Communication methods, devices and storage media

Abstract

This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium, relating to the field of communication technology. The communication method includes: a first device sending a first message to a second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and a first network function, or the first message being used to respond to a request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. The first device has a function for providing data services, and the first device is a terminal, access network device, or core network device. The second device deploys the first network function, which is used for managing data services, and the second device is a core network device. Thus, a practical implementation scheme is provided for the association between the function for providing data services and the function for managing data services.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the future, new capabilities such as artificial intelligence (AI), data, and computing will be added, which will lead to a lot of new non-user plane data in the network.

[0003] In related technologies, based on the N4 interface and the packet forwarding control protocol (PFCP), the association between the control plane function (CP Function) and the user plane function (UPFunction) is established by establishing a PFCP Association; the interaction between the control plane and the user plane is realized by transmitting PFCP messages through the N4 interface.

[0004] However, since non-user plane data involves non-user plane functions, the above methods are not applicable to non-user plane functions or networks involving non-user plane data. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium that solves the technical problem of the current lack of a linkage scheme between data control-related functions and data processing / execution-related functions for non-user plane data.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services, the communication method comprising: sending a first message to a second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and a first network function, or the first message being used to respond to the request for processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the second device having a first network function deployed thereon, the first network function being used for data service management; the first device being a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device being a core network device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes: receiving a second message sent by a second device, the second message being used to respond to a request from a first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal, the first message and the second message are sent via NAS signaling; when the first device is an access network device, the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages, the message header of the first message and the message header of the second message include at least one of the following: message type, identification information corresponding to NGAP, paging priority of the access network device, a flag indicating whether the upper protocol layer carries a NAS message, relevant information required to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or relevant information required to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function; wherein, the message type includes: a request message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function and a response message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, sending a first message to the second device includes: sending the first message to the second device via a third device, wherein the third device is a core network device and a second network function is deployed in the third device, the second network function being used for terminal access and mobility management; receiving a second message sent by the second device includes: receiving a second message sent by the second device via the third device.

[0011] In some embodiments, before receiving the second message sent by the second device through the third device when the first device is a terminal and the first device is idle or not registered in the network, the method further includes: receiving a paging message sent by the third device through an access network device, the paging message containing relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the first device is a core network device, the function for providing data services is deployed in at least one of the following ways: deployed as a standalone network function, built into a control plane function, or built into a user plane function.

[0013] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a standalone network function, the function for providing data services may access the control plane function point-to-point, and / or the first device may access the core network in a service-oriented manner.

[0014] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a point-to-point access control plane function or the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the first message and the second message are messages from the protocol layer related to data processing control in the control plane protocol stack.

[0015] In some embodiments, in the control plane protocol stack, the protocol layer related to data processing control is located above the UDP layer; and / or, in the messages of the protocol layer related to data processing control, the message header includes at least one of the following: a first flag indicating whether the message header contains the identification information of the receiver or the sender; a second flag indicating the message priority; a third flag indicating whether the data packet contains other messages related to data processing control; the protocol version number of the control plane protocol stack; the message type; the message length; the identification information of the receiver; the identification information of the sender; or the message sequence number.

[0016] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a standalone network function or the function for providing data services is built into the control plane function, the communication method further includes: finding the address information of the second device, the address information being used to send the first message.

[0017] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, sending a first message to a second device includes: sending a first message to the second device via a fourth device, the fourth device being a core network device, the fourth device having a third network function deployed thereon, the third network function being used for session management; receiving a second message sent by the second device includes: receiving a second message sent by the second device via the fourth device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing an association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0019] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the establishment of an association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, data processing capabilities supported by the first device, or attribute information of the first device related to the function used to provide data services. When the second message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, attribute information of the second device related to the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or attribute information of the second device related to the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0021] In some embodiments, the attribute information of the first device related to the function for providing data services includes at least one of the following: the resources of the first device for providing data services, the location information of the first device, or the duration of existence of the function for providing data services in the first device; and / or, the attribute information of the second device related to the first network function includes at least one of the following: the function information supported by the first network function, the control scope of the first network function, the network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of existence of the first network function in the second device.

[0022] In some embodiments, when a first message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function or a second message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function, the communication method further includes: storing identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0023] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request modification of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse modification of the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first device, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first network function, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, establishment result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0025] In some embodiments, where the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function and the second message contains updated information of the first network function, the communication method further includes: modifying the information related to the first network function in the association between the first device and the first network function according to the updated information of the first network function.

[0026] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the release of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0027] In some embodiments, a second message is used to request the release of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a first message is used to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0028] In some embodiments, when a first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function or a second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: deleting information related to the association between the first device and the first network function and the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0029] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the reporting of information related to the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting type, or data report to be reported. The first message is used to report information related to the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or data report.

[0030] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration type, or configuration parameters. When the first message is used to agree to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for agreeing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0031] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to a second device, wherein the second device has a first network function deployed thereon, the first network function being used for data service management. The communication method includes: receiving a first message sent by the first device, the first device having a function for providing data services, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being used to respond to a request for processing of the association between the first device and the first network function; the first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

[0032] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes: sending a second message to a first device, the second message being used to respond to a request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0033] In some embodiments, where the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: looking up the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message.

[0034] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, receiving a first message sent by the first device includes: receiving a first message sent by the first device through a third device, wherein the third device is a core network device and a second network function is deployed in the third device, the second network function being used for terminal access and mobility management; sending a second message to the first device includes: sending a second message to the first device through the third device.

[0035] In some embodiments, where the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: looking up the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message; and looking up a third device that provides services to the first device based on the address information.

[0036] In some embodiments, where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, receiving a first message sent by the first device includes: receiving a first message sent by the first device through a fourth device, the fourth device being a core network device, the fourth device having a third network function deployed thereon, the third network function being used for session management; sending a second message to the first device includes: sending a second message to the first device through the fourth device.

[0037] In some embodiments, where the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: looking up the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message; and looking up a fourth device that provides services to the first device based on the address information.

[0038] In some embodiments, the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing an association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0039] In some embodiments, where the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: establishing the association between the first device and the first network function; and assigning corresponding identification information to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0040] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the establishment of an association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to establish an association between the first device and the first network function. The communication method further includes: determining whether an association exists between the first device and the first network function; and establishing an association between the first device and the first network function, including: if no association exists between the first device and the first network function, then establishing an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0041] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes: if an association between the first device and the first network function already exists, re-establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, and overwriting the existing old association between the first device and the first network function through the newly re-established association; or, if an association between the first device and the first network function already exists, modifying the existing old association between the first device and the first network function.

[0042] In some embodiments, the communication method further includes: retaining the data services bound to existing legacy associations.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first message includes updated information of the first device and the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. The communication method further includes: modifying the information related to the first device in the association between the first device and the first network function according to the updated information of the first device.

[0044] In some embodiments, a first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, or a second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function. The communication method further includes deleting information related to the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0045] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device applied to a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services. The communication device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: the memory for storing a computer program; the transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and the processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: sending a first message to a second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and a first network function, or the first message being used to respond to a request for processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, wherein the second device has a first network function deployed thereon, the first network function being used for data service management; the first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: receive a second message sent by a second device, the second message being used to respond to a request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0047] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal, the first message and the second message are sent via NAS signaling; when the first device is an access network device, the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages, the message header of the first message and the message header of the second message include at least one of the following: message type, identification information corresponding to NGAP, paging priority of the access network device, a flag indicating whether the upper protocol layer carries a NAS message, relevant information required to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or relevant information required to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function; wherein, the message type includes: a request message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function and a response message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: send a first message to the second device via a third device, wherein the third device is a core network device and a second network function is deployed in the third device, the second network function being used for terminal access and mobility management; and receive a second message sent by the second device via the third device.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal and is in an idle state or not registered in the network, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: receive a paging message sent by a third device through an access network device, the paging message containing relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0051] In some embodiments, when the first device is a core network device, the function for providing data services is deployed in at least one of the following ways: deployed as a standalone network function, built into a control plane function, or built into a user plane function.

[0052] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a standalone network function, the function for providing data services may access the control plane function point-to-point, and / or the first device may access the core network in a service-oriented manner.

[0053] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a point-to-point access control plane function or the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the first message and the second message are messages from the protocol layer related to data processing control in the control plane protocol stack.

[0054] In some embodiments, in the control plane protocol stack, the protocol layer related to data processing control is located above the UDP layer; and / or, in the messages of the protocol layer related to data processing control, the message header includes at least one of the following: a first flag indicating whether the message header contains the identification information of the receiver or the sender; a second flag indicating the message priority; a third flag indicating whether the data packet contains other messages related to data processing control; the protocol version number of the control plane protocol stack; the message type; the message length; the identification information of the receiver; the identification information of the sender; or the message sequence number.

[0055] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a standalone network function or the function for providing data services is built into the control plane function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operation: look up the address information of the second device, the address information being used to send the first message.

[0056] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: send a first message to the second device via the fourth device, the fourth device being a core network device, the fourth device having a third network function deployed thereon for session management; and receive a second message sent by the second device via the fourth device.

[0057] In some embodiments, the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing an association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0058] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the establishment of an association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, data processing capabilities supported by the first device, or attribute information of the first device related to the function used to provide data services. When the second message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, attribute information of the second device related to the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or attribute information of the second device related to the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0060] In some embodiments, the attribute information of the first device related to the function for providing data services includes at least one of the following: the resources of the first device for providing data services, the location information of the first device, or the duration of existence of the function for providing data services in the first device; and / or, the attribute information of the second device related to the first network function includes at least one of the following: the function information supported by the first network function, the control scope of the first network function, the network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of existence of the first network function in the second device.

[0061] In some embodiments, when a first message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function or a second message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function, the communication method further includes: storing identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0062] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request modification of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse modification of the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first device, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first network function, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, establishment result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0064] In some embodiments, where the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function and the second message contains updated information about the first network function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operation: modify the information related to the first network function in the association between the first device and the first network function according to the updated information about the first network function.

[0065] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the release of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0066] In some embodiments, a second message is used to request the release of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a first message is used to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0067] In some embodiments, when a first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function or a second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: delete the relevant information of the association between the first device and the first network function and the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0068] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the reporting of information related to the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting type, or data report to be reported. The first message is used to report information related to the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or data report.

[0069] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration type, or configuration parameters. When the first message is used to agree to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for agreeing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0070] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device applied to a second device, the second device having a first network function deployed thereon for managing data services. The communication device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor. The memory stores a computer program. The transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor. The processor reads the computer program from the memory and performs the following operations: receiving a first message sent by the first device, the first device having a function for providing data services, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being used to respond to a request to process the association between the first device and the first network function; the first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

[0071] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: send a second message to the first device, the second message being a response to a request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message being a request to process the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0072] In some embodiments, where the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operation: look up the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message.

[0073] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, receiving a first message sent by the first device includes: receiving a first message sent by the first device through a third device, wherein the third device is a core network device and a second network function is deployed in the third device, the second network function being used for terminal access and mobility management; the processor is further configured to perform the following operation: sending a second message to the first device through the third device.

[0074] In some embodiments, where the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: look up the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message; and, based on the address information, look up the third device that provides services to the first device.

[0075] In some embodiments, where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: receive a first message sent by the first device through a fourth device, the fourth device being a core network device, the fourth device having a third network function deployed thereon, the third network function being used for session management; and send a second message to the first device through the fourth device.

[0076] In some embodiments, where the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: look up the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message; and, based on the address information, look up the fourth device that provides services to the first device.

[0077] In some embodiments, the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing an association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0078] In some embodiments, where the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: establish the association between the first device and the first network function; and assign corresponding identification information to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0079] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the establishment of an association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The processor is further used to perform the following operations: determine whether there is an association between the first device and the first network function; if there is no association between the first device and the first network function, then establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0080] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: if an association between the first device and the first network function already exists, re-establish the association between the first device and the first network function, and overwrite the existing old association between the first device and the first network function with the newly re-established association; or, if an association between the first device and the first network function already exists, modify the existing old association between the first device and the first network function.

[0081] In some embodiments, the processor is also configured to perform the following operation: retain the data services bound to existing legacy associations.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first message contains updated information about the first device and the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. The processor is further used to perform the following operations: modifying the information related to the first device in the association between the first device and the first network function according to the updated information of the first device.

[0083] In some embodiments, a first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, or a second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function. The processor is further used to perform the following operations: delete the relevant information of the association between the first device and the first network function and the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0084] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device applied to a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services. The communication device includes: a sending unit for sending a first message to a second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and a first network function, or the first message being used to respond to a request for processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the second device having a first network function deployed thereon, the first network function being used for data service management; the first device being a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device being a core network device.

[0085] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device applied to a second device, wherein the second device has a first network function deployed thereon, the first network function being used for data service management. The communication device includes: a receiving unit for receiving a first message sent by the first device, the first device having a function for providing data services, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being used to respond to a request for processing of the association between the first device and the first network function; the first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

[0086] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a processor to execute the communication method provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0087] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method provided in the first or second aspect above.

[0088] Ninthly, this application provides a communication system including any of the first devices and any of the second devices described above.

