Information transmission method and device and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an information transmission method and device and a storage medium, relates to the technical field of communication, and can reduce the load of transmitting a DNN list between network elements. The method comprises: determining a data network name (DNN) group identifier for indicating a DNN list, the DNN group identifier being determined based on a mapping relationship, the mapping relationship comprising the DNN list and a DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list; and sending a first message to the second network element, wherein the first message comprises the DNN group identifier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to an information transmission method, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] During network function (NF) operation, the NF needs to transmit a list of supported data network names (DNNs) to other NFs. This allows other NFs to implement various functions such as access control and resource allocation based on the DNN list. However, when an NF supports a large number of DNNs, transmitting the DNN list consumes more transmission resources, resulting in a heavy load. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information transmission method, device, and storage medium, which can reduce the load of transmitting DNN lists between network elements.

[0004] On the one hand, an information transmission method is provided, including: determining a DNN group identifier used to indicate a data network name DNN list, the DNN group identifier being determined based on a mapping relationship, the mapping relationship including the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list; sending a first message to a second network element, the first message including the DNN group identifier.

[0005] On the other hand, an information transmission device is provided, including: a determination unit and a sending unit; the determination unit is used to determine a DNN group identifier used to indicate a data network name DNN list, the DNN group identifier is determined based on a mapping relationship, and the mapping relationship includes the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list; the sending unit is used to send a first message to a second network element, the first message including the DNN group identifier.

[0006] On the other hand, an information transmission method is provided, including: receiving a first message sent by a first network element, the first message including a DNN group identifier for indicating a DNN list, the DNN group identifier being determined based on a mapping relationship, the mapping relationship including the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list; determining the DNN list based on the DNN group identifier.

[0007] On the other hand, an information transmission device is provided, including: a receiving unit and a determining unit; the receiving unit is used to receive a first message sent by a first network element, the first message including a DNN group identifier for indicating a DNN list, the DNN group identifier is determined based on a mapping relationship, the mapping relationship including the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list; the determining unit is used to determine the DNN list based on the DNN group identifier.

[0008] On the other hand, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory and a processor; the memory and the processor are coupled; the memory is used to store a computer program; and the processor implements the information transmission method described in any of the above embodiments when executing the computer program.

[0009] On the other hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer program instructions are stored. When the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, the information transmission method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0010] On the other hand, a computer program product is provided, which includes computer program instructions, and when the computer program instructions are executed by a processor, the information transmission method described in any one of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0011] The embodiment of the present disclosure discloses that the first network element can determine the DNN group identifier used to indicate the DNN list based on a mapping relationship including the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list. Afterwards, the first network element can send a first message including the DNN group identifier to the second network element. In this way, the first network element can realize the transmission of the DNN list by transmitting the DNN group identifier. Since the amount of information bits of the DNN group identifier is much smaller than the amount of information bits of the DNN list, compared with transmitting the DNN list, transmitting the DNN group identifier can reduce the consumption of transmission resources, thereby reducing the load of the network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture provided for some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 A flowchart of NRF implementation registration and discovery provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 A system architecture diagram provided for some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 Another system architecture diagram provided for some embodiments of the present disclosure

[0017] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 ;

[0019] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3 ;

[0020] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 ;

[0021] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 5 ;

[0022] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 6 ;

[0023] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 7 ;

[0024] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 8 ;

[0025] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 9 ;

[0026] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 10 ;

[0027] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 10 one;

[0028] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 10 two;

[0029] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a process for a first network element to implement registration and discovery in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of a process of a second network element discovering a third network element through a first network element provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 10 three;

[0032] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a method for transmitting information provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 10 Four;

[0033] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of a process for a first network element to implement registration and discovery in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of a process for a first network element to implement registration and discovery in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3 ;

[0035] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of a process for a first network element to implement registration and discovery in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 ;

[0036] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of a process for a first network element to implement registration and discovery in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 5 ;

[0037] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 26 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 ;

[0039] Figure 27 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions of this disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this disclosure, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of this disclosure without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0041] It should be noted that in this disclosure, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this disclosure as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0042] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0043] In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or." For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document simply describes an association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exists simultaneously, and B exists alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more.

[0044] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of this application is first given. The brief introduction is as follows:

[0045] First, the communication architecture where NF is located is described by taking the 5G network architecture as an example.

[0046] Figure 1The figure shows a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture, which includes multiple NFs, including: network function repository function (NF repository function, NRF), unified data management function (Unified data management, UDM), policy control functionality (Policy control functionality, PCF), capability exposure function (Network exposure function, NEF), access and mobility management function (Access and mobility management function, AMF), session management function (Session management function, SMF), authentication server function (Authentication server function, AUSF), network slice selection function (Network slice selection function, NSSF), user plane function (User plane function, UPF, In addition, the 5G network architecture may also include application function (Application function, AF), radio access network (Radio access network, RAN), user equipment (User equipment, UE), etc.

[0047] Among them, NRF, UDM, PCF, NEF, AMF, SMF, AUSF, NSSF, and AF are connected through a bus, UPF and SMF and RAN are communicated with each other respectively, RAN and AMF and UE are communicated with each other respectively, and UE and AMF are communicated with each other.

[0048] Secondly, among the above multiple devices, NRF can be responsible for the dynamic registration and discovery of NFs, and can transmit the DNN list supported by NF when registering and discovering network elements. The following describes the process of NRF registration and discovery.

[0049] As an example, assuming that SMF is used to register with NRF, AMF requests NRF to discover SMF. Figure 2 A flowchart of NRF implementation registration and discovery is shown, which may include:

[0050] S201. SMF sends an NF registration request message to NRF, which carries a list of DNNs supported by SMF.

[0051] Among them, the NF registration request message can be sent after the SMF enters the working state.

[0052] S202. After confirming that the SMF registration is successful, the NRF returns an NF registration response message to the SMF.

[0053] S203. AMF sends an NF discovery request message to NRF.

[0054] Among them, the NF discovery request message is used to discover SMF.

[0055] Optionally, when AMF needs to discover SMF, it can send an NF discovery request message for discovering SMF to NRF during the PDU session establishment process.

[0056] S204. NRF returns an NF discovery response message to AMF.

[0057] The NF discovery response message includes the SMF list and the DNN list supported by each SMF.

[0058] In the above interaction process, the transmission of the DNN list from SMF to NRF and the transmission of the DNN list from NRF to AMF both require a large amount of transmission resources. Especially when the number of DNNs in the DNN list supported by the above multiple devices is large, the load on the network element is further increased.

[0059] In order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information transmission method, in which the first network element can determine the DNN group identifier used to indicate the DNN list based on the mapping relationship including the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list. Afterwards, the first network element can send a first message including the DNN group identifier to the second network element. In this way, the first network element can realize the transmission of the DNN list by transmitting the DNN group identifier. Since the amount of information bits of the DNN group identifier is much smaller than the amount of information bits of the DNN list, compared with transmitting the DNN list, transmitting the DNN group identifier can reduce the consumption of transmission resources, thereby reducing the load of the network element.

