Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and a communication device, which are used for avoiding the phenomenon that a terminal crashes or falls back in the processing process of an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) service. The communication method comprises the following steps: in a process that a first terminal device requests an IMS service, a first network element determines a network type of a first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device, namely a first network type, of a target mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device; the first network element sends a first message to the second network element, the first message being used for instructing the first terminal device to request the IMS service, and the first message comprising the first network type; the second network element sends a second message to a fourth network element, wherein the second message is used for requesting identity information of the first terminal equipment; the second network element receives a third message from a fourth network element, wherein the third message comprises identity information; and the second network element executes the IMS service requested by the first terminal device according to the identity information of the first terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of communication technology, multiple network forms (such as 3G / 4G / 5G) coexist, and 3G / 4G / 5G network services often overlap and merge. Since different network forms have different technical characteristics, it is usually necessary to process terminal services attached to different network forms in a partitioned manner.

[0003] However, in the IMS service processing flow, the OCS / CBS network element cannot implement IMS service partitioning based on the network type of the network to which the terminal is attached, which may cause terminal crashes or fixed network instructions for terminal fallback. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus for enabling core network elements to obtain the network type of the network to which the terminal is attached, thereby realizing the partitioning of IMS services.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first network element, or a component (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, functional module, or others) or software module within the first network element; wherein the first network element is a core network element in an Internet Protocol IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network used to implement IMS services. The method may include: during the process of a first terminal device requesting IMS services, the first network element determines a first network type; the first network type is the network type of a first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device, as determined by the first network element; the first network element sends a first message to a second network element, the first message instructing the first terminal device to request IMS services, the first message including the first network type; the second network element is used for billing and service control.

[0006] Using this method, when the first terminal device requests IMS service, the first network element can send a first message carrying the first network type to the second network element. Thus, the second network element can perform subsequent IMS operations based on the first network type, avoiding terminal crashes or fallbacks during IMS service processing, and preventing terminal network degradation or service damage.

[0007] In one possible design, the first message further includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the first cell in the first mobile communication network that provides network services to the first terminal device; and information about the first mobility management element (e.g., an AMF element) allocated to the first terminal device in the first mobile communication network. In this way, the first message can also carry other information related to IMS services, reducing signaling interaction and improving communication efficiency.

[0008] In one possible design, the process by which the first network element determines the first network type of the first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device may include: the first network element receiving the first network type from a third network element; wherein the third network element is an access network element in the IMS network used to implement IMS services. In this way, the first network element can obtain the first network type corresponding to the first terminal device through the access network element, thereby achieving the purpose of carrying the first network type in the first message and reducing the impact of terminal crashes or fallback on IMS services.

[0009] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a second network element, or a component (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, functional module, or others) or software module within the second network element; wherein the second network element is used for billing and service control. The method includes: the second network element receiving a first message from a first network element; wherein the first network element is a core network element in an IMS network used to implement IMS services; the first message instructs a first terminal device to request Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem for Mobile Communications (IMS) services, the first message including a first network type, the first network type being a network type of a first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device determined by the first network element; the second network element sending a second message to a fourth network element, the second message requesting the identity information of the first terminal device; the fourth network element being a core network element in the first mobile communication network corresponding to the first network type; the second network element receiving a third message from the fourth network element, the third message being a response message to the second message, the third message including the identity information; and the second network element executing the IMS services requested by the first terminal device based on the identity information of the first terminal device.

[0010] Optionally, when the first network type is 3G mobile communication, the fourth network element is a Home Location Register (HLR) network element; when the first network type is 4G mobile communication, the fourth network element is a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) network element; and when the first network type is 5G mobile communication, the fourth network element is a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element. In this way, different core network elements provide identity information in different mobile communication environments, improving the accuracy of the identity information obtained by the second network element.

[0011] In one possible design, the first network type is 5G mobile communication, and the first message further includes at least one of the following: an identifier of a first cell in the first mobile communication network that provides network services to the first terminal device; and information about a first mobility management element allocated to the first terminal device in the first mobile communication network.

[0012] In one possible design, the third message includes at least one of the following: an identifier of a second cell in the second mobile communication network that provides network services to the first terminal device; information about a second mobility management network element allocated to the first terminal device in the second mobile communication network; and a second network type corresponding to the second mobile communication network. Thus, the third message can also carry other information related to IMS services, reducing signaling interaction; the second mobile communication network is the mobile communication network accessed by the terminal device as determined by the fourth network element.

[0013] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a fourth network element, or a component (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, functional module, or others) or software module within the fourth network element; wherein the fourth network element is a core network element in a first mobile communication network accessed by a first terminal device. The method includes: during the process of the first terminal device requesting Internet Protocol IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service, the fourth network element receives a second message from a second network element; wherein the second network element is used for billing and service control; the second message is used to request the identity information of the first terminal device; the fourth network element sends a third message to the second network element, the third message being a response message to the second message, the third message including the identity information; the identity information is used to execute the IMS service.

[0014] Optionally, when the first network type is 3G mobile communication, the fourth network element is a Home Location Register (HLR) network element; when the first network type is 4G mobile communication, the fourth network element is a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) network element; when the first network type is 5G mobile communication, the fourth network element is a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element; wherein, the first network type is the network type of the first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device as determined by the first network element.

[0015] In one possible design, the third message includes at least one of the following: an identifier of a second cell in the second mobile communication network that provides network services to the first terminal device; information of a second mobility management network element allocated to the first terminal device in the second mobile communication network; the second mobile communication network corresponding to the second mobile communication network; and the second network type of the second mobile communication network being the mobile communication network accessed by the terminal device as determined by the fourth network element.

[0016] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first network element, or a component (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, functional module, or others) or software module within the first network element; wherein the first network element is used for billing and service control; the method includes: during the process of a first terminal device requesting Internet Protocol IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service, the first network element sends a first message to a second network element; wherein the second network element is used for data management and authentication services; the first message is used to request the identity information of the first terminal device; the first message includes first indication information, which instructs the second network element to obtain the identity information of the first terminal device from a target mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device; the first network element receives a second message from the second network element, the second message being a response message to the first message, the second message including the identity information.

