A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method and device, which are applied to the technical field of communication, and the method comprises the following steps: a first network element receives a first message from an access network element, the first message carries a second message and first information of a first network, the second message carries information of a terminal device; and a third message is sent to a second network element, the third message carries the second message, the second network element belongs to the first network, or the second network element belongs to a second network associated with the first network, wherein the first network element is a network element different from an AMF network element. Through the application, the first network element can replace the AMF network element to realize (proxy) message forwarding between the access network element and the first network (or the second network), the function of the AMF network element can be simplified, the disaster recovery of the distributed network architecture is improved, and therefore the communication performance of the distributed network architecture is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of communication technology, network architecture has gradually evolved from centralized to distributed architecture, supporting more access technologies such as fixed wireless bandwidth access, code division multiple access, and satellite access. In a distributed network architecture, terminal devices need to communicate with at least one subnetwork through access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements. Further research is needed to improve the communication performance of distributed network architectures. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that enables communication between a terminal device and a sub-network through a first network element that is different from the AMF network element, which is beneficial to improving the communication performance of the distributed network architecture.

[0004] Firstly, this application provides a communication method applicable to a first network element. For example, the first network element may be a first network device with first network element functions, or it may be a device within the first network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), chip system, or processor), or it may be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the first network device. The first network element is a network element different from the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0005] The method includes: a first network element receiving a first message from an access network element, the first message carrying a second message and first information of a first network, wherein the second message carries information of a terminal device; and sending a third message to a second network element, the third message carrying the second message, wherein the second network element belongs to the first network, or the second network element belongs to a second network associated with the first network.

[0006] For example, the first network element has a proxy function. For instance, the first network element can be used to proxy message forwarding. Optionally, the first network element can be called a proxy function network element or a proxy network element, etc., and this application does not limit the naming of the first network element.

[0007] In the above method, the first network element replaces the AMF network element to realize (or proxies) message forwarding between the access network element and the first network (or the second network), which can simplify the function of the AMF network element, decouple the message forwarding function and mobility management function of the AMF network element, improve the disaster recovery of the distributed network architecture, and thus help improve the communication performance of the distributed network architecture.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first network can be a sub-network, or the first network can be a network slice, or the first network can be a dedicated network, or the first network can be a customized network, or the first network can be a customized private network, or the first network can be a private network, or the first network can be a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the first network.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the second network can be a sub-network, a network slice, a dedicated network, a customized network, a customized private network, a private network, or a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the second network.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the second network and the first network are of the same type; and / or, the services supported by the second network include those supported by the first network. For example, the quality of service supported by the second network includes the quality of service supported by the first network.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first message carries a second message and first information, which may include: the header field of the first message including the second message and the first information; or, the header field of the first message including a seventh message and the first information, wherein the header field of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), and the header field of the first message includes the second message and the first information; or, the header field of the first message includes a seventh message and the first information, wherein the header field of the seventh message includes the second message.

[0012] The above implementation provides two message encapsulation methods for business data, which is beneficial for application in various communication scenarios.

[0013] In another possible implementation, the first message carries the second message and the first information, which may include: the message body of the first message including the second message and the first information; or, the message body of the first message including the seventh message and the first information, wherein the message body of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is a control signaling (or the second message is a control signaling), and the message body of the first message includes the second message and the first information; or, the message body of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, wherein the message body of the seventh message includes the second message.

[0014] The above implementation provides two message encapsulation methods for control signaling, which is beneficial for application in various communication scenarios.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first message may also carry relevant information about the access network element. For example, the relevant information about the access network element may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the access network element, the capability information of the access network element, the authorization information of the access network element, or the transmission configuration information of the access network element, etc. This application does not limit the implementation method of the relevant information about the access network element.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first message carries a second message, first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the header field of the first message including the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the header field of the first message including a seventh message and the first information, with the header field of the seventh message including the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), and the header field of the first message includes the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the header field of the first message includes a seventh message and the first information, with the header field of the seventh message including the second message and relevant information about the access network element.

[0017] In another possible implementation, the first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the first message body including the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the first message body including the seventh message and the first information, with the seventh message body including the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is control signaling (or the second message is control signaling), and the first message body includes the second message, the first information, and the sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the first message body includes the seventh message and the first information, with the seventh message body including the second message and relevant information about the access network element.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method may further include: the first network element receiving a response message of the third message from the second network element; and sending a response message of the first message to the access network element.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method may further include: a first network element determining to send the second message to a second network element based on the first information; or, the first network element determining to send the second message to the second network element based on the first information. In one example, the first network element may determine to send the second message to the second network element based on the configuration information of a first network, where the configuration information of the first network includes information about at least one network function, and the at least one network function includes the second network element. Optionally, the configuration information of the first network may be configuration information stored locally by the first network element, or may come from an eighth network element, without limitation. In another example, the first network element may determine to send the second message to the second network element based on the configuration information of a second network, where the configuration information of the second network includes information about at least one network function, and the at least one network function includes the second network. Optionally, the configuration information of the second network may be configuration information stored locally by the first network element, or may come from an eighth network element, without limitation. For example, if the first network does not exist, the first network element may determine to send the second message to the second network element based on the configuration information of the second network associated with the first network. In yet another example, the first network element may determine to send the second message to the second network element by interacting with an eighth network element.

[0020] In the above implementation, the first network element can select a suitable network and / or select a suitable network function to provide services to the terminal device based on the first information.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the third message may also carry information about the network to which the second network element belongs, and the second network element supports providing services for the first network and supports providing services for the second network.

[0022] In the above implementation, the second network element supports providing services to both the first network and the second network. The third message carries information about the network to which the second network belongs, thus determining whether the second network element provides services as a network element in the first network or as a network element in the second network.

[0023] In one possible implementation, before sending the third message to the second network element, the method may further include: the first network element determining that it allows the terminal device to communicate with the first network; and / or determining that it allows the access network element to communicate with the first network. For example, the first network element may determine that it allows the terminal device to communicate with the first network based on first information. For example, the first network element may determine that it allows the access network element to communicate with the first network based on first information.

[0024] Optionally, allowing the terminal device to communicate with the first network can be replaced by: allowing communication between the terminal device and the first network; or allowing the terminal device to access the first network; or allowing the terminal device to connect to the first network; or allowing the terminal device to register with the first network; or allowing the terminal device to interact with the first network; or allowing the terminal device to transmit data with the first network. Here, "allow" can be replaced by: authorized, permitted, or supported, etc.

[0025] Optionally, allowing access network elements to communicate with the first network can be replaced by: allowing communication between access network elements and the first network; or allowing access network elements to access the first network; or allowing access network elements to access the first network; or allowing access network elements to register with the first network; or allowing access network elements to interact with the first network; or allowing access network elements to transmit data with the first network. Here, "allow" can be replaced by: authorized, permitted, or supported, etc.

[0026] In the above implementation, the first network element determines whether the terminal device and / or access network element are authorized to access the first network, which can improve the communication security of the distributed network architecture.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first network element determining whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network may include: the first network element sending a fourth message to a third network element, the fourth message being a request to determine whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network; and receiving second information from the third network element, the second information being an indication that the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network. For example, the first network element may send the fourth message to the third network element based on the first information. Optionally, the second information is carried in a response message to the fourth message; or, the second information is a response message to the fourth message.

[0028] Optionally, the third network element can be a unified data management network element, an authentication service function network element, or a policy control function network element.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first network element determining whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network may include: the first network element sending a fifth message to a fourth network element and receiving third information from the fourth network element; wherein the fifth message is used to request whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network, and the third information is used to indicate that the access network element is allowed to communicate with the first network; and / or, the fifth message is used to request whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network through the access network element, and the third information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network through the access network element. For example, the first network element may send a fifth message to the fourth network element based on the first information. Optionally, the third information is carried in a response message of the fifth message; or, the third information is a response message of the fifth message.

[0030] Optionally, the fourth network element can be a unified data management network element, or the fourth network element can be a policy control function network element, or the fourth network element can be other management plane function network elements besides the unified data management network element and the policy control function network element.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the above method may further include: a first network element storing information about a first correspondence between the access network element, the second network element, and the network to which the second network element belongs; wherein the information about the first correspondence includes information about the access network element, information about the second network element, and information about the network to which the second network element belongs; or, the information about the first correspondence includes a connection identifier between the access network element and the second network element and information about the network to which the second network element belongs.

[0032] In the above implementation, the first network element stores the information of the first correspondence relationship. In this way, when the access network element changes, the second network element is not aware of the change in the access network element; when the second network element changes, the terminal device (and the access network element) is not aware of the change in the second network element, which is conducive to the dynamic deployment of the distributed network architecture (such as network function upgrades, updates, or replacements).

[0033] In one possible implementation, before sending the third message to the second network element, the method may further include: the first network element determining the state of the first network, wherein the state of the first network is an active state or a running state, or the state of the first network is a deactivated state, or the state of the first network is a released state.

[0034] In one example, if the first network does not exist or the first network is in a released state, the first network element sends an eighth message to the fifth network element, the eighth message being used to request the determination of a network to provide services to the terminal device; and receives information from the fifth network element about the second network and information from the second network element.

[0035] Optionally, the first network element may also store the status information of the network to which the second network element belongs, wherein the status of the network to which the second network element belongs is active.

[0036] In another example, when the first network is in a deactivated state, the first network element sends a ninth message to the fifth network element, the ninth message being used to request activation of the first network; and receives information from the second network element from the fifth network element.

[0037] In the above implementation, the first network element can maintain the state of the first network (or the second network), which is conducive to the flexible deployment of the distributed network architecture (such as the addition or deletion of sub-networks).

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first message may further carry information about the first service, and the third message may also carry information about the first service. The third message is used to request service for the first service. The method may further include: a first network element receiving address information of a sixth network element from a second network element, the sixth network element being used to provide service for the first service, and the sixth network element and the second network element belonging to the same network; and sending address information of a seventh network element to the second network element, the address information of the sixth network element and the address information of the seventh network element being used to transmit data of the first service. Optionally, the seventh network element may be the first network element, or the seventh network element may be a network element different from the first network element.

[0039] In the above implementation, the first network element obtains the address information of the sixth network element and can establish a connection between the sixth network element and the seventh network element to transmit the data of the first service.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the above method may further include: a first network element receiving address information of the access network element from the access network element; sending address information of the seventh network element to the access network element, wherein the address information of the access network element and the address information of the seventh network element are used to transmit data of the first service.

[0041] In the above implementation, the first network element obtains the address information of the access network element and can establish a connection between the access network element and the seventh network element to transmit the data of the first service.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the above method may further include: the first network element receiving transmission configuration information of the sixth network element from the second network element; and sending the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element to the access network element.

[0043] In the above implementation, the first network element sends the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element to the access network element, so that the access network element can perform transmission configuration according to the transmission configuration information, so as to transmit the data of the first service to the sixth network element through the seventh network element, and / or receive the data of the first service from the sixth network element through the seventh network element.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the above method may further include: the seventh network element is the first network element, and the first network element may store information on the second correspondence between the access network element, the sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs; or, the seventh network element and the first network element are different network elements, and the first network element stores information on the third correspondence between the access network element, the seventh network element, the sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs.

[0045] In the above implementation, the first network element maintains a second or third correspondence. This way, when access network elements change, the sixth network element is unaware of the changes and requires no manual configuration, reducing the impact on data transmission of the first service. Furthermore, maintaining the second or third correspondence facilitates unified control of service quality. For example, if a terminal device connects to the first network (or second network) through multiple access network elements, the first network element can perform unified service quality control.

[0046] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applicable to access network elements. For example, an access network element may be a second network device with access network element functions, or it may be a device in the second network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system or processor), or it may be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the second network device.

[0047] The method includes: an access network element receiving a second message from a terminal device, the second message including information about the terminal device; and sending the first message to a first network element, the first network element being a network element different from the AMF network element, wherein the first message carries the second message and first information of the first network.

[0048] For example, the first network element has a proxy function. For instance, the first network element can be used to proxy message forwarding. Optionally, the first network element can be called a proxy function network element or a proxy network element, etc., and this application does not limit the naming of the first network element.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the first network can be a sub-network, or the first network can be a network slice, or the first network can be a dedicated network, or the first network can be a customized network, or the first network can be a customized private network, or the first network can be a private network, or the first network can be a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the first network.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the first message carries a second message and first information, which may include: the header field of the first message including the second message and the first information; or, the header field of the first message including a seventh message and the first information, wherein the header field of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), and the header field of the first message includes the second message and the first information; or, the header field of the first message includes a seventh message and the first information, wherein the header field of the seventh message includes the second message.

[0051] In another possible implementation, the first message carries the second message and the first information, which may include: the message body of the first message including the second message and the first information; or, the message body of the first message including the seventh message and the first information, wherein the message body of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is a control signaling (or the second message is a control signaling), and the message body of the first message includes the second message and the first information; or, the message body of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, wherein the message body of the seventh message includes the second message.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first message may also carry relevant information about the access network element. For example, the relevant information about the access network element may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the access network element, the capability information of the access network element, the authorization information of the access network element, or the transmission configuration information of the access network element, etc. This application does not limit the implementation method of the relevant information about the access network element.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the first message carries a second message, first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the header field of the first message including the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the header field of the first message including a seventh message and the first information, with the header field of the seventh message including the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), and the header field of the first message includes the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the header field of the first message includes a seventh message and the first information, with the header field of the seventh message including the second message and relevant information about the access network element.

