A communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system, relating to the field of wireless communication technology, to address how to enhance network flexibility and reduce the impact on network element selection functions without affecting essentially unrelated network elements when introducing new features into the network. The method includes: acquiring subscription data and / or first information of a first terminal, the first information including parameters related to the access state of the first terminal; determining one or more first mapping relationships and one or more second mapping relationships based on the subscription data and / or the first information of the first terminal, wherein each of the one or more first mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between one or more network elements and an index value, and each of the one or more second mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between service parameters and an index value; sending one or more second mapping relationships to the first terminal; and sending one or more first mapping relationships to the first network element.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, in 5G networks, access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, in addition to managing terminal access and mobility, typically also have routing functions. For example, as an intermediate forwarding node, the AMF network element can forward messages received by the terminal from the radio access network (RAN) or transmit messages generated by the RAN to other network functions (NFs) in the core network. When new features or services are added to the network, the routing function of the AMF network element may need to be upgraded accordingly. However, upgrading the routing function may affect the access and mobility management functions of the AMF network element, as well as the connection between the core network and the RAN, which should not otherwise be affected. For example, upgrading the routing function may require restarting the AMF network element, which could interrupt the N2 connection between the RAN and the core network (CN), and the N1 connection between the terminal and the core network.

[0003] Furthermore, with the increase in network characteristics and service functions, AMF network elements not only need to distinguish whether to route uplink messages to a session management function (SMF) network element or another NF based on the type of the received non-access stratum (NAS), but also need to select the SMF network element or NF. Currently, the Access Management (AM) / Mobility Management (MM) functions and routing functions are coupled in AMF network elements. The introduction of new features usually affects the routing function, thus affecting the AM / MM functions of the AMF network element. Even if they are not essentially related to AM / MM functions, the introduction of new features may affect the connection between the RAN and CN, posing operational risks such as configuration changes; inflexibility is insufficient, as new features may require updates to NAS encoding. In summary, this affects the agility of the CN. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system to address how to enhance network flexibility and reduce the impact on network element selection functions without affecting essentially unrelated network elements when introducing new features into the network.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a second network element. The method may include: the second network element (e.g., a mobility management network element or a policy control function network element) acquiring subscription data and / or first information of a first terminal. The first information includes parameters related to the access state of the first terminal. The second network element determines one or more first mapping relationships and one or more second mapping relationships based on the subscription data and / or the first information of the first terminal. Each of the one or more first mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between one or more network elements and an index value. Each of the one or more second mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between service parameters and an index value. The second network element sends one or more second mapping relationships to the first terminal and sends one or more first mapping relationships to a first network element (e.g., a selection function network element or a routing function network element).

[0006] For example, the first piece of information may include one or more of the following: Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, Access Type, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLN) identifier. The Access Type indicates whether it is 3GPP access or non-3GPP access. The Radio Access Technology (RAT) type indicates whether the access technology is 5G access, 6G access, or 5G satellite access, etc.

[0007] In this embodiment, the second network element determines one or more second mapping relationships for the first terminal and one or more first mapping relationships for the first network element based on the first terminal's subscription data and / or first information. By configuring one or more second mapping relationships for the first terminal and one or more first mapping relationships for the first network element, this scheme, compared to the prior art, allows the first terminal to select a first index value based on one or more second mapping relationships and send it when initiating communication with a target network element. Since the first network element has one or more second mapping relationships, it can determine the target network element based on the index value indicated by the first terminal and one or more first mapping relationships when selecting network elements, without needing to understand the specific parameters of the interaction between the first terminal and the target network element. This simplifies the processing logic of the first network element, avoids affecting the network element selection function when introducing new features, and enhances network agility.

[0008] In one possible implementation of this application, any second mapping relationship further includes a NAS type. This facilitates the first terminal to select an index value for communication based on the NAS type.

[0009] In one possible implementation of this application, any second mapping relationship may further include: a service area, or, second information. The second information includes one or more of the following: Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, access type, and Public Land Mobile Network (PLN) identifier. The access type indicates whether it is 3GPP access or non-3GPP access. This scheme allows the first terminal to select a suitable index value by combining the location of the first terminal and / or the second information when determining the first index value according to the requirements of the first service.

[0010] In one possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this embodiment may further include: a second network element determining information of one or more network elements based on the subscription data and / or first information of the first terminal. The second network element determines information of one or more network elements associated with each index value based on the index value associated with each service parameter, thereby obtaining one or more first mapping relationships.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied in a first terminal. The method includes: the first terminal acquiring one or more second mapping relationships, each of the one or more second mapping relationships including a mapping relationship between one or more service parameters and an index value. The first terminal determines a first index value based on the requirements of a first service and the one or more second mapping relationships. The first index value is an index value associated with the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service, or it can be considered that the first index value and the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service have a mapping relationship. The first terminal sends a first message, the first message including a first index value for determining a target network element. The target network element serves the first service.

[0012] In this embodiment, when the first terminal needs to communicate with the target network element, the first terminal can determine the first index value based on one or more second mapping relationships and the requirements of the first service, and then send a first message including the first index value. Compared with the prior art, this solution can enable the first terminal to specify the index value when initiating communication with the target network element, so that the first network element can determine the target network element according to the first index value indicated by the first terminal, without needing to understand the specific parameters of the interaction between the first terminal and the target network element. This avoids affecting the network element selection function when introducing new features and enhances the network agility.

[0013] In one possible implementation of this application, any second mapping relationship may further include: NAS type, and the first terminal determines the first index value according to the requirements of the first service and one or more second mapping relationships, including: the first terminal determines the index value associated with the first NAS type in one or more second mapping relationships as the first index value, and the first NAS type is the NAS type indicated by the requirements of the first service.

[0014] In one possible implementation of this application, the service parameters include a service flow descriptor, which describes the characteristics of the service. The first terminal determines a first index value based on the requirements of the first service and one or more second mapping relationships, including: the first terminal determining the index value associated with the first service flow descriptor in one or more second mapping relationships as the first index value. Wherein, the first service flow descriptor is a service flow descriptor indicating the requirements of the first service. This scheme enables the first terminal to determine the first index value based on the mapping relationship between the service flow descriptor and the index value.

[0015] In one possible implementation of this application, the service parameters include information about the data network name and / or network slices. The first terminal determines a first index value based on the requirements of the first service and one or more second mapping relationships, including: the first terminal determining the index value in one or more second mapping relationships that has a mapping relationship with the information about the first data network name and / or the first network slice as the first index value. The information about the first data network name and / or the first network slice is indicated by the requirements of the first service. This scheme enables the first terminal to determine the first index value based on the mapping relationship between the data network name and / or network slice and the index value.

[0016] In one possible implementation of this application, any one of the one or more second mapping relationships further includes: regional information. The first terminal determines a first index value based on the requirements of the first service and the one or more second mapping relationships, including: the first terminal determining the first index value based on the requirements of the first service, the one or more second mapping relationships, and the location of the first terminal. Wherein, the location of the first terminal is within the area indicated by the first regional information in the one or more second mapping relationships, and the first regional information is the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service and the regional information included in the second mapping relationship where the first index value is located.

[0017] In one possible implementation of this application, any one of the one or more second mapping relationships further includes: a Radio Access Technology (RAT) type. The first terminal determines a first index value based on the requirements of the first service and one or more second mapping relationships, including: the first terminal determining the first index value based on the requirements of the first service, one or more second mapping relationships, and the RAT type corresponding to the first terminal. Wherein, the RAT type corresponding to the first terminal is the same as the first RAT type, and the first RAT type is the RAT type included in the second mapping relationship where the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service are located. Alternatively, the first RAT type can be considered to be the RAT type corresponding to / associated with the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service.

[0018] In one possible implementation of this application, any one of the one or more second mapping relationships further includes: an access type. The first terminal determines a first index value based on the requirements of the first service and one or more second mapping relationships, including: the first terminal determining the first index value based on the requirements of the first service, one or more second mapping relationships, and the access type corresponding to the first terminal. Wherein, the access type corresponding to the first terminal is the same as the first access type, wherein the first access type is the access type included in the second mapping relationship where the service parameter indicated by the requirements of the first service is located and the first index value is located. Alternatively, the first access type can be considered as the access type corresponding to / associated with the service parameter indicated by the requirements of the first service.

[0019] In one possible implementation of this application, any one of the one or more second mapping relationships may further include: a Public Land Mobile Network (PLN) identifier. The first terminal determines a first index value based on the requirements of the first service and one or more second mapping relationships, including: the first terminal determining the first index value based on the requirements of the first service, one or more second mapping relationships, and the PLANT identifier corresponding to the first terminal. Wherein, the PLANT identifier corresponding to the first terminal is the same as the first PLANT identifier. Wherein, the first PLANT identifier is the PLANT identifier included in the second mapping relationship where the service parameter indicated by the first service requirement and the first index value are located. Alternatively, it can be considered that the first PLANT identifier is the PLANT identifier corresponding to / associated with the service parameter indicated by the first service requirement.

[0020] In one possible implementation of this application, the first message further includes third information. This third information is used by the first terminal to request the first service.

[0021] In one possible implementation of this application, the first message further includes: routing information for the selected functional network element. This routing information includes the identifier and / or address information of the selected functional network element, or it includes a routing identifier for the selected functional network element. The selected functional network element is used to determine the target network element.

[0022] In one possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this embodiment may further include: a first terminal receiving routing information of a target network element. The routing information of the target network element is used to address the target network element for message routing. The routing information of the target network element includes an identifier of the target network element or a target routing identifier, the target routing identifier being used to address the identifier of the target network element. The first terminal sends a fourth message to the radio access network device, the fourth message including the routing information of the target network element, first information, and third information.

[0023] In one possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this embodiment may further include: a first terminal sending a registration request message to a radio access network device. The registration request message includes sixth information and a second index. The value of the second index is a first parameter value, indicating that an access and mobility management function (AMU) network element needs to be selected, and the sixth information requests the establishment of a connection with the AMU network element.

[0024] In one possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this embodiment may further include: a first terminal receiving one or more second mapping relationships from an access and mobility management function (AMU) network element. The AMU network element serves the first terminal.

[0025] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising: selecting a functional network element to obtain one or more first mapping relationships. Each of the one or more first mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between one or more network elements and an index value. The selected functional network element receives a second message, the second message including at least the first index value, the second message requesting the determination of information about a target network element associated with the first index value. The selected functional network element determines the target network element based on the first index value and the one or more first mapping relationships.

[0026] In this embodiment, since one or more second mapping relationships are obtained in the selection function network element, the first network element can determine the target network element based on the received first index value and one or more first mapping relationships when selecting network elements, without needing to understand the specific parameters of the interaction between the first terminal and the target network element. This simplifies the processing logic of the selection function network element, avoids affecting the network element selection function when introducing new features, and enhances the network agility.

[0027] In one possible implementation of this application, the selection function network element determines the target network element based on a first index value and one or more first mapping relationships. This includes: when one or more first mapping relationships indicate that the first index value is associated with a network element, the target network element is the network element associated with the first index value. When multiple network elements have mapping relationships with the first index value in one or more first mapping relationships, the selection function network element determines the target network element from the multiple network elements based on one or more of a first strategy, first information, and the identifier of the first terminal. The first strategy includes one or more strategies for determining the target network element from the multiple network elements. The first information includes one or more parameters related to the state of the first terminal. For example, the first strategy may include one or more of a load balancing strategy, a random selection strategy, and a maximum service area strategy. This scheme can ensure that the target network element selected for the first terminal can better provide the first service to the first terminal.

[0028] In one possible implementation of this application, the second message further includes the identifier of the first terminal. The method provided in this application embodiment may further include: selecting a functional network element to obtain the subscription data of the first terminal based on the identifier of the first terminal; and selecting a functional network element to determine a target network element based on a first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, including: selecting a functional network element to determine a target network element based on the first index value, the subscription data of the first terminal, and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0029] In one possible implementation of this application, any one of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: a service area; selecting a functional network element to determine a target network element based on a first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, including: selecting a functional network element to determine the target network element based on the location of a first terminal, a first index value, and one or more first mapping relationships. The location of the first terminal is within a first service area, and the first service area is the service area included by the mapping relationship containing the first index value and the target network element.

[0030] In one possible implementation of this application, any one of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: second information, which describes the wireless capabilities or status corresponding to the terminal; selecting a functional network element to determine a target network element based on a first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, including: selecting a functional network element to determine a target network element based on the capabilities of the first terminal, the first index value, and one or more first mapping relationships. The wireless capabilities or status of the first terminal include the wireless capabilities and / or status of the terminal described by the second information.

[0031] In one possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this embodiment may further include: selecting a functional network element to send the identification information and / or address information of the target network element.

[0032] In one possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this embodiment may further include: selecting a functional network element to determine the routing information of the target network element, wherein the routing information of the target network element is used to address the target network element, and the routing information of the target network element includes the identifier of the target network element or the routing identifier associated with the target network element; and selecting a functional network element to send the routing information of the target network element.

[0033] In one possible implementation of this application, selecting a functional network element to obtain one or more first mapping relationships includes: selecting a functional network element to obtain the one or more first mapping relationships from a network management network element, a mobility management network element, or a policy control functional network element.

[0034] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising: a routing function network element receiving a fifth message from a radio access network device. The fifth message includes at least: third information, which is used to request a first service from a first terminal. The routing function network element sends a first message to a selection function network element based on the fifth message. The first message includes at least a first index value, and the first message requests information about a target network element associated with the first index value, the target network element serving the first service requested by the first terminal.

[0035] In one possible implementation of this application, the routing function network element sends a first message to the selection function network element based on a fifth message, including: if the fifth message satisfies a first condition, then the first message is sent to the selection function network element. The first condition includes one or more of the following: the fifth message includes a first index value, and / or the fifth message does not include routing information.

[0036] In one possible implementation of this application, the fifth message further includes: first information, and / or, an identifier of the first terminal. The first information can be used to select a target network element, and includes parameters related to the access status of the first terminal. Correspondingly, the routing function network element can also send the first information, and / or, the identifier of the first terminal, to the selection function network element. For example, the first message may also include the first information, and / or, the identifier of the first terminal.

[0037] In one possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this embodiment may further include: a routing function network element receiving identification / address information of a target network element from a selection function network element; and the routing function network element sending third information to the target network element based on the identification / address information of the target network element.

[0038] In one possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this embodiment may further include: a routing function network element receiving a sixth message from a radio access network device. The sixth message includes a registration request message from a first terminal. If the sixth message meets one or more of the following second conditions, a network element selection request message is sent to a selection function network element. The network element selection request message includes one or more of the following information: first information, a second index, and first indication information; the first indication information indicates the selection of an access and mobility management function network element. The second condition includes: the sixth message is an initial UE message; the sixth message includes a second index; the value of the second index included in the sixth message is a preset value; or the sixth message does not include the second index and routing information.