[0089] According to the communication method, apparatus, and storage medium provided in this application, a first device has a function for providing data services. This function is related to data (not limited to user plane data) processing / execution. The first device is a terminal, access network device, or core network device, meaning that the function for providing data services can be deployed on a terminal, access network device, or core network device, fully considering the characteristic that non-user plane data is not limited to deployment in user plane functions. A second device deploys a first network function for managing data services. This first network function is related to data (not limited to user plane data) control. The second device is a core network device. The first device sends a first message to the second device, requesting or responding to the first message to process the association between the first device and the first network function. Processing the association between the first device and the first network function means processing the association between the function for providing data services and the function for managing data services. Therefore, this solution realizes the processing of the association between the function for providing data services and the function for managing data services, that is, it realizes the processing of the association between functions related to data processing and functions related to data control, and can be applied to future networks involving non-user plane data.

[0090] It should be understood that the description in the foregoing summary section is not intended to limit the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to restrict the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0091] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0092] Figure 1 This is an example diagram of the air interface data control protocol stack;

[0093] Figure 2 This is an example diagram of the business data protocol stack;

[0094] Figure 3 Example diagrams illustrating application scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0095] Figure 4 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0096] Figure 5 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0097] Figure 6 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 ;

[0098] Figure 7 This is an example diagram of the NAS protocol stack;

[0099] Figure 8 Example diagrams for the protocol layers of RAN, AMF, and DMF;

[0100] Figure 9 Example architecture diagrams related to DPF and DMF deployment;

[0101] Figure 10 An example diagram of the control plane protocol stack with the DPCP layer added;

[0102] Figure 11 This is an example diagram of the HTTP / 2.0 SBI protocol stack;

[0103] Figure 12 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 4 ;

[0104] Figure 13 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 5 ;

[0105] Figure 14 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 6 ;

[0106] Figure 15 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 7 ;

[0107] Figure 16 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 8 ;

[0108] Figure 17 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 9 ;

[0109] Figure 18 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 ;

[0110] Figure 19 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 one;

[0111] Figure 20 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 two;

[0112] Figure 21 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 three;

[0113] Figure 22 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 Four;

[0114] Figure 23 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 five;

[0115] Figure 24 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 six;

[0116] Figure 25 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 seven;

[0117] Figure 26 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 eight;

[0118] Figure 27 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 Nine;

[0119] Figure 28 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ten;

[0120] Figure 29 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 eleven;

[0121] Figure 30 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 twelve;

[0122] Figure 31 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 Thirteen;

[0123] Figure 32 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 fourteen;

[0124] Figure 33 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 fifteen;

[0125] Figure 34 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 sixteen;

[0126] Figure 35 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 Seventeen;

[0127] Figure 36 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 eighteen;

[0128] Figure 37 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 nineteen;

[0129] Figure 38 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 ten;

[0130] Figure 39 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 eleven;

[0131] Figure 40 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 twelve;

[0132] Figure 41 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 Thirteen;

[0133] Figure 42 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 fourteen;

[0134] Figure 43 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0135] Figure 44 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0136] Figure 45 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 ;

[0137] Figure 46 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 4 . Detailed Implementation

[0138] In this embodiment of the invention, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0139] In the embodiments of this application, the term "at least one" refers to one or more items, and other quantifiers are similar. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can be expressed as: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0140] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0141] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to a variety of systems. For example, applicable systems may include Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems, 5G New Radio (NR) systems and their evolved communication systems, and 6G (sixth generation mobile communication technology) systems. These systems may include terminal equipment and network equipment. The systems may also include a core network component, such as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and the 5G Core Network (5GC).

[0142] The terminal devices involved in the embodiments of this application can be devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to users, handheld devices with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The names of the terminal devices may differ in different systems; for example, in 5G or 6G systems, the terminal device may be called User Equipment (UE). Wireless terminal devices can be USB storage devices, other personal computer memory devices, and dongles. They can also communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a Radio Access Network (RAN). Wireless terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones) and computers with mobile terminal devices. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the radio access network. Examples of such devices include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), personal computers, tablets, and Machine-type Communication (MTC) terminal devices. Wireless terminal devices can also be referred to as systems, subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations, mobile devices, remote stations, access points, remote terminals, access terminals, user terminals, user agents, user devices, and wireless access devices and routers / modems that meet the limitations of this definition; however, this application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0143] The network device involved in this application embodiment can be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application, the base station may also be called an access point, or a device in the access network that communicates with wireless terminal devices through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to exchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in this application embodiment can be an evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in a next generation system, or a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), relay node, femto, pico, network testing equipment, etc., and is not limited in this application embodiment. In some network architectures, network devices may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed unit (DU) nodes, which may also be geographically separated.

[0144] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the relevant terms will be explained first.

[0145] The network function for managing data services (i.e., the first network function in subsequent embodiments) receives data service requests, manages the service status of each data service, and can manage and orchestrate each data service (including operations such as selecting and / or sorting data service nodes, generating control commands, and issuing control commands). For example, this network function may be referred to as a data management and control function (DMF), a data forwarding control entity, a data orchestrator, a data controller, etc.

[0146] This function is used to provide data services. It supports data service operations such as data processing, data storage, and data forwarding. For example, this function can be called a data processing function (DPF), data broker, or data forwarding entity.

[0147] Next, the relevant technologies involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0148] Traditional network architecture primarily focuses on providing connectivity services; it's a session-oriented network responsible for carrying session content, i.e., information exchange between communication nodes. Future networks (such as future 6G networks) will incorporate new capabilities like AI, data, and computing. The network will also include non-user plane data such as data generated by intelligence, sensing, and network operations, as well as data consumed by network operations. Therefore, future networks will be data-oriented. To systematically address the needs of communication networks for managing and adding value to non-user plane data, a data plane architecture independent of the traditional user plane has been proposed.

[0149] As an example, in the data plane architecture, data management and processing can take the form of pipelines. Massive amounts of real-time data are transmitted through these pipelines, and the nodes along the flow complete functions such as data collection, privacy de-simplification, processing, storage, and analysis. In traditional networks, session establishment is predicated on the construction of communication paths (establishing point-to-point communication paths between two points in a complex network topology). Nodes on the path are responsible for forwarding session messages but do not process them. In the data plane of future networks, to meet the needs of new services and scenarios, the data forwarding entities on the data pipelines (data pipelines have directions, and a data service can contain multiple data pipelines) need to process messages as needed before forwarding them to the next node. Unlike the point-to-point bit information exchange in a session, the data plane has distributed characteristics, and the data pipelines need to support arbitrary topologies.

[0150] (i) Regarding the data plane in the above example, three feasible data plane forwarding technology solutions are proposed in related technologies based on whether the data packet and the data forwarding entity have state.

[0151] Option 1: When the data forwarding entity is stateful and the data packet is stateless, the data forwarding control entity, based on the data service requirements and according to the capabilities or functions of the data forwarding entities, orchestrates the data forwarding entities into a data pipeline and its topology, and writes data forwarding table entries into the corresponding data forwarding entities; the data forwarding entities forward data to the next hop according to the table entries until the data forwarding table entries end; the data forwarding entities count the number of forwarded data packets and bytes, and report them to the data forwarding control entity as needed; after the data service execution is completed, the data forwarding control entity deletes the data pipeline, and the data forwarding entities delete the data forwarding table entries.

[0152] Option 2: When the data forwarding entity is stateless and the data packet is stateful, the data forwarding control entity, based on business requirements and the capabilities or functions of the data forwarding entities, orchestrates the data forwarding entities into a data pipeline and its topology, and sends the data forwarding table entries to the data forwarding entity at the data pipeline inlet. This data forwarding entity uses the forwarding information as the data packet header information and forwards it to the next hop. Data forwarding entities in the forwarding path forward data according to the forwarding information carried in the data packet header and delete the forwarding information stored in the data forwarding entity. The data forwarding entity at the data pipeline outlet deletes the address or identification information in the packet header and delivers it to the upper-layer application. The data forwarding entity counts the number of forwarded data packets and bytes and reports it to the data forwarding control entity as needed. The edge data forwarding entity deletes the data forwarding table entries for the given data service after the data service ends.

[0153] Option 3: When both the data forwarding entity and the data packet are stateless, the data forwarding control entity, based on business requirements and the capabilities or functions of the data forwarding entities, orchestrates them into a data pipeline and its topology. The data forwarding control entity encodes the data forwarding path corresponding to the data service and sends the encoding to the data forwarding entity at the data pipeline inlet; the data forwarding entity calculates the next hop of the data packet through decoding operations and forwards it to the next node after completing data processing; the data forwarding entity at the data pipeline outlet delivers the packet to the upper-layer application; the data forwarding entity reports statistical data carried in the packet data to the data forwarding control entity as needed; and the edge data forwarding entity deletes the data pipeline after the data service ends.

[0154] However, the above provides three data plane data forwarding paradigms, which use data forwarding control protocols to control the data forwarding entity. However, they do not specifically design the control of the data forwarding entity by the data forwarding control entity based on the architecture of the communication network, nor do they design specific communication processes and parameters.

[0155] (ii) A new data protocol was introduced for the data surface in the above example.

[0156] In future networks, data transport differs from signaling plane and user plane transport in terms of quality of service (QoS) assurance and scheduling priority. To support data processing in future networks, new data protocols are needed. Therefore, a data processing-related protocol, known as the Data Processing Control Protocol (DPCP), is introduced. Introducing this protocol results in a new data protocol stack.

[0157] For example, Figure 1Here is an example diagram of the air interface data control protocol stack, such as Figure 1 As shown, the DPCP-C layer (i.e., the protocol layer related to data processing control) is introduced into the air interface data control protocol stack. Figure 2 Here is an example diagram of the business data protocol stack, such as Figure 2 As shown, a DPCP-U layer (i.e., a protocol layer related to data processing) is introduced into the business data protocol stack. Furthermore, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The protocol stack shown also includes traditional protocol layers: Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical Layer (PHY layer). Terminals and access network devices can communicate at each layer.

[0158] However, the above did not design or study how to use the protocol stack to complete data bearer control.

[0159] (III) Handling the association between the control plane and the user plane

[0160] In the 5G network architecture, the control plane and user plane communicate via the N4 interface using the Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP). By establishing a PFCP Association, the association between control plane functions (CP Functions) and user plane functions (UP Functions, or UPFs) is established. PFCP messages are transmitted through the N4 interface between the control plane and user plane functions to enable interaction between them.

[0161] Specifically, control plane functional elements control the packet processing and forwarding of user plane functional elements by establishing, modifying, or deleting PFCP sessions. Examples of control plane functional elements include the session management function (SMF), and examples of user plane functional elements include the UPF.

[0162] The main functions of the PFCP protocol include the following: 1. Communication between the control plane and the user plane: The PFCP protocol is used for communication between the control plane and the user plane, allowing elements in the core network control plane to configure and control elements in the user plane; 2. Forwarding of user plane packets: The PFCP protocol is used to control the forwarding of user plane packets, including defining the rules and policies for packet forwarding; 3. User plane session management: The PFCP protocol supports user plane session management, allowing elements in the core network control plane to manage session state and traffic in the user plane.

[0163] The PFCP protocol consists of a message type, a message header, a message body, and parameter information (composed of three parts: parameter type, parameter length, and parameter value, i.e., type-length-value, or TLV for short). The message type defines the type of message, the message header contains some metadata information, the message body contains the specific message content, and the TLV is used to transmit the parameter information within the message body.

[0164] The PFCP protocol is used to control the forwarding of user plane data packets, including defining the rules and policies for packet forwarding. During packet forwarding, the message exchange process can be divided into the following steps: 1. Establishing a session: When user plane data streams need to be forwarded, elements in the control plane need to initiate a session establishment request to elements in the user plane. Specifically, the control plane element sends a session establishment request message to the user plane element, which contains necessary parameter information, such as the session ID; 2. Confirming the session: After receiving the session establishment request message, the user plane element confirms whether the session can be established based on the parameter information contained in the message. If it can be established, the user plane element sends a session establishment response to the control plane element. The control plane element sends a PFCP (Private Policy Response) message to the user plane element. This message contains necessary parameters such as the session ID. 3. Configure rules: After the session is established, the control plane element can send a PFCP message to the user plane element to configure the forwarding rules for the user plane data stream. Specifically, the control plane element sends a PFCP rule configuration request message to the user plane element. This message contains necessary parameters such as the rule ID, rule priority, and matching rules. 4. Confirm rules: After receiving the PFCP rule configuration request message, the user plane element confirms whether the rule can be configured based on the parameters contained in the message. If it can be configured, the user plane element sends a PFCP rule configuration response message to the control plane element. This message contains necessary parameters such as the session ID. 5. Update Rules: When the user plane data stream needs to be forwarded, the control plane element can send a PFCP message to the user plane element to update the forwarding rules of the user plane data stream. Specifically, the control plane element sends a PFCP rule update request message to the user plane element. This message contains some necessary parameter information, such as the rule ID and the new matching rule. 6. Confirm Update: After receiving the PFCP rule update request message, the user plane element will confirm whether the update can be performed based on the parameter information contained in the message. If it can be performed, the user plane element sends a PFCP rule update response message to the control plane element. This message contains some necessary parameter information, such as the rule ID and the result status.

[0165] For non-user plane data, the functions used to provide data services are not limited to deployment in user plane functions, but may also be deployed in UE, RAN, and other network functions. Therefore, the above-mentioned method of establishing the association between control plane functions and user plane functions based on the N4 interface and PFCP protocol does not support scenarios where control plane functions perform non-user plane functions. That is, it does not support the execution of functions related to data (especially non-user plane data) control or data (especially non-user plane data) processing / execution, and is not applicable to future networks involving non-user plane data.