[0017] Using this method, the first network element can instruct the second network element to obtain the identity information of the first terminal device from the target mobile communication network corresponding to the first terminal device through the first indication information carried in the first message, thereby performing subsequent IMS operations, avoiding terminal crashes or terminal fallback during the processing of IMS services, and preventing terminal network degradation or service damage.

[0018] In one possible design, the identity information includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the cell in the target mobile communication network that provides network services to the first terminal device; information of the mobility management network element (e.g., AMF element) allocated to the first terminal device in the target mobile communication network; and the second network type corresponding to the target mobile communication network.

[0019] Optionally, the second network element possesses the functions of an HLR network element, an HSS network element, and / or a USM network element. In this way, the second network element can simultaneously fulfill the functions of data management and authentication services in multiple mobile communications. The second network element can obtain identity information in the target mobile communication network corresponding to the first terminal device to execute IMS services, thereby preventing terminal crashes or fallback.

[0020] Fifthly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a second network element, or a component (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, functional module, or others) or software module within the second network element; wherein the second network element is used for data management and authentication services; the method includes: during the process of a first terminal device requesting Internet Protocol IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services, the second network element receives a first message from a first network element; wherein the first network element is used for billing and service control; the first message is used to request the identity information of the first terminal device; the first message includes first indication information, which is used to indicate obtaining the identity information of the first terminal device from a target mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device; the second network element sends a second message to the first network element, the second message being a response message to the first message, the second message including the identity information.

[0021] In one possible design, the second network element can also determine a third network element in the target mobile communication network based on the first indication information; the third network element is a core network element in the target mobile communication network used for mobility management; the second network element can also send a third message to the third network element, the third message being used to request the identity information; the second network element can also receive a fourth message from the third network element, the fourth message being a response message to the third message, the third message including the identity information. In this way, the second network element can obtain the identity information in the target mobile communication network corresponding to the first terminal device (through the third network element) to execute IMS services, thereby avoiding terminal crashes or terminal fallback.

[0022] Optionally, when the second network type is 3G, the third network element is an MSC network element, the third message is a PSI message, and the fourth message is a PSI response; when the second network type is 4G, the third network element is an MME network element, the third message is an IDR message, and the fourth message is an IDA response; when the second network type is 5G, the third network element is an AMF network element, the third message is an NF interface message, and the fourth message is an NF interface response.

[0023] In one possible design, the second network element can also send a fifth message to the fourth network element based on the first indication information; wherein the fourth network element is a core network element in the first mobile communication network used for mobility management; the fifth message is used to request the identity information; the second network element can also receive a sixth message from the fourth network element, the sixth message being a response message to the fifth message, the fifth message including the identity information; wherein the first mobile communication network is one of multiple mobile communication networks. In this way, the second network element can send a fifth message (domain selection routing) to the fourth network element to obtain the identity information in the target mobile communication network corresponding to the first terminal device (through the fourth network element) to execute IMS services, thereby avoiding terminal crashes or terminal fallback.

[0024] In one possible design, the first message further includes: a second indication message, which indicates that the 5G core network is allowed to obtain the location information of the first terminal device and the information of the cell to which the first terminal device is attached; and a third indication message, which indicates that the 5G core network is allowed to obtain the subscription status of the first terminal device.

[0025] In one possible design, the identity information includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the cell in the target mobile communication network that provides network services to the first terminal device; information of the mobility management network element allocated to the first terminal device in the target mobile communication network; and a second network type corresponding to the target mobile communication network.

[0026] Optionally, the second network element has the functions of an HLR network element, an HSS network element, and / or a USM network element.

[0027] Sixthly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a fourth network element, or a component (such as a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, functional module, or others) or software module within the fourth network element; wherein the fourth network element is a core network element for mobility management in a first mobile communication network; the first mobile communication network is one of multiple mobile communication networks; the method includes: the fourth network element receiving a fifth message from a second network element; wherein the second network element is used for data management and authentication services; the fifth message is used to request the identity information; the fourth network element obtains the identity information; the fourth network element sends a sixth message to the second network element; the sixth message is a response message to the fifth message, and the sixth message includes the identity information.

[0028] In one possible design, the process by which the fourth network element obtains the identity information may include: the fourth network element obtaining the identity information stored locally.

[0029] In another possible design, when the identity information is not stored locally, the fourth network element sends a seventh message to the fifth network element; the fifth network element is a core network element in the second mobile communication network used for mobility management; wherein the second mobile communication network is one of multiple mobile communication networks; the first mobile communication network and the second mobile communication network are different; the seventh message is used to request the identity information; the fourth network element receives an eighth message from the fifth network element; the eighth message is a response message to the seventh message, and the eighth message includes the identity information. In this way, the fourth network element can send a seventh message (domain routing) to the fifth network element, thereby obtaining the identity information in the target mobile communication network corresponding to the first terminal device (through the fifth network element) to execute IMS services, thereby avoiding terminal crashes or terminal fallback.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device. The device can implement the methods described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects described above. The device may be, for example, a first network element, or a functional module within a first network element.

[0031] In one optional implementation, the apparatus may include modules, units, or means corresponding one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions performed in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects. These modules, units, or means may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In another optional implementation, the apparatus includes a processing module (sometimes also called a processing unit) and a communication module (sometimes also called a transceiver module, communication unit, etc.). The communication module is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the communication module performs the sending function, it may be called a sending unit (sometimes also called a sending module); when the communication module performs the receiving function, it may be called a receiving unit (sometimes also called a receiving module). The sending unit and the receiving unit may be the same functional module, referred to as the communication module, which performs both sending and receiving functions; or, the sending unit and the receiving unit may be different functional modules, with "communication module" being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0032] For example, when the apparatus is used to perform the method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the apparatus may include a processing module and a communication module.