[0039] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising: a routing function network element acquiring one or more first mapping relationships, wherein each of the one or more first mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between one or more network elements and an index value. The routing function network element receives a third message. The third message includes at least a first index value and third information. The third message requests routing third information. The first index value is used to determine information about a target network element. The third information is used by a first terminal to request a first service. The routing function network element determines the information about the target network element based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships. The routing function network element sends the third information to the target network element.

[0040] In this embodiment, since the routing function network element has one or more second mapping relationships, when routing third information, the routing function network element determines the target network element based on the received first index value and one or more first mapping relationships without needing to understand the specific parameters of the interaction between the first terminal and the target network element. This simplifies the processing logic of the routing function network element, avoids affecting the network element selection function when introducing new features, and enhances the network agility.

[0041] In one possible implementation of this application, the third message further includes the identifier of the first terminal and / or first information, the first information including parameters related to the access status of the first terminal.

[0042] In one possible implementation of this application, the routing function network element determines the information of the target network element based on a first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, including: the routing function network element takes a network element associated with the first index value in one or more first mapping relationships as the target network element.

[0043] If multiple network elements have mapping relationships with the first index value in one or more first mapping relationships, the routing function network element selects one network element from the multiple network elements as the target network element. For example, the routing function network element can determine the target network element from the multiple network elements based on one or more of the first policy, first information, and the identifier of the first terminal.

[0044] In one possible implementation of this application, any one of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: a service area, wherein the service area included in any mapping relationship describes the service area corresponding to the network element in the mapping relationship, or describes the network element in the mapping relationship as being able to serve terminals located within the service area. The routing function network element determines the target network element based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, including: the routing function network element determines the target network element based on the location of the first terminal, the first index value, and one or more first mapping relationships. Wherein, the location of the first terminal is within the service area included in the target mapping relationship, and the target mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between the first index value and the target network element.

[0045] In one possible implementation of this application, any one of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: second information, which describes the wireless capabilities or status of a terminal communicating with a network element included in any mapping relationship; the routing function network element determines a target network element based on a first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, including: the routing function network element determines the target network element based on the capabilities of the first terminal, the first index value, and one or more first mapping relationships. The capabilities or status of the first terminal include the wireless capabilities or status of the terminal described by the second information included in the target mapping relationship. The target mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between the first index value and the target network element.

[0046] In one possible implementation of this application, the routing function network element obtaining one or more first mapping relationships includes: the routing function network element obtaining one or more first mapping relationships from the network management network element, the mobility management network element, or the policy control function network element.

[0047] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device that can implement the methods in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The communication device can be a second network element, or an apparatus that supports the second network element in implementing the methods in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, such as a chip applied in the second network element. The communication device can implement the above methods through software, hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0048] As an example, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, wherein the communication module is used to perform the receiving / transmitting related steps performed by the second network element in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The processing module is used to perform the processing related steps performed by the second network element in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0049] For example, when the communication device is a chip or chip system within the second network element, the processing module can be a processor, and the communication module can be a communication interface. For example, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, pins, or circuits. The processing module executes instructions stored in the storage unit to enable the first implementation of a communication method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The storage unit can be a storage unit within the chip (e.g., a register, cache, etc.) or a storage unit located outside the chip within the second network element (e.g., a read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0050] Seventhly, this application provides a communication device that can implement the methods in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The communication device can be a first terminal, or an apparatus that supports the first terminal in implementing the methods in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, such as a chip applied in the first terminal. The communication device can implement the above methods through software, hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0051] As an example, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, wherein the communication module is used to perform the receiving / transmitting related steps performed by the first terminal in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The processing module is used to perform the processing related steps performed by the first terminal in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0052] For example, when the communication device is a chip or chip system within the first terminal, the processing module can be a processor, and the communication module can be a communication interface. For example, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, pins, or circuits. The processing unit executes instructions stored in the storage unit to enable the first terminal to implement a communication method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The storage module can be a storage unit within the chip (e.g., a register, cache, etc.) or a storage unit located outside the chip within the first terminal (e.g., a read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0053] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device that can implement the methods in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The communication device can be a selection function network element, or an apparatus that supports the selection function network element in implementing the methods in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, such as a chip applied in the selection function network element. The communication device can implement the above methods through software, hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0054] As an example, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, wherein the communication module is used to perform the receiving / transmitting related steps performed by the selected function network element in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect described above. The processing module is used to perform the processing related steps performed by the selected function network element in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect described above.

[0055] For example, when the communication device is a chip or chip system within a selectable function network element, the processing module can be a processor, and the communication module can be a communication interface. For example, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, pins, or circuits. The processing unit executes instructions stored in the storage unit to cause the selectable function network element to implement a communication method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The storage module can be a storage unit within the chip (e.g., a register, cache, etc.) or a storage unit located outside the chip within the selectable function network element (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0056] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device that can implement the methods in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. The communication device can be a routing function network element, or an apparatus that supports the routing function network element in implementing the methods in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, such as a chip applied in a routing function network element. The communication device can implement the above methods through software, hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0057] As an example, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, wherein the communication module is used to perform the receiving / transmitting related steps performed by the routing function network element in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect described above. The processing module is used to perform the processing related steps performed by the routing function network element in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect described above.

[0058] For example, when the communication device is a chip or chip system within a routing function network element, the processing module can be a processor, and the communication module can be a communication interface. For example, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, pins, or circuits. The processing unit executes instructions stored in the storage unit to cause the selection function network element to implement a communication method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. The storage module can be a storage unit within the chip (e.g., a register, cache, etc.) or a storage unit located outside the chip within the routing function network element (e.g., a read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0059] Tenthly, this application provides a communication device that can implement the methods in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. The communication device can be a routing function network element, or an apparatus that supports the routing function network element in implementing the methods in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, such as a chip applied in a routing function network element. The communication device can implement the above methods through software, hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0060] As an example, the communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, wherein the communication module is used to perform the receiving / transmitting related steps performed by the routing function network element in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect described above. The processing module is used to perform the processing related steps performed by the routing function network element in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect described above.

[0061] For example, when the communication device is a chip or chip system within a routing function network element, the processing module can be a processor, and the communication module can be a communication interface. For example, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, pins, or circuits. The processing unit executes instructions stored in the storage unit to cause the selection function network element to implement a communication method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. The storage module can be a storage unit within the chip (e.g., a register, cache, etc.) or a storage unit located outside the chip within the routing function network element (e.g., a read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0062] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising: a second network element, a first terminal, and a selection function network element. The second network element is used to execute the methods described in the first aspect or various possible implementations of the first aspect. The first terminal is used to execute the methods described in the second aspect or various possible implementations of the second aspect. The selection function network element is used to execute the methods described in the third aspect or various possible implementations of the third aspect.

[0063] Optionally, the communication system may further include: a routing function network element, wherein the routing function network element is used to perform the methods described in the fourth aspect or various possible implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0064] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising: a second network element, a first terminal, and a routing function network element. The second network element is used to perform the methods described in the first aspect or various possible implementations of the first aspect. The first terminal is used to perform the methods described in the second aspect or various possible implementations of the second aspect. The routing function network element is used to perform the methods described in the fifth aspect or various possible implementations of the fifth aspect.

[0065] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method described in the first aspect or various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0066] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method described in the second aspect or various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0067] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method described in the third aspect or various possible implementations of the third aspect.

[0068] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method described in the fourth aspect or various possible implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0069] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method described in the fifth aspect or various possible implementations of the fifth aspect.

[0070] In an eighteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as described in any of the possible implementations of the first aspect. The computer may be a second network element.

[0071] In a nineteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as described in any of the possible implementations of the second aspect. The computer may be a first terminal.

[0072] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as described in any of the possible implementations of the third aspect. The computer may be a selectable function network element.

[0073] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as described in any of the possible implementations of the fourth aspect. The computer may be a routing network element.

[0074] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a communication method as described in any of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect to the fifth aspect. The computer may be a routing network element.

[0075] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for implementing various methods in various possible designs of the first aspect or any of the first aspects described above. The communication device can be the second network element described above, or a device containing the second network element, or a component (e.g., a chip) applied to the second network element. The communication device includes modules and units corresponding to the methods described above; these modules and units can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above. It should be understood that the communication device described in the ninth aspect may further include a bus and a memory, the memory being used to store code and data. Optionally, at least one processor communication interface and the memory are coupled to each other.

[0076] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for implementing various methods in various possible designs of the second aspect or any of the second aspects described above. The communication device may be the first terminal described above, or a device containing the first terminal, or a component (e.g., a chip) applied in the first terminal. The communication device includes modules and units corresponding to the methods described above; these modules and units may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0077] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for implementing various methods in various possible designs of the third aspect or any of the third aspects described above. The communication device can be the aforementioned selection function network element, or a device containing the aforementioned selection function network element, or a component (e.g., a chip) applied to the selection function network element. The communication device includes modules and units corresponding to the aforementioned methods; these modules and units can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0078] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for implementing various methods in various possible designs of the fourth aspect or any of the fourth aspects described above. The communication device can be a routing function network element, a device containing the routing function network element, or a component (e.g., a chip) applied to a routing function network element. The communication device includes modules and units corresponding to the methods described above; these modules and units can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0079] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for implementing various methods in various possible designs of the fifth aspect or any of the fifth aspects described above. The communication device can be a routing function network element, a device containing the routing function network element, or a component (e.g., a chip) applied to a routing function network element. The communication device includes modules and units corresponding to the methods described above; these modules and units can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0080] It should be understood that the communication apparatus described in aspects 23 or 27 above may further include: a bus and a memory, the memory being used to store code and data. Optionally, at least one processor communication interface and the memory are coupled to each other.

[0081] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including at least one processor, the processor being configured to read and execute a computer program stored in a memory to perform the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0082] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including at least one processor, the processor being configured to read and execute a computer program stored in a memory to perform the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0083] In a thirtieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including at least one processor, the processor being configured to read and execute a computer program stored in a memory to perform the methods of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0084] In a thirty-first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including at least one processor, the processor being configured to read and execute a computer program stored in a memory to perform the methods of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0085] In a thirty-second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including at least one processor, the processor being configured to read and execute a computer program stored in a memory to perform the methods of the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0086] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory, which is connected to the processor via circuitry or wires.

[0087] Optionally, the chip also includes a communication interface. The communication interface is used to communicate with other modules outside the chip.

[0088] Any of the devices, computer storage media, computer program products, chips, or communication systems provided above are used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects of the corresponding solutions in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0089] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a 5G-GUTI.

[0090] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture for routing by an AMF network element in a related technology, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 3 The process of routing other uplink NAS messages using AMF provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0092] Figure 4 An architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0094] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figures 7-11 A detailed flowchart illustrating a method for selecting network elements based on index values, provided in this application embodiment;

[0096] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0099] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this text is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more than two.

[0100] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0101] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0102] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0103] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more. "More than one" means two or more. "At least two (items)" means two or three or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0104] The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any single or multiple items. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" can be expressed as: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0105] Both "...when" and "if" indicate that a corresponding action will be taken under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require a judgment action to be taken when the action is taken, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0106] With the development of wireless network technology, and to achieve better network flexibility and agility, future communication networks may no longer communicate between the RAN and NFs in the core network through mobility management elements (such as access and mobility management function elements). Related technologies have proposed the concept of RAN interface service-oriented architecture, where the RAN directly establishes connections with NFs for communication. However, this architecture places higher demands on the RAN's capabilities; the RAN needs to identify and store additional message routing information, perform NF discovery and selection, and maintain the context of connections with NFs. Considering that some UE-related information involves user privacy, the aforementioned RAN interface service-oriented architecture may lead to more complex solutions.

[0107] In current related technologies, the RAN and access and mobility management function network elements can establish point-to-point connections using the Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP). The UE establishes an air interface connection with the RAN, and the RAN stores the UE's temporary identifier on the air interface (such as the Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RNTI)). When the UE needs to register with the network, it sends a first registration request message to the RAN. For example, the first registration request message includes the UE's Registration Request Message (NAS) and access network (AN) parameters. Optionally, it also includes important information such as the UE's identity, capabilities, location, network slice selection, and some parameters for optimizing communication. The AN parameters are used to establish access network-related parameters for communication connections, such as the 5G-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI) or globally unique AMF identifier (GUAMI), the selected PLMN ID (or PLMN ID and NID, see Clause 5.30 of TS23.501), and network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI). The AN parameters also include the establishment reason. The establishment reason provides the reason for requesting to establish an RRC connection. The RAN selects the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) network element. For example, the RAN selects an AMS network element for which the RAN has already established an NGAP connection, based on the radioaccess technology (RAT) information currently used by the UE and the network slice information of the UE in the AN parameters. The RAN also selects an AMS network element based on the 5G-globally unique temporary identity (GUTI) provided by the UE (normally the same as the AMF selected during initial registration). Subsequently, the RAN sends an initial UE message to the selected access and mobility management function network element. The initial UE message includes the RAN UE NGAP ID assigned to the UE by the RAN and the UE's registration request message (NAS message, which includes the UE's SUCI-encrypted temporary identifier).After UE authentication and other processes, the Access and Mobility Management (AMS) network element sends an Initial UE Context Establishment Request (INITIALCONTEXT SETUP REQUEST) to the RAN. This message includes the RAN UE NGAP ID, the AMF UE NGAP ID assigned to the UE by the AMS network element, and a NAS message sent to the UE (including the 5G-GUTI identifier assigned to the UE by the AMF). The specific process of UE registration with the network can be found in existing descriptions and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0108] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The structure of a 5G globally unique temporary identity (GUTI) is shown. This 5G GUTI includes the Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC), identifiers of Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network elements (such as IDs), and the UE's Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI). The AMF network element identifiers may include, for example, an AMF area identifier, an AMF set identifier, and an AMF pointer. The GUTI identifies an AMF, while the 5G-TMSI uniquely identifies a UE within an AMF. The AMF area identifier identifies an area. The AMF set identifier uniquely identifies an AMF within a set of AMF areas, while the AMF pointer uniquely identifies an AMF within an AMF set. The structure of the 5G-S-TMSI is as follows: <5G-S-TMSI> :=<AMF Set ID><AMF Pointer> <5G-TMSI>. An AMF name is used to identify an AMF. An AMF can be configured with one or more GUMAIs. At any given time, a GUMAI can only be associated with one AMF name.