[0166] Therefore, embodiments of this application propose a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium to realize the processing of the association between functions for providing data services (i.e., functions related to data processing / execution, such as DPF) and functions for data service management (i.e., functions related to data control, such as DMF). Through the processing of the association between functions for providing data services and functions for data service management, a practical implementation scheme is provided for the control function of data (not limited to user plane data, but may include non-user plane data) to perform data processing / execution functions, which can be applied to future networks involving non-user plane data.

[0167] The method and apparatus are based on the same concept of the application. Since the methods and apparatus solve problems in similar ways, the implementation of the apparatus and methods can refer to each other, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0168] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0169] It is understood that the steps or operations in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other operations or variations thereof may also be performed in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0170] Figure 3 Example diagrams illustrating application scenarios provided in embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the application scenarios involved in this embodiment may include core network device 301, access network device 302, and terminal 303. Functions for providing data services may be deployed on core network device 301, access network device 302, and / or terminal 303; network functions for managing data services may be deployed on core network device 301.

[0171] When the function for providing data services is deployed on terminal 303, the association between the function for providing data services and the network function for managing data services can be realized through information interaction between terminal 303, access network device 302 and core network device 301.

[0172] When the function for providing data services is deployed on the access network device 302, the association between the function for providing data services and the network function for managing data services can be realized through information interaction between the access network device 302 and the core network device 301.

[0173] When the core network device 301 is equipped with functions for providing data services and network functions for managing data services, the association between the functions for providing data services and the network functions for managing data services can be achieved through information exchange within the core network device 301. The functions for providing data services and the network functions for managing data services can also be deployed on different core network devices.

[0174] It should be noted that the above application scenarios are only shown to facilitate understanding of the spirit and principles of this application, and the embodiments of this application can be applied to any applicable scenario.

[0175] Figure 4 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 .like Figure 4 As shown, the communication method in this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0176] S401, the first device sends a first message to the second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0177] The first device has the function of providing data services. The first device can be a terminal, access network device, or core network device, that is, the function of providing data services is deployed on the terminal, access network device, or core network device. Therefore, the data service can be a service related to non-user plane data and / or a service related to user plane data.

[0178] The second device is equipped with the first network function, which is used for data service management. The second device is a core network device, meaning the first network function is deployed on the core network device.

[0179] The association between the first device and the first network function is a logical relationship, which can be understood as a mapping or binding relationship between the first device and the first network function, that is, a mapping or binding relationship between the function used to provide data services and the first network function.

[0180] The association between the first device and the first network function can be one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many. A first network function can be associated with one or more first devices, that is, a first network function can be associated with one or more functions used to provide data services, such as one DMF associated with multiple DPFs; a first device can also be associated with one or more first network functions, that is, a function used to provide data services can be associated with one or more first network functions, such as one DPF associated with multiple DMFs.

[0181] The association between the first device and the first network function can be used for: the first network function’s control over the first device associated with it (i.e., the first network function’s control over the function used to provide data services, such as the DMF’s control over the DPF), and / or the first network function’s selection of the device that provides data services (i.e., selecting the associated first device to provide data services).

[0182] In this embodiment, the first device sends a first message to the second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, so as to request the second device, which has deployed the first network function, to process the association between the first device and the first network function; or, the first device sends a first message to the second device, the first message being used to respond to the second device's request to process the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0183] As an example, the DPF sends a first message to the DMF requesting processing of the association between the DPF and the DMF, or the DMF sends a first message to the DPF requesting processing of the association between the DPF and the DMF.

[0184] In this embodiment, the first device proactively initiates a request to process the association between the first device and the first network function (i.e., the function providing data services proactively initiates a request to process its own association with the first network function), or the second device proactively initiates the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function (i.e., the first network function proactively initiates a request to process its own association with the first network function). Thus, by requesting or responding to the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, a practical implementation scheme is provided for the data (not limited to user plane data, but may include non-user plane data) control function to perform data processing / execution functions, which can be applied to future networks involving non-user plane data.

[0185] Figure 5 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 .like Figure 5 As shown, the communication method in this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0186] S501, the first device sends a first message to the second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0187] The implementation principle and technical effects of S501 can be referred to in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0188] S502, the second device sends a second message to the first device. The second message is used to respond to the first device's request to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message is used to request the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0189] In this case, the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function may not require the second device to make a request or response. For example, in the scenario of reporting relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, the second device may not need to send a second message to make a request and response. Therefore, S502 is an optional step.

[0190] In this embodiment, the first message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message is used to respond to the first device's request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, S502 is executed after S501, the first device actively initiates the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function through the first message, and the second device responds to the request through the second message. Alternatively, the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to respond to the first device's request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, S502 is executed before S501, the second device actively initiates the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function through the second message, and the first device responds to the request through the first message.

[0191] As an example, the DPF sends a first message to the DMF, requesting processing of the association between the DPF and the DMF. Upon receiving the first message, the DMF sends a second message to the DPF, responding to the request to process the association between the DPF and the DMF. Alternatively, the DMF looks up the address information of the DPF, and based on that address information, sends a second message to the DPF requesting processing of the association between the DPF and the DMF. Upon receiving the second message, the DPF sends a first message to the DMF, responding to the request to process the association between the DPF and the DMF.

[0192] In this embodiment, the first device and the second device communicate through a first message and a second message to request and respond to the association between the first device and the first network function. By requesting or responding to the association between the first device and the first network function, a practical implementation scheme is provided for the data control function to perform data processing / execution functions, which can be applied to future networks involving non-user plane data.

[0193] In some embodiments, when the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, that is, when the second device actively initiates processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the second device may look up the address information of the first device before sending the second message. This address information is used to send the second message so that the second message is accurately sent to the first device.

[0194] In some embodiments, the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing an association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0195] In a scenario involving the modification (or update) of the association between a first device and a first network function, a first message can be used to request the modification (or update) of the association between the first device and the first network function, and a second message can be used to respond to the request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, thus enabling the first device to proactively initiate the modification of the association between the first device and the first network function; alternatively, a second message can be used to request the modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, and a first message can be used to respond to the request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, thus enabling the second device to proactively initiate the modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0196] In the scenario of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message can be used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message can be used to respond to the request to release the association between the first device and the first network function, thus realizing that the first device actively initiates the release of the association between the first device and the first network function; or, the second message can be used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message can be used to respond to the request to release the association between the first device and the first network function, thus realizing that the second device actively initiates the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0197] In a scenario involving the reporting of information related to the association between a first device and a first network function, a first message can be used to report this information (i.e., respond to a request to report such information). The first device can proactively send the first message to achieve proactive reporting of this information. A second message can be used to request (the first device) to report the association between the first device and the first network function, enabling the second device to proactively request the first device to report this information.

[0198] In the configuration scenario of the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message can be used to request the configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message can be used to respond to the configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function, thereby realizing the configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function by the second device to the first device.

[0199] Below, corresponding embodiments are provided for the scenario where the first device is a terminal or an access network device.

[0200] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal, the first message and the second message are sent via non-access stratum (NAS) signaling.

[0201] In this context, the NAS can add messages related to data processing control to enable the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0202] In this embodiment, when the first device is a terminal, the communication between the first device and the second device is the communication between the terminal and the core network device. Therefore, the transmission of the first and second messages between the first and second devices can be achieved through NAS signaling. The first device generates the first message in the NAS layer and sends the first message to the second device; the second device generates the second message in the NAS layer and sends the second message to the first device.

[0203] In some embodiments, when the first device is an access network device, the first message and the second message are messages from the NG interface application protocol (NGAP) layer.

[0204] In this embodiment, when the first device is an access network device, the communication between the first device and the second device is the same as the communication between the access network device and the core network device. Therefore, the first device and the second device can send a first message and a second message at the NGAP layer. The first device generates a first message at the NGAP layer and sends the first message to the second device; the second device generates a second message at the NGAP layer and sends the second message to the first device.

[0205] In some embodiments, when the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages, the message header of the first message and the message header of the second message include at least one of the following: message type, identification information corresponding to NGAP, paging priority of the access network device, a flag indicating whether the previous protocol layer carries a NAS message, relevant information required to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or relevant information required to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0206] Specifically, the message types in the first message header and the second message header include: a request message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function, and a response message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message or the second message is used to request processing the association between the first device and the first network function, the message type in the message header of the first message or the second message is a request message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function; when the first message or the second message is used to respond to processing the association between the first device and the first network function, the message type in the message header of the first message or the second message is a response message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0207] The request includes information required to process the association between the first device and the first network function, such as information required to establish, modify, release, report, or configure the association between the first device and the first network function; and information required to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function, such as information required to establish, modify, release, report, or configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0208] As an example, the first device has a DPF function for providing data services. Taking the NGAP message used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function as an example, Table 1 below shows an example of the NGAP message header:

[0209] Table 1

[0210] IE / group name Status presentation Message Type M AMF UE NGAP ID M RAN UE NGAP ID M RAN paging priority O NAS-DPCS O Data processing control association establishment request list O DPF label O DPF supports data processing capabilities O Available data plane resources O

[0211] In Table 1, AMF UE NGAP ID and RAN UE NGAP ID are the identification information corresponding to NGAP. AMF UE NGAP ID is the ID for NGAP binding between AMF and UE, and RAN UE NGAP ID is the ID for NGAP binding between RAN and UE. NAS-DPCS is used to indicate whether the upper protocol layer carries a NAS message. RAN paging priority is the paging priority of the access network device. The data processing control association establishment request list contains relevant information required to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, such as DPF identifier, data processing capabilities supported by the DPF (such as data acquisition, cleaning, preprocessing, fusion, storage, analysis, mining, etc.), and available data plane resources of the DPF. In Table 1, the status presentation corresponding to the group name refers to whether the group name is required or optional in the message header. M indicates required or optional, and O indicates optional or optional.

[0212] If the request involves further processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the data processing control association establishment request list in Table 1 can be a list of such requests, such as a data processing control association modification request list, a data processing control association release request list, or a data processing control association configuration request list. If the request is a response to processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the data processing control association establishment request list can be a list of data processing control association processing responses, such as a data processing control association establishment response list, a data processing control association modification response list, a data processing control association release response list, or a data processing control association configuration response list. Accordingly, the information in the list will change based on the parameters required for the request or response.

[0213] Therefore, the NGAP message header includes a request message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function and / or a response message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function. The NGAP message header also includes information required for requesting to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or information required for responding to the request for processing the association between the first device and the first network function, thus providing a concrete implementation plan for the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0214] Figure 6 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 .like Figure 6 As shown, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0215] S601, the first device sends a first message to the third device. The first message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message is used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0216] The first message can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0217] The third device is a core network device, which has a second network function deployed in it. The second network function is used for terminal access and mobility management, such as AMF.

[0218] S602, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0219] That is, the first device sends the first message to the second device through the third device.

[0220] S603, the second device sends a second message to the third device. The second message is used to respond to the request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message is used to request the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0221] The second message can be referred to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0222] S604, the third device sends a second message to the first device.

[0223] That is, the second device sends a second message to the first device through the third device.

[0224] S603 and S604 are optional steps.

[0225] In this configuration, the first message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message is used to respond to the request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function. S603 and S604 can be executed after S601 and S602, enabling the first device to proactively initiate processing of the association between the first device and the first network function. Alternatively, the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. S603 and S604 can be executed before S601 and S602, enabling the second device to proactively initiate processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0226] In this embodiment, when the first device is a terminal, the first device can generate a first message at the NAS layer and send the first message to the third device through the access network device. After parsing the first message, the third device sends the first message to the second device. After receiving the first message, the second device generates a second message and sends the second message to the third device. After parsing the second message, the third device sends the second message to the first device at the NAS layer through the access network device. Thus, the association process between the terminal and the first network function is completed.

[0227] As an example, the first and second messages are Data Processing Control Service (DPCS) messages in the NAS layer. Figure 7 This is an example diagram of the NAS protocol stack. Figure 7As shown, the NAS includes the following service protocols: NAS non-access stratum session management (NAS-SM) protocol, short message service (SMS) protocol, UE policy protocol, location services control (LSC) protocol, DPCS protocol, NAS non-access stratum mobility management (NAS-SMM) protocol, and underlying protocols. Specifically, the terminal and AMF can communicate based on the underlying protocols and the NAS-MM protocol; the terminal and SMF can communicate based on the NAS-SM protocol; the terminal and the short message service function (SMSF) can communicate based on the SMS protocol; the terminal and the policy control function (PCF) can communicate based on the UE policy protocol; the terminal and the location management function (LMF) can communicate based on the LSC protocol; and the terminal and the DMF can communicate based on the DPCS protocol.

[0228] In this embodiment, when the first device is an access network device, the first device can generate a first message at the NGAP layer and send it to the third device. The third device parses the first message and then sends it to the second device. After receiving the first message, the second device can generate a second message and send it to the third device. The third device parses the second message and then sends it to the first device at the NGAP layer. Thus, the association between the terminal and the first network function is completed.

[0229] As an example, let's take the first device as RAN, the first network function as DMF, and the network function deployed in the third device as AMF. Figure 8 This is an example diagram of the protocol layers for RAN, AMF, and DMF. Figure 8As shown, the RAN and AMF correspond one-to-one at the L1 (physical layer), L2 (communication link layer), Internet Protocol (IP) layer, Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) layer, and NGAP layer. The AMF and DMF correspond one-to-one at the L1, L2, IP, TCP, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) layer, and application layer. The RAN can send a first message to the AMF at the NGAP layer, and the AMF can send a second message to the RAN at the NGAP layer.