[0033] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide another communication device, including a processor for executing a computer program (or computer-executable instructions) stored in a memory, which, when executed, causes the device to perform the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated together.

[0035] In another possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0036] The communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices, such as sending or receiving data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0037] Ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects, and the method shown in any possible implementation of the first aspect, to be implemented.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects to be implemented.

[0039] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device for performing the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects.

[0040] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system including logic circuitry (or, as understood, the chip system includes a processor, which may include logic circuitry, etc.) and input / output interfaces. The input / output interfaces can be used to input messages or output messages. The input / output interfaces can be the same interface, i.e., the same interface can implement both sending and receiving functions; or, the input / output interface includes an input interface and an output interface, where the input interface is used to implement the receiving function, i.e., to receive messages; and the output interface is used to implement the sending function, i.e., to send messages. The logic circuitry can be used to perform operations other than the sending and receiving functions in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects described above; the logic circuitry can also be used to transmit messages to the input / output interfaces or receive messages from other communication devices from the input / output interfaces. The chip system can be used to implement the methods described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects described above. The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0041] Optionally, the chip system may also include a memory, which can be used to store instructions, and the logic circuits can call the instructions stored in the memory to implement the corresponding functions.

[0042] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that may include at least two network elements: a first network element, a second network element, and a fourth network element. The first network element may be used to implement the methods shown in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; the second network element may be used to implement the methods shown in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof; and the fourth network element may be used to implement the methods shown in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0043] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide another communication system, which may include at least two network elements: a first network element, a second network element, and a fourth network element. The first network element may be used to implement the method shown in the fourth aspect and any of its possible implementations; the second network element may be used to implement the method shown in the fifth aspect and any of its possible implementations; and the fourth network element may be used to implement the method shown in the sixth aspect and any of its possible implementations.

[0044] The technical effects brought about by the second to fourteenth aspects above can be found in the descriptions of the beneficial effects of the corresponding solutions in the first and fourth aspects above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 An architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 2a A communication interaction example diagram provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 2b Another example diagram of communication interaction provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 2c Another example diagram of communication interaction provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 4 An example diagram illustrating message parsing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 6 A communication example diagram provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 7 Another communication example diagram provided for embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0056] This application relates to the field of wireless sensing. To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, some terms used in this application will be explained below.

[0057] Terminal devices can be: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, extended reality (XR) devices, mixed reality (MR) 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, or wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0058] Terminal devices can also be device-to-device (D2D) communication terminal devices, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication terminal devices, intelligent vehicles, vehicle-to-everything (Telematics Box, TBOX) systems, machine-to-machine / machine-type (M2M / MTC) communication terminal devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) terminal devices. For example, terminal devices can be vehicles, ships, or aircraft, or terminal-type roadside units, or communication modules or chips built into vehicles or roadside units. For instance, a terminal device can be an in-vehicle module. Terminal devices can also be roadside units (RSUs).

[0059] In the technical solutions described in this application, the terminal device can also be a functional module, a chip, or a chip system. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0060] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 This is an architectural diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system integrates multiple mobile communication networks, such as 2G / 3G mobile communication networks, 4G mobile communication networks, and 5G mobile communication networks. In some examples, the communication system may also integrate future mobile communication networks; this application does not limit this. The communication system includes network devices within multiple mobile communication networks. As shown in the figure, the communication system may include at least two of the following: base station #1 corresponding to the 2G / 3G mobile communication network, base station #2 corresponding to the 4G mobile communication network, and base station #3 corresponding to the 5G mobile communication network.

[0062] Each base station in a mobile communication network can access its respective core network. For example, base station #1 can connect to the circuit-switched (CS) domain, primarily handling continuous data stream services such as voice communication; the CS domain includes the mobile switching center (MSC) and the short message service center (SMSC). Base station #2 can connect to the evolved packet core (EPC). Base station #3 can connect to the 5G core network (5GC).

[0063] In addition, the communication system includes a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module can integrate at least one of the following functions: a service centralized session control function (S-CSCF) network element, and an intelligent network multimedia service switching function (IM-SSF) network element. The second module can integrate at least one of the following functions: an online charging system (OCS), a converged billing system (CBS), a service control point (SCP), and a service control function (SCF) network element. The third module can integrate at least one of the following functions: a home location register (HLR), a home subscriber server (HSS), and unified data management (UDM).

[0064] Based on the foregoing Figure 1 The communication system shown, Figures 2a to 2c The diagram illustrates three communication interaction examples provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0065] like Figure 2a As shown, the first module can interact with both the 5GC and the EPC; the second module can interact with both the first module and the MSC; and the third module can interact with both the second module and the MSC. For example, Figure 2a The communication interaction example shown can be applied to voice services or short message service (SMS) services.

[0066] like Figure 2b As shown, the first module can interact with both 5GC and EPC; the second module can interact with the third module; and the third module can interact with both the first module and MSC. For example, Figure 2bThe communication interaction example shown can be applied to unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) services or international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) services.

[0067] In some examples, Figure 2b The example diagram of communication interaction shown can be evolved into Figure 2c The diagram shows an example of communication. Figure 2c As shown, compared to Figure 2b The difference is that 5GC can also interact with EPC; EPC can interact with MSC in CS. In some examples, Figure 2b The communication interaction example diagram shown can be applied to USSD self-service services. Figure 2c The communication interaction example diagram shown can be applied to USSD services triggered by OCS.

[0068] In the above communication interaction example, a certain network element can communicate with network elements in multiple mobile communication systems, and network elements in different mobile communication systems can also communicate with each other to complete the corresponding services.

[0069] Based on the above description, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. In the following embodiments, the operation performed by a certain device (or network element) can also be performed by the processor of a certain device (or network element), or a chip or chip system, or a functional module, etc. This application only describes the operation by a certain device (or network element) as an example, and it is not intended to limit this application.

