Information processing method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system and a storage medium; the information processing method is executed by a first network function, and includes the following steps: determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; and transmitting first information of the service through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

Description

Information processing methods, communication equipment, communication systems and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an information processing method, communication device, communication system and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of communication technology, there is a growing demand for services that require data processing within communication systems. These services are supported at various levels, including terminals, core network equipment, and access network equipment. As more and more services requiring data processing are introduced into communication systems, it is necessary to consider user-plane-based service management to better support their adoption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein aim to address the problem that communication systems cannot support redirection functions for user plane-based services.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a first network function, comprising: determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; and transmitting first information of the service through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a second network function, comprising: determining that a service is redirected from the second network function to a third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a third network function, comprising: when it is determined that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function, transmitting first information of the service through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a fourth network function, comprising: determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a communication system, the communication system including a first network function, a second network function, and a third network function; the method includes: the first network function determining that a service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; the first network function transmitting first information of the service with the third network function through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network function is provided, comprising: a first processing module configured to determine that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; and a first transceiver module configured to transmit first information of the service through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a second network function is provided, comprising: a second processing module configured to determine that a service is redirected from the second network function to a third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a third network function is provided, including: a third transceiver module configured to transmit first information of a service through a first connection when it is determined that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function, wherein the first connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth network function is provided, comprising: a fourth processing module configured to determine that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0013] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, which is used to perform an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0014] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including: a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function; wherein the first network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect, and the fourth network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0015] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0016] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0017] The embodiments disclosed herein enable communication systems to support redirection functionality for user plane-based services. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fourth network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0031] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose an information processing method executed by a first network function, comprising: determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; and transmitting first information of the service through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the first information exchanged between the terminal and the third network function can be forwarded through the first connection. Since the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function, the address of the third network function in the core network does not need to be exposed to the terminal. Furthermore, the terminal can redirect services from the second network function to the third network function without its knowledge, which can improve security and support services with lower complexity and better scalability.

[0033] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service; uplink data of the service; downlink signaling of the service; and downlink data of the service.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the complexity of uplink and downlink information (signaling and / or data) interaction of services can be reduced.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function includes: determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on at least one of the following: a first service area, the first service area being the service area where the second network function is located; a second service area, the second service area being the service area where the third network function is located; first load information, the first load information being the load of the second network function; second load information, the second load information being the load of the third network function; location information, the location information being used to indicate the location of the terminal; first capability information, the first capability information being used to indicate the services supported by the second network function; second capability information, the second capability information being used to indicate the services supported by the third network function; first energy information, the first energy information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the energy type used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; second energy information, the second energy information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the third network function. The energy type used and the energy consumption of the third network function; first transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the second network function in providing services; second transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the third network function in providing services; first local policy information, used to indicate the local policy of the first network function; second information, used to indicate one of the following: services redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the second information is obtained by the first network function from the second network function; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the condition information is used to indicate: the conditions for determining the third network function; third information, used to indicate one of the following: services redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the third information is obtained by the first network function from the fourth network function; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used to manage services and / or manage connections.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the redirection of the second network function to the third network function can be determined in a variety of ways to adapt to more application scenarios.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the method further includes: establishing a first connection with a third network function.

[0038] In the above embodiments, the establishment of the first connection facilitates the forwarding of the first information exchanged between the terminal and the third network function, enabling the interaction function to be realized based on the redirected network function (i.e., the third network function). Furthermore, since the first connection is an end-to-end connection, the exchange of the first information will terminate at the first network function (further processing can be performed subsequently), thus avoiding the need to expose information such as the address of the third network function within the core network to the terminal, thereby improving security.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, establishing a first connection with a third network function includes one of the following: sending fourth information of the first network function to the third network function, the fourth information being used by the third network function to establish a first connection with the first network function; obtaining fifth information of the third network function; and establishing a first connection with the third network function based on the fifth information.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the first connection is established in multiple ways to adapt to more application scenarios.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of a first network function and a second identifier; the second identifier is used to indicate the first network function; and / or, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of a third network function and a first identifier; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

[0042] In the above embodiments, when the fourth and fifth information are address information, the first network function and the third network function can establish different first connections based on their different address information, which facilitates the use of appropriate first connections for the interaction of first information.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining the fifth information of the third network function includes one of the following: receiving the fifth information sent by the third network function; receiving the fifth information sent by the second network function; receiving the fifth information sent by the fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the fifth information can be obtained in a variety of ways, which can adapt to more application scenarios.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving sixth information sent by a second network function; sending the sixth information to a third network function; wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier, a service identifier indicating a redirected service; a first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the first identifier indicating the third network function; a third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier indicating a terminal; first information; and seventh information, the seventh information indicating at least two of the following associations: service identifier, first information, first identifier, and third identifier.

[0046] In the above embodiments, by sending the sixth information to the third information, it is convenient to establish a first connection between the first network function and the third network function, thereby facilitating the interaction of the first information between the third network function and the first network function based on the redirected third network function.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: releasing the second connection between the first network function and the second network function when no first information of any service needs to be exchanged through the second network function; modifying the second connection between the first network function and the second network function when any service is not redirected to the third network function.

[0048] In the above embodiments, if no service's first information needs to be transmitted via the second network function, the second connection needs to be released, thereby saving communication resources and energy consumption of the first and third network functions. Alternatively, if any service is not redirected to the third network function, the second connection can be modified so that the first information of the unredirected service can still be exchanged via the first network function.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, releasing the second connection between the first network function and the second network function includes at least one of the following: sending a first message to the second network function, wherein the first message is used for the second network function to release the second connection; sending a second message to a fourth network function, wherein the second message is used for the fourth network function to release the second connection; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections; receiving a third message sent by the second network function; releasing the second connection based on the third message; deleting the third address information of the second network function, wherein the third address information is used to establish the second connection, and the third address information corresponds to the address of the second network function of the second connection.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the second connection is released in various ways to adapt to more application scenarios. For example, the third address information of the second network function can be deleted; that is, the third address information used to establish the second connection does not exist in the first network function, which is equivalent to releasing the second connection.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, modifying the second connection between the first network function and the second network function includes: terminating the association between the second connection and the eighth information; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier and a third identifier; the service identifier is used to indicate a service that has been redirected; the third identifier is used to indicate a terminal.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the second connection is modified in various ways to adapt to more application scenarios.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, transmitting the first information of a service through the first connection includes at least one of the following: sending uplink information in the first information to a third network function through the first connection, wherein the uplink information in the first information originates from a terminal; the uplink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service and uplink data of the service; receiving downlink information in the first information sent by the third network function through the first connection, wherein the downlink information in the first information is used to send to a terminal; the downlink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: downlink signaling of the service and downlink data of the service.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the first information that the terminal needs to exchange with the third network function can be forwarded through the first connection, thereby avoiding the exposure of the address and other information of the third network function in the core network to the terminal, thus improving security. Furthermore, the first network function can connect to one or more third network functions, and different third network functions can support different services, thus providing better scalability for service support.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: a user plane function, a network service data processing function, a network service data proxy, and any network function having a network service data processing function or a network service data proxy function; and / or, the second network function includes one of the following: a network service function, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein the second network function is the network function before service redirection; and / or, the third network function includes one of the following: a network service function, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein the third network function is the network function after service redirection; and / or, the fourth network function is a network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function.

[0056] Secondly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a second network function, comprising: determining that a service is redirected from the second network function to a third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service; uplink data of the service; downlink signaling of the service; and downlink data of the service.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function includes: determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on at least one of the following: a first service area, the first service area being the service area where the second network function is located; a second service area, the second service area being the service area where the third network function is located; first load information, the first load information being the load of the second network function; second load information, the second load information being the load of the third network function; location information, the location information being used to indicate the location of the terminal; first capability information, the first capability information being used to indicate the services supported by the second network function; second capability information, the second capability information being used to indicate the services supported by the third network function; first energy information, the first energy information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the energy type used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; second energy information, the second energy information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the third network function. The energy type used and the energy consumption of the third network function; first transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the second network function; second transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the third network function; second local policy information, used to indicate the local policy of the second network function; third information, used to indicate one of the following: service redirection by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the third information is obtained by the second network function from the fourth network function; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the condition information is used to indicate: the conditions for determining the third network function; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used to manage services and / or manage connections; ninth information, used to indicate one of the following: service redirection by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the ninth information is obtained by the second network function from the first network function.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending sixth information to a third network function, wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier, a service identifier indicating a redirected service; a first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the first identifier indicating the third network function; a third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier indicating a terminal; first information; and seventh information, the seventh information indicating at least two of the following associations: service identifier, first information, first identifier, and third identifier.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending the sixth information to the third network function includes at least one of the following: sending the sixth information to the third network function via a third connection, wherein the third connection is a connection between the second network function and the third network function; the third connection includes one of the following: a user plane connection, a control plane connection, and a data plane connection; sending the sixth information to the third network function via a first network function; sending the sixth information to the third network function via a fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: releasing the second connection between the first network function and the second network function when no first information of any service needs to be exchanged through the second network function; modifying the second connection between the first network function and the second network function when any service is not redirected to the third network function.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, releasing the second connection between the first network function and the second network function includes at least one of the following: receiving a first message sent by the first network function; releasing the second connection based on the first message; sending a third message to the first network function, wherein the third message is used by the first network function to release the second connection; sending a fourth message to a fourth network function, wherein the fourth message is used by the fourth network function to release the second connection; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections; deleting first information of all services; deleting third address information of the second network function, the third address information being used to establish the second connection.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, modifying the second connection between the first network function and the second network function includes at least one of the following: deleting first information of services redirected to the third network function; terminating the association between the second connection and eighth information; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a service identifier and a third identifier; the service identifier indicates the redirected service, and the third identifier is used to indicate the terminal.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: a user plane function, a network service data processing function, a network service data proxy, and any network function having a network service processing function or a network service data proxy function; and / or, the second network function includes one of the following: a network service function, and a network function in the core network other than the first network function; the second network function is a network function before service redirection; and / or, the third network function includes one of the following: a network service function, and a network function in the core network other than the first network function; wherein the third network function is a network function after service redirection; and / or, the fourth network function is a network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function.

[0065] Thirdly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a third network function, comprising: when it is determined that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function, transmitting first information of the service through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service; uplink data of the service; downlink signaling of the service; and downlink data of the service.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: establishing a first connection with a first network function.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, establishing a first connection with a first network function includes one of the following: obtaining fourth information of the first network function; establishing a first connection with the first network function based on the fourth information; and sending fifth information of a third network function to the first network function, wherein the fifth information is used by the first network function to establish a first connection with the third network function.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function and a second identifier; the second identifier is used to indicate the first network function; and / or, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the third network function and a third identifier; the third identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining the fourth information of the first network function includes one of the following: receiving the fourth information sent by the first network function; receiving the fourth information sent by the second network function; receiving the fifth information sent by the fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving sixth information sent by the second network function, wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier, the service identifier indicating a redirected service; a first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the first identifier indicating a third network function; a third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier indicating a terminal; first information; and seventh information, the seventh information indicating at least two of the following associations: service identifier, first information, first identifier, and third identifier.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the sixth information sent by the second network function includes at least one of the following: receiving the sixth information sent by the second network function through a third connection, wherein the third connection is a connection between the second network function and the third network function; the third connection includes one of the following: a user plane connection, a control plane connection, and a data plane connection; receiving the sixth information sent by the second network function through a first network function; receiving the sixth information sent by the second network function through a fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, transmitting first information of a service through a first connection includes at least one of the following: receiving uplink information in first information sent by a first network function through the first connection, wherein the uplink information in the first information originates from a terminal; the uplink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service and uplink data of the service; sending downlink information in the first information to the first network function through the first connection, wherein the downlink information in the first information is used to send to a terminal; the downlink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: downlink signaling of the service and downlink data of the service.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and any network function having network service data processing function or network service data proxy function; and / or, the second network function includes one of the following: network service function, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; the second network function is the network function before service redirection; and / or, the third network function includes one of the following: network service function, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein the third network function is the network function after service redirection; and / or, the fourth network function is the network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function.