[0230] The messages in the NGAP layer can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0231] In this embodiment of the application, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, since the second device is a core network device, the first device and the second device can forward the first message and the second message through the third device. By adding the corresponding type of message at the NAS layer or NGAP layer, the processing of the association between the terminal and the first network function and the processing of the association between the access network device and the first network function are realized.

[0232] In some embodiments, when the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, that is, when the second device actively initiates processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, before sending the second message, the second device may look up the address information of the first device, which is used to send the second message; and then, based on the address information, look up the third device that provides services to the first device, so as to accurately send the second message to the third device.

[0233] In some embodiments, when the access network device is service-oriented (i.e., the access network device accesses the core network in a service-oriented manner), the access network device can communicate directly with the second device without needing to forward messages through a third device. That is, when the first device accesses the core network in a service-oriented manner, the first device communicates directly with the second device.

[0234] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal and is in an idle state or not registered in the network, the first device may receive a paging message sent by the third device through the access network device before receiving the second message sent by the second device through the third device. The paging message contains relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function. Thus, the relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function is informed to the first device through the paging message, and after receiving the paging message, the first device knows that the second message is related to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0235] The following provides corresponding embodiments for the case where the first device is an access network device.

[0236] In some embodiments, when the first device is a core network device, the function for providing data services is deployed in at least one of the following ways: deployed as a standalone network function (NF), built into a control plane function, or built into a user plane function.

[0237] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a separate network function, the function for providing data services accesses the control plane function point-to-point, and / or, the first device accesses the core network in a service-oriented manner, that is, the function for providing data services accesses the core network in a service-oriented manner.

[0238] As an example, let's take the function of providing data services as DPF and the first network function as DMF. Figure 9 This is an example diagram of the architecture related to DPF and DMF deployment, where solid lines represent interfaces with physical entities and dashed lines represent interfaces with logical entities.

[0239] like Figure 9 As shown, the DMF can be deployed as a control plane function and access the core network in a service-oriented manner. That is, the DMF can communicate with other control plane network functions through the control bus.

[0240] There are several ways to deploy DPF: 1. Deploy DPF on the terminal (i.e., the first device is the terminal), for example... Figure 9 1. DPF1 is built into the UE; 2. DPF is deployed on the access network device (i.e., the first device is the access network device), for example Figure 9 DPF2 is built into the RAN; 3. DPF is used as an independent network function, accessing control plane functions in a point-to-point manner, for example... Figure 9In the DMF (Digital Function Foundation), DPF3 can be accessed as an independent network function in a point-to-point manner. It can also access other network functions, such as network repository function (NRF), PCF (Preinstallation Function), network exposure function (NEF), application function (AF), AMF (Application Function Foundation), and SMF (Small and Medium Function Foundation). 4. DPF can also be accessed as an independent network function in a service-oriented manner, for example... Figure 9 5. DPF4 is connected to the control bus in a service-oriented manner; 6. DPF is built into user plane functions, for example... Figure 9 6. DPF is built into the UPF; 7. DPF is built into control plane functions, such as DMF, NRF, PCF, NEF, AF, AMF, or SMF. Figure 9 An example of DPF being built into the control plane function is not shown.

[0241] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a point-to-point access control plane function or the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the first message and the second message are messages from the protocol layer related to data processing control in the control plane protocol stack.

[0242] In this embodiment, to facilitate the association between the first device and the first network function, a novel control plane protocol stack is proposed, which adds a protocol layer related to data processing control. When the function providing data services accesses the control plane function point-to-point or is built into the user plane function (i.e., when the function providing data services is deployed in a non-service manner on the core network device), the function providing data services and the first network function can communicate based on this control plane protocol stack; that is, the first device and the second device can communicate based on this control plane protocol stack.

[0243] In some embodiments, in the control plane protocol stack, the protocol layers related to data processing control are located above the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) layer. Therefore, a solution is provided for the implementation of the protocol stack and the location of relevant layers within the protocol stack for processing the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0244] As an example, the protocol layer related to data processing control will be referred to as the Data Processing Control Protocol (DPCP) layer. Figure 10 This is an example diagram of the control plane protocol stack with the DPCP layer added. (See diagram below.) Figure 10As shown, DPCP is located above the UDP layer, and the DMF and the DPF deployed in a non-service manner can send the first and second messages based on the DPCP layer.

[0245] In some embodiments, in protocol layer messages related to data processing control, the message header includes at least one of the following: a first flag indicating whether the message header contains identification information of the receiver or the sender; a second flag indicating message priority; a third flag indicating whether the data packet contains other messages related to data processing control; the protocol version number of the control plane protocol stack; the message type; the message length; the identification information of the receiver; the identification information of the sender; or the message sequence number. Thus, a solution for implementing the message headers of relevant protocol layers is provided for processing the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0246] In one possible implementation, the message format of the protocol layer related to data processing control is shown in Table 2 below:

[0247] Table 2

[0248]

[0249] In the message format of the protocol layer related to data processing control, there may be n bytes, each byte containing 8 bits. The content of the first byte to the m-th byte is the message header, and the content of the (m+1)-n-th byte is 0, 1, or more information elements.

[0250] In one possible implementation, the message headers of the protocol layer related to data processing control are defined as shown in Table 3 below:

[0251] Table 3

[0252]

[0253] The message header consists of N+3 bytes, each containing 8 bits. In the first byte: the first bit is the "S" flag, indicating whether the message header contains identification information of the receiver or sender; the second bit is the "MP" flag, indicating message priority (MP); the third bit is the "FO" flag, indicating whether the data packet contains other messages related to data processing control (FO is an abbreviation for "Follow-on"); the fourth and fifth bits are empty and reserved; the sixth to eighth bits are the protocol version number corresponding to the control plane protocol stack. The second byte contains the message type, which may include a request message or response message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function (including at least one of establishing, modifying, releasing, reporting, or configuring). The third and fourth bytes contain the message length. In bytes M to k(M+7), when the "S" flag is set to 1, bytes 5 to 12 of the message header contain the receiver identifier; otherwise, bytes 5 to 12 contain the sender identifier. Bytes N to N+2 contain the message sequence number. Byte N+3 is empty and reserved for future reference.

[0254] In some embodiments, when the first device accesses the core network in a service-oriented manner, the control plane protocol stack between the first device and the second device can adopt an existing control plane protocol stack. The first device and the second device can send the first message and the second message through the service-based interface (SBI) protocol stack to complete the association processing between the first device and the first network function.

[0255] In this embodiment, the SBI protocol stack can be consistent with the SBI protocol stack in a 5G system or the SBI protocol stack of a future network, such as HTTP 2.0 or HTTP 3.0. Figure 11 This is an example diagram of the HTTP / 2 SBI protocol stack. The HTTP / 2 SBI protocol stack includes the following protocol layers: application layer, HTTP / 2 layer, TCP layer, IP layer, L2 layer, and L1 layer. The DMF and the DPF that access the core network in a service-oriented manner can communicate based on this protocol stack.

[0256] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a standalone network function or the function for providing data services is built into the control plane function, the first device may look up the address information of the second device, which is used to send the first message so as to accurately send the first message to the second device.

[0257] In this embodiment, when the data service provision function of the first device is an independent network function or is built into the control plane function, the first device can look up the address information of the second device. In contrast, when the first device is a terminal or access network device, or when the data service provision function is built into the user plane function, the first device cannot look up the address information of the second device, or is not allowed to look up the address information. The first device looking up the address information of the second device is applicable in scenarios where the first device actively requests processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0258] Figure 12 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 4 .like Figure 12 As shown, when the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the communication method in this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0259] S1201, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device. The first message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message is used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0260] The fourth device is a core network device, which deploys a third network function for session management. For example, the third network function is SMF.

[0261] S1202, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0262] That is, the first device sends the first message to the second device through the fourth device.

[0263] S1203, the second device sends a second message to the fourth device. The second message is used to respond to the request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message is used to request the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0264] S1204, the fourth device sends a second message to the first device.

[0265] That is, the second device sends a second message to the first device through the fourth device.

[0266] S1203 and S1204 are optional steps.

[0267] In this configuration, the first message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message is used to respond to the request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function. S1203 and S1204 can be executed after S1201 and S1202, enabling the first device to proactively initiate processing of the association between the first device and the first network function. Alternatively, the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. S1203 and S1204 can be executed before S1201 and S1202, enabling the second device to proactively initiate processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0268] In this embodiment, when the first device is a core network device and the data service function of the first device is built into the user plane function, the first device can send a first message to the second device through the third network function in the fourth device, such as through SMF; the second device can send a second message to the first device through the third network function in the fourth device, such as through SMF.

[0269] In this embodiment of the application, when the first device is a core network device and the data service function of the first device is built into the user plane function, the first device and the second device send the first message and the second message through the fourth device to realize the request or response to process the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0270] In some embodiments, when the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, that is, when the second device actively initiates processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, before sending the second message, the second device may look up the address information of the first device, which is used to send the second message; and then, based on the address information, look up the fourth device that provides services to the first device, so as to accurately send the second message to the fourth device.

[0271] The following provides corresponding embodiments for establishing the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0272] In some embodiments, the first message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0273] The first message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, or the attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services, so that the second device can determine whether to agree to or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function based on the identification information of the first device, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, and / or the attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services.

[0274] Where the second message is used to agree to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the second message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function (this identification information is the identification information assigned by the second device for the newly established association between the first device and the first network function), the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, attribute information of the second device related to the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is "successful".

[0275] Where the second message is used to refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function (for example, if an association already exists between the first device and the first network function, the request of the first message is rejected, so the identification information can be the identification information of an existing association between the first device and the first network function), the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is establishment failure.

[0276] The identification information of the first device may be the identification information of the function used to provide data services, and the identification information of the second device may be the identification information of the first network function.

[0277] Optionally, a first device may be associated with one or more first network functions, and a first network function may be associated with one or more first devices. An association relationship is allowed between a first device and a first network function, that is, the association between a first device and a first network function is unique. Therefore, the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function is used to uniquely identify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0278] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0279] The second message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or attribute information of the second device related to the first network function.

[0280] Where the first message is used to agree to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is "successful".

[0281] Where the first message is used to refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is establishment failure.

[0282] In some embodiments, the attribute information of the first device related to the function for providing data services includes at least one of the following: the resources of the first device for providing data services, the location information of the first device, or the duration of existence of the function for providing data services in the first device. Wherein, the resources of the first device for providing data services refer to the resources allowed to be used by the function for providing data services in the first device, such as processor resources, storage resources, etc.; the location information of the first device may include at least one of the following: the Internet Protocol (IP) address, the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address, and / or the actual geographical location of the first device. The duration of existence of the function for providing data services in the first device may also be referred to as the lifetime of the function.

[0283] In some embodiments, the attribute information related to the first network function in the second device includes at least one of the following: function information supported by the first network function, the control scope of the first network function, network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of the existence of the first network function in the second device, and alternative network functions for data service management.

[0284] Optionally, the function information supported by the first network function may include functions related to the functions in the first device used to provide data services. Further, the function information supported by the first network function may include functions that affect or have a certain probability of affecting the functions in the first device used to provide data services. Further, the function information supported by the first network function may include a list of function information supported by the first network function, which includes functions that affect or have a certain probability of affecting the functions in the first device used to provide data services.

[0285] The network function set information corresponding to the first network function refers to the information of the network function set to which the first network function belongs, such as the identifier and size of the network function set. The duration of the first network function in the second device can also be called the lifetime of the first network function. The alternative network functions used for data service management are the alternative first network functions. If the current first network function is unavailable (e.g., downtime), the first device can select other first network functions from the alternative first network functions to establish an association.

[0286] In some embodiments, when a first message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function, or when a second message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function, the second device can establish the association between the first device and the first network function and assign corresponding identification information to the association. Then, the second device can send the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function to the first device via a second message, and the first device can use the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function. Thus, the second device (i.e., the first network function) is responsible for establishing the association between the first device and the first network function and assigning the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0287] In some embodiments, when the first message requests the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, the second device can determine whether an association exists between the first device and the first network function. If no association exists, the second device establishes an association between the first device and the first network function. Then, the second device can indicate its agreement to establish the association between the first device and the first network function via a second message. This avoids the existence of multiple associations between the first device and the first network function.

[0288] Whether there is an association between the first device and the first network function refers to whether an association between the first device and the first network function was established in the past and whether the association has not been released.

[0289] In this embodiment, the second device can search for whether there is an association between the first device and the first network function based on the parameter information contained in the first message (refer to the foregoing embodiment). For example, it can search for whether there is an association between the first device and the first network function based on the identification information of the first device.

[0290] Optionally, if an association already exists between the first device and the first network function, the association is re-established, and the existing old association between the first device and the first network function is overwritten by the newly established association. Alternatively, if an association already exists between the first device and the first network function, the existing old association is modified. Thus, considering that the data processing capabilities supported by the first device and the attribute information of the first device related to its data service functions may change, when an association already exists between the first device and the first network function, the association is updated by establishing a new association and using the new association to overwrite the old association, or by directly modifying the old association, thereby avoiding multiple associations between the first device and the first network function.

[0291] Optionally, after overwriting or modifying the existing old association between the first device and the first network function, corresponding identification information can be assigned to the association between the first device and the first network function (which may include newly established associations or modified old associations).