[0109] During the UE registration process described above, the RAN stores the UE's air interface identifier, the UE's identifier connected to the NGAP, and information about the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element serving the UE (address, ID, etc.). This information is stored in the UE context and is associated. The AMF network element stores the UE's permanent identifier SUPI, the UE's identifier connected to the NGAP (two identifiers), and information about the RAN serving the UE (address, ID, etc.). This information is also stored in the UE context and is associated. Subsequently, other NFs send messages to the UE through the AMF network element, requesting the AMF's Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service and specifying the target UE using the SUPI. The AMF network element determines the RAN and NGAP ID pair serving the UE based on the SUPI and then routes the message. Other NFs also send messages to the RAN serving the UE through the AMF, requesting the AMF's Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service and specifying the target UE using the SUPI.

[0110] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The diagram shows a message routing architecture in related technologies, consisting of... Figure 2 It can be seen that, in addition to routing messages to the SMF, the access and mobility management function network element also routes messages to other NFs. Specifically, such as... Figure 3 As shown, when the NAS type is SM, in addition to selecting the SMF based on information such as DNN / Slice, the access and mobility management function network elements also need to identify new service-related parameters (such as Control Plane CIoT 5GS optimization and OldPDU Session ID) to select the SMF. When the NAS type is UL NAS Transport, the NF to be routed to needs to be determined based on the payload container type and optional payload details (such as routing identifier).

[0111] This results in access and mobility management (AM) network elements not only having to perform routing but also determining which network element to route to. AM / MM functions and routing functions are coupled, and the introduction of new features impacts AM / AM network elements, even those not fundamentally related to them. It may also affect RAN-CN connectivity, posing operational risks such as configuration changes. Furthermore, it lacks flexibility, as new features may require updates to NAS coding. In summary, this impacts CN agility and fails to achieve a sufficiently decoupled design.

[0112] In related technologies, after a UE registers with the network, it can send a PDU session establishment request message to the AMF via the RAN to request the establishment of a PDU session for the UE. The RAN can send an UPLINK NAS TRANSPORT message to the AMF, including information such as the RAN UENGAPID, AMF UE NGAP ID, UE Location (cell ID), and NAS PDU. The NAS PDU includes parameters such as PDU session ID, DNN and Slice information, and N1 SM Container (encapsulated NAS message sent by the UE to the SMF). The AMF selects a suitable SMF based on parameters such as "DNN and Slice information" (determining the SMF's address, ID, etc.). 3. The AMF sends a session management context creation request to the SMF, which includes information such as the N1 SM Container, the UE's SUPI, and the AMF's own ID.

[0113] The AMF stores the PDU session ID and corresponding SMF information in the UE context. The SMF stores the UE's SUPI, PDU session ID, and AMF ID. Therefore, in subsequent procedures, when the UE sends an uplink NAS message to the SMF, it carries the NAS type "SM" and the PDU session ID in the uplink NAS message. Figure 3 As shown, the AMF can then determine which SMF the message should be sent to. If the NAS type carried in the NAS message is MM, the AMF can determine that the message is to be sent to the AMF.

[0114] However, in related technologies, when a UE establishes a PDU session, the AMF needs to select an SMF for the UE. When selecting an SMF, the AMF needs to consider: UE location, access type, RAT type, DNN, S-NSSAI, DNAI, VN Group, the SMF's capability (corresponding to the UE's request), the UE's subscription data, and the SMF's load. Among these, parameters such as UE location are provided by the RAN or are related to the RAN; parameters such as DNN and S-NSSAI are service / feature related, especially SMF capability. When the network introduces a new feature that requires MF support, the selection of an SMF must be based on parameters related to the new feature (such as capability indication information) to discover an SMF that supports the corresponding feature. The UE's subscription data and other information are obtained by the AMF from other NFs.

[0115] AMF can select an SMF based on the SMF information stored locally, or it can send an NF discovery request to the NRF to discover an SMF. The NF discovery message includes: NF type (SMF), S-NSSAI, DNN, and optional DNAI, etc.

[0116] In response to an NF discovery request, the NRF sends the SMF profile to the AMF that meets certain conditions (corresponding to the parameters in the request), including one or more pieces of information such as the SMF ID and SMF FQDN. In summary, in current related technologies, the AMF must identify the NF selection-related parameters in the UE's request to determine the corresponding SMF Capability and thus make the correct SMF selection. This means that even if a parameter / feature is essentially unrelated to the AMF, the AMF must still identify it to make the SMF selection, failing to achieve sufficient decoupling.

[0117] It is understandable that the specific process for a UE to establish a PDU session can be found in the descriptions in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 A communication system provided in this application includes: a signaling routing function (SRF), one or more terminals, and a selection function.

[0119] For example, the selection function network element can also be a Network Function Selection Function (NFSF) network element. The NFSF network element can be an independent network element, or it can be replaced by other network elements (such as NRF), or it can be integrated with other functions / network elements. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0120] Each terminal has one or more second mapping relationships, and each mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between an index value and one or more service parameters. Each terminal is used to send an uplink message according to the requirements of the first service, such as the first message in the following embodiment. The uplink message may carry an index value, such as a first index value.

[0121] Optionally, the communication system described above may further include a wireless access network device to which each terminal is connected. The wireless access network device to which any terminal is connected is used to send a first index value, the terminal's first information, the terminal's identifier, etc., to the SRF.

[0122] When it is determined that a target network element is selected for the terminal, the SRF is used to trigger the NFSF to select a network element based on the first index value to determine the target NF associated with the first index value. Alternatively, when it is determined that a target network element is selected for the terminal, the SRF is used to determine the target NF associated with the first index value based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the SRF is also used to send the terminal's NASPDU to the target NF after the target NF is determined.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the NFSF has one or more second mapping relationships, each mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between an index value and one or more network elements. The NFSF is used to determine the network element associated with the first index value as the target network element based on the first index value and one or more second mapping relationships.

[0125] Optionally, when selecting a target network element based on the first index value, the selection function may also refer to one or more of the following: the terminal's location information, the terminal's access type, the identifier of the PLMN to which the terminal is connected, and the RAT type corresponding to the terminal.

[0126] In another possible embodiment of this application, the above-mentioned communication system may further include one or more of the following network elements: mobility management network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, session management function network element, and unified data management (UDM) network element.

[0127] Among them, the mobility management network element and / or policy control function network element can determine one or more second mapping relationships for any terminal, and configure one or more first mapping relationships for NFSF / SRF.

[0128] Session management function network elements are primarily used for session management of UEs in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release, as well as allocating and / or releasing resources for terminal sessions. These resources include session QoS, session paths, and forwarding rules. Specific functions include allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals and selecting user plane network elements that provide packet forwarding capabilities. In 5G communication systems, session management function network elements can be SMF (Software-Defined Function) network elements. In future communication networks (such as 6G communication networks), session management function network elements may still be SMF network elements, or they may have other names; this application does not limit this.

[0129] Mobility management network elements are primarily used in mobile networks for UE registration, mobility management, tracking area update procedures, non-access stratum (NAS) messages, registration management, connection management, reachability management, allocation of tracking area lists (TAlists), and mobility management (MM). In 5G communication systems, access management network elements can be both access and mobility management function network elements (such as AMF network elements). In future communication networks (such as 6G communication systems), mobility management network elements may still be AMF network elements, or they may have other names; this application does not limit this.

[0130] The policy control function network element includes user subscription data management functions, policy control functions, billing policy control functions, and quality of service (QoS) control. In 5G communication systems, the policy control function network element can be a PCF (Policy Control Function). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the policy control function network element can still be a PCF network element, or it can have other names; this application is not limited to these.

[0131] A unified data management network element (UDM) is primarily used to manage the subscription information of terminals. In 5G communication systems, the UDM can be a unified data management network element. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the UDM can remain a UDM or have other names; this application is not limited to these. The UDM stores the subscription data of any terminal. Optionally, the UDM may also include at least one first mapping relationship associated with any terminal.

[0132] Taking the above communication system applied to a 5G communication network as an example, the mobility management network element can be called an AMF network element, the session management function network element can be called an SMF network element, and the policy control function network element can be called a PCF network element.

[0133] It is understood that when the above-mentioned communication system is applied to future communication networks, the names of network elements such as the selected functional network element, routing function network element, mobility management network element, policy control function network element, and session management function network element can also be other names. Of course, the names shown in the embodiments of this application can also be used. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific names of each network element.

[0134] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) systems (or new radio (NR) systems), 4th generation (4G) systems (or long term evolution (LTE) systems), LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems.

[0135] The network architecture described above for the embodiments of this application is merely an example. The network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application is not limited to this. Any network architecture capable of implementing the functions of the aforementioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of this application. That is, the network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. It is also understood that the network elements or devices listed in the above network architecture are merely illustrative examples. The network architecture applicable to this application may also include other network elements or devices, and this application does not limit them. It is also understood that the naming of the aforementioned network elements or devices is only defined to facilitate the differentiation of different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of using other names in 4G networks, 5G networks, and other future networks. For example, in 6G networks, some or all of the aforementioned network elements may use the terminology from 4G / 5G, or may use other names, etc.

[0136] The terminal provided in this application serves as the entry point for mobile users to interact with the network. It provides basic computing and storage capabilities, displays service windows to users, and receives user input. The terminal provided in this application may also be referred to as a UE, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment, etc., without limitation.

[0137] A terminal can be any electronic device with voice communication capabilities. For example, a terminal is a user equipment (UE). A UE can be any device capable of accessing a network, and can also be referred to as a terminal equipment, terminal device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device, etc. A UE can be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to a user, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connectivity. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities (such as laptops and PDAs), mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, AR devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 4G / 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), etc.

[0138] It should be understood that the terminal in the embodiments of this application can also be a terminal in various vertical industry application fields such as Internet of Things terminal devices, ports, smart factories, railway transportation, logistics, drones, and autonomous vehicles. For example, mobile robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous vehicles, control equipment and sensors on trains, and control equipment and sensors deployed in factories.

[0139] Furthermore, terminals can also be part of the Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is a crucial component of future information technology development, its main technical characteristic being the connection of objects to networks via communication technologies, thereby achieving intelligent networks for human-machine and object-to-object interconnection. IoT technology can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and low power consumption at the terminal level through technologies such as narrowband (NB). Additionally, terminals can include smart printers, train detectors, etc., whose main functions include collecting data (in some terminal devices), receiving control information and downlink data from network devices, and transmitting uplink data to network devices by sending electromagnetic waves.

[0140] Alternatively, the terminal can be used to act as a base station. For example, the user equipment can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between user equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or device-to-device (D2D) systems. For instance, cellular phones and cars communicate with each other using sidelink signals. Cellular phones and smart home devices can communicate without relaying communication signals through a base station.

[0141] The radio access network device provided in this application embodiment can be a new radio node B (gNB), which is a device in the network used to connect terminals to the wireless network. It is mainly responsible for functions such as air interface-side radio resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression, and encryption. The radio access network device is deployed close to the UE or on a satellite to provide network access functionality for authorized users in a specific area. It can determine different quality transmission tunnels to transmit user data based on the user's level and service requirements. The radio access network device can manage its own resources, make reasonable use of its resources, provide access services to the UE on demand, and is responsible for forwarding control signals and user data between the UE and the core network. Optionally, the access network device can be a node in the radio access network, also known as a base station, or a radio access network (RAN) node (or device). Access network equipment can include evolved base stations (NodeBs, eNBs, or e-NodeBs) in long-term evolution (LTE) systems or evolved LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, such as traditional macro base stations (eNBs) and micro base stations (eNBs) in heterogeneous network scenarios. It can also include next-generation node Bs (gNBs) in 5G new radio (NR) systems, radio network controllers (RNCs), node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission reception points (TRPs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved NodeBs or home Node Bs (HNBs), base band units (BBUs), base band pools, or WiFi access points (APs). Alternatively, it can include centralized units in cloud radio access network (CloudRAN) systems. The embodiments of this application are not limited to units (CU) and distributed units (DU).

[0142] In scenarios where access network devices, including CU and DU, are deployed separately, the CU supports protocols such as Radio Resource Control (RRC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP); the DU primarily supports radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical layer protocols. For ease of description, the various access network devices mentioned above will be collectively referred to as wireless access network devices, used to illustrate the methods and apparatus provided in this application.

[0143] In this embodiment, the routing function is decoupled from the mobility management network element and treated as a separate network element, namely the routing function network element. Other network functions, including AMF / SMF / location management function (LMF), are transparent to the terminal and radio access network equipment regardless of their state or whether they have been changed. This ensures that when new features are introduced, the replacement, upgrade, or reconfiguration of network functions do not affect unrelated network functions and radio access network equipment. When establishing a routing table, the routing function network element needs to determine the target network element. To avoid the routing function network element being affected by the need for NF selection when introducing new features, as an example, the network element selection function can also be decoupled from the routing function and treated as a selection function network element.

[0144] Based on this architecture, when introducing new features, if it is necessary to simultaneously upgrade the parameter parsing and NF selection functions on the selected network elements, the NFSF network elements need to be updated along with the features, resulting in high complexity and poor agility of the NFSF network elements. To further improve agility and reduce the complexity of NFSF network element selection...

[0145] This application's embodiments involve NFSF functionality, and its specific deployment location is not limited (e.g., logically integrated with SRF, integrated with RAN, deployed as a separate network element, or integrated with other NFs; physically integrated with RAN on the same device, deployed as a separate device, or deployed on the same device as other NFs (including AMF and SRF).

[0146] In another possible embodiment of this application, if the SRF has routing and network element selection functions, then the selection function network element in the above communication system can be omitted.

[0147] In this application embodiment, the specific structure of the execution subject of a communication method is not particularly limited, as long as communication can be performed according to the communication method of this application embodiment by running a program that records the code of a communication method of this application embodiment. For example, the execution subject of the communication method provided in this application embodiment may be a functional module in a second network element that can call and execute a program, or a communication device applied in the second network element, such as a chip, chip system, integrated circuit, etc. These chips, chip systems, and integrated circuits may be located inside the second network element or may be independent of the second network element, and this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions. The execution subject of the communication method provided in this application embodiment may be a functional module in a first terminal that can call and execute a program, or a communication device applied in the first terminal, such as a chip, chip system, integrated circuit, etc. These chips, chip systems, and integrated circuits may be located inside the first terminal or may be independent of the first terminal, and this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions. The following embodiments describe a communication method with the execution subjects being a second network element and a first terminal as examples. In the absence of conflict, the solutions of the following embodiments can be combined.

[0148] The following will combine Figures 5 to 11 The communication method provided in this application is illustrated with examples.

[0149] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This application provides a communication method, which includes:

[0150] Step 501: The second network element obtains the contracted data and / or first information of the first terminal.

[0151] The first information includes parameters related to the access status of the first terminal.

[0152] For example, the first information may include one or more of the following: the location information of the first terminal, the radio access technology (RAT) type, the access type, and the public land mobile network (PLMN) information.

[0153] For example, the location information of the first terminal is used to describe the location of the first terminal. For example, the location information of the first terminal corresponds to the location of the radio access network equipment (such as RAN) to which the first terminal is connected. For example, it can be the identifier of the tracking area (TA) to which the RAN belongs, or the RAN ID, or the cell ID.