[0054] In another possible implementation, the first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the first message body including the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the first message body including the seventh message and the first information, with the seventh message body including the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is control signaling (or the second message is control signaling), and the first message body includes the second message, the first information, and the sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the first message body includes the seventh message and the first information, with the seventh message body including the second message and relevant information about the access network element.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the above method may further include: the access network element receiving a response message of the first message from the first network element; and sending a response message of the second message to the terminal device.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the first message may also carry information about the first service, and the method may further include: an access network element sending its address information to the first network element; receiving address information from a seventh network element from the first network element, wherein the address information of the access network element and the address information of the seventh network element are used to transmit data of the first service.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the above method may further include: an access network element receiving transmission configuration information from a sixth network element of the first network element, the sixth network element being used to provide services for the first service, the sixth network element belonging to the first network, or the sixth network element belonging to a second network associated with the first network.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the second network can be a sub-network, a network slice, a dedicated network, a customized network, a customized private network, a private network, or a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the second network.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the second network and the first network are of the same type; and / or, the services supported by the second network include those supported by the first network. For example, the quality of service supported by the second network includes the quality of service supported by the first network.

[0060] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that can be used to execute the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication device can be a first network element. The communication device may include modules, units, or means corresponding to the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. These modules, units, or means 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 above functions.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a baseband device and a radio frequency device.

[0062] In another possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module (sometimes also called a processing unit) and a transceiver module (sometimes also called a transceiver unit). The transceiver module is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver module performs the sending function, it may be called a sending module (sometimes also called a sending unit), and when it performs the receiving function, it may be called a receiving module (sometimes also called a receiving unit). The sending module and the receiving module may be the same functional module, referred to as the transceiver module, which performs both sending and receiving functions; or, the sending module and the receiving module may be different functional modules, with "transceiver module" being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0063] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device that can be used to perform the methods described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The communication device can be an access network element. The communication device may include modules, units, or means corresponding to the methods described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. These modules, units, or means 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 above functions.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a baseband device and a radio frequency device.

[0065] In another possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module (sometimes also called a processing unit) and a transceiver module (sometimes also called a transceiver unit). The transceiver module is capable of both sending and receiving functions. When the transceiver module performs the sending function, it may be called a sending module (sometimes also called a sending unit), and when it performs the receiving function, it may be called a receiving module (sometimes also called a receiving unit). The sending module and the receiving module may be the same functional module, referred to as the transceiver module, which performs both sending and receiving functions; or, the sending module and the receiving module may be different functional modules, with "transceiver module" being a collective term for these functional modules.

[0066] Fifthly, this application provides a communication system that may include at least one of the following: a first network element or an access network element. The first network element is used to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the access network element is used to instruct the execution of the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0067] Sixthly, this application also provides a communication device. The communication device may include one or more processors. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory. The memory is used to store one or more computer programs or instructions. The one or more processors are used to execute the one or more computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the first or second aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0068] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is configured to implement the methods described in any of the first or second aspects and any possible implementations thereof through logic circuits or by executing computer programs or instructions.

[0069] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or contain chips and other discrete components.

[0070] Eighthly, this application also provides a chip system comprising at least one chip and a memory, wherein the at least one chip is configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory to implement the method described in any of the first or second aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0071] Ninthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in any of the first or second aspects and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0072] In a tenth aspect, this application also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in any of the first or second aspects and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0073] The technical effects achievable by the second to tenth aspects and any of their possible implementations are described in the same manner as the technical effects achievable by the first aspect and any of its possible implementations, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0074] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture for a fifth-generation (5G) communication system based on a service-oriented architecture.

[0075] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a distributed network architecture;

[0076] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D This application provides network architecture diagrams for various communication systems.

[0077] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the first communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of various protocol stacks provided for embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the second communication method provided in this application embodiment;

[0080] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the third communication method provided in this application embodiment;

[0081] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the fourth communication method provided in this application embodiment;

[0082] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0084] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The relevant terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. It should be noted that these explanations are for the purpose of making the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0086] I. Terminal Equipment:

[0087] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, as a mobile device, handheld device (such as a mobile phone), wearable device, or vehicle-mounted device; or it can be deployed on water (such as a ship); or it can be deployed in the air (such as an airplane, balloon, or satellite); or it can be a wireless device (such as a communication module, modem, or chip system) built into the above devices.

[0088] The terminal devices are used to connect people, things, and machines, and can be widely used in various scenarios, including but not limited to the following: sensing scenarios, cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine / machine-type (M2M / MTC) communication, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical care, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, drones, robots, indoor commercial scenarios (such as mobile phone screen mirroring, file sharing, and mobile phone to VR glasses video transmission), satellite communication, and other scenarios. When the terminal equipment is applied to V2X, it can also be called a V2X device, such as a smart car, digital car, unmanned car, driverless car, pilotless car, or automobile, self-driving car, or autonomous car, pure electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), new energy vehicle, or roadside unit (RSU). The terminal equipment can also be a device used in D2D communication, such as an electricity meter or water meter.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important component of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0090] The various terminal devices described above, if located in a vehicle (e.g., placed inside or installed inside a vehicle), can all be considered in-vehicle terminal devices, also known as on-board units (OBUs). The terminal device of this application can also be an in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods of this application through the built-in in-vehicle module, in-vehicle component, in-vehicle chip, or in-vehicle unit.

[0091] The terminal equipment may sometimes be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, wireless communication equipment, or user device, etc.

[0092] In this application embodiment, the communication device used to implement the terminal device function can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the terminal device is used as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment. Furthermore, for ease of description, the terminal device in this application embodiment is described using a UE as an example.

[0093] II. Network Equipment:

[0094] Network equipment includes, for example, access network elements and / or core network elements. Access network elements can also be referred to as access network equipment, and core network elements can also be referred to as core network equipment.

[0095] 1) Core network elements refer to the equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support for terminals. This core network can be, for example, the 5th generation (5G) core network, the evolved 5G core network, or the core network of future communication systems, etc., without limitation.

[0096] Figure 1 This paper illustrates a network architecture for a 5th generation (5G) communication system based on a service-oriented architecture. This network architecture may include a UE (User Equipment) and an operator network. The network architecture may also include data network (DN) and / or application function (AF) network elements. The operator network may be referred to as a general network, public network, public data network, or public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., without limitation.

[0097] Please refer to the foregoing description for the UE; it will not be repeated here. The UE can establish a connection with the operator network through interfaces provided by the operator network (such as N1) and use data and / or voice services provided by the operator network. The UE can also access the DN through the operator network and use operator services deployed on the DN, and / or services provided by third parties. These third parties can be service providers other than the operator network and the UE, and can provide data and / or voice services to the UE. The specific form of these third parties can be determined according to the actual application scenario and is not limited here.

[0098] A carrier network may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following network elements: Network Open Function (NAF) elements, Authentication Service (AFS) elements, Network Repository (NRL) elements, Access Management (AMS) elements, Policy Control (PCC) elements, Unified Data Management (UKM) elements, Session Management (SDM) elements, User Plane (MPC) elements, and Access Network (AN). The portion of the carrier network excluding the access network portion can be referred to as the core network portion. In one possible implementation, the carrier network may also include Access Array (AF). In other words, the AF may or may not belong to the core network; there is no restriction. The access network includes access network elements.

[0099] Core network elements may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: network open function elements, authentication service function elements, network repository function elements, access management function elements, policy control function elements, unified data management element, session management function elements, and user plane function elements. Some of the core network elements are described below.

[0100] The network exposure function is responsible for managing external access and providing corresponding security guarantees to ensure the security of external applications accessing the core network. In 5G communication systems, this network exposure function element can be a network exposure function (NEF) element. In future communication systems, the network exposure function element may have other names, without limitation.

[0101] The authentication service function network element is responsible for providing UE identity authentication services. For example, it can authenticate the UE and provide one or more keys. In 5G communication systems, this authentication service function network element can be an authentication server function (AUSF) network element. In future communication systems, the authentication service function network element may have other names, without limitation.

[0102] The network repository function (NRF) element is responsible for providing registration and discovery services for network functions. Optionally, it can also provide service invocation and authorization services. In 5G communication systems, this NRF element may be a network repository function (NRF) element. In future communication systems, the NRF element may have other names, without limitation.

[0103] The unified data management network element is responsible for generating authentication credentials, processing user identifiers (such as storing and managing permanent user identities), and managing subscription data. In 5G communication systems, this unified data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In future communication systems, this unified data management network element may have other names, without limitation.

[0104] The access management function (AMF) network element is responsible for access control and mobility management of the UE's access to the operator's network, including functions such as mobility state management, allocation of temporary user identities, authentication, and authorization. In 5G communication systems, this AMF network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the AMF network element may have other names, without limitation.

[0105] The session management function (SMF) network element is primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. It can also assign Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to users and select user plane function (MPF) network elements that provide packet forwarding capabilities. In 5G communication systems, this SMF network element may be a Session Management Function (SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the SMF network element may have other names without limitation.

[0106] The policy control function network element primarily provides policy rules and is also responsible for acquiring user subscription information related to policy decisions. In 4G communication systems, this policy control function network element can be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. In 5G communication systems, this policy control function network element can be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In future communication systems, the policy control function network element may have other names without limitation. The PCFs connected to the AMF and SMF correspond to the AM PCF (PCF for access and mobility control) and SM PCF (PCF for session management), respectively, but may not be the same PCF entity in actual deployment scenarios.

[0107] User plane function (UPF) network elements are responsible for receiving and forwarding user data. For example, they can receive user data from the DN (Digital Network Node) and transmit it to the UE (User Equipment) via the access network element; alternatively, they can receive user data from the UE via the access network element and forward it to the DN. In 5G communication systems, this UPF network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, UPF network elements may have other names, without limitation.

[0108] A Data Network (DN), located outside the mobile communication system, provides services to users. For example, a DN can be a packet data network (PDN), such as the Internet, Internet Protocol Multimedia Service (IMS) networks, application-specific data networks, Ethernet, or Internet Protocol (IP) local area networks. A DN can deploy various services, providing data and / or voice services to the User Equipment (UE). A DN can contain multiple application servers (AS), each providing at least one service.

[0109] Application Providers (AFs) primarily convey application-side requests to the network side, such as Quality of Service (QoS) requirements or user state event subscriptions. AFs can be third-party functional entities or application services deployed by operators, such as IMS voice call services.

[0110] It should be understood that Figure 1The communication system shown may also involve other network elements. For example, the core network may include one or more of the following: a unified data repository (UDR) network element, or a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, etc. Figure 1 Not shown in the image.

[0111] It should be noted that in this application, network elements can also be referred to as entities or functional entities. For example, an AMF network element can also be referred to as an AMF entity or an AMF functional entity. Similarly, an SMF network element can also be referred to as an SMF entity or an SMF functional entity. For ease of description, the device name mentioned in the embodiments of this application may omit "network element". For example, AMF network element and AMF have the same meaning. Similarly, UDM network element and UDM have the same meaning. Furthermore, AF network element and AF have the same meaning.

[0112] Figure 1 Nausf, Namf, Npcf, Nsmf, Nudm, Naf, N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface sequence numbers. The meanings of these interface sequence numbers can be found in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard protocol, and are not limited here.

[0113] Understandable, Figure 1 The network element or function shown can be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). One possible implementation is that the aforementioned network element or function can be implemented by a single device, multiple devices working together, or a functional module within a single device; no specific limitations are imposed on this.

[0114] Furthermore, the embodiments of this application do not limit the names of each network element in the communication system. For example, in communication systems of different standards, each network element may have other names; or, for example, when multiple network elements are integrated into the same physical device, the physical device may also have other names.

[0115] In future networks, the functions of the core network and access network may be split and reorganized without restriction.

[0116] 2) Access network element is a network-side device with wireless transceiver function. For example, the device that provides wireless communication function for terminal equipment in a radio access network (RAN) is called RAN equipment or RAN node.

[0117] As an example, the access network elements include, but are not limited to, base stations (base transceiver stations, BTS, Node B, evolved Node B (eNodeB) / eNB, or next-generation Node B (gNodeB) / gNB), transmission reception points (TRPs), base stations evolved under the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), access nodes in Wi-Fi systems, wireless relay nodes, and wireless backhaul nodes. The base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, relay stations, etc. Multiple base stations can support networks using the same access technology or networks using different access technologies. A base station can contain one or more co-located or non-co-located transmission and reception points. Optionally, the base station can be a terrestrial base station or a non-terrestrial base station, such as a satellite or a temporarily deployed drone base station. Another example is that the access network element can also be a radio controller, central unit (CU), and / or distributed unit (DU) in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Yet another example is that the access network element can also be a server, etc. For example, in V2X technology, the access network element can be a roadside unit (RSU). The following explanation uses a base station as an example. A base station can communicate with a terminal device, or it can communicate with a terminal device through a relay station. A terminal device can communicate with multiple base stations using different access technologies.

[0118] Optionally, in the CU-DU architecture, the access network element may include one or more logical units (or logical network elements) such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU may be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). For example, the CU can perform the functions of the base station's radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). For example, the DU can perform the functions of the base station's radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For detailed descriptions of the various protocol layers mentioned above, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Optionally, the CU may include the CU-control plane (CP) and / or the CU-user plane (UP).

[0119] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and / or CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open-CU (open-CU, O-CU), DU can also be called an open-DU (open-DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open-CU-CP (open-CU-CP, O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open-CU-UP (open-CU-UP, O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open-RU (open-RU, O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0120] Optionally, in various embodiments of this application, if the access network element is a distributed architecture, for example, the access network element includes CU and DU, or includes CU-CP, CU-UP and DU, then the access network element sends information to the UE, specifically the DU included in the access network element sends information to the UE; the access network element receives information from the UE, specifically the DU included in the access network element receives information from the UE; the access network element sends information to the core network element, specifically the CU (or CU-CP, or CU-UP included in the access network element) sends information to the core network element; the access network element receives information from the core network element, which may include the CU (or CU-CP, or CU-UP included in the access network element receiving information from the core network element.