[0292] Optionally, after overwriting or modifying existing old associations between the first device and the first network function, the data services bound to the existing old associations can be retained. This mitigates the impact of overwriting or modifying existing old associations on the data services managed by the first network function.

[0293] Figure 13 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 5 .like Figure 13 As shown, when the first device is a terminal, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0294] S1301, the first device sends a first message to the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed) through the access network device. The first message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0295] The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device (e.g., identification information of the DPF), data processing capabilities supported by the first device (e.g., data processing capabilities supported by the DPF), or attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services.

[0296] Optionally, the attribute information of the first device related to the function for providing data services includes at least one of the following: the resources of the first device for providing data services, the location information of the first device, or the existence duration of the function for providing data services in the first device (e.g., the lifetime of the DPF). This facilitates the second device in determining whether to establish an association between the first device and the first network function based on this information, and / or facilitates the second device in establishing an association between the first device and the first network function based on this information. This attribute information has been described in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0297] S1302, the third device selects the second device for the first device.

[0298] In this embodiment, the third device can randomly select the second device, or it can select a suitable second device for the first device based on the parameters contained in the first message.

[0299] S1303, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0300] S1304, the second device determines whether to establish or modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0301] S1304 is an optional step.

[0302] In this embodiment, the second device can determine whether to establish or modify the association between the first device and the first network function by judging whether an association already exists. For details, please refer to the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here. The second device can determine whether to establish the association between the first device and the first network function based on the parameter information contained in the first message. If the association between the first device and the first network function cannot be established, the second device can refuse to establish the association through the second message.

[0303] S1305, the second device assigns and stores identification information for the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0304] S1305 is an optional step.

[0305] In this embodiment, when the second device determines to establish or modify the association between the first device and the first network function, it can assign and store identification information for the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0306] S1306, the second device updates the association between the first device and the second device.

[0307] S1306 is an optional step.

[0308] In this embodiment, if the association between the first device and the first network function already exists, and the second device determines to establish a new association between the first device and the first network function or modify the existing old association between the first device and the first network function, then the association between the first device and the second device can be updated.

[0309] S1307, the second device sends a second message to the third device, the second message being used to agree or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0310] Where the second message is used to agree to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the second message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, attribute information of the second device related to the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is "successful".

[0311] Wherein, when the second message is used to refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function (i.e., identification information of the existing old association between the first device and the first network function), the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0312] Optionally, the attribute information related to the first network function in the second device includes at least one of the following: function information supported by the first network function, the control scope of the first network function, network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of the first network function in the second device, and alternative network functions for data service management. For details, please refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0313] S1308, the third device sends a second message to the first device through the access network device.

[0314] S1309, the first device stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0315] S1309 is an optional step.

[0316] The relevant content of the above steps (such as the third device, the first message, the second message, the parameters contained in the first message, the parameters contained in the second message, etc.) can be referred to the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0317] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for the case where the first device is a terminal, when the first device actively initiates a request to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0318] Figure 14 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 6 .like Figure 14 As shown, when the first device is a terminal, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0319] S1401, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0320] S1402, the second device selects the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed) based on the address information of the first device.

[0321] As an example, the second device may look up the address information of the first device in the local configuration of the first network function, or the second device may look up the address information of the first device in the unified data management (UDM); then, the second device may look up the third device that provides services to the first device in the UDM based on the address information.

[0322] S1403, the second device sends a second message to the third device, the second message being used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0323] The second message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function (identification information assigned by the second device to the first device for the association to be established between the first device and the first network function), or attribute information of the second device related to the first network function.

[0324] S1404, the third device sends a paging message to the first device through the access network device.

[0325] Step S1404 is optional. If the first device is in an idle state (e.g., CM-IDLE) or not registered in the network (e.g., RM-REGISTERED), the third device sends a paging message to the first device.

[0326] As an example, the third device sends a paging message (containing the NAS ID for paging, a list of registered areas, the discontinuous reception (DRX) length, paging priority, information related to the association between the first device and the first network function, enhanced coverage limitation information, and wake-up signal (WUS) auxiliary information) to the access network device belonging to the registered area of ​​the first device; then, the access network device paging the first device.

[0327] S1405, the third device sends a second message to the first device through the access network device.

[0328] S1406, the first device stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0329] S1406 is an optional step. If the first device agrees to establish an association between itself and the first network function, it stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0330] S1407, the first device sends a first message to the third device through the access network device. The first message is used to agree or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0331] Where the first message is used to agree to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is "successful".

[0332] Where the first message is used to refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is establishment failure.

[0333] S1408, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0334] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0335] As can be seen, in the embodiments of this application, for the case where the first device is a terminal, a corresponding implementation scheme is provided when the second device actively initiates a request to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0336] Figure 15 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 7 .like Figure 15 As shown, when the first device is an access network device, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0337] S1501, the first device sends a first message to the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed), the first message being used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0338] S1502, the third device selects the second device for the first device.

[0339] S1503, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0340] S1504, the second device determines whether to establish or modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0341] S1504 is an optional step, and can be referred to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0342] S1505, the second device assigns and stores identification information for the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0343] S1505 is an optional step, and can be referred to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0344] S1506, the second device updates the association between the first device and the second device.

[0345] S1506 is an optional step, and can be referred to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0346] S1507, the second device sends a second message to the third device, the second message being used to agree or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0347] S1508, the third device sends a second message to the first device.

[0348] S1509, the first device stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0349] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0350] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for the case where the first device is an access network device, when the first device actively initiates a request to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0351] Figure 16 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 8 .like Figure 16 As shown, when the first device is an access network device, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0352] S1601, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0353] S1602, the second device selects the third device based on the address information of the first device.

[0354] As an example, the second device may look up the address information of the first device in the local configuration of the first network function, or the second device may look up the address information of the first device in the unified data management (UDM); then, the second device may look up the third device that provides services to the first device in the UDM based on the address information.

[0355] S1603, the second device sends a second message to the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed), the second message being used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0356] S1604, the third device sends a second message to the first device.

[0357] S1605, the first device stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0358] Step S1605 is optional. Refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments; further details will not be repeated here.

[0359] S1606, the first device sends a first message to the third device, the first message being used to agree or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0360] S1607, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0361] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0362] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for when the second device actively initiates a request to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, assuming the first device is an access network device.

[0363] Figure 17 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 9 .like Figure 17 As shown, when the first device is a core network device, and the function for providing data services is deployed as an independent network function or built into a control plane function (e.g., the DPF is an independent NF or built into a control plane function), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0364] S1701, the first device searches for the address information of the second device.

[0365] S1702, the first device sends a first message to the second device based on the address information of the second device. The first message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0366] S1703, the second device determines whether to establish or modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0367] Step S1703 is optional. Refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments; further details will not be repeated here.

[0368] S1704, the second device assigns and stores identification information for the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0369] Step S1704 is optional. Refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments; further details will not be repeated here.

[0370] S1705, the second device updates the association between the first device and the second device.

[0371] Step S1705 is optional. Refer to the description of the foregoing embodiments; further details will not be repeated here.

[0372] S1706, the second device sends a second message to the first device, the second message being used to agree to or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0373] S1707, the first device stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0374] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0375] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for the case where the first device is a core network device and the function used to provide data services is deployed as an independent network function, when the first device actively initiates a request to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0376] Figure 18 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 .like Figure 18 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is deployed as an independent network function or built into a control plane function (e.g., the DPF is an independent NF or built into a control plane function), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0377] S1801, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0378] S1802, the second device sends a second message to the first device based on the address information of the first device. The second message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0379] S1803, the first device stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0380] S1803 is an optional step. If the first device agrees to establish an association between itself and the first network function, it stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0381] S1804, the first device sends a first message to the second device, the first message being used to agree or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0382] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0383] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for when the second device actively initiates a request to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, assuming the first device is an access network device.

[0384] Figure 19 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 1. For example Figure 19 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function (e.g., DPF is placed in UPF), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0385] S1901, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device (e.g., the fourth device has an SMF deployed in it), the first message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0386] S1902, the fourth device selects the second device for the first device.

[0387] In this embodiment, the fourth device can randomly select the second device, or it can select a suitable second device for the first device based on the parameters contained in the first message.

[0388] S1903, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0389] S1904, the second device determines whether to establish or modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0390] S1904 is an optional step, and can be referred to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0391] S1905, the second device assigns and stores identification information for the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0392] S1905 is an optional step, and can be referred to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0393] S1906, the second device updates the association between the first device and the second device.

[0394] S1906 is an optional step, and can be referred to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0395] S1907, the second device sends a second message to the fourth device, the second message being used to agree or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0396] S1908, the fourth device sends a second message to the first device.

[0397] S1909, the first device stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0398] The relevant content of the above steps (such as the third device, the first message, the second message, the parameters contained in the first message, the parameters contained in the second message, etc.) can be referred to the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0399] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for situations where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, when the first device actively initiates a request to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0400] Figure 20 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 2. For example Figure 20 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function (e.g., DPF is placed in UPF), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0401] S2001, The second device searches for the address information of the user plane function where the function used to provide data services is located.

[0402] S2002, the second device selects the fourth device based on the address information of the user plane function.

[0403] S2003, the second device sends a second message to the fourth device (e.g., the fourth device has an SMF deployed in it), the second message being used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0404] S2005, the fourth device sends a second message to the first device.

[0405] S2006, The first device stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0406] S2006 is an optional step. If the first device agrees to establish an association between itself and the first network function, it stores the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0407] S2007, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device, the first message being used to agree or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0408] S2008, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0409] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0410] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, and the second device actively initiates a request to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0411] Below, corresponding embodiments are provided for modifications to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0412] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. That is, the first device actively initiates the modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0413] The first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first device, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function. This information is used by the second device to determine whether to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0414] Wherein, when the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is "successfully established".

[0415] Wherein, when the second message is used to refuse modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is establishment failure.

[0416] Optionally, the update information of the first device includes at least one of the following: updated resources for data services, updated location information, or the duration of updates to functions for providing data services.

[0417] Optionally, the data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: data service identification information, data service requester identification information, or data service priority. Thus, the data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function can be modified based on one or more of these.

[0418] Optionally, if the first message contains updated information about the first device and the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the second device may modify the information related to the first device in the association between the first device and the first network function based on the updated information of the first device. Furthermore, the second device may update at least one of the following in the association between the first device and the first network function: the resources used for data services, location information, or the duration of existence of the function used to provide data services for the first device, based on the updated information of the first device.

[0419] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. That is, the second device actively initiates the modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0420] The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first network function, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function;

[0421] Wherein, when the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function;

[0422] Wherein, when the first message is used to refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0423] Optionally, the update information of the second device includes at least one of the following: the updated function information supported by the first network function, the control scope of the update of the first network function, the updated network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of the existence of the update of the first network function in the second device.

[0424] Optionally, if the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function and the second message contains updated information about the first network function, the first device may modify the information related to the first network function in the association between the first device and the first network function according to the updated information about the first network function. Furthermore, the first device may modify the information about the functions supported by the first network function, the control scope of the first network function, the network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of the first network function's presence in the second device in the association between the first device and the first network function, according to the updated information about the first network function.

[0425] Figure 21 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 Three. For example... Figure 21 As shown, when the first device is a terminal, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0426] S2101, the first device sends a first message to the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed) through the access network device. The first message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0427] The first message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first device, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0428] Optionally, the update information of the first device includes at least one of the following: updated resources for data services, updated location information, or the duration of updates to functions for providing data services.

[0429] Optionally, the data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the data service, the identification information of the requester of the data service, or the priority of the data service.

[0430] S2102, the third device selects the second device for the first device.

[0431] In this embodiment, the third device can select the second device based on the parameters contained in the first message.

[0432] Optionally, the third device selects the second device based on at least one of the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, or the identification information relating the first device to the first network function.

[0433] S2103, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0434] S2104, the second device determines whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0435] S2104 is an optional step.

[0436] As an example, the second device can determine whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function by checking whether the association can be found; if not found, it can refuse to modify; otherwise, it agrees to modify.

[0437] S2105, the second device modifies the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0438] S2105 is an optional step.

[0439] In this embodiment, if it is determined that the association between the first device and the first network function needs to be modified, S2105 is executed.

[0440] S2106, the second device sends a second message to the third device, the second message being used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0441] Wherein, when the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message may include at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is "successfully established".

[0442] Wherein, when the second message is used to refuse modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. In this case, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function is establishment failure.

[0443] S2107, the third device sends a second message to the first device through the access network device.

[0444] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0445] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for the case where the first device is a terminal, when the first device actively initiates a request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0446] Figure 22 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 IV. For example Figure 22 As shown, when the first device is a terminal, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0447] S2201, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0448] S2202, the second device selects the third device based on the address information of the first device.

[0449] S2203, the second device sends a second message to the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed), the second message being used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0450] The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first network function, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0451] Optionally, the update information of the second device includes at least one of the following: the updated function information supported by the first network function, the control scope of the update of the first network function, the updated network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of the existence of the update of the first network function in the second device.

[0452] Optionally, the data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the data service, the identification information of the requester of the data service, or the priority of the data service.

[0453] S2204, the third device sends a paging message to the first device through the access network device.

[0454] Step S2204 is optional. If the first device is idle or not registered on the network, the third device sends a paging message to the first device.

[0455] S2205, the third device sends a second message to the first device through the access network device.