[0154] For example, the RAT type indicates the type of access technology accessed by the first terminal, such as 5G access, 6G access, satellite access, etc.

[0155] For example, the access type indicates whether the first terminal uses 3GPP access or non-3GPP access.

[0156] For example, PLMN information includes network operator identification information, such as the PLMN identifier. PLMN information is used to determine the PLMN to which the first terminal is currently accessing.

[0157] For example, the second network element can be a mobility management network element or a policy control function network element. For instance, a mobility management network element can be an AMF (Active Mobility Function) network element in a 5G network. A policy control function network element can be a PCF (Policy Control Function) network element in a 5G network, or the second network element can also be a network management network element.

[0158] For example, the second network element can obtain the first terminal's subscription data from the UDM based on the first terminal's identifier. For example, if the second network element is an AMF network element, it can obtain the first terminal's first information from the radio access network equipment to which the first terminal is connected. If the second network element is a policy control function network element, it can obtain the first terminal's first information from the AMF network element serving the first terminal.

[0159] Step 502: The second network element determines one or more first mapping relationships and one or more second mapping relationships based on the subscription data of the first terminal and / or the first information.

[0160] In this context, each of the one or more first mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between one or more network elements and an index value. For example, as shown in Table 1, network element 1 has a mapping relationship with index value 1, and network element 2 has a mapping relationship with index value 2.

[0161] In this embodiment, an index value can be associated with / correspond to one or more network elements. For example, as shown in Table 2, index 3 has a mapping relationship with network elements 4, 5, and 6. In this embodiment, the same index value can also be associated with multiple different network elements.

[0162] In this context, each of the one or more second mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between one or more business parameters and an index value. It can be understood that an index value can be associated with / correspond to one or more business parameters. For example, as shown in Table 3, business parameter 1 is associated with index value 1, and business parameter 4 is associated with index value 4.

[0163] For example, one or more first mappings can be called the first NF selection strategy. For example, one or more first mappings can be shown in Table 1 or Table 2:

[0164] Table 1 First NF Selection Strategy

[0165] Network element information Index value Network Element 1 Index value 1 NetElement 2 Index value 2 NetElement 3 Index value 3 NetElement 4 Index value 4

[0166] Table 2 First NF Selection Strategy

[0167] Network element information Verification Standards Index value Network Element 1 Position 1 (TA1) Index value 1 NetElement 2 Position 2 (TA2) Index value 1 NetElement 3 RAT Type 1 (5G Access) Index value 2 Network Element 4 / Network Element 5 / Network Element 6 RAT Type 2 (5G Satellite Access) Index value 3

[0168] For example, one or more second mappings can be called a second NF selection strategy. For example, one or more second mappings can be shown in Table 3 or Table 4:

[0169] Table 3 Second NF Selection Strategy

[0170] Business parameters Index value Business Parameter 1 Index value 1 Business Parameter 2 Index value 2 Business Parameter 3 Index value 3 Business parameter 4 Index value 4

[0171] Table 4 Second NF Selection Strategy

[0172]

[0173] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each row in Tables 1 to 4 represents a mapping relationship.

[0174] In one possible implementation of this application, any first mapping relationship may further include: area information, and / or, second information. The second information included in any first mapping relationship describes the radio capabilities or status corresponding to the terminal served by the network element included in the first mapping relationship. The area information included in any first mapping relationship describes the service area corresponding to the network element included in the first mapping relationship, i.e., the network element can serve terminals located within that service area.

[0175] As an example, the second information may include one or more of the following: RAT type, access type, and information about the public terrestrial mobile network.

[0176] For example, as shown in Table 2, if the RAT type included in the first mapping relationship is 5G access, then network element 3 included in the first mapping relationship can serve terminals using 5G access. For example, if TA1 is included in the first mapping relationship, then network element 1 is used to serve terminals located within TA1.

[0177] For example, if any first mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between network element X, index value X, and access type 3GPP access, then network element X can serve terminals accessing the network through 3GPP.

[0178] For example, if any first mapping relationship includes PLMN1 and PLMN2, it means that the network elements included in the first mapping relationship can serve the terminals accessing PLMN1 or PLMN2.

[0179] In one possible implementation of this application, if the same network element corresponds to different service areas, and / or the same network element corresponds to different second information, then the network element can correspond to different index values. For example, if the service areas of network element 1 include TA1 and TA2, then multiple first mapping relationships can include mapping relationship 1 and mapping relationship 2, wherein mapping relationship 1 includes the mapping relationship between network element 1, TA1, and index value 1. Mapping relationship 2 includes the mapping relationship between network element 1, TA2, and index value 2.

[0180] In the embodiments of this application, each of the one or more second mapping relationships describes the correspondence between one or more service parameters and an index value. Each of the one or more first mapping relationships describes the correspondence between one or more network elements and an index value.

[0181] As an example, any second mapping relationship may further include: area information, and / or, second information. Wherein, if any second mapping relationship includes area information, this second mapping relationship is used to describe the index value of the service parameter and the area association indicated by the area information. For example, as shown in Table 4, if the second mapping relationship includes index value 1, service parameter 1, and location 1 (TA1), it means that when the terminal is located within TA1, service parameter 1 is associated with index value 1. For example, if the second mapping relationship includes index value 2, service parameter 1, and location 1 (TA2), it means that when the terminal is located within TA2, service parameter 1 is associated with index value 2.

[0182] The second piece of information describes the wireless capabilities or status of the terminal.

[0183] When any second mapping relationship includes second information, this second mapping relationship describes the mapping relationship between service parameters and index values ​​when a terminal accesses the network with the radio capabilities or status indicated by the second information. In other words, it can also be described as: the mapping relationship between service parameters and index values ​​when service parameters correspond to second information. Alternatively, it can be described as: when the index value associated with the service parameter is selected, the terminal can access the network with the radio capabilities or status indicated by the second information.

[0184] For example, as shown in Table 4, if a second mapping relationship includes an access type of 3GPP access, then when the terminal accesses the network using 3GPP, service parameter 3 and index value 5 have a mapping relationship, or the terminal is required to have the ability to access the network using 3GPP.

[0185] For example, if a service parameter corresponds to a public land mobile network identifier including PLMN1 and PLMN2, and the service parameter is associated with index value 7, then it means that when a terminal accesses PLMN1 or PLMN2, it can select the associated index value 7 of the service parameter as the first index value.

[0186] If the service area information corresponding to the same business parameter is different, and / or the second information corresponding to the same business parameter is different, then the business parameter can correspond to different index values.

[0187] For example, as shown in Table 4, if business parameter 1 corresponds to TA1 and TA2 respectively, then multiple second mapping relationships can include the mapping relationship between business parameter 1, TA1 and index value 1, and the mapping relationship between business parameter 1, TA2 and index value 2.

[0188] Step 503: The second network element sends one or more second mapping relationships to the first terminal, and sends one or more first mapping relationships to the selected function network element (such as NFSF).

[0189] As an example, if the second network element is a policy control function network element, the second network element can send one or more second mapping relationships to the first terminal through the mobility management network element, or the second network element can directly send one or more second mapping relationships to the first terminal.

[0190] As an example, if the second network element is a policy control function network element, the second network element can send one or more first mapping relationships to the selection function network element or the routing function network element through the mobility management network element, or the second network element can directly send one or more first mapping relationships to the selection function network element or the routing function network element.

[0191] For example, in step 503, the second network element can also send one or more first mapping relationships to the SRF. Alternatively, in step 503, the second network element can also send one or more first mapping relationships to a network element with routing and network element selection functions.

[0192] As an example, if the second network element is a mobility management network element, the second network element can send one or more second mapping relationships to the first terminal through UE Configuration Update (UCU), or the second network element can send one or more second mapping relationships to the first terminal through RAN.

[0193] As an example, in this embodiment of the application, the second network element may also send one or more second mapping relationships related to the first terminal, as well as one or more first mapping relationships related to the first terminal, to the UDM. This facilitates the first terminal to subsequently obtain one or more first mapping relationships related to the first terminal, as well as one or more first mapping relationships related to the first terminal, from the UDM based on the identifier of the first terminal.

[0194] Step 504: The first terminal obtains one or more second mapping relationships.

[0195] For example, the first terminal can obtain one or more second mapping relationships from the UDM, mobility management network element, policy control function network element, or network management network element. For example, the first terminal can obtain one or more second mapping relationships from the UDM, mobility management network element, policy control function network element, or network management network element during the registration process. Alternatively, the first terminal can obtain one or more second mapping relationships from the UDM, mobility management network element, policy control function network element, or network management network element before communicating with the target network element.

[0196] For example, one or more second mapping relationships can be pre-configured in the first terminal.

[0197] Step 505: Select a functional network element to obtain one or more first mapping relationships.

[0198] For example, the selected function network element can obtain one or more first mapping relationships from the mobility management network element, policy control function network element, or network management network element. Of course, the selected function network element can also obtain one or more first mapping relationships from the UDM. Alternatively, the selected function network element may have one or more first mapping relationships configured within it.

[0199] As an example, this application embodiment does not distinguish the order between steps 505 and 504. In actual process, steps 505 and 504 can be executed simultaneously, or steps 504 can be executed before steps 505, or steps 505 can be executed before steps 504.

[0200] It is understood that the one or more first mapping relationships in the embodiments of this application can be mapping relationships that are common to multiple terminals. Of course, the one or more first mapping relationships can also be mapping relationships that are applicable to a specific terminal. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. For example, the one or more first mapping relationships can be mapping relationships associated with the identifier of a first terminal, that is, the one or more first mapping relationships are terminal-related.

[0201] In this embodiment of the application, each terminal may have one or more corresponding first mapping relationships. If some of the first mapping relationships of one or more first mapping relationships of different terminals are the same, while some of the first mapping relationships are different, then in order to avoid retransmitting information, at least one first mapping relationship that is common to multiple terminals does not need to be retransmitted, while the first mapping relationship related to the terminal must be transmitted.

[0202] For example, if the association between network element 1 and index value 1 is common to both terminal 1 and terminal 2, then the first mapping relationship between network element 1 and index value 1 can be regarded as a common mapping relationship. If the association between network element 21 and index value 3 is specific to terminal 1, and if the association between network element 23 and index value 4 is specific to terminal 2, then the multiple first mapping relationships at the selected function network element can include: the mapping relationship between network element 1 and index value 1, the mapping relationship between network element 23 and index value 4 (identifier of terminal 2), and the mapping relationship between network element 21 and index value 3 (identifier of terminal 1).

[0203] It is worth noting that if one or more second mapping relationships are pre-configured in the first terminal, and one or more first mapping relationships are pre-configured in the selection function network element or routing function network element, then steps 501 to 503 can be omitted.

[0204] Step 506: The first terminal determines the first index value based on the requirements of the first service and one or more second mapping relationships.

[0205] The first index value has a mapping relationship with the service parameters indicated by the demand of the first service.

[0206] For example, referring to Table 3, if the business parameter indicated by the first business requirement is business parameter 1, then the first index value is index value 1.

[0207] Step 507: The first terminal sends the first message.

[0208] The first message includes a first index value, which is used to determine the target network element, and the target network element serves the first service.

[0209] For example, the first terminal can send a first message to the radio access network device. Then, the radio access network device can send a message including a first index value to the routing function network element. After receiving the message including the first index value, the routing function network element can send a second message to the selection function network element.

[0210] Step 508: Select the functional network element to receive the second message.

[0211] The second message includes at least a first index value, and the second message requests the determination of information about the target network element associated with the first index value.

[0212] As an example, the selection function network element can receive a second message from the routing function network element.

[0213] It is worth noting that the execution order of steps 505 and 508 is not distinguished in this embodiment. In practice, the selection function network element may have already obtained one or more first mapping relationships before receiving the second message. Of course, the selection function network element may also obtain one or more first mapping relationships after obtaining the second message. For example, the second message may include the identifier of the first terminal, so the selection function network element can obtain one or more first mapping relationships related to the first terminal from the UDM based on the identifier of the first terminal.

[0214] Step 509: Select the functional network element. Based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, determine the target network element.

[0215] For example, selecting a functional network element can identify one or more network elements in the first mapping relationship that have a mapping relationship with the first index value as the target network element.

[0216] Specifically, the implementation of step 509 can be found in the description in the following embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0217] It should be noted that the technical solutions described in steps 501 to 503 in the above embodiments are the process by which the network side determines one or more first mapping relationships for the selected function network element and one or more second mapping relationships for the first terminal, while steps 504 to 509 are the process by which the first terminal and the selected function network element respectively use index values ​​and their respective mapping relationships to implement network element selection.

[0218] In one possible implementation of this application, any second mapping relationship may further include: NAS type. Accordingly, step 505 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in the following way:

[0219] The first terminal determines the index value that has a mapping relationship with the first NAS type in one or more second mapping relationships as the first index value. Alternatively, it can be described that the first index value in step 505 is the index value that has a mapping relationship with the first NAS type in one or more second mapping relationships.

[0220] The first NAS type is indicated by the demand of the first service, or it can be described as the first NAS type being the NAS type indicated by the demand of the first service.

[0221] For example, NAS types can include Session Management (SM), Sensing, and Location Service.

[0222] For example, as shown in Table 5, if the NAS type indicated by the first service requirement is NAS type 1, then the first index value is 0000.

[0223] Table 5

[0224] NAS type Index value NAS Type 1 0000 NAS Type 2 0001 NAS Type 3 0101

[0225] For example, if at least two of the one or more second mapping relationships include the first NAS type, the first terminal can further determine the first index value by combining the first information and / or the service parameters indicated by the first service requirement. For instance, as shown in Table 4, the first NAS type is NAS type+, and index values ​​5 and 6 in Table 4 are both mapped to NAS type+. If the access type of the first terminal is 3GPP access, and the service parameter indicated by the first service requirement is service parameter 3, then index value 5 can be selected as the first index value.

[0226] In one possible implementation of this application, the service parameters in the embodiments of this application may include: a service flow descriptor, and / or network slice information and / or data network information. The service flow descriptor is used to describe the characteristics of the service.

[0227] The following will describe the specific implementation of step 505, which combines the service parameters as service flow descriptors and the service parameters as network slice information and / or data network information.

[0228] As an example, the business parameters include a business flow descriptor. In this embodiment, step 505 can be implemented in the following way:

[0229] The first terminal determines the index value that has a mapping relationship with the first service flow descriptor in one or more second mapping relationships as the first index value. Alternatively, it can be described that the first index value in step 505 is the index value that has a mapping relationship with the first service flow descriptor in one or more second mapping relationships.

[0230] The first service flow descriptor is indicated by the demand of the first service, or in other words, the first service flow descriptor is the first service flow descriptor indicated by the demand of the first service.

