Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and device can reduce the risk of network topology exposure and improve security performance. In the method, a first proxy network element and a second proxy network element are deployed between a first functional network element deployed in a first network and a second functional network element deployed in a second network. The first proxy network element is deployed in the first network, and the second proxy network element is deployed in the second network. The first proxy network element can receive signaling / data associated with auxiliary identification information from the first functional network element, and send the signaling / data to the second proxy network element according to a mapping relationship between the auxiliary identification information and the second proxy network element. The second proxy network element can receive signaling / data associated with auxiliary identification information from the second functional network element, and send the signaling / data to the first proxy network element according to a mapping relationship between the auxiliary identification information and the first proxy network element. In this way, the IP address of the functional network element is not exposed, thereby reducing the risk of network topology exposure and improving security performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] As user demands in enterprise (ToB) scenarios increase, the need for distributed ToB networks is also growing stronger. To address the requirement that ToB data should not leave the campus—namely, privacy and security—fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems achieve this through the physical deployment of user plane function (UPF) network elements.

[0003] However, as the mobility requirements of ToB networks become increasingly stringent, such as requiring short handover latency and ensuring that user behavior in distributed ToB networks is not perceived by consumer-facing (ToC) networks, ToB networks also need mobility management (MM) network elements, and even session management (SM) network elements. This means that in addition to the deployment of UPF (User Provider Function) infrastructure, the MM / SM of ToB networks also need to be separated from and deployed to the ToC network.

[0004] In this scenario, if network elements in the ToC network communicate directly with network elements in the ToB network, there may be a risk of network topology exposure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the risk of network topology exposure and improve security performance.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first proxy network element, or by a component of the first proxy network element, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first proxy network element, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first proxy network element. The first proxy network element is deployed in a first network, which also includes a first functional network element. The method includes: receiving first signaling / first data from the first functional network element, wherein the first signaling / first data is associated with first auxiliary identification information, the first auxiliary identification information being used to determine the next-hop node of the first signaling / first data; and sending the first signaling / first data to a second proxy network element according to a mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and a second proxy network element, wherein the second proxy network element is deployed in a second network.

[0007] Based on this scheme, the first proxy network element deployed in the first network can send signaling / data received from the first functional network element deployed in the first network to the second proxy network element deployed in the second network. In other words, the functional network elements in the first network communicate with network elements in other networks through the proxy network element in the first network. During this process, the first network exposes only the IP address of the first proxy network element, not the IP addresses of the functional network elements, thus reducing the risk of IP attacks on the functional network elements and consequently reducing the risk of exposing the network topology of the first network, thereby improving network security.

[0008] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving second information from a first functional network element, the second information instructing a first terminal to request access to a second network; determining a second proxy network element based on the second information, and establishing a mapping relationship between first auxiliary identification information and the second proxy network element; sending third information to the second proxy network element, the third information being used by the second proxy network element to select a second functional network element, the second functional network element being deployed in the second network.

[0009] Based on this possible design, the first proxy network element can select a suitable second proxy network element according to the second information from the first functional network element, and establish a mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second proxy network element, so that in the subsequent signaling / data transmission process, the signaling / data to be sent to the second network can be correctly sent to the second proxy network element, ensuring the transmission performance of signaling / data.

[0010] In one possible design, the second information includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the second network, an identifier of the first service, an identifier of the first network slice, an identifier of the first task, a terminal identifier of the first terminal in the second network, or an IP address of the first terminal in the second network. Wherein, the first service is the service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access, the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, and the first task is a task within the first service.

[0011] In one possible design, determining the second agent network element based on the second information includes: determining the second agent network element from at least one fourth agent network element based on the second information and information from at least one fourth agent network element.

[0012] In one possible design, the second information includes the identifier of the second network, and the information of the fourth agent network element indicates the network to which the fourth agent network element belongs. In this case, the second agent network element is one of at least one fourth agent network element whose network is the second network.

[0013] In one possible design, the second information includes the identifier of the first service. If the information of the fourth proxy network element indicates the service corresponding to the fourth proxy network element, the second proxy network element is at least one of the fourth proxy network elements, and the corresponding service is the first service. The first service is the service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access.

[0014] Based on the two possible designs mentioned above, a suitable second proxy network element can be selected according to the first terminal's request to access the second network, ensuring that subsequent signaling / data to be sent to the second network can be forwarded to the corresponding proxy network element in the second network, thereby ensuring the transmission performance of signaling / data.

[0015] In one possible design, the method further includes: obtaining information of at least one pre-configured fourth agent network element; or, sending second network element discovery information to the network storage function network element, the second network element discovery information being used to request information from the agent network element; and receiving information from at least one fourth agent network element of the network storage function network element.

[0016] Based on this possible design, if the information of at least one fourth proxy network element is pre-configured, the latency of obtaining the information of at least one fourth proxy network element is low, which can help to select the second proxy network element more quickly. If at least one fourth proxy network element requests information from the network storage function network element, the first proxy network element does not need to store the information of other proxy network elements, which can reduce the storage capacity requirements of the first proxy network element.

[0017] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving second signaling / second data from a second agent network element, the second signaling / second data being associated with second auxiliary identification information, the second auxiliary identification information being used to determine the next-hop node of the second signaling / second data; and sending the second signaling / second data to the first functional network element according to the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first functional network element.

[0018] In one possible design, the first auxiliary identification information includes at least one of the following: a terminal identifier of the first terminal, an IP address of the first terminal, an identifier of the first service, an identifier of the first network slice, an identifier of the first task, a first connection identifier, an identifier of the second network, an IP address of the second network, an identifier of the second functional network element, an identifier of the second proxy network element, and an IP address of the second proxy network element. Wherein, the first service is the service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access; the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service; the first task is the task in the first service; the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the first proxy network element, or, the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the second functional network element.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second proxy network element, or by a component of the second proxy network element, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the second proxy network element, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second proxy network element. The second proxy network element is deployed in a second network, which also includes a second functional network element. The method includes: receiving second signaling / second data from the second functional network element, the second signaling / second data being associated with second auxiliary identification information used to determine the next-hop node of the second signaling / second data; and sending the second signaling / second data to the first proxy network element according to the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and a first proxy network element, wherein the first proxy network element is deployed in a first network.

[0020] Based on this scheme, the second proxy network element deployed in the second network can send signaling / data received from the second functional network element deployed in the second network to the first proxy network element deployed in the first network. In other words, the functional network elements in the second network communicate with network elements in other networks through the proxy network element in the second network. During this process, the second network exposes only the IP address of the second proxy network element, not the IP addresses of the functional network elements, reducing the risk of IP attacks on the functional network elements. This reduces the risk of exposing the network topology of the second network and improves network security.

[0021] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving first signaling / first data from a first agent network element, the first signaling / first data being associated with first auxiliary identification information, the first auxiliary identification information being used to determine the next-hop node of the first signaling / first data; and sending the first signaling / first data to a second functional network element according to the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second functional network element.

[0022] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving third information from a first agent network element, the third information instructing a first terminal to request access to a second network; determining a second functional network element based on the third information, and establishing a mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second functional network element; and sending fourth information to the second functional network element, the fourth information being used to request the second functional network element to serve the first terminal.

[0023] In one possible design, the method further includes: establishing a mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first agent network element based on the third information.

[0024] In one possible design, the third information includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the second network, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the terminal identifier of the first terminal in the second network, or the IP address of the first terminal in the second network. Wherein, the first service is the service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access, the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, and the first task is the task within the first service.

[0025] In one possible design, determining the second functional network element based on the third information includes: determining the second functional network element from at least one fourth functional network element based on the third information and information from at least one fourth functional network element.

[0026] In one possible design, the third information includes the identifier of the second network, and the information of the fourth functional network element indicates the network to which the fourth functional network element belongs. In this case, the second functional network element is at least one fourth functional network element, and the network to which it belongs is a fourth functional network element of the second network.

[0027] In one possible design, the third information includes the identifier of the first service, and the information of the fourth functional network element indicates the service corresponding to the fourth functional network element. In this case, the second functional network element is at least one of the fourth functional network elements, and the corresponding service is a fourth functional network element of the first service. The first service is a service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access.

[0028] In one possible design, the second auxiliary identification information includes at least one of the following: a terminal identifier of the first terminal, an IP address of the first terminal, an identifier of the first service, an identifier of the first network slice, an identifier of the first task, a first connection identifier, an identifier of the second network, an IP address of the second network, an identifier of the second functional network element, an identifier of the second proxy network element, and an IP address of the second proxy network element. Wherein, the first service is the service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access; the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service; the first task is the task in the first service; and the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the first proxy network element, or the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the second functional network element.

[0029] The technical effects of any possible design in the second aspect can be referred to the technical effects represented by the corresponding design in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0030] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first functional network element, or by a component of the first functional network element, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first functional network element, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first functional network element. The method includes: sending first information to a network storage functional network element, the first information being used to select a second functional network element; receiving second information from the network storage functional network element, the second information including information about at least one second functional network element; determining a third functional network element, the third functional network element being one of the at least one second functional network element, the first functional network element and the third functional network element being used to serve a first terminal; wherein the first functional network element is a control plane network element and the second functional network element is a user plane network element, or the first functional network element is a user plane network element and the second functional network element is a control plane network element.

[0031] Based on this scheme, the first functional network element can send information to the network storage functional network element for selecting a second functional network element. This allows the network storage functional network element to return information about at least one second functional network element to the first functional network element, enabling the first functional network element to determine the third functional network element for final communication from among these at least one second functional network element. In other words, the network storage functional network element can assist the first functional network element in preliminary screening, reducing the selection range when choosing a first type of network element, thereby lowering the implementation complexity of the first functional network element.

[0032] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending a first mapping relationship to a first agent network element, the first mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between auxiliary identification information and information of a third functional network element, the first mapping relationship being used by the first agent network element to route information associated with the auxiliary identification information between the first functional network element and the third functional network element.

[0033] Based on this possible design, communication between the first functional network element and the third functional network element can be proxied by the first proxy network element, avoiding direct connection between the first and third functional network elements. This allows the first functional network element to be unaware of the load of the third functional network element, enabling it to focus more on business-related processes and thus improve business performance.

[0034] In one possible design, the auxiliary identification information includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, or the identifier of the first connection; the first service is the service requested by the first terminal, the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, and the first task is the task in the first service; the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the first proxy network element, or the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the third functional network element.

[0035] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending first signaling / data to the first agent network element, wherein the first signaling / data is associated with auxiliary identification information.

[0036] In one possible design, the first information includes at least one of the following: the type of the second functional network element, the required capabilities of the second functional network element, the type of the first service, the type of the first functional network element, the identifier of the first functional network element, the IP address of the first functional network element, the capabilities of the first functional network element, the dynamic load of one or more second functional network elements, the load analysis of one or more second functional network elements, the capabilities of one or more second functional network elements, the location of one or more second functional network elements, the identifier of one or more second functional network elements, the IP address of one or more second functional network elements, the location of the first terminal, the functions required for the session of the first terminal, the data network name, the identifier of the first network slice, the type of the PDU session of the first terminal, the subscription profile of the first terminal, or the access technology used by the first terminal.

[0037] In one possible design, sending first information to a network storage function network element includes: if it is determined that communication with a first type of network element to be associated with a first terminal is to be carried out, sending first information to the network storage function network element, wherein the type of the second function network element is the first type.

[0038] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first functional network element, or by a component of the first functional network element, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first functional network element, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first functional network element. The method includes: determining a network element of a first type to be associated with a first terminal for communication; sending first information to a first proxy network element, the first information being used to select a third functional network element for the first terminal, the third functional network element being of the first type, and the first proxy network element being used for routing between the first functional network element and the third functional network element.

[0039] Based on this scheme, the first functional network element can send information about the third functional network element selected for the first terminal to the first proxy network element. This allows the first proxy network element to determine the third functional network element that will ultimately communicate with the first functional network element. In other words, the first proxy network element can assist the first functional network element in filtering network elements of the first type, eliminating the need for the first functional network element to make its own selection, thus reducing the implementation complexity of the first functional network element. Furthermore, communication between the first and third functional network elements can be handled by the first proxy network element, avoiding direct connection between them. This allows the first functional network element to remain unaware of the load on the third functional network element, enabling it to focus more on business processes and thereby improving business performance.

[0040] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending second information to a network storage function element, the second information being used to select a first type of network element; receiving third information from the network storage function element, the third information including information of at least one second function element; and determining a second function element group based on the information of at least one second function element, the second function element group including some or all of the second function elements in the at least one second function element.

[0041] In one possible design, the first information includes information about the second functional network element group, and the first information is used to select a third functional network element for the first terminal in the second functional network element group.

[0042] In one possible design, the first information includes auxiliary identification information, which includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, or the identifier of the first connection; wherein, the first service is the service requested by the first terminal, the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, and the first task is a task in the first service; the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the first proxy network element, or the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the third functional network element.

[0043] In one possible design, the first information includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first type, the required capabilities of the first type of network element, the type of the first service, the type of the first functional network element, the identifier of the first functional network element, the IP address of the first functional network element, the capabilities of the first functional network element, the dynamic load of one or more first type of network elements, the load analysis of one or more first type of network elements, the capabilities of one or more first type of network elements, the location of one or more first type of network elements, the identifier of one or more first type of network elements, the IP address of one or more first type of network elements, the location of the first terminal, the functions required for the session of the first terminal, the data network name, the identifier of the first network slice, the type of the PDU session of the first terminal, the subscription profile of the first terminal, or the access technology used by the first terminal.

[0044] In one possible design, the method further includes receiving response information from a first agent network element, the response information including information from a third functional network element.

[0045] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending first signaling / data to the first agent network element, wherein the first signaling / data is associated with auxiliary identification information.

[0046] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for implementing various methods. The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the implementation of the methods, wherein the modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions.

[0047] In some possible designs, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may include a receiving module and a transmitting module, respectively used to implement the receiving function and the transmitting function in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0048] In some possible designs, the transceiver module can consist of transceiver circuits, transceivers, transceivers, or communication interfaces.

[0049] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the above aspects and any possible design thereof.

[0050] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the communication device; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the above aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0051] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; said processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects and any possible designs thereof. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or may be independent of the processor.

[0052] Ninthly, a communication device (e.g., a chip or chip system) is provided, the communication device including a processor for implementing the functions involved in any of the preceding aspects.

[0053] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0054] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or contain chips and other discrete components.

[0055] The communication device described in the fifth to ninth aspects may be the first proxy network element in the first aspect, or a device contained in the first proxy network element, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device may be the second proxy network element in the second aspect, or a device contained in the second proxy network element, such as a chip or chip system; or, the communication device may be the first functional network element in the third or fourth aspect, or a device contained in the first functional network element, such as a chip or chip system.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided. This communication device may be a first proxy network element, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the first proxy network element that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device; or, the communication device may be a second proxy network element, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the second proxy network element that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the second proxy network element; or, the communication device may be a first functional network element, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the first functional network element that performs the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third or fourth aspect, or a module or unit that can be used in conjunction with the first functional network element.

[0057] It is understandable that when the communication device provided in any of the fifth to tenth aspects is a chip, the sending action / function of the communication device can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / function of the communication device can be understood as inputting information.

[0058] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0059] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible designs thereof.

[0060] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which may include a first proxy network element and a second proxy network element. The first proxy network element is used to implement the method described in the first aspect and any of its design embodiments, and the second proxy network element is used to implement the method described in the second aspect and any of its design embodiments.