[0121] It should be noted that the equipment with base station functions may differ in communication systems employing different wireless access technologies. For example, in a 5G communication system, this equipment may be called a gNB or 5G NodeB; in an LTE system, it may be called an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB); and in a 3G communication system, it may be called a Node B, etc.

[0122] In this application embodiment, the communication device used to implement the network device function can be a network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed within the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the network device function is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0123] III. In the embodiments of this application, "multiple" can refer to two or more. Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two". "At least one" can be understood as one or more, such as one, two or more. For example, "including at least one" means including one, two or more. For example, including at least one of A, B and C, then it can include A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects. Specifically, there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / ", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0124] IV. In the embodiments of this application, the terms "system" and "network" can be used interchangeably, and "according to" and "based on" can be used interchangeably. "Carrying" can be replaced with "including".

[0125] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are generally used to distinguish different objects, and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first network element and the second network element involved in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different network elements, and do not limit the order, timing, priority, or importance of these two network elements.

[0126] V. The terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product or device.

[0127] VI. In this application, "predefined" may include predefined terms, such as protocol definitions. "Predefined" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device (e.g., including various network elements), and this application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0128] VII. The term "storage" or "preservation" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separately configured or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately configured, while others can be integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0129] 8. In the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application, the dashed arrows or boxes indicate optional steps or optional modules.

[0130] 9. In this application, "instruction" may include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information for the purpose of instructing A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly instructs A, or indirectly instructs A.

[0131] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0132] 10. In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0133] XI. In this application, the terms "exemplarily," "for example," "e.g.," are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding, relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0134] 12. The embodiments of this application will be presented in the context of a system including multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood that the system may include other unmentioned devices, components, modules, etc., or may only include some of the devices, components, or modules mentioned in the embodiments. Optionally, the terms "component" and "part" in this application can be used interchangeably.

[0135] The technical features relevant to this application will be described below.

[0136] With the development of communication technology, network architecture has gradually evolved from centralized network architecture to distributed network architecture, and supports more access technologies, such as fixed wireless bandwidth access technology, code division multiple access technology, and satellite access. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a distributed network architecture is shown. (For example...) Figure 2 As shown, in the distributed network architecture, the access network elements and the core network distributed sub-networks communicate via AMF#1 for message forwarding. Figure 2 The example shown is subnetworks #1 and #2. Terminal equipment ( Figure 2 (Not shown in the diagram) Multiple subnetworks can be accessed through access network elements and AMF#1. It should be understood that this application does not limit the deployment of network elements in the subnetworks. Further research is needed on how to improve the communication performance of distributed network architectures.

[0137] For example, the AMF (Access Management Function) element is responsible for access management and mobility management of terminal devices. In a distributed network architecture, the AMF element (such as...) Figure 2 The AMF#1 in the network is also responsible for message forwarding between the terminal device and at least one sub-network. If the AMF element fails, the terminal device will be unable to communicate with the sub-network, affecting the terminal device's services, resulting in poor disaster recovery and hindering the improvement of communication performance.

[0138] For example, in a distributed network architecture, the connection between access network elements and user plane function network elements in sub-networks is usually manually configured by technicians in the early stages of network construction. This has poor flexibility and cannot adapt to flexible and ever-changing communication scenarios (such as communication scenarios that support satellite access), which is not conducive to improving communication performance.

[0139] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide various communication methods, which can realize communication between terminal devices and sub-networks through a first network element different from the AMF network element, which is beneficial to improving the communication performance of distributed network architecture. The methods and apparatus described in this application are based on the same technical concept. Since the principles by which the methods and apparatus solve problems are similar, the implementations of the apparatus and methods can refer to each other, and repeated details will not be repeated.

[0140] The communication system provided in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0141] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D This document illustrates network architecture diagrams for various communication systems provided in embodiments of this application. Compared to... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The network architecture shown is Figure 3A The network architecture shown may include a first network element. Optionally, this first network element may belong to an operator's network. Exemplarily, the first network element may be deployed in the core network or in the access network. For example, the first network element may be deployed at the edge of the core network and close to the access network. It should be understood that this application does not limit the deployment method or number of the first network element. For ease of understanding, unless otherwise specified, the following description uses the deployment of the first network element in the core network as an example.

[0142] The first network element has a proxy function and can be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding. In this application, the first network element can be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding at the sub-network level. For example, the first network element can be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding between terminal equipment and sub-networks; and / or, the first network element can be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding between access network elements and sub-networks, etc.

[0143] In one example, an access network element can send message #1 (such as control signaling or service data) from a terminal device to a first network element; after receiving message #1, the first network element sends message #1 to the sub-network. Optionally, the first network element sending message #1 to the sub-network can be understood as the first network element sending message #1 to a network function (e.g., AMF, SMF, or UPF, etc., without limitation) in the sub-network.

[0144] In another example, the sub-network may send message #2 (such as control signaling or service data) to the first network element; after receiving message #2, the first network element sends message #2 to the access network element, which then forwards message #2 to the terminal device. Optionally, the sub-network sending message #2 to the first network element can be understood as: network functions in the sub-network (e.g., AMF, SMF, or UPF, etc., without limitation) sending message #2 to the first network element.

[0145] For example, the first network element can communicate with an NRF network element (such as...) Figure 3B (As shown) The first network element interactively obtains information from the sub-network and establishes connections with the network functions (NFs) within the sub-network based on this information. Afterward, the first network element can communicate with the network functions in the sub-network. Figure 3B The example is illustrated using two subnetworks (denoted as subnetwork #1 and subnetwork #2, respectively).

[0146] In this application, the sub-network can be replaced by: network slice, private network, customized network, customized private network, private network, or non-public network (NPN), etc.

[0147] Optionally, the first network element may also be called a proxy function (PF) network element or a proxy network element, etc. This application does not limit the naming of the first network element.

[0148] Optionally, the first network element can also be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding between the terminal equipment and the core network (or a third party); and / or, the first network element can also be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding between the access network element and the core network (or a third party).

[0149] It should be understood that, in addition to the function of proxy message forwarding, the first network element may also have other functions, which are not limited in this application.

[0150] Optionally, the first network element can connect to AMF network elements in different sub-networks to forward messages between the access network element and network functions in the sub-network, such as... Figure 3B As shown. It should be understood that this application does not limit this. For example, the first network element can also forward messages between the access network element and the network functions in the sub-network by connecting to other network functions in the sub-network besides the AMF network element. As another example, messages between the access network element and the network functions in the sub-network may not need to be forwarded through the AMF network element or a fixed network function; for example, the first network element can directly connect to the network function corresponding to the message in the sub-network.

[0151] Optionally, the interface between the first network element and the access network element can be called the N_RP interface. For example, the access network element can interact with the first network element through the N_RP interface to realize communication between the terminal device and at least one sub-network, such as... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown. Optionally, the first network element can access the core network bus via the NPF interface for communication with other network functions in the core network. Optionally, the first network element can communicate with the UPF network element via the N_U interface. Optionally, the first network element can communicate with the terminal device via the N1 interface. It should be understood that this application does not limit the naming of the interfaces related to the first network element.

[0152] In one implementation, the proxy function can be divided into a proxy function-control plane (PF-CP) and a proxy function-service plane (e.g., denoted as PF_XP), such as... Figure 3C and Figure 3DAs shown. Optionally, the proxy function-control plane can belong to the operator network. Optionally, the proxy function-service plane can belong to the operator network. Exemplarily, the proxy function-control plane can be deployed in the core network, or it can also be deployed in the access network. For example, the proxy function-control plane can be deployed at the edge of the core network and close to the access network. Exemplarily, the proxy function-service plane can be deployed in the core network, or it can also be deployed in the access network. It should be understood that this application does not limit the deployment method or the number of proxy function-control planes and proxy function-service planes.

[0153] The proxy function-control plane can be used to proxy (or perform) the forwarding of control plane messages. For example, the proxy function-control plane can be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding between terminal equipment and control plane function network elements in the subnetwork; and / or, the proxy function-control plane can be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding between access network elements and control plane function network elements in the subnetwork. Optionally, this proxy function-control plane can still be called the first network element, or it can be named in other ways, without limitation.

[0154] The proxy function-service plane can be used to proxy (or perform) the forwarding of service plane messages. For example, the proxy function-service plane can be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding between terminal equipment and user plane function network elements in the sub-network; and / or, the proxy function-service plane can be used to proxy (or perform) message forwarding between access network elements and user plane function network elements in the sub-network. Optionally, this proxy function-service plane can be called the seventh network element, or it can be named in other ways, without limitation.

[0155] In this application, the service plane can be understood as the service-related execution plane of a communication network. For example, the service plane may include at least one of the following: user plane, data plane, computing plane, perception plane, or intelligence plane. These will be described in detail below.

[0156] 1) User plane, which can be understood as the execution plane related to user business. Optionally, this business plane can still be the user plane, and correspondingly, PF_XP can be the proxy function-user plane (PF-UP).

[0157] 2) The data plane can be understood as the execution plane related to business data. Optionally, the business plane can be the data plane, and correspondingly, PF_XP can be the proxy function-data plane (PF-DP).

[0158] 3) The computation plane can be understood as the execution plane related to computational business. Optionally, the business plane can be the computation plane, and correspondingly, PF_XP can be the proxy function-compute plane (PF-ComP).

[0159] 4) The perception plane can be understood as the execution plane related to perception business. Optionally, the business plane can be the perception plane, and correspondingly, PF_XP can be the proxy function-sensing plane (PF-SenP).

[0160] 5) The intelligent plane can be understood as the execution plane related to artificial intelligence (AI) business. Optionally, the business plane can be the intelligent plane, and correspondingly, PF_XP can be the proxy function-artificial intelligence plane (PF-AiP).

[0161] It should be understood that this application does not limit the division and naming of business areas.

[0162] Optionally, the interface between the proxy function-service plane and the access network element can be called the N_RUP interface. Optionally, the proxy function-service plane can communicate with the UPF network element through the N3 interface. Optionally, the proxy function-service plane can communicate with the proxy function-control plane through the N_U interface. Optionally, the proxy function-control plane can access the core network bus through the Npf interface for communication with other network functions in the core network. Optionally, the proxy function-control plane can communicate with the access network element through the N_RP interface. Optionally, the proxy function-control plane can communicate with the terminal device through the N1 interface. It should be understood that this application does not limit the naming of interfaces related to the proxy function-control plane and interfaces related to the proxy function-service plane.

[0163] in addition, Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C and Figure 3D Please refer to the network architecture shown for other network functions and interfaces. Figure 1 The relevant descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0164] The various communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments of this application can be applied to... Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C ,or Figure 3D The communication system shown. For example, the first network element involved in the following embodiments may be... Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C ,or Figure 3D The first network element. For example, the access network element involved in the following embodiments can be... Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C ,or Figure 3D The access network element. For example, the terminal device involved in the following embodiments may be... Figure 3A ,or Figure 3C The terminal equipment. For details on the implementation of the first network element, access network element, and terminal equipment, please refer to the previous text; further details will not be repeated here.

[0165] Figure 4 This is a first communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following:

[0166] S401: The terminal device sends a second message to the access network element. Correspondingly, the access network element receives the second message from the terminal device.

[0167] The second message may carry (or include) information about the terminal device, such as the identifier of the terminal device, without restriction.

[0168] Optionally, the second message may also carry (or include) fourth information about the first network. This fourth information can be used to indicate the first network. For example, the fourth information may be network slice information, a non-public network identifier, a sub-network identifier, or a network identifier, etc. This application does not limit the implementation of the fourth information.

[0169] Optionally, the first network can be a sub-network, a network slice, a dedicated network, a customized network, a customized private network, a private network, or a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the first network.

[0170] In one embodiment, the second message can be a control plane message, or it can be a service plane message. The control plane message can be used, for example, to request access to the first network or to request registration with the first network; this application does not limit its use in this regard. The service plane message can be used, for example, to carry service data or to request service for a service (such as the first service); this application does not limit its use in this regard. Optionally, the second message being a control plane message can be replaced by: the second message being control signaling. Optionally, the second message being a service plane message can be replaced by: the second message being used for service data transmission or carrying service data.

[0171] In one implementation, the second message may be a radio resource control (RRC) message. For example, the terminal device sends an RRC message to an access network element, and this RRC message carries information about the terminal device. Optionally, the RRC message may also carry fourth information.

[0172] In another implementation, the second message can also be a non-access stratum (NAS) message. For example, the terminal device sends a NAS message to the first network (or core network) via an RRC message, and this NAS message carries information about the terminal device. Optionally, the NAS message can also carry fourth information. For example, the terminal device sends an RRC message to an access network element, and this RRC message carries a NAS message, which in turn carries information about the terminal device. Optionally, the NAS message can also carry fourth information. Optionally, the NAS message can also be called an N1 message.

[0173] S402: The access network element sends a first message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first message from the access network element.

[0174] The first network element and the AMF network element are different network elements; please refer to [link / reference needed] for details. Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C ,or Figure 3D The descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated.

[0175] For example, an access network element may send a first message to a first network element based on information from the terminal device and / or fourth information. For instance, an access network element may determine whether to send a second message to the first network element and send the first message based on information from the terminal device and / or fourth information. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation method by which the access network element determines to send the second message to the first network element.

[0176] The first message carries (or includes) the second message and the first information of the first network. Optionally, the first message may also be called an RP message or an RP interface message, etc. This application does not limit the naming of the first message.

[0177] The first information can be used to indicate the first network. For example, the first information can be network slice information, non-public network identifier, sub-network identifier, or network identifier, etc. This application does not limit the implementation of the first information.