[0060] The information transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Figure 3 In the communication system, Figure 3 As shown, the communication system includes: a first network element 301 and a second network element 302.

[0061] The first network element 301 is in communication with the second network element 302. The first network element 301 is any one of a plurality of network elements that need to transmit the DNN list, and the second network element 302 is any one of the plurality of network elements that need to transmit the DNN list except the first network element 301.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the first network element 301 may be any one of multiple network elements such as NRF, UDM, PCF, NEF, AMF, SMF, AUSF, and NSSF. Correspondingly, the second network element 302 may be any one of multiple network elements such as NRF, UDM, PCF, NEF, AMF, SMF, AUSF, and NSSF except the first network element 301.

[0063] It is understood that the communication system can be Figure 1 Part of the 5G network architecture shown, therefore, the first network element 301 can be Figure 1 In any NF of the 5G network architecture shown, the second network element 302 can be Figure 1 Any NF other than the first network element 301 in the 5G network architecture shown.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network element 301 may determine a DNN group identifier for indicating a DNN list based on the DNN list supported by the target network element, and send a first message including the DNN group identifier to the second network element 302. The second network element 302 may receive the first message including the DNN group identifier sent by the first network element 301, and determine the DNN list supported by the target network element based on the DNN group identifier.

[0065] The target network element may be any network element other than the second network element 302 among the multiple network elements to which the DNN list needs to be transmitted.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the first network element 301 may determine the DNN list supported by the target network element as the DNN group identifier based on the third network element storing the mapping relationship. Therefore, Figure 3 The communication system shown may also include a third network element. The following is a description of another schematic diagram of the communication system. Figure 3 ,like Figure 4 As shown, the communication system may further include a third network element 403.

[0067] Among them, the first network element 301 is Figure 4 The first network element 401 and the second network element 302 are Figure 4 The second network element 402 in FIG. The third network element 403 is in communication with the first network element 401 and the second network element 402, respectively. The first network element 401 is the network element that needs to map the DNN list to the DNN group identifier, the second network element 402 is the network element that needs to map the DNN group identifier to the DNN list, and the third network element 403 is the network element that stores the mapping relationship. The mapping relationship is the mapping relationship between the DNN list and the DNN group identifier.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network element 401 may send a DNN list to the third network element 403 to receive a DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list sent by the third network element 403. Thereafter, the first network element 401 may further send the DNN group identifier to the second network element 402.

[0069] After receiving the DNN group identifier, the second network element 402 may send the DNN group identifier to the third network element 403 to receive the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier sent by the third network element 403.

[0070] The third network element 403 may receive the DNN list sent by the first network element 401 and determine the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list based on the mapping relationship. The third network element 403 may then send the DNN group identifier to the first network element 401. The third network element 403 may also receive the DNN group identifier sent by the first network element 401 and determine the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier based on the mapping relationship. The third network element 403 may then send the DNN list to the second network element 402.

[0071] It should be noted that Figure 3 (or Figure 4 ) is only an exemplary framework diagram, Figure 3 (or Figure 4 ) and the number of devices included in it, the names of the devices are not limited, and except Figure 3 (or Figure 4 ) In addition to the devices shown in FIG, the communication system may also include other devices, such as base stations.

[0072] The application scenarios of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited. The system architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood by those skilled in the art that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0073] The information transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] The information transmission method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to Figure 3 The first network element 301 in the communication system is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 1 ,like Figure 5 As shown, the information transmission method includes the following S501 and S502.

[0075] S501. The first network element determines a DNN group identifier for indicating a data network name DNN list.

[0076] The DNN Group ID is determined based on a mapping relationship, which includes a DNN list and the DNN Group ID corresponding to the DNN list.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the DNN list may be a DNN list supported by the target network element. The target network element may be the first network element, or any one of multiple network elements (i.e., multiple network elements to which the DNN list needs to be transmitted) other than the second network element, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the target network element may be any one of multiple network elements such as NRF, UDM, PCF, NEF, AMF, SMF, AUSF, and NSSF other than the second network element.

[0078] In some specific implementations, to transmit the DNN list supported by the target network element to other network elements, the first network element may map the DNN list supported by the target network element to a DNN group identifier based on a mapping relationship between the DNN list and the DNN group identifier. In this way, the first network element may indicate the DNN list supported by the target network element using the DNN group identifier.

[0079] It can be understood that the DNN list supported by the target network element can be understood as multiple DNNs supported by the target network element.

[0080] S502. The first network element sends a first message to the second network element.

[0081] The first message includes the DNN group identifier.

[0082] In some specific implementations, a first network element may send a first message including a DNN group identifier to a second network element. This allows the first network element to transmit only a DNN group identifier to the second network element, eliminating the need to transmit a DNN list. Because the information bits of a DNN group identifier are much smaller than those of a DNN list, the transmission resources consumed by transmitting the DNN group identifier are smaller than those consumed by transmitting the DNN list. This can reduce the transmission resource consumption and load associated with transmitting the DNN list between network elements.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network element may map the DNN list to the DNN group identifier based on a mapping relationship between the DNN list and the DNN group identifier. The manner in which the first network element determines the DNN group identifier based on the mapping relationship may include manner one and manner two:

[0084] Method 1: Determine through pre-configured mapping relationship.

[0085] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 2 , combined with Figure 5 ,like Figure 6 As shown, in the above S501, the first network element determines the DNN group identifier for indicating the data network name DNN list specifically including:

[0086] S601. The first network element determines a DNN group identifier based on a pre-configured mapping relationship and a DNN list.

[0087] The mapping relationship includes: a DNN list and a DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list.

[0088] In some specific implementations, a mapping relationship between a DNN list and a DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list is pre-configured in the first network element. When the first network element needs to send a DNN list to a second network element, the first network element can determine the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list supported by the target network element based on the mapping relationship.

[0089] Method 2: Determine through a third network element that stores the mapping relationship.

[0090] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 3 , combined with Figure 5 ,like Figure 7 As shown, in the above S501, the first network element determines that the DNN group identifier used to indicate the data network name DNN list specifically includes S701, S702 and S703.

[0091] S701. The first network element sends a DNN list to the third network element.

[0092] Among them, the third network element is a network element that stores the mapping relationship, and the mapping relationship includes: a DNN list and a DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the third network element can be any one of multiple network elements such as NRF, UDM, PCF, NEF, AMF, SMF, AUSF, NSSF, etc., or it can be a dedicated network element for storing mapping relationships. This embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0094] In some specific implementations, when the first network element needs to send a DNN list to the second network element, the first network element may send the DNN list to the third network element to indicate that the DNN group identifier is determined based on the mapping relationship and the DNN list. After receiving the DNN list, the third network element determines the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list supported by the target network element based on the mapping relationship. In this way, the first network element can determine the DNN group identifier based on the third network element, and can store the mapping relationship locally. When transmitting the DNN list in the future, the DNN group identifier can be determined through the mapping relationship, thereby transmitting the DNN group identifier and reducing the transmission load.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the first network element may determine the mapping DNN group identifier based on a locally configured mapping relationship. The locally configured mapping relationship may be a mapping relationship pre-configured locally by the first network element, or a mapping relationship stored locally after the first network element determines the DNN group identifier based on a third network element.

