Communication method, communication device, computer program product and electronic device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method, a communication device, a computer program product and electronic equipment, and relates to the technical field of communication. The communication method comprises the following steps: sending data streams of different services of terminal equipment to a network through different transmission paths; the terminal equipment is at least configured with a first user identifier and a second user identifier, and the different services at least comprise a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths comprise different access networks. According to the invention, different user identifiers on the same terminal device can access the network at the same time and carry out communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, communication devices, computer program products and electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of electronic devices and communication technologies, some terminal devices support multiple user identities. For example, a user can insert two SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards into a mobile phone and communicate through different SIM cards. However, related technologies cannot effectively solve the communication problem when different user identities access the network simultaneously. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides communication methods, communication devices, computer program products, and electronic devices to at least partially solve the communication problem when different user identifiers on the same terminal device access the network simultaneously.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: transmitting data streams of different services of a terminal device to a network through different transmission paths; the terminal device being configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the different services including at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths including different access networks.

[0005] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: sending data streams of different services of the same terminal device to the terminal device through different transmission paths; the terminal device being configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the different services including at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths including different access networks.

[0006] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first data stream transmission module configured to transmit data streams of different services of a terminal device to a network through different transmission paths; the terminal device being configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the different services including at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths including different access networks.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a second data stream transmission module configured to transmit data streams of different services of the same terminal device to the terminal device through different transmission paths; the terminal device being configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the different services including at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths including different access networks.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method of the first or second aspect described above and its possible implementations.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the methods of the first or second aspect described above and possible implementations thereof by executing the executable instructions.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a terminal device is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the method of the first aspect and possible implementations thereof by executing the executable instructions.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a network device is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the method of the second aspect described above and possible implementations thereof by executing the executable instructions.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of this disclosure, a computer storage medium is provided that stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method of the first or second aspect described above and its possible implementations.

[0013] The technical solution disclosed herein has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] For terminal devices configured with multiple user identifiers (such as multiple SIM cards), a solution is provided for their communication with the network, enabling different user identifiers on the same terminal device to access the network and communicate simultaneously. In particular, it enables different services based on different user identifiers to transmit data streams through different 3GPP access networks and enhances the transmission control of the corresponding services. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1A flowchart illustrating a communication method in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a communication method in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a communication method in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a communication method in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart of a communication method in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart of a communication method in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device in this exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device in this exemplary embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The accompanying drawings are schematic illustrations of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings may be functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software, in hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in networks, processors, or microcontrollers. Embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. The features, structures, or characteristics described in this disclosure can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough description of embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more specific details may be omitted when implementing the technical solutions of this disclosure, or other methods, components, apparatuses, steps, etc., may be used to replace one or more specific details.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide communication methods, communication devices, computer program products, electronic devices, terminal devices, network devices, etc.

[0029] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 1 As shown, the communication method may include:

[0030] Step S110: The data streams of different services from the terminal device are sent to the network through different transmission paths. The terminal device is configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier. The aforementioned different services include at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier. The aforementioned different transmission paths include different access networks.

[0031] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, step S110 can be performed by the aforementioned terminal device.

[0032] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device can send a data stream to the core network, such as to one or more of the following network elements in the core network: AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), ASF (Authentication Server Function), UDR (Unified Data Repository), UDM (Unified Data Management), PCF (Policy Control Function), and UPF (User Plane Function), or other network elements, and then send it to the destination address through the core network.

[0033] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device is configured with different user identifiers. In addition to the first user identifier and the second user identifier, a third user identifier, or even a fourth user identifier, etc., can also be configured. This disclosure does not limit the number of user identifiers configured on the terminal device.

[0034] The different user identifiers configured on the terminal device, such as the first user identifier and the second user identifier, can be any one or more of the following identifiers: IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), SUPI (Subscriber Permanent Identifier), and SUCI (Subscriber Concealed Identifier).

[0035] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a terminal device can be configured with at least two SIM cards, each SIM card corresponding to a user identifier. For example, the first SIM card corresponds to a first user identifier, and the second SIM card corresponds to a second user identifier. The corresponding user identifier can be recorded in the SIM card, such as recording the IMSI. Alternatively, the corresponding user identifier can be assigned by the network when the SIM is registered with the network.