[0075] Fourthly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a fourth network function, comprising: determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service; uplink data of the service; downlink signaling of the service; and downlink data of the service.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function includes: determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on at least one of the following: a first service area, the first service area being the service area where the second network function is located; a second service area, the second service area being the service area where the third network function is located; first load information, the first load information being the load of the second network function; second load information, the second load information being the load of the third network function; location information, the location information being used to indicate the location of the terminal; first capability information, the first capability information being used to indicate the services supported by the second network function; second capability information, the second capability information being used to indicate the services supported by the third network function; first energy information, the first energy information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; second energy information, the second energy information being used to indicate the type of energy used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; and second energy information, the second energy information being used to indicate the type of energy used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function. The system may indicate at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the third network function and the energy consumption of the third network function; first transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the second network function; second transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the third network function; third local policy information, used to indicate the local policy of the fourth network function; second information, used to indicate one of the following: service redirection by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the second information is obtained by the fourth network function from the second network function; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the condition information is used to indicate: the conditions for determining the third network function; and ninth information, used to indicate one of the following: service redirection by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the ninth information is obtained by the fourth network function from the first network function.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: establishing a first connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, establishing a first connection between a first network function and a third network function includes one of the following: sending fourth information of the first network function to the third network function, wherein the fourth information is used by the first network function to establish a first connection with the third network function; sending fifth information of the third network function to the first network function, wherein the fifth information is used by the third network function to establish a first connection with the first network function; obtaining the fourth information and the fifth information; and establishing a first connection between the first network function and the third network function based on the fourth information and the fifth information.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of a first network function and a second identifier; the second identifier is used to indicate the first network function; and / or, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of a third network function and a third identifier; the third identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving sixth information sent by a second network function; sending the sixth information to a third network function; wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier, a service identifier indicating a redirected service; a first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the first identifier indicating the third network function; a third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier indicating a terminal; first information; and seventh information, the seventh information indicating at least two of the following associations: service identifier, first information, first identifier, and third identifier.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: a user plane function, a network service data processing function, a network service data proxy, and any network function having a network service data processing function or a network service data proxy function; and / or, the second network function includes one of the following: a network service function, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein the second network function is the network function before service redirection; and / or, the third network function includes one of the following: a network service function, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein the third network function is the network function after service redirection; and / or, the fourth network function is a network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function.

[0083] Fifthly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a communication system, the communication system including a first network function, a second network function, and a third network function; the method includes: the first network function determining that a service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; the first network function transmitting first information of the service to the third network function through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0084] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network function, including: a first processing module configured to determine that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; and a first transceiver module configured to transmit first information of the service through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0085] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second network function, including: a second processing module configured to determine that a service is redirected from the second network function to a third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0086] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a third network function, including: a third transceiver module configured to transmit first information of a service through a first connection when it is determined that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function, wherein the first connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0087] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a fourth network function, including: a fourth processing module configured to determine that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0088] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0089] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including: a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function; wherein the first network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect, and the fourth network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0090] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0091] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0092] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the information processing method as described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0093] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system including processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, or alternative implementations of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.

[0094] It is understood that the aforementioned devices (e.g., the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, the fourth network function, the terminal, etc.), communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "information processing method" and "information processing apparatus" are interchangeable, as are "information processing system" and "communication system".

[0096] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually utilized. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0097] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0098] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0099] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0101] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0102] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0103] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0104] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0105] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0106] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0107] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0108] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0109] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0110] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0111] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0112] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0114] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0115] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0116] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0117] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include: a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network device 103.

[0118] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open RAN, a cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, and an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0120] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0121] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to a service-based RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between access network devices or between access network devices and core network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be service-based interfaces. The processes and information interactions between these interfaces can be implemented by software or programs that call one or more corresponding services.

[0122] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0123] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device including a first network function 1031, a second network function 1032, a third network function 1033, or a fourth network function 1034, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the aforementioned first network function 1031, second network function 1032, third network function 1033, and fourth network function 1034. Network functions may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), Next Generation Core (NGC), and 6G Core Network (6GCN).

[0124] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may be a User Plane Function (UPF), a Network Service Data Processing Function (NSDPF), a Network Service Data Proxying Function (NSDP), or any function that has a network service data processing function or a network service data proxying function.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first network function may be an anchor point, etc.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 is used in the core network for user plane data processing, network service data processing, and / or network service data proxy, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 and the third network function 1033 may both be network service functions (NSFs) or network functions in the core network other than the first network function.

[0128] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 and the third network function 1033 are both used to provide network services, support the execution or operation of network services, and / or provide network service management, etc., and their names are not limited thereto.

[0129] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 is the network function before service redirection; the third network function 1033 is the network function after service redirection.

[0130] In some embodiments, the second network function can be the source NSF; the third network function can be the target NSF.

[0131] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may be a network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function. For example, the fourth network function 1034 may be a session management function (SMF), a service management function, a connection management function, or a service and connection management function.

[0132] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 is used for managing services and / or managing connections, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0133] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0134] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0135] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0136] In some embodiments, an increasing number of application services that require data processing within the communication system are supported, such as on terminals, in the core network, and in some network functions of the access network, and support is not limited to supporting at least one of the following services:

[0137] Sensing services. Sensing is the use of radio frequency signals to acquire information about the environment and / or the characteristics of objects in the environment (e.g., shape, size, orientation, speed, position, distance, or relative motion between objects).

[0138] Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) services. ISAC involves the simultaneous use of radio frequency (RF) signals for sensing and communication. This integration of sensing and communication can improve spectrum efficiency, reduce latency, and / or enhance the reliability of various applications. ISAC is particularly suitable for at least one of the following: mobile operators, UE vendors, automotive vendors, and users, as it can significantly enhance the overall user experience, improve network efficiency, and / or generate new business opportunities.

[0139] Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) services. The convergence of communication networks and AI technologies is leveraging AI / ML to achieve intelligence in the core network and air interface through closed-loop processes such as data collection, ML model training, analysis and inference, and consumer data analysis.

[0140] Ranging / Sidelink Positioning service. Ranging refers to determining at least one of the following via the PC5 interface: the distance between two or more UEs, the orientation of one UE (i.e., the target UE) relative to another UE (i.e., the reference UE), and / or relative positioning. Sidelink positioning uses PC5 to locate the UE.

[0141] For example, the reference UE is a UE that determines a reference plane and reference orientation in ranging and / or lateral walkway-based positioning. The target UE is a UE whose distance, orientation, and / or position are measured compared to the reference plane, reference orientation, and / or position of the reference UE in ranging and / or lateral walkway-based positioning.

[0142] For example, ranging / sidewalking link positioning may include the following steps: measuring the absolute position between two UEs, or between one UE and multiple UEs, or between one or more positioned UEs; calculating the result (e.g., at the location server UE, or at the LMF, or at both); and making the ranging / sidewalking link positioning result available to the UE or the server (or a third-party application server).

[0143] Enhanced Location Service (eLCS) / Location Services. UE positioning can be supported by RAT-related positioning methods, which rely on, for example, RAT measurements obtained by the target UE and / or measurements of RAT signals transmitted by the target UE obtained by the access network. UE positioning can also be supported by RAT-independent positioning methods, which may rely on non-RAT measurements and / or other information obtained by the UE.

[0144] For example, the entire procedure of eLCS / location includes: measuring the absolute position between the UE and the base station; calculating the result (e.g., on the UE or in the LMF); and making it available to the UE or a third-party server (or a third-party application server).

[0145] With the emergence of more and more applications requiring data processing within telecommunications systems, solutions supporting user plane or data plane-based network services are needed to provide lower complexity and better scalability for executing new services. This allows for the transfer of terminal and network interaction processing, which previously relied on the control plane, to the user plane or data plane, and / or any application service supporting data processing within the telecommunications system. The interaction of service signaling between the terminal and network, and / or the interaction of user data or payload data, is also implemented through the user plane or data plane. Data packets from the UE terminate at the anchor point, which packages the data sent from the core network to the UE. The anchor point's address information is sent to the UE; the UE does not see the NSF's address information. The anchor point processes and sends the data that needs to be exchanged between the UE and the NSF.

[0146] In some embodiments, the UE can be a terminal, or the terminal can be a UE.

[0147] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0148] In this embodiment, the first network function serves as the anchor point for the terminal to connect to the network via the user plane or data plane. The connection between the terminal and the first network function is an end-to-end user plane or data plane connection, meaning the connection terminates at both ends of the connection. Downlink information exchange between the terminal and core network devices (e.g., the second or third network function) terminates at the first network function. For example, after receiving downlink information from the second or third network function, the first network function processes the downlink information, encapsulates and packages it according to the end-to-end transmission protocol between the terminal and the first network function, and then sends it to the terminal. Thus, from the terminal's perspective, it is unaware of the address information of the third network function (i.e., the address information of the third network function in the core network is not exposed to the terminal). Similarly, uplink information transmission packets from the terminal also terminate at the first network function; that is, the first network function unpacks the end-to-end transmission packets between the terminal and the first network function. The first network function can then send the uplink information to the second or third network function based on its processing. The first network function and the second or third network function can exchange information (e.g., first information) via the user plane, data plane, or control plane. The data plane can be an enhancement of the user plane or a part of the network independent of the control plane and user plane. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the user plane or data plane can process user data for a specified network service, or it can process specific signaling and / or control information. A terminal connecting to the network through the user plane or data plane can respectively or simultaneously support one or more services.

[0149] Step S2101: The first network function, the second network function, or the fourth network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0150] Optionally, the service can be any service in the previous embodiments, or the service can be at least one of the following, including but not limited to: sensing service, positioning service, ranging / SL positioning service, AI service, ML service, AI / ML service, ISAC service, and environmental IoT service, etc.

[0151] Optionally, the service can be at least one of the following: any service that can interact through the user plane or the data plane, any service that is transferred from control plane processing to user plane processing, and any service that is transferred from control plane processing to data plane processing.

[0152] Optionally, the service can be a network service or an interaction of signaling and / or control information with specific requirements.

[0153] Optionally, the redirection of a service from a second network function to a third network function can be: the service is switched from the second network function to the third network function, or the service is migrated from the second network function to the third network function, or the service is switched from being executed by the second network function to being executed by the third network function.

[0154] Optionally, the service can be a terminal service, or the service can include terminal services or services that are not terminal services. Here, services that are not terminal services can refer to services that are suitable for all terminals, services that are suitable for the telecommunications architecture, or services that are suitable for the communication system.

[0155] Optionally, there can be one or more services. Multiple services refer to two or more.

[0156] Optionally, the second network function is the network function before redirection; the third network function is the network function after redirection. For example, the second network function can be the source NSF; the third network function can be the target NSF.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on at least one of the following: a first service area, a second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, first local policy information, first transmission performance information, second transmission performance information, second information, and third information.

[0159] Optionally, the first service area is the service area where the second network function is located; the second service area is the service area where the third network function is located. The first load information is the load of the second network function; the second load information is the load of the third network function. Location information is used to indicate the location of the terminal. The first capability information is used to indicate the services supported by the second network function; the second capability information is used to indicate the services supported by the third network function. The first energy information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the energy type used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; the second energy information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the energy type used by the third network function and the energy consumption of the third network function. The first local policy information is used to indicate the local policy of the first network function; for example, the first policy information can be used to indicate NSF selection information. The second information is used to indicate one of the following: service redirection by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, a first identifier, and condition information; the second information is obtained by the first network function from the second network function; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the condition information is used to indicate: the conditions for determining the third network function. The third information is used to indicate one of the following: the service is redirected by the second network function, the connection information of the first connection, the first identifier, and the condition information; the third information is obtained by the first network function from the fourth network function; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used to manage services and / or manage connections.

[0160] Optionally, if the second network function informs the first network function that the service needs to be redirected, the second information at least indicates that the service is redirected by the second network function; or, if the second network function informs the first network function that the service needs to be redirected to a third network function, the second information may indicate the following: the service is redirected by the second network function and a first identifier. Here, if the second network function informs the first network function that the service needs to be redirected, the third network function can determine the third network function to which the service needs to be redirected.

[0161] Optionally, if the fourth network function informs the first network function that the service needs to be redirected, the third information is used to indicate at least that the service is redirected by the second network function; or, if the fourth network function informs the first network function that the service needs to be redirected to the third network function, the third information may indicate the following: the service is redirected by the second network function and a first identifier. Here, if the fourth network function informs the first network function that the service needs to be redirected, the first network function can determine the third network function to which the service needs to be redirected.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first network function determines, based on the aforementioned relevant information (e.g., first service area, second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, first local policy information, second information, and / or third information, etc.): that the second network function does not serve as a service NSF; or, the service needs to redirect from the second network function to other NSFs that can provide services, and determines other third network functions that can serve as service NSFs. Here, determining that the service needs to redirect from the second network function to other NSFs that can provide services, and determining other third network functions that can serve as service NSFs, may mean: determining a third network function that serves as a service NSF. Optionally, the fifth information of the third network function may be obtained when determining the third network function that serves as a service NSF.

[0163] Optionally, determining that the second network function is not a serving NSF includes: the first network function determining that the second network function is not a serving NSF based on its local information or acquired information; or, the second network function determining that the second network function cannot serve as an NSF and sending second information to the first network function; or the fourth network function determining that the second network function is not a serving NSF and sending third information to the first network function. Here, the local information of the first network function may be information stored in the local information of the first network function, such as, but not limited to, at least one of the following: first service area, second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, and information included in the first local policy information. The information acquired by the first network function may be, but not limited to, at least one of the following: first service area, second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, second information, and third information. Here, at least a portion of the local information of the first network function may also be information previously acquired from the second network function, the third network function, the terminal, or other network functions (e.g., the fourth network function).

[0164] Optionally, the first network function determines a third network function to serve the NSF, including: the first network function determines the third network function based on local information of the first network function or acquired conditional information; or, the first network function queries a fifth network function based on local information of the first network function or acquired conditional information to determine a third network function that can serve the NSF.