[0178] In one implementation, the first information and the fourth information can be the same information; alternatively, the first information and the fourth information can be two separate pieces of information. For example, the first information and the fourth information can be two separate pieces of information, and these two pieces of information can be the same or different. Optionally, the first information can be determined based on the fourth information. For instance, an access network element can determine (or generate) the first information based on the fourth information.

[0179] Optionally, the first message may also carry (or include) relevant information about the access network element. For example, the relevant information about the access network element may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the access network element, the capability information of the access network element, the authorization information of the access network element, or the transmission configuration information of the access network element, etc. This application does not limit the implementation method of the relevant information about the access network element.

[0180] Optionally, the first message may also carry (or include) information about the terminal device, the implementation of which can be referred to the relevant description above and will not be repeated here.

[0181] S403: The first network element sends a third message to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the third message from the first network element.

[0182] Alternatively, S403 can also be expressed as: The first network element sends a second message to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the second message from the first network element.

[0183] The third message carries (or includes) the second message. The second network element can be, for example, an AMF network element, an SMF network element, or a UPF network element, etc. This application does not limit the implementation method of the second network element.

[0184] In one implementation, the second network element may belong to the first network. Optionally, the second network element belonging to the first network can be understood as: the first network includes the second network element; or as: the second network element supports providing services of the first network; or as: the second network element is deployed in the first network.

[0185] In another implementation, the second network element may belong to the second network. Optionally, the second network element belonging to the second network can be understood as: the second network includes the second network element; or as: the second network element supports providing services of the second network; or as: the second network element is deployed in the second network.

[0186] In this application, the second network is associated with the first network. In one example, the first and second networks are of the same type. For example, both the first and second networks provide perception services, or both provide AI services; this application does not limit the type of network. In another example, the services supported by the second network include those supported by the first network. For example, the services supported by the first network include perception services, and the services supported by the second network include both perception services and AI services. Furthermore, the service quality supported by the second network includes the service quality supported by the first network. In yet another example, the first and second networks are of the same type, and the services supported by the second network include those supported by the first network.

[0187] In another implementation, the second network element belongs to both the first and second networks. Optionally, the second network element belonging to both the first and second networks can be understood as: the first network includes the second network element, and the second network includes the second network element; or as: the second network element supports providing services for both the first and second networks; or as: the second network element is a shared network element (or a public network element) between the first and second networks.

[0188] Optionally, the second network can be a sub-network, a network slice, a dedicated network, a customized network, a customized private network, a private network, or a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the second network.

[0189] Optionally, the third message may also carry (or include) information about the network to which the second network element belongs. For example, if the second network element supports providing services for the first network and supports providing services for the second network, the third message may also carry information about the network to which the second network element belongs, to indicate whether the second network element provides services as a network element in the first network or as a network element in the second network.

[0190] In S403, the first network element sends a third message to the second network element. Optionally, the first network element may decide to send a second message to the second network element. Figure 4 (Not shown in the image). For example, the first network element may determine to send a second message to the second network element based on the first message. For instance, the first network element may determine to send a second message to the second network element based on first information. For instance, the first network element parses the first message to obtain the first information and the second message, and determines to send the second message to the second network element based on the first information.

[0191] Optionally, determining to send the second message to the second network element can be replaced by: determining to send the second message to the second network element; or it can be replaced by: determining that the target network element of the second message is the second network element.

[0192] This application provides several methods for the first network element to determine whether to send a second message to the second network element. These methods are described below.

[0193] Method 1: The first network element can determine to send a second message to the second network element based on the configuration information of the first network. The network to which the second network element belongs is the first network.

[0194] The configuration information of the first network may include information on at least one network function of the first network, and the at least one network function includes a second network element.

[0195] In one example, the configuration information of the first network can be information stored locally by the first network element. For example, the first network element can determine the configuration information of the first network stored locally (or determine that the first network element establishes a connection with the first network) based on the first information, and determine to send a second message to the second network element based on the configuration information of the first network. For example, the first network element establishes a connection with the first network, and the first network element stores (or maintains) the configuration information of the first network.

[0196] Optionally, the connection between the first network element and the first network can be replaced by the connection between the first network element and a network function in the first network (e.g., a proxy node in the first network, an AMF network element in the first network, or other network functions in the first network).

[0197] In another example, the configuration information of the first network element can come from the eighth network element. For instance, the first network element can obtain the configuration information of the first network from the eighth network element and determine, based on the configuration information of the first network, to send a second message to the second network element. For example, the first network element can obtain the configuration information of the first network by interacting with the eighth network element and determine, based on the configuration information of the first network, to send a second message to the second network element.

[0198] Optionally, the eighth network element can be an NRF network element, and this application does not limit the implementation method of the eighth network element. For ease of understanding, unless otherwise specified, the following description will use an NRF network element as the eighth network element.

[0199] For example, the first network element obtaining configuration information of the first network from the NRF network element may include: the NRF network element actively sending the configuration information of the first network to the first network element; or the NRF network element responding to the request message #1 from the first network element and sending the configuration information of the first network to the first network element. The request message #1 is used to request the configuration information of the first network. Optionally, the request message #1 may include first information and / or relevant information of the access network element. For example, the first network element may send the request message #1 to the NRF network element; the NRF receives the request message #1 and sends a response message #1 to the first network element, which carries the configuration information of the first network. For example, if the first network element has not established a connection with the first network, the first network element may send the request message #1 to the NRF network element. For example, if the first network element does not have the configuration information of the first network locally, the first network element may send the request message #1 to the NRF network element.

[0200] Optionally, the statement that the first network element has not established a connection with the first network can be replaced by: the first network element has not established a connection with network functions in the first network (e.g., agent nodes in the first network, AMF network elements in the first network, or other network functions in the first network).

[0201] In one implementation, a first network element can determine a second network element from at least one network function in a first network. In one example, the first network element can determine the second network element from at least one network function in the first network based on a second message and / or relevant information of an access network element. In another example, the first network element can determine the second network element from at least one network function in the first network based on the service type (or service function) requested by the terminal device. In yet another example, the first network element can determine the service type requested by the terminal device based on the second message and / or relevant information of the access network element, and determine the second network element from at least one network function in the first network based on the service type requested by the terminal device. For example, if the service type requested by the terminal device is access service (and / or mobility service), the first network element can determine an AMF network element in the first network as the second network element. As another example, if the service type requested by the terminal device is connectivity service (such as session-related messages), the first network element can determine an SMF network element in the first network as the second network element. As another example, if the service type requested by the terminal device is data transmission, the first network element can determine a UPF network element in the first network as the second network element. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the first network element determining the second network element from at least one network element.

[0202] Method 2: The first network element can determine to send a second message to the second network element based on the configuration information of the second network. The network to which the second network element belongs is the second network.

[0203] The configuration information of the second network may include information on at least one network function of the second network, and the at least one network function includes a second network element.

[0204] In one example, the configuration information of the second network may be information stored locally by the first network element. For instance, the first network element may determine, based on the first information, that it does not store the configuration information of the first network locally (or determines that the first network element has not established a connection with the first network), determine that it stores the configuration information of the second network associated with the first network locally (or determines that the first network element has established a connection with the second network), and determine to send a second message to the second network element based on the configuration information of the second network. For example, the first network element may not have established a connection with the first network, but it has established a connection with the second network associated with the first network, and the first network element stores (or maintains) the configuration information of the second network.

[0205] Optionally, establishing a connection between the first network element and the second network can be replaced by establishing a connection between the first network element and a network function in the second network (e.g., a proxy node in the second network, an AMF network element in the second network, or other network functions in the second network). For details regarding the first network element not establishing a connection with the first network, please refer to the foregoing description, which will not be repeated here.

[0206] In another example, the configuration information of the first network element can come from the NRF network element. For instance, the first network element can obtain the configuration information of the second network from the NRF network element and determine which second message to send to the second network element based on the configuration information of the second network. For example, the first network element can obtain the configuration information of the second network by interacting with the NRF network element and determine which second message to send to the second network element based on the configuration information of the second network.

[0207] For example, the first network element obtaining configuration information of the second network from the NRF network element may include: the NRF network element responding to the first network element's request message #1 by sending the configuration information of the second network to the first network element. The request message #1 is used to request the configuration information of the first network. For example, the first network element may send request message #1 to the NRF network element; the NRF receives request message #1, determines that the first network does not exist, and sends response message #1 to the first network element, which carries the configuration information of the second network. Optionally, request message #1 may include first information. For example, if the first network element has not established a connection with the first network, the first network element may send request message #1 to the NRF network element. For example, if the first network element does not have the configuration information of the first network locally, the first network element may send request message #1 to the NRF network element.

[0208] In one implementation, the first network element can determine the second network element from at least one network function in the second network. For the implementation method, please refer to the description of the first network element determining the second network element from at least one network function in the first network, which will not be repeated here.

[0209] Method 3: The first network element can determine to send a second message to the second network element by interacting with the NRF network element. The network to which the second network element belongs is either the first network or the network to which the second network element belongs is the second network.

[0210] In one implementation, the first network element can obtain information about the second network element from the NRF network element, and determine to send a second message to the second network element based on the information about the second network element. The information about the second network element may be, for example, its identifier, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0211] For example, the first network element obtaining information about the second network element from the NRF network element may include: the NRF network element actively sending the information about the second network element to the first network element; or the NRF network element responding to the request message #2 from the first network element and sending the information about the second network element to the first network element. Here, the request message #2 is used to request configuration information of the first network, and / or, the request message #2 can be used to request the network element (i.e., the second network element) determined to provide services to the terminal device. Optionally, the request message #2 may include first information and / or relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first network element sends the request message #2 to the NRF network element; the NRF network element receives the request message #2 and sends a response message #2 to the first network element, which carries the information about the second network element. Optionally, the response message #2 may also carry information about the network to which the second network element belongs, to indicate which network (such as the first network or the second network) the second network element is providing services for. For example, if the first network element has not established a connection with the first network, the first network element may send the request message #2 to the NRF network element. For example, if the first network element does not have the configuration information of the first network locally, the first network element can send a request message #2 to the NRF network element.

[0212] In one implementation, the NRF network element can determine the second network element from at least one network function in the first network, or the NRF network element can determine the second network element from at least one network function in the second network. For example, the NRF network element can determine the second network element based on the registration information of the first network or the registration information of the second network. For example, the NRF network element can determine the second network element based on the service type requested by the terminal device and the registration information of the first network. As another example, if the first network does not exist, the NRF network element can determine the second network element based on the service type requested by the terminal device and the registration information of the second network. For the implementation details, please refer to the description of the first network element determining the second network element from at least one network function in the first network; further elaboration will not be repeated here.

[0213] In one implementation, the NRF network element can determine whether a first network exists. For example, upon receiving request message #1 (or request message #2), the NRF network element can determine whether the first network exists. For instance, the NRF network element can determine whether the first network exists based on first information. For example, if the first network exists, the NRF can send configuration information of the first network to the first network element, or the NRF can send information about a second network element belonging to the first network to the first network element; please refer to the foregoing description for details, which will not be repeated here. As another example, if the first network does not exist, the NRF can send configuration information of a second network to the first network element, or the NRF can send information about a second network element belonging to the second network to the first network element; please refer to the foregoing description for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0214] The above methods allow for the selection of appropriate sub-networks and / or functional network elements for terminal devices, which helps improve communication performance and makes them suitable for various communication scenarios.

[0215] In one implementation, a first network element can establish a connection with a second network element and send a third message (or a second message) to the second network element through this connection. Exemplarily, the first network element can establish a connection with the second network element through interaction. For example, the first network element can send a connection establishment request to the second network element based on the address information and / or the identifier of the second network element. This request can be used to negotiate connection addresses, port information, and application layer information, etc. For example, the first network element sends a connection establishment request to the second network element, the request carrying the address information of the first network element; the second network element receives the connection establishment request and sends a connection establishment response to the first network element, the response carrying the address information of the second network element; the first network element receives the connection establishment response from the second network element. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the first network element establishing a connection with the second network element.

[0216] In one implementation, the second network element can be a shared network element of the first network and the second network. For example, if the first network element obtains configuration information of the first network and the second network from an NRF network element, and the configuration information of the first network includes information about the second network element, then the second network element is a shared network element of the first network and the second network, meaning it can provide services to both networks. Another example is when the first network element performs local configuration, and the services of the first and second networks point to the second network element; in this case, the second network element is a shared network element of the first and second networks. It should be understood that this application does not limit the method for determining whether the second network element is a shared network element of the first and second networks.

[0217] S404: The second network element sends a response message of the third message to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives the response message of the third message from the second network element.

[0218] S404 is an optional step. Figure 4 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0219] For example, the second network element can perform corresponding processing based on the third message and send a response message to the first network element in response to the third message. Optionally, the response message can be replaced with a feedback message. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation form of the response message to the third message.

[0220] S405: The first network element sends a response message of the first message to the access network element; correspondingly, the access network element receives the response message of the first message from the first network element.

[0221] S405 is an optional step. Figure 4 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0222] For example, the first network element can send a response message of the first message to the access network element based on the response message of the third message. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation form of the response message of the first message.

[0223] S406: The access network element sends a fifth response message to the terminal device; correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fifth response message from the access network element.

[0224] S406 is an optional step. Figure 4 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0225] For example, an access network element can send a response message for the second message to the terminal device based on the response message for the first message. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation form of the response message for the second message.