[0036] Terminal devices can communicate using different user identifiers, such as accessing web pages and sending user messages. The communication process can include: the terminal device registering with the network using the user identifier, establishing a session, and sending or receiving service-related data streams through the session to achieve the corresponding service communication. Different sessions can be established using different user identifiers. For example, a first session can be established based on a first user identifier, and this first session includes the communication process for a first service. A second session can be established based on a second user identifier, and this second session includes the communication process for a second service. For instance, a terminal device can log into an instant messaging app (application) and chat using a first SIM card. The first session could be a session between the first user identifier on the first SIM card and the instant messaging server, and the first service could be the instant messaging chat service. Similarly, a terminal device can log into a banking app and view relevant information using a second SIM card. The second session could be a session between the second user identifier on the second SIM card and the bank server, and the second service could be the bank information access service.

[0037] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a terminal device can communicate simultaneously using different user identifiers, meaning that different services within different sessions established based on different user identifiers can coexist. The terminal device can simultaneously send data streams for different services, or send data streams for different services within the same time period.

[0038] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device may be referred to as a dual-steer device.

[0039] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, after a terminal device establishes a session with the network through a user identifier, the terminal device can guide and switch the data stream in the session according to the received policy information.

[0040] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: determining a transmission path for a data stream of a target service based on first policy information, and transmitting the data stream of the target service through the transmission path. The first policy information instructs the terminal device on a strategy for determining the transmission path of the target service, such as a strategy for selecting an access network to transmit the uplink data stream of the target service. The target service is at least one of the aforementioned different services.

[0041] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first strategy information can be pre-configured by the terminal device. For example, the terminal device can determine the first strategy information based on historical communication information.

[0042] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: receiving first policy information, which instructs a terminal device to determine a policy for the transmission path of a target service. The first policy information may be sent to the terminal device by an AMF (Advanced Network Provider) or other network device. The transmission path of the data stream of the target service is determined based on the first policy information, and the data stream of the target service is transmitted through the transmission path.

[0043] For example, the first strategy information can instruct the terminal device to select an access network to transmit the uplink data stream of the target service based on the performance of the access network. During communication, the terminal device can select a suitable access network to transmit the uplink data stream of the target service based on the performance of multiple access networks. Furthermore, it can switch the uplink data stream of the target service to other access networks when the performance of the access network changes. This achieves steering and switching of the data stream of the target service.

[0044] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device can receive first policy information before sending the data stream of the target service for the first time, and guide the sending of the data stream of the target service according to the first policy information.

[0045] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, a terminal device can send data streams of different services to the network through different transmission paths. For example, the data stream of a first service can be sent to the network through a first transmission path, and the data stream of a second service can be sent to the network through a second transmission path. The first and second transmission paths are not exactly the same. This enables simultaneous communication using different user identifiers, and avoids mutual influence and interference between data streams of different services due to the use of different transmission paths. It also achieves traffic splitting for data streams of multiple services.

[0046] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the transmission path may refer to the user plane path.

[0047] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the transmission path may refer to the transmission path between the terminal device and the core network (such as AMF, UPF, etc.).

[0048] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the different transmission paths include different access networks. For example, the first transmission path includes a first access network, and the second transmission path includes a second access network, wherein the first access network and the second access network are two different access networks.

[0049] In one embodiment of this disclosure, all the aforementioned different access networks are 3GPP access networks. These 3GPP access networks are established based on 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standard technologies. For example, both the first and second access networks are NR (New Radio) access networks, where either the first or second access network can be an NR terrestrial network or an NR non-terrestrial network. Alternatively, the first access network can be an NR access network, and the second access network can be an E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) access network. This enables different services based on different user identifiers to transmit data streams through different 3GPP access networks.

[0050] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, a terminal device can access the same PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) using different user identifiers. This PLMN can be an HPLMN (Home Public Land Mobile Network) or a VPLMN (Visited Public Land Mobile Network). Alternatively, the terminal device can access different PLMNs using different user identifiers, such as accessing an HPLMN using a first user identifier and an VPLMN using a second user identifier, or accessing two different VPLMNs using the first user identifier and the second user identifier respectively.