[0165] Optionally, determining a third network function to serve the NSF includes: a second network function determining a third network function capable of serving the NSF based on its local information or acquired conditional information; or, the second network function querying a fifth network function based on its local information or acquired conditional information to determine a third network function capable of serving the NSF. In this case, the second network function sends second information about the determined third network function capable of serving the NSF to the first network function. Here, the local information of the second network function may be information stored in the local information of the second network function, such as, but not limited to, at least one of the following: first service area, second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, and information included in the second local policy information mentioned below. At least a portion of the local information of the second network function may also be information previously obtained from the third network function, the terminal, or other network functions (e.g., a fourth network function).

[0166] Optionally, determining a third network function to serve the NSF includes: a fourth network function determining a third network function capable of serving the NSF based on its local information or acquired conditional information; or, the fourth network function querying a fifth network function based on its local information or acquired conditional information to determine a third network function capable of serving the NSF. In this case, the fourth network function sends the determined third network function capable of serving the NSF, third information, to the first network function. Optionally, the fifth network function can be a Network Repository Function (NRF). Here, the local information of the fourth network function can be information stored in the fourth network function, such as, but not limited to, at least one of the following: a first service area, a second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, and information included in the second local policy information mentioned below. Here, at least a portion of the local information of the fourth network function may also be information previously obtained from the second network function, the third network function, the terminal, or other network functions.

[0167] Optionally, the first network function queries the fifth network function to determine a third network function that can serve as the NSF. The first network function sends query condition information to the fifth network function; based on the condition information, the fifth network function determines the third network function to which the service is redirected by the second network function; the fifth network function sends tenth information to the first network function, the tenth information indicating the third network function to which the service is redirected by the second network function; based on the received tenth information, the first network function determines that the service is redirected by the second network function to the third network function.

[0168] Optionally, the first network function determines that the second network function should not be redirected as a service NSF or service requirement based on at least one of the first service area, first load information, first capability information, first energy information, first local policy information, second information, and third information.

[0169] Optionally, the first network function determines the third network function serving the NSF based on at least one of the second service area, second load information, second capability information, second energy information, first local policy information, second information, and third information.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the third network function as the service NSF.

[0171] In some embodiments, a first network function determines that a service needs to be redirected, and determines that the service will be redirected from a second network function to a third network function. Here, the first network function can determine the third network function to which it needs to be redirected itself, for example, based on at least one of the first service area, second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, and a first local policy as described in the above embodiments.

[0172] In some embodiments, a first network function receives second information sent by a second network function, and based on the second information, determines that the service needs to be redirected and determines that the service is redirected by the second network function to a third network function; or, a first network function receives third information sent by a fourth network function, and based on the third information, determines that the service needs to be redirected and determines that the service is redirected by the second network function to the third network function.

[0173] Here, the first network function determines that the service needs to be redirected based on the second or third information. For example, it may determine the need for service redirection based on local information and / or the information indicated in the second or third information in the above embodiments (e.g., the service is redirected by the second network function, the connection information of the first connection, and condition information). The condition information may include at least one of the following: a first service area, first load information, location information, first capability information, first energy information, and a service redirection policy. The service redirection policy may be a policy that instructs the service to be redirected.

[0174] The first network function itself does not identify the third network function that needs to be redirected. It needs instructions from other network functions (such as the second or fourth network function) to obtain this information. For example, the second or fourth network function informs the first network function of the conditions for redirecting the third network function by sending second or third information, respectively. The first network function then determines the third network function to be redirected based on the second or third information. Alternatively, the first network function can send the conditions for redirecting the third network function to a fifth network function (e.g., an NRF). After the fifth network function identifies the third network function to be redirected, it informs the first network function of the third network function. Another example is that the second or fourth network function, after identifying the third network function to be redirected, informs the first network function of the conditions for redirection, such as a first identifier, by sending second or third information, respectively. Or, the first network function can send the conditions to a fifth network function (e.g., an NRF). After the fifth network function identifies the third network function to be redirected, it informs the first network function of the third network function.

[0175] Optionally, both the first service area and the second service area can be a list of cells or a list of areas; or, the first service area is the range of the first network function that the second network function can connect to (for example, the range of the first network function and the third network function can be IP addresses), and the second service area is the range of the first network function that the third network function can connect to (for example, the range of the first network function and the third network function can be IP address ranges, etc.).

[0176] Optionally, the first transmission performance information is used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the second network function; for example, this transmission performance may be the transmission performance of at least a portion of the first transmission path, such as the transmission path from the terminal to the first network function, and / or the transmission path from the first network function to the second network function. The second transmission performance information is used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the third network function; for example, this transmission path may include the transmission performance of at least a portion of the second transmission path, such as the transmission path from the terminal to the first network function, and / or the transmission path from the first network function to the third network function. For example, the aforementioned transmission performance may be the transmission latency and / or packet loss rate for transmitting the first information, etc., and the required transmission performance of the target NSF to be redirected can be determined based on service redirection policies and / or Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.

[0177] Optionally, connection information can be used to indicate that a first connection has been established.

[0178] Optionally, the connection information may include at least one of the following: a first connection identifier, a first identifier, and a second identifier; the first connection identifier is used to indicate a first connection; the second identifier is used to indicate a first network function.

[0179] Optionally, the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0180] Optionally, the first connection is one of the following: a user plane connection between the first network function and the third network function, a control plane connection between the first network function and the third network function, and a data connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0181] Optionally, the services supported by the second network function can be the first service; the first service can be one or more.

[0182] Optionally, the service supported by the third network function can be a second service; the second service can be one or more. For example, the first service and the second service are the same; or, the first service and the second service are at least partially different.

[0183] Optionally, the condition information may include information determining that the service is redirected by the second network function and / or information determining the third network function, specifically including at least one of the following conditions: the first service area where the second network function is located, the second service area where the third network function is located, the first load of the second network function, the second load of the third network function, the location information of the terminal, the first capability information supported by the second network function, the second capability information supported by the third network function, and the service redirection policy.

[0184] Optionally, the energy type may include traditional energy or new energy, and may further include specific information about various energy types, such as the proportion of different energy types and the total amount of different energy types. For example, the energy type may include at least one of the following: wind energy, electricity, hydropower, solar energy, coal, oil, natural gas, bioenergy, and nuclear energy.

[0185] Optionally, energy consumption may include energy consumption level or energy consumption per unit time.

[0186] Optionally, the first local policy may include at least one of the following: a first service area where the second network function is located, a second service area where the third network function is located, a first load of the second network function, a second load of the third network function, a first service supported by the second network function, a second service supported by the third network function, a first energy information of the second network function, a second energy information of the third network function, and a policy setting for selecting the NSF that provides the service. The policy setting for selecting the NSF that provides the service may, for example, provide a maximum load threshold for the service; or it may specify network function priority based on energy type, such as shortest path priority. The first local policy may be stored in the first network function.

[0187] Optionally, the first network function may obtain at least one of the following from the second network function or other network functions (such as the fourth network function): first service area, first load information, first capability information, and first energy information.

[0188] Optionally, the first network function may obtain at least one of the following from the third network function or other network functions (such as the fourth network function): second service area, second load information, second capability information, and second energy information.

[0189] Optionally, the first network function can obtain the terminal's location information from the terminal or other network functions (such as the fourth network function).

[0190] For example, a first network function determines that a second network function is in a first area (e.g., area A), or that the second network function only serves the first area; the first network function determines that the terminal's location moves from the first area to a second area (e.g., area B); the first network function determines that a third network function is in the second area or serves the second area, then the first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Here, if the first network function determines that the second network function cannot serve the second area, and the second network function is an NSF (Network Service Provider), the first network function may determine that the second network function is not a serving NSF. If the first network function determines that the third network function can serve the second area, and the second network function is an NSF, the first network function determines that the third network function is a serving NSF.

[0191] For example, a first network function determines that the load of a second network function is greater than or equal to a first predetermined load, and determines that the load of a third network function is less than or equal to a second predetermined load. The first network function then determines that the service will be redirected from the second network function to the third network function. The first predetermined load is greater than the second predetermined load. For example, the first predetermined load may be 70%, 80%, or 90% of the maximum load of the second network function; the second predetermined load may be 50%, 30%, or 20% of the maximum load of the third network function.

[0192] For example, the first network function determines that the terminal moves from a first area to a second area, wherein the first area is the area served by the second network function, and the second area is the area served by the third network function; the first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0193] For example, a second network function supports a first service, and a third network function supports the second service. If a terminal moves from a first area to a second area and switches from performing the first service to performing the second service, then the first network function determines that the service will be redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Here, if the first network function determines that the terminal has switched from performing the first service to performing the second service, and also determines that the second network function supports the first service, then the first network function determines that the second network function will not serve as a service NSF. If the first network function determines that the terminal has switched from performing the first service to performing the second service, and also determines that the third network function supports the second service, then the first network function determines that the third network function will serve as a service NSF.

[0194] For example, a second network function supports a first service, and a third network function supports a second service; wherein both the first service and the second service include service A; if service A was originally supported by the second network function but is switched to be supported by the third network function, then the first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0195] For example, the second network function uses petroleum energy, and the third network function uses wind energy; the first network function, based on the principle of prioritizing the use of new energy sources, determines that services will be redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Here, the first network function, based on the principle of prioritizing the use of new energy sources, and given that the second network function uses petroleum energy, determines that the second network function is not an NSF (Network Service Provider). The first network function, based on the principle of prioritizing the use of new energy sources, and given that the third network function uses wind energy, determines that the third network function is an NSF.

[0196] For example, the second network function supports a level 2 energy consumption rating, and the third network function supports a level 1 energy consumption rating. The energy consumption per unit time at level 2 is higher than that at level 1. The first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Here, if the first network function determines that the energy consumption or energy consumption level of the second network function is relatively high (e.g., greater than or equal to a predetermined energy consumption or higher than or equal to a predetermined energy consumption level), then the second network function is determined not to serve as a Service NSF; and / or, if the first network function determines that the energy consumption or energy consumption level of the third network function is relatively low (e.g., less than or equal to a predetermined energy consumption or lower than or equal to a predetermined energy consumption level), then the third network function is determined to serve as a Service NSF.

[0197] For example, a second network function determines that a service is redirected from the second network function to a third network function; the second network function sends second information to a first network function, the second information indicating that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; the first network function, based on the received second information, determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Optionally, the second network function determines that a service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; the second network function interacts with the third network function to send information from the first network function to the third network function or to send information about the service redirection from the second network function to the third network function to a fourth network function, and then performs other steps, such as step S2102 described below. Thus, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second network function may also determine that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function and inform the first network function, the third network function, or the fourth network function of the service redirection.

[0198] For example, the second network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, and obtains the first connection information between the first network function and the third network function; the second network function sends second information to the first network function, the second information including or indicating the connection information of the first connection; based on the received second information, the first network function determines that the first connection between the first network function and the third network function has been established; based on the established first connection, the first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Thus, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the second network function can inform the first network function that the first connection has been established; if the first connection has been established, the service has been located to the third network function; thus, the first network function can also know about the service redirection through the second network function.

[0199] For example, the second network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; the second network function sends second information to the first network function, the second information including or used to indicate the first identifier; the first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on the received second information.

[0200] For example, a fourth network function determines that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; the fourth network function sends third information to a first network function, the third information indicating that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; the first network function, based on the received third information, determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Thus, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth network function can also determine that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function and inform the first network function of the service redirection.

[0201] For example, the fourth network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, and determines the first connection between the first network function and the third network function; the fourth network function sends third information to the first network function, the third information including or indicating the connection information of the first connection; based on the received third information, the first network function determines that the first connection between the first network function and the third network function has been established; based on the established first connection, the first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Thus, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the fourth network function can inform the first network function that the first connection has been established; if the first connection has been established, the service has been located to the third network function; thus, the first network function can also know about the service redirection through the fourth network function.

[0202] For example, the fourth network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; the fourth network function sends third information to the first network function, the third information including or used to indicate the first identifier; the first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on the received third information.

[0203] In some embodiments, the second network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0204] In some embodiments, the second network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on at least one of the following: a first service area, a second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, first transmission performance information, second transmission performance information, second local policy information, third information, and ninth information.

[0205] Optionally, the second local policy information is used to indicate the local policy of the second network function. The third information is obtained by the second network function from the fourth network function. The ninth information is used to indicate one of the following: service redirection by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the ninth information is obtained by the second network function from the first network function.

[0206] Optionally, the second local policy may include at least one of the following: a first service area where the second network function is located, a second service area where the third network function is located, a first load of the second network function, a second load of the third network function, a first service supported by the second network function, a second service supported by the third network function, a first energy information of the second network function, a second energy information of the third network function, and policy settings for selecting the NSF that provides the service. The policy settings for selecting the NSF that provides the service may, for example, provide a maximum load threshold for the service, or prioritize network functions of a specified energy type, such as shortest path priority. The second local policy may be stored in the first network function.

[0207] In some embodiments, the implementation of the second network function determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function is similar to the implementation of the first network function determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. The difference is that the information of the second network function, such as the first service area, the first load information, the first capability information and / or the first energy information, can be obtained by the second network function itself. For embodiments of the second network function determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, please refer to embodiments of the first network function determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0208] Optionally, if the first network function informs the second network function that the service needs to be redirected, then the ninth information at least indicates that the service is redirected by the second network function; or, if the first network function informs the second network function that the service needs to be redirected to a third network function, then the ninth information may indicate the following: the service is redirected by the second network function and a first identifier. Here, if the first network function informs the second network function that the service needs to be redirected, then the second network function can determine the third network function to which the service needs to be redirected.