[0061] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects five through thirteen can be found in the technical effects of different design methods in aspects one through four, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the N1 and GTP tunnel establishment and paging process provided in this application;

[0063] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating a single-SIM single-network or dual-SIM dual-network scenario provided for this application;

[0064] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a single-card dual-network network architecture is provided for this application;

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating changes in network coverage provided in this application;

[0066] Figures 5-6 A schematic diagram of the communication architecture provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in this application;

[0068] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application;

[0069] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a communication model provided in this application;

[0070] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application;

[0071] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a communication model provided in this application;

[0072] Figures 12-13 A schematic diagram of the communication process provided in this application;

[0073] Figure 14 A schematic diagram illustrating a variation of the communication architecture provided in this application;

[0074] Figures 15-19 A flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in this application;

[0075] Figures 20-21 A schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0076] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0077] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0078] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0079] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0080] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process 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.

[0081] It is understood that in this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require a judgment action to be performed during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0082] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0083] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0084] In fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems, the session management function (SMF) network element is directly connected to the user plane function (UPF) network element. Therefore, the SMF network element needs to be aware of the load of the UPF network element in real time and perform non-service-related operations such as load balancing, UPF selection, and mapping.

[0085] For example, Figure 1 The simplified diagram illustrates the N1 establishment process, the GPRS tunneling protocol (GTP) tunnel establishment for the terminal, and the downlink paging process for idle terminals. During these processes, the SMF network element needs to perform service-independent operations such as selecting the UPF network element.

[0086] like Figure 1As shown, when a terminal needs to initiate a service, it sends an Initial UE message to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element. This Initial UE message carries the terminal identifier. The terminal identifier can be an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) or a Short-Term Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI). Specifically, when the terminal does not have an S-TMSI, the Initial UE message carries the IMSI; when the terminal has been assigned an S-TMSI, the Initial UE message carries the S-TMSI. The IMSI is the terminal's unique and permanent identifier, while the S-TMSI is a temporary identifier assigned by the network to the terminal for this access, and is also used to identify the terminal.

[0087] During N1 establishment, after receiving the initialization UE message, if the message carries an IMSI, the AMF network element assigns an S-TMSI to the terminal and establishes a Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) bearer between the AMF network element and the radio access network (RAN). Specifically, the AMF network element and the RAN assign an AMF UE NGAP ID and a RAN UE NGAP ID to the terminal, respectively. The AMF UE NGAP ID is used to identify the terminal on the AMF network element side, and the RAN UE NGAP ID is used to identify the terminal on the RAN side. Furthermore, a signalalling radio bearer (SRB) is established between the terminal and the RAN.

[0088] During GTP tunnel establishment, the AMF network element selects an SMF network element and interacts with the SMF network element using the user's permanent identifier (SUPI) (i.e., IMSI) of the terminal to identify which terminal is being operated on. On the SMF network element side, the SMF network element selects a suitable UPF network element and establishes an N4 tunnel with that UPF network element, assigning an N4Id to identify the N4 tunnel. Since the N4 tunnel is terminal-based, the N4 Id can also be considered as being used to identify the terminal between the SMF and UPF network elements. Furthermore, the SMF network element can maintain a mapping relationship between the N4 Id and the SUPI.

[0089] On the UPF network element side, the UPF network element does not need to identify which specific terminal is being operated on. Instead, it maintains the association between the terminal's Internet Protocol (IP) address and N4 ID, and interacts with the SMF network element based on this association. The SMF network element learns the terminal associated with the signaling from the UPF network element based on the N4 ID.

[0090] In addition, the UPF network element returns its IP address, and the SMF network element forwards the UPF network element's IP address to the RAN through the AMF network element, triggering the establishment of a GTP tunnel between the RAN and the UPF network element. Correspondingly, a data radio bearer (DRB) is established between the terminal and the RAN to carry the terminal's user plane data, i.e., application (APP) data / packets.

[0091] During downlink paging, when the terminal is in the radio resource control (RRC) idle state, the core network cannot know the base station to which the terminal is connected. Therefore, it needs to page the terminal through downlink broadcast. After receiving the paging message, the terminal establishes a connection with the network.

[0092] When a UPF network element receives downlink data, it looks up the N4 ID associated with the target IP address (i.e., the terminal's IP address) and sends a message to the SMF network element corresponding to that N4 ID, carrying the N4 ID in the message. Upon receiving the message from the UPF network element, the SMF network element, based on the mapping relationship between the N4 ID and the SUPI, looks up the SUPI corresponding to the N4 ID sent by the UPF network element, determines which terminal needs to be paged, and then looks up the AMF network element that previously served that terminal. It then sends a signaling message to that AMF network element informing it that downlink data has arrived and that the terminal needs to be paged.

[0093] After receiving signaling from the SMF network element, the AMF network element converts the SUPI sent by the SMF network element into an S-TMSI according to the mapping relationship between SUPI and S-TMSI, and broadcasts a paging message through the RAN, carrying the terminal's S-TMSI in the paging message. After receiving the broadcast message, the terminal sends an initialization UE message and establishes the N1 interface and GTP tunnel to receive downlink data.

[0094] In other words, SMF network elements currently need to perform many operations unrelated to business operations, resulting in high implementation complexity.

[0095] Furthermore, in 5G mobile communication systems, terminals only support single-SIM single-network access. For example, a terminal can access the main network via a single subscriber identity module (SIM) card, or access a subnet via a single SIM card. Exemplarily, the main network can be a consumer-facing (ToC) network (which can be simply referred to as a ToC network), and the subnet can be a business-facing (ToB) network (which can be simply referred to as a ToB network). The main network and subnet can also be other types of networks, or have other names without limitation.

[0096] For example, in a single-SIM, single-network access method, such as Figure 2 As shown in (a), the terminal accesses the core network (CN) of the large network through the radio access network (RAN); as Figure 2 As shown in (b), the terminal accesses the subnet CN through the subnet RAN.

[0097] If a single terminal serves both the main network and subnet services, it needs to use dual SIM cards. For example, SIM 1 accesses the main network, and SIM 2 accesses the subnet, i.e., a dual-SIM, dual-network access method. In this scenario, such as... Figure 2 As shown in (c), the subnet CN can be deployed within the main network CN, with both sharing the main network RAN; or, as... Figure 2 As shown in (d), the subnet CN and the main network CN are deployed independently, as are the subnet RAN and the main network RAN. The terminal uses one SIM card to access the main network CN through the main network RAN ​​and another card to access the subnet CN through the subnet RAN.

[0098] In other words, currently only single-SIM single-network and dual-SIM dual-network access methods are supported. Based on this, this application proposes a single-SIM dual-network network architecture, which may include, for example... Figure 3 There are three implementation methods. For example... Figure 3 As shown in (a), in a subnet CN deployment (such as a subnet UPF deployment), the subnet CN and the main network CN share the RAN, but there is no direct connection between the subnet CN and the RAN. Communication between the RAN and the subnet CN is forwarded through the main network CN. Alternatively, as shown in (a),... Figure 3 As shown in (b), the subnet CN is deployed in a decentralized manner (e.g., both the subnet UPF and control plane elements are decentralized). The subnet CN and the main network CN share the RAN, but there is a direct connection interface between the subnet CN and the RAN, allowing them to communicate directly. Alternatively, as shown in... Figure 3 As shown in (c), the subnet CN and the main network CN are deployed independently, as are the subnet RAN and the main network RAN. The terminal uses a single SIM card to access the main network CN through the main network RAN ​​via dual registration, and accesses the subnet CN through the subnet RAN.

[0099] Furthermore, some areas may lack small network RAN ​​coverage, while others may lack large network RAN ​​coverage. In this scenario, the network deployment architecture of the single-SIM dual-network terminal may differ as the terminal moves. For example, ... Figure 4 As shown, if a terminal initially accesses the subnet CN through the subnet RAN and then the large network CN through the large network RAN, and after a period of time moves to an area without subnet RAN coverage, the network architecture changes to the subnet CN and the large network CN sharing the large network RAN. After another period of time, the terminal may move to an area without large network RAN ​​coverage, and the network architecture changes to the subnet CN and the large network sharing the subnet RAN.

[0100] In the above Figure 3 or Figure 4 Under the network architecture shown, there may be scenarios where network elements in the large network (CN) and network elements in the subnet (CN) directly interact, such as... Figure 3 In the scenario shown in (a), the large network SMF element may directly interact with the subnet UPF element during forwarding. In this case, the IP addresses of both the large network element and the subnet element will be exposed, which may lead to the exposure of the subnet's network topology and the large network's network topology. That is, there is a security risk in this scenario.

[0101] Based on this, this application provides a communication method, in which, as Figure 5 As shown, a proxy network element, such as a service communication proxy (SCP), can be inserted between SMF and UPF network elements. This proxy network element can be used to select a UPF network element for an SMF network element, or vice versa. In other words, load balancing and network element selection functions can be separated from the SMF / UPF network elements, reducing the number of business-irrelevant operations performed by the SMF / UPF network elements, thereby lowering the requirements on the SMF / UPF network elements and reducing implementation complexity.

[0102] Furthermore, when SMF network elements and UPF network elements are deployed in different networks, such as Figure 6As shown, two levels of proxy network elements, such as proxy element 1 and proxy element 2, can be inserted between SMF network elements and UPF network elements. The SMF network element and proxy element 1 are deployed in the same network, and the UPF network element and proxy element 2 are deployed in the same network. Communication between the SMF and UPF network elements is routed and forwarded through proxy element 1 and proxy element 2. Therefore, for the SMF network element and proxy element 1, the IP address of proxy element 2 is exposed; for the UPF network element and proxy element 2, the IP address of proxy element 1 is exposed. The IP addresses of the functional network elements (i.e., the SMF and UPF network elements) are not exposed, thus avoiding network topology exposure, reducing security risks, and improving security performance.

[0103] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be used in various communication systems, including 3GPP communication systems such as 4th generation (4G) systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), 5G systems (e.g., New Radio (NR) systems), LTE and 5G hybrid networking systems, sensing systems, integrated communication and sensing systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, machine-type communication (MTC) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, or other future communication systems. The communication system can also be a non-3GPP communication system; there is no limitation on this.

[0104] The communication systems described above are merely illustrative examples, and are not limited to those described herein. The communication systems provided in this application do not impose any limitations on the solutions described herein. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0105] Figure 7 A possible, non-limiting system schematic diagram is shown. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the communication system 70 includes a radio access network (RAN) 700 and a core network (CN) 800. Optionally, the communication system 70 may also include a data network (DN). Figure 7 (Not shown in the image).

[0106] Among them, RAN 700 includes at least one access network element (such as...) Figure 7 710 in the middle) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 7 (720 in the middle).

[0107] For example, RAN 700 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G or 5G mobile communication system, an NTN system (e.g., an NTN supporting pass-through mode and / or regenerative mode, or an NTN supporting eye-viewing mode (earth fixed cell) and / or non-eye-viewing mode (earth moving cell), or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 700 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 700 can also be a communication system integrating two or more of the above systems. Core network 800, as the core part of the mobile communication system, plays a crucial role in connecting the upper and lower layers, mainly responsible for handling terminal mobility management, session management, and data transmission.

[0108] The core network 800 includes at least one core network element. For example, the core network 800 includes a first functional network element and a second functional network element. Exemplarily, the first functional network element can be a control plane network element, and the second functional network element can be a user plane network element; or, the first functional network element can be a user plane network element, and the second functional network element can be a control plane network element; or, both the first functional network element and the second functional network element can be control plane network elements; or, both the first functional network element and the second functional network element can be user plane network elements.

[0109] As one possible implementation, the core network 800 may also include a network repository function (NRF) element or a first proxy element. Exemplarily, the NRF element primarily provides network function / element discovery and / or selection services. In 5G systems, the NRF element may be a network repository function (NRF) element. In future mobile communication systems, the NRF element may also have other functions and names, which this application does not specifically limit. The first proxy element primarily provides network function / element selection, routing, and forwarding functions. The first proxy element may, for example, be an SCP element.

[0110] As one possible implementation, the first functional network element and the second functional network element can be deployed in the same network, such as both being deployed in the first network. In this case, the first agent network element can also be deployed in the same network.

[0111] As another possible implementation, the first functional network element and the second functional network element can be deployed in different networks. For example, the first functional network element can be deployed in the first network, and the second functional network element can be deployed in the second network. In this scenario, the first proxy network element can be deployed in the first network.

[0112] Optionally, in this scenario, the core network 800 may also include a second proxy network element, which can be deployed in a second network. The second proxy network element is also used to provide functions such as network function / network element selection and routing forwarding. For example, the second proxy network element can be an SCP network element.

[0113] As one possible implementation, the control plane network element in this application can be an AM / MM network element or a session management (SM) network element. AM / MM network elements are mainly used for access and mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location updates, user registration with the network, and user handover. SM network elements are mainly used for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. For example, AM / MM network elements can implement some or all of the functions of AMF network elements in 5G systems, and SM network elements can implement some or all of the functions of SMF network elements in 5G systems. In future mobile communication systems, AM / MM and SM network elements may have other functions and names, and this application does not specifically limit them.

[0114] It should be noted that the control plane network element in the embodiments of this application can also be other network elements besides AM / MM network elements and SMF network elements, such as policy control function (PCF) network elements, etc., and is not limited. In the following embodiments of this application, only AM / MM network elements or SMF network elements are used as examples for illustration.

[0115] As one possible implementation, the user plane network element in this application is primarily responsible for user data processing (forwarding, receiving, billing, etc.). For example, the user plane network element can receive user data from the DN and forward the user data to the terminal through the access network. Alternatively, the user plane network element can receive user data from the terminal through the access network and forward the user data to the DN. The DN can refer to a network that provides data transmission services to users, such as IP Multimedia Service (IMS) or the Internet. The DN can be an external network of the operator or a network controlled by the operator, used to provide service to terminal equipment.

[0116] For example, user plane network elements can implement some or all of the functions of UPF network elements in a 5G system. In future mobile communication systems, user plane network elements may also have other functions and names, which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0117] As one possible implementation, the first functional network element in the embodiments of this application may include at least one network element. When the first functional network element includes multiple network elements, the scheme implemented by the first functional network element described below may be implemented by some or all of the multiple network elements included in the first functional network element, and these multiple network elements can communicate with each other. Furthermore, the first functional network element including multiple network elements can also be understood as the first functional network element integrating the functions of multiple network elements, or in other words, the multiple network elements being co-located.

[0118] Similarly, a second functional network element may also include at least one network element. When a second functional network element includes multiple network elements, the scheme implemented by the second functional network element can be implemented by some or all of the multiple network elements included in the second functional network element, and these multiple network elements can also communicate with each other. Furthermore, the inclusion of multiple network elements in a second functional network element can also be understood as the second functional network element integrating the functions of multiple network elements, or in other words, the multiple network elements being co-located.

[0119] As one possible implementation, the first network can be understood as a large network (CN), and the second network can be understood as a subnet (CN). For example, the second network can be understood as a distributed subnet.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the access network element 710 is a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. Access network elements, sometimes also referred to as RAN entities, access nodes, or RAN nodes, constitute part of the communication system and are used to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access.

[0121] For example, access network elements are mainly responsible for functions related to the air interface. For example, 1) radio link maintenance function, which is used to maintain the radio link with the terminal and is responsible for the protocol conversion between radio link data and IP data; 2) radio resource management function, including the establishment and release of radio links, scheduling and allocation of radio resources, etc.; 3) some mobility management functions, including configuring the terminal to perform measurements, evaluating the quality of the terminal's radio link, and deciding on the handover of the terminal between cells, etc.

[0122] As one possible implementation, the access network element 710 can be an access network device, such as a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station evolved by 3GPP, a base station in a future mobile communication system, an access node in a WiFi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, etc.

[0123] As another possible implementation, the access network element 710 can be a node in an O-RAN system. For example, the access network element can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), a radio unit (RU), etc.

[0124] For example, the CU and DU respectively implement some of the protocol layer functions of the access network device. For instance, some protocol layer functions are implemented in the CU, and the remaining or all protocol layer functions are implemented in the DU. The CU can control one or more DUs.