[0226] In one implementation, the first network element can store (or maintain) information about the first correspondence. Figure 4The first correspondence can be a correspondence between an access network element, a second network element, and the network to which the second network element belongs. In one example, the information in the first correspondence may include information about the access network element (such as the identifier and address of the access network element), information about the second network element (such as the identifier and address of the second network element), and information about the network to which the second network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the second network element belongs). In another example, the information in the first correspondence may include a connection identifier between the access network element and the second network element, and information about the network to which the second network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the second network element belongs), thus reducing storage resource overhead. Optionally, the connection identifier between the access network element and the second network element may be allocated by the first network element, without restriction. Table 1 shows an example of the information in the first correspondence. In this embodiment, the first network element stores the information in the first correspondence, so that when the access network element changes, the second network element is unaware of the change in the access network element; when the second network element changes, the terminal device (and the access network element) is unaware of the change in the second network element, which is beneficial for the dynamic deployment of the distributed network architecture (such as network function upgrades, updates, or replacements).

[0227] Table 1

[0228]

[0229] In another embodiment, the first correspondence can also be a correspondence between a terminal device, an access network element, a second network element, and the network to which the second network element belongs. In one example, the information in the first correspondence may include information about the terminal device (such as the terminal device's identifier and address), information about the access network element (such as the access network element's identifier and address), information about the second network element (such as the second network element's identifier and address), and information about the network to which the second network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the second network element belongs). In yet another example, the information in the first correspondence may include information about the terminal device (such as the terminal device's identifier and address), a connection identifier between the access network element and the second network element, and information about the network to which the second network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the second network element belongs). In this embodiment, the first correspondence may also include information about the terminal device, so that the first network element can perform message forwarding at the terminal device level, such as forwarding messages with different priorities.

[0230] The first communication method described above introduces a first network element to act as a proxy for message forwarding between the access network element and the first network (or the second network). Optionally, the first network element and the access network element can communicate through the first protocol layer, or the first network element and the access network element can transmit messages (or data) through the first protocol layer. Optionally, the first protocol layer can be called the RP layer; this application does not limit the naming of the first protocol layer. For ease of understanding, the first protocol layer will be referred to as the RP layer in the following text.

[0231] This application provides multiple implementation methods for protocol stacks that introduce the RP layer. These are described below.

[0232] Implementation Method 1: The NAS layer is superimposed on the Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) layer, and the RP layer is located below the NGAP layer, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (1) above, the N1 message (i.e., NAS message) of the terminal device can be carried in the N2 message (i.e., NGAP message) of the access network element. In other words, the binding relationship (or mapping relationship, or correspondence relationship) between the access network element and the terminal device can be carried through the NGAP message.

[0233] in, Figure 5 In this context, "RAN Protocol Lower Layer" can include at least one of the following: PDCP layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, MAC layer, and physical layer (PHY). "Nx Stack" can refer to the point-to-point (P2P) interface between an access network element and a first network element, such as the N2 interface between an access network element and an AMF element. "SBI" can represent a service-based interface. For specific meanings, please refer to the descriptions in relevant 3GPP protocols; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0234] In one example, the first message carries a second message and first information, and may include: the header field of the first message includes a seventh message and the first information, and the header field of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), the header field of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, and the header field of the seventh message includes the second message. Optionally, the payload portion of the second message may also include the data of the first service.

[0235] Optionally, the seventh message may be called an N2 message or an NGAP message. This application does not limit the naming of the seventh message.

[0236] In another example, the first message carrying the second message and the first information may include: the message body of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, and the message body of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is a control signaling (or the second message is a control signaling), and the message body of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, and the message body of the seventh message includes the second message.

[0237] In another example, the first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This may include: the header field of the first message including the seventh message and the first information, and the header field of the seventh message including the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), the header field of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, and the header field of the seventh message includes the second message and relevant information about the access network element. Optionally, the payload portion of the second message may also include the data of the first service.

[0238] In another example, the first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the message body of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, and the message body of the seventh message includes the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is control signaling (or the second message is control signaling), the message body of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, and the message body of the seventh message includes the second message and relevant information about the access network element.

[0239] In this implementation method 1, message N1 is encapsulated with message N2, and message N2 is encapsulated with RP.

[0240] For example, for uplink transmission, the access network element sends the uplink message to the second network element carrying first information at the RP layer. If the first network element has allocated a connection identifier (such as a connection identifier between the access network element and the second network element), the access network element can carry the connection identifier at the RP layer, and the first network element forwards the uplink message based on the correspondence between the access network element and the first network (e.g., a first correspondence). Optionally, if the access network element establishes connections with the network functions of multiple sub-networks, the access network element can carry a service identifier at the RP layer to distinguish uplink messages from different sub-networks. For example, for session-related messages, the access network element can carry session indication information (such as session identifier, session information, etc.) at the RP layer.

[0241] For example, for downlink transmission, the second network element can call the service interface of the first network element and add the identifier or connection identifier of the access network element in the RP layer. The first network element forwards the downlink message based on the information carried by the downlink signaling.

[0242] Implementation Method 2: The NAS layer and the NGAP layer are independent, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (2) above, the N1 message (i.e., NAS message) of the terminal device is independent of the N2 message of the access network element. In other words, the binding relationship (or mapping relationship, or correspondence relationship) between the access network element and the terminal device is no longer carried by the NGAP message, but by the RP message.

[0243] In one example, the first message carries a second message and first information, which may include the second message and the first information in the header field of the first message. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), and the header field of the first message includes the second message and the first information. Optionally, the payload portion of the second message may also include the data of the first service.

[0244] In another example, the first message carrying a second message and a first piece of information may include: the message body of the first message includes the second message and the first piece of information. For example, the first message is a control signaling (or the second message is a control signaling), and the message body of the first message includes the second message and the first piece of information.

[0245] In another example, the first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This may include: the header field of the first message including the second message, the first information, and the sixth message; and the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), the header field of the first message including the second message, the first information, and the sixth message; and the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element. Optionally, the payload portion of the second message may also include the data of the first service. Optionally, the sixth message may be called an N2 message or an NGAP message; this application does not limit the naming of the sixth message.

[0246] In another example, the first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the message body of the first message includes the second message, the first information, and the sixth message; the message body of the sixth message includes relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is control signaling (or the second message is control signaling), the message body of the first message includes the second message, the first information, and the sixth message, and the message body of the sixth message includes relevant information about the access network element.

[0247] In this implementation method 2, the RP can be directly encapsulated outside of the N1 message and / or N2 message, which can simplify the functions of the access network element.

[0248] For example, in the uplink transmission of N1 messages, the terminal device may carry its own information and fourth information at the RRC layer; the access network element may carry the terminal device's information and fourth information at the RP layer, for the first network element to forward the N1 message based on the correspondence between the terminal device and the first network (such as the first correspondence). For the uplink transmission of N2 messages, the access network element may carry a connection identifier or fourth information at the RP layer, for the first network element to forward the N2 message based on the connection identifier or fourth information.

[0249] For example, for downlink transmission, the first network element can add indication information #1 in the RP layer. This indication information #1 can be used to indicate whether the downlink message is an N1 message or an N2 message. Further, the access network element forwards the downlink message to the terminal device or reads the downlink message based on the indication information #1. For example, if the indication information #1 indicates that the downlink message is an N1 message, then the access network element sends the downlink message to the terminal device. As another example, if the indication information #1 indicates that the downlink message is an N2 message, then the access network element reads the downlink message.

[0250] In the first communication method described above, the first network element replaces the AMF network element to realize (or proxies) message forwarding between the access network element and the first network (or the second network). This simplifies the function of the AMF network element, decouples the message forwarding function and mobility management function of the AMF network element, and improves the disaster recovery of the distributed network architecture, thereby improving the communication performance of the distributed network architecture.

[0251] Optionally, the first communication method described above may further include: the first network element determining whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network, and / or determining whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network, to improve communication security, such as... Figure 6 As shown. Figure 6 The example illustrates how the first network element determines to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network (i.e., S603) and determines to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network (i.e., S604). It should be understood that the first network element can execute at least one of S603 and S604.

[0252] Figure 6 This is a second communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following:

[0253] in, Figure 6 S601, S602, S605, S607 to S609 and Figure 4 S401, S402, S403, S404 to S406 correspond to the same thing, the difference is:

[0254] S603: The first network element determines that the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network.

[0255] For example, the first network element can determine whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network. For instance, the first network element can determine whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network based on a first message. For instance, the first network element can determine whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network based on first information. For instance, the first network element parses the first message to obtain first information and a second message, and determines whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network based on the first information. In this application, the description is based on the example of the first network element determining whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network.

[0256] Optionally, allowing the terminal device to communicate with the first network can be replaced by: allowing communication between the terminal device and the first network; or allowing the terminal device to access the first network; or allowing the terminal device to connect to the first network; or allowing the terminal device to register with the first network; or allowing the terminal device to interact with the first network; or allowing the terminal device to transmit data with the first network. Here, "allow" can be replaced by: authorized, permitted, or supported, etc.

[0257] In one embodiment, a first network element can determine whether to allow a terminal device to communicate with a first network by interacting with a third network element. For example, the first network element can send a fourth message to the third network element, which can be used to request whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network; the third network element receives the fourth message from the first network element and sends second information to the first network element, which can be used to indicate whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network. In this application, the example of using second information to indicate whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network is described. Optionally, the fourth message can carry the first information and / or information of the terminal device. Optionally, the second information can be a response message to the fourth message, or the second information can be carried in the response message to the fourth message. This application does not limit the implementation of the second information.

[0258] Optionally, the third network element can be a UDM network element, an AUSF network element, or a PCF network element. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the third network element.

[0259] In one example, the third network element can be a UDM network element. After receiving the third message, the UDM network element can determine whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network based on the terminal device's subscription information, and then send the second message to the first network element.

[0260] Optionally, if the first network does not exist (e.g., when the terminal device is roaming and the first information of the first network is different from the information of the home network), the UDM network element can determine the network that supports providing services to the terminal device, i.e., the second network, based on the terminal device's subscription information and / or first information, and send the information of the second network to the terminal device.

[0261] In another example, the terminal device information carried in the second message is encrypted. The third network element can be an AUSF network element. After receiving the third message, the AUSF network element decrypts the terminal device information, determines from the UDM network element whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network, and then sends the second message to the first network element. For example, the AUSF network element can determine whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network by interacting with the UDM network element.

[0262] In another example, the third network element can be a PCF network element. After receiving the third message, the PCF network element can determine whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network based on the terminal device's policy information, the operator's policy, etc., and send the second information to the first network element.

[0263] It is understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the first network element determining whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network.

[0264] S604: The first network element determines that it is allowed to communicate with the first network.

[0265] It should be understood that the execution order of S603 and S604 is merely an example and is not limited in this application. For example, the first network element may execute S604 first and then S603; or, the first network element may execute S603 and S604 simultaneously.

[0266] For example, the first network element can determine whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network. For instance, the first network element can determine whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network based on a first message. For instance, the first network element can determine whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network based on first information. For instance, the first network element parses the first message to obtain first information and a second message, and determines whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network based on the first information. For instance, the connection between the first network element and the access network element is dynamically established (e.g., the access network element is a satellite access node or a ground access node), and the first network element can determine whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network. In this application, the example of the first network element determining whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network is described.

[0267] Optionally, allowing access network elements to communicate with the first network can be replaced by: allowing communication between access network elements and the first network; or allowing access network elements to access the first network; or allowing access network elements to access the first network; or allowing access network elements to register with the first network; or allowing access network elements to interact with the first network; or allowing access network elements to transmit data with the first network. Here, "allow" can be replaced by: authorized, permitted, or supported, etc.

[0268] In one embodiment, a first network element can determine whether to allow an access network element to communicate with a first network by interacting with a fourth network element. For example, the first network element can send a fifth message to the fourth network element; the fourth network element receives the fifth message from the first network element and sends third information to the first network element. The fifth message can be used to request whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network, and the third information can be used to indicate whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network. This application describes the use of the third information to indicate whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network as an example. Alternatively, the fifth message can be used to request whether to allow a terminal device to communicate with the first network through an access network element, and the third information can be used to indicate whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network through an access network element. This application describes the use of the third information to indicate whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network through an access network element as an example.

[0269] Optionally, the fifth message may carry at least one of the following: the first information, the terminal device information, or the relevant information of the access network element. Optionally, the third information may be a response message to the fifth message, or the third information may be carried in the response message to the fifth message. This application does not limit the implementation method of the third information.

[0270] Optionally, the fourth network element can be a UDM network element, or a PCF network element, or a management plane function network element other than a UDM network element or a PCF network element. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the fourth network element.

[0271] In one example, the fourth network element can be a UDM network element. After receiving the third message, the UDM network element can authenticate the legitimacy of the access network element based on the relevant information of the access network element and / or the information of the terminal device. That is, it can determine whether the access network element is allowed to communicate with the first network, or whether the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network through the access network element; and send the third information to the first network element.

[0272] In another example, the fourth network element can be a PCF network element. After receiving the third message, the PCF network element can authenticate the legitimacy of the access network element based on the access network element's policy information and the operator's policy, that is, determine whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network, or determine whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network through the access network element; and send the third information to the first network element.

[0273] It is understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the first network element determining whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network.

[0274] S606: The first network element stores information about the first correspondence.

[0275] S606 is an optional step. Figure 6 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0276] The first correspondence can be between the access network element, the second network element, and the network to which the second network element belongs; or, the first correspondence can be between the terminal device, the access network element, the second network element, and the network to which the second network element belongs. The implementation process can be found in the aforementioned content and will not be repeated here.

[0277] In the second communication method described above, the first network element can determine whether the terminal device and / or access network element are authorized to access the first network in order to verify the legitimacy of the terminal device and / or access network element, thereby improving the communication security of the distributed network architecture.