[0070] This application provides a communication method and apparatus. Since the methods and apparatus solve problems based on similar principles, their implementations can be referenced interchangeably, and repeated details will not be repeated.

[0071] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " signifies "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Furthermore, in the description of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more items, and "multiple" refers to two or more items. In the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0072] This application provides a communication method to avoid terminal crashes or fallback during IMS service processing. The following describes the method in conjunction with... Figure 3 The flowchart illustrates this method. This communication method can be implemented by a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, and a fourth network element. The first network element is the core network element in the IMS network used to implement IMS services. The second network element is used for billing and service control.

[0073] The third network element is an access network element in the IMS network used to implement IMS services; optionally, the third network element may be the same as or different from the first network element.

[0074] The fourth network element is the core network element in a mobile communication network.

[0075] refer to Figure 1 or Figure 2a The first network element can be an MSC or an SMSC; the first network element can also be the network element corresponding to the first module; the second network element can be the network element corresponding to the second module; the third network element can be the network element corresponding to the first module; and the fourth network element can be the network element corresponding to the third module.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the communication method may include the following steps S301 to S305:

[0077] S301: During the process of the first terminal device requesting IMS service, the first network element determines the first network type; the first network type is the network type of the first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device as determined by the first network element.

[0078] Optionally, the IMS service can be either a voice service or an SMS service.

[0079] Optionally, the first network type includes, but is not limited to: 3G mobile communication network, 4G mobile communication network, or 5G mobile communication network. This refers to the mobile communication network corresponding to the future communication system.

[0080] In one possible design, the process by which the first network element determines the first network type of the first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device may include: the first network element receiving the first network type from a third network element; wherein the third network element is an access network element in the IMS network used to implement IMS services.

[0081] Optionally, the first network element may receive the first network type from the third network element through the mobility management entity (MME).

[0082] Combination Figure 2aDuring the process of the first terminal device requesting voice or SMS services, the first terminal device accesses a 3G / 4G / 5G base station. The first network element can obtain the first network type through the access network device corresponding to the base station; or, the first network element can obtain the first network type through the first terminal device (corresponding wireless frequency).

[0083] For example, if the first terminal device accesses base station #1, the MSC network element (or SMSC network element) can obtain the first network type as 3G mobile communication through the access network equipment in the 3G mobile communication network. Similarly, if the first terminal device accesses base station #2 (or base station #3), the network element corresponding to the first module can obtain the first network type as 4G mobile communication (or 5G mobile communication network) through the access network equipment in the 4G mobile communication network (or 5G mobile communication network).

[0084] S302: The first network element sends a first message to the second network element; correspondingly, the second network element receives the first message from the first network element. The first message instructs the first terminal device to request IMS services, and includes a first network type.

[0085] Optionally, the first message may also include at least one of the following: an identifier of the first cell in the first mobile communication network that provides network services to the first terminal device; information about the first mobility management network element allocated to the first terminal device in the first mobile communication network; a first tracking area ID (TAI) allocated to the first terminal device in the first mobile communication network; a number of the first visited location register (VLR) allocated to the first terminal device in the first mobile communication network; a subscriber identity module (SIM) number or an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) number of the first terminal device; and information related to number portability (NP) for the first terminal device applying for number portability. The first mobility management network element may be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0086] Specifically, when the first network type is 3G mobile communication, the first cell is a 3G cell, and the identifier can be the identifier of a 3G cell; or, when the first network type is 4G mobile communication, the first cell is an LTE cell, and the identifier can be the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network cell identity (E-UTRAN Cell ID); or, when the first network type is 5G mobile communication, the first cell is a new radio (NR) cell, and the identifier is the NR cell global ID.

[0087] Optionally, the first message may satisfy the Enhanced Mobile Network Custom Application Logic (camel) protocol. In some examples, the first message may be an initial detection point (Initial DP) message during the process of the first terminal device requesting IMS services.

[0088] In some examples, the data structure of the Initial DP message can be found in Table 1.

[0089]

[0090] Table 1

[0091] S303: The second network element sends a second message to the fourth network element; correspondingly, the fourth network element receives the second message from the second network element. The second message is used to request the identity information of the first terminal device.

[0092] Among them, the fourth network element is the core network element in the first mobile communication network corresponding to the first network type.

[0093] In some examples, when the first network type is 3G mobile communication, the fourth network element can be a home location register (HLR) network element; when the first network type is 4G mobile communication, the fourth network element can be a home subscriber server (HSS) network element; and when the first network type is 5G mobile communication, the fourth network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element.

[0094] Optionally, when the fourth network element is an HLR network element, the HLR network element can obtain the identity information through the HSS network element / UDM network element. For example, the HLR network element can send a first query request to the HSS network element / UDM network element, which is used to request the identity information; correspondingly, the HSS network element / UDM network element sends a first query response to the HLR network element, which includes the aforementioned identity information.

[0095] Optionally, when the fourth network element is an HSS network element, the HSS network element can obtain the identity information through network element X (a network element in the LTE system architecture, which is not limited in this application). For example, the HSS network element can send a second query request to network element X, which is used to request the identity information; correspondingly, network element X can send a second query response to the HSS network element, which includes the aforementioned identity information.

[0096] Optionally, when the fourth network element is a UDM network element, the UDM network element can obtain the identity information through network element Y (a network element in 5GC, which is not limited in this application). For example, the UDM network element can send a third query request to network element Y, which is used to request the identity information; correspondingly, network element Y can send a third query response to the UDM network element, which includes the aforementioned identity information.

[0097] In one possible design, the second message includes at least one of the following fields: a first field indicating whether identity information needs to be obtained through an evolved packet system (EPS); a second field indicating whether the access domain required to obtain identity information is a circuit-switched (CS) domain or a packet-switched (PS) domain; and a third field indicating whether identity information is obtained through network domain routing.