[0125] For example, a CU can deploy the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. In other words, the CU can be understood as a logical node carrying the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers of the access network equipment. Therefore, the CU has the processing capabilities of the RRC, PDCP, and SDAP layers. Of course, the CU can also implement or carry other control functions. Similarly, a DU can deploy the radio link control (RLC) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer. In other words, the DU can be understood as a logical node carrying the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. Therefore, the DU has the processing capabilities of the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. Of course, the DU can also implement or carry other functions.

[0126] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and 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 may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU.

[0127] In one possible implementation, terminal 720 is a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be a fixed device, mobile device, handheld device (e.g., mobile phone), wearable device, in-vehicle device, or a wireless device (e.g., communication module, modem, or chip system, etc.) built into the aforementioned devices. The terminal device is used to connect people, objects, and machines, and can be widely used in various scenarios, such as: cellular communication, D2D communication, V2X communication, MTC communication, 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, and other scenarios. For example, the terminal device can be a handheld terminal in cellular communication, a communication device in D2D, an IoT device in MTC, a camera in intelligent transportation and smart cities, or a communication device on a drone, etc.; or, the terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal device. The terminal device may sometimes be referred to as UE, user terminal, user device, user unit, user station, terminal equipment, access terminal, access station, UE station, remote station, mobile device, or wireless communication device, etc.

[0128] All or part of the functions of the terminal, access network element, or core network element in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0129] It should be noted that the system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0130] The following is combined with Figure 7 The communication system shown here, taking the interaction between network elements as an example, describes the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that in the following embodiments of this application, the message names, parameter names, or information names between various network elements are just examples, and other names may be used in other embodiments. The method provided in this application does not specifically limit these names.

[0131] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the executing entity may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the various steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0132] It is understood that this application uses a network element as the executor of the interaction illustration, but this application does not limit the executor of the interaction illustration. For example, the method executed by the access network element in this application can also be executed by a module (e.g., chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the access network element, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the access network element's functions; the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be executed by a module (e.g., chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the terminal, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions; the method executed by the core network element in this application can also be executed by a module (e.g., chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the core network element, or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the core network element's functions.

[0133] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. For example... Figure 8 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a communication method provided in this application, which includes the following steps:

[0134] S801, the first functional network element sends first information to the network storage function network element. Correspondingly, the network storage function network element receives the first information from the first functional network element.

[0135] The first information is used to select the second functional network element, or to request information about the second functional network element, or to discover the second functional network element. The types of the first functional network element and the second functional network element are different. For example, the first functional network element is a control plane network element (such as an SMF network element), and the second functional network element is a user plane network element (such as a UPF network element); or, the first functional network element is a user plane network element (such as a UPF network element), and the second functional network element is a control plane network element (such as an SMF network element).

[0136] In one possible implementation, the first functional network element can execute step S801, sending first information to the network storage functional network element, when it determines that it needs to communicate with a network element of the first type, or in other words, there is a communication requirement with a network element of the first type. Here, the first type refers to the type of the second functional network element. That is, the second functional network element here can be understood as a class of functional network elements, i.e., network elements of the first type, and does not specifically refer to any particular functional network element. When the first functional network element executes step S810, it does not determine a specific network element of the first type, but instead sends the first information to the network storage functional network element so that the network storage functional network element can select at least one network element of the first type.

[0137] As one possible implementation, the communication between the first functional network element and the first type of network element can be associated with a certain terminal (denoted as the first terminal). That is, when the first functional network element determines that it needs to communicate with the first type of network element associated with the first terminal, step S801 is executed.

[0138] For example, taking the first functional network element as an SMF network element and the second functional network element as a UPF network element, the first functional network element can determine to initiate communication with the UPF network element associated with the first terminal when it receives a SUPI from the first terminal during the establishment of the N1 interface of the first terminal. Alternatively, it can determine to initiate communication with the UPF network element associated with the first terminal when it receives a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment or modification request from the first terminal.

[0139] As another possible implementation, the communication between the first functional network element and the first type of network element can be associated with other objects (such as network elements). That is, the communication between the first functional network element and the first type of network element is independent of the terminal, but is associated with other objects (such as network elements).

[0140] For example, in a wireless sensing scenario, an access network element can acquire sensing measurement data. When the access network element needs to report this sensing measurement data to the core network, a first functional network element may need to communicate with a first type of network element to transmit the sensing measurement data of the access network element. In this case, the communication between the first functional network element and the first type of network element can be considered as associated with the access network element.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the first functional network element may send a discovery message to the network storage functional network element, which carries first information.

[0142] S802, the network storage function network element sends the second information to the first function network element. Correspondingly, the first function network element receives the second information from the network storage function network element.

[0143] The second information includes information about at least one second functional network element. For example, the information about the second functional network element may include its IP address. Optionally, it may also include the second functional network element's identifier (ID), capability information, location, and service area.

[0144] As one possible implementation, the network storage function element can send the profile(s) of the second function element to the first function element, and the profile(s) of the second function element carries the information of the second function element. Of course, the information of the second function element can also be carried in other ways, without restriction.

[0145] As one possible implementation, before step S802, the second functional network element needs to register with the network storage functional network element and send its information to the network storage functional network element. For example, when the second functional network element joins the network or goes online, it can send a registration message to the network storage functional network element, carrying its information in the registration message. After receiving the registration message, the network storage functional network element can store the second functional network element's information, for example, in the form of a configuration file.

[0146] As one possible implementation, after receiving the first information, the network storage function element can determine at least one second function element based on the first information and send information about the at least one second function element to the first function element. For example, the network storage function element can select at least one second function element from all the second function elements it stores based on a request or trigger from the first information; or it can send information about all the second function elements it stores to the first function element, without limitation.

[0147] S803, the first functional network element determines the third functional network element.

[0148] The third functional network element is one of at least one second functional network element. This at least one second functional network element is the one returned by the network storage function network element in step S802. In other words, the third functional network element can be understood as a specific first-type network element.

[0149] As one possible implementation, the first functional network element can determine any one of the at least one second functional network elements as the third functional network element, or select one network element from at least one second functional network element as the third functional network element according to communication requirements, etc., without restriction.

[0150] As one possible implementation, the first functional network element and the third functional network element are used to serve a first terminal. For example, communication between the first functional network element and the third functional network element is associated with the first terminal. Alternatively, the first functional network element and the third functional network element can also be used to serve other objects (such as network elements), and communication between the first functional network element and the third functional network element is associated with that object.

[0151] For example, when the communication between the first functional network element and the first type of network element is associated with the first terminal, the first functional network element and the third functional network element are used to serve the first terminal; when the communication between the first functional network element and the first type of network element is associated with other objects, the first functional network element and the third functional network element are used to serve other objects.

[0152] As one possible implementation, after step S803, the first functional network element can communicate with the third functional network element through the first proxy network element. In this case, the communication method provided by this application further includes the following steps S804a-S806. Alternatively, the first functional network element can communicate directly with the third functional network element. In this case, the communication method provided by this application further includes the following step S804b.

[0153] S804a, The first functional network element sends the first mapping relationship to the first agent network element. Correspondingly, the first agent network element receives the first mapping relationship from the first functional network element.

[0154] The first mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between auxiliary identification information and information of the third functional network element. This first mapping relationship is used by the first proxy network element to route information (such as signaling / data) associated with the auxiliary identification information between the first functional network element and the third functional network element. For example, the information of the third functional network element includes the IP address and / or identifier of the third functional network element, and optionally, it may also include other information of the third functional network element, without limitation.

[0155] As one possible implementation, the auxiliary identification information can be an identifier associated with the object served by the first functional network element and the third functional network element. For example, when the first functional network element and the third functional network element are used to serve the first terminal, the auxiliary identification information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, or the identifier of the first connection.

[0156] For example, the identifier of the first terminal can be UE ID, SUPI, S-TMSI, etc. The first service is the service that the first terminal requests to access. The first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, and the identifier of the network slice can be single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). The first task is a task in the first service. For example, a service may include at least one task, such as service 1 may include task 1, task 2, task 3, etc.

[0157] For example, the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection (denoted as the first connection) between the first functional network element and the first agent network element, which is allocated by the first functional network element, and the first connection identifier is associated with the first terminal. At this time, the connection may be already established or not yet established, without restriction.

[0158] Alternatively, the first connection identifier can be an identifier for the connection between the first functional network element and the third functional network element, which can be associated with the first terminal. In this scenario, the connection between the first functional network element and the third functional network element can be understood as a logical connection. The first functional network element and the third functional network element communicate with the first terminal through the first connection identifier, or in other words, identify the first terminal through the first connection identifier.

[0159] For example, when the first functional network element is an SMF network element and the second functional network element is a UPF network element, the first connection identifier can be N4 Id.

[0160] As one possible implementation, the mapping relationship between auxiliary identification information and information of the third functional network element can be a direct mapping, such as represented as the identifier of the first terminal <-> the IP address / identifier of the third functional network element; or it can be an indirect mapping.

[0161] As one possible implementation, the first functional network element can send a service request message to the first agent network element, carrying the first mapping relationship in the service request message.

[0162] As one possible implementation, after receiving the first mapping relationship, the first agent network element can save the first mapping relationship, and subsequently perform uplink routing of information associated with auxiliary identification information between the first functional network element and the third functional network element based on the first mapping relationship.

[0163] As one possible implementation, the first agent network element also stores a second mapping relationship, which includes a mapping relationship between auxiliary identification information and information of the first functional network element. This second mapping relationship is used by the first agent network element to perform downlink routing of information (such as signaling / data) associated with auxiliary identification information between the first functional network element and the third functional network element.

[0164] For example, uplink can refer to the transmission direction from the first functional network element to the third functional network element, and downlink can refer to the transmission direction from the third functional network element to the first functional network element.

[0165] Optionally, after step S804a, when the first functional network element and the third functional network element serve the first terminal, the first proxy network element may send information about the first terminal to the third functional network element. For example, the information about the first terminal may include the aforementioned auxiliary identification information, and may also include other relevant information about the first terminal, without limitation. When the first functional network element and the third functional network element serve other objects (such as network elements), the first proxy network element may send information about that object to the third functional network element.

[0166] Furthermore, a second connection can be established between the first agent network element and the third functional network element. This second connection corresponds to the first connection (i.e., the connection between the first agent network element and the first functional network element), and both serve the same object (such as the first terminal) for signaling / data transmission associated with that object.

[0167] S805. The first functional network element sends the first signaling / data to the first agent network element. Correspondingly, the first agent network element receives the first signaling / data from the first functional network element. The first signaling / data is associated with auxiliary identification information.

[0168] As one possible implementation, the first functional network element sends a first message to the first agent network element, carrying first signaling / data and auxiliary identification information in the first message.

[0169] S806. The first agent network element sends the first signaling / data to the third functional network element according to the first mapping relationship. Correspondingly, the third functional network element receives the first signaling / data from the first agent network element.

[0170] As one possible implementation, after receiving the first signaling / data, the first agent network element can know that the first signaling / data is associated with the auxiliary identification information, thereby finding the mapping relationship (i.e. the first mapping relationship) including the auxiliary identification information, and sending the first signaling / data to the third functional network element indicated by the first mapping relationship.

[0171] In one possible implementation, step S805 can be replaced by: the first functional network element sending a first message to the first proxy network element, the first message carrying first signaling / data and information about the third functional network element, whereby the information about the third functional network element can be understood as the destination or recipient information of the first signaling / data. In this scenario, step S806 can be replaced by: the first proxy network element sending the first signaling / data to the third functional network element based on the information of the third functional network element. That is, the first proxy network element forwards the first signaling / data to the destination based on the destination information indicated by the first functional network element. In this case, it can be considered that the first proxy network element completely trusts the first functional network element.

[0172] Furthermore, the third functional network element can send a second signaling / data to the first agent network element, which is associated with auxiliary identification information. After receiving the second signaling / data, the first agent network element can send the second signaling / data to the first functional network element according to the second mapping relationship. Please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S805-S806 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0173] S804b: The first functional network element sends first signaling / data to the third functional network element. Correspondingly, the third functional network element receives the first signaling / data from the first functional network element. The first signaling / data is associated with auxiliary identification information.

[0174] For example, a first functional network element can send a first message to a third functional network element, the first message carrying signaling / data associated with the first terminal, and the destination IP address of the first message being the IP address of the third functional network element.

[0175] In addition, the third functional network element can send a second signaling / data to the first functional network element, which is associated with auxiliary identification information.

[0176] Based on the above scheme, the network storage function element can return information of at least one second function element to the first function element based on the first information of the first function element, so that the first function element can determine the third function element for final communication from at least one second function element. In other words, the network storage function element can help the first function element to perform preliminary screening, reduce the selection range when the first function element selects the first type of network element, and thus reduce the implementation complexity of the first function element.

[0177] Furthermore, communication between the first functional network element and the third functional network element can be proxied by the first proxy network element, avoiding direct connection between the first and third functional network elements. This allows the first functional network element to be unaware of the load of the third functional network element, enabling it to focus more on business-related processes and thus improve business performance.

[0178] The overall process of the communication method provided in this application has been described above. The implementation of the first information and the network storage function element will be described in detail below.

[0179] In one possible implementation, the first information includes a first parameter, which includes at least one of the following: the type of the second functional network element, the required capabilities of the second functional network element, the type of the first service, the type of the first functional network element, the identifier of the first functional network element, the IP address of the first functional network element, the capabilities of the first functional network element, the dynamic load of one or more second functional network elements, the load analysis of one or more second functional network elements, the capabilities of one or more second functional network elements, the location of one or more second functional network elements, the identifier of one or more second functional network elements, the IP address of one or more second functional network elements, the location of the first terminal, the functions required for the session of the first terminal, the data network name (DNN), the identifier of the first network slice, the type of the PDU session of the first terminal, the subscription profile of the first terminal, the access technology used by the first terminal, auxiliary identification information, the relative static capabilities between second functional network elements supporting the same data network, the SSC mode of the PDU session of the first terminal, the data network access identifier (DNAI) contained in the policy and charging control (PCC) rules, or the local processing policy.

[0180] It should be noted that the second functional network element mentioned in the first information can also be understood as a type of functional network element, namely the first type of network element, and does not specifically refer to a particular functional network element.

[0181] As one possible implementation, the type of the second functional network element is the first type. When the first information includes the type of the second functional network element, the network storage function network element can determine that it needs to return information about a network element of the first type to the first functional network element, thereby identifying at least one second functional network element among the network elements of the first type.

[0182] As one possible implementation, the capability of the required second functional network element (denoted as the first capability) can be understood as follows: the first functional network element requests the network storage functional network element to return a second functional network element with that capability, or the first functional network element needs to communicate with a second functional network element that possesses that capability. When the first information includes the capability of the required second functional network element, at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage functional network element possesses that first capability.

[0183] As one possible implementation, the type of the first service is the type of service requested by the first terminal. When the first information includes the type of the first service, at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage function element can provide or serve that first service.

[0184] In one possible implementation, if the first information includes at least one of the following: the type of the first functional network element, the identifier of the first functional network element, the IP address of the first functional network element, and the capabilities of the first functional network element, then at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage function network element matches the at least one of these.

[0185] For example, a network storage function element can determine, based on the type or identifier of a first function element, the need to return a second function element that can communicate with or has an interface with the first function element; it can return a second function element with an IP address that is in the same network segment or has similar attributes based on the IP address of the first function element.

[0186] As one possible implementation, the dynamic load, load analysis, capacity, and location of one or more second functional network elements can be determined by the first functional network element based on historical information. For example, before step S801, the first functional network element connects or communicates with one or more second functional network elements to obtain information such as the dynamic load, load analysis, capacity, and location of the one or more second functional network elements. The at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage function network element may include some or all of the one or more second functional network elements, or it may not include any of the one or more second functional network elements.