[0209] Optionally, if the fourth network function informs the second network function that the service needs to be redirected, the third information at least indicates that the service is redirected by the second network function; or, if the fourth network function informs the second network function that the service needs to be redirected to the third network function, the third information may indicate the following: the service is redirected by the second network function and a first identifier. Here, if the fourth network function informs the second network function that the service needs to be redirected, the second network function can determine the third network function to which the service needs to be redirected.

[0210] In some embodiments, the second network function determines, based on the aforementioned relevant information (e.g., first service area, second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, second local policy information, third information, and / or ninth information, etc.): that the second network function does not serve as a service NSF; or that the service needs to redirect from the second network function to other NSFs that can provide services, and determines other third network functions that can serve as service NSFs. Here, determining that the service needs to redirect from the second network function to other NSFs that can provide services, and determining other third network functions that can serve as service NSFs, may mean: determining a third network function that serves as a service NSF.

[0211] Optionally, determining that the second network function is not a serving NSF includes: the second network function determining that the second network function is not a serving NSF based on local information of the second network function or information obtained therefrom; or, the first network function determining that the second network function cannot serve as a serving NSF and sending a ninth message to the second network function; or the fourth network function determining that the second network function is not a serving NSF and sending a third message to the second network function.

[0212] Optionally, the second network function determines a third network function to serve the NSF, including: the second network function determines the third network function based on local information of the second network function or acquired conditional information; or, the second network function queries a fifth network function based on local information of the second network function or acquired conditional information to determine a third network function that can serve the NSF.

[0213] Optionally, determining a third network function to serve the NSF includes: a first network function determining a third network function capable of serving the NSF based on local information of the first network function or acquired conditional information; or, the first network function querying a fifth network function based on local information of a second network function or acquired conditional information to determine a third network function capable of serving the NSF. In this case, the first network function sends the determined ninth information regarding the third network function capable of serving the NSF to the second network function.

[0214] Optionally, determining a third network function to serve the NSF includes: a fourth network function determining a third network function capable of serving the NSF based on its local information or acquired conditional information; or, the fourth network function querying a fifth network function based on its local information or acquired conditional information to determine a third network function capable of serving the NSF. In this case, the fourth network function sends the determined third network function capable of serving the NSF, third information, to the second network function.

[0215] Optionally, the second network function queries the fifth network function to determine a third network function that can serve as the NSF. The second network function sends query condition information to the fifth network function; based on the condition information, the fifth network function determines the third network function to which the service is redirected by the second network function; the fifth network function sends tenth information to the second network function, the tenth information indicating the third network function to which the service is redirected by the second network function; based on the received tenth information, the second network function determines that the service is redirected by the second network function to the third network function.

[0216] Optionally, the second network function determines that it is not required to be redirected as a service NSF or service based on at least one of the first service area, first load information, first capability information, first energy information, first local policy information, third information, and ninth information.

[0217] Optionally, the second network function is determined as a third network function serving the NSF based on at least one of the second service area, second load information, second capability information, second energy information, first local policy information, second information, and third information.

[0218] Optionally, the second network function determines that the service needs to be redirected, and determines that the service will be redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Here, the second network function can determine the third network function to which it needs to be redirected itself, for example, it can determine the third network function to which it needs to be redirected based on at least one of the first service area, second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, and second local policy in the above embodiments.

[0219] Here, the second network function determines that the service needs to be redirected based on the third or ninth information. For example, it can determine that the service needs to be redirected based on local information and / or the information indicated in the third or ninth information in the above embodiments (e.g., the service is redirected by the second network function, the connection information of the first connection, and the condition information).

[0220] The second network function itself does not identify the third network function that needs to be redirected. It needs to obtain the information from other network functions (such as the fourth or first network function) to determine the third network function that needs to be redirected. For example, the fourth or first network function informs the second network function of the conditions for redirecting the third network function by sending a third or ninth message, respectively. The second network function determines the third network function that needs to be redirected based on the third or ninth message. Alternatively, the second network function can send the conditions for redirecting the third network function to a fifth network function (such as an NRF). After the fifth network function determines the third network function that needs to be redirected, it informs the second network function of the third network function that needs to be redirected. Another example is that after the fourth or first network function determines the third network function that needs to be redirected, it informs the second network function of the third network function, such as a first identifier, by sending a third or ninth message, respectively. Yet another example is that the second network function can send the conditions to a fifth network function (such as an NRF). After the fifth network function determines the third network function that needs to be redirected, it informs the second network function of the third network function that needs to be redirected.

[0221] In some embodiments, when a redirection is triggered, the second network function determines that the service is redirected by the third network function from the second network function.

[0222] In some embodiments, a first network function or a fourth network function determines that a redirection has been triggered; if a second network function modifies or releases a second connection, it determines that the service is redirected by the second network function to a third network function. Optionally, the second connection is a connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0223] In some embodiments, before the first network function establishes a first connection with the third network function, the second network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Here, the second network function needs to transfer information (such as the sixth information mentioned below) to the third network function; thus, the second network function determines that the sixth information needs to be transferred or sent to the third network function, and determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0224] In some embodiments, the fourth network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0225] In some embodiments, the fourth network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on at least one of the following: a first service area, a second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, first transmission performance information, second transmission performance information, third local policy information, second information, and ninth information.

[0226] Optionally, the third local policy information is used to indicate the local policy of the fourth network function. The second information is obtained by the fourth network function from the second network function. The ninth information is obtained by the fourth network function from the first network function.

[0227] Optionally, the third local policy may include at least one of the following: a first service area where the second network function is located, a second service area where the third network function is located, a first load of the second network function, a second load of the third network function, a first service supported by the second network function, a second service supported by the third network function, a first energy information of the second network function, and a second energy information of the third network function, and a policy setting for selecting the NSF that provides the service. The policy setting for selecting the NSF that provides the service may, for example, provide a maximum load threshold for the service, or prioritize network functions of a specified energy type, such as shortest path priority. The third local policy may be stored in the fourth network function.

[0228] In some embodiments, the implementation of the fourth network function determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function is similar to the implementation of the first network function determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; for embodiments of the fourth network function determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, see the embodiments of the first network function determining that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0229] Optionally, if the first network function informs the fourth network function that the service needs to be redirected, then the ninth information at least indicates that the service is redirected by the second network function; or, if the first network function informs the fourth network function that the service needs to be redirected to the third network function, then the ninth information may indicate the following: the service is redirected by the second network function and a first identifier. Here, if the first network function informs the fourth network function that the service needs to be redirected, then the fourth network function can determine the third network function to which the service needs to be redirected.

[0230] Optionally, if the second network function informs the fourth network function that the service needs to be redirected, the second information at least indicates that the service is redirected by the second network function; or, if the second network function informs the fourth network function that the service needs to be redirected to the third network function, the second information may indicate the following: the service is redirected by the second network function and a first identifier. Here, if the second network function informs the fourth network function that the service needs to be redirected, the fourth network function can determine the third network function to which the service needs to be redirected.

[0231] In some embodiments, the fourth network function determines, based on the aforementioned relevant information (e.g., first service area, second service area, first load information, second load information, location information, first capability information, second capability information, first energy information, second energy information, third local policy information, second information, and / or ninth information, etc.): that the fourth network function does not serve as a service NSF; or, the service needs to redirect from the second network function to other NSFs that can provide services, and determines other third network functions that can serve as service NSFs. Here, determining that the service needs to redirect from the second network function to other NSFs that can provide services, and determining other third network functions that can serve as service NSFs, may mean: determining a third network function that serves as a service NSF.

[0232] Optionally, determining that the second network function is not a serving NSF includes: the fourth network function determining that the second network function is not a serving NSF based on local information of the fourth network function or information obtained therefrom; or the first network function determining that the second network function cannot serve as a serving NSF and sending a ninth message to the second network function; or the second network function determining that the second network function is not a serving NSF and sending a second message to the second network function.

[0233] Optionally, the fourth network function determines the third network function as a service to the NSF, including: the fourth network function determines the third network function based on local information of the fourth network function or acquired conditional information; or, the fourth network function queries the fifth network function based on local information of the fourth network function or acquired conditional information to determine the third network function that can serve the NSF.

[0234] Optionally, determining a third network function to serve the NSF includes: a first network function determining a third network function capable of serving the NSF based on its local information or acquired conditional information; or, the first network function querying a fifth network function based on its local information or acquired conditional information to determine a third network function capable of serving the NSF. In this case, the first network function sends the determined ninth information regarding the third network function capable of serving the NSF to the fourth network function.

[0235] Optionally, determining a third network function to serve the NSF includes: a second network function determining a third network function capable of serving the NSF based on its local information or acquired conditional information; or, the second network function querying a fifth network function based on its local information or acquired conditional information to determine a third network function capable of serving the NSF. In this case, the second network function sends the determined second information about the third network function capable of serving the NSF to the fourth network function.

[0236] Optionally, the fourth network function queries the fifth network function to determine a third network function that can serve as the NSF. The fourth network function sends query condition information to the fifth network function; based on the condition information, the fifth network function determines the third network function to which the service is redirected by the second network function; the fifth network function sends tenth information to the second network function, the tenth information indicating the third network function to which the service is redirected by the second network function; based on the received tenth information, the fourth network function determines that the service is redirected by the second network function to the third network function.

[0237] Optionally, the fourth network function determines, based on at least one of the first service area, first load information, first capability information, first energy information, first local policy information, second information, and third information, that the second network function should not be redirected as a service NSF or service requirement.

[0238] Optionally, the fourth network function is determined as the third network function serving the NSF based on at least one of the second service area, second load information, second capability information, second energy information, first local policy information, second information, and third information.

[0239] Optionally, the fourth network function determines that the service needs to be redirected and determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Here, the fourth network function can determine the third network function to which it needs to be redirected itself. For example, it can determine the third network function to which it needs to be redirected based on at least one of the first service area, the second service area, the first load information, the second load information, the location information, the first capability information, the second capability information, the first energy information, the second energy information, and the third local policy in the above embodiments.

[0240] Here, the fourth network function determines that the service needs to be redirected based on the ninth information or the second information. For example, it can determine that the service needs to be redirected based on local information and / or the information indicated in the ninth information or the second information in the above embodiments (e.g., the service is redirected by the second network function, the connection information of the first connection, and the condition information).

[0241] The fourth network function itself does not identify the third network function that needs to be redirected. It needs instructions from other network functions (such as the first or second network function) to obtain this information. For example, the first or second network function informs the fourth network function of the conditions for redirecting the third network function by sending a ninth or second message, respectively. The fourth network function then determines the third network function to be redirected based on the ninth or second message. Alternatively, the fourth network function can send the conditions for redirecting the third network function to a fifth network function (e.g., an NRF). After identifying the third network function, the fifth network function informs the fourth network function of the conditions for redirection. Another example is that after the first or second network function identifies the third network function to be redirected, it informs the fourth network function of the conditions, such as a first identifier, by sending a ninth or second message, respectively. Yet another example is that the fourth network function can send the conditions to a fifth network function (e.g., an NRF).

[0242] After the fifth network function identifies the third network function that needs to be redirected, it informs the fourth network function: the third network function that needs to be redirected.

[0243] In some embodiments, the names of the first service area, the second area information, the first load information, the second load information, the location information, the first capability information, the second capability information, the first energy information, and the second energy information are not limited.

[0244] In some embodiments, the names of the first local policy information, the second local policy information, and the third local policy information are not limited.

[0245] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomously implementing, among other meanings.

[0246] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "bit", and "data" can be used interchangeably.

[0247] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "specified", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "specified A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, specified A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0248] Step S2102: The first network function, the third network function, or the fourth network function establishes a first connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0249] Optionally, the first connection can be one of the following: a user plane connection between the first network function and the third network function, a control plane connection between the first network function and the third network function, and a data plane connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first connection may be a transmission channel; this transmission channel may refer to a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission channel. For example, the first connection may include either a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission channel. For example, the transmission channel can be replaced by a transmission path; a connection-oriented transmission channel may refer to a connection-connected transmission channel; a connectionless transmission channel may refer to a non-connection-oriented transmission channel. The connection establishment process differs for different connection-oriented transmission protocols.

[0251] For example, when the first connection is a connectionless transmission path, its connection establishment requires obtaining the peer's address information and completing the configuration at both ends, without requiring explicit connection establishment operations; when the first connection is a connection-oriented transmission channel, its connection establishment requires obtaining the peer's address information and performing connection establishment operations. This address information is address information that can be used by the transport layer; if it is not transport layer address information, it can be mapped to transport layer address information.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first network function establishes a first connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0253] In some embodiments, a first network function, a second network function, or a fourth network function sends fourth information of the first network function to a third network function. The fourth information is used by the third network function to establish a first connection with the first network function.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains fifth information from the third network function; based on the fifth information, it establishes a first connection with the third network function.

[0255] Optionally, the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function and a second identifier; the second identifier is used to indicate the first network function.