[0098] In some examples, the first field is named "location information EPS-upported," the second field is named "requested domain," and the third field is named "temporary application discovery and selection data" (t-ADS data). When the first network type is 3G mobile communication, the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mode communication service provides technical support for IMS services, and the value of the first field is "no support," the value of the second field is the CS domain, and the value of the third field is "no prosent." When the first network type is 4G mobile communication, the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) mode communication service provides technical support for IMS services; or, when the first network type is 5G mobile communication, the NR mode communication service provides technical support for IMS services; in this case, the value of the first field is "support," the value of the second field is the PS domain, and the value of the third field is "prosent."

[0099] Optionally, the second message may be a called party address information (ATI) request during the process of the first terminal device requesting IMS service. The ATI request is used to obtain session-related information (including the aforementioned identity information) from the first terminal device.

[0100] The following is an example of the use of identity information.

[0101] Optionally, the identity information may include a second network type corresponding to the second mobile communication network. The second mobile communication network is the mobile communication network accessed by the terminal device as determined by the fourth network element.

[0102] Optionally, the identity information may further include an identifier of a second cell in the second mobile communication network that provides network services to the first terminal device. Specifically, when the second network type is 3G mobile communication, the second cell is a 3G cell, and the identifier can be a 3G cell identifier; or, when the second network type is 4G mobile communication, the second cell is an LTE cell, and the identifier can be an E-UTRAN Cell ID; or, when the second network type is 5G mobile communication, the second cell is an NR cell, and the identifier is an NR cell global ID.

[0103] Optionally, when the second mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device is a 3G mobile network, the identity information may include the number of the second VLR assigned to the first terminal device in the second mobile communication network; when the second mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device is a 4G mobile network, the identity information may include the second TAI assigned to the first terminal device in the second mobile communication network; when the network type of the second mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device is a 5G mobile network, the identity information may include information of the second mobility management network element assigned to the first terminal device in the second mobile communication network. The second mobility management network element may be an AMF (Active Mobile Function) network element.

[0104] Optionally, the identity information may also include at least one of the following: the SIM number of the first terminal device, the eSIM number of the first terminal device, and NP-related information of the first terminal device for which number portability is applied.

[0105] It should be noted that the specific content of identity information may differ in different IMS architectures. This application only provides some examples and does not constitute a limitation on identity information.

[0106] In one possible design, before instructing S303, the second network element can parse the first message based on the first network type.

[0107] In some examples, reference Figure 4 The second network element determines the first network type based on the first message; if the first message does not include the first network type, it parses the information corresponding to the 3G mobile communication network (e.g., MSC address, VLR number in Table 1); otherwise, it performs the following steps:

[0108] When the first network type is 3G mobile communication, the information corresponding to the 3G mobile communication network in the first message is parsed (e.g., MSC address, identifier of 2G / 3G cell in Table 1, and VLR number); when the first network type is 4G mobile communication, the information corresponding to the 4G mobile communication network in the first message is parsed (e.g., TAI and E-UTRAN Cell ID in Table 1); when the first network type is 5G mobile communication, the information corresponding to the 5G mobile communication network in the first message is parsed (e.g., AMF address and NR cell global ID in Table 1). Optionally, the second network element can store the parsed information for implementing the authentication process in IMS services; the authentication process can refer to traditional technologies, and this application does not limit it.

[0109] S304: The fourth network element sends a third message to the second network element; correspondingly, the second network element receives the third message from the fourth network element. The third message is a response message to the second message, and the third message includes identity information.

[0110] In one possible design, the fourth network element can obtain the aforementioned identity information from the access domain indicated by the second field of the second message, and further generate a third message based on this identity information. In this way, the network domain (CS domain or PS domain) where the first terminal device is currently located is already clear, so the fourth network element does not need to perform additional steps (such as domain selection paging operation) to search for or determine the user's network domain, thereby reducing communication latency and reducing the consumption of network resources.

[0111] Optionally, the third message may be an ATI response during the process of the first terminal device requesting IMS services. The ATI response includes session-related information of the first terminal device (including the aforementioned identity information).

[0112] In some examples, the data structure of the ATI response can be found in Table 2.

[0113]

[0114]

[0115] Table 2

[0116] S305: The second network element executes the IMS service requested by the first terminal device based on the identity information of the first terminal device.

[0117] In some examples, when the IMS service is a voice service and the second network element determines that the authentication result of the first terminal device is legitimate based on the identity information, the second network element can execute the task of continuous calling by the first terminal device through the first network element. The aforementioned "legitimate" can be understood as the first terminal device's authentication being successfully passed, or as the first terminal device's authorized access permissions being approved.

[0118] Using the methods described in S301 to S305 above, when the first terminal device requests IMS service, the first network element can send a first message carrying the first network type to the second network element, so that the second network element can perform subsequent IMS operations based on the first network type, avoiding terminal crashes or terminal fallback during the processing of IMS service, and preventing terminal network degradation or service damage.

[0119] This application provides another communication method to avoid terminal crashes or fallback during IMS service processing. The following describes a method in conjunction with... Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates this method. This communication method can be implemented by a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, and a fourth network element. The first network element is used for billing and service control. The second network element is used for data management and authentication services. The third network element is a core network element in the mobile communication network used for mobility management and / or for session control. The fourth network element is a core network element in the first mobile communication network used for mobility management and / or for session control, where the first mobile communication network is one of multiple mobile communication networks.

[0120] In some examples, the second network element may have the function of performing data management and authentication services in multiple mobile communications. Optionally, the second network element may integrate at least one of the following functions: the functions of the HLR network element, the functions of the HSS network element, and / or the functions of the USM network element.

[0121] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2b or Figure 2c The first network element can be the network element corresponding to the second module; the second network element can be the network element corresponding to the third module; and the fourth network element can be the MSC.

[0122] like Figure 5 As shown, the communication method may include the following S501 to S503:

[0123] S501: During the process of the first terminal device requesting Internet Protocol IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service, the first network element sends a first message to the second network element; correspondingly, the second network element receives the first message from the first network element. The first message is used to request the identity information of the first terminal device; the first message includes first indication information, which instructs the second network element to obtain the identity information of the first terminal device from the target mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device.