[0096] S702. The third network element receives the DNN list, determines a DNN group identifier for indicating the DNN list based on the mapping relationship and the DNN list, and sends the DNN list and the DNN identifier corresponding to the DNN list to the first network element.

[0097] S703. The first network element receives a DNN list and a DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list from the third network element.

[0098] It can be understood that the first network element can determine that the DNN group identifier is the identifier corresponding to the DNN list based on the received DNN list.

[0099] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 4 In the case where the third network element is a dedicated network element for storing mapping relationships and the first network element is an NRF network element, the third network element can only be discovered after registering with the first network element. Figure 7 ,like Figure 8 As shown, the method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes S801 and S802.

[0100] S801. A first network element receives a first registration request message sent by a third network element.

[0101] In a possible implementation, the first registration request message may include configuration information of the third network element (eg, an IP address, etc.), and the configuration information of the third network element is used to indicate the third network element.

[0102] In some specific implementations, when the first network element is an NRF network element and the third network element is a dedicated network element, the third network element needs to register with the first network element before it can be discovered by other network elements. Therefore, the first network element can receive the first registration request message sent by the third network element.

[0103] In addition, the first registration request message may include configuration information of the third network element. In this way, when the second network element needs to discover the third network element, the first network element can indicate the third network element to the third network element by sending the configuration information to the second network element.

[0104] S802. The first network element sends a first registration response message to the third network element.

[0105] The first registration response message is used to indicate that the third network element is successfully registered.

[0106] In some specific implementations, after the first network element successfully registers the third network element based on the first registration request message, the first network element may send a first registration request message to the third network element to indicate that the registration of the third network element is successful.

[0107] In some embodiments, the third network element may be one or more. The following describes the registration process of the third network element (i.e., S801 and S802) in two cases. The two cases include case 1 and case 2:

[0108] Case 1: The third network element is a plurality of dedicated network elements for storing mapping relationships.

[0109] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 5 . Combined Figure 7 ,like Figure 9 As shown, in the case where there are multiple third network elements, a first registration request message includes a list of multiple DNNs supported by the third network element for mapping, and / or, multiple DNN group identifiers supported by the third network element for mapping. The method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes S901, S902 and S903.

[0110] S901. A first network element receives multiple first registration request messages sent by multiple third network elements.

[0111] The first registration request message includes multiple DNN lists supported by the third network element that sends the first registration request message, and / or multiple DNN group identifiers supported by the third network element that sends the first registration request message. That is, a first registration request message may include: multiple DNN lists supported by the third network element that sends the first registration request message, and / or multiple DNN group identifiers supported by the third network element.

[0112] It can be understood that, when there are multiple third network elements, the mapping relationships stored in different third network elements may be the same or different (partially the same or completely the same). The mapping relationship of a third network element may include: the mapping relationship corresponding to all network elements in multiple network elements (i.e., network elements that support DNN lists), then the third network element can support mapping the DNN lists supported by all network elements or the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list. The mapping relationship of a third network element may also include: the mapping relationship corresponding to some network elements in all network elements, then the third network element can only map the DNN lists supported by these some network elements or the DNN identifier corresponding to the DNN list. Therefore, the DNN lists supported for mapping by each third network element may be different.

[0113] In this way, the first network element can determine, among multiple third network elements, a third network element that can map (i.e., supports mapping) the target DNN list based on the DNN list supported by each third network element. The first network element can then send the target DNN list to the third network element to obtain the target DNN group identifier mapped by the third network element. The target DNN list is a DNN list to be transmitted, for example, a DNN list supported by the target network element.

[0114] In some specific implementations, since the third network element is a dedicated network element (i.e., an independent network element) that stores the mapping relationship, the third network element needs to register with the NRF network element before it can interact with other network elements. In this case, multiple third network elements respectively send a first registration request message to the first network element, and accordingly, the first network element receives the first registration request message sent by each of the multiple third network elements. The first network element registers each third network element according to the first registration request message of each third network element.

[0115] Furthermore, if the third network element is an NRF, AMF, or other network element, a large number of mapping relationships will occupy a large amount of storage space. However, if the third network element is a dedicated network element, the mapping relationships will not be stored in more important core network elements such as the NRF and AMF, thereby not causing a storage burden on these network elements. Furthermore, multiple third network elements can further reduce the storage burden on the third network element.

[0116] In one possible implementation, since the mapping relationship in the third network element includes a mapping relationship between a DNN list and a DNN group identifier, the third network element may map the DNN list to the DNN group identifier, or may map the DNN group identifier to the DNN list.

[0117] S902. The first network element sends a first registration response message to each third network element.

[0118] The first registration response message is used to indicate that the third network element is successfully registered.

[0119] In some specific implementations, after receiving the first registration request message sent by the third network element, the first network element (such as the NRF network element) may register multiple third network elements based on the multiple first registration request messages. After the multiple third network elements are successfully registered, the first network element may send a first message (i.e., a first registration response message) indicating the successful registration to each of the multiple third network elements.

[0120] It should be noted that after the third network element is registered, the first network element can discover the third network element through the NRF network element, or, if the first network element is an NRF network element, the first network element can discover the third network element based on the locally stored configuration information of the third network element. However, since the third network element is a dedicated network element that stores multiple mapping relationships, the first network element needs to determine which third network element from multiple third network elements is the third network element that supports mapping the DNN list supported by the target network element. The following is a description of determining the third network element that supports mapping the DNN list (i.e., the DNN list supported by the target network element) when the first network element is an NRF network element.

[0121] S903. The first network element determines, from multiple third network elements, a fourth network element that supports mapping the DNN list based on the multiple DNN lists that each third network element supports mapping.

[0122] The first registration request message also includes configuration information of the third network element (such as an IP address, etc.), and the configuration information of the third network element can be used to indicate the third network element.

[0123] In some specific implementations, when there are multiple third network elements, each third network element may support a different DNN list for mapping. Thus, when a first network element needs to map a DNN list, the first network element may determine, from among the multiple third network elements, a third network element that supports mapping the DNN list supported by the target network element as the fourth network element. The multiple DNN lists supported by the fourth network element include the DNN list supported by the target network element.

