first user plane function network element and information of at least one data network supported by the first user plane function network element, and the at least one data network supported by the first user plane function network element includes the first data network, and the service data included in the eighth data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet.

[0332] For the specific implementation process, please refer to the aforementioned method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0333] Based on the same concept, see Figure 9 , an embodiment of the present application also provides another communication device 900, including: an input and output interface 910 and a logic circuit 920; the input and output interface 910 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the logic circuit 920; the logic circuit 920 is used to run the code instructions to execute the method executed by the first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element in any of the above embodiments.

[0334] Since the communication device 900 provided in this embodiment can implement the functions of the first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element in the aforementioned embodiments, the technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments and will not be described in detail here.

[0335] The present application also provides a communication system, which may include one or more of the following: a first user plane function network element, or a second user plane function network element. The first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element can be described in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0336] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, including program instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods or steps of the first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0337] A computer program product is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, including program instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods or steps of the first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0338] An embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor for implementing the first user plane function network element or the second user plane function network element in the aforementioned method (for example, executing the corresponding method or step). The chip system can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0339] Optionally, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions so that the above-mentioned processor reads and executes them to implement the corresponding method.

[0340] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0341] In the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" may refer to two or more. In view of this, in the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" may also be understood as "at least two". "At least one" may be understood as one or more, for example, one, two or more. For example, "including at least one" means including one, two or more. For example, including at least one of A, B and C, then included may be A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects. Specifically, there may be three relationships. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / ", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the previous and subsequent associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0342] In addition, the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application may be used interchangeably, and "according to" and "based on" may be used interchangeably.

[0343] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are generally used to distinguish different objects and are not used to define the order, time sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish two user plane function network elements and do not define the priority or importance of the two user plane function network elements.

[0344] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0345] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0346] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0347] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0348] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0349] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part of the technical solution of the present application that contributes essentially or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0350] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, and such changes or substitutions should be included in the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first user plane function network element, the method includes: Receiving a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of a first person-to-person network; According to the first personal Internet of Things network and the first correspondence, a second data packet is sent to the second user plane function network element, wherein the first correspondence includes the correspondence between information of the second user plane function network element and information of at least one personal Internet of Things network served by the second user plane function network element, the at least one personal Internet of Things network includes the first personal Internet of Things network, and the service data included in the second data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The sending a second data packet to a second user plane function network element according to the first personal internet of things network and the first corresponding relationship includes: Determining, according to the first personal internet of things network and the first corresponding relationship, that a target user plane function network element of the first data packet is the second user plane function network element; According to the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element, the second data packet is sent to the second user plane function network element, wherein the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element is used to transmit the service data of the at least one personal Internet of Things network, and the header of the second data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a third data packet from the second user plane function network element, wherein a header of the third data packet includes an identifier of the first personal internet of things network; determining the first session according to the identifier of the first personal internet of things network; A fourth data packet is sent to the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the service data included in the fourth data packet is the same as the service data included in the third data packet.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send a fifth data packet to the second user plane function network element, wherein a header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the first information is used to indicate that the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network has been released.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal internet of things network; The first session is established according to the first message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The information of the at least one personal Internet of Things network includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the at least one personal Internet of Things network, mask information of the at least one personal Internet of Things network, or a first identification range; wherein the identifier of the at least one personal Internet of Things network belongs to the first identification range.

7. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first user plane function network element, the method includes: Receiving a first data packet from a first terminal device based on a first session, wherein the first session is a session of a first data network and the first session is a session of a first person-to-person network; According to the first data network and the second correspondence, a second data packet is sent to the second user plane function network element, wherein the second correspondence includes the correspondence between the information of the second user plane function network element and the information of at least one data network supported by the second user plane function network element, the at least one data network includes the first data network, and the service data included in the second data packet is the same as the service data included in the first data packet.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The sending a second data packet to a second user plane function network element according to the first data network and the second correspondence includes: Determining, according to the first data network and the second correspondence, that a target user plane function network element of the first data packet is the second user plane function network element; According to the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element, the second data packet is sent to the second user plane function network element, wherein the endpoint information of the second user plane function network element is used to transmit business data of at least one personal Internet of Things network, the at least one personal Internet of Things network includes the first personal Internet of Things network, and the header of the second data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a third data packet from the second user plane function network element, wherein a header of the third data packet includes an identifier of the first personal internet of things network; determining the first session according to the identifier of the first personal internet of things network; A fourth data packet is sent to the first terminal device based on the first session, wherein the service data included in the fourth data packet is the same as the service data included in the third data packet.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send a fifth data packet to the second user plane function network element, wherein a header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the first information is used to indicate that the first session of the first personal Internet of Things network has been released.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a first message from a session management function network element, wherein the first message is used to request establishment of the first session of the first personal internet of things network, and the first message includes an identifier of the first data network; The first session is established according to the first message.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that The information of the at least one data network includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the at least one data network, mask information of the at least one data network, or a second identifier range; wherein the identifier of the at least one data network belongs to the second identifier range.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a second user plane function network element, the method includes: receiving a second data packet from the first user plane function network element, wherein a header of the second data packet includes an identifier of the first person-to-person network; Determine a third corresponding relationship, where the third corresponding relationship includes a corresponding relationship between the identifier of the first personal internet of things network and the information of the first user plane function network element; A sixth data packet is sent to the second terminal device according to the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, where the service data included in the sixth data packet is the same as the service data included in the second data packet.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a seventh data packet from the second terminal device, wherein the seventh data packet includes an identifier of the first personal internet of things network; According to the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network and the third correspondence, a third data packet is sent to the first user plane function network element, where the header of the third data packet includes the identifier of the first personal Internet of Things network, and the service data included in the third data packet is the same as the service data included in the seventh data packet.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The sending a third data packet to the first user plane function network element according to the identifier of the first personal internet of things network and the third corresponding relationship includes: Determining, according to the identifier of the first personal internet of things network and the third corresponding relationship, that the target user plane function network element of the seventh data packet is the first user plane function network element; The third data packet is sent to the first user plane function network element according to the endpoint information of the first user plane function network element, where the endpoint information of the first user plane function network element is used to transmit business data of at least one personal Internet of Things network, and the at least one personal Internet of Things network includes the first personal Internet of Things network.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a fifth data packet from the first user plane function network element, wherein a header of the fifth data packet includes first information and an identifier of the first personal internet of things network, and the first information is used to indicate that a first session of the first personal internet of things network has been released; The third corresponding relationship is deleted according to the first information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that The sending a sixth data packet to the second terminal device according to the identifier of the first personal internet of things network includes: determining a second session of the first personal internet of things network according to the identifier of the first personal internet of things network; The sixth data packet is sent to the second terminal device based on the second session.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising a unit or module for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6; or comprising a unit or module for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12; or comprising a unit or module for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes at least one processor and a memory; Wherein, the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; The at least one processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions in the memory, so that the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 is executed, or the method of any one of claims 7 to 12 is executed, or the method of any one of claims 13 to 17 is executed.

20. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes one or more of the following: a first user plane function network element, or a second user plane network element; The first user plane function network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or the first user plane function network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, and the second user plane function network element is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which, when executed, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, or execute the method according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises: a computer program code, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

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