[0124] Optionally, the IMS service can be a USSD service (such as a top-up), an IMSI service, or other IMS services triggered by the terminal's home domain. The triggering process for some IMS services is illustrated below.

[0125] In some examples, the first terminal device can request USSD services, thereby triggering the first network element to execute S501.

[0126] In other examples, within a system (e.g., a communication service, network setup, or user management platform, referred to as the FN system), certain functions (or functions) are only permitted for use by terminal devices originating from operator A. When the IMS service requested by the first terminal device requires access to the aforementioned specific function, the FN system needs to perform the following operations through the first network element before executing that specific function: obtain the SIM number of the first terminal device (identity information contained in S501) through the first network element, and check whether the SIM number of the first terminal device belongs to operator A; if the SIM number of the first terminal device does not belong to operator A, the first network element needs to query NP-related information (e.g., IMSI, identity information contained in S501) to confirm whether the operator to which the first terminal device belongs is operator A. It is evident that this operation may require the first network element to execute S501. It should be understood that the SIM number of the first terminal device in the aforementioned examples can also be replaced with an eSIM number.

[0127] In other examples, the first network element can proactively trigger the IMS service based on the execution time preset by the network side, thereby executing S501. For example, the network side can be preset to query the previous month's billing information of the first terminal device at the beginning of each month and notify the first terminal device via SMS; in this process, the first network element may need to proactively execute S501.

[0128] The following is an example of the use of identity information.

[0129] Optionally, the identity information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the cell providing network services to the first terminal device in the target mobile communication network; information of the mobility management network element assigned to the first terminal device in the target mobile communication network; the first TAI assigned to the first terminal device in the target mobile communication network; the number of the first VLR assigned to the first terminal device in the target mobile communication network; the SIM number or eSIM number of the first terminal device; NP-related information of the first terminal device applying for number portability; and the second network type corresponding to the target mobile communication network. The mobility management network element may be an AMF (Active Mobile Frame) element.

[0130] Specifically, when the second network type is 3G mobile communication, the cell providing network services to the first terminal device is a 3G cell, and the identifier can be the identifier of a 3G cell; or, when the second network type is 4G mobile communication, the cell providing network services to the first terminal device is an LTE cell, and the identifier can be an E-UTRAN Cell ID; or, when the second network type is 5G mobile communication, the cell providing network services to the first terminal device is an NR cell, and the identifier is an NRcell global ID.

[0131] Optionally, the identity information may also include at least one of the following: the SIM number of the first terminal device, the eSIM number of the first terminal device, and NP-related information of the first terminal device for which number portability is applied.

[0132] It should be noted that the specific content of identity information may differ in different IMS architectures. This application only provides some examples and does not constitute a limitation on identity information.

[0133] Optionally, the first message may satisfy the Mobile Application Part (MAP) protocol. In some examples, the first message may be an ATI request during the process of the first terminal device requesting IMS services; the ATI request is used to obtain session-related information of the first terminal device (including the aforementioned identity information).

[0134] Optionally, the first message is used to request the identity information of the first terminal device; multiple indication messages are used to indicate the content of the requested identity information. For example, when the requested identity information includes the location information of the first terminal device and the information of the cell to which the first terminal device is attached, the ATI request may also include second indication messages, which instruct the 5G core network to obtain the location information of the first terminal device and the information of the cell to which the first terminal device is attached. As another example, when the requested identity information includes the subscription status of the first terminal device, the ATI request may also include third indication messages, which instruct the 5G core network to obtain the subscription status of the first terminal device.

[0135] In some examples, the data structure of an ATI request can be found in Table 3.

[0136]

[0137] Table 3

[0138] S502: The second network element obtains identity information based on the aforementioned first instruction information.

[0139] In some examples, the first indication information is used to instruct the second network element to obtain the identity information of the first terminal device from the target mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device. This includes instructing the second network element to obtain the identity information from the aforementioned target mobile communication network through a domain selection routing method. The domain selection routing method can be implemented through the following two designs.

[0140] In one possible design, refer to Figure 6 The second network element can obtain identity information through the following steps 1 to 3.

[0141] Step 1: The second network element can also determine the third network element in the target mobile communication network based on the first instruction information;

[0142] Optionally, when the second network type is 3G mobile communication, the third network element is an MSC network element; when the second network type is 4G mobile communication, the third network element is an MME network element; and when the second network type is 5G mobile communication, the third network element is an AMF network element.

[0143] Step 2: The second network element can also send a third message to the third network element, which is used to request identity information;

[0144] Step 3: The second network element can also receive a fourth message from the third network element. The fourth message is a response message to the third message, which includes identity information.

[0145] Optionally, when the second network type is 3G mobile communication, the third message is a provide subscriber information (PSI) message and the fourth message is a PSI response; when the second network type is 4G mobile communication, the third message is an insert subscriber data request (IDR) message and the fourth message is an insert subscriber data acknowledge (IDA) response; when the second network type is 5G mobile communication, the third message is a network function (NF) interface message and the fourth message is an NF interface response.

[0146] In another possible design, refer to Figure 7 The second network element can obtain identity information through the following steps A to C.

[0147] Step A: The second network element can also send a fifth message to the fourth network element according to the first instruction information; correspondingly, the fourth network element receives the fifth message from the second network element. The fourth network element can be the existing enhanced MSC; the fifth message is used to request identity information.

[0148] In some examples, the fifth message includes a fourth instruction message, which instructs the fourth network element to obtain identity information from the target mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device through a domain-selective routing method.

[0149] In other examples, the fourth network element obtains its identity information in advance through a domain-based routing method, as agreed upon by the protocol.

[0150] Step B: The fourth network element obtains identity information.