[0124] In addition, the first registration request message may also include configuration information of the third network element that sends the first registration request message. In this way, the first network element can determine the configuration information of the third network element (i.e., the fourth network element) that supports the DNN list of the mapping target network element, and based on the configuration information of the third network element, send the DNN list to the third network element, so that the fourth network element can determine the DNN group identifier based on the mapping relationship and the DNN list. Afterwards, the first network element can receive the DNN group identifier sent by the third network element.

[0125] In a possible implementation, the fourth network element may be one or more, which is not limited in the present embodiment. In the case where there are multiple fourth network elements, the first network element may send the DNN list to any one of the fourth network elements.

[0126] Case 2: The third network element is a dedicated network element for storing mapping relationships.

[0127] It is understood that, when there is only one third network element, the first network element only needs to receive one first registration request message. Furthermore, since there is only one third network element, all mapping relationships are stored in the third network element. Therefore, the first registration request message does not need to include a list of multiple DNNs supported by the third network element for mapping and / or multiple DNN group identifiers supported by the third network element for mapping. Furthermore, the first network element can directly determine the required third network element, eliminating the need for selection.

[0128] In some embodiments, after the third network element is successfully registered, the second network element may discover the third network element through the first network element. The following is a description of discovering the second network element through the first network element. Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 6 , combined with Figure 8 ,like Figure 10 As shown, when the first network element is an NRF and the third network element is a dedicated network element for storing a mapping relationship, the information transmission method includes the following S1001 and S1002.

[0129] S1001. A first network element receives a second discovery request message sent by a second network element.

[0130] The second discovery request message is used to request discovery of a third network element.

[0131] In some specific implementations, when the second network element needs to map the DNN group identifier (or DNN list), the second network element can send a second discovery request message to the first network element, thereby requesting the first network element to indicate the third network element to the second network element.

[0132] S1002. The first network element sends a second discovery response message to the second network element.

[0133] The second discovery response message is used to indicate the third network element.

[0134] In some specific implementations, after receiving the second discovery request message, the first network element may send a second discovery response message to the second network element indicating the third network element. In this way, after receiving the second discovery response message, the second network element may map the DNN group identifier (or DNN list) based on the third network element.

[0135] In a possible implementation, the second discovery response message may include configuration information of the third network element, and the configuration information may be used to indicate the third network element.

[0136] In some embodiments, the third network element may be one or more. When the third network element is in case 1 or case 2, the discovery process of the third network element is different. The following describes the discovery process of the third network element by the second network element through case 1 and case 2 respectively.

[0137] Case 1: The first network element is a plurality of third network elements for storing mapping relationships.

[0138] Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 7 , combined with Figure 8 ,like Figure 11 As shown, in the case where there are multiple third network elements, the information transmission method includes the following S1101, S1102 and S1103.

[0139] S1101. A first network element receives a second discovery request message sent by a second network element.

[0140] The second discovery request message includes a DNN group identifier (or a DNN list). The second discovery request message is used to request discovery of a fifth network element that supports mapping the DNN group identifier among multiple third network elements.

[0141] In some specific implementations, after the second network element receives the DNN group identifier, it needs to map the DNN group identifier to a DNN list through a third network element. Therefore, the second network element needs to discover the third network element and thereby determine the DNN list through the third network element. In this case, the second network element may send a second discovery request message to the first network element so that the third network element can help the first network element discover the third network element.

[0142] S1102. The first network element determines a fifth network element that supports mapping the DNN group identifier from multiple third network elements based on the multiple DNN group identifiers that each third network element supports mapping.

[0143] In some specific implementations, since there are multiple third network elements that store mapping relationships, after receiving the first discovery request message, the first network element can select a fifth network element that supports mapping the DNN group identifier from multiple third network elements.

[0144] It is understood that, when registering, the third network element may include in the first registration request message sent to the first network element multiple DNN group identifiers and / or multiple DNN lists that the third network element supports mapping. In this way, the first network element may store the multiple DNN group identifiers and / or multiple DNN lists that each third network element supports mapping.

[0145] S1103. The first network element sends a second discovery response message to the second network element.

[0146] The second discovery response message is used to indicate the fifth network element.

[0147] In some specific implementations, after determining the fifth network element that supports mapping the DNN group identifier, the first network element may send a second discovery response message to the second network element to indicate the third network element. Since the third network element sent its own configuration information to the first network element when registering with the first network element, the second discovery response message may include the configuration information of the third network element (i.e., the fifth network element). Subsequently, the second network element may send the DNN group identifier that needs to be mapped to the third network element based on the configuration information of the third network element.

[0148] In one possible implementation, when there are multiple third network elements, the mapping relationships stored in different third network elements may be the same (completely the same or partially the same). Therefore, the fourth network element and the fifth network element may be the same third network element or different third network elements, and this is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0149] Case 2: The third network element is a dedicated network element for storing mapping relationships.

[0150] It can be understood that, when there is only one third network element, the first network element does not need to determine the fifth network element from multiple third network elements, and can send a second discovery response message indicating the third network element to the second network element.

[0151] In a possible implementation, since there is only one third network element, the first network element may indicate the one third network element to the second network element through the second discovery response message.

[0152] The above is a description of the first network element determining the DNN group identifier when there is one or more third network elements. After determining the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list, the first network element can store the mapping relationship locally, thereby eliminating the need to repeatedly send the DNN list to the third network element. However, after the mapping relationship corresponding to the DNN list stored by the third network element changes, the DNN group identifier determined by the first network element based on the DNN list and the mapping relationship corresponding to the locally stored DNN list is an incorrect identifier. In this case, the first network element can also subscribe to the latest mapping relationship from the third network element to ensure real-time updates of the mapping relationship, as follows Figure 10 The first network element is subscribed to the latest description of the mapping relationship.

[0153] Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 8 . Combined Figure 7 ,like Figure 12 As shown, the method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes S1201, S1202, S1203 and S1204.

[0154] S1201. A first network element sends a first subscription change request message to a third network element.

[0155] The first subscription change request message includes at least one DNN group identifier or at least one DNN list.

[0156] It can be understood that the first change subscription request message is used to subscribe to at least one DNN group identifier or at least one DNN list.

[0157] S1202. The third network element receives a first subscription change request message.

[0158] S1203. When at least one subscribed DNN group identifier or at least one subscribed DNN list changes, the third network element sends a first subscription change notification message to the first network element.

[0159] Among them, the first subscription change notification message may include a mapping relationship corresponding to at least one changed DNN group identifier or a mapping relationship corresponding to at least one changed DNN list.

[0160] It should be noted that, when the mapping relationship corresponding to at least one subscribed DNN group identifier changes, the third network element sends the mapping relationship corresponding to the changed at least one DNN group identifier to the first network element; when the mapping relationship corresponding to at least one subscribed DNN list changes, the third network element sends the mapping relationship corresponding to the changed at least one DNN list to the first network element. In this way, when the first network element needs to map the DNN group identifier, it does not need to determine the DNN group identifier based on the third network element every time, and can always ensure that the locally stored mapping relationship is correct, thereby reducing the overhead of determining the DNN group identifier.