[0278] Optionally, the first communication method described above may further include: the first network element determining the state of the first network, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0279] Figure 7 This is a third communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following:

[0280] in, Figure 7 S701, S702, S706 (or S709, or S710), S712 to S714 and Figure 4 S401, S402, S403, S404 to S406 correspond to the same thing, the difference is:

[0281] S703: The first network element determines the state of the first network.

[0282] S703 is an optional step. Figure 7 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0283] The first network can be in an active state, meaning it is in an active state. When the first network is active, it can provide services to terminal devices. Optionally, the active state can be replaced with a running state.

[0284] Alternatively, the first network can be in a deactivated state, meaning it is in a deactivated state. When the first network is in a deactivated state, it needs to be activated before it can provide services to terminal devices. Optionally, the deactivated state can be replaced with: a dormant state, or a suspended state, etc.

[0285] Alternatively, the state of the first network can be a released state, meaning the first network is in a released state. When the first network is released, it no longer supports providing services to terminal devices. Optionally, the first network being in a released state can be understood as the first network not existing. This application does not limit the implementation method for the first network element to determine the existence of the first network.

[0286] Next, the first network element can execute S704 to S706, or S707 to S709, or S710. Figure 7 The first network element is represented by a dashed box. For example, if the first network does not exist or is in a released state, the first network element can execute S704 to S706. Another example is if the first network is in a deactivated state, the first network element can execute S707 to S709. Yet another example is if the first network is in an active state (or running state), the first network element can execute S710.

[0287] S704: The first network element sends the eighth message to the fifth network element; correspondingly, the fifth network element receives the eighth message from the first network element.

[0288] The fifth network element can be a network function that manages and controls the subnetwork, such as lifecycle management of the subnetwork, and dynamic addition, deletion, and modification of network functions for the subnetwork. Optionally, the fifth network element can be a user network control function (UNCF) network element. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation method or naming of the fifth network element.

[0289] For example, if the first network does not exist or is in a released state, the first network element may send an eighth message to the fifth network element. The eighth message may be used to request the determination of a network that provides services to the terminal device; and / or, the eighth message may be used to request the determination of a network function that provides services to the terminal device. Optionally, the eighth message may carry information about the terminal device and / or first information.

[0290] S705: The fifth network element sends information about the second network and the second network element to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives information about the second network and the second network element from the fifth network element.

[0291] In one example, the fifth network element determines that the network providing services to the terminal device is the second network and sends information about the second network to the first network element, which then determines the second network element. In another example, the fifth network element can determine that the network providing services to the terminal device is the second network, and the network function providing services to the terminal device is the second network element within the second network, and sends information about the second network and the second network element to the first network element. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation process of the fifth network element determining the network providing services to the terminal device and the network function providing services to the terminal device.

[0292] S707: The first network element sends the ninth message to the fifth network element; correspondingly, the fifth network element receives the ninth message from the first network element.

[0293] For example, when the first network is in a deactivated state, the first network element can send a ninth message to the fifth network element. The ninth message can be used to request activation of the first network. Optionally, the ninth message can carry information about the terminal device and / or the first information.

[0294] S708: The fifth network element sends information from the second network element to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives information from the second network element from the fifth network element.

[0295] For example, the fifth network element can activate the first network ( Figure 7 (Not shown in the diagram), the fifth network element can send information to the first network element indicating successful activation of the first network. Optionally, the fifth network element can also determine for the terminal device that the network function providing the service is the second network element in the first network, and send information about the second network element to the first network element. Optionally, the information about the second network element can be used to indicate successful activation of the first network. Figure 7 The example shown is the fifth network element sending information from the second network element to the first network element.

[0296] S711: The first network element stores (or maintains) the status information of the network to which the second network element belongs.

[0297] It should be understood that the execution order of S711 is merely an example and is not limited in this application.

[0298] S711 is an optional step. Figure 7 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0299] The network to which the second network element belongs is in an active state.

[0300] In the third communication method described above, the first network element can maintain the state of the first network (or the second network), which is beneficial for the flexible deployment of the distributed network architecture (such as the addition or deletion of sub-networks).

[0301] As mentioned above, the second message can be a control plane message or a service plane message. In one embodiment, the second message is a service plane message, such as a request for service to the first service, or the second message carrying data of the first service. The first network element can establish a service plane connection for the first service to transmit the data of the first service, such as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0302] Figure 8 This is a fourth communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the method may include the following:

[0303] in, Figure 8 S812 to S814 and Figure 4 The 8S404 to S406 correspond to the same thing, the difference is:

[0304] S801: The terminal device sends a second message to the access network element. Correspondingly, the access network element receives the second message from the terminal device.

[0305] The second message may carry (or include) information about the terminal device, such as the identifier of the terminal device, without restriction.

[0306] In this embodiment, the second message also carries information about the first service. Optionally, the second message can be used to request services for the first service. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation form of the first service.

[0307] Optionally, the second message may also carry (or include) fourth information from the first network.

[0308] For the implementation of S801, please refer to the implementation of S401; no specific implementation is required.

[0309] S802: The access network element sends a first message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first message from the access network element.

[0310] For the implementation of S802, please refer to the implementation of S402; no specific restrictions are imposed.

[0311] In this embodiment, the first message may also carry information about the first service. Optionally, the first message may be used to request services for the first service.

[0312] S803: The first network element sends a third message to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the third message from the first network element.

[0313] For the implementation of S803, please refer to the implementation of S403; no specific implementation is required.

[0314] In this embodiment, the third message may also carry information about the first service. Optionally, the third message may be used to request services for the first service.

[0315] S804: The second network element obtains the address information of the sixth network element.

[0316] S804 is an optional step. Figure 8 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0317] In this application, the sixth network element and the second network element belong to the same network. For example, the second network element belongs to the first network, and the sixth network element belongs to the first network. Alternatively, the second network element belongs to the second network, and the sixth network element belongs to the second network. Optionally, the sixth network element can be a UPF network element; this application does not limit the implementation method of the sixth network element.

[0318] Optionally, if the first service is a session service, the address information can be understood as a port number, such as the port number of the General Packet Radio System Tunneling Protocol for the User Plane (GTP-U). Alternatively, if the first service is a data plane service, the address information can be understood as an IP address. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation form of the address information.

[0319] In one implementation, the second network element can obtain the address information of the sixth network element through interaction with the sixth network element. For example, the second network element sends a request message #3 to the sixth network element, which can be used to request service for the first service; the sixth network element receives the request message #3 and sends a response message #3 to the second network element, which carries the address information of the sixth network element. It is understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the second network element obtaining the address information of the sixth network element.

[0320] In one implementation, the second network element can determine that the network function providing services for the first service is the sixth network element. For example, the second network element can determine that the sixth network element provides services for the first service based on a third message. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the second network element determining that the sixth network element provides services for the first service.

[0321] S805: The second network element sends the address information of the sixth network element to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives the address information of the sixth network element from the second network element.

[0322] Next, the first network element can send the address information of the seventh network element to the sixth network element. Optionally, the seventh network element is the first network element, for example, the first network element has both service plane and control plane functions; or, the seventh network element may not be the first network element, for example, the first network element has control plane functions but no service plane functions, while the seventh network element has service plane functions.

[0323] S806: The first network element obtains the address information of the seventh network element.

[0324] S806 is an optional step. Figure 8 The seventh network element is represented by a dashed line. For example, the first network element does not have service plane functions, but it can obtain the address information of the seventh network element. This seventh network element can be, for example, a PF-XP, and this application does not limit the implementation form of the seventh network element.

[0325] In one implementation, the first network element can obtain the address information of the seventh network element through interaction with the seventh network element. For example, the first network element sends a request message #4 to the seventh network element, which can be used to request service for a first service; the seventh network element receives the request message #4 and sends a response message #4 to the first network element, which carries the address information of the seventh network element. It is understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the first network element obtaining the address information of the seventh network element.

[0326] In one implementation, the network function that the first network element can determine to provide services for the first service is the seventh network element. For example, the first network element can determine that the seventh network element provides services for the first service based on a third message. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the first network element determining that the seventh network element provides services for the first service.

[0327] In one embodiment, the second network element can send transmission configuration information of the sixth network element to the first network element; the first network element receives the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element from the second network element and sends the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element to the access network element; the access network element receives the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element. Figure 8 Not shown in the diagram. Optionally, the access network element may perform transmission configuration based on the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element.

[0328] For example, the second network element can obtain the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element. For instance, the second network element obtains the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element through interaction with it. It should be understood that this application does not limit the implementation method of the second network element obtaining the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element.

[0329] Optionally, the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element can be transmission configuration information at the sub-network level or transmission configuration information at the terminal device level, without restriction.

[0330] Optionally, the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element may include at least one of the following: maximum transmission rate, QoS enforcement rules, or transmission priority, without limitation.

[0331] S807: The first network element sends the address information of the seventh network element to the second network element; correspondingly, the second network element receives the address information of the seventh network element from the second network element.

[0332] S808: The second network element sends the address information of the seventh network element to the sixth network element; correspondingly, the sixth network element receives the address information of the seventh network element from the second network element.

[0333] The address information of the sixth network element and the address information of the seventh network element can be used to transmit the data of the first service. At this point, connection #1 between the sixth and seventh network elements is established, and this connection #1 can be used to transmit the data of the first service.

[0334] S809: The access network element sends its address information to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives the address information of the access network element from the access network element.

[0335] The execution order of S809 is merely an example, and this application is not limited to it. For example, an access network element may send the address information of the access network element to the first network element after receiving the address information of the seventh network element; or the address information of the access network element may also be included in the first message.

[0336] S810: The first network element sends the address information of the seventh network element to the access network element; correspondingly, the access network element receives the address information of the seventh network element from the first network element.

[0337] The address information of the access network element and the address information of the seventh network element can be used to transmit the data of the first service. At this point, connection #2 between the access network element and the seventh network element is established, and this connection #2 can be used to transmit the data of the first service. Afterwards, the terminal equipment can transmit the data of the first service through connection #1 and connection #2.

[0338] S811: The first network element stores information about the second correspondence, or the first network element stores information about the third correspondence.

[0339] S811 is an optional step. Figure 8 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line.

[0340] For example, the seventh network element is the first network element, and the first network element can store (or maintain) information of the second correspondence; or, the seventh network element is a network element different from the first network element (i.e., the seventh network element is not the first network element), and the first network element can store (or maintain) information of the third correspondence.

[0341] In one implementation, the second correspondence can be a correspondence between an access network element, a sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs. In one example, the information in the second correspondence may include information about the access network element (such as its identifier and address), information about the sixth network element (such as its identifier and address), and information about the network to which the sixth network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the sixth network element belongs). In another example, the information in the second correspondence may include a connection identifier between the access network element and the sixth network element, and information about the network to which the sixth network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the sixth network element belongs), thus reducing storage resource overhead. Optionally, the connection identifier between the access network element and the sixth network element can be assigned by the first network element, without limitation. Table 2 shows an example of the information in the second correspondence.

[0342] Table 2

[0343]

[0344] In another embodiment, the second correspondence can also be a correspondence between a terminal device, an access network element, a sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs. In one example, the information in the second correspondence may include information about the terminal device (such as the terminal device's identifier and address), information about the access network element (such as the access network element's identifier and address), information about the sixth network element (such as the sixth network element's identifier and address), and information about the network to which the sixth network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the sixth network element belongs). In yet another example, the information in the second correspondence may include information about the terminal device (such as the terminal device's identifier and address), a connection identifier between the access network element and the sixth network element, and information about the network to which the sixth network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the sixth network element belongs). In this embodiment, the second correspondence may also include information about the terminal device, so that the first network element can perform message forwarding at the terminal device level, such as forwarding messages with different priorities.

[0345] In one implementation, the third correspondence can be a correspondence between an access network element, a seventh network element, a sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs. In one example, the information in the third correspondence may include information about the access network element (such as its identifier and address), the seventh network element (such as its identifier and address), the sixth network element (such as its identifier and address), and the network to which the sixth network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the sixth network element belongs). In another example, the information in the third correspondence may include the connection identifier between the access network element and the seventh and sixth network elements, and the information of the network to which the sixth network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the sixth network element belongs), thus reducing storage resource overhead. Optionally, the connection identifier between the access network element and the seventh and sixth network elements can be assigned by the first network element and is not limited. Table 3 shows an example of the information in the third correspondence.

[0346] Table 3

[0347]

[0348] In another embodiment, the third correspondence can also be a correspondence between a terminal device, an access network element, a seventh network element, a sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs. In one example, the information in the third correspondence may include information about the terminal device (such as the terminal device's identifier and address), information about the access network element (such as the access network element's identifier and address), information about the seventh network element (such as the seventh network element's identifier and address), information about the sixth network element (such as the sixth network element's identifier and address), and information about the network to which the sixth network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the sixth network element belongs). In yet another example, the information in the third correspondence may include information about the terminal device (such as the terminal device's identifier), connection identifiers between the access network element and the seventh and sixth network elements, and information about the network to which the sixth network element belongs (such as the identifier of the network to which the sixth network element belongs), thus reducing storage resource overhead. In this embodiment, the third correspondence may also include information about the terminal device, allowing the first network element to perform message forwarding at the terminal device level, such as forwarding messages with different priorities.

[0349] In one embodiment, the address information of the terminal device may include first address information and second address information. The first address information can be used for transmitting data of the first service between the sixth network element and the seventh network element (or the first network element, which has service plane functionality). The second address information can be used for transmitting data of the first service between the terminal device and the seventh network element (or the first network element, which has service plane functionality).