[0231] For example, as shown in Table 6, if the business flow descriptor indicated by the demand of the first business is business flow descriptor 1, then the first index value is 0000.

[0232] Table 6 Mapping Relationship between Business Flow Descriptors and Index Values

[0233] Business parameters Index value Business Flow Descriptor 1 0000 Business Flow Descriptor 2 0001 Business Flow Descriptor 3 0101

[0234] As an example, the service parameters include network slice information and / or data network information. In this embodiment, step 505 can be implemented in the following way:

[0235] The first terminal determines the index value as the first index value from one or more second mapping relationships that has a mapping relationship with the first data network name and / or the first network slice. Alternatively, it can be described that the first index value is the index value from one or more second mapping relationships that has a mapping relationship with the information of the first data network name and / or the first network slice.

[0236] Wherein, the first data network name and / or the first network slice is indicated by the demand of the first service, or can be described as the first data network name and / or the first network slice being the data network name and / or network slice indicated by the demand of the first service.

[0237] For example, one or more second mapping relationships are shown in Table 7. If the data network name and network slice information indicated by the demand of the first service are DNN1+network slice 1, then the first index value is 111.

[0238] Table 7 Mapping relationship between data network name and / or network slice and index value

[0239] Business parameters Index value DNN1+ network slice 1 111 DNN1+ network slice 2 222 DNN1+ network slice 3 333

[0240] In one possible embodiment of this application, any one of the one or more second mapping relationships further includes: a service area. The first terminal determines a first index value based on the requirements of the first service and the one or more second mapping relationships, including: the first terminal determining the first index value based on the requirements of the first service, the one or more second mapping relationships, and the location of the first terminal. Wherein, the location of the first terminal is within the service area corresponding to the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service.

[0241] For example, as shown in Table 4, the index values ​​corresponding to service parameter 1 at different locations (TA1 and TA2) are index value 1 and index value 2, respectively. If the service parameter 1 indicated by the first service requirement is DNN1 and network slice 1, DNN1 + network slice 1 corresponds to TA1, and DNN1 + network slice 1 corresponds to TA2. If the first terminal is currently located within TA1, then the first terminal can choose index value 1 as the first index value.

[0242] In one possible embodiment of this application, any one of the one or more second mapping relationships may further include: RAT type. The first terminal determines the first index value according to the requirements of the first service and one or more second mapping relationships, including: the first terminal determines the first index value according to the requirements of the first service, one or more second mapping relationships and the RAT type corresponding to the first terminal.

[0243] Wherein, the first index value is the index value associated with the service parameters of the first service's demand indication, and the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type corresponding to the first terminal is the same as the first RAT type. The first RAT type is the RAT type corresponding to / associated with the service parameters of the first service's demand indication, or it can be described as: the first RAT type is the RAT type included in the mapping relationship of the service parameters of the first service's demand indication, or it can be described as: there is a first mapping relationship between the first RAT type, the first index value, and the service parameters of the first service's demand indication.

[0244] For example, as shown in Table 4, the index values ​​for the same service parameter 2 are index value 3 and index value 4 for different access types (5G access and 5G satellite access), respectively. If the service parameter 2 indicated by the first service requirement is DNN1 and network slice 2, and if the corresponding radio access technology RAT type of the first terminal is 5G access, then the first terminal can choose index value 3 as the first index value.

[0245] In one possible embodiment of this application, any one of the one or more second mapping relationships may further include: access type, wherein the first terminal determines a first index value based on the requirements of the first service and one or more second mapping relationships, including:

[0246] The first terminal determines the first index value based on the requirements of the first service, one or more second mapping relationships, and the access type corresponding to the first terminal.

[0247] Wherein, the wireless access technology corresponding to the first terminal is the same as the first access type. The first access type is the access type included in the mapping relationship of the service parameters indicated by the demand of the first service, or it can be described as: there is a first mapping relationship between the first access type, the first index value, and the service parameters indicated by the demand of the first service. Alternatively, it can be described as: the first access type is the access type corresponding to / associated with the service parameters indicated by the demand of the first service.

[0248] For example, as shown in Table 4, if the wireless access technology corresponding to the first terminal is 3GPP access, and the requirement of the first service indicates service parameter 3, then the first index value is the index value 5 that associates service parameter 3.

[0249] In one possible embodiment of this application, any one of the one or more second mapping relationships further includes: a public land mobile network identifier; the first terminal determines a first index value according to the requirements of the first service and the second mapping relationship, including: the first terminal determines the first index value according to the requirements of the first service, one or more second mapping relationships and the public land mobile network identifier corresponding to the first terminal.

[0250] Wherein, the public land mobile network identifier corresponding to the first terminal is the same as the first public land mobile network identifier. The first public land mobile network identifier is the public land mobile network identifier included in the mapping relationship of the service parameters of the first service demand indication. Alternatively, it can be described as: there is a first mapping relationship between the first public land mobile network identifier, the first index value, and the service parameters of the first service demand indication. Or, it can be described as: the first public land mobile network identifier is the public land mobile network identifier corresponding to / associated with the service parameters of the first service demand indication.

[0251] In one possible implementation of this application, scenario 1: the first terminal may choose to first send a first message to determine the target network element, and then the first terminal communicates with the target network element. For example, the first terminal may send third information (such as a NAS PDU) to the target network element. The third information is used by the first terminal to request the first service. Another possible implementation, scenario 2: the first terminal may send the third information used by the first terminal to request the first service simultaneously while sending the first message to determine the target network element.

[0252] Regarding scenario 2, in one possible implementation of this application, the first message further includes third information. This third information is used by the first terminal to request the first service. For example, the third information may be a NAS PDU as described in the following embodiments.

[0253] Regarding scenario 1, in one possible implementation of this application, the first message further includes: routing information of the first network element. The routing information of the first network element includes the identifier and / or address information of the first network element, or the routing information of the first network element includes a routing identifier associated with the first network element.

[0254] The first network element is used to determine the target network element. For example, the first network element could be a selection function network element. This facilitates the wireless access network device, after receiving the first message, to send the routing information of the selection function network element to the routing function network element, which in turn determines the selection function network element's information based on the routing information.

[0255] In one possible embodiment of this application, the method provided in this application may further include, before the first terminal sends the first message: the first terminal obtains the routing information of the first network element.

[0256] In one possible embodiment of this application, the method provided in this application embodiment may further include: a first terminal receiving routing information of a target network element.

[0257] The routing information of the target network element includes the identifier and / or address information of the target network element, or the routing information of the target network element includes the routing identifier associated with the target network element. The first terminal sends the routing information of the target network element and the third information.

[0258] For example, the selected function network element sends the routing information (NF ID / address or NF routing identifier) ​​of the target network element to the first terminal through the routing function network element and the wireless access network device. Correspondingly, the first terminal receives the routing information of the target network element through the wireless access network device.

[0259] The above describes a scheme for the first terminal to determine the first index value using one or more second mapping relationships. Specifically, when the first terminal needs to communicate with the target network element, the first terminal can determine the first index value based on one or more second mapping relationships and the requirements of the first service, and then send a first message including the first index value. Compared with the prior art, this scheme can enable the first terminal to specify the index value when initiating communication with the target network element, so that the selected function network element / routing function network element can determine the target network element according to the first index value indicated by the first terminal, without needing to understand the specific parameters of the interaction between the first terminal and the target network element. This avoids affecting the network element selection function when introducing new features and enhances the network agility.

[0260] The following describes how the selection function network element uses one or more first mapping relationships and a first index value to determine the target network element.

[0261] In one possible implementation of this application, step 509 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in the following way:

[0262] If a network element has a mapping relationship with a first index value in one or more first mapping relationships, the selected functional network element can be identified as the target network element.

[0263] In one or more first mapping relationships, if multiple network elements have mapping relationships with the first index value, the selection function network element can select one network element from the multiple network elements as the target network element.

[0264] For example, the target network element can be determined from multiple network elements based on one or more of the following methods: first strategy, first information, and the identifier of the first terminal.

[0265] The first strategy includes one or more strategies for determining the target network element from multiple network elements, and the first information includes one or more parameters related to the state of the first terminal.

[0266] For example, the first strategy may include: a random selection strategy, a load balancing selection strategy, a strategy that selects the strategy that supports the most features, or a strategy that selects the strategy with the largest service area.

[0267] The random selection strategy refers to randomly selecting one network element from multiple network elements as the target network element. For example, taking the session establishment process as an example, if the first index value is associated with session management function network element 1 and session management function network element 2, where session management function network element 1 and session management function network element 2 are different session management function network elements, then the selected function network element can be either session management function network element 1 or session management function network element 2 as the target network element.

[0268] Among them, the load balancing selection strategy refers to selecting one network element as the target network element from multiple network elements based on the load status of each network element, so as to achieve load balancing among multiple network elements.

[0269] The strategy of selecting the network element with the largest service area means choosing the network element with the largest service area as the target network element based on the service areas of different network elements. For example, taking the session establishment process as an example, if the first index value is associated with session management function network element 1 and session management function network element 2, and the service area corresponding to session management function network element 1 is smaller than the service area corresponding to session management function network element 2, then session management function network element 2 can be selected as the target network element. This reduces the probability of session management function network element modification / insertion when the first terminal moves, thereby reducing the amount of signaling and latency overhead and improving the user experience.

[0270] For example, if the first index value is index 1, and the network elements associated with the first index value 1 include network 1 and network element 2, then the selected functional network element can choose one network element from network element 1 and network element 2 as the target network element based on the location of the first terminal and the RAT type corresponding to the first terminal. The target network element must be able to serve the first terminal corresponding to the first information (e.g., the service area of ​​the target network element includes the location of the first terminal, and the target network element can serve the RAT type currently accessed by the first terminal).

[0271] For example, the first index value is index value 1, and the network elements associated with the first index value 1 include network 1 and network element 2. Different network elements serve different user identification ranges. The selected function network element can select one of the network elements as the target network element based on the identifier of the first terminal. For example, the user identification range served by the target network element includes the identifier of the first terminal.

[0272] In one possible embodiment of this application, the second message further includes the identifier of the first terminal. The method provided in this application embodiment may further include: selecting a functional network element to obtain the subscription data of the first terminal according to the identifier of the first terminal; selecting a functional network element to determine a target network element according to a first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, including: selecting a functional network element to determine a target network element according to a first index value, the subscription data of the first terminal, and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0273] For example, the selected functional network element can be determined from one or more first mapping relationships based on a first index value, identifying one or more network elements that have a mapping relationship with the first index value. Then, the target network element can be determined from the one or more network elements based on the subscription data of the first terminal. For example, the target network element is the network element that matches the subscription data of the first terminal. For example, if the subscription data of the first terminal indicates that a network element with lower service latency needs to be selected, then a network element with relatively lower service latency can be selected as the target network element. Determining the target network element based on the subscription data of the first terminal facilitates the subsequent establishment of a connection between the first terminal and the selected target network element for the first service. This ensures the accuracy of the selected target network element, reduces the error rate, reduces service latency, and improves the quality of service.

[0274] In one possible embodiment of this application, any one of the one or more first mapping relationships may further include: region information. In this scenario, step 509 in the embodiment of this application can be implemented in the following way:

[0275] The selection function determines the target network element based on the location of the first terminal, the first index value, and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0276] The location of the first terminal is within the area indicated by the first area information. The first area information consists of the first index value and the area information included in the mapping relationship of the target network element; in other words, the first area information is the area information corresponding to the target network element.

[0277] In one possible embodiment of this application, any one of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: second information. In this scenario, step 509 in the embodiment of this application can be implemented in the following way:

[0278] The selection function determines the target network element based on the capabilities of the first terminal, the first index value, and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0279] Specifically, the wireless capabilities of the first terminal are the same as those of the terminal described in the second information within the mapping relationship between the target network element and the first index value. In other words, the wireless capabilities of the first terminal are the same as those of the terminal described in the second information corresponding to the target network element.

[0280] For example, the wireless capabilities of a terminal may include: RAT type, or access type, public terrestrial mobile network identifier.

[0281] Optionally, it may also include other business-related capability information, such as support capabilities for specific features (e.g., positioning, sensing, general computing, etc.).

[0282] As an example, any mapping relationship may also include a RAT type. In this case, the RAT type currently accessed by the first terminal, or its corresponding RAT type, is the same as the first RAT type. Here, the first RAT type is the RAT type included in the mapping relationship of the target network element.

[0283] As an example, any mapping relationship also includes: access type. Then, the access type currently accessed by the first terminal or the corresponding access type is the same as the access type included in the mapping relationship of the target network element and the first index value.

[0284] As an example, any mapping relationship may also include a Public Land Mobile Network (PLN) identifier. In this case, the PLAN identifier currently accessed by the first terminal is the same as the PLAN identifier included in the mapping relationship containing the target network element and the first index value.

[0285] In one possible implementation of this application, when routing the third information of the first terminal by a routing function network element, the method provided in this application embodiment may further include: the selection function network element sending the identification information and / or address information of the target network element. For example, the selection function network element may send the identification information and / or address information of the target network element to the routing function network element, which facilitates the routing function network element to determine the target network element based on the identification information and / or address information of the target network element and send the third information to the target network element.

[0286] In one possible implementation of this application, the method provided in this embodiment may further include: selecting a functional network element to determine routing information of a target network element, wherein the routing information of the target network element is used to address the target network element. The routing information of the target network element includes an identifier of the target network element or a routing identifier associated with the target network element. The selected functional network element sends the routing information of the target network element. For example, the selected functional network element can send the routing information of the target network element to the first terminal through a routing functional network element or RAN. This facilitates the first terminal in sending third information to the target network element through the routing information of the target network element.

[0287] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes:

[0288] Steps 601 to 602 are the same as steps 501 to 502, and will not be repeated here.

[0289] Step 603: The second network element sends one or more second mapping relationships to the first terminal, and sends one or more first mapping relationships to the routing function network element.

[0290] The description is the same as at step 503, except that in this embodiment, the second network element sends one or more first mapping relationships to the routing function network element.

[0291] Steps 604 to 606 are the same as those described in steps 504 to 506, and will not be repeated here.

[0292] Step 607: The first terminal sends the first message.

[0293] The first message includes: the first index value, and the third information.

[0294] The first index value is used to determine the information of the target network element. The third information is used by the first terminal to request the first service.

[0295] As an example, in this embodiment of the application, the first terminal can send a first message to the wireless access network device. Then, the wireless access network device sends a third message to the routing function network element based on the first message. For example, in addition to the third information, the third message may also include information such as the location of the first terminal.

[0296] Step 608: The routing function network element receives the third message. The third message includes: a first index value and third information.

[0297] The third message requests the third information for routing. The first index value is used to determine the information of the target network element.