[0456] S2206, the first device determines whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0457] S2206 is an optional step.

[0458] As an example, the first device can determine whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function by checking whether the association can be found; if not found, the modification can be refused, otherwise the modification can be agreed to.

[0459] S2207, the first device modifies the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0460] S2207 is an optional step.

[0461] S2208, the first device sends a first message to the third device through the access network device. The first message is used to agree or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function.

[0462] Wherein, when the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function;

[0463] Wherein, when the first message is used to refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0464] S2209, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0465] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0466] As can be seen, in the embodiments of this application, for the case where the first device is a terminal, a corresponding implementation scheme is provided when the second device actively initiates a request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0467] Figure 23 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 5. For example Figure 23 As shown, when the first device is an access network device, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0468] S2301, the first device sends a first message to the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed), the first message being used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0469] S2302, the third device selects the second device for the first device.

[0470] S2303, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0471] S2304, the second device determines whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0472] S2304 is an optional step.

[0473] S2305, The second device modifies the association between the first device and the second device.

[0474] S2305 is an optional step.

[0475] S2306, the second device sends a second message to the third device, the second message being used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0476] S2307, the third device sends a second message to the first device.

[0477] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0478] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for the case where the first device is an access network device, when the first device actively initiates a request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0479] Figure 24 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 6. For example Figure 24 As shown, when the first device is an access network device, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0480] S2401, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0481] S2402, the second device selects the third device based on the address information of the first device.

[0482] S2403, the second device sends a second message to the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed), the second message being used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0483] S2404, the third device sends a second message to the first device.

[0484] S2405, the first device determines whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0485] S2405 is an optional step.

[0486] S2406, The first device modifies the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0487] S2406 is an optional step.

[0488] S2407, the first device sends a first message to the third device, the first message being used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0489] S2408, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0490] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0491] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for when the second device actively initiates a request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, assuming the first device is an access network device.

[0492] Figure 25Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 7. For example Figure 25 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is deployed as an independent network function or built into a control plane function (e.g., the DPF is an independent NF or built into a control plane function), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0493] S2501, the first device searches for the address information of the second device.

[0494] S2502, the first device sends a first message to the second device based on the address information of the second device. The first message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0495] S2503, the second device determines whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0496] S2503 is an optional step.

[0497] S2504, The second device modifies the association between the first device and the second device.

[0498] S2504 is an optional step. If it is determined that the association between the first device and the first network function needs to be modified, the association between the first device and the second device is modified.

[0499] S2505, the second device sends a second message to the first device, the second message being used to agree to or modify the establishment of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0500] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0501] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for the case where the first device is a core network device and the function used to provide data services is deployed as an independent network function, when the first device actively initiates a request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0502] Figure 26 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 8. For example Figure 26 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is deployed as an independent network function or built into a control plane function (e.g., the DPF is an independent NF or built into a control plane function), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0503] S2601, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0504] S2602, the second device sends a second message to the first device based on the address information of the first device. The second message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0505] S2603, the first device determines whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0506] S2603 is an optional step.

[0507] S2604, The first device modifies the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0508] S2604 is an optional step. If it is determined that the association between the first device and the first network function needs to be modified, the association between the first device and the second device is modified.

[0509] S2605, the first device sends a first message to the second device, the first message being used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0510] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0511] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for when the second device actively initiates a request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, assuming the first device is an access network device.

[0512] Figure 27 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 10 9. For example Figure 27 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function (e.g., DPF is built into UPF), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0513] S2701, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device (e.g., an AMF is deployed), the first message being used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0514] S2702, the fourth device selects the second device for the first device.

[0515] In this embodiment, the fourth device can select the second device based on the parameters contained in the first message.

[0516] Optionally, the fourth device selects the second device based on at least one of the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, or the identification information relating the first device to the first network function.

[0517] S2703, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0518] S2704, the second device determines whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0519] S2704 is an optional step.

[0520] S2705, The second device modifies the association between the first device and the second device.

[0521] Step S2705 is optional. If it is determined that the association between the first device and the first network function needs to be modified, the association between the first device and the second device is modified.

[0522] S2706, the second device sends a second message to the fourth device, the second message being used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0523] S2707, the fourth device sends a second message to the first device.

[0524] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0525] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for situations where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, when the first device actively initiates a request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0526] Figure 28 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 10. For example Figure 28 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function (e.g., DPF is built into UPF), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0527] S2801, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0528] S2802, the second device selects the fourth device (e.g., an AMF is deployed) based on the address information of the first device.

[0529] S2803, the second device sends a second message to the fourth device, the second message being used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0530] S2804, the fourth device sends a second message to the first device.

[0531] S2805, the first device determines whether to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0532] S2805 is an optional step.

[0533] S2806, The first device modifies the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0534] S2806 is an optional step. If it is determined that the association between the first device and the first network function needs to be modified, the association between the first device and the second device is modified.

[0535] S2807, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device, the first message being used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0536] S2808, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0537] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0538] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for situations where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, when the second device actively initiates a request to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0539] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function. That is, the first device actively requests the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0540] The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, so that the second device can determine whether to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function based on at least one of these information.

[0541] Wherein, when the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0542] Wherein, when the second message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0543] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function. That is, the second device actively requests the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0544] The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, so that the first device can determine whether to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function based on at least one of these messages.

[0545] Wherein, when the first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0546] Wherein, when the first message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0547] Optionally, if the first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, or if the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first device may delete the relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function. The second device may also delete the relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0548] Figure 29 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 11. For example. Figure 29 As shown, when the first device is a terminal, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0549] S2901, the first device sends a first message to the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed) through the access network device. The first message is used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0550] The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, so that the second device can determine whether to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function based on at least one of these information.

[0551] S2902, the third device selects the second device for the first device.

[0552] In this embodiment, the third device can select the second device based on the parameters contained in the first message.

[0553] Optionally, the third device selects the second device based on at least one of the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, or the identification information relating the first device to the first network function.

[0554] S2903, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0555] S2904, the second device determines whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0556] S2904 is an optional step.

[0557] As an example, the second device can determine whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function by checking whether the association can be found; if not found, it can refuse to release; otherwise, it agrees to release.

[0558] S2905, the second device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0559] S2905 is an optional step.

[0560] In this embodiment, if it is determined that the association between the first device and the first network function needs to be modified, S2105 is executed.

[0561] S2906, the second device sends a second message to the third device, the second message being used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0562] Wherein, when the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0563] Wherein, when the second message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0564] S2907, the third device sends a second message to the first device through the access network device.

[0565] S2908, the first device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0566] S2908 is an optional step.

[0567] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0568] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for the case where the first device is a terminal, when the first device actively initiates a request to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0569] Figure 30 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 12. For example Figure 30 As shown, when the first device is a terminal, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0570] S3001, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0571] S3002, the second device selects the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed) based on the address information of the first device.

[0572] S3003, the second device sends a second message to the third device, the second message being used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0573] The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, so that the first device can determine whether to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function based on at least one of these messages.

[0574] S3004, the third device sends a paging message to the first device through the access network device.

[0575] Step S3004 is optional. If the first device is idle or not registered on the network, the third device sends a paging message to the first device.

[0576] S3005, the third device sends a second message to the first device through the access network device.

[0577] S3006, the first device determines whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0578] S3006 is an optional step.

[0579] As an example, the first device can determine whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function by checking whether the association can be found; if it cannot be found, it can refuse to release it; otherwise, it can agree to release it.

[0580] S3007, the first device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0581] S3007 is an optional step.

[0582] S3008, the first device sends a first message to the third device through the access network device. The first message is used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0583] Wherein, when the first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0584] Wherein, when the first message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0585] S3009, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0586] S3010, the second device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0587] S3010 is an optional step.

[0588] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0589] As can be seen, in the embodiments of this application, for the case where the first device is a terminal, a corresponding implementation scheme is provided when the second device actively initiates a request to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0590] Figure 31 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 Thirteen. For example... Figure 31 As shown, when the first device is an access network device, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0591] S3101, the first device sends a first message to the third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed), the first message being used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0592] S3102, the third device selects the second device for the first device.

[0593] S3103, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0594] S3104, the second device determines whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0595] S3104 is an optional step.

[0596] S3105, the second device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0597] S3105 is an optional step.

[0598] S3106, the second device sends a second message to the third device, the second message being used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0599] S3107, the third device sends a second message to the first device.

[0600] S3108, the first device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0601] S3108 is an optional step.

[0602] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0603] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for the case where the first device is an access network device, when the first device actively initiates a request to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0604] Figure 32 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 Fourteen. For example... Figure 32 As shown, when the first device is an access network device, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0605] S3201, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0606] S3202, the second device selects the third device based on the address information of the first device.

[0607] S3203, the second device sends a second message to the third device (e.g., with an AMF deployed), the second message being used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0608] S3204, the third device sends a second message to the first device.

[0609] S3205, the first device determines whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0610] S3205 is an optional step.

[0611] S3206, the first device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0612] S3206 is an optional step.

[0613] S3207, the first device sends a first message to the third device, the first message being used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0614] S3208, the third device sends the first message to the second device.

[0615] S3209, the second device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0616] S3209 is an optional step.

[0617] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0618] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for when the second device actively initiates a request to release the association between the first device and the first network function, assuming the first device is an access network device.

[0619] Figure 33 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 15. For example Figure 33 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is deployed as an independent network function or built into a control plane function (e.g., the DPF is an independent NF or built into a control plane function), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0620] S3301, the first device searches for the address information of the second device.

[0621] S3302, the first device sends a first message to the second device based on the address information of the second device. The first message is used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0622] S3303, the second device determines whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0623] S3303 is an optional step.

[0624] S3304, the second device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0625] S3304 is an optional step.

[0626] S3305, the second device sends a second message to the first device, the second message being used to agree to or modify the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0627] S3306, the first device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0628] S3306 is an optional step.

[0629] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0630] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for the case where the first device is a core network device and the function used to provide data services is deployed as an independent network function, when the first device actively initiates a request to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0631] Figure 34 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 Sixteen. For example. Figure 34 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is deployed as an independent network function or built into a control plane function (e.g., the DPF is an independent NF or built into a control plane function), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0632] S3401, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0633] S3402, the second device sends a second message to the first device based on the address information of the first device. The second message is used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0634] S3403, the first device determines whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0635] S3403 is an optional step.

[0636] S3404, the first device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0637] S3404 is an optional step.

[0638] S3405, the first device sends a first message to the second device, the first message being used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0639] S3406, the second device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0640] S3406 is an optional step.

[0641] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0642] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for when the second device actively initiates a request to release the association between the first device and the first network function, assuming the first device is an access network device.

[0643] Figure 35 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 17. For example Figure 35 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function (e.g., DPF is built into UPF), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0644] S3501, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device (e.g., an SMF is deployed), the first message being used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0645] S3502, the fourth device selects the second device for the first device.

[0646] S3503, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0647] S3504, the second device determines whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0648] S3504 is an optional step.

[0649] S3505, the second device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0650] S3505 is an optional step.

[0651] S3506, the second device sends a second message to the fourth device, the second message being used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0652] S3507, the fourth device sends a second message to the first device.

[0653] S3508, the first device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0654] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0655] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for situations where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, when the first device actively initiates a request to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0656] Figure 36 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 18. For example Figure 36 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function (e.g., DPF is built into UPF), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0657] S3601, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0658] S3602, the second device selects the fourth device (e.g., an SMF is deployed) based on the address information of the first device.

[0659] S3603, the second device sends a second message to the fourth device, the second message being used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0660] S3604, the fourth device sends a second message to the first device.

[0661] S3605, the first device determines whether to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0662] S3605 is an optional step.

[0663] S3606, the first device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0664] S3606 is an optional step.

[0665] S3607, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device, the first message being used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0666] S3608, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0667] S3609, the second device deletes the relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0668] S3609 is an optional step.

[0669] The relevant content of the above steps can be referred to in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0670] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for situations where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, when the second device actively initiates a request to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0671] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the reporting of information related to the association between the first device and the first network function, while the first message is used to report such information. The second message is optional; the first device may proactively send the first message to the second device, or it may send the first message to the second device after receiving the second message. That is, the first device may proactively or, at the instruction of the second device, report information related to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0672] The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting type or data report to be reported.

[0673] The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information or data report regarding the association between the first device and the first network function. The data report contains relevant information regarding the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0674] Optionally, the reporting type includes at least one of the following: periodic reporting, passively triggered reporting, and conditionally triggered reporting. The first device may periodically report information related to the association between the first device and the first network function, or report information related to the association between the first device and the first network function under passive triggering, or report information related to the association between the first device and the first network function under conditionally triggered (actively reporting when certain conditions are met).

[0675] Optionally, the data reports that need to be reported include at least one of the following: data resource reports (e.g., data resource failure reports), data resource recovery reports, heartbeat packets, data capability status reports, clock reports, or data quality reports.

[0676] Optionally, the reporting process for information related to the association between the first device and the first network function can coexist with the data service capability management process. The data service capability management focuses on the reporting and management of data service capabilities used by the first device. The reporting process focuses more on the association status between the first device and the first network function (such as heartbeat mechanisms). The first network function can execute the data service capability management process for its associated first device; alternatively, the data service capability management process can be included within the aforementioned reporting process.

