Communication method and communication device for wireless access network and core network

Abstract

Provided in an embodiment of the present application are a communication method and a communication device for a wireless access network and a core network, the method comprising: a first wireless network device acquiring first indication information of a first control plane network function serving a terminal device (S610), the first control plane network function being a network function determined based on a second control plane network function; and the first wireless network device communicating with the first control plane network function according to the first indication information (S620). The time delay caused by proxy processing or forwarding of the second control plane network function when the first wireless network equipment communicates with the first control plane network function through the second control plane network function is avoided, so that signaling can be saved, and the communication efficiency is improved.

Description

A communication method and device between a wireless access network and a core network Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device between a wireless access network and a core network. Background Art

[0002] In the existing radio access network (RAN) architecture, such as the fifth generation (5G) RAN architecture, the radio access network equipment is only connected to the access and mobility function (AMF) of the core network (CN) on the control plane, and has no direct connection with other control plane (CP) network functions (NF) in the CN. Therefore, the AMF acts as a proxy to shield the radio access network from the connection of the CP NF and the signaling process within the CN.

[0003] The AMF proxy mechanism is simpler for the radio access network, but it introduces transmission delays. More efficient communication between the radio access network and the core network is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and a communication device between a wireless access network and a core network, which enable the wireless access network to directly communicate with a CPNF other than the AMF of the core network, thereby more efficiently realizing communication between the wireless access network and the core network.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method between a wireless access network and a core network is provided. The method can be executed by a first wireless network device, or can be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the first wireless network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0007] The method includes: obtaining first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device, the first control plane network function being a network function determined based on a second control plane network function; and communicating with the first control plane network function according to the first indication information.

[0008] The first control plane network function and the second control plane network function are control plane function entities in the core network.

[0009] For example, the first control plane network function may include but is not limited to session management function (SMF), location management function (LMF), policy control function (PCF), etc., and the second control plane network function may include but is not limited to access and mobility management function (AMF), network registration function (NRF), etc.

[0010] In this application, the first control plane network function and the second control plane network function are network functions assigned to the terminal device during initial registration, or may be initially assigned network functions found by the terminal device during non-initial registration. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0011] In the present application, the first wireless network device is a wireless network device serving the terminal device, for example, an access network device.

[0012] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device can obtain first indication information of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device, and communicate with the first control plane network function based on the first indication information, thereby avoiding the delay caused by the proxy processing or forwarding of the second control plane network function when the first wireless network device communicates with the first control plane network function through the second control plane network function, thereby more efficiently realizing the communication between the wireless access network and the core network.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation method of the first aspect, obtaining the first indication information includes: obtaining the first indication information locally or receiving the first indication information from the first network element, the first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: the type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, the address of the first control plane network function, and the session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function. The first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device, and the first network element includes a second control plane network function, the first control plane network function, the terminal device, a second wireless network device, and one of the network management network elements.

[0014] The second wireless network device and the network management network element can be understood as network elements capable of storing the first indication information and storing the first indication information. For example, the second wireless network device can be a wireless network device adjacent to the first wireless network device.

[0015] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device can obtain the first indication information from any network element that stores the first indication information, and the first indication information can be any information such as the identifier, address, type, etc. of the first control plane network function that can be used to communicate with the first control plane network function, thereby improving the flexibility of communication.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, first indication information is determined according to the first identifier; and the first identifier is sent to the first control plane network function according to the first indication information.

[0017] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device searches for the corresponding first control plane network function according to the first identifier, thereby determining the first indication information corresponding to the first control plane network function, and sends the first identifier to the first control plane network function according to the first indication information.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the address and / or identification information of the first wireless network device is sent to the first control plane network function or the terminal device.

[0019] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device can indicate its own address or identification information to the first control plane network function or terminal device, so that the first control plane network function or terminal device can initiate communication. For example, the first control plane network function initiates downlink communication and sends first indication information to the first wireless network device.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the first indication information is saved.

[0021] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device can save the first indication information of the first control plane network function. For example, after the first wireless network device saves the first indication information, the first wireless network device determines the first indication information of the corresponding first control plane network function according to the identifier of the terminal device requesting communication and the first identifier in the first indication information during communication, and sends an uplink message according to the first indication information.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation method of the first aspect, a second identifier of a terminal device sent by a second control plane network function is received, where the second identifier is a communication identifier determined by the first control plane network function for the terminal device within the service range of the first control plane network function; a mapping relationship between a third identifier of the terminal device and the second identifier is determined, where the third identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first wireless network device, and the mapping relationship is used by the first wireless network device to determine the context of the terminal device based on the second identifier.

[0023] In this application, the second identifier may be a CN NGAP ID.

[0024] In this application, the third identifier may be a temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI).

[0025] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device obtains the second identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first control plane network function through the second control plane network function, and then associates the second identifier with its own third identifier, so that the second identifier can be used in the uplink message for the first control plane network function to determine the context of the terminal.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation of the first aspect, the second identifier is sent to the first control plane network function according to the mapping relationship between the third identifier and the second identifier, and the second identifier is used by the first control plane network function to determine the context of the corresponding terminal device.

[0027] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device associates the second identifier sent by the first control plane network function with the third identifier. In the uplink message, the first wireless network device can use the second identifier instead of the third identifier, so that the first control plane network function can determine the context of the terminal.

[0028] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation method of the first aspect, a fourth identifier of the terminal device is sent to the first control plane network function through the second control plane network function, where the fourth identifier is a communication identifier assigned by the first wireless network device to the terminal device within the service range of the first wireless network device, and the fourth identifier has a mapping relationship with the fifth identifier of the terminal device, where the fifth identifier is an identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first control plane network function.

[0029] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device sends the fourth identifier allocated by itself to the terminal device to the first control plane network function through the second control plane network function, so as to associate the first control plane network function with its own fifth identifier, thereby using the fourth identifier in the downlink message. The first wireless network device can determine the context corresponding to the terminal device based on the fourth identifier.

[0030] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, a fourth identifier sent by the first control plane network function is received; and a context corresponding to the terminal device is determined based on the fourth identifier.

[0031] In this technical solution, the downlink message received by the first wireless network device carries the fourth identifier, and the context corresponding to the terminal device can be determined based on the identifier.

[0032] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation method of the first aspect, a fifth identifier and a second identifier are received from the first control plane network function, the second identifier being a communication identifier assigned by the first control plane network function to the terminal device within the service scope of the first control plane network function; the fifth identifier being an identifier of the terminal device identifiable by the first control plane network function; a first mapping relationship is determined, the first mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between a third identifier and a fifth identifier, the third identifier being a unique identifier of the terminal device identifiable by the first wireless network device, and the fifth identifier being a unique identifier of the terminal device identifiable by the first control plane network function; and a second mapping relationship between the second identifier and the third identifier is determined based on the fifth identifier, the second identifier, and the first mapping relationship.

[0033] In the present application, the first mapping relationship can be obtained through the second control plane network function, or can be preconfigured or predefined, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0034] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device can determine the mapping relationship between the second identifier and the third identifier through the mapping relationship between the third identifier and the fifth identifier and the fifth identifier and the second identifier carried in the first downlink message.

[0035] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation of the first aspect, the context of the terminal device is determined based on the second mapping relationship; or, the context of the terminal device is determined based on a fourth identifier, and the fourth identifier is a communication identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first wireless network device within the service range of the first wireless network device.

[0036] In this technical solution, the downlink message received by the first wireless network device may only carry the second identifier, and the first wireless network device can find the context of the terminal device based on the second mapping relationship between the determined second identifier and the third identifier, or the downlink message may carry the fourth identifier, and the first wireless network device may determine the context of the terminal device based on the fourth identifier.

[0037] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation method of the first aspect, a third identifier and a fourth identifier of the terminal device are sent to the first control plane network function, where the third identifier is an identifier of the terminal device identifiable by the first wireless network device, and the fourth identifier is a communication identifier assigned by the first wireless network device to the terminal device within the service range of the first wireless network device. The third identifier and the fourth identifier are used by the first control plane network function to determine the third mapping relationship between the fourth identifier and the fifth identifier according to the first mapping relationship, and the fifth identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device identifiable by the first control plane network function; the fourth identifier and / or the second identifier are sent to the first control plane network function, where the second identifier is a communication identifier assigned by the first control plane network function to the terminal device within the service range of the first control plane network function, the fourth identifier is used by the first control plane network function to determine the context of the terminal device according to the third mapping relationship, and the second identifier is used by the first control plane network function to determine the context of the terminal device.

[0038] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function can also obtain the first mapping relationship between the third identifier and the fifth identifier. The first wireless network device carries the third identifier and the fourth identifier in the uplink message. The first control plane network function can determine the mapping relationship between the fourth identifier and the fifth identifier based on the first mapping relationship. The first wireless network device can only carry the fourth identifier in subsequent uplink messages, which is used for the first control plane network function to determine the context of the terminal device according to the third mapping relationship, and can also carry the second identifier, which is used for the first control plane network function to determine the context of the terminal device.

[0039] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, a first message is received from a terminal device, where the first message is a radio resource control RRC message, and the first message includes auxiliary information, the auxiliary information including at least one of a message type, a type of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, an identifier or address of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function; and communication is performed with the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function based on the auxiliary information.

[0040] In this technical solution, the terminal device carries auxiliary information in the uplink message of the wireless resource control layer. The first wireless network device can determine whether to send the uplink message to the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function based on the auxiliary information, that is, the first wireless network device can route the uplink message to different core network entities based on the auxiliary information.

[0041] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation method of the first aspect, a second message sent from a first control plane network function or a second control plane network function is received, and the second message includes a first identifier of the terminal device; and the second message is sent to the terminal device based on the first identifier of the terminal device.

[0042] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function carries the identification information of the terminal device in the downlink message. The first wireless network device can determine to send a downlink message to the terminal device based on the identification information of the terminal device, that is, the first wireless network device can route the downlink message to different terminal devices based on the identification information of the terminal device.

[0043] In combination with the first aspect, in an implementation method of the first aspect, when the terminal device saves the first indication information of the first control plane network function, the first network element is the terminal device; when the terminal device does not save the first indication information, the first network element is the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function.

[0044] In this technical solution, the terminal device saves the first indication information of the first control plane network function, and the first wireless network device can obtain the first indication information through the terminal device; when the terminal device does not report the first identifier, the first wireless network device can obtain the first indication information through the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function, that is, in different scenarios, the first wireless network device can obtain the first indication information in different ways.

[0045] In the second aspect, a communication method between a wireless access network and a core network is provided. The method can be executed by a terminal device, or can also be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, and this application does not limit this.

[0046] The method includes: obtaining first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device, where the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on a second control plane network function, and the first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: a type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, an address of the first control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function, where the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device, and the address or identifier of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device is determined based on the first indication information.

[0047] Among them, the first control plane network function, the second control plane network function and the first wireless network device can refer to the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0048] In this technical solution, the terminal device can determine first indication information of a first control plane network function serving the terminal device.

[0049] In combination with the second aspect, in an implementation method of the second aspect, obtaining the first indication information includes: receiving the first indication information from the first control plane network function, the second control plane network function, the first wireless network device, the second wireless network device or the network management network element, where the first wireless network device is a wireless network device serving the terminal device.

[0050] In the present application, the terminal device may also obtain the first indication information stored locally. For example, when the terminal device enters the idle state from the connected state, the context of the terminal device is not released.

[0051] In this technical solution, the terminal device can obtain the first indication information from any network element that stores the first indication information, and the first indication information can be the identifier, address, type, or other information of the first control plane network function that can be used to communicate with the first control plane network function, thereby improving the flexibility of communication.

[0052] In combination with the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, when receiving first indication information from the first wireless network device or the second wireless network device, the method further includes: sending the first indication information to the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function.

[0053] In this technical solution, the terminal device can send first indication information obtained from the wireless network device to the core network device, which is used for downlink communication between the core network device and the terminal device.

[0054] In combination with the second aspect, in an implementation of the second aspect, when the terminal device enters an idle state or an inactive state from a connected state, the first indication information is saved.

[0055] In this technical solution, when the terminal device enters the idle state or the inactive state from the connected state, the context of the terminal device is not released, and the first indication information of the relevant first control plane network function is saved.

[0056] In combination with the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, when receiving first indication information from the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function, the method further includes: sending the first indication information to the first wireless network device.

[0057] In this technical solution, the terminal device can send first indication information obtained from the core network device to the first wireless network device, which is used for uplink communication between the first wireless network device and the core network device.

[0058] In combination with the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the address and / or identification information of the first wireless network device is received in the first wireless network device; and the address and / or identification information of the first wireless network device is stored.

[0059] In this technical solution, the terminal device can receive the address and / or identification information sent by the first wireless network device for uplink communication.

[0060] In combination with the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, a first message is sent to a first wireless network device, where the first message is a radio resource control RRC message, and the first message includes auxiliary information, the auxiliary information including at least one of a message type, a type of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, an identifier or address of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function.

[0061] In this technical solution, the terminal device carries auxiliary information in the radio resource control RRC uplink message. The first wireless network device can determine to send the uplink message to the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function based on the auxiliary information, that is, the first wireless network device can route the uplink message to different core network entities based on the auxiliary information.

[0062] In combination with the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, a second message is received from the first wireless network device, where the second message includes a first identifier of the terminal device.

[0063] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function carries the identification information of the terminal device in the downlink message. The first wireless network device can determine to send a downlink message to the terminal device based on the identification information of the terminal device, that is, the first wireless network device can route the downlink message to different terminal devices based on the identification information of the terminal device.

[0064] On the third aspect, a communication method between a wireless access network and a core network is provided. The method can be executed by a second control plane network function, or can be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the second control plane network function. This application does not limit this.

[0065] The method includes: obtaining first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device, where the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on a second control plane network function, and the first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: a type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, an address of the first control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function, where the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device, and the address of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device or the identifier of the first control plane network function is determined based on the first indication information.

[0066] Among them, the first control plane network function, the second control plane network function and the first wireless network device can refer to the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0067] In this technical solution, the second control plane network function may determine first indication information of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device.

[0068] In combination with the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, first indication information is sent to a first wireless network device or a terminal device.

[0069] In combination with the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the address and / or identification information of the first wireless network device is sent to the first control plane network function.