[0161] S1204. The first network element receives a first subscription change notification message from the third network element.

[0162] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first network element is an NRF network element, the first network element can also be used to discover other network elements. The following description is taken as an example of the first network element discovering a target network element. Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 9 . Combined Figure 7 ,like Figure 13 As shown, before the above S501, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes the following S1301.

[0163] S1301. The second network element sends a first discovery request message to the first network element, and the first network element receives the first discovery request message from the second network element.

[0164] The first discovery request message is used to request discovery of a target network element. Optionally, in this case, the first message is also used to respond to the first discovery request message, indicating the target network element. That is, the first message may also be a first discovery response message in response to the first discovery request message.

[0165] In a possible implementation, the target network element may be a third network element. The target network element may be one or more.

[0166] In some specific implementations, before the second network element interacts with other network elements, the second network element needs to discover other network elements through the NRF network element before it can interact. Therefore, when the first network element is NRF and the second network element needs to discover the target network element, the second network element sends a first discovery request message to the first network element, and the first network element receives the first discovery request message sent by the second network element. Then, the first network element can determine the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list supported by the target network element. After this, the first network element sends a first message to the second network element, the first message is used to indicate the DNN group identifier, and the first message is also used to indicate the target network element in response to the first discovery request message.

[0167] The process of the second network element interacting with other network elements may be implemented in a protocol data unit (PDU) session process.

[0168] In one possible implementation, when the target network element is a third network element, the second network element cannot determine the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier after receiving the DNN group identifier. Subsequently, the second network element maps the DNN group identifier to the DNN list based on the target network element (i.e., the third network element) indicated by the first message.

[0169] In one possible implementation, the first message may include configuration information of the target network element, thereby indicating the target network element through the configuration information of the target network element. The DNN list in the first message and / or the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list may be carried in the configuration information of the target network element.

[0170] It is understood that before the second network element discovers the target network element through the NRF, the target network element needs to send a registration request message to the first network element to register with the NRF. After that, the second network element can discover the target network element through the network elements registered in the NRF. Optionally, the registration request message may include a list of DNNs supported by the target network element and / or a DNN group identifier.

[0171] The information transmission method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to Figure 3 A second network element 302 in the communication system is shown. Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 10 ,like Figure 14 As shown, the information transmission method includes the following S1401 and S1402.

[0172] S1401. A second network element receives a first message sent by a first network element.

[0173] The first message includes a DNN group identifier for indicating a DNN list.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the DNN list may be a list of DNNs supported by the target network element. The target network element may be the first network element or any one of the multiple network elements except the second network element, which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0175] The first network element may be any network element among the multiple network elements except the second network element, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0176] In some specific implementations, the second network element can receive the first message sent by the first network element to obtain the DNN group identifier. In this way, the DNN group identifier received by the second network element is a single identifier. Compared to transmitting a single DNN list, this can reduce the cost of transmitting the DNN list between network elements, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0177] S1402. The second network element determines a DNN list based on the DNN group identifier.

[0178] The DNN list is determined based on a mapping relationship, and the mapping relationship may include: the mapping relationship includes the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list.

[0179] In some specific implementations, because the DNN group identifier sent by the first network element is not a DNN list, and the second network element requires a DNN list, the second network element can determine the DNN list supported by the target network element based on the DNN group identifier and the mapping relationship.

[0180] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network element may map the DNN group identifier to the DNN list based on a mapping relationship between the DNN list and the DNN group identifier. The manner in which the second network element determines the DNN list based on the mapping relationship may also include manner one and manner two:

[0181] Method 1: Determine through pre-configured mapping relationship.

[0182] Figure 15 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 10 1. Combination Figure 14 ,like Figure 15As shown, in the above S1402, the second network element determines the DNN list based on the DNN group identifier, which specifically includes S1501.

[0183] S1501. The second network element determines a DNN list based on a pre-configured mapping relationship and a received DNN group identifier.

[0184] In some specific implementations, the second network element may also store a pre-configured mapping relationship. In this way, when the second network element receives the DNN group identifier, the second network element may map the DNN group identifier to a list of DNNs supported by the target network element based on the pre-configured mapping relationship.

[0185] It can be understood that the mapping relationship pre-configured by the second network element is the same as the mapping relationship pre-configured by the first network element.

[0186] Method 2: Determine through a third network element that stores the mapping relationship.

[0187] Figure 16 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 10 2. Combination Figure 14 ,like Figure 16 As shown, in the above S1402, the second network element determines that the DNN list specifically includes S1601, S1602 and S1603 based on the DNN group identifier.

[0188] S1601. The second network element sends a DNN group identifier to the third network element.

[0189] In some specific implementations, after the second network element receives the DNN group identifier, the second network element needs to map the DNN group identifier to a DNN list. Since the third network element is a dedicated network element that stores mapping relationships, the second network element can send the DNN group identifier to the third network element, so that the third network element determines the DNN list based on the DNN group identifier.

[0190] S1602. The third network element receives the DNN group identifier, and based on the mapping relationship, determines the DNN group identifier as the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier, and sends the DNN group identifier and the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier to the second network element.

[0191] S1603. The second network element receives the DNN group identifier and the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier from the third network element.

[0192] Among them, the DNN list is determined by the third network element based on the mapping relationship and the DNN group identifier, and the third network element is the network element that stores the mapping relationship.

[0193] In some specific implementations, after the third network element receives the DNN group identifier, the third network element may map the DNN group identifier to a DNN list through a stored mapping relationship. Thereafter, the third network element may send the DNN group identifier and the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier to the second network element. In this way, the second network element determines the received DNN list as the DNN list supported by the target network element. In addition, the first network element may determine, based on the received DNN group identifier, that the DNN list is the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier.

[0194] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the third network element is a dedicated network element for storing mapping relationships and the first network element is an NRF, the second network element needs to discover the third network element through the first network element before determining the DNN list through the third network element. When the third network element is in case 1 or case 2, the process for the second network element to discover the third network element through the first network element is different.

[0195] When the third network element meets the first situation, the description of the second network element discovering the third network element based on the first network element can refer to the description of S1001, S1002, S1101, S1102 and S1103; when the third network element meets the second situation, the description of the second network element discovering the third network element based on the first network element can refer to S1001 and S1002, which will not be repeated in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0196] It is understandable that when the first network element is an NRF network element, the first network element can register the third network element and help the second network element discover the third network element after the registration is completed. The following will describe the process of registration and discovery of the first network element.

[0197] Figure 17 Shows a schematic diagram of the process of a first network element implementing registration and discovery Figure 1 As an example, the third network element is a dedicated network element (also called an independent network element) that stores the mapping relationship, the target network element is SMF, the first network element is NRF, and the second network element is AMF. The steps for the first network element to implement registration and discovery include:

[0198] S1701. SMF sends an identification request message to the third network element.