[0051] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: transmitting uplink data streams of different services from a terminal device to a network via an access network through which the corresponding downlink data streams of the uplink data streams pass. Here, the uplink data stream is the data stream transmitted from the terminal device to the network, and the downlink data stream is the data stream transmitted from the network to the terminal device. For example, in a first service, the terminal device receives the downlink data stream through a first access network and can then transmit the uplink data stream through the first access network; in a second service, the terminal device receives the downlink data stream through a second access network and can then transmit the uplink data stream through the second access network. This ensures that data streams for the same service are transmitted on the same access network, increasing transmission control for the corresponding services.

[0052] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 2 As shown, the communication method may include:

[0053] Step S210: Send first indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of the target service; the target service is at least one of the above different services.

[0054] The target service can be any of the aforementioned different services, or it can be a specific service. For example, the terminal device can send first indication information for each service corresponding to each user identifier, to indicate the transmission path of the data stream for each service. That is, the target service can refer to each service individually.

[0055] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information can indicate the transmission path used by the terminal device when sending the data stream of the target service, that is, the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service.

[0056] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device can send first indication information to the network, such as to the UPF. In this way, the network can send the downlink data stream of the target service to the terminal device using the same transmission path, based on the transmission path in the first indication information, so as to ensure that the data stream of the target service is transmitted on the same transmission path.

[0057] It should be understood that the transmission directions of uplink and downlink data streams are opposite, and transmission paths with the same path but opposite directions are considered as the same transmission path.

[0058] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: sending first indication information separately. For example, the first indication information can be sent via separate user plane signaling. In this way, the first indication information is independent of other information and is less likely to cause mutual interference.

[0059] The terminal device can flexibly choose when to send the first indication information, such as before, after or at the same time as sending the data stream of the target service.

[0060] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: adding first indication information to the data stream of the target service, and sending the first indication information by sending the data stream. This eliminates the need to send the first indication information separately, reducing the number of signaling interactions.

[0061] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information added to the data stream of the target service includes a first preset tag, such as a DualSteer tag or other tags with specified content or form. The preset tag's content and meaning can be agreed upon in advance by the terminal device and the network. The first preset tag indicates that the access network used to send the downlink data stream of the target service maintains the same transmission path as the access network through which the uplink data stream passes. Thus, after receiving the uplink data stream of the target service carrying the first preset tag, the network can determine, based on the first preset tag, that the same access network should be used to send the downlink data stream of the target service. For example, if the UPF receives the uplink data stream of the first service through the first access network, which carries a DualSteer tag, based on the meaning of this tag, the downlink data stream of the first service will subsequently also be sent using the first access network. This ensures that the uplink and downlink data streams of the same service are transmitted on the same access network, enhancing transmission control over the corresponding service.

[0062] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: responding to a change in the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service, sending first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the change information of the transmission path.

[0063] The terminal device can trigger changes in the uplink data stream transmission path based on user plane performance measurements, etc. For example, it can determine the switching of the uplink data stream transmission path based on first policy information. Changes in the transmission path can include changes in the access network or other components. For instance, if the terminal device originally transmitted the uplink data stream of the first service through the first access network, it can switch to transmitting the uplink data stream of the first service through a second access network if network conditions change or its own location changes.

[0064] When the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service changes, the terminal device can send a first indication message to inform the network of the change. For example, the first indication message can directly indicate the changed transmission path, or it can indicate that the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service should remain consistent with the current uplink data stream transmission path, such as maintaining the same access network. Upon receiving the first indication message, the network can promptly switch the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service to ensure that the transmission paths of the uplink and downlink data streams are always consistent, further enhancing transmission control over the corresponding service.

[0065] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device can send first indication information before, after, or simultaneously with the first transmission of the target service data stream, based on the determined transmission path of the first transmission of the target service data stream. This eliminates the need to send the first indication information before, after, or simultaneously with each transmission of the target service data stream.

[0066] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device can add a first preset tag to the data stream each time it sends the data stream of the target service, as a first indication information, and send it to the network.

[0067] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 3 As shown, the communication method may include:

[0068] Step S310: Receive second indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of the target service; the target service is at least one of the above-mentioned different services.

[0069] Step S320: Send the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the second instruction information.

[0070] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device can receive second indication information sent by the network, such as second indication information sent by the UPF.

[0071] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device can receive second indication information before initially transmitting the data stream of the target service (such as an uplink data stream). The target service data stream is then transmitted according to the transmission path indicated by the second indication information.

[0072] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the network can send a second indication message to the terminal device in response to a change in the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service.