[0677] Figure 37 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 Nineteen. For example... Figure 37 As shown, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0678] S3701, the second device sends a second message to the first device through a third device (e.g., an AMF is deployed). The second message is used to request the reporting of relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0679] The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting type or data report to be reported.

[0680] Optionally, if the first device is a terminal, the second device connects to the third device and the access network device. Figure 37 (Not shown in the image), and sends a second message to the first device.

[0681] S3701 is an optional step. S3701 is executed during passive reporting, while S3702 is executed during active reporting and S3701 is not required.

[0682] S3702, the first device sends a first message to the second device through the third device. The first message is used to report relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0683] The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information or data report regarding the association between the first device and the first network function. The data report contains relevant information regarding the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0684] In the case where the first device is a terminal, the first device accesses the network device ( Figure 37 (Not shown in the image) and a third device send a first message to the second device.

[0685] As can be seen, this application embodiment provides a corresponding implementation scheme for reporting the association between the first device and the first network function when the first device is a terminal or an access network device.

[0686] Figure 38 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 10. For example Figure 38 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is deployed as an independent network function or built into a control plane function (e.g., the DPF is an independent NF or built into a control plane function), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps S3801 and S3802, or, may include the following steps S3803 to S3805:

[0687] S3801, the first device searches for the address information of the second device.

[0688] S3802, the first device sends a first message to the second device based on the address information of the second device. The first message is used to report relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0689] In this embodiment, for the case where the first device is a core network device and the function used to provide data services is deployed as an independent network function, S3801 to S3802 provide a solution for the first device to actively report relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0690] S3803, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0691] S3804, the second device sends a second message to the first device based on the address information of the first device. The second message is used to request the reporting of relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0692] S3805, the first device sends a first message to the second device. The first message is used to report relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0693] In this embodiment, for the case where the first device is a core network device and the function used to provide data services is deployed as an independent network function, S3803 to S3805 provide a solution for the first device to actively report relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0694] Figure 39 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 11. For example. Figure 39As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function (e.g., DPF is built into UPF), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps S3901 to S3903, or the following steps S3904 to S3909:

[0695] S3901, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device. The first message is used to report relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0696] S3902, the fourth device selects the second device for the first device.

[0697] S3903, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0698] In this embodiment, for the case where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, S3901 to S3903 provide a solution for the first device to actively report relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0699] S3904, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0700] S3905, the second device selects the fourth device based on the address information of the first device.

[0701] S3906, the second device sends a second message to the fourth device, the second message being used to request the reporting of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0702] S3907, the fourth device sends a second message to the first device.

[0703] S3908, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device. The first message is used to report the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0704] S3909, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0705] As can be seen, in the embodiments of this application, for the case where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, S3904 to S3909 provide corresponding implementation schemes when the second device actively initiates a request to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0706] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function. That is, the second device configures the association between the first device and the first network function to the first device.

[0707] The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration type or configuration parameters.

[0708] Wherein, when the first message is used to agree to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for agreeing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0709] Wherein, when the first message is used to refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0710] Optionally, the configuration types include event-triggered (the second device configures itself to the first device when it detects an event) and / or periodic-triggered (the second device periodically configures itself to the first device).

[0711] Optionally, the configuration parameters include at least one of the following: parameters configured for the function used to provide data services (such as identification information, action, action validity time, actions such as add, start, suspend, delete), parameters configured for the protocol stack related to the data service (such as identification information, action, action validity time, actions such as add, start, suspend, delete), parameters configured for the reporting of the association between the first device and the first network function (such as reporting type, reporting time, reporting content, etc.), and parameters configured for the heartbeat packet process (such as period, frequency, method, etc.).

[0712] Figure 40 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 12. For example Figure 40 As shown, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0713] S4001, the second device sends a second message to the first device through the third device. The second message is used to request the configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0714] The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration type or configuration parameters.

[0715] Optionally, if the first device is a terminal, the second device connects to the third device and the access network device. Figure 40 (Not shown in the image), and sends a second message to the first device.

[0716] S4002, the first device sends a first message to the second device through the third device. The first message is used to respond to a request to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0717] In the case where the first device is a terminal, the first device accesses the network device ( Figure 40 (Not shown in the image) and a third device send a first message to the second device.

[0718] Wherein, when the first message is used to agree to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for agreeing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0719] Wherein, when the first message is used to refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0720] As can be seen, this application provides a practical solution for configuring the association between the first device and the first network function when the first device is a terminal or an access network device.

[0721] Figure 41 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 Thirteen. For example... Figure 41 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is deployed as an independent network function or built into a control plane function (e.g., the DPF is an independent NF or built into a control plane function), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0722] S4101, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0723] S4102, the second device sends a second message to the first device based on the address information of the first device. The second message is used to request relevant information for configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0724] S4103, the first device sends a first message to the second device, the first message being used to respond to a request to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0725] In this embodiment, for the case where the first device is a core network device and the function used to provide data services is deployed as an independent network function, a practical solution is provided for configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0726] Figure 42 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 Fourteen. For example... Figure 42 As shown, when the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function (e.g., DPF is built into UPF), the communication method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0727] S4201, the second device searches for the address information of the first device.

[0728] S4202, the second device selects the fourth device based on the address information of the first device.

[0729] S4203, the second device sends a second message to the fourth device, the second message being used to request the configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0730] S4204, the fourth device sends a second message to the first device.

[0731] S4205, the first device sends a first message to the fourth device, the first message being used to respond to a request to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0732] S4206, the fourth device sends the first message to the second device.

[0733] In this embodiment, for the case where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, a practical solution is provided for configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0734] On the terminal side, or on the access network side, or on the core network side, embodiments of this application provide a communication device applied to a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services. For example... Figure 43As shown, the communication device may include a transceiver 4301, a processor 4302, and a memory 4303.

[0735] Transceiver 4301 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 4302.

[0736] Among them, Figure 43 In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 4302 and memory represented by memory 4303 together. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 4301 can be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. Optionally, when the first device is a terminal, the communication device also includes a user interface 4304. For different user devices, the user interface 4304 can also be an interface capable of connecting external or internal devices, including but not limited to keypads, displays, speakers, microphones, joysticks, etc.

[0737] The processor 4302 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 4303 can store the data used by the processor 4302 when performing operations.

[0738] Optionally, the processor 4302 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor 4302 may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0739] The processor 4302 executes any of the methods related to the first device provided in this application embodiment according to the obtained executable instructions by calling a computer program stored in the memory 4303. The processor and the memory may also be physically separated.

[0740] Specifically, the processor 4302 is used to perform the following operations: send a first message to the second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function, wherein the second device has the first network function deployed thereon, and the first network function is used for data service management; the first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

[0741] In some embodiments, the processor 4302 is further configured to perform the following operations: receive a second message sent by a second device, the second message being used to respond to a request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0742] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal, the first message and the second message are sent via NAS signaling; when the first device is an access network device, the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages.

[0743] In some embodiments, when the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages, the message header of the first message and the message header of the second message include at least one of the following: message type, identification information corresponding to NGAP, paging priority of the access network device, a flag indicating whether the upper protocol layer carries a NAS message, relevant information required to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or relevant information required to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function; wherein, the message type includes: a request message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function and a response message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0744] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, the processor 4302 is further configured to perform the following operations: send a first message to the second device via a third device, wherein the third device is a core network device and a second network function is deployed in the third device, the second network function being used for terminal access and mobility management; and receive a second message sent by the second device via the third device.

[0745] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal and is in an idle state or not registered in the network, the processor 4302 is further configured to perform the following operations: receive a paging message sent by a third device through an access network device, the paging message containing relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0746] In some embodiments, when the first device is a core network device, the function for providing data services is deployed in at least one of the following ways: deployed as a standalone network function, built into a control plane function, or built into a user plane function.

[0747] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a standalone network function, the function for providing data services may access the control plane function point-to-point, and / or the first device may access the core network in a service-oriented manner.

[0748] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a point-to-point access control plane function or the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the first message and the second message are messages from the protocol layer related to data processing control in the control plane protocol stack.

[0749] In some embodiments, in the control plane protocol stack, the protocol layer related to data processing control is located above the UDP layer; and / or, in the messages of the protocol layer related to data processing control, the message header includes at least one of the following: a first flag indicating whether the message header contains the identification information of the receiver or the sender; a second flag indicating the message priority; a third flag indicating whether the data packet contains other messages related to data processing control; the protocol version number of the control plane protocol stack; the message type; the message length; the identification information of the receiver; the identification information of the sender; or the message sequence number.

[0750] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a standalone network function or the function for providing data services is built into the control plane function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operation: look up the address information of the second device, the address information being used to send the first message.

[0751] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the processor 4302 is further configured to perform the following operations: send a first message to the second device via the fourth device, the fourth device being a core network device, the fourth device having a third network function deployed thereon for session management; and receive a second message sent by the second device via the fourth device.

[0752] In some embodiments, the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing an association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0753] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the establishment of an association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, data processing capabilities supported by the first device, or attribute information of the first device related to the function used to provide data services. When the second message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, attribute information of the second device related to the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0754] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or attribute information of the second device related to the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0755] In some embodiments, the attribute information of the first device related to the function for providing data services includes at least one of the following: the resources of the first device for providing data services, the location information of the first device, or the duration of existence of the function for providing data services in the first device; and / or, the attribute information of the second device related to the first network function includes at least one of the following: the function information supported by the first network function, the control scope of the first network function, the network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of existence of the first network function in the second device.

[0756] In some embodiments, when a first message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function or a second message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function, the processor 4302 is further configured to perform the following operation: store identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0757] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request modification of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse modification of the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first device, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0758] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first network function, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, establishment result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0759] In some embodiments, where the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function and the second message contains updated information about the first network function, the processor is further configured to perform the following operation: modify the information related to the first network function in the association between the first device and the first network function according to the updated information about the first network function.

[0760] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the release of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0761] In some embodiments, a second message is used to request the release of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a first message is used to agree to or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for requesting the release of the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0762] In some embodiments, when a first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function or a second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor 4302 is further configured to perform the following operations: delete the relevant information of the association between the first device and the first network function and the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0763] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the reporting of information related to the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting type, or data report to be reported. The first message is used to report information related to the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or data report.

[0764] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration type, or configuration parameters. When the first message is used to agree to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for agreeing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0765] It should be noted that the device provided in this application can implement all the method steps of the first device in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0766] On the core network side, embodiments of this application provide a communication device applied to a second device, the second device having a first network function deployed thereon, the first network function being used for data service management. For example... Figure 44 As shown, the communication device may include a transceiver 4401, a processor 4402, and a memory 4403.

[0767] Transceiver 4401 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 4402.

[0768] Among them, Figure 44 In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 4402) and memory (memory 4403). The bus architecture can also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 4401 can be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. The processor 4402 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 4403 can store data used by the processor 4402 during operation.

[0769] The processor 4402 can be a CPU, ASIC, FPGA or CPLD, and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0770] The processor 4402 executes any of the methods related to the second device provided in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions by calling a computer program stored in the memory 4403. The processor and the memory may also be physically separated.

[0771] Specifically, the processor 4402 is used to perform the following operations: receiving a first message sent by a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function; the first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

[0772] In some embodiments, the processor 4402 is further configured to perform the following operations: send a second message to the first device, the second message being a response to a request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message being a request to process the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0773] In some embodiments, when the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor 4402 is further configured to perform the following operation: look up the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message.

[0774] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, the processor 4402 is further configured to perform the following operations: receive a first message sent by the first device through a third device, wherein the third device is a core network device and a second network function is deployed in the third device, the second network function being used for terminal access and mobility management; the processor is further configured to perform the following operations: send a second message to the first device through the third device.

[0775] In some embodiments, when the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor 4402 is further configured to perform the following operations: look up the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message; and, based on the address information, look up the third device that provides services to the first device.

[0776] In some embodiments, where the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the processor 4402 is further configured to perform the following operations: receive a first message sent by the first device through a fourth device, the fourth device being a core network device, the fourth device having a third network function deployed thereon, the third network function being used for session management; and send a second message to the first device through the fourth device.

[0777] In some embodiments, when the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor 4402 is further configured to perform the following operations: look up the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message; and, based on the address information, look up the fourth device that provides services to the first device.

[0778] In some embodiments, the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing an association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0779] In some embodiments, where the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the processor 4402 is further configured to perform the following operations: establish the association between the first device and the first network function; and assign corresponding identification information to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0780] In some embodiments, the first message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The processor 4402 is also used to perform the following operations: determine whether there is an association between the first device and the first network function; if there is no association between the first device and the first network function, then establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0781] In some embodiments, the processor 4402 is further configured to perform the following operations: if an association between the first device and the first network function already exists, re-establish the association between the first device and the first network function, and overwrite the existing old association between the first device and the first network function with the newly re-established association; or, if an association between the first device and the first network function already exists, modify the existing old association between the first device and the first network function.

[0782] In some embodiments, the processor 4402 is further configured to perform the following operation: retain the data services bound to existing legacy associations.

[0783] In some embodiments, the first message contains updated information about the first device and the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. The processor 4402 is also used to perform the following operations: modify the information related to the first device in the association between the first device and the first network function according to the updated information of the first device.

[0784] In some embodiments, the first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function. The processor 4402 is also used to perform the following operations: delete the relevant information of the association between the first device and the first network function and the data service bound to the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0785] It should be noted that the device provided in this application can implement all the method steps of the second device in the above method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0786] This application also provides a communication device applied to a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services. For example... Figure 45 As shown, the communication device includes: a transmitting unit 4501.