[0187] As one possible implementation, the identifier or IP address of one or more second functional network elements can be understood as the default identifier or IP address of the second functional network element set or indicated by the first functional network element, instructing or requesting the network storage function network element to select a second functional network element with that identifier or IP address. For example, the identifier or IP address of the one or more second functional network elements may be obtained by the first functional network element during historical communication.

[0188] As one possible implementation, the location of the first terminal can be reported by the first terminal. When the first information includes the location of the first terminal, at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage function network element can serve the location of the first terminal; in other words, the area served by the at least one second functional network element includes the location of the first terminal.

[0189] As one possible implementation, the functionality required by the first terminal's session can be understood as the functionality required by the first service requested by the first terminal. In this scenario, the functionality of at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage function network element matches or includes the functionality required by the session.

[0190] As one possible implementation, the data network name can be understood as the name of the data network connected to by the second functional network element. In this scenario, at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage function network element connects to the data network corresponding to this data network name.

[0191] As one possible implementation, the identifier of the first network slice is the identifier of the network slice corresponding to the service requested by the first terminal. In this scenario, at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage function network element corresponds to or can serve the network slice.

[0192] As one possible implementation, the PDU session type of the first terminal can be IPv4, IPv6, etc. In this scenario, at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage function network element can serve this type of PDU session.

[0193] As one possible implementation, the subscription profile of the first terminal (i.e., UE subscription profile) can be the subscription profile of the first terminal stored in the UDM, which can indicate the services subscribed to by the first terminal. The network storage function element can return the second function element that provides or serves the services subscribed to by the first terminal.

[0194] As one possible implementation, the access technology used by the first terminal may include 3GPP access technologies, such as 4G, 5G or future mobile communication access technologies; or it may include non-3GPP technologies, such as Wi-Fi.

[0195] In one possible implementation, the network storage function element can determine at least one second function element based on the first parameter. For example, the first parameter may be reported by the first function element, such as being carried in the first information, or the first parameter may be obtained by the network storage function element through other means; this application does not specifically limit this. The first parameter can be referred to the relevant descriptions above, and will not be repeated here.

[0196] As one possible implementation, the network storage function element determines at least one second functional network element based on the first parameter. This can be understood as follows: when determining at least one second functional network element, the network storage function element may consider at least one of the following factors: the dynamic load of the second functional network element, the load analysis of the second functional network element, the capabilities of the second functional network element, the location of the second functional network element, the location of the first terminal, the functions required by the first terminal's session, the DNN, the identifier of the first network slice, the type of the first terminal's PDU session, the first terminal's subscription configuration file, the access technology used by the first terminal, auxiliary identification information, the relative static capabilities between second functional network elements supporting the same data network, the SSC mode of the first terminal's PDU session, the DNAI contained in the PCC rule, or the local processing strategy. Please refer to the relevant explanations above; further details will not be provided here.

[0197] In one possible implementation, the first functional network element can be understood as a consumer, and the second functional network element can be understood as a producer. In the above scheme, the first functional network element (i.e., the consumer) sends first information to the network storage functional network element, the network storage functional network element returns information from at least one second functional network element (i.e., the producer), and the first functional network element determines the third functional network element from these at least one second functional network element. Subsequently, as... Figure 9 As shown in (a), the first functional network element and the third functional network element communicate directly; or, as shown in (a), Figure 9 As shown in (b), the first functional network element sends the first mapping relationship to the first proxy network element and communicates with the third functional network element through the first proxy network element.

[0198] The above Figure 8 In the illustrated scheme, the first functional network element determines the specific functional network element with which it will ultimately communicate. Furthermore, this application also provides a communication method in which the final specific functional network element can be determined by a first proxy network element. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0199] S1001, The first functional network element is determined to communicate with the first type of network element.

[0200] As one possible implementation, the communication between the first functional network element and the first type of network element can be associated with the first terminal. That is, the first functional network element determines that it needs to conduct communication with the first type of network element associated with the first terminal.

[0201] As another possible implementation, the communication between the first functional network element and the first type of network element can be associated with other objects (such as network elements). That is, the communication between the first functional network element and the first type of network element is independent of the terminal, but is related to other objects (such as network elements). For details on the two possible implementations above, please refer to the relevant descriptions in step S801 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0202] S1002, the first functional network element sends first information to the first agent network element. Correspondingly, the first agent network element receives the first information from the first functional network element.

[0203] The first information is used to select a third functional network element, or to request the selection of a third functional network element. The type of the third functional network element is type 1. Therefore, it can also be considered that the first information is used to (request) the selection of a network element of type 1.

[0204] The first agent network element is used for routing between the first functional network element and the third functional network element. The third functional network element can be understood as the network element ultimately determined by the first agent network element based on the first information.

[0205] As one possible implementation, in step S1001, if the first functional network element determines that it needs to communicate with a first type of network element associated with the first terminal, the first information is used to select a third functional network element for the first terminal, or to request the selection of a third functional network element for the first terminal. For example, the first functional network element may send a service request message to the first proxy network element, carrying the first information in the service request message.

[0206] For example, in this possible implementation, the first information may include auxiliary identification information. The auxiliary identification information may be an identifier associated with the object served by the first functional network element and the third functional network element. For example, when the first functional network element and the third functional network element are used to serve the first terminal, the auxiliary identification information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, or the identifier of the first connection. Refer to the relevant description in step S804a above; it will not be repeated here.

[0207] As one possible implementation, the first information may also include a second parameter, which includes at least one of the following: indication information of the first type, the required capabilities of the first type of network element, the type of the first service, the type of the first functional network element, the identifier of the first functional network element, the IP address of the first functional network element, the capabilities of the first functional network element, the dynamic load of one or more first type of network elements, the load analysis of one or more first type of network elements, the capabilities of one or more first type of network elements, the location of one or more first type of network elements, the identifier of one or more first type of network elements, the IP address of one or more first type of network elements, the location of the first terminal, the functions required for the session of the first terminal, the DNN, the identifier of the first network slice, the type of the PDU session of the first terminal, the subscription profile of the first terminal, the access technology used by the first terminal, the relative static capabilities between second functional network elements supporting the same data network, the SSC mode of the PDU session of the first terminal, the DNAI contained in the PCC rule, or the local processing policy. Refer to the relevant descriptions of the first parameter above; they will not be repeated here.

[0208] As one possible implementation, such as Figure 10 As shown, prior to step S1002, the communication method may further include the following steps:

[0209] S1000a, the first functional network element sends second information to the network storage functional network element. Correspondingly, the network storage functional network element receives the second information from the first functional network element. The second information is used to select a network element of the first type. The implementation of the second information can be referred to the above. Figure 8 The relevant explanations of the first information in the method shown will not be repeated here.

[0210] S1000b: The network storage function network element sends third information to the first function network element. Correspondingly, the first function network element receives the third information from the network storage function network element. The third information includes information from at least one second function network element, and the second function network element is of type first. The implementation of step S1000b can be found in the relevant description of step S802 above, and the implementation of the third information can be found in... Figure 8 The relevant explanations of the second information in the method shown will not be repeated here.

[0211] S1000c, the first functional network element determines a second functional network element group based on information from at least one second functional network element. The second functional network element group includes some or all of the second functional network elements in the at least one second functional network element.

[0212] In this possible implementation, the first information may include information about the second functional network element group, which can be used to (request) the selection of a third functional network element for the first terminal within the second functional network element group. The information about the second functional network element group includes information about each second functional network element within the group.

[0213] In other words, the first functional network element can first request a first type of network element from the network storage functional network element, determine a second functional network element group from at least one second functional network element returned by the network storage functional network element, and then request the first agent network element to determine a third functional network element from the second functional network element group.

[0214] S1003, the first agent network element determines the third functional network element based on the first information.

[0215] As one possible implementation, the first agent network element can determine the third functional network element based on the second parameter. The second parameter can be reported by the first functional network element, such as being carried in the first information, or it can be obtained by the first agent network element through other means. The implementation of the first agent network element determining the third functional network element can be found above. Figure 8 The explanation regarding the determination of at least one second functional network element by the network storage function network element in the method shown, when the first information includes different first parameters, will not be repeated here.

[0216] As one possible implementation, before step S1003, the first agent network element can obtain information about the first type of network element. In step S1003, the first agent network element determines the third functional network element based on the information about the first type of network element it has obtained and the first information.

[0217] For example, the first agent network element can request information about a first type of network element from the network storage function network element. For instance, the first agent network element can send a network element discovery message to the network storage function network element to request the discovery of a first type of network element. Correspondingly, the network storage function network element can return information about at least one first type of network element. In this case, the first type of network element needs to register with the network storage function network element and send its information to the network storage function network element. Refer to the relevant description in step S802 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0218] Alternatively, for example, the information of the first type of network element obtained by the first agent network element may be the information of the second functional network element group carried in the first information by the first functional network element. Alternatively, the information of the first type of network element may be pre-configured in the first agent network element.

[0219] As one possible implementation, the first agent network element can maintain / store a first mapping relationship and / or a second mapping relationship, where the auxiliary identification information in the first and second mapping relationships can be carried in the first information. Refer to the relevant description in step S804a above; it will not be repeated here.

[0220] Optionally, after step S1003, the communication method further includes the following steps S1004-S1005.

[0221] S1004. The first agent network element sends the fourth information to the third functional network element. Correspondingly, the third functional network element receives the fourth information from the first agent network element.

[0222] The fourth information can be used to request the third functional network element to serve the object associated with the auxiliary identification information. For example, the fourth information may include information about the first terminal, such as the IP address of the first terminal. Of course, it may also include other information about the first terminal, such as its identifier, without limitation.

[0223] As one possible implementation, the fourth information may also include auxiliary identification information. The information of the first terminal and / or the auxiliary identification information are used to indicate to the third functional network element the object served by the third functional network element. In addition, the fourth information may also include information of the first functional network element.

[0224] As one possible implementation, a second connection can be established between the first agent network element and the third functional network element. This second connection corresponds to the first connection (i.e., the connection between the first agent network element and the first functional network element), and both serve the same terminal (i.e., the first terminal) for signaling / data transmission associated with the first terminal.

[0225] As one possible implementation, the first agent network element can send a service request message to the third functional network element, carrying the aforementioned information in the service request message.

[0226] As one possible implementation, after step S1004, the third functional network element can send response information to the first agent network element, such as sending a response message carrying response information. This response information can be used to establish a second connection, or it can be used to indicate agreement to the object associated with the auxiliary identification information, etc., without limitation.

[0227] S1005. The first agent network element sends information about the third functional network element to the first functional network element. Correspondingly, the first functional network element receives the information about the third functional network element from the first agent network element.

[0228] For example, the information of the third-function network element may include the IP address and / or identifier of the third-function network element. Other information of the third-function network element may also be included, without limitation.

[0229] S1006. The first functional network element sends the first signaling / data to the first agent network element. Correspondingly, the first agent network element receives the first signaling / data from the first functional network element. The first signaling / data is associated with auxiliary identification information.

[0230] S1007. The first agent network element sends the first signaling / data to the third functional network element according to the first mapping relationship. Correspondingly, the third functional network element receives the first signaling / data from the first agent network element.

[0231] The specific implementation of steps S1006-S1007 can be found in the relevant descriptions of steps S805-S806 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0232] In one possible implementation, step S1006 can be replaced by: the first functional network element sending a first message to the first agent network element, the first message carrying first signaling / data and information of the third functional network element; step S1007 can be replaced by: the first agent network element sending the first signaling / data to the third functional network element based on the information of the third functional network element. Refer to the descriptions related to steps S805-S806 above; they will not be repeated here.

[0233] Furthermore, the third functional network element can send a second signaling / data to the first agent network element, which is associated with auxiliary identification information. After receiving the second signaling / data, the first agent network element can send the second signaling / data to the first functional network element according to the second mapping relationship. Please refer to the relevant descriptions of steps S805-S806 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the first functional network element can be understood as a consumer, and the second functional network element can be understood as a producer. In the above scheme, if... Figure 11 As shown in (a), a first functional network element (i.e., the consumer) sends second information to a network storage functional network element. The network storage functional network element returns information from at least one second functional network element (i.e., the producer). The first functional network element determines a group of second functional network elements from these at least one second functional network element and sends first information (carrying information about the group of second functional network elements) to a first agent network element. The first agent network element determines a third functional network element and sends fourth information to the third functional network element, including information about the first terminal, etc. The third functional network element can reply with response information to the first agent network element, and the first agent network element sends information about the third functional network element to the first functional network element. Subsequently, the first functional network element sends signaling / data to the first agent network element, and the first agent network element forwards the signaling / data to the third functional network element.

[0235] Or, such as Figure 11As shown in (b), the first functional network element (i.e., the consumer) sends first information to the first agent network element. Based on the first information, the first agent network element determines the third functional network element and sends fourth information, including information about the first terminal, to the third functional network element. The third functional network element can reply with response information to the first agent network element, and the first agent network element sends information about the third functional network element to the first functional network element. Subsequently, the first agent network element can route and forward signaling / data between the first and third functional network elements.

[0236] Based on the above scheme, the first proxy network element can determine the third functional network element that will ultimately communicate with the first functional network element based on the first information of the first functional network element. In other words, the first proxy network element can help the first functional network element filter network elements of the first type, eliminating the need for the first functional network element to make its own selection, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the first functional network element. Furthermore, communication between the first and third functional network elements can be handled by the first proxy network element, avoiding direct connection between them. This allows the first functional network element to remain unaware of the load on the third functional network element, enabling it to focus more on business processes and thus improving business performance.

[0237] In one possible implementation, taking the first functional network element as an SMF network element, the first type of network element as a UPF network element, and the first proxy network element as an SCP network element as an example. Figure 10 One application process of the method shown can be as follows: Figure 12 As shown. See also Figure 12 The process includes the following steps:

[0238] S1201, the SMF network element sends message a to the SCP network element. Correspondingly, the SCP network element receives message a from the SMF network element.

[0239] In this context, the destination IP address of message a is the IP address of the SCP network element. Message a includes first information, which includes auxiliary identification information. Further, the first information may also include second parameters, etc. Refer to the relevant explanation of the first information in step S1002 above; it will not be repeated here. For example, Figure 12 The following explanation uses auxiliary identification information as an example. Auxiliary identification information may include, for example, the identifier of the first terminal. Please refer to the previous explanation of auxiliary identification information, which will not be repeated here.

[0240] S1202, the SCP network element determines the UPF network element (denoted as UPF network element 1) based on the first information.

[0241] The SCP network element can query the network storage function network element to obtain information about multiple UPF network elements; or, it can obtain information about multiple UPF network elements through other means and select UPF network element 1 from multiple UPF network elements. Please refer to the relevant description in step S1003 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0242] The SCP network element also stores the mapping relationship between auxiliary identification information and information of UPF network element 1. For example, it stores the mapping relationship between the identifier of the first terminal and the IP address of UPF network element 1.

[0243] S1203, SCP network element sends message b to UPF network element 1. Correspondingly, UPF network element 1 receives message b from SCP network element.

[0244] Message b includes fourth information, which includes information about the first terminal, such as its IP address. Additionally, the fourth information may also include information about SMF network elements, auxiliary identification information, etc., as explained in step S1004 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0245] As one possible implementation, after step S1203, UPF network element 1 can send a response message to the SCP network element. The SCP network element can then return information about UPF network element 1 to the SMF network element. Subsequently, the SCP network element can route signaling / data between the SMF network element and UPF network element 1.