[0151] In some examples, when the identity information is not found in the fourth network element, or when the mobile communication network of the fourth network element (e.g., a 3G mobile communication network) does not match the target mobile communication network (e.g., a 5G mobile communication network) accessed by the first terminal device, the identity information is obtained through domain selection routing. For example, the process of the fourth network element obtaining the identity information may include the following steps B1 to B3.

[0152] Step B1: The fourth network element sends a seventh message to the fifth network element; the fifth network element is a core network element in the second mobile communication network used for mobility management and / or a core network element used for session control; wherein, the second mobile communication network is one of multiple mobile communication networks; the first mobile communication network and the second mobile communication network are different; the seventh message is used to request identity information.

[0153] Step B2: The fifth network element obtains identity information.

[0154] In some examples, the fifth network element can obtain locally stored identity information.

[0155] In other examples, when the fifth network element does not store identity information locally (the fifth network element does not find identity information), or when the mobile communication network of the fifth network element (e.g., a 4G mobile communication network) does not match the target mobile communication network (e.g., a 5G mobile communication network) accessed by the first terminal device, the identity information is obtained through domain selection routing. For example, the process of the fifth network element obtaining identity information may include the following steps B2-a to B2-c.

[0156] Step B2-a: The fifth network element sends a ninth message to the sixth network element; the sixth network element is a core network element in the third mobile communication network used for mobility management and / or a core network element used for session control; wherein, the third mobile communication network is one of multiple mobile communication networks; the third mobile communication network is different from the first mobile communication network and different from the second mobile communication network; the ninth message is used to request identity information.

[0157] Step B2-b: The sixth network element obtains the identity information stored locally.

[0158] Step B2-c: The sixth network element sends the tenth message to the fifth network element; the tenth message is a response message to the ninth message, and the tenth message includes identity information.

[0159] It should be understood that the steps B1 to B3 above, which involve the fourth network element obtaining identity information, are optional and may not be performed in some examples.

[0160] Step B3: The fourth network element receives the eighth message from the fifth network element; the eighth message is a response message to the seventh message and includes identity information.

[0161] It should be understood that the steps B1 to B3 above, which involve the fourth network element obtaining identity information, are optional and may not be performed in some examples.

[0162] Step C: The fourth network element sends a sixth message to the second network element; correspondingly, the second network element can also receive a sixth message from the fourth network element. The sixth message is a response message to the fifth message, which includes identity information.

[0163] In some examples, the fifth message in step A is a PSI message, and the sixth message in step C is a PSI response.

[0164] In some examples, the fourth network element is an MSC network element, the fifth network element is an MME network element, and the sixth network element is an AMF network element.

[0165] S503: The second network element sends a second message to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives the second message from the second network element, the second message being a response message to the first message, and the second message including identity information.

[0166] Using the methods described in S501 to 4503 above, when the first terminal device requests IMS service, the first network element can instruct the second network element to obtain the identity information of the first terminal device based on the target mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device through the first indication information carried in the first message, thereby performing subsequent IMS operations, avoiding terminal crashes or terminal fallback during the processing of IMS service, and preventing terminal network degradation or service damage.

[0167] Based on the same technical concept, this application provides a communication device, which includes modules, units or means that perform the method steps in the above method embodiments. The functions, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0168] For example, see Figure 8 The device 800 may include a processing module 801 and a communication module 802.

[0169] Optionally, the communication module 802 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments. It should be noted that the communication device 800 may only include a sending module and not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 800 may only include a receiving module and not a sending module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above scheme performed by the communication device 800 includes both sending and receiving actions.

[0170] The processing module 801 is used for data processing. The communication module 802 can implement the corresponding communication functions.

[0171] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 801 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 800 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0172] It should be understood that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0173] The processing module 801 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuitry. The communication module 802 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuitry. The communication module 802 can also be referred to as a communication module or a communication interface.

[0174] The following is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 9 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 900, including:

[0175] At least one processor 901; and a communication interface 903 communicatively connected to the at least one processor 901; the at least one processor 901 causes the device to perform the method steps in the above method embodiments through the communication interface 903 by executing instructions stored in the memory 902.

[0176] The memory 902 may be located outside the device 900. Alternatively, the memory 902 may be located inside the device 900. Optionally, the device 900 includes the memory 902, which is connected to the at least one processor 901, and stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 901. (Appendix) Figure 9 The dashed line indicates that memory 902 is optional for device 900.

[0177] The processor 901 and the memory 902 can be coupled through an interface circuit or integrated together; no restriction is imposed here.

[0178] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the processor 901, memory 902, and communication interface 903. This application embodiment... Figure 9 The processor 901, memory 902, and communication interface 903 are connected via a bus 904. Figure 9 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 9 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0179] Taking the first network element as an example, when the communication device 900 is the first network element, the first network element may include a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory may store computer program code, and the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0180] The processor is mainly used for processing communication protocols and data; controlling the first network element; executing software programs; and processing data from those programs. The memory is mainly used for storing software programs and data. The transmitter is used to send signals to other communication devices or equipment, and the receiver is used to receive signals from other communication devices or equipment.

[0181] When the communication device 900 is a chip in the first network element, the chip may include a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor may be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. In the above method embodiments, the transmitting operation of the first network element can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the first network element in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0182] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, implemented by reading software code stored in memory.

[0183] For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0184] It should be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as 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 linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0185] 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, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0186] It should be noted that the memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0187] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, including a program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, cause the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0188] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0189] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system. In some examples, this communication system can be used to implement... Figure 3The method flow described in the text indicates that the communication system may include at least two network elements: a first network element, a second network element, and a fourth network element. In other examples, the communication system can be used to implement... Figure 5 The method flow shown indicates that the communication system may include at least two network elements: a first network element, a second network element, and a fourth network element. Optionally, the communication system may also include other communication devices.