[0073] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information is used to indicate changes in the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service. For example, the second indication information may directly indicate the changed transmission path, or it may indicate that the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service should remain consistent with the current downlink data stream transmission path, such as maintaining the same access network.

[0074] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: sending an uplink data stream of a target service based on a changed transmission path indicated by second indication information. This ensures that the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service remains consistent with the transmission path of the downlink data stream, further enhancing transmission control over the corresponding service.

[0075] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: in the absence of receiving second indication information, determining the transmission path of the data stream (such as an uplink data stream) of the target service according to first strategy information, and sending the data stream of the target service through the transmission path; in the presence of receiving second indication information, sending the data stream (such as an uplink data stream) of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the second indication information.

[0076] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 4 As shown, the communication method may include:

[0077] Step S410: Data streams of different services of the same terminal device are sent to the terminal device through different transmission paths; the terminal device is configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, and the different services include at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths include different access networks.

[0078] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, step S410 can be performed by a network (such as a core network). Or more specifically, it can be performed by a network device, such as one or more of AMF, SMF, AUSF, UDR, UDM, PCF, and UPF.

[0079] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, all of the above-mentioned different access networks are 3GPP access networks.

[0080] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the network can simultaneously communicate with the same terminal device using different user identifiers. The network can simultaneously send data streams of different services to the terminal device, or send data streams of different services within the same time period.

[0081] Taking step S410 as an example, the network can send the data stream of the first service to the terminal device through the first transmission path, and send the data stream of the second service to the terminal device through the second transmission path. The first and second transmission paths are not exactly the same, such as different access networks. This enables simultaneous communication through different user identifiers, and because different transmission paths are used, mutual influence and interference between data streams of different services are avoided. It also achieves traffic separation for data streams of multiple services.

[0082] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, after a terminal device establishes a session with the network through a user identifier, the network can guide and switch the data stream in the session based on the received policy information.

[0083] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: determining a transmission path for a data stream of a target service based on second policy information, and transmitting the data stream of the target service through the transmission path. The second policy information instructs the network on a strategy for determining the transmission path of the target service, such as a strategy for selecting an access network to transmit the downlink data stream of the target service. The target service is at least one of the aforementioned different services.

[0084] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: receiving second policy information, which instructs the network to determine a policy for the transmission path of a target service. The second policy information may be sent from the AMF or other network device to the UPF. The transmission path of the target service's data stream is determined based on the second policy information, and the data stream of the target service is transmitted through that transmission path.

[0085] For example, the second strategy information can instruct the network to select an access network to transmit the downlink data stream of the target service based on the performance of the access network. During communication, the network can select a suitable access network to transmit the downlink data stream of the target service based on the performance of multiple access networks. Furthermore, it can switch the downlink data stream of the target service to other access networks when the performance of the access network changes. This achieves the guidance and switching of the data stream of the target service.

[0086] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the network can receive second policy information before sending the data stream of the target service for the first time, and guide the sending of the data stream of the target service according to the second policy information.

[0087] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: transmitting downlink data streams of different services from the same terminal device to the terminal device via the access network through which the corresponding uplink data streams pass. For example, in a first service, the network device receives the uplink data stream through a first access network and can then transmit the downlink data stream through the first access network; in a second service, the network device receives the uplink data stream through a second access network and can then transmit the downlink data stream through the second access network. This ensures that data streams for the same service are transmitted on the same access network, increasing transmission control for the corresponding services.

[0088] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 5 As shown, the communication method may include:

[0089] Step S510: Receive first indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of the target service; the target service is at least one of the above-mentioned different services.

[0090] Step S520: Send the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the first indication information.

[0091] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the network can receive first indication information sent by a terminal device, for example, the UPF receives the first indication information sent by the terminal device.

[0092] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the network can receive first indication information before initially sending the data stream of the target service (such as a downstream data stream). The data stream of the target service is then sent according to the transmission path indicated by the first indication information.

[0093] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information is a preset tag added to the uplink data stream of the target service; the preset tag indicates that the access network used to send the downlink data stream of the target service is consistent with the access network through which the uplink data stream passes.

[0094] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: sending downlink data streams of different services of the terminal device to the terminal device through the access network through which the uplink data streams corresponding to the downlink data streams pass, according to first instruction information.