[0199] Among them, the identification request acquisition message may include a list of DNNs supported by the SMF.

[0200] S1702. The third network element sends an identification request response message to the SMF.

[0201] The identification request response message includes the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list.

[0202] S1703. SMF sends an SMF registration request message to NRF.

[0203] Among them, the SMF registration request message includes the DNN group identifier.

[0204] S1704. NRF sends an SMF registration response message to SMF.

[0205] S1705. The NRF sends a first list acquisition request message to the third network element.

[0206] Among them, the first list request acquisition message includes the DNN group identifier.

[0207] S1706. The NRF receives a first list acquisition response message sent by the third network element.

[0208] Among them, the first list acquisition response message includes the DNN group identifier and its corresponding DNN list.

[0209] S1707. NRF receives the SMF discovery request message sent by AMF.

[0210] S1708. NRF sends an SMF discovery response message to AMF.

[0211] Among them, the SMF discovery response message includes multiple SMFs and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list supported by each SMF.

[0212] S1709. AMF sends a second list acquisition request message to the third network element.

[0213] Among them, the second list acquisition request message includes the DNN identifier supported by SMF.

[0214] S1710. AMF receives a second list acquisition response message sent by the third network element.

[0215] Among them, the second list acquisition response message includes the DNN identifier supported by SMF and its corresponding DNN list.

[0216] In another possible implementation, after the second network element sends the second discovery request message to the first network element, the first network element determines that the second network element needs to be mapped. Since the first network element can store the mapping relationship locally after determining the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list, the first network element can determine whether the first network element locally stores the corresponding mapping relationship based on the DNN group identifier or DNN list in the second discovery request message. If the first network element stores the mapping relationship required by the second network element, the first network element can send the mapping relationship to the second network element.

[0217] The following describes a process in which the second network element discovers the third network element through the first network element when the first network element locally stores the mapping relationship.

[0218] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of a process of a second network element discovering a third network element through a first network element is shown. As an example, taking the first network element as an NRF, the step of the second network element discovering the third network element through the first network element includes S1801.

[0219] S1801. The NRF receives a dedicated network element discovery request message sent by a second network element.

[0220] The third network element discovery request message may be the second discovery request message. The dedicated network element discovery request message may include a DNN list or a DNN group identifier that needs to be mapped.

[0221] S1802. The second network element receives a dedicated network element discovery response message sent by the NRF.

[0222] The dedicated network element discovery response message may include configuration information of a third network element that supports mapping the DNN group identifier to be mapped. The dedicated network element discovery response message may also include a mapping relationship that supports mapping the DNN group identifier to be mapped stored by the NRF.

[0223] S1803. The second network element determines the DNN group identifier as a DNN list based on the mapping relationship of the DNN group identifiers that need to be mapped and stored in the NRF.

[0224] The above is a description of the second network element determining the DNN list when there is one or more third network elements. After determining the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier, the second network element can store the mapping relationship locally, thereby eliminating the need to repeatedly send the DNN group identifier to the third network element. However, after the mapping relationship corresponding to the DNN group identifier stored by the third network element changes, the DNN group identifier determined by the second network element based on the DNN list and the mapping relationship corresponding to the locally stored DNN list is an incorrect identifier. In this case, the second network element can also subscribe to the latest mapping relationship from the third network element to ensure real-time updates of the mapping relationship, as follows Figure 19 The second network element is subscribed to the description of the latest mapping relationship.

[0225] Figure 19 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 10 3. Combination Figure 16 ,like Figure 19 As shown, the method provided by the present disclosure also includes S1901, S1902, S1903 and S1904.

[0226] S1901. The second network element sends a second subscription change request message to the third network element.

[0227] The second subscription change request message includes at least one DNN group identifier or at least one DNN list.

[0228] It can be understood that the second subscription change request message is used to subscribe to at least one DNN group identifier or at least one DNN list.

[0229] S1902. The third network element receives a second subscription change request message.

[0230] S1903. When at least one subscribed DNN group identifier or at least one subscribed DNN list changes, the third network element sends a second subscription change notification message to the second network element.

[0231] Among them, the second subscription change notification message may include a mapping relationship corresponding to at least one changed DNN group identifier or a mapping relationship corresponding to at least one changed DNN list.

[0232] It should be noted that, if the mapping relationship corresponding to at least one subscribed DNN group identifier changes, the third network element sends the changed mapping relationship corresponding to the at least one DNN group identifier to the second network element; if the mapping relationship corresponding to at least one subscribed DNN list changes, the third network element sends the changed mapping relationship corresponding to the at least one DNN list to the second network element. In this way, when the second network element needs to map the DNN group identifier, it does not need to determine the DNN group identifier based on the third network element every time, and can always ensure that the locally stored mapping relationship is correct, thereby reducing the overhead of determining the DNN group identifier.

[0233] S1904. The second network element receives a second subscription change notification message.

[0234] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first network element is an NRF, the second network element may discover the target network element based on the first network element. Figure 20 A schematic diagram showing a process of an information transmission method Figure 10 4. Combination Figure 16 ,like Figure 20 As shown, before the above S1401, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes S2001.

[0235] S2001. The second network element sends a first discovery request message to the first network element.

[0236] The first discovery request message is used to request discovery of a target network element; the first message is a first discovery response message in response to the first discovery request message, and the first discovery response message is used to indicate a target network element.

[0237] For the description of the second network element sending the first discovery request message to the first network element, reference may be made to the specific description of S1301 , which will not be repeated herein in this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0238] It is understandable that, when the first network element is an NRF, the first network element can help the second network element discover the target network element and can also help the target network element to register. The following will be described in scenarios 1 to 4:

[0239] Scenario 1: The target network element is SMF and the second network element is AMF.

[0240] Figure 21 Shows a schematic diagram of the process of a first network element implementing registration and discovery Figure 2 As an example, taking the target network element as SMF, the first network element as NRF, and the second network element as AMF as an example, the steps of the first network element implementing registration and discovery include S2101 to S2105.

[0241] S2101. SMF sends an SMF registration request message to the NRF network element.

[0242] Among them, the SMF registration request message may include the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list supported by SMF.

[0243] S2102. NRF sends an SMF registration response message to SMF.

[0244] S2103. AMF sends an SMF discovery request message to NRF.

[0245] The SMF discovery request message is used to request the discovery of SMF.

[0246] S2104. NRF may send an SMF discovery response message to AMF.

[0247] The SMF discovery response message may include multiple SMFs and the DNN group identifier supported by each of the multiple SMFs. The SMF discovery response message may also include SMF configuration information / profile. The SMF discovery response message may be a first discovery response message.

[0248] In one possible implementation, the DNN group identifier may be carried in the SMF configuration information / configuration file.

[0249] S2105. AMF maps the DNN group identifier to a DNN list.

[0250] Scenario 2: The target network element is UPF and the second network element is SMF.