[0350] The first address information can be allocated by a second network element. For example, the second network element can allocate the first address information to the terminal device and send the first address information to the first network element; correspondingly, the first network element receives the address information from the second network element and stores the first address information. Optionally, the first address information and the address information of the sixth network element can be carried in the same message, or they can be carried in different messages. Optionally, the first network element can also send the first address information to a seventh network element; correspondingly, the seventh network element receives the first address information from the first network element and stores the first address information.

[0351] The second address information can be allocated by either the first network element or the seventh network element. For example, the first network element can allocate the second address information to the terminal device and send the second address information to the terminal device. Alternatively, the seventh network element can allocate the second address information to the terminal device and send the second address information to the first network element; the first network element receives the second address information from the seventh network element and sends the second address information to the terminal device. Optionally, the second address information and the address information of the seventh network element can be carried in the same message, or they can be carried in different messages. Optionally, the second address information can be carried in the response message of the first message and sent to the access network element, and then carried in the response message of the second message and sent to the terminal device; this application does not limit this.

[0352] Furthermore, the seventh network element can perform address replacement based on the information of the fourth correspondence relationship. This fourth correspondence relationship can be a correspondence (or binding relationship, or mapping relationship) between the first address information and the second address information. Optionally, the fourth correspondence relationship may include the first address information, the second address information, and information about the first service; this application does not limit this. In one example, the information of the fourth correspondence relationship can come from the first network element. For example, the first network element can send the fourth correspondence relationship information to the seventh network element; correspondingly, the seventh network element receives and stores the fourth correspondence relationship information. In another example, the information of the fourth correspondence relationship can be maintained (or stored) by the seventh network element. For example, the second address information is allocated by the seventh network element, and after receiving the first address information, the seventh network element can store the fourth correspondence relationship information.

[0353] For example, for an uplink data packet, the terminal device uses the second address information as the source address information to send the uplink data packet to the seventh network element through the access network element; the seventh network element receives the uplink data packet, and based on the source address information (i.e., the second address information) carried by the uplink data packet and the information of the fourth correspondence, replaces the source address information (i.e., the second address information) of the uplink data packet with the first address information, and then sends the uplink data packet with the address replacement to the sixth network element.

[0354] For example, for a downlink data packet, the sixth network element uses the first address information as the destination address information to send the downlink data packet to the seventh network element; the seventh network element receives the downlink data packet, and based on the destination address information (i.e., the first address information) carried by the downlink data packet and the information of the fourth correspondence, replaces the destination address information (i.e., the first address information) of the downlink data packet with the second address information, and then sends the address-replaced downlink data packet to the terminal device through the access network element.

[0355] Through the above implementation method, the seventh network element and the sixth network element may not be in the same domain. Through the above network address translation, network security can be improved and network management can be simplified.

[0356] In the fourth communication method described above, the first network element can establish a service plane connection to achieve service data transmission. Furthermore, the first network element stores a second or third correspondence, so that when access network elements change, the sixth network element is unaware of the changes and does not require manual configuration, thus reducing the impact on the data transmission of the first service. In addition, maintaining the second or third correspondence facilitates unified control of service quality by the first network element. For example, if a terminal device connects to the first network (or the second network) through multiple access network elements, the first network element can perform unified service quality control.

[0357] The second to fourth communication methods described above can be used individually or in combination. In one embodiment, the second communication method can be used in combination with the third and / or fourth communication methods. For example, the first network element determines whether to allow the terminal device and / or access network element to communicate with the first network, and determines the status of the first network. In another embodiment, the first network element determines whether to allow the terminal device and / or access network element to communicate with the first network, and obtains the address information of the seventh network element and the access network element. In yet another embodiment, the third communication method can be used in combination with the fourth communication method. For example, the first network element determines the status of the first network, and obtains the address information of the seventh network element and the access network element. Specific implementation processes can be referred to the foregoing content and will not be listed individually hereafter.

[0358] In the first to fourth communication methods described above, service triggering is initiated by the terminal device, i.e., the terminal device sends a second message. In another implementation, service triggering can also be initiated by an access network element, i.e., the terminal device does not send a message to the access network element, but the access network element sends an N2 message to the first network element. For example, if the air interface resources on the access network side change, or if the access network element changes, the access network element can send an N2 message to the first network element. The implementation process can be referred to the aforementioned content and will not be repeated here.

[0359] Based on the same technical concept as the above-described method embodiments, the various method embodiments of this application can be applied to a CU-DU separation architecture. In one example, the first network element is deployed in the core network, and the access network elements include DU and CU. The DU can realize the interaction between the access network elements and the UE, and the CU can realize the interaction between the access network elements and the first network element. For example, in the first communication method described above, the DU can receive a second message from the terminal device, and the CU can send a first message to the first network element. In another example, the first network element is deployed in the access network, and the first network element can be a CU. The DU can realize the interaction with the terminal device. For example, in the first communication method described above, the DU can receive a second message from the terminal device, and the CU can send a third message to the second network element. Other cases are similar and will not be listed one by one.

[0360] Based on the same technical concept as the above-described method embodiments, this application provides a corresponding communication device that can be used to perform the functions of the relevant steps in the above-described method embodiments. This function can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The communication device can be a terminal or access network device, or a device within the terminal or access network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal or functions.

[0361] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown as an example. This communication device 900 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the first network element or the access network element in the various method embodiments described above.

[0362] For example, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions or steps implemented by the first network element in the above-described method embodiments, the communication device 900 may be the first network element or a component in the first network element.

[0363] For example, when the communication device 900 is used to implement the functions or steps implemented by the access network element in the above-described method embodiments, the communication device 900 may be the access network element or a component in the access network element.

[0364] In one embodiment, the communication device 900 may include a processing module 901 and a transceiver module 902; or it may include a processing module 901 but not a transceiver module 902; or it may include a transceiver module 902 but not a processing module 901. Wherein:

[0365] The processing module 901 can be used to support the communication device 900 in performing the processing actions in the above method embodiments. The processing module 901 can be implemented using one or more processors. For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microprocessors (MCUs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0366] In this application, the processing module 901 may also be referred to as a processing unit, etc., without limitation.

[0367] Transceiver module 902 is used for inputting and / or outputting information. Input information can be replaced by received information, and output information can be replaced by transmitted information. When outputting information, transceiver module 902 can output information to other devices outside of communication device 900, or to other units within communication device 900. In some embodiments, transceiver module 902 can be implemented through at least one of a physical interface, a communication module, a communication interface, and an input / output interface. In other embodiments, transceiver module 902 can be implemented through interface circuitry, such as a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module may include one or more of at least one antenna, at least one filter, a switch, a power amplifier, and a low-noise amplifier (LNA).

[0368] Optionally, the transceiver module 902 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments. It should be noted that the communication device 900 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 900 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above scheme performed by the communication device 900 includes both sending and receiving actions.

[0369] In this application, the transceiver module 902 may also be referred to as a communication interface, or a communication module, or a transceiver unit, or an interface module, or an interface unit, or a communication unit, etc., without limitation.

[0370] It should be noted that the communication device 900 may include a processing module 901, but not a transceiver module 902. Alternatively, the communication device 900 may include a transceiver module 902, but not a processing module 901. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 900 includes processing and transceiver actions.

[0371] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a storage module 903. Figure 9 The text is represented by dashed lines. The storage module 903 can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing module 901 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module 903 so that the communication device 900 can implement the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0372] Optionally, the communication device 900 may be a chip system, the transceiver module 902 may be the input / output interface of the chip (e.g., a baseband chip), and the processing module 901 may be the processor of the chip system.

[0373] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a communication equipment or a communication module within a communication equipment, the functionality of the processing module 901 can be implemented by one or more processors. Exemplarily, the processor may include a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the transceiver module 902 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry. Optionally, the communication equipment may be a first network element.

[0374] In one possible design, when the communication device 900 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a communication device, such as a modem chip or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing module 901 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the transceiver module 902 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip. Optionally, the communication device can be an access network element.

[0375] In the first implementation, the communication device 900 can perform the functions of the first network element and execute the following: a transceiver module 902 is used to receive a first message from an access network element, the first message carrying a second message and first information of the first network, wherein the second message carries information of the terminal device; and to send a third message to a second network element, the third message carrying the second message, wherein the second network element belongs to the first network, or the second network element belongs to a second network associated with the first network.

[0376] In one possible implementation, the first network can be a sub-network, or the first network can be a network slice, or the first network can be a dedicated network, or the first network can be a customized network, or the first network can be a customized private network, or the first network can be a private network, or the first network can be a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the first network.

[0377] In one possible implementation, the second network can be a sub-network, a network slice, a dedicated network, a customized network, a customized private network, a private network, or a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the second network.

[0378] In one possible implementation, the second network and the first network are of the same type; and / or, the services supported by the second network include those supported by the first network. For example, the quality of service supported by the second network includes the quality of service supported by the first network.

[0379] In one possible implementation, the first message carries a second message and first information, which may include: the header field of the first message including the second message and the first information; or, the header field of the first message including a seventh message and the first information, wherein the header field of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), and the header field of the first message includes the second message and the first information; or, the header field of the first message includes a seventh message and the first information, wherein the header field of the seventh message includes the second message.

[0380] In another possible implementation, the first message carries the second message and the first information, which may include: the message body of the first message including the second message and the first information; or, the message body of the first message including the seventh message and the first information, wherein the message body of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is a control signaling (or the second message is a control signaling), and the message body of the first message includes the second message and the first information; or, the message body of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, wherein the message body of the seventh message includes the second message.

[0381] In one possible implementation, the first message may also carry relevant information about the access network element. For example, the relevant information about the access network element may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the access network element, the capability information of the access network element, the authorization information of the access network element, or the transmission configuration information of the access network element, etc. This application does not limit the implementation method of the relevant information about the access network element.

[0382] In one possible implementation, the first message carries a second message, first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the header field of the first message including the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the header field of the first message including a seventh message and the first information, with the header field of the seventh message including the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), and the header field of the first message includes the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the header field of the first message includes a seventh message and the first information, with the header field of the seventh message including the second message and relevant information about the access network element.

[0383] In another possible implementation, the first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the first message body including the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the first message body including the seventh message and the first information, with the seventh message body including the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is control signaling (or the second message is control signaling), and the first message body includes the second message, the first information, and the sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the first message body includes the seventh message and the first information, with the seventh message body including the second message and relevant information about the access network element.

[0384] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to receive a response message to the third message from the second network element; and to send a response message to the first message to the access network element.

[0385] In one possible implementation, the processing module 901 is used to determine, based on the first information, to send the second message to the second network element.

[0386] In one possible implementation, the third message may also carry information about the network to which the second network element belongs, and the second network element supports providing services for the first network and supports providing services for the second network.

[0387] In one possible implementation, before sending the third message to the second network element, the processing module 901 is further configured to determine whether the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network; and / or, determine whether the access network element is allowed to communicate with the first network.

[0388] In one possible implementation, when it is determined that the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to send a fourth message to a third network element, the fourth message being used to request a determination of whether the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network; and receive second information from the third network element, the second information being used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network.

[0389] In one possible implementation, when it is determined that the access network element is allowed to communicate with the first network, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to send a fifth message to the fourth network element and receive third information from the fourth network element; wherein, the fifth message is used to request whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network, and the third information is used to indicate that the access network element is allowed to communicate with the first network; and / or, the fifth message is used to request whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network through the access network element, and the third information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network through the access network element.

[0390] In one possible implementation, the storage module 903 is used to store information on a first correspondence between the access network element, the second network element, and the network to which the second network element belongs; wherein, the information on the first correspondence includes information on the access network element, information on the second network element, and information on the network to which the second network element belongs; or, the information on the first correspondence includes a connection identifier between the access network element and the second network element and information on the network to which the second network element belongs.

[0391] In one possible implementation, before sending the third message to the second network element, the processing module 901 is further configured to determine the state of the first network, wherein the state of the first network is an active state or a running state, or the state of the first network is a deactivated state, or the state of the first network is a released state.

[0392] In one example, if the first network does not exist or the first network is in a released state, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to send an eighth message to the fifth network element, the eighth message being used to request the determination of a network providing services to the terminal device; and to receive information from the fifth network element about the second network and information from the second network element.

[0393] Optionally, the storage module 903 is also used to store the status information of the network to which the second network element belongs, wherein the status of the network to which the second network element belongs is active.

[0394] In another example, when the first network is in a deactivated state, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to send a ninth message to the fifth network element, the ninth message being used to request activation of the first network; and to receive information from the second network element from the fifth network element.

[0395] In one possible implementation, the first message may also carry information about the first service, and the third message may also carry information about the first service. The third message is used to request service for the first service. The transceiver module 902 is also used to receive address information of a sixth network element from the second network element, the sixth network element being used to provide service for the first service, and the sixth network element and the second network element belonging to the same network; and to send the address information of the seventh network element to the second network element, the address information of the sixth network element and the address information of the seventh network element being used to transmit data of the first service.

[0396] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to receive address information of the access network element from the access network element; and send the address information of the seventh network element to the access network element, wherein the address information of the access network element and the address information of the seventh network element are used to transmit data of the first service.

[0397] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to receive transmission configuration information of the sixth network element from the second network element; and send the transmission configuration information of the sixth network element to the access network element.

[0398] In one possible implementation, the seventh network element is the first network element, and the storage module 903 is further used to store information on the second correspondence between the access network element, the sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs; or, the seventh network element is a different network element from the first network element, and the storage module 903 is further used to store information on the third correspondence between the access network element, the seventh network element, the sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs.

[0399] In the second implementation, the communication device 900 can implement the function of an access network element and perform the following: a transceiver module 902 is used to receive a second message from a terminal device, the second message including information of the terminal device; and to send the first message to a first network element, the first network element being a network element different from the AMF network element, wherein the first message carries the second message and the first information of the first network.