[0256] Optionally, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the third network function and a first identifier; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

[0257] Optionally, the first address information, the second address information, and the third address information mentioned below can all be any information used to represent an address; for example, the first address information, the second address information, and the third address information can include, but are not limited to, one of the following: port address information, Internet Protocol (IP) address information, and Media Access Control (MAC) address information. For example, the port address information can be a port number. For example, the IP address information can include one of the following: Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) address information and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) address information.

[0258] Optionally, the first network function may correspond to one or more first address information, or the second identifier may correspond to one or more first address information.

[0259] Optionally, the third network function may correspond to one or more second address information, or the first identifier may correspond to one or more second address information.

[0260] Optionally, the first network function may establish different first connections based on different first address information and / or different third address information of the third network function. For example, the first network function may include a first first address information and a second first address information, and the third network function may include a first second address information and a second second address information. Then, a first first connection may be established based on the first first address information and the first second address information; a second first connection may be established based on the second first address information and the first second address information; a third first connection may be established based on the first first address information and the second second address information; and / or, a fourth first connection may be established based on the second first address information and the second second address information.

[0261] Optionally, the first network function obtains the fifth information if it determines that the second network function has been redirected to the third network function. Here, the first network function can directly determine the fifth information.

[0262] Optionally, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the third network function.

[0263] Optionally, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the second network function. For example, the fifth information may be sent separately by the second network function to the first network function. Alternatively, the fifth information may be carried within second information and sent by the second network function to the first network function; that is, the second information may include the fifth information.

[0264] Optionally, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the fourth network function, which is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections. For example, the fifth information may be sent separately by the fourth network function to the first network function. Alternatively, the fifth information may be carried within the third information and sent by the fourth network function to the first network function; that is, the third information may include the fifth information in this case.

[0265] Optionally, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the second network function based on the control plane connection between the first network function and the second network function; or, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the second network function based on the user plane connection between the first network function and the second network function; or, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the second network function based on the data plane connection between the first network function and the second network function. Here, the connection between the first network function and the second network function is the second connection.

[0266] Optionally, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the fourth network function based on the control plane connection between the first network function and the fourth network function; or, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the fourth network function based on the user plane connection between the first network function and the fourth network function; or, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the fourth network function based on the data plane connection between the first network function and the fourth network function.

[0267] Optionally, the first network function actively establishes the first connection. For example, the first network function sends a fifth message to the third network function, the fifth message being used to request the establishment of the first connection; the third network function interacts with the first network function based on the fifth message to cooperate with the first network function in completing the establishment of the first connection.

[0268] Optionally, the first network function passively establishes the first connection. For example, the first network function receives a sixth message sent by the third network function, the sixth message being used to request the establishment of the first connection; based on the sixth message, the first network function interacts with the third network function to cooperate with the third network function to complete the establishment of the first connection.

[0269] Optionally, the names of the fifth and sixth messages are not limited; for example, both the fifth and sixth messages can be connection establishment request messages, etc.

[0270] Optionally, the names of the first and second identifiers are not limited; for example, the first identifier may be an NSF identifier or a target NSF identifier, and the second identifier may be an anchor identifier.

[0271] Optionally, the names of the fourth and fifth pieces of information are not limited; for example, the fourth piece of information may be anchor point information, and the fifth piece of information may be NSF information or target NSF information.

[0272] In some embodiments, the third network function establishes a first connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0273] In some embodiments, the third network function obtains fourth information from the first network function; based on the fourth information, it establishes a first connection with the first network function.

[0274] In some embodiments, the third network function sends fifth information to the first network function, the fifth information being used by the first network function to establish a first connection with the third network function.

[0275] In some embodiments, the implementation of the third network function establishing the first connection is similar to the implementation of the first network function establishing the first connection; for embodiments of the third network function establishing the first connection, see embodiments of the first network function establishing the first connection.

[0276] Optionally, the third network function receives the fourth information sent by the first network function.

[0277] Optionally, the third network function receives the fourth information sent by the second network function.

[0278] Optionally, the third network function receives fourth information sent by the fourth network function, which is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

[0279] Optionally, the third network function receives the fifth information sent by the second network function based on the control plane connection between the third network function and the second network function; or, the third network function receives the fifth information sent by the second network function based on the user plane connection between the third network function and the second network function; or, the third network function receives the fifth information sent by the second network function based on the data plane connection between the third network function and the second network function. Here, the connection between the third network function and the second network function is a third connection.

[0280] Optionally, the third network function receives the fifth information sent by the fourth network function based on the control plane connection between the third network function and the fourth network function; or, the third network function receives the fifth information sent by the fourth network function based on the user plane connection between the third network function and the fourth network function; or, the third network function receives the fifth information sent by the fourth network function based on the data plane connection between the third network function and the fourth network function.

[0281] Optionally, the third network function actively establishes the first connection. For example, the third network function sends a sixth message to the first network function, the sixth message requesting the establishment of the first connection; based on the sixth message, the first network function interacts with the third network function to cooperate with the third network function to complete the establishment of the first connection.

[0282] Optionally, the third network function passively establishes the first connection. For example, the third network function receives a fifth message sent by the first network function, the fifth message being used to establish the first connection; based on the fifth message, the third network function interacts with the first network function to cooperate with the first network function in completing the establishment of the first connection.

[0283] In some embodiments, the fourth network function establishes a first connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0284] In some embodiments, the fourth network function sends fourth information of the first network function to the third network function, wherein the fourth information is used by the first network function to establish a first connection with the third network function.

[0285] In some embodiments, the fourth network function sends fifth information of the third network function to the first network function, wherein the fifth information is used by the third network function to establish a first connection with the first network function.

[0286] In some embodiments, the fourth network function acquires fourth and fifth information; based on the fourth and fifth information, it establishes a first connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0287] In some embodiments, the implementation of the fourth network function establishing the first connection is similar to the implementation of the first network function establishing the first connection; for embodiments of the fourth network function establishing the first connection, see embodiments of the first network function establishing the first connection.

[0288] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0289] In step S2103, the second network function sends the sixth information to the third network function.

[0290] Optionally, the sixth information includes at least one of the following: at least one business identifier, a first identifier corresponding to the business identifier, a third identifier corresponding to the business identifier, first information, and seventh information.

[0291] For example, a service identifier indicates a service that has been redirected.

[0292] For example, the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

[0293] For example, the third identifier is used to indicate the terminal.

[0294] For example, the seventh information is used to indicate at least two of the following associations: business identifier, first information, first identifier, and third identifier. For example, the seventh information is used to indicate the association between the business identifier and the first identifier. For example, the seventh information is used to indicate the association between the business identifier, the first identifier, and the third identifier. For example, the seventh information is used to indicate the association between the business identifier, the first identifier, the third identifier, and the first information.

[0295] For example, the seventh information indicates the association between the business identifier and the first identifier. One implementation is: if the business identifier is "yewu1" and the first identifier is "NSF2", the seventh information can be "yewu1-NSF2". Another implementation is: if the business identifier is "yewu1" and the first identifier is "NSF2", input "yewu1" and "NSF2" into the model or formula for constructing the seventh identifier to obtain the seventh information, which can be "0101"; the seventh information "0101" can represent the association between business 1 and NSF2.

[0296] Optionally, the first information may include at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service, uplink data of the service, downlink signaling of the service, and downlink data of the service. Here, the service refers to the service that has been redirected.

[0297] Optionally, the name of the first piece of information is not limited; for example, it may be called business information, business uplink information, or business downlink information.

[0298] Optionally, the names of the sixth and seventh pieces of information are not limited; for example, the sixth piece of information is business-related information; the seventh piece of information is related information or related identifiers, etc.

[0299] In some embodiments, the second network function sends the sixth information to the third network function. Here, the second network function sends the sixth information directly to the third network function.

[0300] In some embodiments, the third network function receives a sixth message sent by the second network function.

[0301] Optionally, the second network function sends the sixth information to the third network function through the third connection, wherein the third connection is a connection between the second network function and the third network function.

[0302] Optionally, the third network function receives the sixth information sent by the second network function through the third connection.

[0303] Optionally, the third connection includes one of the following: a user plane connection between the second network function and the third network function, a control plane connection between the second network function and the third network function, and a data plane connection between the second network function and the third network function. Optionally, if the third connection is a transmission channel established for the transmission of sixth information between the second network function and the third network function, the third connection needs to be released after the transmission of the sixth information is completed.

[0304] In some embodiments, the second network function sends a sixth message to the third network function through the first network function.

[0305] Optionally, the second network function sends a sixth message to the first network function; the first network function sends a sixth message to the third network function.

[0306] Optionally, the third network function receives the sixth information sent by the first network function, wherein the sixth information is obtained by the first network function from the second network function.

[0307] In some embodiments, the second network function sends a sixth message to the third network function via the fourth network function.

[0308] Optionally, the second network function sends the sixth information to the fourth network function; the fourth network function sends the sixth information to the third network function.

[0309] Optionally, the third network function receives a sixth message sent by the fourth network function, wherein the sixth message is obtained by the fourth network function from the second network function.

[0310] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0311] In step S2104, the first network function, the second network function, or the fourth network function processes the second connection between the first network function and the second network function. Here, the processing includes releasing or modifying.

[0312] In some embodiments, the first network function, the second network function, or the fourth network function releases the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first network function releases a second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0314] Optionally, if no first information of any service needs to be exchanged through the second network function, the first network function releases the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0315] For example, if a telecommunications system or communication system is adapted to services 1 to 5, none of which require interaction through a second network function, or if services 1 to 5 are all redirected to a third network function, then it is determined that the second connection will be released. Alternatively, if the second network function supports services 1 to 3, and services 1 to 3 are all redirected to a third network function, then it is determined that the second connection will be released.

[0316] For example, a first network function sends a first message to a second network function, wherein the first message is used by the second network function to release the second connection. Here, after receiving the first message, the second network function releases the second connection.

[0317] For example, a first network function sends a second message to a fourth network function, wherein the second message is used by the fourth network function to release the second connection; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections. Here, after receiving the second message, the fourth network function releases the second connection.

[0318] For example, the first network function receives a third message sent by the second network function; based on the third message, it releases the second connection. Here, the third message is used to release the second connection.

[0319] For example, the first network function deletes the third address information of the second network function, where the third address information is used to establish the second connection and corresponds to the address of the second network function of the second connection. Alternatively, the second connection can be released by deleting the third address information of the second network function from the first network function.

[0320] For example, the first network function deletes information related to the second connection, such as the address information at both ends of the connection, security parameters, and connection identifier. Here, deleting the information related to the second connection from the first network function can also release the second connection.

[0321] Optionally, there may be one or more third address information. The third address information is the address information for the second network function.

[0322] Optionally, the names of the first message, the second message, the third message, and the fourth message mentioned below are not limited; for example, the first message, the second message, the third message, and the fourth message can all be connection release messages.

[0323] In some embodiments, the second network function releases a second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0324] In some embodiments, the implementation of the second network function releasing the second connection is similar to the implementation of the first network function releasing the second connection; for an embodiment of the second network function releasing the second connection, please refer to the embodiment of the first network function releasing the second connection.

[0325] Optionally, if no business information needs to be exchanged through the second network function, the second network function releases the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0326] For example, the second network function receives a first message sent by the first network function; based on the first message, it releases the second connection. Here, the first message is used to release the second connection.

[0327] For example, the second network function sends a third message to the first network function, wherein the third message is used by the first network function to release the second connection. Here, the first network function releases the second connection after receiving the third message.

[0328] For example, the second network function sends a fourth message to the fourth network function, wherein the fourth message is used by the fourth network function to release the second connection; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections. Here, after receiving the fourth message, the fourth network function releases the second connection.

[0329] For example, the second network function deletes the first information of all services. Here, deleting the first information of all services in the second network function can also mean releasing the second connection.

[0330] For example, the second network function deletes the third address information used to establish the second connection. Here, the second connection can also be released by deleting the third address information from the second network function.

[0331] For example, the second network function deletes information related to the second connection, such as the address information at both ends of the connection, security parameters, and / or connection identifiers. Here, the second connection can also be released by deleting its related information from the second network function.

[0332] In some embodiments, the fourth network function releases the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0333] In some embodiments, the implementation of the fourth network function releasing the second connection is similar to the implementation of the first network function releasing the second connection and / or the implementation of the second network function releasing the second connection; for embodiments of the second network function releasing the second connection, please refer to the embodiments of the first network function releasing the second connection and / or the embodiments of the second network function releasing the second connection.

[0334] Optionally, the fourth network function releases the second connection between the first network function and the second network function when there is no first information for any business that needs to be exchanged through the second network function.

[0335] For example, the fourth network function receives a second message sent by the first network function, the second message being used to request the release of the second connection; the fourth network function releases the second connection based on the second message.

[0336] For example, the fourth network function receives a fourth message sent by the third network function, the fourth message being used to request the release of the second connection; the fourth network function releases the second connection based on the fourth message.

[0337] For example, the fourth network function deletes information related to the second connection, such as the address information of both ends of the connection, security parameters, and / or connection identifiers. Here, the second connection can also be released by deleting its related information from the fourth network function.