[0070] In combination with the third aspect, in an implementation method of the third aspect, a second identifier of the terminal device is sent to the first wireless network device, where the second identifier is a communication identifier within the service range of the first control plane network function assigned to the terminal device by the first control plane network function.

[0071] In combination with the third aspect, in an implementation of the third aspect, a fourth identifier of the terminal device is sent to the first control plane network function, where the fourth identifier is a communication identifier allocated by the first wireless network device to the terminal device within the service range of the first wireless network device.

[0072] In combination with the third aspect, in an implementation method of the third aspect, a mapping relationship between a third identifier of a terminal device and a fifth identifier of a terminal device is sent to a first wireless network device or a first control plane network function, wherein the third identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first wireless network device, and the fifth identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first control plane network function.

[0073] In this technical solution, the second control plane network function can indicate the mapping relationship between the third identifier of the terminal device and the fifth identifier of the terminal device to the first wireless network device or the first control plane network function, for building the context of the terminal device in subsequent communications.

[0074] In a fourth aspect, a communication method between a wireless access network and a core network is provided. The method can be executed by a first control plane network function, or can be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the first control plane network function. This application does not limit this.

[0075] The method includes: acquiring second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a first wireless network device serving a terminal device; and communicating with the first wireless network device according to the second indication information.

[0076] The first control plane network function is a network function determined based on the second control plane network function, and the first control plane network function and the second control plane network function are network functions of the control plane of the core network.

[0077] Among them, the first control plane network function, the second control plane network function and the first wireless network device can refer to the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0078] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function can determine the second indication information of the first wireless network device serving the terminal device, and communicate with the first wireless network device based on the second indication information, thereby avoiding the delay caused by the proxy processing or forwarding of the second control plane network function when communicating with the first wireless network device through the second control plane network function, thereby saving signaling and improving communication efficiency.

[0079] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation method of the fourth aspect, determining to serve the second indication information includes: obtaining the second indication information locally or receiving the second indication information from a second network element, the second indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one item of the address and / or identification information of the first wireless network device, the second network element includes a second control plane network function, a first wireless network device, a terminal device, a second wireless network device or a network management network element, and the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device.

[0080] The second wireless network device and the network management network element can be understood as network elements capable of storing the first indication information and storing the first indication information. For example, the second wireless network device can be a wireless network device adjacent to the first wireless network device.

[0081] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function can obtain the first indication information from any network element that stores the second indication information, and the second indication information can be the identification, address, or other information of the first wireless network device that can be used to communicate with the first wireless network device, thereby improving the flexibility of communication.

[0082] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation of the fourth aspect, the second indication information is saved.

[0083] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function can save the second indication information of the first wireless network device corresponding to the terminal device. For example, during communication, the first control plane network function determines the second indication information of the corresponding first wireless network device according to the identifier of the terminal device, and sends a downlink message according to the second indication information.

[0084] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation method of the fourth aspect, first indication information is sent to a terminal device or a first wireless network device, the first indication information including a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: the type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, the address of the first control plane network function, and the session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function.

[0085] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function can indicate its own address or identification information to the first wireless network device or terminal device, which is used for the first wireless network device or terminal device to initiate communication. For example, the terminal device initiates uplink communication and sends first indication information to the first control plane network function.

[0086] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation method of the fourth aspect, a second identifier of the terminal device is sent to the first wireless network device, where the second identifier is a communication identifier within the service range of the first control plane network function assigned to the terminal device by the first control plane network function.

[0087] In this application, the second identifier may be a CN NGAP ID.

[0088] In this application, the third identifier may be TMSI.

[0089] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function sends the second identifier assigned to the terminal device to the first wireless network device through the second control plane network function, and then the first wireless network device associates the second identifier with the third identifier of the terminal, so that the second identifier can be used in the uplink message. The first control plane network function can determine the context of the terminal based on the second identifier, and the third identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first wireless network device.

[0090] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation method of the fourth aspect, a fourth identifier of a terminal device is received from a first wireless network device, where the fourth identifier is a communication identifier assigned by the first wireless network device to the terminal device within the service range of the first wireless network device; a mapping relationship between the fourth identifier and the fifth identifier of the terminal device is determined; the fifth identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first control plane network function, and the mapping relationship is used by the first control plane network function to determine the context corresponding to the terminal device.

[0091] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device sends the fourth identifier assigned to the terminal device to the first control plane network function through the second control plane network function. The first control plane network function associates the fourth identifier with the fifth identifier, thereby using the fourth identifier in the downlink message. The first wireless network device can determine the context corresponding to the terminal device based on the fourth identifier, or the first wireless device uses the fifth identifier in the uplink message, and the first control plane network function determines the context corresponding to the terminal device based on the mapping relationship and the fifth identifier.

[0092] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation method of the fourth aspect, a third identifier and a fourth identifier of a terminal device are received from a first wireless network device, wherein the third identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device identifiable by the first wireless network device, and the fourth identifier is a communication identifier assigned by the first wireless network device to the terminal device within the service range of the first wireless network device; a first mapping relationship is determined, and the first mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between the third identifier and a fifth identifier, and the fifth identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device identifiable by the first control plane network function; and a third mapping relationship between the fourth identifier and the fifth identifier is determined based on the third identifier, the fourth identifier and the first mapping relationship.

[0093] In the present application, the first mapping relationship can be obtained through the second control plane network function, or can be preconfigured or predefined, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0094] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function can determine the mapping relationship between the fourth identifier and the fifth identifier through the mapping relationship between the third identifier and the fifth identifier and the third identifier and the fourth identifier carried in the uplink message.

[0095] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the context of the terminal device is determined according to the third mapping relationship; or, the context of the terminal device is determined according to the second identifier.

[0096] In this technical solution, the uplink message sent by the first wireless network device may only carry the fourth identifier, and the first control plane network function can find the context of the terminal device based on the third mapping relationship between the determined fourth identifier and the fifth identifier, or the uplink message carries the second identifier, and the first control plane network function can find the context of the terminal device based on the second identifier.

[0097] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation method of the fourth aspect, a fifth identifier and a second identifier are sent to a first wireless network device, the second identifier being a communication identifier assigned by the first control plane network function to the terminal device within the service range of the first control plane network function, and the fifth identifier being an identifier of the terminal device recognizable by the first control plane network function; the second identifier and the fifth identifier are used by the first wireless network device to determine a second mapping relationship between the second identifier and the third identifier, and the third identifier is an identifier of the terminal device recognizable by the first wireless network device; a second identifier or a fourth identifier is sent to the first wireless network device, the fourth identifier being a communication identifier assigned by the first wireless network device to the terminal device within the service range of the first wireless network device, the second identifier being used by the first wireless network device to determine the context of the terminal device according to the second mapping relationship, and the fourth identifier being used by the first wireless network device to determine the context of the terminal device.

[0098] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device can also obtain the first mapping relationship between the third identifier and the fifth identifier. The first control plane network function carries the second identifier and the fifth identifier in the first downlink message. The first wireless network device can determine the mapping relationship between the second identifier and the third identifier based on the first mapping relationship. The first control plane network function can only carry the second identifier in subsequent downlink messages, which is used by the first wireless network device to determine the context of the terminal device.

[0099] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation method of the fourth aspect, a first message sent by a first wireless network device is received, where the first message is a radio resource control RRC message, including auxiliary information, the auxiliary information including at least one of a message type, a type of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, an identifier or address of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function.

[0100] In this technical solution, the terminal device carries auxiliary information in the radio resource control RRC uplink message. The first wireless network device can determine to send the uplink message to the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function based on the auxiliary information, that is, the first wireless network device can route the uplink message to different core network entities based on the auxiliary information.

[0101] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an implementation of the fourth aspect, a second message is sent to the first wireless network device, the second message including identification information of the terminal device; and the second message is sent to the terminal device based on the identification information of the terminal device.

[0102] In this technical solution, the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function carries the identification information of the terminal device in the downlink message. The first wireless network device can determine to send a downlink message to the terminal device based on the identification information of the terminal device, that is, the first wireless network device can route the downlink message to different terminal devices based on the identification information of the terminal device.

[0103] In a fifth aspect, a communication method between a wireless access network and a core network is provided. The method can be executed by a first wireless network device, or can be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the first wireless network device. This application does not limit this.

[0104] The method comprises: receiving multiple non-access layer messages; mapping the multiple non-access layer messages to at least two signaling radio bearers for transmission, wherein the multiple non-access layer messages have a corresponding relationship with the signaling radio bearers.

[0105] In this application, the wireless network device can configure multiple signaling radio bearers for the terminal device and indicate that they are used for non-access stratum (NAS) transmission.

[0106] It should be noted that this solution is applicable to scenarios without AMF proxy communication and also to scenarios with AMF proxy communication.

[0107] In this technical solution, it is possible to support the use of multiple signaling radio bearers to transmit NAS messages, and map different NAS service quality (Quality of Service, QoS) priorities to different signaling radio bearers, thereby providing differentiated NAS transmission guarantees to meet different transmission requirements.

[0108] In combination with the fifth aspect, in an implementation method of the fifth aspect, multiple non-access layer messages are respectively mapped to different signaling radio bearers for transmission, including: determining the non-access layer service quality QoS flow identifier corresponding to the multiple non-access layer messages according to the type and / or session identifier of the non-access layer; establishing one or more signaling radio bearers according to the non-access layer QoS flow identifier and the QoS mapping relationship; determining the mapping relationship between multiple non-access layer messages and signaling radio bearers according to the mapping relationship between the non-access layer QoS flow identifier and the signaling radio bearer; and mapping the multiple non-access layer messages to the corresponding signaling radio bearers for transmission according to the mapping relationship between the multiple non-access layer messages and the signaling radio bearers.

[0109] The non-access layer QoS flow identifier and the QoS mapping relationship may be pre-configured by the network device or pre-defined by the protocol, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0110] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device determines the non-access layer QoS flow identifier corresponding to different non-access layer messages based on the type and / or session identifier of the non-access layer, and performs downlink signaling radio bearer mapping according to the non-access layer QoS flow identifier and the QoS mapping relationship, thereby mapping non-access layer messages of different QoS levels to different signaling radio bearers for downlink transmission.

[0111] In combination with the fifth aspect, in an implementation method of the fifth aspect, a fourth mapping relationship and a fifth mapping relationship are configured to the terminal device, the fourth mapping relationship includes the correspondence between the type and / or session identifier of the non-access layer and the non-access layer QoS flow identifier, and the fifth mapping relationship includes the correspondence between the non-access layer QoS flow identifier and the signaling radio bearer.

[0112] The fourth mapping relationship and the fifth mapping relationship may be pre-configured by the core network or wireless network device to the terminal device, or may be pre-defined by the protocol, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0113] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device can configure a two-step mapping relationship for the terminal device, so that the terminal device can map non-access layer messages of different QoS levels to different signaling radio bearers for uplink transmission.

[0114] In combination with the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, a sixth mapping relationship is configured for the terminal device, and the fourth mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between the type of the non-access layer and the signaling radio bearer.

[0115] In this technical solution, the first wireless network device can configure a one-step mapping relationship for the terminal device, so that the terminal device can map non-access layer messages of different QoS levels to different signaling radio bearers for uplink transmission.

[0116] In combination with the fifth aspect, in an implementation method of the fifth aspect, the type of the non-access layer includes at least one of the type of the non-access layer message, the type of the core network network function, the identifier or address of the core network network function, and the session identifier corresponding to the core network network function.

[0117] In the sixth aspect, a communication method between a wireless access network and a core network is provided. The method can be executed by a terminal device, or can be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0118] The method includes: receiving a fourth mapping relationship and a fifth mapping relationship sent by a first wireless network device or a first control plane network function, the fourth mapping relationship including a correspondence between multiple non-access layer types and non-access layer quality of service (QoS) flow identifiers, and the fifth mapping relationship including a correspondence between the non-access layer QoS flow identifier and a signaling radio bearer; and mapping multiple non-access layer messages to different signaling radio bearers for transmission according to the fourth mapping relationship and the fifth mapping relationship.

[0119] In the seventh aspect, a communication method between a wireless access network and a core network is provided. The method can be executed by a terminal device, or can also be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0120] The method includes: receiving a sixth mapping relationship sent by a first wireless network device or a first control plane network function, the sixth mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between type information of multiple non-access layers and signaling radio bearers; and mapping multiple non-access layer messages to different signaling radio bearers for transmission according to the sixth mapping relationship.

[0121] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a first wireless network device, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the first wireless network device, or may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the first wireless network device. This application is not limited to this.

[0122] The device includes: a processing unit, used to obtain first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device, the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on a second control plane network function; a processing unit, used to communicate with the first control plane network function according to the first indication information.

[0123] It should be understood that the specific process of the transceiver unit and the processing unit of the device executing the corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned first aspect. The beneficial effects of this aspect can be referred to the first aspect. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0124] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a terminal device, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device. This application is not limited to this.

[0125] The device includes: a processing unit, used to obtain first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device, the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on a second control plane network function, the first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: the type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, the address of the first control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function, the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device; the processing unit is also used to determine the address or identifier of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device based on the first indication information.

[0126] It should be understood that the specific process of the transceiver unit and the processing unit of the device executing the corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned second aspect. The beneficial effects of this aspect can be referred to the second aspect. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0127] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a second control plane network function, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the second control plane network function, or may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the second control plane network function. This application is not limited to this.

[0128] The device includes: a processing unit, used to obtain first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device, the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on a second control plane network function, the first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: the type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, the address of the first control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function, the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device; the processing unit is also used to determine the address or identifier of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device based on the first indication information.

[0129] It should be understood that the specific process of the transceiver unit and the processing unit of the device executing the corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned third aspect. The beneficial effects of this aspect can be referred to the third aspect. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0130] In an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a first control plane network function, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the first control plane network function, or may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the first control plane network function. This application is not limited to this.

[0131] The device includes: a processing unit, configured to determine second indication information of a first wireless network device serving a terminal device; and the processing unit, further configured to communicate with the first wireless network device according to the second indication information.