[0787] The sending unit 4501 is used to send a first message to the second device. The first message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message is used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. The second device has the first network function deployed in it, and the first network function is used for data service management. The first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

[0788] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes: a receiving unit 4502, configured to receive a second message sent by a second device, the second message being configured to respond to a request from a first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message being configured to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0789] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal, the first message and the second message are sent via NAS signaling; when the first device is an access network device, the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages.

[0790] In some embodiments, when the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages, the message header of the first message and the message header of the second message include at least one of the following: message type, identification information corresponding to NGAP, paging priority of the access network device, a flag indicating whether the upper protocol layer carries a NAS message, relevant information required to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or relevant information required to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function; wherein, the message type includes: a request message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function and a response message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0791] In some embodiments, when the first device is a terminal or an access network device, the sending unit 4501 is specifically used to: send a first message to the second device through the third device, wherein the third device is a core network device and a second network function is deployed in the third device, the second network function being used for terminal access and mobility management; the receiving unit 4502 is specifically used to: receive a second message sent by the second device through the third device.

[0792] In some embodiments, before receiving the second message sent by the second device through the third device when the first device is a terminal and the first device is idle or not registered in the network, the receiving unit 4502 is further configured to: receive a paging message sent by the third device through the access network device, the paging message containing relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0793] In some embodiments, when the first device is a core network device, the function for providing data services is deployed in at least one of the following ways: deployed as a standalone network function, built into a control plane function, or built into a user plane function.

[0794] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a standalone network function, the function for providing data services may access the control plane function point-to-point, and / or the first device may access the core network in a service-oriented manner.

[0795] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a point-to-point access control plane function or the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the first message and the second message are messages from the protocol layer related to data processing control in the control plane protocol stack.

[0796] In some embodiments, in the control plane protocol stack, the protocol layer related to data processing control is located above the UDP layer; and / or, in the messages of the protocol layer related to data processing control, the message header includes at least one of the following: a first flag indicating whether the message header contains the identification information of the receiver or the sender; a second flag indicating the message priority; a third flag indicating whether the data packet contains other messages related to data processing control; the protocol version number of the control plane protocol stack; the message type; the message length; the identification information of the receiver; the identification information of the sender; or the message sequence number.

[0797] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is a standalone network function or the function for providing data services is built into the control plane function, the communication device further includes: a lookup unit (not shown in the figure) for looking up address information of the second device, the address information being used for sending the first message.

[0798] In some embodiments, where the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the sending unit 4501 is specifically used to: send a first message to the second device through the fourth device, wherein the fourth device is a core network device and a third network function is deployed in the fourth device, the third network function being used for session management; the receiving unit 4502 is specifically used to: receive the second message sent by the second device through the fourth device.

[0799] In some embodiments, the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing an association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0800] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request the establishment of an association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, data processing capabilities supported by the first device, or attribute information of the first device related to the function used to provide data services. When the second message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, attribute information of the second device related to the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0801] In some embodiments, the second message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or attribute information of the second device related to the first network function. When the first message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0802] In some embodiments, the attribute information of the first device related to the function for providing data services includes at least one of the following: the resources of the first device for providing data services, the location information of the first device, or the duration of existence of the function for providing data services in the first device; and / or, the attribute information of the second device related to the first network function includes at least one of the following: the function information supported by the first network function, the control scope of the first network function, the network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of existence of the first network function in the second device.

[0803] In some embodiments, when a first message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function or a second message is used to agree to establish an association between a first device and a first network function, the communication device further includes a storage unit 4504 for storing identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function.

[0804] In some embodiments, a first message is used to request modification of the association between a first device and a first network function, and a second message is used to agree to or refuse modification of the association between the first devi...

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services, the communication method includes: Send a first message to a second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being used to respond to a request to process the association between the first device and the first network function, wherein the second device has the first network function deployed thereon, and the first network function is used for data service management; The first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The system receives a second message from the second device, which is used to respond to a request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first device is a terminal, the first message and the second message are sent via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling; When the first device is an access network device, the first message and the second message are messages from the NG interface application layer protocol NGAP layer.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the case that the first message and the second message are NGAP layer messages, the message header of the first message and the message header of the second message include at least one of the following: message type, identification information corresponding to NGAP, paging priority of the access network device, flag indicating whether the upper protocol layer carries a NAS message, relevant information required to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or relevant information required to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. The message types include: a request message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function, and a response message for processing the association between the first device and the first network function.

5. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first device is a terminal or an access network device, sending the first message to the second device includes: The first message is sent to the second device through a third device, the third device being a core network device, and the third device having a second network function deployed thereon, the second network function being used for terminal access and mobility management; The receipt of the second message sent by the second device includes: Receive the second message sent by the second device through the third device.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, characterized in that, If the first device is a terminal and is in an idle state or not registered in the network, before receiving the second message sent by the second device through the third device, the method further includes: The system receives a paging message sent by the third device through the access network device, the paging message containing relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function.

7. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first device is a core network device, the function for providing data services is deployed in at least one of the following ways: deployed as a standalone network function, built into a control plane function, or built into a user plane function.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the case where the function for providing data services is an independent network function, the function for providing data services provides point-to-point access to the control plane function, and / or, the first device accesses the core network in a service-oriented manner.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the case where the point-to-point access control plane function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, the first message and the second message are messages from the protocol layer related to data processing control in the control plane protocol stack.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the control plane protocol stack, the protocol layer related to data processing control is located above the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) layer; And / or, in the protocol layer messages related to data processing control, the message header includes at least one of the following: a first flag indicating whether the message header contains the identifier information of the receiver or the identifier information of the sender; a second flag indicating the message priority; a third flag indicating whether the data packet contains other messages related to data processing control; the protocol version number of the control plane protocol stack; the message type; the message length; the identifier information of the receiver; the identifier information of the sender; or the message sequence number.

11. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the function for providing data services is a standalone network function or the function for providing data services is built into a control plane function, the communication method further includes: Locate the address information of the second device, which is used to send the first message.

12. The communication method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, sending the first message to the second device includes: The first message is sent to the second device through the fourth device, which is a core network device. The fourth device has a third network function deployed in it, and the third network function is used for session management. The receipt of the second message sent by the second device includes: Receive the second message sent by the second device through the fourth device.

13. The communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that, The processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message is used to agree or refuse to establish the association between the first device and the first network function; The first message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, or the attribute information of the first device related to the function of providing data services; When the second message is used to agree to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, attribute information of the second device related to the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. When the second message is used to refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

15. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree or refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function; The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or attribute information of the second device related to the first network function; When the first message is used to agree to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the data processing capabilities supported by the first device, attribute information of the first device related to the function for providing data services, or the reason for agreeing to establish an association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to establish the association between the first device and the first network function.

16. The communication method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The attribute information of the first device related to the function for providing data services includes at least one of the following: the resources of the first device for providing data services, the location information of the first device, or the duration of the function for providing data services in the first device. And / or, the attribute information related to the first network function in the second device includes at least one of the following: the function information supported by the first network function, the control scope of the first network function, the network function set information corresponding to the first network function, or the duration of the existence of the first network function in the second device.

17. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the first message is used to agree to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, or when the second message is used to agree to establish an association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: Store identification information relating the first device to the first network function.

18. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message is used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function; The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first device, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function; When the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function; When the second message is used to refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

19. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second message is used to request modification of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree to or refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function; The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, update information of the first network function, or data service information bound to the association between the first device and the first network function; When the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, the identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the modification result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the result of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to modify the association between the first device and the first network function.

20. The communication method according to claim 19, characterized in that, When the first message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message contains updated information about the first network function, the communication method further includes: Based on the updated information of the first network function, the information related to the first network function in the association between the first device and the first network function is modified.

21. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first message is used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message is used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function; The first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for requesting to release the association between the first device and the first network function; When the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function; When the second message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

22. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second message is used to request the release of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree or refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function; The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, or a reason for requesting to release the association between the first device and the first network function; When the first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for agreeing to release the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, the release result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the reason for refusing to release the association between the first device and the first network function.

23. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, or when the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: The relevant information relating to the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services associated with and bound to the first device and the first network function, are deleted.

24. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second message is used to request the reporting of relevant information on the association between the first device and the first network function. The second message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, the identification information on the association between the first device and the first network function, the reporting type or the data report to be reported. The first message is used to report relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function. The first message includes at least one of the following: the identification information of the first device, the identification information of the second device, the identification information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or the data report.

25. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second message is used to request the configuration of the association between the first device and the first network function, and the first message is used to agree or refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function; The second message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration type or configuration parameters; When the first message is used to agree to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for agreeing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function. When the first message is used to refuse to configure the association between the first device and the first network function, the first message includes at least one of the following: identification information of the first device, identification information of the second device, identification information of the association between the first device and the first network function, configuration result of the association between the first device and the first network function, or reason for refusing to configure the association between the first device and the first network function.

26. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, the second device having a first network function deployed thereon, the first network function being used for data service management, the communication method comprising: The system receives a first message sent by a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services. The first message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message is used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. The first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

27. The communication method according to claim 26, characterized in that, Also includes: A second message is sent to the first device, the second message being used to respond to a request from the first device to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function.

28. The communication method according to claim 27, characterized in that, When the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: Locate the address information of the first device, which is used to send the second message.

29. The communication method according to claim 27, characterized in that, When the first device is a terminal or an access network device, receiving the first message sent by the first device includes: The first device receives the first message sent by the first device through the third device, the third device being a core network device, and the third device having a second network function deployed thereon, the second network function being used for terminal access and mobility management; Sending the second message to the first device includes: The second message is sent to the first device via the third device.

30. The communication method according to claim 29, characterized in that, When the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: Locate the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message; Based on the address information, locate the third device that provides services to the first device.

31. The communication method according to claim 27, characterized in that, When the first device is a core network device and the function for providing data services is built into the user plane function, receiving the first message sent by the first device includes: The system receives the first message sent by the first device through the fourth device, wherein the fourth device is a core network device and a third network function is deployed in the fourth device for session management. Sending the second message to the first device includes: The second message is sent to the first device via the fourth device.

32. The communication method according to claim 31, characterized in that, When the second message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: Locate the address information of the first device, the address information being used to send the second message; Based on the address information, locate the fourth device that provides services to the first device.

33. The communication method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, characterized in that, The processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes at least one of the following: establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, modifying the association between the first device and the first network function, releasing the association between the first device and the first network function, reporting relevant information about the association between the first device and the first network function, or configuring the association between the first device and the first network function.

34. The communication method according to claim 33, characterized in that, In cases where the processing of the association between the first device and the first network function includes establishing the association between the first device and the first network function, the communication method further includes: Establish the association between the first device and the first network function; Assign corresponding identification information to the association between the first device and the first network function.

35. The communication method according to claim 34, characterized in that, The first message is used to request the establishment of an association between the first device and the first network function, and the second message is used to agree to establish the association between the first device and the first network function. The communication method further includes: Determine whether there is an association between the first device and the first network function; The process of establishing the association between the first device and the first network function includes: If there is no association between the first device and the first network function, then an association between the first device and the first network function shall be established.

36. The communication method according to claim 35, characterized in that, Also includes: If an association already exists between the first device and the first network function, the association between the first device and the first network function is re-established, and the existing old association between the first device and the first network function is overwritten by the newly established association. Alternatively, if an association already exists between the first device and the first network function, the existing association between the first device and the first network function is modified.

37. The communication method according to claim 36, characterized in that, Also includes: The data services bound to the existing old associations will be retained.

38. The communication method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The first message contains update information about the first device, and the second message is used to agree to modify the association between the first device and the first network function. The communication method further includes: Based on the updated information of the first device, the information related to the first device in the association between the first device and the first network function is modified.

39. The communication method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The first message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, or the second message is used to agree to release the association between the first device and the first network function, and the communication method further includes: The relevant information relating to the association between the first device and the first network function, as well as the data services associated with and bound to the first device and the first network function, are deleted.

40. A communication device, characterized in that, The application uses a first device, which has the function of providing data services, and the communication device includes: The sending unit is configured to send a first message to a second device, the first message being a request to process the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being a response to a request to process the association between the first device and the first network function, wherein the second device has the first network function deployed thereon, and the first network function is used for data service management. The first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

41. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is applied to a second device, wherein the second device has a first network function deployed thereon, the first network function being used for data service management, and the communication device includes: A receiving unit is configured to receive a first message sent by a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services, the first message being configured to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being configured to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. The first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

42. A communication device, characterized in that, The application uses a first device, which has the function of providing data services, and the communication device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor. Memory, used to store computer programs; Transceiver, used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; Processor, configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Send a first message to a second device, the first message being used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message being used to respond to a request to process the association between the first device and the first network function, wherein the second device has the first network function deployed thereon, and the first network function is used for data service management; The first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

43. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is applied to a second device, which has a first network function deployed thereon. The first network function is used for data service management. The communication device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor. Memory, used to store computer programs; Transceiver, used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; Processor, configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: The system receives a first message sent by a first device, the first device having the function of providing data services. The first message is used to request processing of the association between the first device and the first network function, or the first message is used to respond to the request to process the association between the first device and the first network function. The first device is a terminal, an access network device, or a core network device, and the second device is a core network device.

44. A non-transiently readable storage medium, characterized in that, The non-transiently readable storage medium stores a computer program that causes a processor to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 39.

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