[0246] In one possible implementation, taking the first functional network element as a UPF network element, the first type of network element as an SMF network element, and the first proxy network element as an SCP network element as an example. Figure 10 One application process of the method shown can be as follows: Figure 13 As shown. See also Figure 13 The process includes the following steps:

[0247] S1301, the UPF network element sends message a' to the SCP network element. Correspondingly, the SCP network element receives message a' from the UPF network element.

[0248] In this context, the destination IP address of message a' is the IP address of the SCP network element. Message a' includes first information, which includes auxiliary identification information. Further, the first information may also include second parameters, etc. Refer to the relevant explanation of the first information in step S1002 above; it will not be repeated here. For example, Figure 13 The following explanation uses auxiliary identification information as an example. Auxiliary identification information may include, for example, the identifier of the first terminal. Please refer to the previous explanation of auxiliary identification information, which will not be repeated here.

[0249] S1302. The SCP network element determines the SMF network element (denoted as SMF network element 1) based on the first information.

[0250] The SCP network element can query the network storage function network element to obtain information about multiple SMF network elements; or, it can obtain information about multiple SMF network elements through other means and select SMF network element 1 from multiple SMF network elements. Please refer to the relevant description in step S1003 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0251] The SCP network element also stores the mapping relationship between auxiliary identification information and SMF network element 1. For example, it stores the mapping relationship between the identifier of the first terminal and the IP address of SMF network element 1.

[0252] S1303, SCP element sends message b' to SMF element 1. Correspondingly, SMF element 1 receives message b' from SCP element.

[0253] Message b' includes fourth information, which includes information about the first terminal, such as its IP address and SUPI. Additionally, the fourth information may also include information about the UPF network element and auxiliary identification information.

[0254] As one possible implementation, after step S1303, SMF network element 1 can send a response message to the SCP network element. The SCP network element can then return information about SMF network element 1 to the UPF network element. Subsequently, the SCP network element can route signaling / data between SMF network element 1 and the UPF network element.

[0255] As mentioned earlier, when subnet network elements are deployed at the lower level, but there is no direct connection between the subnet network elements and the RAN, and communication between them is forwarded through the main network element, the IP addresses of both the subnet network elements and the main network element will be exposed, posing a security risk. Furthermore, in the aforementioned... Figures 10-13 In the illustrated scheme, when the first functional network element and the second functional network element are deployed in different networks, such as the first functional network element being deployed in the first network and the second functional network element being deployed in the second network, if the first proxy network element is deployed in the first network, then the first proxy network element will be aware of the IP address of the second functional network element in the second network, which poses a risk of exposing the network topology of the second network; if the first proxy network element is deployed in the second network, then the first proxy network element will be aware of the IP address of the first functional network element in the first network, which poses a risk of exposing the network topology of the first network.

[0256] Based on this, this application provides another communication method in which, when the first functional network element is deployed in the first network and the second functional network element is deployed in the second network, two levels of proxy network elements are deployed, namely, the first proxy network element is deployed in the first network and the second proxy network element is deployed in the second network, respectively, to shield the topology of the first network and the topology of the second network, thereby improving security performance.

[0257] As a possible implementation, compared to Figures 10-13 The scheme shown updates the communication method from deploying a single-level proxy network element between the first and second functional network elements to deploying two levels of proxy network elements. Taking the first functional network element as an SMF network element and the second functional network element as a UPF network element as an example, the deployment change of the communication proxy network element can be as follows: Figure 14 As shown below, the deployment (or selection) process for two-level agent network elements is explained. Figure 15 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0258] S1501, the first terminal sends first information to the first functional network element. Correspondingly, the first functional network element receives the first information from the first terminal.

[0259] The first information is used to instruct the first terminal to request access to the second network. The first functional network element is deployed in the first network; this first functional network element can be a control plane network element or a user plane network element, as described above. Figure 7 The relevant explanations for the system shown will not be repeated here.

[0260] In one possible implementation, the first terminal sends first information to the first functional network element through an access network element. The first functional network element receives the first information from the first terminal through the access network element. For example, the first terminal first sends the first information to the access network element, and the access network element then transparently transmits the first information to the first functional network element.

[0261] Furthermore, there may be other functional network elements between the access network element and the first functional network element. The access network element can forward the first information to the first functional network element through these other functional network elements. For example, taking the first functional network element as the SMF network element, the first terminal can send the first information to the access network element, the access network element sends the first information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element then sends the first information to the first functional network element.

[0262] As one possible implementation, the first terminal sends an initial UE message, which carries first information.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the first information includes network indication information, which indicates the type of network requested for access. For example, if the network type includes a main network and a subnet, the network indication information indicates whether access is requested to the main network or the subnet. Furthermore, the network indication information may also indicate the network requested for access, such as a second network.

[0264] For example, taking a first network type as the first network type and a second network type as the second network type, the following embodiments of this application use network indication information to indicate a request to access a network of the second network type. Furthermore, it can also indicate which second network type of network is requested to be accessed.

[0265] As one possible implementation, the network indication information may include an identifier of a second network. This identifier may indicate that the requested network type is a second network type (i.e., a second network type), or it may indicate that the request is for access to a second network.

[0266] For example, the first network and the second network may provide different services. The first terminal may pre-obtain the services provided by the first network and the services provided by the second network. For instance, the terminal may maintain a mapping relationship between network identifiers and service identifiers provided by the networks. Therefore, the first terminal may first determine whether the requested service or the signaling / data associated service to be sent is a service in the first network or a service in the second network, and then send first information carrying the corresponding network identifier. This application uses the example of a first terminal requesting access to a first service in the second network for illustration.

[0267] As one possible implementation, the network indication information may include an identifier of a service, which is the identifier of a service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access. For ease of description, the following embodiments of this application illustrate an example where the first terminal requests access to a first service in the second network, and the network indication information may include the identifier of the first service.

[0268] For example, the first network and the second network may provide different services. Therefore, the service identifier can indicate the corresponding network and also the type of the network. For instance, if the second network provides the first service, then carrying the identifier of the first service in the first information can indicate the second network and also indicate that the type of the network requested for access is the second network type.

[0269] As one possible implementation, services can be associated with network slices; therefore, the type and type of network can be indicated by the identifier of the network slice corresponding to the service. For example, network indication information can carry the identifier of the first network slice corresponding to the first service.

[0270] As one possible implementation, the network indication information may include the identifier of the task. In this embodiment, a service may include at least one task; for example, service 1 may include task 1, task 2, task 3, etc. The first network and the second network may be used to implement different tasks of the same service, or to implement different tasks of different services. In this scenario, when the service requested by the first terminal includes multiple tasks, the network indication information may include the identifier of at least one task in the service to identify the task associated with this service request. For example, if the first service requested by the first terminal includes a first task, the network indication information may include the identifier of the first task.

[0271] For example, since the first network and the second network can be used to perform different tasks, the corresponding network can also be indicated by the task identifier. For instance, if the second network provides the first task of the first service and the first network provides the second task of the first service, then carrying the identifier of the first task in the first information can indicate the second network, and can also indicate that the type of the network requested for access is the second network type.

[0272] As one possible implementation, the first network and the second network can each assign different terminal identifiers / IP addresses to the first terminal. In this scenario, the network indication information can include the terminal identifier / IP address of the first terminal in a certain network, indicating the network through the terminal identifier / IP address of the first terminal in that network.

[0273] For example, the first network assigns terminal identifier 1 / IP address 1 to the first terminal (which can be understood as the terminal identifier / IP address of the first terminal in the first network), and the second network assigns terminal identifier 2 / IP address 2 to the first terminal (which can be understood as the terminal identifier / IP address of the first terminal in the second network). The first terminal can first determine whether the requested service is a service in the first network or a service in the second network, and carry the corresponding terminal identifier / IP address in the first information. For example, if the first terminal determines that it is requesting access to a service in the first network, then the first information carries terminal identifier 1 / IP address 1; if the first terminal determines that it is requesting access to a service in the second network, then the first information carries terminal identifier 2 / IP address 2.

[0274] In summary, the network indication information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the second network, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the terminal identifier of the first terminal in the second network, and the IP address of the first terminal in the second network.

[0275] It is understood that the network indication information includes at least one of the above, and it can also be understood that the first information includes at least one of the above, that is, the first information includes at least one of the following: the identifier of the second network, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the terminal identifier of the first terminal in the second network, and the IP address of the first terminal in the second network.

[0276] For example, the first service is a service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access, indicating that the current request is associated with the first service, or in other words, a request associated with the first service. The first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, indicating that the current request is a request associated with the first network slice. The first task is a task in the first service, indicating that the current request is a request associated with the first task.

[0277] S1502, The first functional network element determines the first agent network element based on the first information.

[0278] The first proxy network element is deployed in the first network. It is used to forward signaling / data between network elements in the first network (such as the first functional network element) and the second proxy network element. The second proxy network element is deployed in the second network. It is used for routing between network elements in the second network and the first proxy network element.

[0279] In one possible implementation, the first functional network element can obtain information from at least one third proxy network element, and determine the first proxy network element based on the first information and the information of the at least one third proxy network element. The first proxy network element is one of the at least one third proxy network elements. That is, the first functional network element can determine the first proxy network element from at least one third proxy network element based on the first information and the information of the at least one third proxy network element.

[0280] As one possible implementation, the information of the third agent network element indicates at least one of the following: the identifier of the third agent network element, the IP address of the third agent network element, the network to which the third agent network element belongs, the type of the network to which the third agent network element corresponds (or is connected), the identifier of the network to which the third agent network element corresponds (or is connected), the terminal served by the third agent network element, the service corresponding to the third agent network element, or the task corresponding to the third agent network element, etc.

[0281] For example, the network to which the third agent network element belongs can be understood as the network in which the third agent network element is deployed. For instance, if the third agent network element is deployed in the first network, then the network to which the third agent network element belongs is the first network.

[0282] For example, the network corresponding to (or connected to) the third agent network element is different from the first network. The correspondence / connection of the third agent network element to the network can be understood as: communicating with the network through the third agent network element, or being able to communicate with network elements in the network, or the third agent network element being used to forward signaling / data between network elements in the first network and network elements in the network.

[0283] For example, the business / task corresponding to the third agent network element can be understood as: the business / task served by the third agent network element, or the business / task supported by the third agent network element.

[0284] For example, different third-party network elements may correspond to (or connect to) different networks, serve different terminals, or correspond to different services or tasks. For instance, the information of a third-party network element may indicate the information shown in at least one column of Table 1.

[0285] Table 1

[0286]

[0287] As one possible implementation, the first agent network element is at least one of the third agent network elements, and the network to which it belongs is a first network. For example, based on the example shown in Table 1 above, the first agent network element can be third agent network element 1 or third agent network element 2.

[0288] As one possible implementation, where the first information includes the identifier of the second network and the information of the third proxy network element indicates the network corresponding to the third proxy network element, the first proxy network element is one of at least one third proxy network element whose corresponding network is the second network. For example, based on the example shown in Table 1 above, the first proxy network element can be third proxy network element 1 or third proxy network element 2.

[0289] As one possible implementation, where the first information includes the identifier of the first service, and the information of the third agent network element indicates the service corresponding to the third agent network element, then the first agent network element is one of at least one third agent network element whose corresponding service is the first service. For example, based on the example shown in Table 1 above, the first agent network element can be third agent network element 1.

[0290] Understandably, the first functional network element can combine multiple parameters indicated by the information of the third agent network element to determine the first agent network element from at least one third agent network element.

[0291] Based on the above example, if the first information includes the identifier of the second network, the first functional network element can select either the third proxy network element 1 or the third proxy network element 2 as the first proxy network element. Furthermore, if the first information includes the identifier of the first service, and the first service is service 1, the first functional network element selects the third proxy network element 1 as the first proxy network element; if the first service is service 2, the first functional network element selects the third proxy network element 2 as the first proxy network element.

[0292] As one possible implementation, the information of at least one third agent network element can be pre-configured in the first functional network element, such as through the operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network element.

[0293] As another possible implementation, the first functional network element can send first network element discovery information to the network storage functional network element to request information from the proxy network element; after receiving the first network element discovery information, the network storage functional network element can send information from at least one third proxy network element to the first functional network element, and correspondingly, the first functional network element receives the information from the at least one third proxy network element from the network storage functional network element.

[0294] Optionally, the first network element discovery information may include the identifier of the first network, used to request information about agent network elements deployed in the first network. In this case, the network storage function network element returns information about the third agent network elements deployed in the first network. For example, it returns information about third agent network element 1 and third agent network element 2.

[0295] In this implementation, the third agent network element can register with the network storage function network element when it starts up or goes online. For example, it can send a registration message to the network storage function network element, which carries the information of the third agent network element. The network storage function network element can then store or maintain this information.

[0296] S1503, the first functional network element sends the second information to the first agent network element. Correspondingly, the first agent network element receives the second information from the first functional network element.

[0297] The second information indicates that the first terminal requests access to the second network. For example, the second information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the second network, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the terminal identifier of the first terminal in the second network, and the IP address of the first terminal in the second network. Please refer to the relevant description in step S1501 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] S1504. The first agent network element determines the second agent network element based on the second information.

[0299] The second agent network element is deployed in the second network and is used to forward signaling / data between the first agent network element and network elements in the second network.

[0300] In one possible implementation, the first agent network element can obtain information from at least one fourth agent network element, and determine the second agent network element from the at least one fourth agent network element based on the second information and the information of the at least one fourth agent network element.

[0301] As one possible implementation, the information of the fourth proxy network element indicates at least one of the following: the identifier of the fourth proxy network element, the IP address of the fourth proxy network element, the network to which the fourth proxy network element belongs, the type of network to which the fourth proxy network element corresponds / connects, the terminal served by the fourth proxy network element, the service corresponding to the fourth proxy network element, or the task corresponding to the fourth proxy network element, etc. The relevant descriptions of the information of the fourth proxy network element can be referred to in step S1502 above, which describes the information of the third proxy network element, and will not be repeated here. For example, different fourth proxy network elements may correspond to / connect to different networks, serve different terminals, or correspond to different services or tasks. For instance, the information of the fourth proxy network element may include information shown in at least one column of Table 2.

[0302] Table 2

[0303]

[0304] As one possible implementation, the second agent network element is at least one of the fourth agent network elements, and the corresponding network is a fourth agent network element of the first network. For example, based on the example shown in Table 2 above, the second agent network element can be fourth agent network element 1 or fourth agent network element 2.

[0305] As one possible implementation, the second information includes the identifier of the second network. If the information of the fourth agent network element indicates the network to which the fourth agent network element belongs, then the second agent network element is one of at least one fourth agent network element whose network is the second network. For example, based on the examples shown in Table 2 above, the second agent network element can be fourth agent network element 1 or fourth agent network element 2.

[0306] As one possible implementation, if the second information includes the identifier of the first service and the information of the fourth agent network element indicates the service corresponding to the fourth agent network element, then the second agent network element is at least one of the fourth agent network elements whose corresponding service is the first service. For example, based on the example shown in Table 2 above, the second agent network element can be fourth agent network element 1.

[0307] Understandably, the first agent network element can combine multiple parameters indicated by the information of the fourth agent network element to determine the second agent network element from at least one fourth agent network element.

[0308] Based on the above example, if the second information includes the identifier of the second network, then the first agent network element can select either the fourth agent network element 1 or the fourth agent network element 2 as the second agent network element. Furthermore, if the second information includes the identifier of the first service, and the first service is service 1, then the first agent network element selects the fourth agent network element 1 as the second agent network element; if the first service is service 2, then the first agent network element selects the fourth agent network element 2 as the second agent network element.

[0309] As one possible implementation, the information of at least one fourth agent network element can be pre-configured in the first agent network element, such as through the OAM network element. In this scenario, the first agent network element obtains the pre-configured information of the at least one fourth agent network element.