[0338] In some embodiments, a first network function, a second network function, or a fourth network function modifies a second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first network function modifies the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0340] Optionally, if any service is not redirected to the third network function, the first network function modifies the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0341] For example, a telecommunications system or communication system may be adapted to services 1 to 5, or a second network function may support services 1 to 5; wherein services 1 to 3 are redirected to a third network function; services 4 and 5 are not redirected to the third network function and still require execution by the second network function; then the second connection between the first network function and the second network function is modified so that the first information of services 4 and 5 is still transmitted through the second network function.

[0342] For example, the first network function disconnects the second connection from the eighth information; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier and a third identifier; the service identifier indicates a redirected service; the third identifier indicates a terminal. Here, by disconnecting the relevant information of the redirected service (i.e., the eighth information) from the second connection, the second connection can be modified.

[0343] In some embodiments, the second network function modifies the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0344] In some embodiments, the implementation of the second network function modifying the second connection is similar to the implementation of the first network function modifying the first connection; for embodiments of the second network function modifying the second connection, see embodiments of the first network function modifying the second connection.

[0345] Optionally, if any service is not redirected to the third network function, the second network function modifies the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0346] For example, the second network function removes the first information of the service that is redirected to the third network function.

[0347] For example, the second network function disconnects the second connection from the eighth information; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a service identifier and a third identifier; the service identifier indicates the redirected service, and the third identifier is used to indicate the terminal.

[0348] In some embodiments, the fourth network function modifies the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0349] In some embodiments, the implementation of the fourth network function modifying the second connection is similar to the implementation of the first network function modifying the first connection and / or the implementation of the second network function modifying the first connection; embodiments of the second network function modifying the second connection can be found in embodiments of the first network function modifying the second connection and / or embodiments of the second network function modifying the first connection.

[0350] In some embodiments, the relationship between the second connection and the service-related information can be modified. For example, the eighth information describes information about services associated with the second connection other than the information about the redirected service. The second network function deletes the first information of the service redirected to the third network function and severs the association between the second connection and services other than those in the eighth information.

[0351] Optionally, if any service is not redirected to the third network function, the fourth network function modifies the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

[0352] In step S2105, the first network function or the third network function transmits the first information of the service through the first connection. For example, the service may be a redirected service.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first network function sends uplink information from the first message to the third network function through the first connection.

[0354] In some embodiments, the third network function receives uplink information from the first information sent by the first network function through the first connection.

[0355] Optionally, the uplink information in the first information comes from the terminal; the uplink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service, and uplink data of the service.

[0356] For example, the terminal sends the uplink information in the first information to the first network function; the first network function sends the uplink information in the first information to the third network function. Optionally, after receiving the uplink information in the first information, the first network function further processes the uplink information in the first information (e.g., decryption and repackaging), and sends the processed uplink information in the first information to the third network function.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the information of the first connection corresponding to the first information based on the uplink information in the received first information and the information of the established first connection; and sends the processed uplink information in the first information to the third network function through the first connection. In this way, the first information that was originally sent to the second network function through the second connection is sent to the third network function through the first connection, realizing the switching or redirection of the network service function of the service.

[0358] In some embodiments, the third network function sends downlink information in the first information to the first network function through the first connection.

[0359] In some embodiments, the first network function receives downlink information from the first information sent by the third network function via the first connection.

[0360] In some embodiments, the third network function determines the information of the first connection corresponding to the first information based on the downlink information in the first information to be sent and the information of the established first connection; and sends the downlink information in the first information to the third network function through the first connection. In this way, the first information that was originally sent by the second network function to the first network function through the second connection and then sent by the first network function to the terminal is now sent by the third network function to the first network function through the first connection and then sent by the first network function to the terminal, realizing the switching or redirection of the network service function of the service.

[0361] Optionally, the downlink information in the first information is used to send to the terminal; the downlink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: downlink signaling of the service, and downlink data of the service.

[0362] For example, the third network function sends first information downlink information to the first network function; the first network function sends the first information downlink information to the terminal. Optionally, after receiving the first information downlink information, the first network function further processes the first information downlink information (e.g., packetization) and sends the processed first information downlink information to the terminal.

[0363] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2105. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 and S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2102 and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 and steps S2102 and S2103 can be implemented as... The following can be implemented as independent embodiments: the combination of steps S2103 and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102, S2103 and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101, S2102, S2103 and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2103, S2104 and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 to S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0364] In some embodiments, steps S2102 and S2103 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0365] In some embodiments, steps S2103 and S2104 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0366] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0367] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method for a communication system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0368] Step S3101: The first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function.

[0369] The optional implementations of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2101 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0370] In step S3102, the first network function transmits the first information of the service with the third network function through the first connection. Optionally, the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0371] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0372] In some embodiments, determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function includes: determining the redirection based on at least one of the following: a first service area, wherein the first service area is the service area where the second network function is located; a second service area, wherein the second service area is the service area where the third network function is located; first load information, wherein the first load information is the load of the second network function; second load information, wherein the second load information is the load of the third network function; location information, wherein the location information indicates the location of the terminal; first capability information, wherein the first capability information indicates the services supported by the second network function; second capability information, wherein the second capability information indicates the services supported by the third network function; first energy information, wherein the first energy information indicates at least one of the following: the energy type used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; second energy information, wherein the second energy information indicates at least one of the following: the energy used by the third network function. The system includes: quantity type and power consumption of the third network function; first transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the second network function in providing services; second transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the third network function in providing services; first local policy information, used to indicate the local policy of the first network function; second information, used to indicate one of the following: services redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the second information is obtained by the first network function from the second network function; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the condition information is used to indicate: the conditions for determining the third network function; third information, used to indicate one of the following: services redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the third information is obtained by the first network function from the fourth network function; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used to manage services and / or manage connections.

[0373] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a first network function establishing a first connection with a third network function.

[0374] In some embodiments, establishing a first connection between a first network function and a third network function includes one of the following: sending fourth information of the first network function to the third network function, the fourth information being used by the third network function to establish a first connection with the first network function; obtaining fifth information of the third network function; and establishing a first connection with the third network function based on the fifth information.

[0375] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of a first network function and a second identifier; the second identifier is used to indicate the first network function; and / or, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of a third network function and a first identifier; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

[0376] In some embodiments, obtaining the fifth information of a third network function includes one of the following: receiving the fifth information sent by the third network function; receiving the fifth information sent by the second network function; or receiving the fifth information sent by a fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

[0377] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a first network function receiving sixth information sent by a second network function; sending the sixth information to a third network function; wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier, the service identifier indicating a redirected service; a first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the first identifier indicating the third network function; a third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier indicating a terminal; first information; and seventh information, the seventh information indicating at least two of the following associations: service identifier, first information, first identifier, and third identifier.

[0378] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the first network function releasing the second connection between the first network function and the second network function when no first information of any service needs to be exchanged through the second network function; or, the first network function modifying the second connection between the first network function and the second network function when any service is not redirected to the third network function.

[0379] In some embodiments, the release of a second connection between a first network function and a second network function includes at least one of the following: sending a first message to the second network function, wherein the first message is used for the second network function to release the second connection; sending a second message to a fourth network function, wherein the second message is used for the fourth network function to release the second connection; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections; receiving a third message sent by the second network function; releasing the second connection based on the third message; and deleting third address information of the second network function, wherein the third address information is used to establish the second connection and the third address information corresponds to the address of the second network function of the second connection.

[0380] In some embodiments, the first network function modifies the second connection between the first network function and the second network function, including: terminating the association between the second connection and the eighth information; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier and a third identifier; the service identifier is used to indicate a service that has been redirected; the third identifier is used to indicate a terminal.

[0381] In some embodiments, the first network function transmits first information of a service through a first connection, including at least one of the following: sending uplink information in the first information to a third network function through the first connection, wherein the uplink information in the first information originates from a terminal; the uplink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service and uplink data of the service; receiving downlink information in the first information sent by the third network function through the first connection, wherein the downlink information in the first information is used to send to a terminal; the downlink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: downlink signaling of the service and downlink data of the service.

[0382] In some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and any network function having network service data processing function or network service data proxy function; and / or, the second network function includes one of the following: network service function, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein the second network function is the network function before service redirection; and / or, the third network function includes one of the following: network service function, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein the third network function is the network function after service redirection; and / or, the fourth network function is the network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function.

[0383] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0384] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, this embodiment of the disclosure relates to an information processing method for a communication system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0385] In step S3201, the second network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function. Optionally, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, the first information of the service is transmitted through the first connection; the first connection is the connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0386] The optional implementation of step S32101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0387] In some embodiments, determining that a service is redirected from the second network function to a third network function includes: determining the redirection based on at least one of the following: a first service area, wherein the first service area is the service area where the second network function is located; a second service area, wherein the second service area is the service area where the third network function is located; first load information, wherein the first load information is the load of the second network function; second load information, wherein the second load information is the load of the third network function; location information, wherein the location information indicates the location of the terminal; first capability information, wherein the first capability information indicates the services supported by the second network function; second capability information, wherein the second capability information indicates the services supported by the third network function; first energy information, wherein the first energy information indicates at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; second energy information, wherein the second energy information indicates at least one of the following: the energy used by the third network function. The information includes: quantity type and power consumption of the third network function; first transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the second network function in providing services; second transmission performance information, used to indicate the transmission performance of the third network function in providing services; second local policy information, used to indicate the local policy of the second network function; third information, used to indicate one of the following: services redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the third information is obtained by the second network function from the fourth network function; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the condition information is used to indicate: the conditions for determining the third network function; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used to manage services and / or manage connections; and ninth information, used to indicate one of the following: services redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the ninth information is obtained by the second network function from the first network function.

[0388] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a second network function sending sixth information to a third network function, wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier, the service identifier indicating a redirected service; a first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the first identifier indicating the third network function; a third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier indicating a terminal; first information; and seventh information, the seventh information indicating at least two of the following associations: service identifier, first information, first identifier, and third identifier.

[0389] In some embodiments, the second network function sends a sixth message to the third network function, including at least one of the following: sending the sixth message to the third network function via a third connection, wherein the third connection is a connection between the second network function and the third network function; the third connection includes one of the following: a user plane connection, a control plane connection, and a data plane connection; sending the sixth message to the third network function via a first network function; or sending the sixth message to the third network function via a fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

[0390] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the second network function releasing the second connection between the first network function and the second network function when no first information of any service needs to be exchanged through the second network function; or the second network function modifying the second connection between the first network function and the second network function when any service is not redirected to the third network function.

[0391] In some embodiments, the second network function releases the second connection between the first network function and the second network function, including at least one of the following: receiving a first message sent by the first network function; releasing the second connection based on the first message; sending a third message to the first network function, wherein the third message is used by the first network function to release the second connection; sending a fourth message to a fourth network function, wherein the fourth message is used by the fourth network function to release the second connection; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections; deleting first information of all services; deleting third address information of the second network function, the third address information being used to establish the second connection.

[0392] In some embodiments, the second network function modifies the second connection between the first network function and the second network function, including at least one of the following: deleting first information of services redirected to a third network function; terminating the association between the second connection and eighth information; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a service identifier and a third identifier; the service identifier indicates the redirected service, and the third identifier is used to indicate the terminal.

[0393] This disclosure provides an information processing method, including: when a third network function determines that a service is redirected from a second network function to the third network function, it transmits first information of the service through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0394] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a third network function establishing a first connection with a first network function.

[0395] In some embodiments, the establishment of a first connection between a third network function and a first network function includes one of the following: obtaining fourth information from the first network function; establishing a first connection with the first network function based on the fourth information; and sending fifth information from the third network function to the first network function, wherein the fifth information is used by the first network function to establish the first connection with the third network function.

[0396] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a third network function receiving sixth information sent by a second network function, wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier, the service identifier indicating a redirected service; a first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the first identifier indicating the third network function; a third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier indicating the terminal; first information; and seventh information, the seventh information indicating at least two of the following associations: service identifier, first information, first identifier, and third identifier.

[0397] In some embodiments, the third network function receives the sixth information sent by the second network function, including at least one of the following: receiving the sixth information sent by the second network function through a third connection, wherein the third connection is a connection between the second network function and the third network function; the third connection includes one of the following: a user plane connection, a control plane connection, and a data plane connection; receiving the sixth information sent by the second network function through a first network function; receiving the sixth information sent by the second network function through a fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

[0398] In some embodiments, the third network function transmits first information of a service through the first connection, including at least one of the following: receiving uplink information in the first information sent by the first network function through the first connection, wherein the uplink information in the first information comes from the terminal; the uplink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service and uplink data of the service; sending downlink information in the first information to the first network function through the first connection, wherein the downlink information in the first information is used to send to the terminal; the downlink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: downlink signaling of the service and downlink data of the service.

[0399] This disclosure provides an information processing method, including: a fourth network function determining that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

[0400] In some embodiments, the fourth network function determines that a service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, including: determining the redirection based on at least one of the following: a first service area, wherein the first service area is the service area where the second network function is located; a second service area, wherein the second service area is the service area where the third network function is located; first load information, wherein the first load information is the load of the second network function; second load information, wherein the second load information is the load of the third network function; location information, wherein the location information indicates the location of the terminal; first capability information, wherein the first capability information indicates the services supported by the second network function; second capability information, wherein the second capability information indicates the services supported by the third network function; first energy information, wherein the first energy information indicates at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; second energy information, wherein the second energy information indicates the following At least one of the following: the type of energy used by the third network function and the energy consumption of the third network function; first transmission performance information, which indicates the transmission performance of the service provided by the second network function; second transmission performance information, which indicates the transmission performance of the service provided by the third network function; third local policy information, which indicates the local policy of the fourth network function; second information, which indicates one of the following: the service is redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the second information is obtained by the fourth network function from the second network function; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the condition information is used to indicate: the conditions for determining the third network function; ninth information, which indicates one of the following: the service is redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, first identifier, and condition information; the ninth information is obtained by the fourth network function from the first network function.