[0190] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0191] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0192] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0193] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0194] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0195] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first network element, and the first network element is a core network element in an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network for implementing IMS services. In a process in which the first terminal device requests an IMS service, a first network type is determined, and the first network type is a network type of a first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device and determined by the first network element. A first message is sent to a second network element, and the first message is used to indicate that the first terminal device requests an IMS service, and the first message includes the first network type; and the second network element is used for charging and service control.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first message further includes at least one of the following: An identifier of a first cell in the first mobile communication network that provides network services for the first terminal device; Information of a first mobility management network element in the first mobile communication network that is allocated to the first terminal device.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The determination of the first network type of the first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device includes: The first network type is received from a third network element; and the third network element is an access network element in the IMS network for implementing IMS services.

4. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a second network element, and the second network element is used for charging and service control; and the method includes: A first message is received from a first network element, and the first network element is a core network element in an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network for implementing IMS services; the first message is used to indicate that a first terminal device requests an IMS service, and the first message includes a first network type, and the first network type is a network type of a first mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device and determined by the first network element; A second message is sent to a fourth network element, and the second message is used to request identity information of the first terminal device; and the fourth network element is a core network element in a first mobile communication network corresponding to the first network type; A third message is received from the fourth network element, and the third message is a response message of the second message, and the third message includes the identity information; An IMS service requested by the first terminal device is executed according to the identity information of the first terminal device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The first network type is a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication, and the first message further includes at least one of the following: An identifier of a first cell in the first mobile communication network that provides network services for the first terminal device; Information of a first mobility management network element in the first mobile communication network that is allocated to the first terminal device.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein, The third message includes at least one of the following: An identifier of a second cell in a second mobile communication network that provides network services for the first terminal device; Information of a second mobility management network element in the second mobile communication network that is allocated to the first terminal device; A second network type corresponding to the second mobile communication network; The second mobile communication network is a mobile communication network accessed by the terminal device and determined by the fourth network element.

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first network element, and the first network element is used for charging and service control; and the method includes: In a process that a first terminal device requests an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service, a first message is sent to a second network element; the second network element is configured to provide data management and authentication services; the first message is configured to request identity information of the first terminal device; and the first message comprises first indication information, which is configured to instruct the second network element to obtain the identity information of the first terminal device from a target mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device. A second message is received from the second network element; the second message is a response message of the first message, and the second message comprises the identity information.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The identity information comprises at least one of the following: an identifier of a cell in the target mobile communication network, which provides network services for the first terminal device; information of a mobility management network element in the target mobile communication network, which is allocated to the first terminal device; and a network type corresponding to the target mobile communication network.

9. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a second network element configured to provide data management and authentication services; the method comprises: In a process that a first terminal device requests an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service, a first message is received from a first network element; the first network element is configured to provide charging and service control; the first message is configured to request identity information of the first terminal device; and the first message comprises first indication information, which is configured to instruct the second network element to obtain the identity information of the first terminal device from a target mobile communication network accessed by the first terminal device. A second message is sent to the first network element; the second message is a response message of the first message, and the second message comprises the identity information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: According to the first indication information, a third network element in the target mobile communication network is determined; the third network element is a core network element configured to provide mobility management in the target mobile communication network. A third message is sent to the third network element; the third message is configured to request the identity information. A fourth message is received from the third network element; the fourth message is a response message of the third message, and the fourth message comprises the identity information.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: According to the first indication information, a fifth message is sent to a fourth network element; the fourth network element is a core network element configured to provide mobility management in a first mobile communication network; the fifth message is configured to request the identity information; and the first mobile communication network is one of a plurality of mobile communication networks. A sixth message is received from the fourth network element; the sixth message is a response message of the fifth message, and the sixth message comprises the identity information.

12. The method of any one of claims 9-11, wherein, The identity information comprises at least one of the following: an identifier of a cell in the target mobile communication network, which provides network services for the first terminal device; information of a mobility management network element in the target mobile communication network, which is allocated to the first terminal device; and a network type corresponding to the target mobile communication network.

13. A method of communication, comprising: The method is applied to a fourth network element, which is a core network element configured to provide mobility management in a first mobile communication network; the method comprises: receiving a fifth message from a second network element; wherein the second network element is configured to provide data management and authentication services; and wherein the fifth message is configured to request the identity information; obtaining the identity information; sending a sixth message to the second network element; wherein the sixth message is a response message to the fifth message, and wherein the sixth message comprises the identity information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The obtaining the identity information comprises: obtaining the identity information stored locally; or when the identity information is not stored locally, sending a seventh message to a fifth network element; wherein the fifth network element is a core network element configured to provide mobility management in a second mobile communication network; wherein the second mobile communication network is one of a plurality of mobile communication networks; wherein the first mobile communication network is different from the second mobile communication network; and wherein the seventh message is configured to request the identity information; receiving an eighth message from the fifth network element; wherein the eighth message is a response message to the seventh message, and wherein the eighth message comprises the identity information.

15. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises means or modules for performing the method of any one of claims 1-3, or means or modules for performing the method of any one of claims 4-6, or means or modules for performing the method of any one of claims 7-8, or means or modules for performing the method of any one of claims 9-12, or means or modules for performing the method of any one of claims 13-14.

16. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a processor configured to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the method of any one of claims 1-3, or to implement the method of any one of claims 4-6, or to implement the method of any one of claims 7-8, or to implement the method of any one of claims 9-12, or to implement the method of any one of claims 13-14.

17. A communication system, characterized by The apparatus comprises: a first network element in the method of any one of claims 1-3, and a second network element in the method of any one of claims 4-6; or a first network element in the method of any one of claims 7-8, a second network element in the method of any one of claims 9-12, and a fourth network element in the method of any one of claims 13-14.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The apparatus comprises a storage medium having stored therein computer programs or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method of any one of claims 1-3, or implement the method of any one of claims 4-6, or implement the method of any one of claims 7-8, or implement the method of any one of claims 9-12, or implement the method of any one of claims 13-14.

19. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer program product is executed by a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method of any one of claims 1-3, or, the method of any one of claims 4-6, or, the method of any one of claims 7-8, or, the method of any one of claims 9-12, or, the method of any one of claims 13-14.

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