[0095] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information is used to indicate changes in the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service. For example, the first indication information can directly indicate the changed transmission path, or it can indicate that the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service should remain consistent with the current uplink data stream transmission path, such as maintaining the same access network.

[0096] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: sending a downlink data stream of a target service based on a changed transmission path indicated by first indication information. This ensures that the network maintains the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service consistent with the transmission path of the uplink data stream, further enhancing transmission control over the corresponding service.

[0097] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 6 As shown, the communication method may include:

[0098] Step S610: Send second indication information, which is used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of the target service; the target service is at least one of the above-mentioned different services.

[0099] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information can indicate the transmission path used by the network when sending the data stream of the target service, that is, the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service.

[0100] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the network can send second indication information to the terminal device, such as the UPF sending the second indication information to the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can send the uplink data stream of the target service to the network using the same transmission path according to the transmission path in the second indication information, thereby ensuring that the data stream of the target service is transmitted on the same transmission path.

[0101] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: sending second indication information separately. For example, the second indication information can be sent via separate user plane signaling. In this way, the second indication information is independent of other information and is less likely to cause mutual interference.

[0102] The network can flexibly choose when to send the second indication information, such as before, after or simultaneously with the data stream of the target service.

[0103] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: adding two indication information to the data stream of the target service, and sending the two indication information by sending the data stream. This eliminates the need to send the second indication information separately, reducing the number of signaling interactions.

[0104] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information added to the data stream of the target service includes a second preset tag. The second preset tag may be the same as or different from the first preset tag, such as both being a DualSteer tag. The content and meaning of the second preset tag can be agreed upon in advance by the terminal device and the network. The second preset tag indicates that the transmission paths of the access network used to send the uplink data stream of the target service and the access network through which the downlink data stream passes are consistent. Thus, after receiving the downlink data stream of the target service carrying the second preset tag, the terminal device can determine, based on the second preset tag, that the same access network should be used to send the uplink data stream of the target service. For example, if the terminal device receives the downlink data stream of the first service through the first access network, which carries a DualSteer tag, based on the meaning of this tag, the first access network will also be used to send the uplink data stream of the first service subsequently. This ensures that the uplink and downlink data streams of the same service are transmitted on the same access network, enhancing the transmission control of the corresponding service.

[0105] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: responding to a change in the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service, sending second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the change information of the transmission path.

[0106] The network can trigger changes in the transmission path of downlink data streams based on user plane performance measurements, for example, by determining the switching of the downlink data stream transmission path based on the second policy information. Changes in the transmission path can include changes to the access network or other components. For instance, if the network originally transmitted the downlink data stream of the first service through the first access network, it can switch to transmitting the downlink data stream of the first service through the second access network if network conditions change.

[0107] When the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service changes, the network can send a second indication message to inform the terminal device of the change. For example, the second indication message can directly indicate the changed transmission path, or it can indicate that the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service should remain consistent with the current downlink data stream transmission path, such as maintaining the same access network. In this way, after receiving the second indication message, the terminal device can promptly switch the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service to ensure that the uplink and downlink data streams always maintain consistent transmission paths, further enhancing transmission control over the corresponding service.

[0108] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the network can send second indication information before, after, or simultaneously with the first transmission of the target service data stream, based on the determined transmission path of the first transmission of the target service data stream. This eliminates the need to send the second indication information before, after, or simultaneously with each transmission of the target service data stream.

[0109] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, the network can add a second preset tag to the data stream each time it sends the data stream of the target service, as a second indication information, and send it to the terminal device.

[0110] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication method may include: in the absence of receiving first indication information, determining the transmission path of the data stream of the target service (such as the downstream data stream) based on second strategy information, and sending the data stream of the target service through the transmission path; in the presence of receiving first indication information, sending the data stream of the target service (such as the downstream data stream) according to the transmission path indicated by the first indication information.

[0111] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 7 The communication method may include:

[0112] In step S710, the terminal device (UE) registers with the network via RAN (Radio Access Network) 1 and RAN2 through SUCI-1 and SUCI-2 respectively, and establishes sessions through RAN1 and RAN2 respectively, conducting different service communications through different sessions. The two sessions use the same or different AMFs, and the same SMFs, UDRs, PCFs, and UPFs. Corresponding policy information is sent to the terminal device and the UPF, respectively instructing the routing and switching of uplink and downlink data flows.