[0298] Step 609: The routing function network element determines the information of the target network element based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0299] Step 610: The routing function network element sends third information to the target network element.

[0300] In a communication method provided in this application embodiment, a routing function network element uses one or more first mapping relationships. When the routing function network element receives a third message, it can combine the one or more first mapping relationships and the first index value in the third message to determine the target network element associated with the first index value, and then route the third information to the target network element. This solution solves the problem that when introducing new features, because the routing function network element has one or more first mapping relationships, it can determine the target network element based on the first index value without needing to identify specific network function selection parameters, thus reducing the operational complexity of the routing function network element.

[0301] In one possible implementation of this application, as an example, the third message further includes the identifier of the first terminal and / or first information. The first information includes parameters related to the access status of the first terminal.

[0302] The routing function network element determines the target network element information based on a first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, including: if one network element in one or more first mapping relationships has a mapping relationship with the first index value, then the routing function network element takes that network element as the target network element. If multiple network elements in one or more first mapping relationships have mapping relationships with the first index value, then the routing function network element selects one network element from the multiple network elements as the target network element. For example, selecting one network element from multiple network elements as the target network element may include: the routing function network element determining the target network element from the multiple network elements based on one or more of a first policy, first information, and the identifier of a first terminal.

[0303] It can be understood that when there are multiple network elements that have mapping relationships with the first index value in one or more first mapping relationships, the specific implementation method of the routing function network element determining the target network element from multiple network elements according to one or more of the first policy, first information and the identifier of the first terminal can refer to the specific implementation method of the selection function network element determining the target network element from multiple network elements according to one or more of the first policy, first information and the identifier of the first terminal, which will not be repeated here.

[0304] exist Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, if any of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: a service area, and / or second information, where the second information describes the wireless capabilities corresponding to the terminal, then the routing function network element determines the specific implementation method of the target network element based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships. This can be referred to the above-described method of NFSF determining the specific implementation method of the target network element based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, and will not be repeated here.

[0305] Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This application provides a schematic flowchart of a network element selection method, which includes:

[0306] Step 701: The UE sends a first registration request message to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the first registration request message from the UE.

[0307] The first registration request message includes: NAS PDU (protocol data unit, PDU) (a registration request message sent by the UE to the core network).

[0308] Optionally, the first registration request message may also include a second index.

[0309] The value of the second index is either NULL or a default value, which indicates that an access and mobility management function network element needs to be selected.

[0310] Step 702: Select SRF for RAN.

[0311] Step 703: The RAN sends a UE registration request to the SRF. Correspondingly, the SRF receives the UE registration request from the RAN.

[0312] The UE registration request includes the following information: NAS PDU (UE registration request message); and N2 parameters (corresponding to the first information mentioned above).

[0313] Optionally, if the first registration request message also includes a second index, the UE registration request may also include the second index.

[0314] The N2 parameters include general parameters. These general parameters include one or more of the following: UE location, RAT type, access type, and PLMN identifier.

[0315] The UE's location corresponds to the RAN's location, which can be the RAN's tracking area (TA), RAN ID, or cell ID.

[0316] Step 704: SRF determines and triggers NFSF to select network elements.

[0317] As an example, the SRF judgment logic in step 704 includes: the message in step 703 is an initial UE message, that is, the message name indicates that the message is an initial UE message; and / or; the message in step 703 includes a second index (general logic, this logic can be used for any NF); and / or; the message in step 703 does not include a second index or routing information (this logic can only be used for access and mobility management function network element selection); and / or, the message in step 703 includes the second index IE, but the value of the second index is null or a default value.

[0318] Step 705: The SRF sends an NF selection request message to the NFSF. Correspondingly, the NFSF receives the NF selection request message from the SRF.

[0319] The NF selection request message includes one or more of the following: general parameters; second index (if any).

[0320] It is understandable that the NF selection request message may also include an access and mobility management function (AM) network element selection indication when selecting an AM network element for the UE. This AM network element selection indication is used to instruct the UE to select an AM network element.

[0321] Optionally, the SRF may also send an NF selection request message to the NRF to request the NRF to determine the information of the access and mobility management function network elements based on the NF selection request message.

[0322] Step 706: The NFSF / NRF sends an NF selection response message to the SRF, and the SRF receives the NF selection response message accordingly.

[0323] The NF selection response message includes information about the access and mobility management function network element, such as the identifier or address information of the access and mobility management function network element.

[0324] Step 707: The SRF sends a management request message to the access and mobility management function network element, and the access and mobility management function network element receives the management request message from the SRF.

[0325] In this embodiment of the application, the interface between the terminal and the NF network element (such as AMF network element or SMF network element) in the core network is described as Nx1 interface, and the interface between the RAN node and the NF network element in the core network is described as Nx2 interface. The Nx1 interface can be used to transmit control plane information between the terminal and the NF network element in the core network, and the Nx2 interface can be used to transmit control plane information between the RAN node and the NF network element in the core network.

[0326] It is understood that the Nx1 and Nx2 interfaces described above are merely examples. This application does not limit the interface names between the terminal and the NF network elements in the core network, nor does it limit the interface names between the RAN node and the NF network elements in the core network. Furthermore, it does not preclude the possibility of using other names for the interfaces (such as the aforementioned Nx1 and Nx2 interfaces) in 5G mobile communication networks and other future communication networks. For example, in future communication networks, some or all of the aforementioned interfaces may use other names.

[0327] For example, the aforementioned management request message could be an N1N2 management request message.

[0328] Step 708: Access and mobility management function network elements perform authentication and other operations.

[0329] After receiving the processing request message, the access and mobility management function network element can perform operations such as authenticating the first terminal, obtaining the subscription (i.e., obtaining the subscription information of the first terminal), and determining the mobility management policy of the first terminal.

[0330] Step 709: The access and mobility management function network element / PCF network element determines the second NF selection strategy.

[0331] It is understood that the second NF selection strategy includes one or more second mapping relationships. Specifically, the second NF selection strategy may include one or more second mapping relationships related to the UE.

[0332] For example, the Access and Mobility Management Function (PCF) element can determine the UE's second NF selection strategy based on the second policy; and / or, the UE's subscription data obtained from the UDM; and / or general parameters. For instance, the second NF selection strategy may include index values ​​related to the UE's current location / the RAT type the UE accesses, and service parameters associated with each index value.

[0333] For example, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element or PCF may have a second strategy, which could include multiple index values ​​and the service parameters associated with each index value. In this way, the AMF or PCF can determine the index values ​​related to the UE, and the service parameters associated with each index value, based on the UE's current location, the RAT type the UE is accessing, and the PLMN identifier. Alternatively, the second strategy could be a strategy for determining the UE's NF selection.

[0334] For example, the second NF selection strategy includes: one or more second mapping relationships, any second mapping relationship includes: the mapping relationship between NAS type, business parameters and index value.

[0335] Taking the second NF selection strategy for session management as an example, the second NF selection strategy configured on the UE can include multiple second mapping relationship entries. Each entry describes the mapping relationship between service parameters and index values, as shown in Table 9:

[0336] Table 9

[0337]

[0338] The NAS type is the Session Management (SM) type.

[0339] Understandably, in actual implementations, the NAS type might serve as an index in the mapping table, rather than being written into every mapping. Feature 1 indication might be determined based on the UE's subscription data; that is, an index value is only generated if the UE's subscription data supports Feature 1. Otherwise, no index value is generated. This avoids UEs requesting features they haven't subscribed to.

[0340] Optionally, any one of the one or more second mapping relationships determined by the Access and Mobility Management Function (PCF) for the UE may also include general parameters. See Table 10 for details:

[0341] Table 10

[0342]

[0343]

[0344] In the mapping relationships shown in Table 10, the index values ​​of the same DNN1+ network slice 1 at different locations (TA1 and TA2) are 000 and 111, respectively. The index values ​​of the same DNN1+ network slice 2 at different access types (5G access and 5G satellite access) are 220 and 221, respectively.

[0345] Step 710: The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) network element sends the second NF selection policy to the UE through the UCU procedure. Accordingly, the UE can obtain the second NF selection policy.

[0346] Step 711: The access and mobility management function network element / PCF determines the first NF selection policy to be sent to the NFSF / SRF.

[0347] The first NF selection strategy may include one or more first mapping relationships, each mapping relationship being a mapping relationship between an index value and one or more network elements.

[0348] For example, step 711 can be implemented as follows: The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element / PCF discovers and selects one or more NFs from the NRF based on pre-configuration or by the AMF / PCF using the UE's subscription data, general parameters, etc. The AMF / PCF then determines the selected one or more NFs as specific NFs in the mapping relationship configured for the NRFSF / SRF.

[0349] As an example, taking the NF selection strategy for session management as an example, one or more first mapping relationships configured on NFSF can be shown in Table 11:

[0350] Table 11

[0351]

[0352] Among them, index value 222 corresponds to multiple SMFs, which can be used as a reference when selecting which SMF for the NFSF. Figure 8 The example shown. Index value 333 corresponds to an SMF set, which may contain one or more SMFs.

[0353] Optionally, any one of the one or more first mapping relationships may also include general parameters, that is, any mapping relationship may also include: area information, and / or second information. The area information in any mapping relationship describes the network element corresponding to the UE when the UE is located within the area indicated by the area information. The second information in any mapping relationship describes the network element corresponding to the UE when the first information corresponding to the UE is the same as the second information included in a mapping relationship.

[0354] In this scenario, taking session management as an example again, one or more first mapping relationships can be as shown in Table 12:

[0355] Table 12

[0356] Index value Net Element Remark 000 SMF1 Position 1 (TA1) 000 SMF2 Position 2 (TA2) 111 SMF3 RAT Type 1 (5G) 111 SMF4 / SMF5 / SMF6 RAT Type 2 (5G Satellite Access)

[0357] The same index value corresponds to SMF1 when the UE is in TA1, and to SMF2 when the UE is in TA2.

[0358] By configuring the mapping relationships shown in Table 10 for the UE and the mapping relationships shown in Table 12 for the NFSF, the logic of the NFSF can be simplified.

[0359] Step 712: The access and mobility management function network element / PCF configures one or more first mapping relationships to the NFSF / SRF, and correspondingly, the NFSF / SRF receives one or more first mapping relationships.

[0360] If some first mappings are common to all UEs, then it is not necessary to repeatedly send these common first mappings to the NFSF; instead, only one common first mapping needs to be sent, thus avoiding duplicate information transmission. However, if some first mappings are specific to a particular UE (per UE), then the UE-specific first mappings need to be sent to the NFSF / SRF.

[0361] Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, feature-related parameters are masked by introducing an index value. When the UE initiates communication with a network element (such as establishing a NAS connection or PDU session connection), it specifies the index value, allowing the NFSF to determine the network element (i.e., the target network element) to communicate with the UE based on the index value rather than specific parameters. Since network element selection is based on the index value rather than specific parameters, it is not necessary to understand the specific parameters of the interaction between the UE and the network element when selecting network elements. This avoids affecting the network element selection function when introducing new features and enhances network agility.

[0362] Figure 8 Taking a session establishment scenario as an example, this paper describes a method for the UE and NFSF to determine the target network element for the UE based on index values ​​and mapping relationships. The method includes:

[0363] Step 800a: The UE obtains one or more second mapping relationships.

[0364] For details, please refer to step 800a. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the process by which the Access and Mobility Management Function (PCF) network element sends one or more second mapping relationships to the UE will not be described in detail here.

[0365] Specifically, when a UE registers with the network, the access and mobility management function network element / PCF can proactively send one or more second mapping relationships to the UE. Alternatively, after the UE registers with the network, the UE can proactively send a request to the access and mobility management function network element / PCF to request the access and mobility management function network element / PCF to send one or more second mapping relationships to the UE.

[0366] Of course, the UE can also obtain one or more second mapping relationships from the UDM.

[0367] For example, the aforementioned one or more second mapping relationships can be one or more second mapping relationships related to the UE. For instance, one or more second mapping relationships related to the UE can be mapping relationships related to the UE's location, and / or, the UE's access type, and / or, the UE's RAT type, or the UE's PLMN identifier.

[0368] Step 800b: NFSF obtains one or more first mapping relationships.

[0369] For specific details, please refer to step 800b. Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the process by which the access and mobility management function network element sends one or more first mapping relationships to the NFSF is not described in detail here.

[0370] It can be understood that one or more first mapping relationships may include mapping relationships common to multiple UEs, as well as mapping relationships related to a specific UE. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0371] Step 801: The UE determines the first index value.

[0372] For a detailed implementation of step 801, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 Step 505 in the previous section will not be repeated here.

[0373] Step 802: The UE sends a PDU session establishment request message to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the PDU session establishment request message from the UE.

[0374] For example, the PDU session establishment request message can correspond to the first message mentioned above.

[0375] The RRC message includes: AN parameters, NAS PDU, and the first index value.

[0376] The NAS PDU can establish a request message for the session, including parameters such as request type, session and service continuity (SSC) mode, and PDU session ID.

[0377] Step 803: The RAN sends an uplink NAS transmission message to the SRF. Correspondingly, the SRF receives the uplink NAS transmission message from the RAN.

[0378] For example, an uplink NAS transmission message may include: NAS PDU, first index value, and N2 parameters.

[0379] Step 804: SRF determines network element selection.

[0380] For example, if the uplink NAS transmission message includes a first index value; and / or, the uplink NAS transmission message does not contain routing information; and / or the SRF cannot route the message based on the uplink NAS transmission message, then the SRF will determine to perform network element selection.

[0381] Step 805: The SRF sends an NF selection request message to the NFSF. Correspondingly, the NFSF receives the NF selection request message from the SRF.

[0382] The NF selection request message includes a first index value. For example, the NF selection request message can correspond to the second message mentioned above.

[0383] Optionally, the NF selection request message may also include: general parameters, and / or, the UE's identifier.

[0384] Step 806: The NFSF determines the target network element based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0385] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the target network element can be an SMF network element.

[0386] Optionally, in step 806, the NFSF can also determine the target NF based on the first index value, general parameters, and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0387] Optionally, in step 806, the NFSF can also determine the target NF based on the first index value, the UE's identifier, and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0388] Optionally, in step 806, the NFSF may also determine the target NF based on the first index value, the UE's identifier, general parameters, and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0389] Specifically, if the NFSF determines that there are multiple network elements that have a mapping relationship with the first index value based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, then the NFSF can select one of the multiple network elements that have a mapping relationship with the first index value as the target NF according to the first strategy.

[0390] Specifically, if the NFSF determines that there are multiple network elements that have a mapping relationship with the first index value based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, then the NFSF can also select one of the network elements as the target NF based on general parameters (such as the UE's location, RAT type, access type, and PLMN identifier). The target NF can serve the UE corresponding to the general parameters. For example, taking the target NF as an SMF network element, the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the UE's location, and the SMF network element can serve the RAT type currently used by the UE.