[0310] As another possible implementation, the first agent network element can send second network element discovery information to the network storage function network element to request information from the agent network element; after receiving the second network element discovery information, the network storage function network element can send information from at least one fourth agent network element to the first agent network element, and correspondingly, the first agent network element receives the information from the at least one fourth agent network element from the network storage function network element.

[0311] Optionally, the second network element discovery information may include the identifier of the second network, used to request information about agent network elements deployed in the second network. In this case, the network storage function network element returns information about the fourth agent network element deployed in the second network. For example, it returns information about fourth agent network element 1 and fourth agent network element 2.

[0312] In this implementation, the fourth agent network element can register with the network storage function network element when it starts up or goes online. For example, it can send a registration message to the network storage function network element, which carries the information of the fourth agent network element. The network storage function network element can then store or maintain the information of the fourth agent network element.

[0313] S1505, the first agent network element sends third information to the second agent network element. Correspondingly, the second agent network element receives the third information from the first agent network element.

[0314] The third information indicates that the first terminal requests access to the second network. This third information can also be used by the second agent network element to select a second functional network element, which is deployed in the second network. The second functional network element can be a user plane network element or a control plane network element, as described above. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of the system shown will not be repeated here.

[0315] For example, the third information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the second network, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the terminal identifier of the first terminal in the second network, and the IP address of the first terminal in the second network. Please refer to the relevant description in step S1501 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0316] As one possible implementation, the third information also includes a first parameter, which can be used to assist in determining the second functional network element. For example, the first parameter includes at least one of the following:

[0317] The types of second functional network elements, the required capabilities of second functional network elements, the type of the first service, the type of the first functional network element, the identifier of the first functional network element, the IP address of the first functional network element, the capabilities of the first functional network element, the dynamic load of one or more second functional network elements, the load analysis of one or more second functional network elements, the capabilities of one or more second functional network elements, the location of one or more second functional network elements, the identifier of one or more second functional network elements, the IP address of one or more second functional network elements, the location of the first terminal, the functions required for the first terminal's session, DNN, the identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the identifier of the first connection, the type of the first terminal's PDU session, the first terminal's subscription configuration file, the access technology used by the first terminal, the relative static capabilities between second functional network elements supporting the same data network, the SSC mode of the first terminal's PDU session, the DNAI contained in the PCC rule, or the local processing policy. Refer to the relevant descriptions of the first parameters above; they will not be repeated here.

[0318] For example, some or all of the parameters in the first parameter may be sent by the first terminal to the first functional network element, and then sent by the first functional network element to the first agent network element. Alternatively, some or all of the parameters in the first parameter may be provided by the first functional network element or the first agent network element. Alternatively, the third information may not include the first parameter, and the second agent network element may obtain the first parameter itself, without restriction.

[0319] S1506. The second agent network element determines the second functional network element based on the third information.

[0320] The second functional network element is deployed in the second network. This second functional network element can be a user plane network element or a control plane network element, as described above. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of the system shown will not be repeated here.

[0321] In one possible implementation, the second agent network element can obtain information from at least one fourth functional network element, and determine the second functional network element from the at least one fourth functional network element based on the third information and the information of the at least one fourth functional network element.

[0322] As one possible implementation, the information of the fourth functional network element indicates at least one of the following: the identifier of the fourth functional network element, the IP address of the fourth functional network element, the network to which the fourth functional network element belongs, the terminal served by the fourth functional network element, the service corresponding to the fourth functional network element, the task corresponding to the fourth functional network element, and the capabilities of the fourth functional network element.

[0323] For example, different fourth-function network elements may be deployed on different networks, or serve different terminals, or correspond to different services or tasks.

[0324] In one possible implementation, the third information includes the identifier of the second network, and the information of the fourth functional network element indicates the network to which the fourth functional network element belongs. In this case, the second functional network element is at least one fourth functional network element, and the network to which it belongs is a fourth functional network element of the second network.

[0325] In one possible implementation, the second information includes the identifier of the first service. If the information of the fourth functional network element indicates the service corresponding to the fourth functional network element, then the second functional network element is at least one of the fourth functional network elements, and the corresponding service is a fourth functional network element of the first service.

[0326] Understandably, the first proxy network element can determine the second functional network element from at least one fourth functional network element by combining multiple parameters indicated by the information from the fourth functional network element. Refer to the explanation in step S1504 above, where the first proxy network element determines the second proxy network element based on the second information; it will not be repeated here. As one possible implementation, if the third information includes the first parameter, the second proxy network element can determine the second functional network element from at least one fourth functional network element by combining the first parameter and the information from at least one fourth functional network element. Refer to the above... Figure 8 The method shown, in which the network storage function element determines at least one second function element based on different first parameters, will not be elaborated further here.

[0327] As one possible implementation, the information of at least one fourth functional network element can be pre-configured in the second agent network element, such as through the OAM network element. In this scenario, the second agent network element obtains the pre-configured information of the at least one fourth functional network element.

[0328] As another possible implementation, the second agent network element can send third network element discovery information to the network storage function network element to request information from the function network element; after receiving the third network element discovery information, the network storage function network element can send information from at least one fourth function network element to the second agent network element, and correspondingly, the second agent network element receives the information from the network storage function network element.

[0329] Optionally, the third network element discovery information may include the identifier of the second network, used to request information about functional network elements deployed in the second network. In this case, the network storage functional network element returns information about the fourth functional network element deployed in the second network.

[0330] In this implementation, the fourth functional network element can register with the network storage functional network element when it starts up or goes online. For example, it can send a registration message to the network storage functional network element, which carries the information of the fourth functional network element. The network storage functional network element can then store or maintain this information.

[0331] S1507. The second agent network element sends the fourth information to the second functional network element. Correspondingly, the second functional network element receives the fourth information from the second agent network element.

[0332] The fourth piece of information indicates that the first terminal requests access to the second network. Alternatively, the fourth piece of information can be used to request the second functional network element to serve the first terminal.

[0333] For example, the fourth information may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the second network, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the terminal identifier of the first terminal in the second network, and the IP address of the first terminal in the second network. Please refer to the relevant description in step S1501 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0334] Optionally, after step S1507, the second functional network element may send response information to the second proxy network element. This response information indicates whether the network access request was successful or failed, or indicates acceptance or rejection of the network access request, or indicates permission or disallowance of access to the second network. In this embodiment, the example given is that the response information indicates a successful network access request, acceptance of the network access request, or permission to access the second network. For example, the response information may include the identifier (id) of the second functional network element.

[0335] Optionally, after receiving the response information from the second functional network element, the second proxy network element can return the identifier of the second functional network element to the first proxy network element. The first proxy network element can return the identifier of the second functional network element, the identifier of the second proxy network element, the IP address of the second proxy network element, and the IP address of the second network to the first functional network element. Furthermore, the first functional network element can return information such as the identifier of the second functional network element, the identifier of the second proxy network element, the IP address of the second proxy network element, and the IP address of the second network to the first terminal through the access network element.

[0336] For example, the IP address of the second network can be the IP address of the gateway of the second network, and the gateway of the second network can be a proxy network element (such as a second proxy network element) in the second network.

[0337] In one possible implementation, after step S1507, it can be considered that a transmission path of first functional network element -> first proxy network element -> second proxy network element -> second functional network element has been established, as well as a transmission path of second functional network element -> second proxy network element -> first proxy network element -> first functional network element has been established.

[0338] For ease of description, the transmission path from the first functional network element to the second functional network element can be referred to as the first transmission path, and the transmission direction from the first functional network element to the second functional network element can also be referred to as the first transmission direction, uplink, or uplink transmission direction. The transmission path from the second functional network element to the first functional network element can be referred to as the second transmission path, and the transmission direction from the second functional network element to the first functional network element can also be referred to as the second transmission direction, downlink, or downlink transmission direction.

[0339] As one possible implementation, the first transmission path can be used to transmit signaling / data, and the second transmission path can also be used to transmit signaling / data.

[0340] As another possible implementation, the first and second transmission paths are used for transmitting signaling, not for transmitting data. For example, when the first functional network element is a control plane network element and the second functional network element is a user plane network element, the first and second transmission paths are used for transmitting signaling, not for transmitting data.

[0341] In this scenario, the data transmission path can be: third functional network element -> first proxy network element -> second proxy network element -> second functional network element (referred to as the third transmission path), or: second functional network element -> second proxy network element -> first proxy network element -> third functional network element (referred to as the fourth transmission path). The third functional network element is the user plane network element deployed in the first network.

[0342] In this scenario, the first functional network element can send information from the third functional network element to the first agent network element. This information can be used to establish a connection between the third functional network element and the first agent network element, which can then be used for data routing in the second network.

[0343] For example, after receiving information from the third functional network element, the first agent network element can establish a connection between itself and the third functional network element based on that information. Furthermore, the first functional network element or the first agent network element can send information from the first agent network element to the third functional network element.

[0344] Based on the above scheme, the first functional network element can determine the first proxy network element, the first proxy network element can determine the second proxy network element, and the second proxy network element can determine the second functional network element. This enables the first proxy network element to route between the first functional network element and the second proxy network element, and the second proxy network element to route between the first proxy network element and the second functional network element. This allows communication between the first and second functional network elements deployed in the two networks to be routed through two levels of proxy network elements. In this process, the first network exposes the IP address of the first proxy network element, and the second network exposes the IP address of the second proxy network element. The IP addresses of the functional network elements in both networks are not exposed, thus masking the topology of the first and second networks and improving network security.

[0345] In one possible implementation, through the above scheme, each functional network element and proxy network element can maintain / establish the mapping relationship shown in Table 3 below, so as to perform subsequent signaling / data routing.

[0346] Table 3

[0347]

[0348]

[0349] As one possible implementation, auxiliary identification information is used to determine the next-hop node for signaling / data. Auxiliary identification information may include at least one of the following: the terminal identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the identifier of the first connection, the identifier of the second network, the IP address of the second network, the identifier of the second functional network element, the identifier of the second proxy network element, and the IP address of the second proxy network element.

[0350] The terminal identifier of the first terminal can be either the identifier of the first terminal in the first network or the identifier of the first terminal in the second network, without restriction.

[0351] The first connection identifier is either the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the first agent network element, or the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the second functional network element.

[0352] For example, the connection identifier between the first functional network element and the second functional network element can also be understood as an end-to-end connection identifier between the first functional network element and the second functional network element. The connection between the first functional network element and the second functional network element includes the connection between the first functional network element and the first agent network element, the connection between the first agent network element and the second agent network element, and the connection between the second agent network element and the second functional network element.

[0353] Among the above mapping relationships, the mapping relationship between auxiliary identification information and network element information can also be alternatively described as: the mapping relationship between auxiliary identification information and network element.

[0354] As one possible implementation, in the above mapping relationship, uplink refers to the transmission direction from the first / third functional network element to the second functional network element, and downlink refers to the transmission direction from the second functional network element to the first / third functional network element. Furthermore, the network element information in the above mapping relationship can be the network element's IP address and / or identifier, or other information capable of identifying the network element, without restriction.

[0355] As one possible implementation, the parameters included in the auxiliary identification information in the different mapping relationships described above can be the same or different. For example, the auxiliary identification information in the first mapping relationship includes the identifier of the first terminal, while the auxiliary identification information in the second mapping relationship includes the IP address of the first terminal.

[0356] As one possible implementation, the auxiliary identification information in the above mapping relationship can be received by the network element establishing the mapping relationship from other network elements, or it can be determined by the network element itself. For example, taking the first mapping relationship as an example, the identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first task in the auxiliary identification information of the first mapping relationship can be carried in the first information; the first connection identifier can be assigned by the first functional network element itself; the identifier of the second network, the identifier of the second functional network element, the identifier of the second proxy network element, the IP address of the second proxy network element, or the IP address of the second network can be returned by the first proxy network element.

[0357] For example, taking the second mapping relationship as an example, the identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the identifier of the first connection, and the identifier of the second network in the auxiliary identification information of the second mapping relationship can be received from the first functional network element; the IP address of the second network and the identifier of the second functional network element can be returned by the second proxy network element, that is, received from the second proxy network element.

[0358] As one possible implementation, the above mapping relationship can be established by the network element after obtaining the auxiliary identification information, for example, immediately after obtaining the auxiliary identification information; or immediately after obtaining some parameters in the auxiliary identification information, and updated after obtaining the remaining parameters in the auxiliary identification information, for example, by incorporating the newly obtained parameters into the auxiliary identification information; or it can be established when routing is required after obtaining the auxiliary identification information. This application does not specifically limit the timing of establishing the mapping relationship or the order in which the above mapping relationships are established.

[0359] As one possible implementation, in the above mapping relationships, the auxiliary identification information in the mapping relationship used for uplink routing can be called the first auxiliary identification information, such as the auxiliary identification information in the first, second, fourth, and eighth mapping relationships. The second mapping relationship can be established by the first proxy network element after receiving the second information and determining the second proxy network element based on the second information.

[0360] Furthermore, the auxiliary identification information in the mapping relationship used for downlink routing can be called second auxiliary identification information. For example, the auxiliary identification information in the third, seventh, fifth, and sixth mapping relationships can be called second auxiliary identification information. Among them, the fifth mapping relationship can be established by the second agent network element after receiving the third information, based on the third information. For example, the fifth mapping relationship is established based on the triggering of the third information.

[0361] It is understandable that the first auxiliary identifier information in the first, second, fourth, and eighth mapping relationships can be the same or different. Similarly, the second auxiliary identifier information in the third, seventh, fifth, and sixth mapping relationships can be the same or different. The first auxiliary identifier information and the second auxiliary identifier information can also be the same or different.

[0362] Taking the first network as the main network, the second network as the subnet, the first functional network element as the control plane network element, the second functional network element as the user plane network element, the first functional network element as the main network SM, the first proxy network element as the main network SCP, the second proxy network element as the subnet SCP, the second functional network element as the subnet UPF, and the third functional network element as the main network UPF, with the network element information being the network element's IP address, the above mapping relationship can be represented as:

[0363] Big Net SM:

[0364] Uplink: Auxiliary identification information -> Main network SCP IP address (first mapping relationship);

[0365] SCP:

[0366] Uplink: Auxiliary identification information -> Subnet SCP IP address (second mapping relationship);

[0367] Downlink: Auxiliary identification information -> Main network SM IP address (third mapping relationship), Auxiliary identification information -> Main network UPF IP address (seventh mapping relationship);

[0368] Subnet SCP:

[0369] Uplink: Auxiliary identification information -> Subnet UPF IP address (fourth mapping relationship);

[0370] Downlink: Auxiliary identification information -> Main network SCP IP address (fifth mapping relationship);

[0371] Subnet UPF:

[0372] Downlink: Auxiliary identification information -> Subnet SCP IP address (sixth mapping relationship);

[0373] UPF (Universal Power Grid)

[0374] Uplink: Auxiliary identification information -> Main network SCP IP address (eighth mapping relationship).

[0375] Taking the first network as the main network, the second network as the subnet, the first functional network element and the second functional network element as control plane network elements, the first functional network element as the main network AM / MM / SM, the first proxy network element as the main network SCP, the second proxy network element as the subnet SCP, and the second functional network element as the subnet AM / MM / SM, with the network element information being the network element's IP address, the above mapping relationship can be expressed as follows:

[0376] Big Net AM / MM / SM:

[0377] Uplink: Auxiliary identification information -> Main network SCP IP address (first mapping relationship);

[0378] SCP:

[0379] Uplink: Auxiliary identification information -> Subnet SCP IP address (second mapping relationship);

[0380] Downlink: Auxiliary identification information -> Main network AM / MM / SM IP address (third-party mapping relationship);

[0381] Subnet SCP:

[0382] Uplink: Auxiliary identification information -> Subnet AM / MM / SM IP address (fourth mapping relationship);

[0383] Downlink: Auxiliary identification information -> Main network SCP IP address (fifth mapping relationship);

[0384] Subnet AM / MM / SM:

[0385] Downlink: Auxiliary identification information -> Subnet SCP IP address (sixth mapping relationship).