[0113] In step S720, in response to a change in the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service, such as switching the uplink data stream from RAN1 to RAN2, the terminal device sends a first indication message to the UPF, indicating that the uplink data stream of the target service should switch to the user plane path corresponding to RAN2, and the downlink data stream of the target service should switch to the same transmission path.

[0114] In step S730, in response to a change in the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service, such as when the downlink data stream switches from RAN1 to RAN2, the UPF sends a second indication message to the terminal device, indicating that the downlink data stream of the target service should switch to the user plane path corresponding to RAN2, and the uplink data stream of the target service should switch to the same transmission path.

[0115] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 8 The communication method may include:

[0116] In step S810, the terminal device (UE) registers and establishes sessions through 3GPP access network 1 and 3GPP access network 2 respectively using the first SIM card (SUCI-1) and the second SIM card (SUCI-2), and performs different service communications through different sessions. The two sessions can use different AMFs but the same SMFs, PCFs, and UPFs.

[0117] Step S820: Send first policy information to the terminal device, indicating the transmission of the uplink data stream of the target service; send second policy information to the UPF, indicating the transmission of the downlink data stream of the target service. Step S820 can be executed by the AMF.

[0118] In step S830, when the terminal device changes the user plane path of the uplink data stream of the target service according to the first policy information, it sends a first indication message to the UPF, indicating that the corresponding service or QoS (Quality of Service) stream and other downlink data streams should also switch user plane paths; when the UPF changes the user plane path of the downlink data stream of the target service according to the second policy information, it sends a second indication message to the terminal device, indicating that the uplink data stream of the target service should also switch user plane paths. Step S830 can be executed by both the terminal device and the UPF.

[0119] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 9 The communication device 900 may include:

[0120] The first data stream sending module 910 is configured to send data streams of different services of the terminal device to the network through different transmission paths; the terminal device is configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, and the aforementioned different services include at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the aforementioned different transmission paths include different access networks.

[0121] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, all of the above-mentioned different access networks are 3GPP access networks.

[0122] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the above-mentioned sending data streams of different services of the terminal device to the network through different transmission paths includes: sending the uplink data streams of different services of the terminal device to the network through the access network through which the downlink data streams corresponding to the uplink data streams pass.

[0123] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication device 900 may include: a first indication information sending module, configured to send first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of a target service; the target service is at least one of the aforementioned different services.

[0124] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, sending the first instruction information includes: sending the first instruction information separately.

[0125] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, sending the first instruction information includes: adding the first instruction information to the data stream of the target service, and sending the first instruction information by sending the data stream.

[0126] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information added to the data stream of the target service includes a first preset tag, which indicates that the access network used to send the downlink data stream of the target service has the same transmission path as the access network through which the uplink data stream passes.

[0127] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, sending the first indication information includes: responding to a change in the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service, sending the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the change information of the transmission path.

[0128] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, sending the first instruction information includes: sending the first instruction information to a user plane function network element.

[0129] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication device 900 may include: a second indication information receiving module, configured to receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of a target service; the target service being at least one of the aforementioned different services; and a first data stream sending module 910, configured to send the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the second indication information.

[0130] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the second indication information is used to indicate the change information of the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service.

[0131] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, sending the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the second indication information includes: sending the uplink data stream of the target service according to the changed transmission path indicated by the second indication information.

[0132] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, receiving the second instruction information includes: receiving the second instruction information sent by the user plane function network element.

[0133] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 10 The communication device 1000 may include:

[0134] The second data stream sending module 1010 is configured to send data streams of different services of the same terminal device to the terminal device through different transmission paths; the terminal device is configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, and the aforementioned different services include at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the aforementioned different transmission paths include different access networks.

[0135] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, all of the above-mentioned different access networks are 3GPP access networks.

[0136] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the above-mentioned sending data streams of different services of the same terminal device to the terminal device through different transmission paths includes: sending downlink data streams of different services of the same terminal device to the terminal device through the access network through which the uplink data streams corresponding to the downlink data streams pass.

[0137] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication device 1000 may include: a first indication information receiving module, configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of a target service; the target service being at least one of the aforementioned different services; and a second data stream sending module 1010, configured to send the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the first indication information.

[0138] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information is a first preset tag added to the uplink data stream of the target service; the first preset tag indicates that the access network used to send the downlink data stream of the target service is consistent with the access network through which the uplink data stream passes.