[0132] It should be understood that the specific process of the transceiver unit and the processing unit of the device executing the corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned fourth aspect. The beneficial effects of this aspect can be referred to the fourth aspect. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0133] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a first wireless network device, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the first wireless network device, or may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the first wireless network device. This application is not limited to this.

[0134] The device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving multiple non-access layer messages; a processing unit for mapping the multiple non-access layer messages to at least two signaling radio bearers for transmission, and the multiple non-access layer messages have a corresponding relationship with the signaling radio bearers.

[0135] It should be understood that the specific process of the transceiver unit and the processing unit of the device executing the corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned fifth aspect. The beneficial effects of this aspect can be referred to the fifth aspect. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0136] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a terminal device, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device. This application is not limited to this.

[0137] The apparatus includes: a transceiver unit, configured to receive a fourth mapping relationship and a fifth mapping relationship sent by a first wireless network device or a first control plane network function, the fourth mapping relationship including a correspondence between multiple non-access layer types and non-access layer quality of service QoS flow identifiers, and the fifth mapping relationship including a correspondence between the non-access layer QoS flow identifiers and signaling radio bearers; and a processing unit, configured to map multiple non-access layer messages to different signaling radio bearers for transmission according to the fourth mapping relationship and the fifth mapping relationship.

[0138] It should be understood that the specific process of the transceiver unit and the processing unit of the device executing the corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned sixth aspect. The beneficial effects of this aspect can be referred to the sixth aspect. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0139] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a terminal device, or may be a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device. This application is not limited to this.

[0140] The apparatus includes: a transceiver unit, configured to receive a sixth mapping relationship sent by a first wireless network device or a first control plane network function, the sixth mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between type information of multiple non-access layers and signaling radio bearers; and a processing unit, configured to map multiple non-access layer messages to different signaling radio bearers for transmission according to the sixth mapping relationship.

[0141] It should be understood that the specific process of the transceiver unit and the processing unit of the device executing the corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned seventh aspect. The beneficial effects of this aspect can be referred to the seventh aspect. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0142] In aspect 15, the present application provides a communication system, including a first wireless network device, a first control plane network function, and a second control plane network function, wherein the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on the second control plane network function, and the second control plane network function is used to determine the first control plane network function serving the terminal device; the first wireless network device is used to obtain first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the first control plane network function serving the terminal device; the first control plane network function is used to obtain second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the first wireless network device serving the terminal device; the first wireless network device is also used to communicate with the first control plane network function according to the first indication information; the first control plane network function is also used to communicate with the first wireless network device according to the second indication information.

[0143] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a processor for executing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0144] For the operations such as sending and acquiring / receiving involved in the processor, unless otherwise specified, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be understood as processor output, reception, input and other operations, and can also be understood as sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna. This application does not limit this.

[0145] In the seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes: a memory for storing programs; and at least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to execute the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation.

[0146] In an eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for execution by a device, wherein the program code includes a method for executing any one of the above aspects or its implementation method.

[0147] In the nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation.

[0148] In the twentieth aspect, the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in the memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided by any one of the above aspects or its implementation method.

[0149] Optionally, as an implementation method, the chip also includes a memory, in which a computer program or instruction is stored, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instruction stored in the memory. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided by any of the above aspects or its implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0150] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0151] FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of an application architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0152] FIG3 shows a protocol stack architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0153] FIG4 shows a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0154] FIG5 shows a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0155] FIG6 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication method 600 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0156] FIG7 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 700 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0157] FIG8 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 800 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0158] FIG9 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 900 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0159] FIG10 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 1000 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0160] FIG11 shows a schematic diagram of an access process when a terminal device changes from an inactive state to a connected state.

[0161] FIG12 shows a schematic diagram of a process of requesting reestablishment by a terminal device in a connected state.

[0162] FIG13 shows a schematic flow chart of handover of both wireless network equipment and core network equipment.

[0163] FIG14 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0164] FIG15 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0165] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0166] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, etc. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0167] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0168] First, a communication system applicable to this application is briefly introduced as follows.

[0169] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include at least one network device, such as the network device 110 shown in Figure 1; the communication system 100 may also include at least one terminal device, such as the terminal device 120 shown in Figure 1. The network device 110 and the terminal device 120 can communicate via a wireless link. Each communication device, such as the network device 110 or the terminal device 120, can be configured with multiple antennas. For each communication device in the communication system, the configured multiple antennas may include at least one transmitting antenna for sending signals and at least one receiving antenna for receiving signals. Therefore, communication between the communication devices in the communication system and between the network device 110 and the terminal device 120 can be achieved through multi-antenna technology.

[0170] It should be understood that FIG1 is only a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding, and the communication system may further include other network devices or other terminal devices, which are not shown in FIG1 .

[0171] It should also be understood that the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1 is only an example of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application. The present application can also be applied to communication between any two devices, for example, communication between terminal devices, and communication between network devices.

[0172] As an example, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an application architecture of a communication system. For example, the architecture may include a RAN, a terminal, a CN, an external network, etc. The external network may be a data network (DN), and the RAN refers to the wireless network equipment provided in this application, or may be referred to as a RAN device or access network device.

[0173] The terminal device in this application can be called an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user device.

[0174] The terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data to users, for example, a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with a wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminals are: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc., is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0175] As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0176] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0177] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology). The terminal devices can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology).

[0178] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0179] Access network (AN) equipment in this application provides access to a communications network for authorized users in a specific area. Specifically, it may include RAN equipment in a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network or access points in a non-3GPP network. For ease of description, the following description will use AN equipment.

[0180] AN equipment can adopt different wireless access technologies. There are currently two types of wireless access technologies: 3GPP access technology (for example, the wireless access technology used in the third generation (3rd generation, 3G), fourth generation (4G) or 5G systems) and non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access technology. 3GPP access technology refers to access technology that complies with 3GPP standard specifications. For example, the access network equipment in the 5G system is called the next generation Node Base station (gNB) or RAN equipment. Non-3GPP access technologies may include air interface technologies represented by access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), code division multiple access (CDMA), etc. AN equipment can allow terminal devices and the 3GPP core network to interconnect and communicate using non-3GPP technologies.

[0181] AN equipment is responsible for radio resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, etc. on the air interface side. AN equipment provides access services to terminal devices and forwards control signals and user data between terminal devices and the core network.

[0182] AN equipment may include, for example, but is not limited to, a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (for example, a home evolved NodeB, or a home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an AP in a WiFi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It may also be a gNB or a transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (such as NR) system, one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a next-generation communication 6G system. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and device form adopted by the AN equipment.

[0183] Figure 3 shows a possible protocol stack architecture of an embodiment of the present application. The protocol stack architecture is a protocol stack between a terminal device (UE) and an access network device.

[0184] Messages are sent between terminal devices and access network devices over the wireless air interface (Uu interface). The protocol stack includes control plane protocols and user plane protocols. The layers of the terminal device's control plane and the access network device's control plane can interconnect for signaling exchange, and the layers of the terminal device's user plane and the access network device's user plane can interconnect for data exchange.

[0185] The control plane includes the RRC layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer (PHY) layer. The user plane includes the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, the PDCP layer, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the PHY layer.

[0186] Among them, the radio resource control (RRC) layer is used to manage and control radio resources; the SDAP layer is used to map quality of service (QoS) flows to data radio bearers (DRBs). SDAP is used to map QoS flows to DRBs, and DRBs are composed of two layers: the PDCP layer and the RLC layer. The PDCP layer is used to perform header compression, decompression, encryption / decryption, integrity protection, and integrity verification of user plane data. The PDCP layer is configured by RRC messages. The MAC layer is used to map between logical channels and transport channels and to combine MAC data from different logical channels into a transport block. The protocol layers shown in Figure 3 are for illustrative purposes only. These protocol layers can be added or deleted, and this is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0187] As an example, Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a possible communication architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application. In existing RAN architectures, such as the 5GRAN architecture, the access network equipment is only connected to the AMF on the control plane and has no direct connection with other CP NFs in the CN. Therefore, the AMF acts as an agent to shield the access network from the connection of the CPNF and the signaling process within the CN, which makes the access network processing simpler. The signaling interface between the access network and the AMF transmits two types of messages: 1) Ng messages; 2) non-access stratum (NAS) messages. Among them, the Ng message is the transmission and termination of the NG interface between the access network and the AMF, and requires parsing and corresponding actions; while the NAS message is the direct connection signaling between the terminal device and the CPNF, which is transparently transmitted to the access network. The NAS message between the terminal device and the CPNF can be sent to multiple CPNFs, such as supporting AMF / SMF / PCF / LMF in 5G.

[0188] Although the existing solution is simpler for the access network, the control plane signaling between the access network and CPNFs outside the AMF requires the AMF to act as a proxy for processing or forwarding, which will cause transmission delays.

[0189] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and a communication device between a wireless access network and a core network, which enables the access network to communicate directly with a CPNF other than the AMF, thereby reducing the delay caused by the AMF agent.

[0190] Next, a communication architecture without an AMF agent provided in an embodiment of the present application is described.

[0191] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application. In this communication architecture, the access network device can directly communicate with multiple CP NFs in the CN. That is, the access network device can also communicate directly with CP NFs other than the AMF without the need for AMF processing or forwarding, thereby reducing the latency caused by the AMF proxy.

[0192] It should be understood that all the network architectures shown above are only exemplary illustrations, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0193] It should also be understood that the functions or network elements shown in the figure can be understood as network elements used to implement different functions, for example, they can be combined into network slices as needed. These network elements can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to implement different functions, or they can be network elements in hardware devices, or they can be software functions running on dedicated hardware, or they can be virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the above network elements.

[0194] It should also be understood that the above naming is defined only to facilitate the distinction between different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of adopting other naming in 6G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above network elements may continue to use the terminology used in 5G, or may adopt other names.

[0195] In this application, the access network device communicates directly with each CP NF in the CN, and this solution is described in detail below.

[0196] FIG6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication method 600 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0197] In this embodiment, the method is illustrated by taking the terminal device and the network device (the first wireless network device and the core network device) as the execution subjects of the interaction diagram as an example, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction diagram. For example, the network device in Figure 6 can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the method that can be implemented by the network device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network device functions; the terminal device in Figure 6 can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the method that can be implemented by the terminal device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device functions.

[0198] In this application, the first control plane network function and the second control plane network function are CP NFs in the CN, or can be said to be control plane entities of the core network.

[0199] The second CP NF may be understood as an NF having an anchor function, and the anchor NF has a function of selecting or allocating the first CP NF.

[0200] For example, the first control plane network function may include but is not limited to SMF, LMF, PCF, etc., and the second control plane network function may include but is not limited to AMF, NRF, etc.

[0201] In this application, the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on the second control plane network function.

[0202] In one possible implementation, the first control plane network function is a network function selected by the second control plane network function. For example, the second control plane network function is AMF, and the AMF selects SMF / PCF / LMF, where SMF / PCF / LMF is the first control plane network function.

[0203] In another possible implementation, the first control plane network function is a network function selected by other network functions based on the second control plane network function. For example, the second control plane network function is an NRF, and the first wireless network device queries the NRF to obtain information such as the capabilities of the CN NF, selects an AMF / SMF / PCF / LMF entity, and the AMF / SMF / PCF / LMF is the first control plane network function.

[0204] It should be understood that in this application, the first control plane network function and the second control plane network function are network functions assigned to the terminal device during initial registration, or may be initially assigned network functions found by the terminal device during non-initial registration. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0205] In the present application, the first wireless network device is a wireless network device serving the terminal device, for example, an access network device.

[0206] It should be understood that the names of the network functions in the above examples are defined only to facilitate the distinction between different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of adopting other naming in 6G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above network elements may continue to use the terminology used in 5G, or may adopt other names.

[0207] The method 600 may include the following steps:

[0208] S610: A first wireless network device obtains first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device.

[0209] The first wireless network device obtains the first indication information, and the first wireless network device can communicate with the first control plane network function through the first indication information.

[0210] First, the first instruction information is described.

[0211] The first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: a type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, an address of the first control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function.

[0212] The first identifier of the terminal device is used to indicate the terminal device.

[0213] Among them, the first identification of the terminal device includes any one of a temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI), an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), and an NG protocol identification (NG application protocal identity, NGAP ID).

[0214] The type of the first control plane network function can be understood as the type of the network entity, for example, SMF / PCF / LMF, etc.

[0215] Among them, the address of the first control plane network function can be an IP address or other addresses, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0216] Among them, the session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function can be understood as follows: different core network function entities of the same type may be allocated to different sessions of the terminal device, and a unique function entity can be determined based on the session identifier. For example, the AMF can allocate different SMFs for different sessions, or it can allocate the same SMF for different sessions. In this case, the corresponding SMF identifier can be determined based on the session identifier.

[0217] Next, how the first wireless network device obtains the first indication information is described in detail.

[0218] In a possible implementation, the first network element sends first indication information to the first wireless network device, and correspondingly, the first wireless network device receives the first indication information from the first network element.

[0219] Optionally, before the first network element sends the first indication information to the first wireless network device, the first wireless network device sends a first request message to the first network element to request the first indication information from the first network element.

[0220] For example, when the terminal device does not report the first indication information, the first wireless network device sends a first request message to the first network element; when the terminal device reports the first indication information to the first wireless network device and the first wireless network device can determine the address or identification information of the first control plane network function based on the first indication information, the first wireless network device may not send the first request message, otherwise, the first wireless network device may send the first request message.

[0221] The first network element includes one of a second control plane network function, a first control plane network function, a terminal device, a second wireless network device, or a network management network element.

[0222] Exemplarily, the network management network element may be a network management system (NMS), an element management system (EMS), or the like.

[0223] Exemplarily, the second control plane network function selects the first control plane network function for the terminal device, and sends first indication information of the selected first control plane network function to the first wireless network device.

[0224] For example, AMF selects an SMF / PCF / LMF functional entity for the terminal device, and AMF sends the address information (first indication information) of the selected entity to the first wireless network device.

[0225] Exemplarily, after obtaining the address or identifier of the first wireless network device, the first control plane network function may send first indication information to the first wireless network device.

[0226] For example, SMF / LMF / PCF etc. may send a message to the first wireless network device and carry the first indication information.

[0227] Exemplarily, after the terminal device determines the first indication information of the first control plane network function, it may also report the first indication information to the first wireless network device.