[0386] In this example, the auxiliary identification information in the second mapping relationship may include, in addition to the information in the auxiliary identification information mentioned above, at least one of the following: the type of the main network AM / MM / SM, the identifier of the main network AM / MM / SM, the type of the sub-network AM / MM / SM, or the identifier of the sub-network AM / MM / SM.

[0387] In addition to the information in the above-mentioned auxiliary identification information, the auxiliary identification information in the fourth mapping relationship may also include at least one of the following: the type of the main network AM / MM / SM, the identifier of the main network AM / MM / SM, or the identifier of the sub-network AM / MM / SM.

[0388] As one possible implementation, the above mapping relationship can be used for signaling / data routing. For example, the signaling / data transmission path from the first functional network element to the second functional network element (i.e., the first transmission path) is: First functional network element -> First proxy network element -> Second proxy network element -> Second functional network element; or, the data transmission path from the third functional network element to the second functional network element (i.e., the third transmission path) is: Third functional network element -> First proxy network element -> Second proxy network element -> Second functional network element. The first proxy network element / second proxy network element in the first transmission path and the first proxy network element / second proxy network element in the third transmission path can be the same or different.

[0389] Accordingly, the signaling / data transmission path from the second functional network element to the first functional network element (i.e., the second transmission path) is: second functional network element -> second proxy network element -> first proxy network element -> first functional network element; the transmission path from the second functional network element to the third functional network element (i.e., the fourth transmission path) is: second functional network element -> second proxy network element -> first proxy network element -> third functional network element. Similarly, the first proxy network element / second proxy network element in the second transmission path and the first proxy network element / second proxy network element in the fourth transmission path can be the same or different.

[0390] Furthermore, the first proxy network element / second proxy network element in the first transmission path may be the same as or different from the first proxy network element / second proxy network element in the second transmission path; the first proxy network element / second proxy network element in the third transmission path may be the same as or different from the first proxy network element / second proxy network element in the fourth transmission path, without restriction.

[0391] For example, uplink signaling / data can be generated by the first terminal and sent to the first functional network element / third functional network element through the access network element, or it can be generated by the first functional network element / third functional network element. After the downlink signaling / data is transmitted to the first functional network element / third functional network element, the first functional network element / third functional network element sends the downlink signaling / data to the first terminal through the access network element, or it can be processed locally without restriction.

[0392] In one possible implementation, this application also provides a communication method for illustrating the transmission of signaling / data on a first transmission path. For example... Figure 16 The communication method shown includes the following steps:

[0393] S1601, The first functional network element obtains the first signaling / first data.

[0394] The first signaling / first data is associated with first auxiliary identification information. The first auxiliary identification information is used to determine the next-hop node for the first signaling / first data. For example, the first signaling / first data is to be sent to a second network.

[0395] As one possible implementation, the first auxiliary identification information includes at least one of the following: the terminal identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the identifier of the first connection, the identifier of the second network, the IP address of the second network, the identifier of the second functional network element, the identifier of the second proxy network element, and the IP address of the second proxy network element. Refer to the relevant explanations in the above mapping relationship; they will not be repeated here.

[0396] For example, when the first auxiliary identification information includes the terminal identifier of the first terminal and / or the IP address of the first terminal, the association of the first signaling / first data with the first auxiliary identification information can be understood as: the first signaling / first data is the signaling / data of the first terminal identified by the terminal identifier or IP address.

[0397] When the first auxiliary identification information includes the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, or the identifier of the first task, the first signaling / first data is associated with the first auxiliary identification information. This can be understood as: the first signaling / first data is the signaling / data of the service / task identified by the service identifier, network slice identifier, or task identifier.

[0398] When the first auxiliary identification information includes the first connection identifier, the association of the first signaling / first data with the first auxiliary identification information can be understood as: the first signaling / first data is to be transmitted between the endpoints of the connection associated with the first connection identifier.

[0399] When the first auxiliary identification information includes the identifier of the second network, the IP address of the second network, the identifier of the second functional network element, the identifier of the second proxy network element, and the IP address of the second proxy network element, the association between the first signaling / first data and the first auxiliary identification information can be understood as: the first signaling / first data is the signaling / data associated with the second network corresponding to the identifier / IP address.

[0400] As one possible implementation, the first signaling / first data may be generated by the first terminal and sent to the first functional network element through the access network element.

[0401] In this possible implementation, the first terminal may also send a first indication message, which indicates that a first signaling / first data is to be sent to a first network or a second network.

[0402] For example, the first terminal can determine the service associated with the first signaling / first data, determine the network providing the service based on the mapping relationship between the service and the network, and indicate that the first signaling / first data is to be sent to that network via indication information. Taking the first signaling / first data as associated with a first service, i.e., the first signaling is the control signaling of the first service and the first data is the service data of the first service, as an example, if the first service is a service provided by a first network, the indication information indicates that the first signaling / first data is to be sent to the first network; if the first service is a service provided by a second network, the indication information indicates that the first signaling / first data is to be sent to the second network. This application will illustrate this by taking the example that the second service is a service provided by a second network, and the indication information indicates that the first signaling / first data is to be sent to the second network.

[0403] In this possible implementation, the first terminal may also send first auxiliary identification information so that the first functional network element can determine the next-hop node for the first signaling / first data.

[0404] As another possible implementation, the first signaling / first data can be generated by the first functional network element.

[0405] S1602. The first functional network element sends first signaling / first data to the first proxy network element according to the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the first proxy network element. Correspondingly, the first proxy network element receives the first signaling / first data from the first functional network element. As one possible implementation, after the first functional network element obtains the first signaling / first data, it searches for a mapping relationship (such as a first mapping relationship) including the first auxiliary identification information associated with the first signaling / first data, and based on the mapping relationship, determines to send the first signaling / first data to the first proxy network element indicated by the mapping relationship.

[0406] As one possible implementation, the first functional network element can also send first auxiliary identification information (which can be the first auxiliary identification information in the first mapping relationship) to the first agent network element. This first auxiliary identification information can be used by the first agent network element to determine the next-hop node of the first signaling / first data.

[0407] S1603. The first agent network element sends first signaling / first data to the second agent network element according to the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second agent network element. Correspondingly, the second agent network element receives the first signaling / first data from the first agent network element.

[0408] As one possible implementation, the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second agent network element in step S1603 can be understood as the aforementioned second mapping relationship. Here, the first auxiliary identification information can be understood as the first auxiliary identification information in the second mapping relationship.

[0409] As one possible implementation, the first auxiliary identification information in the second mapping relationship can be the same as or different from the first auxiliary identification information in the first mapping relationship. If they are different, after receiving the first auxiliary identification information from the first functional network element in the first mapping relationship, the first agent network element can convert the first auxiliary identification information in the first mapping relationship into the first auxiliary identification information in the second mapping relationship. Then, it can search for the second mapping relationship that includes the converted first auxiliary identification information. Based on this second mapping relationship, it determines to send the first signaling / first data to the second agent network element indicated by the second mapping relationship.

[0410] For example, taking the first auxiliary identification information in the first mapping relationship as the terminal identifier of the first terminal and the auxiliary identification information in the second mapping relationship as the IP address of the first terminal, after the first agent network element receives the terminal identifier of the first terminal, it can determine the IP address of the first terminal according to the mapping relationship between the terminal identifier of the first terminal and the IP address of the first terminal, then look up the mapping relationship including the IP address of the first terminal (such as the second mapping relationship), and determine to send the first signaling / first data to the second agent network element based on the second mapping relationship.

[0411] As one possible implementation, the first agent network element can also send first auxiliary identification information (which can be understood as the first auxiliary identification information in the first mapping relationship or the second mapping relationship) to the second agent network element. This first auxiliary identification information can be used by the second agent network element to determine the next-hop node of the first signaling / first data.

[0412] S1604. The second agent network element sends the first signaling / first data to the second functional network element according to the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second functional network element. Correspondingly, the second functional network element receives the first signaling / first data from the second agent network element.

[0413] As one possible implementation, the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second functional network element in step S1604 can be understood as the fourth mapping relationship mentioned above. Here, the first auxiliary identification information can be understood as the first auxiliary identification information in the fourth mapping relationship.

[0414] As one possible implementation, the first auxiliary identification information in the fourth mapping relationship can be the same as or different from the auxiliary identification information in the first / second mapping relationship. If they are different, after the second agent network element receives the first auxiliary identification information in the first / second mapping relationship from the first agent network element, it can convert the first auxiliary identification information in the first / second mapping relationship into the first auxiliary identification information in the fourth mapping relationship. Then, it searches for the fourth mapping relationship including the converted first auxiliary identification information. Based on this fourth mapping relationship, it determines to send the first signaling / first data to the second functional network element indicated by the fourth mapping relationship. Refer to the relevant explanation in step S1603 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0415] As one possible implementation, after receiving the first signaling, the second functional network element can process it according to the first signaling or process the first signaling.

[0416] Figure 16 The method described illustrates the transmission of signaling / data on the first transmission path. For data transmission on the third transmission path, the third functional network element (such as the large network UPF element) can obtain the data associated with the auxiliary identification information and send the data to the first agent network element according to the mapping relationship between the auxiliary identification information and the first agent network element (such as the eighth mapping relationship). Subsequently, the data is sent to the second functional network element (such as the second functional network element) via the first agent network element and the second agent network element. Refer to the relevant description of the routing method for the first signaling / first data above; it will not be repeated here.

[0417] In one possible implementation, this application also provides a communication method for illustrating the transmission of signaling / data on a second transmission path. For example... Figure 17As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0418] S1701, The second functional network element obtains the second signaling / second data.

[0419] The second signaling / second data is associated with second auxiliary identification information. The second auxiliary identification information is used to determine the next-hop node for the second signaling / second data. For example, the second signaling / second data is to be sent to the first network.

[0420] For example, the second auxiliary identification information includes at least one of the following: the terminal identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the identifier of the first connection, the identifier of the second network, the IP address of the second network, the identifier of the second functional network element, the identifier of the second proxy network element, and the IP address of the second proxy network element. Refer to the relevant explanations in the above mapping relationship; they will not be repeated here. The explanation of the association between the second signaling / second data and the second auxiliary identification information can be found in the relevant description of the association between the first signaling / first data and the first auxiliary identification information; they will not be repeated here.

[0421] S1702, the second functional network element sends second signaling / second data to the second proxy network element according to the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the second proxy network element. Correspondingly, the second proxy network element receives the second signaling / second data from the second functional network element.

[0422] As one possible implementation, after the second functional network element obtains the second data / second signaling, it can look up the mapping relationship (such as the sixth mapping relationship) including the second auxiliary identification information associated with the second signaling / second data, and based on the mapping relationship, determine to send the second signaling / second data to the second agent network element indicated by the mapping relationship.

[0423] As one possible implementation, the second functional network element can also send second auxiliary identification information (which can be the second auxiliary identification information in the sixth mapping relationship) to the second agent network element. This second auxiliary identification information can be used by the second agent network element to determine the next-hop node of the second signaling / second data.

[0424] As one possible implementation, the second functional network element also sends a second indication message to the second agent network element, which is used to indicate whether the second functional network element is sending the second signaling or the second data.

[0425] S1703, the second agent network element sends second signaling / second data to the first agent network element according to the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first agent network element. Correspondingly, the first agent network element receives the second signaling / second data from the second agent network element.

[0426] As one possible implementation, the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first agent network element in step S1703 can be understood as the fifth mapping relationship mentioned above. Here, the second auxiliary identification information can be understood as the first auxiliary identification information in the fifth mapping relationship.

[0427] As one possible implementation, the second auxiliary identification information in the fifth mapping relationship can be the same as or different from the second auxiliary identification information in the sixth mapping relationship. If they are different, after receiving the second auxiliary identification information in the sixth mapping relationship from the second functional network element, the second agent network element can convert the second auxiliary identification information in the sixth mapping relationship into the second auxiliary identification information in the fifth mapping relationship. Then, it searches for the fifth mapping relationship that includes the converted second auxiliary identification information. Based on this fifth mapping relationship, it determines to send the second signaling / second data to the first agent network element indicated by the fifth mapping relationship. Refer to the relevant explanation in step S1603 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0428] As one possible implementation, the second agent network element can also send second auxiliary identification information (which can be understood as the second auxiliary identification information in the fifth / sixth mapping relationship) to the first agent network element. This second auxiliary identification information can be used by the first agent network element to determine the next-hop node of the second signaling / second data.

[0429] As one possible implementation, the second agent network element also sends a second indication message to the first agent network element, which is used to indicate whether the second agent network element is sending a second signaling or a second data.

[0430] S1704. The first agent network element sends second signaling / second data to the first functional network element according to the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first functional network element. Correspondingly, the first functional network element receives the second signaling / second data from the first agent network element.

[0431] As one possible implementation, the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first functional network element in step S1704 can be understood as the third mapping relationship mentioned above. Here, the second auxiliary identification information can be understood as the second auxiliary identification information in the third mapping relationship.

[0432] As one possible implementation, the second auxiliary identification information in the third mapping relationship can be the same as or different from the second auxiliary identification information in the fifth / sixth mapping relationship. If they are different, after the first agent network element receives the second auxiliary identification information in the fifth / sixth mapping relationship from the second agent network element, it can convert the second auxiliary identification information in the fifth / sixth mapping relationship into the second auxiliary identification information in the third mapping relationship. Then, it searches for the third mapping relationship that includes the converted second auxiliary identification information. Based on this third mapping relationship, it determines to send the second signaling / second data to the first functional network element indicated by the third mapping relationship. Refer to the relevant explanation in step S1603 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0433] As one possible implementation, after receiving the second signaling / second data, the first functional network element can send the second signaling / second data to the first terminal through the access network element, or it can process the second signaling / second data locally.

[0434] The above Figure 17 The method illustrated uses the second transmission path for transmitting signaling and data as an example. When the second transmission path is used for transmitting signaling but not for transmitting data, step S1704 may include the following steps S1704a or S1704b. Figure 17 (Not shown in the image).

[0435] As one possible implementation, if the first agent network element receives the second signaling, step S1704a is executed; if the first agent network element receives the second data, step S1704b is executed. The first agent network element can determine whether it has received the second signaling or the second data based on the second indication information.

[0436] S1704a: The first agent network element sends a second signaling message to the first functional network element according to the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first functional network element. Correspondingly, the first functional network element receives the second signaling message from the first agent network element. Refer to the relevant explanation of step S1704 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0437] S1704b: The first agent network element sends the second data to the third functional network element according to the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the third functional network element. Correspondingly, the third functional network element receives the second data from the first agent network element.

[0438] As one possible implementation, the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the third functional network element in step S1704b can be understood as the seventh mapping relationship mentioned above. Here, the second auxiliary identification information can be understood as the second auxiliary identification information in the seventh mapping relationship.

[0439] As one possible implementation, the second auxiliary identification information in the seventh mapping relationship can be the same as or different from the second auxiliary identification information in the fifth / sixth mapping relationship. If they are different, after the first agent network element receives the second auxiliary identification information in the fifth / sixth mapping relationship from the second agent network element, it can convert the second auxiliary identification information in the fifth / sixth mapping relationship into the second auxiliary identification information in the seventh mapping relationship. Then, it searches for the seventh mapping relationship that includes the converted second auxiliary identification information. Based on this seventh mapping relationship, it determines to send the second data to the third functional network element indicated by the seventh mapping relationship. Refer to the relevant explanation in step S1603 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0440] As one possible implementation, after receiving the second data, the third functional network element can send the second data to the first terminal through the access network element, or it can process the second data locally.