[0139] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, sending the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the first indication information includes: sending the downlink data stream of different services of the terminal device to the terminal device through the access network through which the uplink data stream corresponding to the downlink data stream passes, according to the first indication information.

[0140] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the first indication information is used to indicate the change information of the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service.

[0141] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, sending the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the first indication information includes: sending the downlink data stream of the target service according to the changed transmission path indicated by the first indication information.

[0142] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication device 1000 may include: a second indication information sending module, configured to send second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of a target service; the target service is at least one of the aforementioned different services.

[0143] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, sending the second indication information includes: responding to a change in the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service, sending the second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the change information of the transmission path.

[0144] The specific details of each part of the above-mentioned device have been described in detail in the method section of the implementation plan. For any undisclosed details, please refer to the implementation plan of the method section, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0145] It should be noted that although several modules or units for the device used to perform actions have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0146] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described communication method.

[0147] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, a computer program product can be a tangible product containing a computer program, such as a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program. The readable storage medium can be a storage medium based on electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or other signals, including but not limited to: random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc. For example, the computer program product can be implemented as a non-volatile storage medium storing a computer program, such as read-only memory, NAND flash memory, etc.

[0148] Based on one embodiment of this disclosure, a computer program product can be an intangible product containing a computer program. For example, a computer program product can be implemented as a virtual digital product, such as an executable file or installation package storing a computer program.

[0149] Computer program code can be written in one or more programming languages. Examples of programming languages ​​include C, Java, and C++. Program code can execute entirely on the user's computing device, partially on the user's computing device, or as a standalone software package. It can also execute partially on the user's computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server. In cases involving remote computing devices, the remote computing device can be connected to the user's computing device via any type of network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computing device (e.g., via an internet connection provided by a mobile network operator).

[0150] Computer programs can be carried or transmitted via signals such as electricity, magnetism, light, electromagnetic fields, and infrared radiation. Electronic devices can convert signals carrying computer programs into digital signals, thereby executing the computer programs. When a computer program runs on an electronic device, its code causes the electronic device to execute (more specifically, its processor) the method steps of various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, such as those that can be executed. Figures 1 to 8 Any one or more method steps in the process.

[0151] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an electronic device may include a processor and a memory. The memory stores executable instructions for the processor, such as computer programs. The processor executes these executable instructions to perform the method steps of various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0152] The following is for reference. Figure 11 The electronic device is illustrated by way of a general-purpose computing device. It should be understood that... Figure 11The electronic device 1100 shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0153] like Figure 11 As shown, the electronic device 1100 may include: a processor 1110, a memory 1120, a bus 1130, an I / O (input / output) interface 1140, and a network adapter 1150.

[0154] Memory 1120 may include volatile memory, such as RAM 1121 and cache unit 1122, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as ROM 1123. Memory 1120 may also include one or more program modules 1124, such program modules 1124 including, but not limited to: operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment. For example, program module 1124 may include the modules in the above-described apparatus.

[0155] The processor 1110 may include one or more processing units, such as an AP (Application Processor), a modem processor, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ISP (Image Signal Processor), a controller, an encoder, a decoder, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a baseband processor, and / or an NPU (Neural-Network Processing Unit).

[0156] Processor 1110 can be used to execute executable instructions stored in memory 1120, such as... Figures 1 to 8 Any one or more method steps.

[0157] Bus 1130 is used to connect different components of electronic device 1100 and may include a data bus, an address bus and a control bus.

[0158] Electronic device 1100 can communicate with one or more external devices 1200 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, external controller, etc.) through I / O interface 1140.

[0159] Electronic device 1100 can communicate with one or more networks via network adapter 1150. For example, network adapter 1150 can provide mobile communication solutions such as 3G / 4G / 5G, or wireless communication solutions such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and near-field communication. Network adapter 1150 can communicate with other modules of electronic device 1100 via bus 1130.

[0160] although Figure 11 Other hardware and / or software modules, including but not limited to: displays, microcode, device drivers, redundant processors, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems, may also be configured in electronic device 1100.

[0161] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a terminal device may include a processor and a memory. The memory stores executable instructions for the processor, such as a computer program. The processor executes the executable instructions to perform the method steps of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figures 1 to 3 Any one or more method steps in, or Figure 7 , Figure 8 Any one or more method steps executed by the terminal device.