[0228] The terminal device may receive the first indication information sent by the first control plane network function, the second control plane network function, the second wireless network device, and the network management network element, or the terminal device may not release the first indication information when changing from a connected state to an idle state or an inactive state, that is, the terminal device locally stores the first indication information. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0229] For example, AMF / SMF / LMF / PCF can send the first indication information to the terminal device through NAS signaling.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the terminal device reports the address or identifier of the second control plane network function to the first wireless network device, but does not report the first indication information. For example, the terminal device reports a TMSI to the first wireless network device, and the TMSI carries the address or identifier of the second control plane network function.

[0231] Exemplarily, the second wireless network device stores the first indication information and may send the first indication information to the first wireless network device. The second wireless network device may be understood as a neighboring wireless network device of the first wireless network device.

[0232] It should be understood that the terminal device can switch from the first wireless network device to the second wireless network device.

[0233] Exemplarily, the network management network element may also save the first indication information and send the first indication information to the first wireless network device.

[0234] In another possible implementation, the first wireless network device obtains the first indication information stored locally.

[0235] Exemplarily, the first wireless network device does not release the first indication information in the idle state, and thus the first indication information can be stored.

[0236] Exemplarily, the first wireless network device determines and saves the first indication information.

[0237] For example, the first wireless network device can query the NRF to obtain information such as the capabilities of the first control plane network function and the second control plane network function, and select the first control plane network function and the second control plane network function entities. The first control plane network function and the second control plane network function can be AMF / SMF / LMF, etc.

[0238] In this case, after the first wireless network device determines the first control plane network function, it can send the first indication information to the first control plane network function; it can also send the first indication information to the terminal device; the first control plane network function can also send the first indication information to the terminal device.

[0239] In the present application, after the first wireless network device determines the first indication information of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device, it saves the correspondence between the first identifier of the terminal device and the first indication information of the first control plane network function.

[0240] In this application, the first wireless network device sends second indication information to the first control plane network function or the terminal device. The specific content of the second indication information is referred to below.

[0241] In a possible implementation, the first control plane network function may determine the second indication information.

[0242] The first control plane network function obtains the second indication information, and the first control plane network function can communicate with the first wireless network device through the second indication information.

[0243] The second indication information includes the first identification of the terminal device and the address or identification information of the first wireless network device.

[0244] The address of the first wireless network device may be an IP address or other addresses, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0245] Next, how the first control plane network function obtains the second indication information is described in detail.

[0246] In a possible implementation, the second network element sends second indication information to the first control plane network function, and correspondingly, the first control plane network function receives the second indication information sent by the second network element.

[0247] The second network element includes one of a second control plane network function, a first wireless network device, a terminal device, a second wireless network device or a network management network element.

[0248] Exemplarily, the second control plane network function sends the second indication information to the first control plane network function.

[0249] For example, the AMF sends the address or identification information of the first wireless network device to the selected SMF / PCF / LMF functional entity.

[0250] Exemplarily, after obtaining the address or identifier of the first control plane network function, the first wireless network device may send the second indication information to the first control plane network function.

[0251] Exemplarily, after the terminal device determines the second indication information, it can also report the second indication information to the first control plane network function.

[0252] The terminal device may receive the second indication information sent by the second control plane network function, the first wireless network device, the second wireless network device, or the network management network element, or the terminal device may not release the second indication information when changing from a connected state to an idle state or an inactive state, that is, the terminal device locally stores the second indication information. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0253] Exemplarily, the second wireless network device stores the second indication information and may send the second indication information to the first control plane network function. The second wireless network device may be understood as a neighboring wireless network device of the first wireless network device.

[0254] Exemplarily, the network management network element may also store the second indication information, and then the second indication information may be sent to the first control plane network function.

[0255] In the present application, after the first control plane network function determines the second indication information, the second indication information may also be saved.

[0256] In the present application, the first control plane network function may also send first indication information to the terminal device or the first wireless network device.

[0257] S620: The first wireless network device communicates with the first control plane network function according to the first instruction information.

[0258] For the uplink direction, in one possible implementation, the first wireless network device receives first information sent by the terminal device, where the first information includes a first identifier of the terminal device; the first wireless network device determines first indication information based on the first identifier; and the first wireless network device sends the first information to the first control plane network function based on the first indication information.

[0259] Exemplarily, the first wireless network device determines an address of a first control plane network function serving the terminal device according to the first identifier, and then sends the first information to the first control plane network function according to the address.

[0260] Exemplarily, the first wireless network device determines the type of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device and the identifier of the first control plane network function based on the first identifier, and can determine the address of the first control plane network function based on the identifier of the first control plane network function corresponding to the type, and send the first information to the first control plane network function based on the address.

[0261] Exemplarily, the first wireless network device determines the type of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device according to the first identifier, and may send the first information to the first control plane network function of this type.

[0262] Exemplarily, the first wireless network device determines the session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function serving the terminal device based on the first identifier, and can then determine the identifier of the first control plane network function corresponding to the session, determine the address of the first control plane network function based on the identifier of the first control plane network function, and send the first information to the address.

[0263] In a possible implementation, the first control plane network function communicates with the first wireless network device according to the second indication information.

[0264] In a possible implementation, the first control plane network function determines the second indication information according to the first identifier of the terminal device; and the first control plane network function sends the second information to the first wireless network device according to the second indication information.

[0265] Exemplarily, the first control plane network function determines the address of the first wireless network device serving the terminal device according to the first identifier, and then sends the second information to the first wireless network device according to the address.

[0266] Exemplarily, the first control plane network function determines the identifier of the first wireless network device serving the terminal device according to the first identifier, determines the address of the first wireless network device according to the identifier, and then sends the second information to the first wireless network device according to the address.

[0267] It should be noted that during the communication between the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function, the identifiers of the terminal devices carried by the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function may be different. For example, the first wireless network device carries the TMSI and the first control plane network function carries the IMSI. Therefore, the first message between the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function needs to be associated with the terminal device, and subsequent messages can be communicated based on the association relationship.

[0268] The embodiments of this application provide the following examples.

[0269] In the following method, the identifier of the terminal device carried by the first wireless network device is the third identifier, and the third identifier is the identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first wireless network device, for example, TMSI; the identifier of the terminal device carried by the first control plane network function is the fifth identifier, and the fifth identifier is the identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first control plane network function, for example, IMSI.

[0270] It can be understood that the third identifier is the identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first wireless network device, and the fifth identifier is the identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first control plane network function.

[0271] Method 1: The first control plane network function sends a second identifier of the terminal device to the first wireless network device. The second identifier is a communication identifier allocated by the first control plane network function to the terminal device within the service range of the first control plane network function. In response, the first wireless network device receives the second identifier sent by the first control plane network function.

[0272] The first wireless network device associates the third identifier of the terminal device with the second identifier of the terminal device, and determines a mapping relationship between the third identifier and the second identifier.

[0273] After the first wireless network device determines the mapping relationship between the third identifier and the second identifier, the first wireless network device can determine the context of the terminal device based on the mapping relationship and the second identifier; or, the second identifier can be carried in a subsequent uplink message for the first control plane network function to search for the context of the terminal device.

[0274] Exemplarily, the first wireless network device sends a second identifier to the first control plane network function; accordingly, the first control plane network function receives the second identifier sent by the first wireless network device, and determines the context of the corresponding terminal device according to the second identifier.

[0275] Exemplarily, the first network function sends a second identifier to the first wireless network device; accordingly, the first wireless network device receives the second identifier, determines a third identifier corresponding to the second identifier based on a mapping relationship, and determines the context of the corresponding terminal device based on the third identifier.

[0276] The second identifier may be a CN NGAP ID, which is a temporary identifier for a terrestrial interface allocated by a core network element to a terminal device.

[0277] Method 2: The first wireless network device sends a fourth identifier of the terminal device to the first control plane network function. The fourth identifier is a communication identifier assigned by the first wireless network device to the terminal device within the service range of the first wireless network device. In response, the first control plane network function receives the fourth identifier sent by the first wireless network device.

[0278] The first control plane network function associates the fourth identifier of the terminal device with the fifth identifier of the terminal device, and determines a mapping relationship between the fifth identifier and the fourth identifier.

[0279] After the first control plane network function determines the mapping relationship between the fifth identifier and the fourth identifier, the first control plane network function can determine the context of the terminal device based on the mapping relationship; or, the fourth identifier can be carried in a subsequent downlink message for the first wireless network device to search for the context of the terminal device.

[0280] Exemplarily, the first control plane network function sends a fourth identifier to the first wireless network device; correspondingly, the first wireless network device receives the fourth identifier sent by the first control plane network function, and determines the context of the corresponding terminal device according to the fourth identifier.

[0281] The fourth identifier may be a RAN NGAP ID, which is a temporary identifier for a terrestrial interface allocated by an access network element to the terminal device.

[0282] Method three: The first wireless network device or the first control plane network function determines a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship includes a correspondence between the third identifier and the fifth identifier.

[0283] In one possible implementation, the second control plane network function sends the first mapping relationship to the first wireless network device or the first control plane network function; correspondingly, the first wireless network device or the first control plane network function receives the first mapping relationship sent by the second control plane network function.

[0284] In a possible implementation, the first mapping relationship is pre-configured by the network device or pre-defined by the protocol. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the method for obtaining the first mapping relationship.

[0285] The sending of downlink messages is described below.

[0286] For the downlink direction, the first control plane network function sends the fifth identifier and the second identifier to the first wireless network device; accordingly, the first wireless network device receives the fifth identifier and the second identifier, and determines the second mapping relationship between the second identifier and the third identifier based on the fifth identifier, the second identifier and the first mapping relationship.

[0287] The first wireless network device may determine the context of the terminal device according to the second mapping relationship; or the first wireless network device may determine the context of the terminal device according to the fourth identifier.

[0288] Exemplarily, the first control plane network function sends a second identifier to the first wireless network device; accordingly, the first wireless network device receives the second identifier, determines a third identifier based on the second mapping relationship, and searches for the context of the terminal device based on the third identifier.

[0289] Exemplarily, the first control plane network function sends a fourth identifier to the first wireless network device; accordingly, the first wireless network device receives the fourth identifier, determines the corresponding third identifier based on the fourth identifier, and searches for the context of the terminal device based on the third identifier.

[0290] The sending of uplink messages is described below.

[0291] The first wireless network device sends the third identifier and the fourth identifier to the first control plane network function; accordingly, the first control plane network function receives the third identifier and the fourth identifier, and determines a third mapping relationship between the fourth identifier and the fifth identifier based on the third identifier, the fourth identifier and the first mapping relationship.

[0292] The first control plane network function may determine the context of the terminal device according to the third mapping relationship; or, the first control plane network function may determine the context of the terminal device according to the second identifier.

[0293] The subsequent uplink message may carry the fourth identifier or the second identifier.

[0294] Exemplarily, the first wireless network device sends a fourth identifier to the first control plane network function; accordingly, the first control plane network function receives the fourth identifier, determines a fifth identifier according to the third mapping relationship, and searches for the context of the terminal device according to the fifth identifier.

[0295] Exemplarily, the first wireless network device sends a second identifier to the first control plane network function; accordingly, the first control plane network function receives the second identifier, determines a fifth identifier based on the second identifier, and searches for the context of the terminal device based on the fifth identifier.

[0296] In the present application, when the first wireless network device sends an uplink message to the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function, the first wireless network device can determine to which entity the uplink message is specifically routed; when the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function sends a downlink message to the terminal device, the first wireless network device can determine to which terminal the downlink message is specifically routed.

[0297] In one possible implementation, the terminal device sends a first message to the first wireless network device. The first message may be an access layer message. The first message includes auxiliary information. The first wireless network device receives the first message and communicates with the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function based on the auxiliary information.

[0298] Exemplarily, the first message may be a radio resource control RRC message, which includes auxiliary information, and the first wireless network device communicates with the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function according to the auxiliary information.

[0299] The auxiliary information includes at least one of the message type, the type of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, the identifier or address of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, and the session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function.

[0300] It should be understood that the message type of the uplink message sent by the terminal device can be a NAS message or an RRC message. When the message type is an RRC message, the first wireless network device can generate an Ng message based on the RRC message.

[0301] In one possible implementation, the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function sends a second message to the first wireless network device, and the second message includes the first identifier of the terminal device. The first wireless network device sends the second message to the terminal device based on the first identifier of the terminal device.

[0302] Among them, the first wireless network device can query the context of the terminal device according to the first identifier of the terminal device, obtain the signaling radio bearer (SRB) of the terminal device, and forward it to the corresponding terminal device through the SRB.

[0303] It should be understood that the first wireless network device may combine multiple messages and send them to the same terminal device.

[0304] In the above scheme, the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function obtain the instruction information of the communicating parties and perform direct communication according to the instruction information. Next, the specific schemes for different scenarios are described in detail.

[0305] First, an exemplary solution for achieving communication between a first wireless network device and a first control plane network function during initial registration of a terminal device is introduced.

[0306] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 700 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0307] In this embodiment, the first wireless network device is taken as wireless network device #1, the first control plane network function is taken as NF#1, and the second control plane network function is taken as NF#2.

[0308] Method 700 may include the following steps.

[0309] S710, the terminal device sends message #1 to the wireless network device #1.

[0310] During initial access, the terminal device sends message #1 to wireless network device #1 to initiate RRC connection establishment.

[0311] Message #1 includes a random number.

[0312] Exemplarily, message #1 may be an RRC connection establishment request message.

[0313] Optionally, message #1 includes indication information #1.

[0314] The indication information #1 includes the identifier of the terminal device and at least one of the following information: the type and / or identifier of NF#1, the address of NF#1, and the identifier of the session corresponding to NF#1.

[0315] It can be understood that when the terminal device enters the inactive state or the idle state from the connected state, it saves the information of the NF#1 allocated to it in the connected state, and then sends the indication information #1 to the wireless network device #1 in the message #1.

[0316] S720: Wireless network device #1 sends message #2 to NF #2.

[0317] After the RRC connection is established, wireless network device #1 sends message #2 to NF #2.

[0318] Message #2 includes the terminal device's identifier, IMSI.

[0319] Exemplarily, message #2 may be an initial UE message.