[0401] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a fourth network function establishing a first connection between a first network function and a third network function.

[0402] In some embodiments, the fourth network function establishes a first connection between the first network function and the third network function, including one of the following: sending fourth information of the first network function to the third network function, wherein the fourth information is used by the first network function to establish a first connection with the third network function; sending fifth information of the third network function to the first network function, wherein the fifth information is used by the third network function to establish a first connection with the first network function; obtaining the fourth information and the fifth information; and establishing a first connection between the first network function and the third network function based on the fourth information and the fifth information.

[0403] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a fourth network function receiving sixth information sent by a second network function; sending the sixth information to a third network function; wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier, the service identifier indicating a redirected service; a first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the first identifier indicating the third network function; a third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier indicating a terminal; first information; and seventh information, the seventh information indicating at least two of the following associations: service identifier, first information, first identifier, and third identifier.

[0404] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0405] This disclosure relates to an information processing method, which may be a method that supports the redirection of network service functions based on the user plane or the data plane; the UE does not need to be aware of the redirection of network service functions.

[0406] The method for redirecting network service functions based on the user plane according to the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of the following:

[0407] Establish a connection between the target NSF and the anchor point;

[0408] Send the anchor point information to the target NSF, and / or send the target NSF information to the anchor point;

[0409] Information about the redirected service and / or UE information is forwarded to the target NSF;

[0410] After network service function redirection, at least one of the following is interacted with the target NSF instead of the source NSF: uplink (UL) signaling of the redirected service, downlink (DL) signaling of the redirected service, uplink data of the redirected service, downlink data of the redirected service, uplink signaling of the UE, downlink signaling of the UE, uplink data of the UE, and downlink data of the UE.

[0411] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0412] In this embodiment, it is assumed that network services based on the user plane or data plane are supported. The communication system supports network service x and requires the exchange of signaling and / or data between the UE and NSFx. NSFx is an example of a network function within the core network that processes network services. Signaling and / or data packets from the UE terminate at an anchor point, and the anchor point packages the data sent from the core network to the UE. The address information at the anchor point is sent to the UE; the UE does not see the address information of the NSF, but rather the signaling and / or data exchanged between the UE and the NSF is sent by the anchor point. One or more NSFs can support one or more network services. Each NSF can support one or more network services. The anchor point can be an independent NSDPF or UPF, or the anchor point can be a network service data proxy used for exchanging signaling and / or data between the UE and any NSF, etc.

[0413] Step S4101: Establish the connection between the UE and the anchor point.

[0414] Optionally, the UE establishes a connection between the UE and the anchor point, or the anchor point establishes a connection between the UE and the anchor point; the connection between the UE and the anchor point can be a user plane connection or a data plane connection.

[0415] Step S4102: Establish the connection between the source NSF and the anchor point.

[0416] Optionally, the source NSF establishes a connection between the source NSF and the anchor point, or the anchor point establishes a connection between the source NSF and the anchor point; the connection between the source NSF and the anchor point can be a user plane connection, a control plane connection, or a data plane connection.

[0417] Step S4103: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the UE and the anchor point.

[0418] Optionally, UL / DL can be uplink or downlink. At least one of the following is exchanged between the UE and the anchor point: UL signaling for network services, UL data for network services, DL signaling for network services, and DL data for network services.

[0419] Optionally, the anchor point sends at least one of the following to the UE: DL signaling and DL data of the network service; the UE sends at least one of the following to the anchor point: UL signaling and UL data of the network service.

[0420] Step S4104: The anchor point processes UL / DL signaling and / or data for network services.

[0421] Optionally, anchor point determination sends the UL data contained in the UL data packet to the corresponding source NSF, and / or, anchor point determination packages and encapsulates the DL data.

[0422] Step S4105: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the anchor point and the source NSF.

[0423] Optionally, the anchor point sends at least one of the following to the source NSF: UL signaling and UL data of the network service; the source NSF sends at least one of the following to the anchor point: DL signaling and DL data of the network service.

[0424] In step S4106, NSF redirection is triggered. Here, NSF redirection means that only the source NSF is redirected to the target NSF.

[0425] Optionally, NSF redirection can be triggered by the source NSF, anchor point, or other NF based on at least one of the following information: the service area of ​​the source NSF, the service of the target NSF, the load of the source NSF, the load of the target NSF, the location of the UE, the capabilities supported by the source NSF (e.g., supported services) and the capabilities supported by the target NSF (e.g., supported services), the system energy of the source NSF, the system energy of the target NSF, the transmission performance of the service provided by the source NSF, the transmission performance of the service provided by the target NSF, and local policies. The local policy can be a policy for selecting the NSF providing the service, which can set, for example, a maximum load threshold for the service that can be provided, or prioritize network functions of a specified energy type, such as shortest path priority. Here, other NFs can be network functions in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections. The target NSF can be determined by the source NSF, anchor point, or other NF. Specifically, it can be determined by the corresponding network function itself based on the above information, or obtained by querying the NRF. It can be partial service redirection to the target NSF, full service redirection to the target NSF, or partial service redirection to one target NSF and other partial service redirection to another target NSF.

[0426] Step S4107: Establish the connection between the target NSF and the anchor point.

[0427] Optionally, the target NSF establishes a connection between the target NSF and the anchor point, or the anchor point establishes a connection between the target NSF and the anchor point, or other NFs establish a connection between the target NSF and the anchor point; the connection between the target NSF and the anchor point can be a user plane connection, a control plane connection, or a data plane connection.

[0428] Optionally, the anchor point, source NSF, or other NF sends anchor point information to the target NSF. This anchor point information includes at least one of the following: the anchor point's address information and an anchor point identifier indicating the anchor point. If the target NSF obtains the anchor point information before the connection is established, it can use this information to establish a connection between the target NSF and the anchor point. Alternatively, the target NSF can also obtain the anchor point information during the connection establishment process between the target NSF and the anchor point.

[0429] Optionally, the target NSF, source NSF, or other NF sends target NSF information to the anchor point; the target NSF information includes at least one of the following: the target NSF's address information, and a target NSF identifier indicating the target NSF. The anchor point may also obtain the target NSF information when determining the target NSF. If the anchor point obtains the target NSF information before the connection is established, it can use the obtained target NSF information to establish a connection between the target NSF and the anchor point. The anchor point may also obtain its own information during the connection establishment process between the target NSF and the anchor point.

[0430] The connection between the target NSF and the anchor point can be a transmission channel; this transmission channel can refer to a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission path. For example, the connection between the target NSF and the anchor point can include a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission channel. For example, a transmission channel can be replaced by a transmission path.

[0431] For example, when the connection between the target NSF and the anchor is a connectionless transmission path, connection establishment is only required after obtaining the peer's address information and completing the configuration at both ends; no explicit connection establishment operation is needed. Alternatively, when the connection between the target NSF and the anchor is a connection-oriented transmission channel, connection establishment is required after obtaining the peer's address information. This address information must be usable by the transport layer; if it is not transport layer address information, it can be mapped to transport layer address information.

[0432] In step S4108, the source NSF sends at least one of the following to the target NSF: signaling and / or data of network services, and related information.

[0433] Optionally, the relevant information may include at least one of the following: a service identifier indicating the redirected service, a UE identifier indicating the UE, a target NSF identifier indicating the target NSF, and an identifier that associates the service identifier with at least one of the UE identifier and the target NSF identifier.

[0434] Optionally, data transmission between the source NSF and the target NSF can be transmitted via a control plane connection, a user plane connection, or a data plane connection, or via other NFs or anchor points.

[0435] Optionally, during or after the connection is established between the target NSF and the anchor point, the source NSF sends at least one of the following to the target NSF: signaling and / or data of network services, and related information.

[0436] Optionally, if a dedicated transmission channel is established for data exchange between the source NSF and the target NSF, the transmission channel is released after the data exchange between the source NSF and the target NSF is completed.

[0437] Step S4109: Release the connection between the source NSF and the anchor point.

[0438] Optionally, if no signaling and / or data from any network service needs to be processed by the source NSF, the connection between the source NS and the anchor point can be released.

[0439] Optionally, if not all network services and / or UEs served by the source NSF are redirected to the target NSF, the source NSF is kept serving the remaining network services and / or UEs; and the connection between the source NSF and the anchor point is modified to deassociate the network services and / or UEs redirected to the target NSF.

[0440] Step S4110: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the UE and the anchor point.

[0441] Optionally, the anchor point sends at least one of the following to the UE: DL signaling and DL data of the network service; the UE sends at least one of the following to the anchor point: UL signaling and UL data of the network service.

[0442] Step S4111: The anchor point processes UL / DL signaling and / or data for network services.

[0443] Optionally, for UL data packets, the anchor point is based on the data packets received from the terminal. For redirected services, the connection between the selected anchor point and the target NSF is determined, and the UL data contained in the UL data packet is sent to the corresponding target NSF. Service redirection, the determination of the target NSF, and the establishment of the connection between the anchor point and the target NSF can be triggered upon receiving the UL data packet, completing the corresponding steps.

[0444] Optionally, for DL ​​data packets, the target NSF sends the DL data packets of the redirected service to the anchor point through the connection between the anchor point and the target NSF; the anchor point then packages and encapsulates the DL data and sends it to the UE.

[0445] Step S4112: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the anchor point and the target NSF.

[0446] Optionally, the anchor point sends at least one of the following to the target NSF: UL signaling and UL data of the network service; the target NSF sends at least one of the following to the anchor point: DL signaling and DL data of the network service.

[0447] In some embodiments, the UE can be a terminal, or the terminal can be a UE.

[0448] In some embodiments, the network service can be the service described in the previous embodiments. The anchor point can be a first network function described in the previous embodiments; the source NSF can be a second network function described in the previous embodiments; the target NSF can be a third network function described in the previous embodiments. The connection between the source NSF and the anchor point can be a second connection described in the previous embodiments; the connection between the target NSF and the anchor point can be a second connection described in the previous embodiments; the connection between the source NSF and the target NSF can be a third connection described in the previous embodiments. The anchor point information can be fourth information described in the previous embodiments; the target NSF information can be fifth information described in the previous embodiments. The UL / DL signaling and / or data of the service can be first information described in the previous embodiments.

[0449] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4112. For example, step S4106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4101 to S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4106 and S4107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4106, S4107, and S4108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4106 to S4110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4106 to S4109 and step S4112 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4101 to S4112 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0450] In some embodiments, steps S4101 to S4105 and steps S4108 to S4112 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0451] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0452] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by network devices (e.g., access network devices, core network functional nodes, core network devices (e.g., first network function, second network function, third network function, fourth network function), terminals, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0453] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0454] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0455] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network function 5100 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the first network function 5100 includes at least one of a first processing module 5101 and a first transceiver module 5102. In some embodiments, the first processing module 5101 is used to determine that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function. Optionally, the first processing module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the first network function 5100 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, and / or S2104, etc., but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5102 is used to transmit a first Western Sydney service through a first connection. Optionally, the first transceiver module 5102 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the first network function 5100 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S2105, etc., but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0456] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network function 5200 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the second network function 5200 includes at least one of a second processing module 5201 and a second transceiver module 5202. In some embodiments, the second processing module 5201 is used to determine that the service is redirected from the second network function to a third network function. Optionally, the second processing module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the second network function 5200 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101 and / or S2104, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 5202 is used to send sixth information to the third network function. Optionally, the second transceiver module 5202 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the second network function 5200 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S2103, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here.

[0457] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third network function 5300 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, the third network function 5300 includes at least one of a third processing module 5301 and a third transceiver module 5302. In some embodiments, the third processing module 5301 is used to establish a first connection with the first network function. Optionally, the third processing module 5301 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2102, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the third network function 5300 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the third transceiver module 5302 is used to transmit first information through the first connection. Optionally, the third transceiver module 5302 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2103 and / or step S2105, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the third network function 5300 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0458] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network function 5400 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5D, the fourth network function 5400 includes at least one of a fourth processing module 5401 and a fourth transceiver module 5402. In some embodiments, the fourth processing module 5401 is used to determine that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function. Optionally, the fourth processing module 5401 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the fourth network function 5400 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, and / or S2104, etc., but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the fourth transceiver module 5402 is used to transmit first information through a first connection. Optionally, the fourth transceiver module 5402 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the fourth network function 5400 in any of the above methods (e.g., step S2103, etc., but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0459] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver. For example, the first transceiver module described above includes a first transmitting module and / or a first receiving module. For example, the second transceiver module described above includes a second transmitting module and / or a second receiving module.

[0460] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0461] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0462] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device (e.g., a base station), a core network device (e.g., a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, a fourth network function, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0463] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0464] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2103 and / or S2105, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, and / or S2104, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0465] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 6103 to cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6103 may also be located outside the communication device 6100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0466] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection having one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0467] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0468] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0469] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 6201.