[0391] Specifically, if the NFSF determines that there are multiple network elements that have a mapping relationship with the first index value based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, then the NFSF selects one of the network elements as the target NF based on the UE's identifier. For example, if multiple SMF network elements serve different user identifier ranges, then the network element serving the UE's identifier can be determined as the target SMF network element based on the UE's identifier.

[0392] Step 807: The NFSF sends the identifier / address information of the target NF to the SRF. Correspondingly, the SRF receives the identifier / address information of the target NF from the NFSF.

[0393] For example, the NFSF can send an NF selection response message to the SRF. This NF selection response message includes the identifier / address information of the target NF.

[0394] Step 808: The SRF sends the NAS PDU to be routed (corresponding to the third information mentioned above) and the N2 parameter to the target NF based on the target NF's identifier / address information. Correspondingly, the target NF receives the NAS PDU to be routed (corresponding to the third information mentioned above) and the N2 parameter from the SRF.

[0395] For example, SRF can send an N1N2 Handing request message to the target NF. The N1N2 Handing request message includes the NAS PDU to be routed and the N2 parameter.

[0396] Optionally, the SRF can also send the UE's identifier and first index value to the target NF.

[0397] It is understandable that once the target NF receives the NAS PDU, it can establish a session connection with the UE based on the NAS PDU.

[0398] In this embodiment, the SRF needs to cache messages to be routed before determining the target NF. Since one or more first mapping relationships may be generated by the Access and Mobility Management Function (PCF) considering the UE's subscription data, optionally, in this embodiment, the NFSF may not need to consider the UE's subscription data when determining the target NF; or the selection of the target NF may not require consideration of the subscription data.

[0399] It is worth noting that the above process uses session establishment as an example. For other NAS type messages, the UE's logic may be simpler; for example, the UE can determine the first index value based on the NAS type. In this case, the one or more second mapping relationship methods configured by the UE in step 800a above are as follows: Figure 7 The specific content described in the illustrated embodiment includes the correspondence between index values ​​and NAS types (Location Service).

[0400] like Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 Taking session establishment as an example, this describes the specific process of how the UE uses the mapping relationship between index values ​​and service parameters, and how the NFSF uses the mapping relationship between index values ​​and network elements to select network elements. This method is similar to... Figure 8 The difference in the illustrated embodiments is that, Figure 9 In the illustrated scheme, the NFSF considers the UE's subscription data when selecting an NF. This method includes:

[0401] Step 900a is the same as step 800a, and will not be repeated here.

[0402] Step 900b is the same as step 800b, and will not be repeated here.

[0403] It is understood that step 900b is an optional step in this embodiment, that is, this step can be omitted. If step 900b is omitted, the NFSF can obtain one or more first mapping relationships associated with the UE from the UDM based on the UE's identifier.

[0404] Steps 901 to 904 are the same as steps 801 to 804, and will not be repeated here.

[0405] Step 905: The SRF sends an NF selection request message to the NFSF. Correspondingly, the NFSF receives the NF selection request message from the SRF.

[0406] The NF selection request message includes a first index value and the UE's identifier.

[0407] Optionally, the NF select request message may also include general parameters.

[0408] Step 906: The NFSF determines the target NF based on the first index value, one or more first mapping relationships, and the UE's first subscription data.

[0409] As an example, step 906 specifically includes: the NFSF requesting the UE's first subscription data from the UDM based on the UE's identifier.

[0410] Specifically, the UE's first subscription data may include the UE's subscription data (see the description in the prior art) and one or more first mapping relationships associated with the UE. Alternatively, the first subscription data may be the UE's subscription data itself.

[0411] exist Figure 8 Based on the embodiments shown, Figure 9 Step 906, as shown, further includes determining the target NF based on the UE's first subscription data. Specifically, the NFSF determines at least one network element associated with the first index value based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships. Then, the NFSF determines the target NF from the at least one network element based on the UE's subscription data.

[0412] Example 1: The SMF network elements with mapping relationships for the first index value include SMF network element 1, SMF network element 2, SMF network element 3, and SMF network element 4. Then, the NFSF can determine from the UE's subscription data that the SMF supporting session management services for that group is SMF network element 2.

[0413] Optionally, the NFSF's determination of the target NF from at least one network element based on the UE's subscription data may further include: the FSF determining a network element from at least one network element based on the service area corresponding to each network element, and / or, second information, and the UE's location, and / or, first information. Then, the target NF is determined from the selected network element based on the UE's subscription data.

[0414] For example, the NFSF determines the service area of ​​SMF element 1, SMF element 2, and SMF element 3 from SMF element 1, SMF element 2, SMF element 3, and SMF element 4 based on the UE's location. It then determines that the SMF supporting session management services for this group is SMF element 2 based on the LADN area of ​​VN group in the UE's subscription data.

[0415] Example 2: If the UE needs to perform Home Routing (HR) roaming based on the UE subscription, the NFSF can determine the Visiting Location V-SMF and the Home Session Management Function (home SMF, H-SMF) after determining the Visiting Location V-SMF.

[0416] Steps 907 to 908 are the same as steps 807 to 808, and will not be repeated here.

[0417] Figure 10 This application provides a schematic flowchart of a method for NF selection based on index values, which is similar to... Figures 7-9 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the NF selection and routing scheme are decoupled in this approach; that is, the UE can first determine the routing information of the target NF. Then, the UE can send a NAS message to the target NF. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the method includes:

[0418] Step 1000a: The UE obtains one or more second mapping relationships.

[0419] Step 1000b: NFSF obtains one or more first mapping relationships.

[0420] It is understood that step 1000b is an optional step in this embodiment, that is, this step can be omitted. If step 1000b is omitted, the NFSF can obtain one or more first mapping relationships associated with the UE from the UDM based on the UE's identifier.

[0421] Step 10001: The UE obtains the routing information of the NFSF.

[0422] The routing information of NFSF can be pre-configured on the UE, or it can be received from the network after the UE registers with the network. For example, the routing information of NFSF is included in the UE policy and sent to the UE by the access and mobility management network element.

[0423] For example, NFSF routing information may include NSFS identifier (such as ID) / address information; and / or NFSF routing information may be TRID, which is a routing identifier used for SRF addressing of NFSF.

[0424] Step 1002: When the UE wants to establish a NAS connection with the NF, for example, when the UE wants to establish a PDU session, the UE can send a message to the RAN for NF selection.

[0425] The message used for NF selection may include AN parameters; a first index value; and NFSF routing information. For example, in this embodiment, the message used for NF selection may correspond to the first message in the above embodiment.

[0426] It is understood that, before the UE sends a message for NF selection to the RAN, the method provided in this application embodiment may further include: the UE determining a first index value from one or more second mapping relationships according to the requirements of the first service.

[0427] Step 1003: The RAN sends message 1 to the SRF. Correspondingly, the SRF receives message 1 from the RAN.

[0428] Message 1 includes the AN parameter, the first index value, and the NFSF routing information.

[0429] Step 1004: The SRF sends an NF Selection Request message to the NFSF based on the NFSF's routing information. Correspondingly, the NFSF receives the NF Selection Request message from the SRF.

[0430] The NF selection request message includes a first index value and general parameters. Optionally, the NF selection request message may also include the UE's identifier.

[0431] Step 1005: NFSF determines the target NF based on the first index value.

[0432] For example, NFSF determines the target NF based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0433] Specifically, the NFSF determines the target NF based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships, as described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0434] Step 1006: The NFSF determines the routing information associated with the target NF. The routing information associated with the target NF may include: NF-SRF-TMSI, which is used for subsequent SRF addressing of the target NF and message routing; or the routing information associated with the target NF may include the identifier or address information of the target NF.

[0435] For example, NFSF also uses the SRF's identifier allocation service to determine the routing information associated with the target NF.

[0436] It is understandable that step 1006 above is an optional step.

[0437] Step 1007: The NFSF sends the routing information of the target NF to the UE via the SRF and RAN. Correspondingly, the UE receives the routing information of the target NF from the NFSF.

[0438] For example, the NFSF can send an N1N2 transmission request message to the SRF, which includes the UE's identifier and the NAS PDU. The NAS PDU here includes the NF discovery response, which contains the routing information of the target NF.

[0439] Step 1008: The UE sends a session establishment request message to the target NF based on the routing information of the target NF, in order to request the establishment of a session connection with the target NF.

[0440] The session establishment request message may include general parameters, NAS PDU, and routing information for the target NF. The NAS PDU here requests the establishment of a session connection with the target NF.

[0441] Specifically, the UE can send a session establishment request message to the target NF via RAN or SRF.

[0442] Figure 11 A detailed flowchart illustrating another method for selecting NF based on index values ​​provided in this application embodiment, the method comprising:

[0443] Step 1100a: The UE obtains one or more second mapping relationships.

[0444] Step 1100b: SRF obtains one or more first mapping relationships.

[0445] Step 1101: The UE sends a session establishment request message to the RAN, and the RAN receives the session establishment request message from the UE accordingly.

[0446] The session establishment request message includes AN parameters, NAS PDU, and a first index value. The NAS PDU includes the request type, SSC mode, PDU session identifier, etc.

[0447] Optionally, before step 1101, the process of the UE determining the first index value may also be included. This process can be referred to the description in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0448] Step 1102: Select SRF for RAN.

[0449] Step 1103: The RAN sends an uplink NAS transmission message to the SRF. Correspondingly, the SRF receives the uplink NAS transmission message from the RAN.

[0450] The uplink NAS transmission message includes: NAS PDU, first index value, and general parameters. For example, the general parameters may include one or more of the following: UE location information, UE's corresponding RAT type, UE's corresponding access type, UE's corresponding PLMN identifier, etc.

[0451] Step 1104: SRF determines the target NF based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships.

[0452] For the specific implementation of step 1104, please refer to the description of NFSF determining the target NF based on the first index value in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0453] Assuming that the target NF determined by SRF in step 1104 is SMF, then SRF can execute the following step 1105.

[0454] Step 1105: The SRF sends a request message to the target NF, and the target NF receives the request message from the SRF.

[0455] For example, the request message could be an N1N2 handing request message.

[0456] The request message includes a NAS PDU. Optionally, it may also include the UE's identifier and general parameters.

[0457] It is worth noting that, Figure 11 The illustrated embodiment describes a scheme for the SRF to select a target NF based on one or more first mapping relationships. Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 The common feature of the embodiments shown is that the SRF replaces the NFSF and directly determines the target NF based on the first index value, one or more first mapping relationships, optional general parameters, and optional UE identifier; the one or more first mapping relationships on the SRF side can also be generated by the AMF / PCF.

[0458] The difference is that SRF may need to take mobility into account. When the SRF serving the UE is changed, the UE context on the SRF needs to be migrated.

[0459] The above mainly describes the solutions of the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the interaction between various network elements. It is understood that each network element, such as the second network element, the first terminal, the selection function network element, the routing function network element, etc., includes corresponding structures and / or software modules to execute the above functions in order to achieve the aforementioned functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0460] This application embodiment can divide functional units according to the second network element, first terminal, selection function network element, and routing function network element described in the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into separate functional units, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. It should be noted that the unit division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0461] The above combination Figures 5 to 11 The methods described in the embodiments of this application have been explained. The communication apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application for executing the above methods is described below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and apparatus can be combined with and referenced in each other. The communication apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application can execute the steps performed by the second network element, the first terminal, the selection function network element, and the routing function network element in the above analysis method.

[0462] When using integrated units Figure 12 The communication device described in the above embodiments is illustrated. The communication device may include a communication module 1213 and a processing module 1212. In an optional implementation, the communication device may further include a storage module 1211 for storing the program code and data of the communication device.

[0463] In one example, the communication device is a second network element, or a chip applied to a second network element. In this case, the communication module 1213 is used to support communication between the communication device and an external network element (e.g., a first terminal). For example, the communication module 1213 is used to perform signal transmission and reception operations of the second network element in the above method embodiments. The processing module 1212 is used to perform processing operations of the second network element in the above method embodiments.

[0464] In one embodiment of this application, the communication module 1213 is used to perform the above embodiments. Figure 5 The transmission action performed by the second network element in step 503. Processing module 1212 is used to support the communication device in performing this action. Figure 5 Steps 501 and 502 in the process.

[0465] In another example, the communication device is a first terminal, or a chip applied in a first terminal. In this case, the communication module 1213 is used to support communication between the communication device and external network elements (e.g., radio access network equipment or mobility management network elements). For example, the communication module 1213 is used to perform the signal transmission and reception operations of the first terminal in the above method embodiments. The processing module 1212 is used to perform the processing operations of the first terminal in the above method embodiments.

[0466] In one embodiment of this application, the communication module 1213 is used to perform the above embodiments. Figure 5 The receiving action performed by the first terminal in step 504. Processing module 1212 is used to support the communication device in performing the above-described step 506. Communication module 1213 is also used to support the first terminal in performing the sending action in step 507.

[0467] In another example, the communication device is a selectable function network element, or a chip applied to a selectable function network element. In this case, the communication module 1213 is used to support communication between the communication device and external network elements. For example, the communication module 1213 is used to perform the signal transmission and reception operations of the selectable function network element in the above method embodiments. The processing module 1212 is used to perform the processing operations of the selectable function network element in the above method embodiments.

[0468] In one embodiment of this application, the communication module 1213 is used to perform the above embodiments. Figure 5 The receiving actions performed by the selection function network element in steps 505 and 508. Processing module 1212 is used to support the communication device in performing the aforementioned step 509.

[0469] In another example, the communication device is a routing function network element, or a chip applied in a routing function network element. In this case, the communication module 1213 is used to support communication between the communication device and external network elements. For example, the communication module 1213 is used to perform the signal transmission and reception operations of the routing function network element in the above method embodiment. The processing module 1212 is used to perform the processing operations of the routing function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0470] In one embodiment of this application, the communication module 1213 is used to perform the above embodiments. Figure 6 The receiving actions performed by the routing function network element in steps 607 and 608. Processing module 1212 is used to support the communication device in performing step 609.

[0471] Communication module 1213 is used to execute the above embodiments. Figure 6 The sending action performed by the routing function network element in step 610.

[0472] The processing module 1212 can be a processor or controller, such as a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. The communication module can be a transceiver, transceiver circuitry, or communication interface, etc. The storage module can be a memory.

[0473] When the processing module 1212 is a processor 1301 or a processor 1305, the communication module 1213 is a communication interface 1303, and the storage module 1211 is a memory 1302, the communication device involved in this application can be... Figure 13 The communication device shown.