[0320] S730, NF#2 confirms NF#1.

[0321] NF#2 selects NF#1.

[0322] For example, NF#2 may select an SMF / PCF / LMF entity from the SMF / PCF / LMF pool.

[0323] NF#2 may store information of NF#1 allocated to the terminal device.

[0324] This step is optional. For example, in S710, if the message #1 sent by the terminal device carries the indication information #1, S730 may not be executed.

[0325] S740: Wireless network device #1 obtains indication information #1 of NF #1.

[0326] The indication information #1 includes the identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the type and / or identifier of NF#1, the address of NF#1, and the identifier of the session corresponding to NF#1.

[0327] Optionally, before determining the indication information #1 of NF#1, wireless network device #1 may send a request message to NF#2, NF#1 or the terminal device to request the indication information #1.

[0328] Optionally, NF#2, NF#1 or the terminal device may also actively send indication information #1.

[0329] The manner in which the wireless network device #1 obtains the indication information #1 of the NF #1 may include three manners: S741, S742 or S743.

[0330] S741, NF#2 sends instruction information #1 to wireless network device #1.

[0331] After determining the indication information #1 of NF #1, NF #2 sends the indication information #1 to wireless network device #1.

[0332] S742, NF#1 sends instruction information #1 to wireless network device #1.

[0333] After obtaining the address or identifier of wireless network device #1, NF #1 may send a downlink message carrying indication information #1 to wireless network device #1.

[0334] S743, the terminal device sends indication information #1 to the wireless network device #1.

[0335] After obtaining the indication information #1 of NF#1, the terminal device sends the indication information #1 to the wireless network device #1.

[0336] The terminal device can obtain the indication information #1 through the downlink message of NF#1, and can also obtain the indication information #1 through the downlink message of NF#2.

[0337] The terminal device may save the indication information #1.

[0338] It should be understood that, in addition to the above-mentioned method, wireless network device #1 can also obtain indication information #1 from any network element that stores indication information #1.

[0339] For example, wireless network device #1 obtains the stored indication information #1 locally.

[0340] For another example, wireless network device #1 obtains stored indication information #1 from adjacent wireless network device #2.

[0341] For another example, the wireless network device #1 obtains the indication information #1 from the network management element that stores the indication information #1.

[0342] This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0343] S750, wireless network device #1 saves instruction information #1.

[0344] The wireless network device #1 may store the correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device and the indication information #1.

[0345] It should be understood that the wireless network device #1 may also release the indication information #1.

[0346] Exemplarily, the wireless network device #1 may release the stored indication information #1 based on a timer.

[0347] Exemplarily, the wireless network device #1 may also release the stored indication information #1 based on a notification message from another network element.

[0348] It should be noted that before wireless network device #1 communicates with NF#1, it can determine whether the indication information #1 corresponding to NF#1 is saved, or whether the indication information #1 actively reported by the terminal device is received. If the indication information #1 is saved or reported by the terminal device, the above step S740 does not need to be executed; if not, a request message can be sent to other network elements such as NF#2, NF#1 or the terminal device.

[0349] S760, NF#1 obtains instruction information #2 of wireless network device #1.

[0350] The indication information #2 includes the identifier of the terminal device and at least one of the identifier or address of the wireless network device #1.

[0351] Optionally, before NF#1 determines the indication information #2 of wireless network device #1, it may send a request message to NF#2, wireless network device #1 or terminal device to request the indication information #2.

[0352] Optionally, NF#2, wireless network device NF#1 or terminal device may also actively send indication information #2.

[0353] The manner in which NF#1 obtains the indication information #2 of wireless network device #1 may include three manners: S761, S762, or S763.

[0354] S761, NF#2 sends instruction information #2 to NF#1.

[0355] NF#2 determines NF#1 and may send indication information #2 to NF#1.

[0356] S762, wireless network device #1 sends instruction information #2 to NF #1.

[0357] After obtaining the address or identifier of NF#1, wireless network device #1 may initiate uplink communication to NF#1, carrying indication information #2.

[0358] S763, the terminal device sends instruction information #2 to NF#1.

[0359] In a possible implementation, after obtaining the indication information #2 of the wireless network device, the terminal device sends the indication information #2 to NF #1.

[0360] For example, the terminal device may report indication information #2 to NF#1 via a NAS message.

[0361] In a possible implementation, the terminal device may first send indication information #2 to NF#2, and NF#2 forwards the indication information #2 to NF#1.

[0362] Among them, the terminal device can obtain indication information #2 through the RRC signaling of the wireless network device #1, and can also obtain indication information #2 through the downlink message of NF #1.

[0363] The terminal device may save indication information #2.

[0364] It should be understood that, in addition to the above-mentioned method, NF#1 can also obtain indication information #2 from any network element that stores indication information #2.

[0365] For example, NF #1 obtains stored indication information #2 from wireless network device #2 adjacent to wireless network device #1.

[0366] For another example, NF#1 obtains indication information #2 from the network management element that stores indication information #2.

[0367] This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0368] S770, NF#1 saves instruction information #2.

[0369] NF#1 stores the correspondence between the terminal device identifier and indication information #2.

[0370] It should be understood that NF#1 may also release the indication information #2.

[0371] Exemplarily, NF#1 may release the stored indication information #2 based on a timer.

[0372] Exemplarily, NF#1 may also release the stored indication information #2 based on a notification message from another network element.

[0373] It should be noted that when NF#1 communicates with wireless network device #1, it can determine whether the indication information #2 corresponding to wireless network device #1 is saved, or whether the indication information #2 proactively reported by the terminal device is received. If the indication information #2 is saved or reported by the terminal device, the above step S760 does not need to be executed; if not, a request message can be sent to other network elements such as NF#2, wireless network device #1, or the terminal device.

[0374] In this application, steps S740-S750 and S760-S770 are not limited in execution order. For example, S741 and S761 can be executed simultaneously or sequentially, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0375] S780: Wireless network device #1 communicates with NF #1.

[0376] Wireless network device #1 performs uplink communication with NF #1 according to instruction information #1, and NF #1 performs downlink communication with wireless network device #1 according to instruction information #2.

[0377] It should be understood that in the solution shown in FIG. 7 , as shown in step S730 in FIG. 7 , NF#2 may determine NF#1. In the present application, NF#1 and NF#2 may also be determined by wireless network device #1.

[0378] Next, a scheme in which wireless network device #1 determines NF#1 and NF#2 will be described.

[0379] Wireless network device #1 can query NRF to obtain information such as the capabilities of each CN NF and select functional entities such as NF#2 / SMF / PCF.

[0380] In this solution, wireless network device #1 can determine indication information #1 of NF#1 and send the indication information #1 to NF#1. It can also send the indication information #1 to the terminal device. NF#1 can also send the indication information #1 to the terminal device.

[0381] In this solution, the manner in which NF#1 obtains the indication information #2 of the wireless network device #1 can refer to the solution in FIG7 , and will not be described in detail.

[0382] In this technical solution, when a terminal device initially registers, NF#2 allocates a core network entity to the terminal device. The wireless network device and the core network entity other than NF#2 can obtain each other's communication identification or address for subsequent communication.

[0383] Next, an exemplary solution for achieving communication between the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function when the terminal device is not initially registered is introduced.

[0384] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 800 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0385] In this embodiment, the first wireless network device is taken as wireless network device #1, the first control plane network function is taken as NF#1, and the second control plane network function is taken as NF#2.

[0386] Method 800 may include the following steps.

[0387] S810, the terminal device sends message #3 to the wireless network device #1.

[0388] During non-initial access, the terminal device sends message #3 to wireless network device #1 to initiate RRC connection establishment.

[0389] Message #3 includes a temporary identifier allocated by the network to the terminal device during initial access, such as a TMSI.

[0390] Exemplarily, message #3 may be an RRC connection establishment request message.

[0391] Wireless network device #1 receives message #3 and obtains the previously allocated NF #2 entity according to the TMSI.

[0392] Optionally, message #3 may also include indication information #1.

[0393] The indication information #1 includes the identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the type and / or identifier of NF#1, the address of NF#1, and the identifier of the session corresponding to NF#1.

[0394] It can be understood that the terminal device can save the information of the previously allocated NF#1, and then send the indication information #1 to the wireless network device #1 in the message #3.

[0395] S820, wireless network device #1 sends message #4 to NF #2.

[0396] After the RRC connection is established, wireless network device #1 sends message #4 to NF #2.

[0397] Message #4 includes the temporary identifier, such as TMSI.

[0398] Exemplarily, message #4 may be a terminal device initial message.

[0399] This step is optional.

[0400] S830, NF#2 confirms NF#1.

[0401] NF#2 searches for the information of NF#1 previously allocated to the terminal device according to the TMSI carried in message#4.

[0402] It should be understood that, unlike step S730, in S730, NF#2 needs to allocate NF#1 to the terminal device, and in S830, NF#2 can search for information of NF#1 previously allocated to the terminal device according to the TMSI.

[0403] NF#2 may store information of NF#1 allocated to the terminal device.

[0404] This step is optional. For example, in S810, if the message #3 sent by the terminal device carries the indication information #1, then S830 may not be executed.

[0405] S840: Wireless network device #1 obtains instruction information #1 of NF #1.

[0406] The indication information #1 includes the identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the type and / or identifier of NF#1, the address of NF#1, and the identifier of the session corresponding to NF#1.

[0407] Optionally, before obtaining the indication information #1 of NF#1, wireless network device #1 may send a request message to NF#2, NF#1 or the terminal device to request the indication information #1.

[0408] Optionally, NF#2, NF#1 or the terminal device may also actively send indication information #1.

[0409] The manner in which the wireless network device #1 obtains the indication information #1 of the NF #1 may refer to the manner in FIG. 7 and will not be described in detail.

[0410] It should be noted that, in S843, the terminal device may send indication information #1 to the wireless network device #1.

[0411] The terminal device may save the information of the previously allocated NF#1 and then send indication information #1 to the wireless network device #1.

[0412] The terminal device may also obtain the indication information #1 through the downlink message of NF#1, or obtain the indication information #1 through the downlink message of NF#2.

[0413] It should be understood that in S810, message #3 includes indication information #1, then wireless network device #1 can determine indication information #1 according to message #3. In this case, step S840 is an optional step.

[0414] S850, wireless network device #1 saves instruction information #1.

[0415] The wireless network device #1 stores the correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device and the indication information #1.

[0416] It should be understood that the wireless network device #1 may also release the indication information #1.

[0417] Exemplarily, the wireless network device #1 may release the stored indication information #1 based on a timer.

[0418] Exemplarily, the wireless network device #1 may also release the stored indication information #1 based on a notification message from another network element.

[0419] It should be noted that when wireless network device #1 communicates with NF#1, it can determine whether the indication information #1 corresponding to NF#1 is saved, or whether the indication information #1 actively reported by the terminal device is received. If the indication information #1 is saved or reported by the terminal device, the above step S840 does not need to be executed; if not, a request message can be sent to other network elements such as NF#2, NF#1 or the terminal device.

[0420] S860, NF#1 obtains instruction information #2 of wireless network device #1.

[0421] The indication information #2 includes the identifier of the terminal device and at least one of the identifier or address information of the wireless network device #1.

[0422] Optionally, before NF#1 obtains the indication information #2 of the wireless network device #1, it may send a request message to NF#2, the wireless network device #1 or the terminal device to request the indication information #2.

[0423] Optionally, NF#2, wireless network device #1 or terminal device may also actively send indication information #2.

[0424] The manner in which NF#1 obtains the indication information #2 of the wireless network device #1 may refer to the manner in FIG. 7 and will not be described in detail.

[0425] S870, NF#1 saves instruction information #2.

[0426] NF#1 stores the correspondence between the terminal device identifier and indication information #2.

[0427] In this application, steps S840-S850 and S860-S870 are not limited in execution order.

[0428] It should be understood that NF#1 may also release the indication information #2.

[0429] Exemplarily, NF#1 may release the stored indication information #2 based on a timer.

[0430] Exemplarily, NF#1 may also release the stored indication information #2 based on a notification message from another network element.

[0431] It should be noted that when NF#1 communicates with wireless network device #1, it can determine whether the indication information #2 corresponding to wireless network device #1 is saved, or whether the indication information #2 proactively reported by the terminal device is received. If the indication information #2 is saved or reported by the terminal device, the above step S860 does not need to be executed; if not, a request message can be sent to other network elements such as NF#2, wireless network device #1, or the terminal device.

[0432] S880: Wireless network device #1 communicates with NF #1.

[0433] Wireless network device #1 performs uplink communication with NF #1 according to instruction information #1, and NF #1 performs downlink communication with wireless network device #1 according to instruction information #2.

[0434] In this technical solution, when the terminal device is not initially registered, NF#2 searches for the previously assigned core network entity for the terminal device. The wireless network device and the core network entity other than NF#2 can obtain each other's communication identification or address to carry out subsequent communication.

[0435] During the communication process between the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function, the terminal device identifiers carried by the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function are different. For example, the first wireless network device carries the TMSI and the first control plane network function carries the IMSI. Therefore, the first message between the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function needs to be associated with the terminal device, and subsequent messages can be communicated based on the association relationship.

[0436] Next, an exemplary solution for associating the first wireless network device and the identifier of the terminal device carried by the first control plane network function is introduced.

[0437] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 900 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0438] In this embodiment, the first wireless network device is taken as wireless network device #1, the first control plane network function is taken as NF#1, and the second control plane network function is taken as NF#2.

[0439] After wireless network device #1 completes RRC connection establishment with the terminal device, the terminal device initial message sent by wireless network device #1 to NF #2 may carry the TMSI.

[0440] In this application, the temporary identifier for the ground interface allocated by NF#1 to the terminal device is taken as CN NGAP ID as an example, and the temporary identifier for the ground interface allocated by wireless network device #1 to the terminal device is taken as RAN NGAP ID as an example.

[0441] In one possible implementation, NF#1 can send the CN NGAP ID to wireless network device #1 via NF#2. Wireless network device #1 can carry the CN NGAP ID in an uplink message, and NF#1 determines the context of the terminal device based on the CN NGAP ID. For a specific solution, refer to the description of Solution 1 below.

[0442] Solution 1 may include the following steps S911 - S916 .