[0470] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2103 and / or S2105, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, and / or S2104, but not limited thereto).

[0471] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0472] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0473] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0474] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the first network function, including: Determine whether the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; The first information of the service is transmitted through the first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The uplink signaling of the aforementioned service; The upstream data of the aforementioned service; Downlink signaling for the aforementioned service; The downlink data of the aforementioned service.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The determination that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function includes: The service is determined to be redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on at least one of the following: The first service area is the service area where the second network function is located; The second service area is the service area where the third network function is located; First load information, wherein the first load information is the load of the second network function; The second load information is the load of the third network function. Location information, which is used to indicate the location of the terminal; First capability information, which is used to indicate the services supported by the second network function; Second capability information, which is used to indicate the services supported by the third network function; First energy information, the first energy information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; The second energy information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the third network function and the energy consumption of the third network function; First transmission performance information, which is used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the second network function; Second transmission performance information, which is used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the third network function; First local policy information, the first local policy information being used to indicate the local policy of the first network function; The second information indicates one of the following: the service is redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, a first identifier, and condition information; the second information is obtained by the first network function from the second network function; the first identifier indicates the third network function; the condition information indicates the conditions for determining the third network function. The third information is used to indicate one of the following: the service is redirected by the second network function, the connection information of the first connection, the first identifier, and the condition information; the third information is obtained by the first network function from a fourth network function; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used to manage services and / or manage connections.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Establish the first connection with the third network function.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The establishment of the first connection with the third network function includes one of the following: Send the fourth information of the first network function to the third network function, the fourth information being used by the third network function to establish the first connection with the first network function; Obtain the fifth information of the third network function; Based on the fifth piece of information, the first connection between the third network function and the third network function is established.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function, and a second identifier; the second identifier is used to indicate the first network function; And / or, The fifth information includes at least one of the following: the second address information of the third network function and the first identifier; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The fifth piece of information for obtaining the third network function includes one of the following: Receive the fifth information sent by the third network function; Receive the fifth information sent by the second network function; The fifth information is received from the fourth network function, which is a network function in the core network used to manage services and / or manage connections.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the sixth message sent by the second network function; Send the sixth information to the third network function; The sixth piece of information includes at least one of the following: At least one service identifier, one of the service identifiers indicating a service that has been redirected; A first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; A third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier being used to indicate the terminal; The first information; The seventh information is used to indicate at least two of the following associations: the business identifier, the first information, the first identifier, and the third identifier.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method also includes one of the following: If no business information needs to be exchanged through the second network function, release the second connection between the first network function and the second network function. If any service is not redirected to the third network function, modify the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The release of the second connection between the first network function and the second network function includes at least one of the following: Send a first message to the second network function, wherein the first message is used for the second network function to release the second connection; Send a second message to the fourth network function, wherein the second message is used by the fourth network function to release the second connection; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections; Upon receiving a third message from the second network function; based on the third message, release the second connection; Delete the third address information of the second network function, wherein the third address information is used to establish the second connection and the third address information corresponds to the address of the second network function of the second connection.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Modifying the second connection between the first network function and the second network function includes: The association between the second connection and the eighth information is terminated; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: at least one service identifier and a third identifier; one of the service identifiers is used to indicate a service that has been redirected; the third identifier is used to indicate a terminal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The transmission of the first information of the service through the first connection includes at least one of the following: Through the first connection, the uplink information in the first information is sent to the third network function, wherein the uplink information in the first information comes from the terminal; the uplink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service, and uplink data of the service; Through the first connection, the downlink information in the first information sent by the third network function is received, wherein the downlink information in the first information is used to send to the terminal; the downlink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: downlink signaling of the service and downlink data of the service.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and any network function that has network service data processing function or network service data proxy function; And / or, The second network function includes one of the following: network service functions, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein, the second network function is the network function before the service redirection; And / or, The third network function includes one of the following: network service functions, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein, the third network function is the network function after the service redirection; And / or, The fourth network function is a network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function.

14. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the second network function, including: The service is determined to be redirected from the second network function to the third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, the first information of the service is transmitted through the first connection; The first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The uplink signaling of the aforementioned service; The upstream data of the aforementioned service; Downlink signaling for the aforementioned service; The downlink data of the aforementioned service.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The determination that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function includes: The service is determined to be redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on at least one of the following: The first service area is the service area where the second network function is located; The second service area is the service area where the third network function is located; First load information, wherein the first load information is the load of the second network function; The second load information is the load of the third network function. Location information, which is used to indicate the location of the terminal; First capability information, which is used to indicate the services supported by the second network function; Second capability information, which is used to indicate the services supported by the third network function; First energy information, the first energy information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; The second energy information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the third network function and the energy consumption of the third network function; First transmission performance information, which is used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the second network function; Second transmission performance information, which is used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the third network function; Second local policy information, which is used to indicate the local policy of the second network function; The third information is used to indicate one of the following: the service is redirected by the second network function, the connection information of the first connection, the first identifier, and the condition information; the third information is obtained by the second network function from the fourth network function; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the condition information is used to indicate: the conditions for determining the third network function; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used to manage services and / or manage connections. The ninth information is used to indicate one of the following: the service is redirected by the second network function, the connection information of the first connection, the first identifier, and the condition information; the ninth information is obtained by the second network function from the first network function.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a sixth message to the third network function, wherein the sixth message includes at least one of the following: At least one service identifier, one of the service identifiers indicating a service that has been redirected; A first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; A third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier being used to indicate the terminal; The first information; The seventh information is used to indicate at least two of the following associations: the business identifier, the first information, the first identifier, and the third identifier.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Sending the sixth message to the third network function includes at least one of the following: The sixth information is sent to the third network function via a third connection, wherein the third connection is a connection between the second network function and the third network function; the third connection includes one of the following: user plane connection, control plane connection, and data plane connection; The sixth information is sent to the third network function through the first network function; The sixth information is sent to the third network function through the fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, The method also includes one of the following: If no business information needs to be exchanged through the second network function, release the second connection between the first network function and the second network function. If any service is not redirected to the third network function, modify the second connection between the first network function and the second network function.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The release of the second connection between the first network function and the second network function includes at least one of the following: Receive a first message sent by the first network function; based on the first message, release the second connection; Send a third message to the first network function, wherein the third message is used by the first network function to release the second connection; Send a fourth message to a fourth network function, wherein the fourth message is used by the fourth network function to release the second connection; the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections; Delete the first information for all of the aforementioned services; Delete the third address information of the second network function, which is used to establish the second connection.

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The modification of the second connection between the first network function and the second network function includes at least one of the following: Delete the first information of the service that is redirected to the third network function; The association between the second connection and the eighth information is terminated; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a service identifier and a third identifier; the service identifier indicates the redirected service, and the third identifier is used to indicate the terminal.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and any network function having network service processing function or network service data proxy function; And / or, The second network function includes one of the following: network service functions, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein, the second network function is the network function before the service redirection; And / or, The third network function includes one of the following: network service functions, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein, the third network function is the network function after the service redirection; And / or, The fourth network function is a network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function.

23. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by a third network function, including: When it is determined that a service is redirected from a second network function to a third network function, the first information of the service is transmitted through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The uplink signaling of the aforementioned service; The upstream data of the aforementioned service; Downlink signaling for the aforementioned service; The downlink data of the aforementioned service.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: Establish the first connection with the first network function.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The establishment of the first connection with the first network function includes one of the following: Obtain fourth information about the first network function; based on the fourth information, establish the first connection with the first network function; Send the fifth information of the third network function to the first network function, the fifth information being used by the first network function to establish the first connection with the third network function.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function, and a second identifier; the second identifier is used to indicate the first network function; And / or, The fifth information includes at least one of the following: the second address information of the third network function and the third identifier; the third identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that, The fourth piece of information obtained from the first network function includes one of the following: Receive the fourth information sent by the first network function; Receive the fourth information sent by the second network function; The fifth information is received from the fourth network function, which is a network function in the core network used to manage services and / or manage connections.

29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a sixth message sent by a second network function, wherein the sixth message includes at least one of the following: At least one service identifier, one of the service identifiers indicating a service that has been redirected; A first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; A third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier being used to indicate the terminal; The first information; The seventh information is used to indicate at least two of the following associations: the business identifier, the first information, the first identifier, and the third identifier.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The sixth message received from the second network function includes at least one of the following: The sixth information sent by the second network function is received through a third connection, wherein the third connection is a connection between the second network function and the third network function; the third connection includes one of the following: user plane connection, control plane connection, and data plane connection; The sixth information sent by the second network function is received through the first network function; The sixth information sent by the second network function is received through the fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is a network function in the core network used for managing services and / or managing connections.

31. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 30, characterized in that, The transmission of the first information of the service through the first connection includes at least one of the following: Through the first connection, uplink information in the first information sent by the first network function is received, wherein the uplink information in the first information comes from the terminal; the uplink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service and uplink data of the service; Through the first connection, downlink information in the first information is sent to the first network function, wherein the downlink information in the first information is used to send to the terminal; the downlink information in the first information includes at least one of the following: downlink signaling of the service and downlink data of the service.

32. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and any network function that has network service data processing function or network service data proxy function; And / or, The second network function includes one of the following: network service functions, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein, the second network function is the network function before the service redirection; And / or, The third network function includes one of the following: network service functions, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein, the third network function is the network function after the service redirection; And / or, The fourth network function is a network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function.

33. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the fourth network function, including: The service is determined to be redirected from the second network function to the third network function; wherein, after the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function, the first information of the service is transmitted through the first connection; The first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The uplink signaling of the aforementioned service; The upstream data of the aforementioned service; Downlink signaling for the aforementioned service; The downlink data of the aforementioned service.

35. The method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, The determination that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function includes: The service is determined to be redirected from the second network function to the third network function based on at least one of the following: The first service area is the service area where the second network function is located; The second service area is the service area where the third network function is located; First load information, wherein the first load information is the load of the second network function; The second load information is the load of the third network function. Location information, which is used to indicate the location of the terminal; First capability information, which is used to indicate the services supported by the second network function; Second capability information, which is used to indicate the services supported by the third network function; First energy information, the first energy information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function; The second energy information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the third network function and the energy consumption of the third network function; First transmission performance information, which is used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the second network function; Second transmission performance information, which is used to indicate the transmission performance of the service provided by the third network function; Third local policy information, which is used to indicate the local policy of the fourth network function; The second information indicates one of the following: the service is redirected by the second network function, connection information of the first connection, a first identifier, and condition information; the second information is obtained by the fourth network function from the second network function; the first identifier indicates the third network function; the condition information indicates the conditions for determining the third network function. The ninth information is used to indicate one of the following: the service is redirected by the second network function, the connection information of the first connection, the first identifier, and the condition information; the ninth information is obtained by the fourth network function from the first network function.

36. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that, The method further includes: Establish the first connection between the first network function and the third network function.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that, Establishing the first connection between the first network function and the third network function includes one of the following: Send the fourth information of the first network function to the third network function, wherein the fourth information is used for the first network function to establish the first connection with the third network function; Send the fifth information of the third network function to the first network function, wherein the fifth information is used by the third network function to establish the first connection with the first network function; Obtain the fourth information and the fifth information; based on the fourth information and the fifth information, establish the first connection between the first network function and the third network function.

38. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that, The fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function, and a second identifier; the second identifier is used to indicate the first network function; And / or, The fifth information includes at least one of the following: the second address information of the third network function and the third identifier; the third identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

39. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 38, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the sixth message sent by the second network function; Send the sixth information to the third network function; The sixth piece of information includes at least one of the following: At least one service identifier, one of the service identifiers indicating a service that has been redirected; A first identifier corresponding to the service identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function; A third identifier corresponding to the service identifier, the third identifier being used to indicate the terminal; The first information; The seventh information is used to indicate at least two of the following associations: the business identifier, the first information, the first identifier, and the third identifier.

40. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 39, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and any network function that has network service data processing function or network service data proxy function; And / or, The second network function includes one of the following: network service functions, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein, the second network function is the network function before the service redirection; And / or, The third network function includes one of the following: network service functions, and network functions in the core network other than the first network function; wherein, the third network function is the network function after the service redirection; And / or, The fourth network function is a network function in the core network other than the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function.

41. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by a communication system, the communication system including a first network function, a second network function, and a third network function; the method includes: The first network function determines that the service is redirected from the second network function to the third network function; The first network function transmits the first information of the service to the third network function through a first connection, wherein the first connection is a connection between the first network function and the third network function.

42. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or claims 14 to 22, or claims 23 to 32, or claims 33 to 40.

43. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The network comprises a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function; wherein the first network function is configured to implement the information processing method of any one of claims 1 to 13, the second network function is configured to implement the information processing method of any one of claims 14 to 22, the third network function is configured to implement the information processing method of any one of claims 23 to 32, and the fourth network function is configured to implement the information processing method of any one of claims 33 to 40.

44. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the information processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or claims 14 to 22, or claims 23 to 32, or claims 33 to 40.

45. A computer program product, comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or claims 14 to 22, or claims 23 to 32, or claims 33 to 40.

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