[0251] Figure 22Shows a schematic diagram of the process of a first network element implementing registration and discovery Figure 3 As another example, taking the target network element as a UPF, the first network element as an NRF, and the second network element as an SMF, the steps of the first network element implementing registration and discovery include S2201 to S2205.

[0252] S2201. UPF sends a UPF registration request message to the NRF network element.

[0253] Among them, the UPF registration request message may include the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list supported by the UPF.

[0254] S2202. NRF sends a UPF registration response message to UPF.

[0255] S2203. SMF sends a UPF discovery request message to NRF.

[0256] Among them, the UPF discovery request message is used to request the discovery of UPF.

[0257] S2204. NRF can send a UPF discovery response message to SMF.

[0258] The UPF discovery response message may include multiple UPFs and the DNN group identifiers supported by each of the multiple UPFs. The UPF discovery response message may also include UPF configuration information / profile. The UPF discovery response message may be a first discovery response message.

[0259] In one possible implementation, the DNN group identifier may be carried in the SMF configuration information / configuration file.

[0260] S2205. SMF maps the DNN group identifier to a DNN list.

[0261] Scenario 3: The target network element is PCF and the second network element is SMF.

[0262] Figure 23 Shows a schematic diagram of the process of a first network element implementing registration and discovery Figure 4 As another example, taking the target network element as a PCF, the first network element as an NRF, and the second network element as an SMF, the steps of the first network element implementing registration and discovery include S2301 to S2305.

[0263] S2301. The PCF sends a PCF registration request message to the NRF network element.

[0264] Among them, the PCF registration request message may include the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list supported by PCF.

[0265] S2302. The NRF sends a PCF registration response message to the PCF.

[0266] S2303. SMF sends a PCF discovery request message to NRF.

[0267] The PCF discovery request message is used to request discovery of the PCF.

[0268] S2304. NRF may send a PCF discovery response message to SMF.

[0269] The PCF discovery response message may include multiple PCFs and the DNN group identifiers supported by each of the multiple PCFs. The PCF discovery response message may also include PCF configuration information / configuration file. The PCF discovery response message may be a first discovery response message.

[0270] In one possible implementation, the DNN group identifier may be carried in the PCF configuration information / configuration file.

[0271] S2305. SMF maps the DNN group identifier to a DNN list.

[0272] Scenario 4: The target network element is BSF and the second network element is IMS / DRA.

[0273] Figure 24 Shows a schematic diagram of the process of a first network element implementing registration and discovery Figure 5 As another example, taking the target network element as a BSF, the first network element as an NRF, and the second network element as an IMS / DRA, the steps of the first network element implementing registration and discovery include S2401 to S2405.

[0274] S2401. The BSF sends a BSF registration request message to the NRF network element.

[0275] The BSF registration request message may include the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list supported by the BSF.

[0276] S2402. The NRF sends a BSF registration response message to the BSF.

[0277] S2403. The IMS / DRA sends a BSF discovery request message to the NRF.

[0278] The BSF discovery request message is used to request discovery of the BSF.

[0279] S2404. The NRF may send a BSF discovery response message to the IMS / DRA.

[0280] The BSF discovery response message may include multiple BSFs and the DNN group identifiers supported by each of the multiple BSFs. The BSF discovery response message may also include BSF configuration information / profile. The BSF discovery response message may be a first discovery response message.

[0281] In a possible implementation, the DNN group identifier may be carried in the BSF configuration information / configuration file.

[0282] S2405. IMS / DRA maps the DNN group identifier to a DNN list.

[0283] It is understandable that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, in conjunction with the algorithmic steps of the various examples described in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware 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 to be beyond the scope of the present disclosure.

[0284] The embodiments of the present disclosure can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above-mentioned method embodiments. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional module. The above-mentioned integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or software. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematic and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following is an example of dividing each functional module corresponding to each function.

[0285] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , the communication device can execute the communication method provided by the above method embodiment. Figure 25 As shown, the communication device includes: a determining unit 2501 and a sending unit 2502.

[0286] The determination unit 2501 is used to determine a DNN group identifier for indicating a data network name DNN list, where the DNN group identifier is determined based on a mapping relationship, and the mapping relationship includes the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list.

[0287] The sending unit 2502 is used to send a first message to the second network element, where the first message includes a DNN group identifier.

[0288] In a possible implementation, the determining unit 2501 is specifically configured to:

[0289] Determine the DNN group ID based on the locally configured mapping relationship and the DNN list.

[0290] In a possible implementation, the determining unit 2501 is specifically configured to:

[0291] Send the DNN list to the third network element; receive the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list from the third network element, where the DNN group identifier is determined by the third network element based on the mapping relationship and the DNN list, and the third network element is the network element that stores the mapping relationship.

[0292] In a possible implementation, the first network element is a network function library NRF, the DNN list is a DNN list supported by the target network element, and the device also includes a receiving unit 2503.

[0293] The receiving unit 2503 is configured to receive a first discovery request message from the second network element, where the first discovery request message is used to request discovery of a target network element. The first message is used to respond to the first discovery request message and to indicate the target network element.

[0294] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit 2503 is configured to receive a first registration request message sent by a third network element.

[0295] The sending unit 2502 is further configured to send a first registration response message to the third network element, where the first registration response message is used to indicate that the registration of the third network element is successful.

[0296] In one possible implementation, when there are multiple third network elements, the first registration request message includes a list of multiple DNNs supported by the third network element that sends the first registration request message, and / or multiple DNN group identifiers supported by the third network element that sends the first registration request message.

[0297] In a possible implementation, the determining unit 2501 is further configured to determine, from multiple third network elements, a fourth network element that supports mapping the DNN list based on multiple DNN lists that each third network element supports mapping.

[0298] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit 2503 is further configured to receive a second discovery request message sent by the second network element, where the second discovery request message is used to request discovery of a third network element.

[0299] The sending unit 2502 is further configured to send a second discovery response message to the second network element, where the second discovery response message is used to indicate the third network element.

[0300] In one possible implementation, when there are multiple third network elements, the second discovery request message includes a DNN group identifier, the second discovery request message is used to request the discovery of a fifth network element, and the second discovery response message is used to indicate the fifth network element; wherein, the fifth network element is based on multiple DNN group identifiers supported by each third network element, and a network element that supports mapping the DNN group identifier is determined from multiple third network elements.

[0301] In a possible implementation, the sending unit 2502 is further configured to send a first subscription change request message to the third network element, where the first subscription change request message includes at least one DNN group identifier or at least one DNN list.

[0302] The receiving unit 2503 is also used to receive a mapping relationship corresponding to at least one changed DNN group identifier or a mapping relationship corresponding to at least one changed DNN list sent by a third network element.

[0303] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 , the communication device can execute the communication method provided by the above method embodiment. Figure 26 As shown, the communication device includes: a receiving unit 2601 and a determining unit 2602.