[0400] In one possible implementation, the first network can be a sub-network, or the first network can be a network slice, or the first network can be a dedicated network, or the first network can be a customized network, or the first network can be a customized private network, or the first network can be a private network, or the first network can be a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the first network.

[0401] In one possible implementation, the first message carries a second message and first information, which may include: the header field of the first message including the second message and the first information; or, the header field of the first message including a seventh message and the first information, wherein the header field of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), and the header field of the first message includes the second message and the first information; or, the header field of the first message includes a seventh message and the first information, wherein the header field of the seventh message includes the second message.

[0402] In another possible implementation, the first message carries the second message and the first information, which may include: the message body of the first message including the second message and the first information; or, the message body of the first message including the seventh message and the first information, wherein the message body of the seventh message includes the second message. For example, the first message is a control signaling (or the second message is a control signaling), and the message body of the first message includes the second message and the first information; or, the message body of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, wherein the message body of the seventh message includes the second message.

[0403] In one possible implementation, the first message may also carry relevant information about the access network element. For example, the relevant information about the access network element may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the access network element, the capability information of the access network element, the authorization information of the access network element, or the transmission configuration information of the access network element, etc. This application does not limit the implementation method of the relevant information about the access network element.

[0404] In one possible implementation, the first message carries a second message, first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the header field of the first message including the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the header field of the first message including a seventh message and the first information, with the header field of the seventh message including the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is used to transmit service data (or the second message is used to transmit service data), and the header field of the first message includes the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the header field of the first message includes a seventh message and the first information, with the header field of the seventh message including the second message and relevant information about the access network element.

[0405] In another possible implementation, the first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element. This can include: the first message body including the second message, the first information, and a sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the first message body including the seventh message and the first information, with the seventh message body including the second message and relevant information about the access network element. For example, the first message is control signaling (or the second message is control signaling), and the first message body includes the second message, the first information, and the sixth message, with the header field of the sixth message including relevant information about the access network element; or, the first message body includes the seventh message and the first information, with the seventh message body including the second message and relevant information about the access network element.

[0406] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to receive a response message of the first message from the first network element; and to send a response message of the second message to the terminal device.

[0407] In one possible implementation, the first message may also carry information about the first service. The transceiver module 902 is further configured to send the address information of the access network element to the first network element; and receive the address information of the seventh network element from the first network element. The address information of the access network element and the address information of the seventh network element are used to transmit data of the first service.

[0408] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 902 is further configured to receive transmission configuration information from a sixth network element of the first network element, wherein the sixth network element is used to provide services for the first service, and the sixth network element belongs to the first network or belongs to a second network associated with the first network.

[0409] In one possible implementation, the second network can be a sub-network, a network slice, a dedicated network, a customized network, a customized private network, a private network, or a non-public (or non-public) network, etc. This application does not limit the implementation form of the second network.

[0410] In one possible implementation, the second network and the first network are of the same type; and / or, the services supported by the second network include those supported by the first network. For example, the quality of service supported by the second network includes the quality of service supported by the first network.

[0411] The implementation process of each of the above modules can be found in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0412] like Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, this application provides another structural schematic of a communication device 1000. The communication device 1000 may include a processor 1020, used to implement or support the communication device 1000 in implementing the functions of the first network element or access network element in any method embodiment of this application. For details, please refer to the detailed descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here. For example, the processor 1020 is used to read and execute program instructions through a communication interface, so that the communication device 1000 implements the corresponding method. The processor 1020 may include one or more processors, without limitation.

[0413] It should be noted that the aforementioned functional modules can be implemented by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, without limitation. Furthermore, when the communication device 1000 includes only the processor 1020, the communication device 1000 can be a chip or a chip system.

[0414] For example, the communication device 1000 can be a chip system. The chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components, without limitation.

[0415] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a memory 1030 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1030 is coupled to the processor 1020. This coupling can be understood as an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1020 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1030; the processor 1020 and the memory 1030 may be integrated together or disposed separately.

[0416] Furthermore, the processor 1020 is used to execute program instructions stored in the memory 1030 so that the communication device 1000 implements the corresponding method.

[0417] One or more of the memories in memory 1030 may be contained within the processor, or memory 1030 may exist independently, such as off-chip memory, connected via a communication bus ( Figure 10 (Represented by thick line 1040) is connected to processor 1020. Memory 1030 and processor 1020 can also be integrated together.

[0418] Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a communication interface 1010. Figure 10(Represented by dashed lines), it is used for communication with other devices via a transmission medium, so that the device in the communication device 1000 can communicate with other devices. For example, when the communication device is an access network element, the other devices can be first network elements, etc. The processor 1020 can use the communication interface 1010 to send and receive data. For example, the processor 1020 can be used to control the communication interface 1010 to receive and / or send signals.

[0419] Optionally, the communication interface 1010 can specifically be a transceiver. In hardware implementation, the transceiver can be used to implement the functions of the transceiver module 902 described above, and the transceiver is integrated into the communication device 1000 to form the communication interface 1010. Optionally, the communication interface 1010 can also be an input / output interface, input / output circuit, or pins.

[0420] It should be noted that the communication interface 1010 may have both sending and receiving functions, enabling the transmission and reception of signals; or it may have a sending function but no receiving function, used to transmit signals; or it may have a receiving function but no sending function, used to receive signals.

[0421] It should be noted that the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1010, the processor 1020 and the memory 1030 is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Figure 10 The memory 1030, processor 1020, and communication interface 1010 are connected via a communication bus 1040. The connections between other components are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. The communication bus 1040 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 10 The symbol is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one communication bus or one type of communication bus.

[0422] In the embodiments of this application, the processor 1020 may be one or more combinations of a CPU, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a GPU, an artificial intelligence processor (AI processor), a neural processing unit (NPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be executed by the hardware in the processor, or by a combination of hardware and software in the processor.

[0423] In this embodiment, the memory 1030 may be, but is not limited to, a cache, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having an instruction or data structure form and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in this embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0424] In a first possible implementation, the communication device 1000 may be a first network element, used to implement the relevant methods corresponding to the first network element in the above embodiments. For specific functions, please refer to the descriptions in the above embodiments.

[0425] For example, the methods corresponding to the first network element in the above embodiments may include: receiving a first message from an access network element, the first message carrying a second message and first information of the first network, wherein the second message carries information of the terminal device; sending a third message to a second network element, the third message carrying the second message, wherein the second network element belongs to the first network, or the second network element belongs to a second network associated with the first network.

[0426] In the second possible implementation, the communication device 1000 can be an access network element, used to implement the relevant methods corresponding to the access network element in the above embodiments. For specific functions, please refer to the descriptions in the above embodiments.

[0427] For example, the methods corresponding to the access network elements in the above embodiments may include: receiving a second message from a terminal device, the second message including information of the terminal device; sending the first message to a first network element, the first network element being a network element different from the AMF network element, wherein the first message carries the second message and first information of the first network.

[0428] For the specific implementation process, please refer to the relevant content in the aforementioned embodiments; it will not be repeated here.

[0429] Based on the same concept, see [link / reference] Figure 11 This application embodiment also provides another communication device 1100, including: an input / output interface 1101 and a logic circuit 1102; the input / output interface 1101 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the logic circuit 1102; the logic circuit 1102 is used to run the code instructions to execute the method executed by the first network element or the access network element in any of the above embodiments.

[0430] In the first implementation, the communication device 1100 can be applied to a first network element to execute the method performed by the first network element, specifically, for example, the method performed by the first network element in the aforementioned method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1100 can receive a first message from an access network element, the first message carrying a second message and first information of the first network, wherein the second message carries information of the terminal device; and send a third message to a second network element, the third message carrying the second message, wherein the second network element belongs to the first network, or the second network element belongs to a second network associated with the first network.

[0431] In the second implementation, the communication device 1100 can be applied to an access network element to execute the method performed by the access network element, specifically, for example, the method performed by the access network element in the aforementioned method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1100 can receive a second message from a terminal device, the second message including information about the terminal device; and send the first message to a first network element, the first network element being a network element different from the AMF network element, wherein the first message carries the second message and first information of the first network.

[0432] For specific implementation details, please refer to the aforementioned method implementation examples; they will not be repeated here.

[0433] This application also provides a communication system, which may include at least one of the following: a first network element or an access network element. Optionally, the communication system may further include a second network element and / or a terminal device. The first network element, access network element, second network element, and terminal device are all described in the foregoing method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0434] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, including program instructions, which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the methods or steps of the first network element or access network element in the above embodiments.

[0435] This application also provides a computer program product, including program instructions, which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the methods or steps of the first network element or access network element in the above embodiments.

[0436] This application provides a chip system including a processor for implementing the functions of the first network element or access network element in the aforementioned method (e.g., executing corresponding methods or steps). The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0437] Optionally, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions that the processor can read and execute to implement the corresponding method.

[0438] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0439] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software 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.

[0440] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0441] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0442] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0443] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0444] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the essential contributing part of the technical solution of this application, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0445] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a first network element, wherein the first network element is a network element different from the access and mobility management function network element, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first message from an access network element, the first message carrying a second message and first information of the first network, wherein the second message carries information of the terminal device; A third message is sent to the second network element, the third message carrying the second message, wherein the second network element belongs to the first network, or the second network element belongs to a second network associated with the first network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first information, the second message is to be sent to the second network element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The third message also carries information about the network to which the second network element belongs, and the second network element supports providing services for the first network and supports providing services for the second network.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before sending the third message to the second network element, the method further includes: Based on the first information, it is determined that the terminal device is permitted to communicate with the first network; and / or... Based on the first information, it is determined that the access network element is permitted to communicate with the first network.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of determining, based on the first information, to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network includes: A fourth message is sent to the third network element based on the first information. The fourth message is used to request whether the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network. The terminal device receives second information from the third network element, the second information being used to indicate permission for the terminal device to communicate with the first network.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The step of determining, based on the first information, that the access network element is permitted to communicate with the first network includes: The system sends a fifth message to the fourth network element based on the first information, and receives the third information from the fourth network element. Wherein, the fifth message is used to request whether to allow the access network element to communicate with the first network, and the third information is used to indicate that the access network element is allowed to communicate with the first network; and / or, the fifth message is used to request whether to allow the terminal device to communicate with the first network through the access network element, and the third information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to communicate with the first network through the access network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The information stores the first correspondence between the access network element, the second network element, and the network to which the second network element belongs; The information in the first correspondence relationship includes the information of the access network element, the information of the second network element, and the information of the network to which the second network element belongs; or, the information in the first correspondence relationship includes the connection identifier between the access network element and the second network element and the information of the network to which the second network element belongs.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second network element belongs to a second network associated with the first network. Before sending the third message to the second network element, the method further includes: If the first network does not exist, or the first network is in a released state, an eighth message is sent to the fifth network element. The eighth message is used to request a network to provide services to the terminal device. Receive information from the second network and information from the second network element from the fifth network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The second network element belongs to the first network. Before sending the third message to the second network element, the method further includes: When the first network is in a deactivated state, a ninth message is sent to the fifth network element, the ninth message being used to request the activation of the first network. Receive information from the second network element from the fifth network element.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The status information of the network to which the second network element belongs is stored, and the status of the network to which the second network element belongs is active.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, Before sending the third message to the second network element, the method further includes: The state of the first network is determined, which is either active, running, deactivated, or released.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first message also carries information about a first service, and the third message also carries information about the first service. The third message is used to request services for the first service. The method further includes: Receive address information of a sixth network element from the second network element, wherein the sixth network element is used to provide services for the first service, and the sixth network element and the second network element belong to the same network; The address information of the seventh network element is sent to the second network element. The address information of the sixth network element and the address information of the seventh network element are used to transmit the data of the first service.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive address information of the access network element from the access network element; The address information of the seventh network element is sent to the access network element. The address information of the access network element and the address information of the seventh network element are used to transmit the data of the first service.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive transmission configuration information from the second network element of the sixth network element; The transmission configuration information of the sixth network element is sent to the access network element.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The seventh network element is the first network element, storing information about the second correspondence between the access network element, the sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs; or... The seventh network element is a network element different from the first network element, and stores information on the third correspondence between the access network element, the seventh network element, the sixth network element, and the network to which the sixth network element belongs.

16. A communication method applied to an access network element, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a second message from a terminal device, the second message including information about the terminal device; The first message is sent to a first network element, which is a network element different from the access and mobility management function network element. The first message carries the second message and the first information of the first network.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first message also carries information about the first service, and the method further includes: Send the address information of the access network element to the first network element; The address information of the seventh network element is received from the first network element. The address information of the access network element and the address information of the seventh network element are used to transmit the data of the first service.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives transmission configuration information from a sixth network element, which is used to provide services for the first service. The sixth network element belongs to the first network or belongs to a second network associated with the first network.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, 18, characterized in that, The second network is of the same type as the first network; and / or, the services supported by the second network include those supported by the first network.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The first message also carries relevant information about the access network element.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element, including: The header field of the first message includes the second message, the first information, and the sixth message, and the header field of the sixth message includes relevant information about the access network element; or, The header field of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, and the header field of the seventh message includes the second message and relevant information of the access network element.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first message carries the second message, the first information, and relevant information about the access network element, including: The message body of the first message includes the second message, the first information, and the sixth message, and the message body of the sixth message includes relevant information about the access network element; or, The message body of the first message includes the seventh message and the first information, and the message body of the seventh message includes the second message and relevant information of the access network element.

23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that, The first network is a sub-network, or the first network is a network slice, or the first network is a dedicated network.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first network element and / or an access network element, wherein the first network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, 19 to 23, and the access network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 16 to 23.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23 to be implemented.

28. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 23 to be implemented.

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