[0443] S911, NF#1 sends message #A to NF#2.

[0444] Correspondingly, NF#2 receives message #A sent by NF#1, where message #A includes the CN NGAP ID and IMSI.

[0445] Exemplarily, the message #A may be a downlink NAS transmission message.

[0446] It should be noted that before NF#1 sends message #A to NF#2, NF#2 sends IMSI to NF#1.

[0447] S912, NF#2 sends message #B to wireless network device #1.

[0448] Correspondingly, wireless network device #1 receives message #B sent by NF #2, where message #B includes the CN NGAP ID.

[0449] Optionally, message #B may further include at least one of TMSI, IMSI, and NF#2 NGAP ID.

[0450] It should be understood that NF#2 can convert the IMSI in message #A into a TMSI.

[0451] S913: Wireless network device #1 determines the mapping relationship between the TMSI and the CN NGAP ID.

[0452] Wireless network device #1 may construct a mapping relationship between TMSI and CN NGAP ID according to message #B.

[0453] S914, NF#1 determines the mapping relationship between IMSI and CN NGAP ID.

[0454] There is no limitation on the execution order of S913 and S914. For example, S913 may be executed first and then S914, or S914 may be executed first and then S913. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0455] S915 , wireless network device #1 sends message #C to NF#1.

[0456] Correspondingly, NF#1 receives message #C sent by wireless network device #1, where message #C includes the CN NGAP ID.

[0457] S916, NF#1 determines the context of the terminal device according to the CN NGAP ID.

[0458] NF#1 determines the context of the terminal device based on the CN NGAP ID in message #C.

[0459] In another possible implementation, wireless network device #1 may send the RAN NGAP ID to NF#1 via NF#2. Wireless network device #1 may carry the RAN NGAP ID in a downlink message, and wireless network device #1 determines the context of the terminal device based on the RAN NGAP ID. For a specific solution, refer to the description of Solution 2 below.

[0460] Solution 2 may include the following steps S921-S926.

[0461] S921, wireless network device #1 sends message #D to NF #2.

[0462] Correspondingly, NF#2 receives message #D sent by wireless network device #1, where message #D includes the RAN NGAP ID.

[0463] Optionally, message #D may also include TMSI.

[0464] S922, NF#2 sends message #E to NF#1.

[0465] Correspondingly, NF#1 receives message #E sent by NF#2, where message #E includes the RAN NGAP ID.

[0466] Optionally, message #E may also include at least one of IMSI, TMSI and NF#2 NGAP ID.

[0467] Exemplarily, message #E may be a PDU session creation request message when NF#2 communicates with SMF.

[0468] S923: Wireless network device #1 determines a mapping relationship between the TMSI and the RAN NGAP ID.

[0469] S924, NF#1 determines the mapping relationship between IMSI and CN NGAP ID.

[0470] NF#1 can construct a mapping relationship between IMSI and RAN NGAP ID according to message #E.

[0471] There is no limitation on the execution order of S923 and S924. For example, S923 may be executed first and then S924, or S924 may be executed first and then S923. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0472] S925, NF#1 sends message #F to wireless network device #1.

[0473] Correspondingly, wireless network device #1 receives message #F sent by NF #1, where message #F includes the RAN NGAP ID.

[0474] S926 , wireless network device #1 determines the context of the terminal device according to the RAN NGAP ID.

[0475] Wireless network device #1 determines the context of the terminal device based on the RAN NGAP ID in message #F.

[0476] In another possible implementation, NF#2 can send the TMSI-IMSI mapping relationship to NF#1. NF#1 can then determine the IMSI-RAN NGAP ID mapping relationship based on this mapping relationship and further determine the terminal device context based on the RAN NGAP ID carried in the uplink message. For more details, refer to the description of Solution 3 below.

[0477] Solution three may include the following steps S931-S935.

[0478] S931, NF#2 sends message #H to NF#1.

[0479] Correspondingly, NF#1 receives message #H sent by NF#2. Message #H includes mapping relationship #1, where mapping relationship #1 is a mapping relationship between TMSI and IMSI.

[0480] It should be understood that S931 is an optional step, and the mapping relationship #1 may also be a pre-configured or protocol-predefined mapping relationship, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0481] S932: Wireless network device #1 sends message #1 to NF #1.

[0482] Correspondingly, NF#1 receives message #I sent by wireless network device #1, where message #I includes TMSI and RAN NGAP ID.

[0483] Message #I is the first uplink message.

[0484] S933, NF#1 determines the mapping relationship between IMSI and RAN NGAP ID.

[0485] NF#1 determines the mapping relationship between IMSI and RAN NGAP ID according to mapping relationship #1 and message #1.

[0486] S934, wireless network device #1 sends message #G to NF #1.

[0487] Correspondingly, NF#1 receives message #G sent by wireless network device #1, where message #G includes the RAN NGAP ID.

[0488] Optionally, message #G may also include CN NGAP ID.

[0489] Message #G is not the first uplink message.

[0490] S935, NF#1 determines the context of the terminal device according to the RAN NGAP ID.

[0491] NF#1 determines the context of the terminal device based on the RAN NGAP ID in message #G and the mapping relationship between IMSI and RAN NGAP ID.

[0492] It should be understood that if message #G also includes a CN NGAP ID, NF #1 determines the context of the terminal device according to the CN NGAP ID.

[0493] In another possible implementation, NF#2 can send the mapping relationship between TMSI and IMSI to wireless network device #1. Based on this mapping relationship, wireless network device #1 can determine the mapping relationship between TMSI and CN NGAP ID and further determine the terminal device context based on the CN NGAP ID carried in the downlink message. For a specific solution, refer to the description of Solution 4 below.

[0494] Solution 4 may include the following steps S941-S945.

[0495] S941, NF#2 sends message #K to wireless network device #1.

[0496] Correspondingly, wireless network device #1 receives message #K sent by NF #2. Message #K includes mapping relationship #1, where mapping relationship #1 is a mapping relationship between TMSI and IMSI.

[0497] It should be understood that S941 is an optional step, and the mapping relationship #1 may also be a pre-configured or protocol-predefined mapping relationship, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0498] S942, NF#1 sends message #L to wireless network device #1.

[0499] Correspondingly, wireless network device #1 receives message #L sent by NF #1, where message #L includes IMSI and CN NGAP ID.

[0500] Message #L is the first downlink message.

[0501] S943, wireless network device #1 determines the mapping relationship between TMSI and CN NGAP ID.

[0502] Wireless network device #1 determines the mapping relationship between TMSI and CN NGAP ID according to mapping relationship #1 and message #L.

[0503] S944, NF#1 sends message #M to wireless network device #.

[0504] Correspondingly, wireless network device #1 receives message #M sent by NF #1, where message #M includes the CN NGAP ID.

[0505] Optionally, message #M may also include RAN NGAP ID.

[0506] Message #M is not the first downlink message.

[0507] S945 , wireless network device #1 determines the context of the terminal device according to the CN NGAP ID.

[0508] Wireless network device #1 determines the context of the terminal device according to the CN NGAP ID in message #M and the mapping relationship between the TMSI and the CN NGAP ID.

[0509] It should be understood that if the message #M further includes the RAN NGAP ID, the wireless network device #1 determines the context of the terminal device according to the RAN NGAP ID.

[0510] It should be understood that any one of the above four solutions can be implemented.

[0511] According to the above technical solution, the first message between the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function can be associated with the terminal device, and subsequent messages can be communicated based on the associated identifier.

[0512] In the present application, when the first wireless network device sends an uplink message to the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function, the first wireless network device can determine to which entity the uplink message is specifically routed; when the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function sends a downlink message to the terminal device, the first wireless network device can determine to which terminal the downlink message is specifically routed.

[0513] The following describes a routing solution for messages between the first wireless network device and the first control plane network function.

[0514] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 1000 between a wireless access network and a core network provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0515] In this embodiment, the first wireless network device takes wireless network device #1 as an example, and NF is a core network element, which may include a first control plane network function and a second control plane network function.

[0516] For uplink message routing, the specific steps are as follows:

[0517] S1010, the terminal device carries auxiliary information in message #A.

[0518] This message #A is an access layer message.

[0519] For example, message #A may be an RRC message.

[0520] The auxiliary information includes at least one of a message type, an NF type, an identifier or an address of the NF, and a session identifier corresponding to the NF.

[0521] The message type may be a NAS message or an RRC message. When the message type is an RRC message, the wireless network device #1 may generate an Ng message according to the RRC message.

[0522] The NF in this embodiment can be understood as any functional entity in the core network. For example, the NF may include NF#2 or NF#1.

[0523] It can be understood that the type of NF can be the type of NF#1, that is, SMF / LMF / PCF, etc.; it can also be NF#2, that is, AMF.

[0524] The identifier or address of the NF may be the identifier or address of NF#1 or the identifier or address of NF#2.

[0525] The session identifier corresponding to the NF may be the session identifier corresponding to the SMF. For example, different sessions may correspond to different SMFs, or may correspond to the same SMF. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0526] It should be noted that the terminal device can carry auxiliary information in the access layer signaling. The above-mentioned RRC layer is only an example and is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0527] S1020, the terminal device sends message #A to the wireless network device #1.

[0528] Correspondingly, the wireless network device #1 receives the message #A sent by the terminal device.

[0529] S1030, wireless network device #1 sends message #A to the NF according to the auxiliary information in message #A.

[0530] The wireless network device #1 determines to which NF entity the message #A is to be sent based on the auxiliary information.

[0531] For example, the assistance information includes the address of the LMF, and the wireless network device #1 can send the message #A to the LMF.

[0532] For another example, the auxiliary information includes the identifier of the SMF and the identifier of the AMF, then the wireless network device #1 can send message #A to the SMF and the AMF.

[0533] For downlink message routing, the specific steps are as follows:

[0534] S1040, NF carries the identification information of the terminal device in message #B.

[0535] Among them, the identifier of the terminal device may include any one of TMSI, IMSI, RAN NAGAP ID, CN NGAP ID, etc.

[0536] S1050, the NF sends message #B to the wireless network device #1.

[0537] Correspondingly, wireless network device #1 receives message #B sent by NF.

[0538] S1060, wireless network device #1 sends message #B to the terminal device according to the identification information of the terminal device in message #B.

[0539] Wireless network device #1 determines to which terminal device the message #B is to be sent based on the identification information of the terminal device.

[0540] Wireless network device #1 determines the identification of the terminal device based on the identification information of the terminal device in message #B, further queries the context of the terminal device, obtains the SRB of the terminal device, and forwards message #B to the corresponding terminal device through SRB.

[0541] In a possible implementation, wireless network device #1 may combine multiple downlink messages sent by the NF.

[0542] Exemplarily, if the identifiers of the terminal devices carried in multiple downlink messages are the same, the multiple downlink messages may be combined and sent to the terminal device.

[0543] In this technical solution, the wireless network device can send the uplink message to the corresponding NF entity based on the auxiliary information in the uplink message, and the wireless network device can send the downlink message to the corresponding terminal device based on the identification information of the terminal device in the downlink message, thereby realizing accurate routing of the message.

[0544] It should be understood that generally one SRB can be used to transmit all NAS messages. When different NAS messages have different QoS priorities, different SRBs are required to transmit NAS messages of different priorities.

[0545] Next, a solution for supporting the transmission of different NAS messages through different SRBs is described.

[0546] First, the wireless network device can configure multiple SRBs for the terminal device and indicate that they are used for NAS transmission.

[0547] In a possible implementation, the wireless network device receives multiple NAS messages, and maps the multiple NAS messages to at least two SRBs for transmission, respectively. The multiple NAS messages have a corresponding relationship with the at least two SRBs.

[0548] First, the process of downlink SRB mapping performed by a wireless network device is introduced.

[0549] Step a: The wireless network device receives multiple downlink NAS messages.

[0550] Step b: The wireless network device determines NAS quality of service flow identifiers (QoS flow IDs) corresponding to the multiple NAS messages according to the NAS type and / or session identifier;

[0551] Step c: The wireless network device establishes one or more SRBs according to the mapping relationship between the NAS QoS flow ID and the QoS;

[0552] The mapping relationship between the NAS QoS flow ID and the QoS may be pre-configured by the network or pre-defined by the protocol, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0553] Step d: The wireless network device maps different NAS messages to corresponding SRBs for transmission according to the mapping relationship between the NAS QoS flow ID and the SRB ID.

[0554] Next, the process of uplink SRB mapping by the terminal device is introduced.

[0555] There are two ways for a terminal device to perform uplink SRB mapping.

[0556] Method 1:

[0557] Step a: The terminal device determines the NAS QoS flow IDs corresponding to the multiple NAS messages according to the fourth mapping relationship.

[0558] The fourth mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between a NAS type and / or a session identifier and a NAS QoS flow ID.

[0559] The fourth mapping relationship may be pre-configured by the core network or wireless network device to the terminal device, or may be pre-defined by the protocol, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0560] Step b: The terminal device determines the SRBs corresponding to the multiple NAS messages according to the fifth mapping relationship, and maps the different NAS messages to the corresponding SRBs for transmission.

[0561] The fifth mapping relationship is the mapping relationship between NAS QoS flow ID and SRB ID.

[0562] The fifth mapping relationship may be pre-configured by the core network or wireless network device to the terminal device, or may be pre-defined by the protocol, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0563] Method 2:

[0564] Step a: The terminal device determines the SRBs corresponding to the multiple NAS messages according to the sixth mapping relationship, and maps the different NAS messages to the corresponding SRBs for transmission.

[0565] The sixth mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between a NAS type and / or a session identifier and an SRB.

[0566] The sixth mapping relationship may be pre-configured by the core network or wireless network device to the terminal device, or may be pre-defined by the protocol, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0567] The NAS type includes at least one of the type of the NAS message, the type of the NF, the identifier or address of the NF, and the session identifier corresponding to the NF.

[0568] The NF in this embodiment can be understood as any functional entity in the core network. For example, the NF may include an AMF or the aforementioned NF#1.

[0569] It should be noted that this solution is applicable to scenarios without AMF proxy communication and also to scenarios with AMF proxy communication.

[0570] This technical solution can support the use of multiple SRBs to transmit NAS messages, and map different NAS QoS priorities to different SRBs, thereby providing differentiated NAS transmission guarantees.