[0474] Figure 13 The diagram shown is a hardware structure schematic of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The structures of the second network element, the first terminal, the selection function network element, and the routing function network element in this embodiment can all be referenced as follows: Figure 13 The diagram shows the structure of a communication device. This communication device includes a processor 1301, a communication line 1304, and at least one communication interface. Figure 13 (The example described uses communication interface 1303.) It is worth noting that when the communication device is the first terminal, the communication interface can be a transceiver.

[0475] The processor 1301 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program of the present application.

[0476] Communication line 1304 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

[0477] The communication interface 1303 is used to exchange information with other devices, such as any transceiver, for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0478] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 1302.

[0479] The memory 1302 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor via communication line 1304. The memory may also be integrated with the processor.

[0480] The memory 1302 stores computer execution instructions for implementing the scheme of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1201. The processor 1301 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 1302, thereby implementing a communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0481] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0482] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 1301 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 13 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0483] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device may include multiple processors, for example... Figure 13 Processors 1301 and 1305 are mentioned. Each of these processors can be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. A processor here can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (such as computer program instructions).

[0484] The steps performed by processors 1301 and 1305 can refer to the steps performed by processing module 1212 described above. The steps performed by communication interface 1303 can refer to the steps performed by communication module 1213 described above.

[0485] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 140 provided in an embodiment of this application. Chip 140 includes one or more (including two) processors 1410 and communication interfaces 1430.

[0486] Optionally, the chip 140 also includes a memory 1440, which may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor 1410. A portion of the memory 1440 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0487] In some implementations, memory 1440 stores elements such as execution modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof.

[0488] In this embodiment of the application, the corresponding operation is executed by calling the operation instructions stored in the memory 1440 (the operation instructions can be stored in the operating system).

[0489] One possible implementation is that the second network element, the first terminal, the selection function network element, and the routing function network element have similar structures, and different devices can use different chips to implement their respective functions.

[0490] The processor 1410 controls the processing operations of any one of the second network element, the first terminal, the selection function network element, and the routing function network element. The processor 1410 can also be called a central processing unit (CPU).

[0491] Memory 1440 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides instructions and data to processor 1410. A portion of memory 1440 may also include NVRAM. For example, in an application, memory 1440, communication interface 1430, and memory 1440 are coupled together via bus system 1420, which may include, in addition to data bus, power bus, control bus, and status signal bus, etc. However, for clarity, in Figure 14 The general labeled all buses as Bus System 1420.

[0492] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to or implemented by the processor 1410. The processor 1410 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor 1410 or by instructions in the form of software. The processor 1410 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory 1440. Processor 1410 reads the information in memory 1440 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0493] In one possible implementation, the communication interface 1430 is used to perform... Figures 5-11 The illustrated embodiment shows the receiving and transmitting steps of the first terminal. Processor 1410 is used to execute... Figures 5-11 The processing steps of the first terminal in the illustrated embodiment.

[0494] In one possible implementation, the communication interface 1430 is used to perform... Figures 5-11 The illustrated embodiment describes the receiving and transmitting steps of the second network element. Processor 1410 is used to execute... Figures 5-11 The steps of the second network element processing in the illustrated embodiment.

[0495] In one possible implementation, the communication interface 1430 is used to perform... Figures 5-11 The illustrated embodiment describes the receiving and transmitting steps of the second network element. Processor 1410 is used to execute... Figures 5-11 The steps for selecting the function network element in the illustrated embodiment.

[0496] In one possible implementation, the communication interface 1430 is used to perform... Figures 5-11 The illustrated embodiment describes the receiving and transmitting steps of the second network element. Processor 1410 is used to execute... Figures 5-11 The routing function network element processing steps in the illustrated embodiment.

[0497] On the one hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which instructions are stored, which, when executed, implement as follows: Figures 5-11 The function executed by the first terminal.

[0498] On the one hand, a computer program product including instructions is provided, wherein the computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, implement such... Figures 5-11 The function performed by the second network element.

[0499] On the one hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which instructions are stored, which, when executed, implement as follows: Figures 5-11 The functions performed by the routing network element.

[0500] On the one hand, a computer program product including instructions is provided, wherein the computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, implement such... Figures 5-11 The functions performed by the selected network element.

[0501] On one hand, a chip is provided for use in a first terminal. The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the at least one processor being coupled together. The processor is used to execute instructions to achieve, for example... Figures 5-11 The function executed by the first terminal.

[0502] On one hand, a chip is provided for use in a first terminal. The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the at least one processor being coupled together. The processor is used to execute instructions to achieve, for example... Figures 5-11 The function performed by the second network element.

[0503] On one hand, a chip is provided for use in a selectable function network element. The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the at least one processor. The processor is used to execute instructions to achieve, for example... Figures 5-11 The functions performed by the selected network element.

[0504] On the one hand, a chip is provided for use in a routing function network element. The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the at least one processor being coupled together. The processor is used to execute instructions to achieve, for example... Figures 5-11 The functions performed by the routing network element.

[0505] This application provides a communication system, which includes: a first terminal, a routing function network element, and a selection function network element. The first terminal is used to perform, for example... Figures 5-11 The function is executed by the first terminal. The selected function network element is used to execute... Figures 5-11The functions performed by the selection function network element are as follows. Among them, the routing function network element is used to send a second message to the selection function network element.

[0506] This application provides a communication system, which includes: a first terminal and a routing function network element. The first terminal is used to perform, for example... Figures 5-11 The functions performed by the first terminal. Routing functions are performed by network elements. Figure 6 The functions performed by the selected network element.

[0507] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video disc (DVD); or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive (SSD).

[0508] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0509] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the subscription data of the first terminal, and / or, the first information, wherein the first information includes parameters related to the access status of the first terminal; Based on the subscription data of the first terminal and / or the first information, determine one or more first mapping relationships and one or more second mapping relationships, wherein each of the one or more first mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between one or more network elements and an index value, and each of the one or more second mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between a service parameter and an index value; Send the one or more second mapping relationships to the first terminal, and send the one or more first mapping relationships to the first network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Any of the second mapping relationships also includes: the NAS type corresponding to the service parameters.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Any of the second mapping relationships further includes: a service area corresponding to the service parameters, or, second information, the second information including one or more of the following: Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, access type, public land mobile network identifier, wherein the access type is used to indicate whether it is 3GPP access or non-3GPP access.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the subscription data of the first terminal and / or the first information, determine the information of one or more network elements; Based on the index value associated with each of the service parameters, information about one or more network elements associated with each index value is determined to obtain the one or more first mapping relationships.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first terminal, the method includes: Obtain one or more second mapping relationships, each of the one or more second mapping relationships including one or more mapping relationships between business parameters and index values; Based on the requirements of the first service and the one or more second mapping relationships, a first index value is determined, wherein the first index value has a mapping relationship with the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service; Send a first message, the first message including the first index value, the first index value being used to determine a target network element, the target network element serving the first service.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Any of the second mapping relationships further includes: a NAS type corresponding to the service parameter, wherein determining the first index value based on the requirements of the first service and the one or more second mapping relationships includes: The index value that has a mapping relationship with the first NAS type in one or more second mapping relationships is determined as the first index value, and the first NAS type is indicated by the requirements of the first service.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The service parameters include a service flow descriptor, which is used to describe the characteristics of the service. Determining the first index value based on the needs of the first service and the one or more second mapping relationships includes: The index value that has a mapping relationship with the first service flow descriptor in one or more second mapping relationships is determined as the first index value, and the first service flow descriptor is indicated by the demand of the first service.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The service parameters include information about network slices and / or data networks; Determining the first index value based on the first business requirement and the one or more second mapping relationships includes: The index value that has a mapping relationship with the first network slice and / or the first data network in one or more second mapping relationships is determined as the first index value, wherein the first network slice and / or the first data network is indicated by the demand of the first service.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, Any of the one or more second mapping relationships further includes: region information. Determining the first index value based on the needs of the first service and the one or more second mapping relationships includes: Based on the requirements of the first service, the one or more second mapping relationships, and the location of the first terminal, the first index value is determined. The location of the first terminal is within the area indicated by the first area information, which is the area information corresponding to the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, Any of the one or more second mapping relationships further includes: Radio Access Technology (RAT) type. Determining the first index value based on the needs of the first service and the one or more second mapping relationships includes: Based on the requirements of the first service, one or more of the second mapping relationships, and the RAT type of the wireless access technology corresponding to the first terminal, the first index value is determined. The RAT type of the wireless access technology corresponding to the first terminal is the same as the first RAT type, and the first RAT type is the RAT type corresponding to the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service.

11. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that, Any of the one or more second mapping relationships further includes: access type. Determining the first index value based on the needs of the first service and the one or more second mapping relationships includes: Based on the requirements of the first service, one or more of the second mapping relationships, and the access type corresponding to the first terminal, the first index value is determined. The access type corresponding to the first terminal is the same as the first access type. The first access type is the access type included in the mapping relationship where the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service are located.

12. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that, Any of the one or more second mapping relationships further includes: a public land mobile network identifier; Based on the requirements of the first business and one or more of the second mapping relationships, the first index value is determined, including: Based on the requirements of the first service, one or more of the second mapping relationships, and the public land mobile network identifier corresponding to the first terminal, the first index value is determined, wherein the public land mobile network identifier corresponding to the first terminal is the first public land mobile network identifier, and the first public land mobile network identifier is the public land mobile network identifier corresponding to the service parameters indicated by the requirements of the first service.

13. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that, The first message also includes third information, wherein the third information is used by the first terminal to request the first service.

14. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that, The first message also includes: routing information of a first network element, wherein the routing information of the first network element includes the identifier and / or address information of the first network element, or the routing information of the first network element includes a routing identifier associated with the first network element, wherein the first network element is a network element used to determine the target network element.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain one or more first mapping relationships, wherein each of the one or more first mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between one or more network elements and an index value; Receive a second message, the second message including at least a first index value, the second message requesting to determine information about a target network element associated with the first index value; The target network element is determined based on the first index value and the one or more first mapping relationships.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Determining the target network element based on the first index value and the one or more first mapping relationships includes: In the case where multiple network elements have mapping relationships with the first index value in one or more first mapping relationships, the target network element is determined from the multiple network elements according to one or more of the first strategy, first information, and the identifier of the first terminal. The first strategy includes one or more strategies for determining the target network element from the multiple network elements, and the first information includes one or more parameters related to the state of the first terminal.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The second message also includes the identifier of the first terminal, and the method further includes: Based on the identifier of the first terminal, obtain the contract data of the first terminal; Determining the target network element based on the first index value and the one or more first mapping relationships includes: The target network element is determined based on the first index value, the subscription data of the first terminal, and the one or more first mapping relationships.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, Any of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: region information. Determining the target network element based on the first index value and the one or more first mapping relationships includes: The target network element is determined based on the location of the first terminal, the first index value, and the one or more first mapping relationships. The location of the first terminal is within the area indicated by the first area information, which is the area information corresponding to the target network element.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, Any of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: second information, which describes the wireless capabilities corresponding to the terminal. Determining the target network element based on the first index value and the one or more first mapping relationships includes: The target network element is determined based on the wireless capabilities corresponding to the first terminal, the first index value, and the one or more first mapping relationships, wherein the wireless capabilities corresponding to the first terminal are the same as the wireless capabilities corresponding to the terminal described by the second information corresponding to the target network element.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the identification information and / or address information of the target network element.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine the routing information of the target network element, the routing information of the target network element is used to address the target network element, and the routing information of the target network element includes the identifier of the target network element or the routing identifier associated with the target network element; Send routing information for the target network element.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that, The step of obtaining one or more first mapping relationships includes: Obtain the one or more first mapping relationships from the network management element, mobility management element, or policy control function element.

23. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain one or more first mapping relationships, wherein each of the one or more first mapping relationships includes a mapping relationship between one or more network elements and an index value; A third message is received, the third message including at least a first index value and third information, the third message requesting routing of the third information; the first index value is used to determine the information of the target network element; Based on the first index value and the one or more first mapping relationships, the information of the target network element is determined; The third information is sent to the target network element.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The third message also includes the identifier of the first terminal and / or first information, wherein the first information includes parameters related to the access status of the first terminal; The step of determining the target network element information based on the first index value and one or more first mapping relationships includes: If multiple network elements have mapping relationships with the first index value in one or more of the first mapping relationships, then the target network element is determined from the multiple network elements according to one or more of the first strategy, the first information, and the identifier of the first terminal.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, Any of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: region information: Determining the target network element based on the first index value and the one or more first mapping relationships includes: The target network element is determined based on the location of the first terminal, the first index value, and the one or more first mapping relationships. The location of the first terminal is within the area indicated by the first area information, which is the area information corresponding to the target network element.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that, Any of the one or more first mapping relationships further includes: second information, which describes the wireless capabilities corresponding to the terminal. Determining the target network element based on the first index value and the one or more first mapping relationships includes: The target network element is determined based on the wireless capabilities corresponding to the first terminal, the first index value, and the one or more first mapping relationships, wherein the wireless capabilities corresponding to the first terminal are the same as the wireless capabilities corresponding to the terminal described by the second information corresponding to the target network element.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that, The step of obtaining one or more first mapping relationships includes: Obtain the one or more first mapping relationships from the network management element, mobility management element, or policy control function element.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: a communication module and a processing module. Wherein, the processing module is used to execute the processing action performed by the second network element in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and the communication module is used to execute the receiving or transmitting action performed by the second network element in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; or, The processing module is used to execute the processing action performed by the first terminal in the method according to any one of claims 5 to 14, and the communication module is used to execute the receiving or transmitting action performed by the first terminal in the method according to any one of claims 5 to 14; or, the processing module is used to execute the processing action performed by the NFSF network element in the method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, and the communication module is used to execute the receiving or transmitting action performed by the NFSF network element in the method according to any one of claims 15 to 22. Alternatively, the processing module is used to perform the processing actions performed by the SRF network element in the method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, and the communication module is used to perform the receiving or transmitting actions performed by the SRF network element in the method according to any one of claims 23 to 27.

29. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The second network element, the first terminal, and the first network element, wherein the second network element is used to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the first terminal is used to perform the method described in any one of claims 5 to 14, the first network element is a selection function network element, the selection function network element is used to perform the method described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the first network element is a routing function network element, the routing function network element is used to perform the method described in any one of claims 23 to 27.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a memory and a processor. The memory is used to store instructions, and the processor is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory. Execution of the instructions stored in the memory causes the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method according to any one of claims 5 to 14, or the method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, or the method according to any one of claims 23 to 27.

31. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method as described in any one of claims 5 to 15, or to execute the method as described in any one of claims 16 to 23, or the method as described in any one of claims 24 to 28. The communication interface is configured to communicate with other modules outside the chip.

32. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed, implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method described in any one of claims 5 to 14, or perform the method described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the method described in any one of claims 23 to 27.

33. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4, or the method described in any one of claims 5 to 14, or to execute the method described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the method described in any one of claims 23 to 27.

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