[0441] In one possible implementation, this application also provides a communication method, illustrating uplink signaling routing when both the first functional network element and the second functional network element are control plane network elements. For example... Figure 18 As shown, taking the first functional network element as the main network AM element, the second functional network element as the subnet MM element, the first proxy network element as the main network SCP, and the second proxy network element as the subnet SCP as an example, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0442] S1801, the large-scale AM ​​network element obtains the first signaling.

[0443] The first signaling is associated with auxiliary identification information. This first signaling is the signaling to be sent to the second network; that is, the first signaling needs to be sent to the second network.

[0444] S1802, the AM network element sends a first signaling message to the SCP network based on the mapping relationship between the auxiliary identification information and the SCP network. Correspondingly, the SCP network receives this first signaling message from the AM network element.

[0445] S1803. Based on the mapping relationship between auxiliary identification information and subnet SCPs, the main SCP sends the first signaling to the subnet SCP. Correspondingly, the subnet SCP receives the first signaling from the main SCP.

[0446] S1804. The subnet SCP sends the first signaling to the subnet MM element based on the mapping relationship between the auxiliary identification information and the subnet MM element. Correspondingly, the subnet MM element receives the first signaling from the subnet SCP.

[0447] The implementation of steps S1801-S1804 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of steps S1601-S1604 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0448] In one possible implementation, this application also provides a communication method, illustrating downlink signaling routing when both the first functional network element and the second functional network element are control plane network elements. For example... Figure 19 As shown, taking the first functional network element as the main AM network element, the second functional network element as the main AM network element, the first proxy network element as the main SCP network element, and the second proxy network element as the subnet SCP network element as an example, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0449] S1901, Subnet MM element obtains second signaling.

[0450] The second signaling is associated with auxiliary identification information. This second signaling is the signaling corresponding to the second network, that is, the second signaling is the signaling from the second network.

[0451] S1902, the subnet MM element sends a second signaling message to the subnet SCP based on the mapping relationship between the auxiliary identification information and the subnet SCP. Correspondingly, the subnet SCP receives the second signaling message from the subnet MM element.

[0452] S1903. The subnet SCP sends a second signaling message to the mainnet SCP based on the mapping relationship between the auxiliary identification information and the mainnet SCP. Correspondingly, the mainnet SCP receives the second signaling message from the subnet SCP.

[0453] S1904. Based on the mapping relationship between the auxiliary identification information and the large network AM element, the large network SCP sends a second signaling message to the large network AM element. Correspondingly, the large network AM element receives the second signaling message from the large network SCP.

[0454] The implementation of steps S1901-S1904 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of steps S1701-S1704a above, and will not be repeated here.

[0455] The above describes how the selection of the first proxy network element is triggered by the request from the first terminal by the first functional network element, thereby enabling... Figure 15 The following process will be illustrated using an example. Furthermore, the first functional network element can also trigger the selection of the first proxy network element when it determines that it needs to communicate with a network element in the second network, thereby enabling... Figure 15 The following steps are shown.

[0456] As one possible implementation, the communication between the first functional network element and network elements in the second network can be associated with other objects (objects other than the terminal, such as network elements). That is, the communication between the first functional network element and network elements in the second network is independent of the terminal, but is related to other objects (such as network elements).

[0457] For example, in a wireless sensing scenario, an access network element can acquire sensing measurement data. When the access network element needs to report this sensing measurement data to the core network, a first functional network element may need to communicate with network elements in a second network to transmit the sensing measurement data of the access network element. In this case, the communication between the first functional network element and the network elements in the second network can be considered as associated with the access network element.

[0458] The above Figures 15-19 In the illustrated scheme, a functional network element in the first network selects a first proxy network element, which in turn triggers the first proxy network element to select a second proxy network element, and the second proxy network element to select a second functional network element. Subsequent routing processes require routing through functional network elements in the first network.

[0459] Alternatively, the access network element can select a first proxy network element, triggering the first proxy network element to select a second proxy network element, and the second proxy network element to select a second functional network element. In subsequent routing processes, routing does not traverse the functional network elements in the first network. For example, the uplink transmission path could be: access network element -> first proxy network element -> second proxy network element -> second functional network element; the downlink transmission path could be: second functional network element -> second proxy network element -> first proxy network element -> access network element. Other implementations of this scheme are similar to... Figures 15-19 The proposed solution is similar and can be found in the aforementioned explanations; it will not be repeated here.

[0460] The method provided in this application has been described above. In addition, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the functions described in the above method embodiments.

[0461] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0462] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0463] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a communication device 200 is shown. The communication device 200 includes a processing module 2001 and a transceiver module 2002. This communication device 200 can be used to implement the functions of the aforementioned functional network element or proxy network element.

[0464] In some embodiments, the communication device 200 may further include a storage module. Figure 20 (Not shown in the image) is used to store program instructions and data.

[0465] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2002, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement sending and / or receiving functions. The transceiver module 2002 may consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0466] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 2002 may include a receiving module and a sending module, respectively configured to perform the receiving and sending steps performed by the functional network element or the proxy network element in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 2001 may be configured to perform the processing steps performed by the functional network element or the proxy network element in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein.

[0467] When the communication device 200 is used to implement the function of the first agent network element:

[0468] The transceiver module 2002 is used to receive first signaling / first data from the first functional network element. The first signaling / first data is associated with first auxiliary identification information, which is used to determine the next-hop node of the first signaling / first data. The transceiver module 2002 is also used to send the first signaling / first data to the second proxy network element according to the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second proxy network element, wherein the second proxy network element is deployed in the second network.

[0469] Optionally, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to receive second information from the first functional network element, the second information indicating that the first terminal requests access to the second network; the processing module 2001 is configured to determine the second proxy network element based on the second information and establish a mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second proxy network element; the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to send third information to the second proxy network element, the third information being used by the second proxy network element to select the second functional network element, the second functional network element being deployed in the second network.

[0470] Optionally, the processing module 2001 is used to determine the second agent network element based on the second information, including: the processing module 2001 is used to determine the second agent network element from at least one fourth agent network element based on the second information and information of at least one fourth agent network element.

[0471] Optionally, the processing module 2001 is further configured to obtain information of at least one pre-configured fourth agent network element; or, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to send second network element discovery information to the network storage function network element, the second network element discovery information being used to request information of the agent network element, and the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to receive information from at least one fourth agent network element from the network storage function network element.

[0472] Optionally, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to receive second signaling / second data from the second agent network element, the second signaling / second data being associated with second auxiliary identification information, the second auxiliary identification information being used to determine the next-hop node of the second signaling / second data; the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to send the second signaling / second data to the first functional network element according to the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first functional network element.

[0473] When the communication device 200 is used to implement the function of the second agent network element:

[0474] The transceiver module 2002 is used to receive second signaling / second data from the second functional network element. The second signaling / second data is associated with second auxiliary identification information, which is used to determine the next-hop node of the second signaling / second data. The transceiver module 2002 is also used to send the second signaling / second data to the first proxy network element according to the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first proxy network element, wherein the first proxy network element is deployed in the first network.

[0475] Optionally, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to receive first signaling / first data from the first agent network element, the first signaling / first data being associated with first auxiliary identification information, the first auxiliary identification information being used to determine the next-hop node of the first signaling / first data; the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to send the first signaling / first data to the second functional network element according to the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second functional network element.

[0476] Optionally, the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to receive third information from the first agent network element, the third information instructing the first terminal to request access to the second network; the processing module 2001 is configured to determine the second functional network element based on the third information and establish a mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second functional network element; the transceiver module 2002 is further configured to send fourth information to the second functional network element, the fourth information being used to request the second functional network element to serve the first terminal.

[0477] Optionally, the processing module 2001 is also used to establish a mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first agent network element based on the third information.

[0478] Optionally, the processing module 2001 is used to determine the second functional network element based on the third information, including: the processing module 2001 is used to determine the second functional network element from at least one fourth functional network element based on the third information and information of at least one fourth functional network element.

[0479] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0480] In this application, the communication device 200 can be presented in an integrated manner by dividing it into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0481] In some embodiments, when Figure 20 When the communication device 200 is a chip or chip system, the function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2002 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 2001 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0482] Since the communication device 200 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0483] As a possible product form, the terminal, second agent network element, or core network element described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using the following: one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0484] As another possible product form, the terminal, second agent network element, or core network element in this application can adopt... Figure 21 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 21 The components shown. Figure 21 The present application provides a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device 2100, which may be a terminal or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a terminal; or, it may be a second proxy network element or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a second proxy network element; or it may be a core network element or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a core network element.

[0485] like Figure 21 As shown, the communication device 2100 includes at least one processor 2101 and at least one communication interface. Figure 21 (This is merely an example illustration, using a communication interface 2104 and a processor 2101 as examples.) Optionally, the communication device 2100 may also include a communication bus 2102 and a memory 2103.

[0486] Processor 2101 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a PLD, or any combination thereof. Processor 2101 can also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0487] The communication bus 2102 is used to connect different components in the communication device 2100, enabling communication between them. The communication bus 2102 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 21 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0488] Communication interface 2104 is used for communicating with other devices or communication networks. For example, communication interface 2104 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of communication. Optionally, the communication interface 2104 can also be an input / output interface located within processor 2101, used to implement signal input and signal output for the processor.

[0489] The memory 2103 may be a device with storage function, used to store instructions and / or data. The instructions may be computer programs.

[0490] For example, the memory 2103 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions; it may also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions; it may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0491] It should be noted that the memory 2103 can exist independently of the processor 2101, or it can be integrated with the processor 2101. The memory 2103 can be located inside or outside the communication device 2100, without limitation. The processor 2101 can be used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 2103 to implement the methods provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0492] Optionally, the processor 2101 and / or memory 2103 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) module, which is used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​module can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio network intelligent controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0493] As an optional implementation, the communication device 2100 may also include an output device 2105 and an input device 2106. The output device 2105 communicates with the processor 2101 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 2105 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 2106 communicates with the processor 2101 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 2106 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0494] In some embodiments, the hardware implementation will be apparent to those skilled in the art as described above. Figure 20 The communication device 200 shown can be adopted Figure 21 The communication device 2100 shown is in the form of this device.

[0495] As an example, Figure 20 The function / implementation process of the processing module 2001 can be obtained through Figure 21 The processor 2101 in the communication device 2100 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 2103 to implement the function. Figure 20 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 2002 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 21 This is achieved through the communication interface 2104 in the communication device 2100 shown.

[0496] It should be noted that, Figure 21 The structure shown does not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal or the second agent network element. For example, in other embodiments of this application, the terminal or the second agent network element may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The components shown can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0497] In some embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments.

[0498] As one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. This memory stores necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, which a processor can invoke to instruct the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the memory may not be present in the communication device.

[0499] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, used to receive computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0500] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0501] It is understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0502] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above-described method embodiments.

[0503] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0504] Those skilled in the art will 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.

[0505] It is understood that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described in this application can also 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 couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0506] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0507] 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.

[0508] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive (SSD)). In this embodiment, the computer may include the aforementioned apparatus.

[0509] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0510] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first agent network element, which is deployed in a first network, and the first network further includes a first functional network element; the method includes: Receive first signaling / first data from the first functional network element, wherein the first signaling / first data is associated with first auxiliary identification information, and the first auxiliary identification information is used to determine the next-hop node of the first signaling / first data; Based on the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second agent network element, the first signaling / first data is sent to the second agent network element, wherein the second agent network element is deployed in the second network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information from the first functional network element, the second information instructing the first terminal to request access to the second network; The second agent network element is determined based on the second information, and a mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second agent network element is established. Send a third message to the second agent network element. The third message is used by the second agent network element to select a second functional network element, which is deployed in the second network.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the second network, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the terminal identifier of the first terminal in the second network, or the IP address of the first terminal in the second network; Wherein, the first service is the service in the second network requested by the first terminal, the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, and the first task is the task in the first service.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The step of determining the second agent network element based on the second information includes: Based on the second information and the information of at least one fourth agent network element, the second agent network element is determined from the at least one fourth agent network element.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second information includes the identifier of the second network. If the information of the fourth agent network element indicates the network to which the fourth agent network element belongs, then the second agent network element is one of the at least one fourth agent network elements whose network is the second network.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The second information includes the identifier of the first service. When the information of the fourth proxy network element indicates the service corresponding to the fourth proxy network element, the second proxy network element is one of the at least one fourth proxy network elements whose corresponding service is the first service. The first service is a service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain information about the at least one pre-configured fourth agent network element; or, Send a second network element discovery message to the network storage function network element, the second network element discovery message being used to request information from the proxy network element; receive information from the at least one fourth proxy network element from the network storage function network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second signaling / second data from the second agent network element, the second signaling / second data being associated with second auxiliary identification information, the second auxiliary identification information being used to determine the next-hop node of the second signaling / second data; Based on the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first functional network element, the second signaling / second data is sent to the first functional network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first auxiliary identification information includes at least one of the following: The terminal identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the identifier of the first connection, the identifier of the second network, the IP address of the second network, the identifier of the second functional network element, the identifier of the second proxy network element, and the IP address of the second proxy network element; Wherein, the first service is the service in the second network requested by the first terminal, the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, and the first task is the task in the first service; the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the first proxy network element, or the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the second functional element.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second agent network element, which is deployed in a second network, and the second network further includes a second functional network element; the method includes: Receive second signaling / second data from the second functional network element, the second signaling / second data being associated with second auxiliary identification information, the second auxiliary identification information being used to determine the next-hop node of the second signaling / second data; Based on the mapping relationship between the second auxiliary identification information and the first agent network element, the second signaling / second data is sent to the first agent network element, wherein the first agent network element is deployed in the first network.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first signaling / first data from the first agent network element, wherein the first signaling / first data is associated with first auxiliary identification information, and the first auxiliary identification information is used to determine the next-hop node of the first signaling / first data; Based on the mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second functional network element, the first signaling / first data is sent to the second functional network element.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information from the first agent network element, the third information instructing the first terminal to request access to the second network; The second functional network element is determined based on the third information, and a mapping relationship between the first auxiliary identification information and the second functional network element is established. Send a fourth message to the second functional network element, the fourth message being used to request the second functional network element to serve the first terminal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the third information, a mapping relationship is established between the second auxiliary identification information and the first agent network element.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The third information includes at least one of the following: The identifier of the second network, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the terminal identifier of the first terminal in the second network, or the IP address of the first terminal in the second network; Wherein, the first service is the service in the second network requested by the first terminal, the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, and the first task is the task in the first service.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The step of determining the second functional network element based on the third information includes: Based on the third information and the information of at least one fourth functional network element, the second functional network element is determined from the at least one fourth functional network element.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The third information includes the identifier of the second network. If the information of the fourth functional network element indicates the network to which the fourth functional network element belongs, then the second functional network element is one of the at least one fourth functional network element whose network is the second network.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The third information includes the identifier of the first service. When the information of the fourth functional network element indicates the service corresponding to the fourth functional network element, the second functional network element is one of the at least one fourth functional network element, and the corresponding service is one of the first service. The first service is a service in the second network that the first terminal requests to access.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10-17, characterized in that, The second auxiliary identification information includes at least one of the following: The terminal identifier of the first terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the identifier of the first service, the identifier of the first network slice, the identifier of the first task, the identifier of the first connection, the identifier of the second network, the IP address of the second network, the identifier of the second functional network element, the identifier of the second proxy network element, and the IP address of the second proxy network element; Wherein, the first service is the service in the second network requested by the first terminal, the first network slice is the network slice corresponding to the first service, and the first task is the task in the first service; the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the first proxy network element, or the first connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the first functional network element and the second functional element.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-9, or to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10-18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in any one of claims 1-9 to be performed, or cause the method described in any one of claims 10-18 to be performed.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, they cause the method of any one of claims 1-9 to be performed, or cause the method of any one of claims 10-18 to be performed.

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