[0162] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a network device may include a processor and a memory. The memory stores executable instructions for the processor, such as a computer program. The processor executes the executable instructions to perform the method steps of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figures 4 to 6 Any one or more method steps in, or Figure 7 , Figure 8 Any one or more method steps performed by a network device (such as AMF, UPF).

[0163] As can be seen from the above, the technical solutions disclosed herein can be implemented as methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, storage media, electronic devices, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of this disclosure can be specifically implemented in the following forms: a completely hardware implementation, a completely software implementation (including firmware, microcode, etc.), or a combination of hardware and software implementations, which may be referred to as "circuit," "module," or "system," respectively.

[0164] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific methods, steps, or structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other embodiments based on the specific implementations provided in this disclosure. Therefore, the specific implementations provided in this disclosure are merely exemplary, and the scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the claims, and should cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary technical means in the art not disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The data streams of different services of the terminal device are sent to the network through different transmission paths; the terminal device is configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, and the different services include at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths include different access networks.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, All of the different access networks mentioned are 3GPP access networks.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending data streams from different services of the terminal device to the network through different transmission paths includes: The uplink data streams of different services of the terminal device are sent to the network through the access network through which the downlink data streams corresponding to the uplink data streams pass.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first indication message, which is used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of the target service; the target service is at least one of the different services.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sending of the first instruction information includes: Send the first instruction information separately.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sending of the first instruction information includes: The first indication information is added to the data stream of the target service, and the first indication information is sent by sending the data stream.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first indication information added to the data stream of the target service includes a first preset tag, which indicates that the access network used to send the downlink data stream of the target service has the same transmission path as the access network through which the uplink data stream passes.

8. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sending of the first indication information includes: In response to a change in the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service, a first indication information is sent, which is used to indicate the change in the transmission path.

9. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sending of the first instruction information includes: Send the first instruction information to the user plane function network element.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of the target service; the target service is at least one of the different services; The data stream of the target service is sent according to the transmission path indicated by the second indication information.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second indication information is used to indicate the change information of the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Sending the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the second indication information includes: Based on the changed transmission path indicated by the second indication information, the uplink data stream of the target service is sent.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The receipt of the second indication information includes: Receive the second instruction information sent by the user plane function network element.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Data streams of different services of the same terminal device are sent to the terminal device through different transmission paths; the terminal device is configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, and the different services include at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths include different access networks.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, All of the different access networks mentioned are 3GPP access networks.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The step of sending data streams of different services from the same terminal device to the terminal device through different transmission paths includes: Downlink data streams from different services of the same terminal device are sent to the terminal device through the access network through which the corresponding uplink data streams pass.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of the target service; the target service is at least one of the different services; The data stream of the target service is sent according to the transmission path indicated by the first indication information.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first indication information is a first preset tag added to the uplink data stream of the target service; the first preset tag indicates that the access network used to send the downlink data stream of the target service is consistent with the access network through which the uplink data stream passes; Sending the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the first indication information includes: According to the first instruction information, the downlink data streams of different services of the terminal device are sent to the terminal device through the access network through which the uplink data streams corresponding to the downlink data streams pass.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first indication information is used to indicate the change information of the transmission path of the uplink data stream of the target service.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Sending the data stream of the target service according to the transmission path indicated by the first indication information includes: Based on the changed transmission path indicated by the first indication information, the downlink data stream of the target service is sent.

21. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second indication message, which is used to indicate the transmission path of the data stream of the target service; the target service is at least one of the different services.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The sending of the second instruction information includes: In response to a change in the transmission path of the downlink data stream of the target service, a second indication information is sent, which is used to indicate the change in the transmission path.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The first data stream sending module is configured to send data streams of different services of the terminal device to the network through different transmission paths; the terminal device is configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, and the different services include at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths include different access networks.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The second data stream sending module is configured to send data streams of different services of the same terminal device to the terminal device through different transmission paths; the terminal device is configured with at least a first user identifier and a second user identifier, and the different services include at least a first service in a session established based on the first user identifier and a second service in a session established based on the second user identifier; the different transmission paths include different access networks.

25. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

26. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: processor; as well as Memory for storing the executable instructions of the processor; The processor is configured to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 22 by executing the executable instructions.

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