[0571] In one possible implementation, when a terminal device is in an inactive state, the terminal device may request wireless network device #1 to restore the connection state. Wireless network device #1 may then obtain the terminal device context through wireless network device #3. Wireless network device #3 stores the terminal device context, including a previously assigned NF ID or address, where the NF includes a first control plane network function and a second control plane network function.

[0572] FIG11 shows a schematic diagram of an access process when a terminal device changes from an inactive state to a connected state.

[0573] The specific steps include the following steps S1110-S1180.

[0574] S1110: The terminal device sends an RRC connection recovery request message to wireless network device #1.

[0575] S1120: Wireless network device #1 sends a terminal device context retrieval request message to wireless network device #3.

[0576] Wireless network device #3 stores the context of the terminal device.

[0577] The wireless network device #3 may be a wireless network device adjacent to the wireless network device #1.

[0578] For example, the wireless network device #3 may be the last serving gNB.

[0579] The currently connected wireless network device #1 may request the terminal device context from the wireless network device #3.

[0580] S1130: Wireless network device #3 sends a terminal device context retrieval response message to wireless network device #1.

[0581] Wireless network device #3 sends the NF ID or address serving the terminal device to wireless network device #1 via a terminal device context retrieval response message, which is used by wireless network device #1 to send an uplink message to the NF.

[0582] S1140: Wireless network device #1 sends an RRC connection recovery message to the terminal device.

[0583] The terminal device restores the RRC connection state.

[0584] S1150: The terminal device sends an RRC connection recovery completion message to wireless network device #1.

[0585] S1160: Wireless network device #1 sends a path switching request message to the AMF.

[0586] Exemplarily, wireless network device #1 can send the ID or address information of wireless network device #1 to AMF through the path switching request message, and AMF further sends the ID or address information of wireless network device #1 to other NFs (first control plane network functions) for the first control plane network functions to send downlink messages to wireless network device #1.

[0587] Exemplarily, wireless network device #1 can send the RAN NGAP ID allocated by wireless network device #1 to the terminal device to AMF through the path conversion message, and AMF further sends the RAN NGAP ID of the terminal device to the first control plane network function, so that the first control plane network function determines the mapping relationship between the RAN NGAP ID and the IMSI. In subsequent downlink messages, the first control plane network function can carry the RAN NGAP ID for the target wireless network device to determine the context of the terminal device.

[0588] S1170: AMF sends a path switching response message to wireless network device #1.

[0589] S1180: Wireless network device #1 sends a terminal device context release message to wireless network device #3.

[0590] This technical solution allows a terminal device to restore its connection state when it is in an inactive state by obtaining its context from wireless network device #3, which stores the terminal device context, through wireless network device #1. This allows for more efficient communication between the terminal device and the wireless access network.

[0591] In one possible implementation, when a terminal device is in a connected state, a wireless link failure may occur. The terminal device may request wireless network device #1 to reestablish the connection. Wireless network device #1 may obtain the terminal device context through wireless network device #4. Wireless network device #4 stores the terminal device context, including a previously assigned NF ID or address. The NF includes a first control plane network function and a second control plane network function.

[0592] It should be noted that the above signaling names are only exemplary descriptions and are not limited to these in the embodiments of the present application.

[0593] FIG12 shows a schematic diagram of a process of requesting reestablishment by a terminal device in a connected state.

[0594] The specific steps include the following steps S1210-S1280.

[0595] S1210: The terminal device sends an RRC connection reestablishment request message to the wireless network device #1.

[0596] S1220: Wireless network device #1 sends a terminal device context retrieval request message to wireless network device #4.

[0597] Wireless network device #4 stores the context of the terminal device.

[0598] The wireless network device #4 may be a wireless network device adjacent to the wireless network device #1.

[0599] The currently connected wireless network device #1 may request the terminal device context from the wireless network device #4.

[0600] For example, the wireless network device #4 may be the last serving gNB.

[0601] It should be understood that the wireless network device #4 can be the service cell before the wireless link failure of the terminal device occurs. When the wireless link failure occurs, the terminal device can select a service cell with a strong signal (wireless network device #1) to request RRC connection reconstruction.

[0602] S1230: Wireless network device #4 sends a terminal device context retrieval response message to wireless network device #1.

[0603] Wireless network device #4 sends the NF ID or address serving the terminal device to wireless network device #1 via a terminal device context retrieval response message, which is used by wireless network device #1 to send an uplink message to the NF.

[0604] Wireless network device #1 may reestablish the RRC connection or reconfigure it, as shown in S1240a or S1240b.

[0605] S1240a: Wireless network device #1 sends an RRC connection reestablishment message to the terminal device.

[0606] The terminal device completes RRC connection reconstruction.

[0607] S1240b: Wireless network device #1 sends an RRC connection reconfiguration message to the terminal device.

[0608] The terminal device completes the RRC connection reconfiguration.

[0609] S1250a: The terminal device sends an RRC connection reestablishment completion message to wireless network device #1.

[0610] Corresponding to S1240a, after completing the RRC connection reconstruction, the terminal device sends an RRC connection reconstruction completion message to the wireless network device #1.

[0611] S1250b: The terminal device sends an RRC connection reconfiguration completion message to wireless network device #1.

[0612] Corresponding to S1240b, after completing the RRC connection reconfiguration, the terminal device sends an RRC connection reconfiguration completion message to the wireless network device #1.

[0613] S1260: Wireless network device #1 sends a path switching request message to the AMF.

[0614] Exemplarily, wireless network device #1 can send the ID or address information of wireless network device #1 to AMF through the path switching request message, and AMF further sends the ID or address information of wireless network device #1 to other NFs (first control plane network functions) for the first control plane network functions to send downlink messages to wireless network device #1.

[0615] Exemplarily, wireless network device #1 can send the RAN NGAP ID allocated by wireless network device #1 to the terminal device to AMF through the path conversion message, and AMF further sends the RAN NGAP ID of the terminal device to the first control plane network function, so that the first control plane network function determines the mapping relationship between the RAN NGAP ID and the IMSI. In subsequent downlink messages, the first control plane network function can carry the RAN NGAP ID for the target wireless network device to determine the context of the terminal device.

[0616] S1270: AMF sends a path switching response message to wireless network device #1.

[0617] S1280: Wireless network device #1 sends a terminal device context release message to wireless network device #4.

[0618] It should be noted that the above signaling names are only exemplary descriptions and are not limited to these in the embodiments of the present application.

[0619] This technical solution allows a terminal device to reestablish a connection when a wireless link failure occurs in the connected state by obtaining its context from wireless network device #4, which stores the terminal device context, through wireless network device #1. This allows for more efficient communication between the terminal device and the wireless access network.

[0620] In this application, the terminal device can switch wireless network devices and / or core network devices.

[0621] In a possible implementation, after the terminal device exceeds the service range of the currently connected source wireless network device, it switches to the target wireless network device, and the core network device does not switch.

[0622] Exemplarily, in this case, the terminal device switches from the source wireless network device to the target wireless network device, and the core network device can obtain the address or ID information of the target wireless network device for direct communication between the target wireless network device and the first control plane network function.

[0623] In a specific manner, the target wireless network device may send indication information of the identifier or address of the target wireless network device to the first control plane network function.

[0624] In a specific manner, the second control plane network function may send indication information of the identifier or address of the target wireless network device to the first control plane network function.

[0625] In a specific manner, the terminal device may send indication information of the identifier or address of the target wireless network device to the first control plane network function.

[0626] Exemplarily, in this case, the terminal device switches from the source wireless network device to the target wireless network device. The identifier assigned by the target wireless network device to the terminal device may be the RAN NGAP ID'. The target wireless network device may send the RAN NGAP ID' to the first control plane network function through the second control plane network function, so that the first control plane network function determines the mapping relationship between the RAN NGAP ID' and the IMSI. In subsequent downlink messages, the first control plane network function may carry the RAN NGAP ID', and the target wireless network device determines the context of the terminal device based on the RAN NGAP ID'.

[0627] In one possible implementation, the AMF can reallocate a core network device for the terminal device, the terminal device can switch to the target core network device, and the wireless network device does not switch.

[0628] Exemplarily, in this case, the core network device switches, for example, the first control plane network function switches to the target first control plane network function, then the wireless network device can obtain the address or ID of the first control plane network function for direct communication between the wireless network device and the target first control plane network function.

[0629] In a specific manner, the second control plane network function sends indication information of an identifier or address of a target first control plane network function to the wireless network device.

[0630] In a specific manner, the target first control plane network function sends indication information of an identifier or address of the target first control plane network function to the wireless network device.

[0631] In a specific manner, the terminal device sends indication information of the identifier or address of the target first control plane network function to the wireless network device.

[0632] Exemplarily, in this case, the first control plane network function switches to the target first control plane network function, and the identifier assigned by the target first control plane network function to the terminal device can be CN NGAP ID'. The target first control plane network function can send the CN NGAP ID' to the wireless network device for the wireless network device to determine the mapping relationship between CN NGAP ID' and TMSI. In subsequent uplink messages, the wireless network device can carry CN NGAP ID', and the target first control plane network function determines the context of the terminal device based on the CN NGAP ID'.

[0633] In a possible implementation, the terminal device may be switched to the target wireless network device, and the core network device may be switched to the target core network device.

[0634] Exemplarily, in this case, the terminal device switches from the source wireless network device to the target wireless network device, and the core network device can obtain the address or ID information of the target wireless network device for direct communication between the target wireless network device and the first control plane network function; the core network device switches, for example, the first control plane network function switches to the target first control plane network function, and the second control plane network function switches to the target second control plane network function, then the target wireless network device can obtain the address or ID of the first control plane network function for direct communication between the target wireless network device and the target first control plane network function.

[0635] When a core network device switches, it may be partially or completely switched. For example, the AMF switches while the SMF / UPF / LMF remains unchanged. Another example is that the AMF remains unchanged while the SMF / UPF / LMF switches. It is understood that any of the second control plane network functions and / or the first control plane network functions may switch. The following embodiments are described using the switching of the second control plane network function as an example.

[0636] FIG13 shows a schematic flow chart of handover of both wireless network equipment and core network equipment.

[0637] In this embodiment, the source wireless network device takes S-RAN as an example, the target wireless network device takes T-RAN as an example, the source second control plane network function takes S-AMF as an example, the target second control plane network function takes T-AMF as an example, the first control plane network function takes SMF as an example, S-UPF switches to T-UPF, and SMF does not switch.

[0638] After the terminal device accesses the S-RAN, the S-RAN initiates the handover process.

[0639] The switching process includes the following steps.

[0640] S1310, S-RAN sends a handover request (handoverrequired) message to S-AMF.

[0641] S1320, S-AMF performs T-AMF selection.

[0642] S1330, S-AMF sends a communication creation terminal device context request message (Namf_Communication_CreateUEContext Request) to T-AMF.

[0643] S1340, T-AMF sends a PDU session update context request message (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request) to SMF.

[0644] S1350: The SMF selects the UPF.

[0645] S1360a, SMF sends an N4 session modification request message (N4Session Modification Request) to UPF (PSA).

[0646] S1360b, UPF (PSA) sends an N4 session modification response message (N4Session Modification Response) to SMF.

[0647] S1360c, SMF sends an N4 session establishment request message (N4Session Establishment Request) to T-UPF.

[0648] S1360d, T-UPF sends an N4 session establishment response message (N4Session Establishment Response) to SMF.

[0649] S1370, SMF sends a PDU session update context response message (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response) to T-AMF.

[0650] S1380, T-AMF performs PDU handover response supervision (PDU Handover Respnsesupervision).

[0651] S1390, T-AMF sends a handover request message (Handover Request) to T-RAN.

[0652] S1391: T-RAN sends a Handover Request Acknowledge message to T-AMF.

[0653] S1392a, T-AMF sends a PDU session update context request message (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request) to SMF.

[0654] S1392b, SMF sends an N4 session modification request message (N4Session Modification Request) to T-UPF.

[0655] S1392c, T-UPF sends an N4 session modification response message (N4Session Modification Response) to SMF.

[0656] S1392d, SMF sends an N4 session modification request message (N4Session Modification Request) to S-UPF.

[0657] S1392e, S-UPF sends an N4 session modification response message (N4Session Modification Response) to SMF.

[0658] S1393, SMF sends a PDU session update context response message (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response) to T-AMF.

[0659] S1394, T-AMF sends a communication creation terminal device context response message (Namf_Communication_CreateUEContext Response) to S-AMF.

[0660] In a possible implementation, when the first control plane network function is switched, the target first control plane network function obtains the communication identifier or address of the target wireless network device, which can be achieved through the above process.

[0661] For example, the communication address or identifier of the T-RAN can be transmitted to the SMF through the above steps S1340-S1370. When the SMF is switched, the communication address or identifier of the T-RAN can also be transmitted to the T-SMF through the above steps S1340-S1370.

[0662] In a possible implementation, when the first control plane network function is switched, the target wireless network device obtains the communication identifier or address of the target first control plane network function, which can be achieved through the above process.

[0663] For example, the communication address or identifier of the SMF can be transmitted to the T-RAN through the above steps S1390-S1391. When the SMF is switched, the communication address or identifier of the T-SMF can also be transmitted to the T-RAN through the above steps S1390-S1391.

[0664] In one possible implementation, when the first control plane network function is switched, the identifiers of the target wireless network device and the terminal device carried by the target first control plane network function are different. Therefore, the identifiers of the terminal device of the target wireless network device and the target first control plane network function can also be associated in the first message, and subsequent messages can be communicated based on the association relationship between the identifiers of the terminal devices.

[0665] Among them, associating the target wireless network device with the identifier of the terminal device of the target first control plane network function can be achieved through the above process.

[0666] For example, through the above steps S1390-S1391, the T-AMF can obtain the CN NGAP ID' allocated by the target first control plane network function to the terminal device, and forward the CN NGAP ID' to the T-RAN through S1390.

[0667] For another example, through the above steps S1390-S1391, the T-RAN can send the RAN NGAP ID' allocated to the terminal device to the T-AMF, and forward the RAN NGAP ID' to the target first control plane network function through S1392a-S1392b.