[0304] The receiving unit 2601 is used to receive a first message sent by a first network element, where the first message includes a DNN group identifier for indicating a DNN list.

[0305] The determination unit 2602 is used to determine the DNN list based on the DNN group identifier, where the DNN list is determined based on a mapping relationship, and the mapping relationship includes the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list.

[0306] In a possible implementation, the determining unit 2602 is specifically configured to:

[0307] Determine the DNN list based on the locally configured mapping relationship and the received DNN group identifier.

[0308] In one possible implementation, the determination unit 2602 is specifically used to: send a DNN group identifier to a third network element; receive the DNN group identifier and a DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier from the third network element, where the DNN list is determined by the third network element based on a mapping relationship and the DNN group identifier, and the mapping relationship includes: a DNN list and a DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list, and the third network element is a network element that stores the mapping relationship.

[0309] In a possible implementation, the device further includes: a sending unit 2603.

[0310] The sending unit 2603 is configured to send a first discovery request message to the first network element, where the first discovery request message is used to request discovery of a target network element; the first message is used to respond to the first discovery request message and to indicate a target network element.

[0311] In a possible implementation, the sending unit 2603 is further configured to send a second discovery request message to the first network element, where the second discovery request message is used to request discovery of a third network element.

[0312] The receiving unit 2601 is further configured to receive a second discovery response message from the first network element, where the second discovery response message is used to indicate a third network element.

[0313] In one possible implementation, when there are multiple third network elements, the second discovery request message includes a DNN group identifier, the second discovery request message is used to request the discovery of a fifth network element, and the second discovery response message is used to indicate the fifth network element; wherein, the fifth network element is the first network element, based on the multiple DNN group identifiers supported by each third network element for mapping, and determines the network element that supports mapping the DNN group identifier from multiple third network elements.

[0314] In a possible implementation, the sending unit 2603 is further configured to send a second subscription change request message to the third network element, where the second subscription change request message includes at least one DNN group identifier or at least one DNN list.

[0315] The receiving unit 2601 is also used to receive a mapping relationship corresponding to at least one changed DNN group identifier or a mapping relationship corresponding to at least one changed DNN list sent by a third network element.

[0316] In the case of implementing the functions of the above-mentioned integrated modules in the form of hardware, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide another possible structure of the communication device involved in the above-mentioned embodiments. Figure 27 As shown, the communication device 270 includes: a processor 2702 and a bus 2704. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory 2701; and optionally, the communication device may further include a communication interface 2703.

[0317] Processor 2702 may implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the embodiments of this disclosure. Processor 2702 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. It may implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the embodiments of this disclosure. Processor 2702 may also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor.

[0318] The communication interface 2703 is used to connect to other devices via a communication network, such as Ethernet, wireless access network, or wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0319] The memory 2701 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0320] As a possible implementation, the memory 2701 can exist independently of the processor 2702. The memory 2701 can be connected to the processor 2702 via a bus 2704 to store instructions or program codes. When the processor 2702 calls and executes the instructions or program codes stored in the memory 2701, the information transmission method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0321] In another possible implementation, the memory 2701 may also be integrated with the processor 2702 .

[0322] The bus 2704 may be an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus 2704 may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 27 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0323] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), which stores computer program instructions. When the computer program instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the information transmission method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0324] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes, etc.), optical disks (e.g., compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). The various computer-readable storage media described in the present disclosure may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable storage media for storing information. The term "machine-readable storage medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0325] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product comprising instructions. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the communication method described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0326] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An information transmission method, characterized in that: Applied to a first network element, the method includes: Determine a DNN group identifier for indicating a data network name DNN list, where the DNN group identifier is determined based on a mapping relationship, where the mapping relationship includes the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list; A first message is sent to the second network element, where the first message includes the DNN group identifier.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining of a DNN group identifier for indicating a data network name DNN list includes: Determine the DNN group identifier based on the locally configured mapping relationship and the DNN list.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining of a DNN group identifier for indicating a data network name DNN list includes: Sending the DNN list to a third network element; Receive the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list from the third network element, where the DNN group identifier is determined by the third network element based on the mapping relationship and the DNN list.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a first subscription change request message to the third network element, where the first subscription change request message includes at least one DNN group identifier or at least one DNN list; Receive the mapping relationship corresponding to the changed at least one DNN group identifier or the mapping relationship corresponding to the changed at least one DNN list sent by the third network element.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first network element is a network function library NRF, the DNN list is a DNN list supported by the target network element, and before determining the DNN group identifier for indicating the data network name DNN list, the method further includes: A first discovery request message is received from the second network element, where the first discovery request message is used to request discovery of the target network element, and the first message is used to respond to the first discovery request message and to indicate the target network element.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that When the first network element is an NRF and the third network element is a dedicated network element for storing the mapping relationship, the method further includes: receiving a first registration request message sent by the third network element; A first registration response message is sent to the third network element, where the first registration response message is used to indicate that the third network element has been successfully registered.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that In the case where there are multiple third network elements, the first registration request message includes a list of multiple DNNs supported by the third network element that sends the first registration request message, and / or multiple DNN group identifiers supported by the third network element that sends the first registration request message.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: Based on the multiple DNN lists supported by each of the third network elements, a fourth network element that supports mapping the DNN list is determined from the multiple third network elements.

9. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that When the first network element is an NRF and the third network element is a dedicated network element for storing the mapping relationship, the method further includes: receiving a second discovery request message sent by the second network element, where the second discovery request message is used to request discovery of the third network element; A second discovery response message is sent to the second network element, where the second discovery response message is used to indicate the third network element.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that In the case that there are multiple third network elements, the second discovery request message includes the DNN group identifier, the second discovery request message is used to request discovery of a fifth network element, and the second discovery response message is used to indicate the fifth network element; Among them, the fifth network element is based on multiple DNN group identifiers supported by each of the third network elements, and determines the network element that supports mapping the DNN group identifier from multiple third network elements.

11. An information transmission method, characterized in that: Applied to a second network element, the method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first network element, where the first message includes a DNN group identifier for indicating a DNN list; The DNN list is determined based on the DNN group identifier, where the DNN list is determined based on a mapping relationship, and the mapping relationship includes the DNN list and the DNN group identifier corresponding to the DNN list.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The determining the DNN list based on the DNN group identifier includes: Determine the DNN list based on the locally configured mapping relationship and the received DNN group identifier.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The determining the DNN list based on the DNN group identifier includes: Sending the DNN group identifier to a third network element; Receive the DNN group identifier and the DNN list corresponding to the DNN group identifier from the third network element, where the DNN list is determined by the third network element based on the mapping relationship and the DNN group identifier, and the third network element is the network element that stores the mapping relationship.

14. A communication device, characterized in that: include: memory and processor; Memory and processor coupling; The memory is used to store instructions executable by the processor; When the processor executes the instructions, the method according to any one of claims 1-10 or 11-13 is performed.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or 11 to 13.

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