[0668] For another example, through the above steps S1390-S1391, the T-AMF can send the mapping relationship between IMSI and TMSI to the target first control plane network function, and through the above steps S1390-S1391, the T-AMF can send the mapping relationship between IMSI and TMSI to the T-RAN.

[0669] In one possible implementation, when the first control plane network function is switched, when the target wireless network device sends an uplink message to the target first control plane network function or the second control plane network function, the target wireless network device can determine to which specific entity the uplink message is routed; when the target first control plane network function or the second control plane network function sends a downlink message to the terminal device, the target wireless network device can determine to which specific terminal device the downlink message is routed.

[0670] The target wireless network device routes the uplink message or the downlink message, which can be achieved through the above process.

[0671] For example, through the above step S1391, the T-RAN sends the RRC layer uplink message carrying the auxiliary information to the T-AMF, and the T-AMF sends the uplink message to the target first control plane network function through steps S1392a-S1392b.

[0672] For another example, through the above step S1390, the T-AMF can send a downlink message carrying the terminal device identification information to the T-RAN.

[0673] With this technical solution, when a terminal device switches to a target wireless network device, it can communicate directly with the target first control plane network function, thereby avoiding the transmission delay caused by the target second control plane network function acting as a proxy for forwarding or processing in a switching scenario, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0674] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail above in conjunction with Figures 6 to 13. Below, the apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail in conjunction with Figures 14 and 15. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, reference can be made to the method embodiment above. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0675] The device is used to implement the above-mentioned embodiments and related implementation methods, and the details that have been described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the devices described in the following embodiments are preferably implemented in software, implementation using hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0676] FIG14 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0677] The device 1400 includes a transceiver unit 1410 , which can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1410 can also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0678] The apparatus 1400 may further include a processing unit 1420 , which may be configured to perform data processing.

[0679] Optionally, the device 1400 also includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1420 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device can implement the actions of different devices in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0680] As a design, the apparatus 1400 is used to execute the actions performed by the first wireless network device in each of the above method embodiments.

[0681] Specifically, the processing unit 1420 is used to obtain first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving the terminal device, where the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on the second control plane network function; the processing unit 1420 is used to communicate with the first control plane network function according to the first indication information.

[0682] As a design, the device 1400 is used to execute the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0683] Specifically, the processing unit 1420 is used to obtain first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving the terminal device, the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on the second control plane network function, the first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: the type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, the address of the first control plane network function, and the session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function, the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device; the processing unit 1420 is also used to determine the address or identifier of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device based on the first indication information. As a design, the device 1400 is used to perform the actions performed by the third node in each of the above method embodiments.

[0684] As a design, the device 1400 is used to execute the actions performed by the second control plane network function in each of the above method embodiments.

[0685] Specifically, processing unit 1420 is used to obtain first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device, where the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on a second control plane network function, and the first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: the type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, the address of the first control plane network function, and the session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function, where the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device; processing unit 1420 is also used to determine the address of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device or the identifier of the first control plane network function based on the first indication information.

[0686] As a design, the device 1400 is used to execute the actions performed by the first control plane network function in each of the above method embodiments.

[0687] Specifically, the processing unit 1420 is used to determine second indication information of the first wireless network device serving the terminal device; the processing unit is also used to communicate with the first wireless network device according to the second indication information.

[0688] As a design, the apparatus 1400 is used to execute the actions performed by the first wireless network device in each of the above method embodiments.

[0689] Specifically, the transceiver unit 1410 is used to receive multiple non-access layer messages; the processing unit 1420 is used to map the multiple non-access layer messages to at least two signaling radio bearers for transmission, and the multiple non-access layer messages have a corresponding relationship with the signaling radio bearers.

[0690] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0691] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1500 includes a processor 1510, which is coupled to a memory 1520. The memory 1520 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1510 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1520, or read the data stored in the memory 1520 to execute the methods in the above method embodiments. As shown in Figure 15, the device 1500 also includes a transceiver 1530, which is used to receive and / or send signals. For example, the processor 1510 is used to control the transceiver 1530 to receive and / or send signals.

[0692] Optionally, there are one or more processors 1510 .

[0693] Optionally, there are one or more memories 1520 .

[0694] It should be understood that the processor 1510 and memory 1520 described above can be combined into a single processing device, with the processor 1510 configured to execute program code stored in the memory 1520 to implement the aforementioned functions. In a specific implementation, the memory 1520 can also be integrated into the processor 1510 or independent of the processor 1510. It should be understood that the processor 1510 can also correspond to the various processing units in the aforementioned communication device, and the transceiver 1530 can correspond to the various receiving units and transmitting units in the aforementioned communication device.

[0695] It should also be understood that the transceiver 1530 may include a receiver (or receiver) and a transmitter (or transmitter). The transceiver may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more. The transceiver may also be a communication interface or interface circuit.

[0696] Specifically, the communication device 1500 may correspond to the terminal device and network device in methods 600 to 1300 according to the embodiments of the present application. The communication device 1500 may include units of the methods performed by the terminal device and network device in methods 600 to 1300. It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0697] When the communication device 1500 is a chip, the chip includes an interface unit and a processing unit, wherein the interface unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; and the processing unit may be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip.

[0698] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0699] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0700] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0701] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0702] The present application also provides a computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0703] The present application also provides a computer program product, which implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments when executed by a computer.

[0704] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0705] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete way.

[0706] It should be understood that references to "embodiments" throughout this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0707] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution. The order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application. The names of all nodes and messages in this application are merely names set by this application for the convenience of description. The names in the actual network may be different. It should not be understood that this application limits the names of various nodes and messages. On the contrary, any name with the same or similar function as the node or message used in this application is regarded as the method or equivalent replacement of this application and is within the scope of protection of this application.

[0708] It should also be understood that in this application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that the terminal device or base station will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. It does not limit the time, and does not require the terminal device or base station to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0709] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "pre-setting", "pre-configuration", etc. can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (for example, a terminal device). This application does not limit its specific implementation method, such as the preset rules, preset constants, etc. in the embodiments of the present application.

[0710] Additionally, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. The term "and / or" is simply used to describe an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone.

[0711] As used herein, the term "at least one of" or "at least one of" refers to all or any combination of the listed items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, B and C together, and A, B, and C together. As used herein, "at least one" means one or more. "A plurality" means two or more.

[0712] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A and can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. The terms "include," "comprising," "having," and their variations all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0713] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the first, second, and various numerical numbers are merely distinctions for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0714] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0715] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0716] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0717] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0718] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0719] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0720] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method between a wireless access network and a core network, characterized in that: Applied to a first wireless network device, comprising: Acquire first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device, where the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on the second control plane network function; Communicate with the first control plane network function according to the first indication information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The obtaining of the first indication information includes: The first indication information is obtained locally or received from a first network element, wherein the first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device and at least one of the following information: a type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, an address of the first control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device, and the first network element includes the second control plane network function, the first control plane network function, the terminal device, a second wireless network device, and one of a network management network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: determining the first indication information according to the first identifier; Send the first identifier to the first control plane network function according to the first indication information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send the address and / or identification information of the first wireless network device to the first control plane network function or the terminal device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a second identifier of the terminal device from the second control plane network function, where the second identifier is a communication identifier allocated by the first control plane network function to the terminal device within a service range of the first control plane network function; Determine a mapping relationship between a third identifier of the terminal device and the second identifier, wherein the third identifier is an identifier of the terminal device recognizable by the first wireless network device, and the mapping relationship is used by the first wireless network device to determine the context of the terminal device according to the second identifier.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fourth identifier of the terminal device is sent to the first control plane network function through the second control plane network function, where the fourth identifier is a communication identifier allocated by the first wireless network device to the terminal device within the service range of the first wireless network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving the fifth identifier and the second identifier from the first control plane network function, where the second identifier is a communication identifier within a service range of the first control plane network function allocated by the first control plane network function to the terminal device, and the fifth identifier is an identifier of the terminal device identifiable by the first control plane network function; Determine a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between a third identifier and the fifth identifier, where the third identifier is an identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first wireless network device; A second mapping relationship between the second identifier and the third identifier is determined according to the fifth identifier, the second identifier and the first mapping relationship.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: The context of the terminal device is determined according to the second mapping relationship; or, the context of the terminal device is determined according to a fourth identifier, where the fourth identifier is a communication identifier within the service range of the first wireless network device allocated to the terminal device by the first wireless network device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: sending a third identifier and a fourth identifier of the terminal device to the first control plane network function, where the third identifier is an identifier of the terminal device recognizable by the first wireless network device, and the fourth identifier is a communication identifier within the service range of the first wireless network device assigned by the first wireless network device to the terminal device; the third identifier and the fourth identifier are used by the first control plane network function to determine a third mapping relationship between the fourth identifier and the fifth identifier, where the fifth identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device recognizable by the first control plane network function; The fourth identifier or the second identifier is sent to the first control plane network function, where the second identifier is a communication identifier within the service scope of the first control plane network function allocated by the first control plane network function to the terminal device, the fourth identifier is used by the first control plane network function to determine the context of the terminal device according to the third mapping relationship, and the second identifier is used by the first control plane network function to determine the context of the terminal device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a first message sent by the terminal device, where the first message is a radio resource control RRC message, and the first message includes auxiliary information, where the auxiliary information includes at least one of the message type, the type of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, an identifier or address of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function; Communicate with the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function according to the auxiliary information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that When the terminal device stores the first indication information, the first network element is the terminal device; When the terminal device does not save the first indication information, the first network element is the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function.

12. A communication method between a wireless access network and a core network, characterized in that: Applied to terminal equipment, including: Obtain first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first control plane network function serving a terminal device, where the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on a second control plane network function, and the first indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: a type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, an address of the first control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function, where the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device; Determine the address or identifier of the first control plane network function serving the terminal device according to the first indication information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The obtaining of the first indication information includes: Receive the first indication information sent from the first control plane network function, the second control plane network function, the first wireless network device, the second wireless network device or the network management network element, where the first wireless network device is a wireless network device serving the terminal device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that When the first indication information is received from the first wireless network device or the second wireless network device, the method further includes: Send the first indication information to the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the terminal device enters an idle state or an inactive state from a connected state, the first indication information is saved.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that When the first indication information is received from the first control plane network function or the second control plane network function, the method further includes: The first indication information is sent to the first wireless network device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving an address and / or identification information of the first wireless network device from the first wireless network device; The address and / or identification information of the first wireless network device is saved.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A first message is sent to the first wireless network device, where the first message is a radio resource control (RRC) message, and the first message includes auxiliary information, and the auxiliary information includes at least one of the message type, the type of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, the identifier or address of the first control plane network function and / or the second control plane network function, and the session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function.

19. A communication method between a wireless access network and a core network, characterized in that: Applied to a first control plane network function, where the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on a second control plane network function, including: Acquire second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a first wireless network device serving the terminal device; Communicate with the first wireless network device according to the second indication information.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The obtaining of the second indication information includes: The second indication information is obtained locally or received from a second network element, wherein the second indication information includes a first identifier of the terminal device and at least one of the address and / or identifier information of the first wireless network device, and the second network element includes the second control plane network function, the first wireless network device, the terminal device, a second wireless network device or a network management network element, and the first identifier is used to indicate the terminal device.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending first indication information to the terminal device or the first wireless network device, the first indication information including a first identifier of the terminal device, and at least one of the following information: a type and / or identifier of the first control plane network function, an address of the first control plane network function, and a session identifier corresponding to the first control plane network function.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second identifier of the terminal device is sent to the first wireless network device, where the second identifier is a communication identifier allocated by the first control plane network function to the terminal device within the service range of the first control plane network function.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a fourth identifier of the terminal device from the first wireless network device, where the fourth identifier is a communication identifier within a service range of the first wireless network device and allocated to the terminal device by the first wireless network device; Determine a mapping relationship between the fourth identifier and the fifth identifier of the terminal device, where the fifth identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device that can be identified by the first control plane network function, and the mapping relationship is used by the first control plane network function to determine the context corresponding to the terminal device according to the fifth identifier.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a third identifier and a fourth identifier of the terminal device from the first wireless network device, wherein the third identifier The identification is a unique identification of the terminal device that can be identified by the first wireless network device, and the fourth identification is a communication identification within the service range of the first wireless network device that is allocated by the first wireless network device to the terminal device; Determine a first mapping relationship, where the first mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between the third identifier and a fifth identifier, where the fifth identifier is a unique identifier of the terminal device identifiable by the first control plane network function; A third mapping relationship between the fourth identifier and the fifth identifier is determined according to the third identifier, the fourth identifier and the first mapping relationship.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine the context of the terminal device according to the third mapping relationship; or determine the context of the terminal device according to the second identifier, where the second identifier is a communication identifier within the service scope of the first control plane network function allocated to the terminal device by the first control plane network function.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a fifth identifier and a second identifier of the terminal device to the first wireless network device, where the second identifier is a communication identifier within a service range of the first control plane network function allocated to the terminal device by the first control plane network function, and the fifth identifier is an identifier of the terminal device recognizable by the first control plane network function; the second identifier and the fifth identifier are used by the first wireless network device to determine a second mapping relationship between the second identifier and the third identifier, and the third identifier is an identifier of the terminal device recognizable by the first wireless network device; The second identifier or the fourth identifier is sent to the first wireless network device, where the fourth identifier is a communication identifier assigned by the first wireless network device to the terminal device within the service range of the first wireless network device, the second identifier is used by the first wireless network device to determine the context of the terminal device according to the second mapping relationship, and the fourth identifier is used by the first wireless network device to determine the context of the terminal device.

27. A communication system, characterized in that: comprising a first wireless network device, a first control plane network function, and a second control plane network function, wherein the first control plane network function is a network function determined based on the second control plane network function, The second control plane network function is used to determine the first control plane network function serving the terminal device; The first wireless network device is used to obtain first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the first control plane network function serving the terminal device; The first control plane network function is used to obtain second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the first wireless network device serving the terminal device; The first wireless network device is further configured to communicate with the first control plane network function according to the first indication information; The first control plane network function is further used to communicate with the first wireless network device according to the second indication information.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that The apparatus also includes the memory.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 26.

33. A chip system, characterized in that: It comprises: a processor, used to call and run a computer program from a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip system executes the method described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

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