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

Abstract

This disclosure provides an information processing method, communication device, communication system, and storage medium. The information processing method, executed by a first network function, includes: determining a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first 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 the management of user-plane or data-plane services to better support their adoption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein aim to address the inability of communication systems to support user plane or data plane network services initiated by NSF based on mobile termination.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a first network function, comprising: determining a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first 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: receiving first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection; sending second information to a terminal, wherein the second information is used to request the establishment of a first connection; wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a terminal, comprising: receiving third information sent by a first network function or second information sent by a second network function; triggering the establishment of a first connection based on the third information or the second information; the first connection being a connection between the terminal and the third 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: receiving fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information is used to obtain fifth information; the fifth information is used by the first network function to determine a first operation when it determines that a first connection has not been established or a third network function has not been identified, the first operation comprising one of the following: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first 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 includes a first network function, a second network function, and a third network function. The method includes: the first network function determining a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: sending first information to the second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of the first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network function is provided, comprising: a first transceiver module configured to determine a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a second network function is provided, comprising: a second transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection; and to send second information to a terminal, wherein the second information is used to request the establishment of a first connection; wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a third transceiver module configured to receive third information sent by a first network function or second information sent by a second network function; and a third processing module configured to trigger the establishment of a first connection based on the third information or the second information; wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the third network function.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a fourth network function, comprising: a fourth transceiver module configured to receive fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information is used to acquire fifth information; the fifth information is used by the first network function to determine a first operation when it determines that a first connection has not been established or a third network function has not been identified, the first operation including one of the following: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first 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, comprising: a first network function, a second network function, a terminal, and a fourth network function; wherein the first network function is configured to perform a method as described in an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second network function is configured to perform a method as described in an optional implementation of the second aspect, the terminal is configured to perform a method as described in an optional implementation of the third aspect, and the fourth network function is configured to perform a method as described in an 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 optional implementations of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspects.

[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 can realize network services initiated by NSF based on user plane or data plane mobile termination. 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 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

[0028] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fourth network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0033] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose an information processing method executed by a first network function, comprising: determining a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the first network function and the second network function can send a request to establish a second connection to trigger the second network function to initiate the establishment of a first connection to the terminal. Alternatively, the first network function can directly initiate the establishment of a first connection to the terminal. This can enable network services initiated by the NSF based on the user plane or data plane of mobile termination, such as enabling information of these network services to be exchanged between the terminal and the core network through the first connection, which facilitates better support for the introduction of network services.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending fourth information to a fourth network function, wherein the fourth information is used to obtain fifth information; and determining, based on the fifth information, that the first connection has not been established or that the third network function has not been identified.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the fifth information of the fourth network function used to manage terminal connection data can be retrieved by the first network function, thereby accurately determining whether the first connection has been established.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes: sixth information; wherein the sixth information is used for the second network function or the third network function to establish a second connection; the sixth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function; a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the first network function.

[0038] In the above embodiments, sixth information (such as NSF information) can be carried in the first information, thereby facilitating the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function; and since the sixth information can be carried in the first information, transmission resources can also be saved.

[0039] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before sending the first information to the second network function, the method further includes: determining the second network function; wherein the second network function is a network function for session management or connection management.

[0040] In the above embodiments, a second network function for managing the first connection or anchor point (i.e., the third network function) can be determined before the first connection is established, so as to facilitate the subsequent selection of a suitable second network function to trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending seventh information to a fourth network function, wherein the seventh information is used for storage by the fourth network function; wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate a first type of second network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is used to indicate a second type of second network function.

[0042] In the above embodiments, the identification information of the second network function can be stored, so that subsequent access network devices or core network devices can use it to determine the second network function that manages the first connection or anchor point.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the second information to the terminal includes at least one of the following: sending the second information to the terminal via a fifth network function; wherein the fifth network function is a network function in the core network used for access and / or mobility management; or sending the second information to the terminal via an access network device.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the second information can be sent to the terminal through multiple transmission paths, adapting to more application scenarios.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the second information to the terminal includes one of the following: sending the second information to the terminal via a short message mechanism; or sending the second information via a specific container in a downlink message.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the second information can be sent to the terminal in various ways (such as short message mechanism or specific container in downlink message, etc.) to adapt to more application scenarios.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving eighth information sent by a second network function or terminal; establishing a second connection based on the eighth information; wherein the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a first indication, wherein the first indication is for the establishment of a first connection; and a ninth information, wherein the ninth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of a third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is for indicating the third network function; and the second address information is for establishing the second connection.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the establishment of the second connection can be completed after the establishment of the first connection, so as to facilitate the subsequent downlink information of the first network function to be sent to the terminal and / or the uplink information of the service sent by the terminal.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the second information and the third information includes tenth information; wherein the tenth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of a first network function; a fifth identifier, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the data network function to which the first network function is located; and a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate to the requesting terminal to establish a connection to the core network.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: sending downlink information of a service to a third network function via a second connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is used by the third network function to send it to a terminal via a first connection; receiving uplink information of a service sent by the third network function via the second connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the terminal via the first connection.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the service information between the terminal and the third network function can be forwarded through the second connection and the first connection, which eliminates the need to expose the address of the first network function to the terminal, thereby improving transmission security. Furthermore, the first information of the services exchanged between the terminal and the first network function in the core network via the third network function can support services with lower complexity and better scalability.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: a network service function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of second network function and a second type of second network function; the first type of second network function is a network function for session management; the second type of second network function is a network function for connection management; the third 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; the fourth network function includes one of the following: a unified data management function, a unified data management function, a policy control function, and a network exposure function; the fifth network function is a network function for access and / or mobility management.

[0053] Secondly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a second network function, comprising: receiving first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection; sending second information to a terminal, wherein the second information is used to request the establishment of a first connection; wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes: sixth information; the sixth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function; a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the first network function.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second network function includes a first type of second network function or a second type of second network function; the method further includes: sending seventh information to a fourth network function, wherein the seventh information is stored in the fourth network function; wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate a first type of second network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is used to indicate a second type of second network function.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending the second information to the terminal includes at least one of the following: sending the second information to the terminal via a fifth network function; wherein the fifth network function is a network function in the core network used for access and / or mobility management; or sending the second information to the terminal via an access network device.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes tenth information; or, the method further includes: sending tenth information to the terminal; wherein the tenth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of a first network function; a fifth identifier, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the data network where the first network function is located; and a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate that the requesting terminal establishes a connection to the core network.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending eleventh information to a fourth network function, wherein the eleventh information is stored in the fourth network function; wherein the eleventh information includes at least one of the following: a first indication, wherein the first indication is for a first connection to be established; a third indication, wherein the third indication is for indicating a second connection to be established; a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is for indicating a first type of second network function in the second network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is for indicating first address information of the first network function of the second type of second network function in the second network function, the first address information being used to establish a second connection; second address information of a third network function, the second address information being used to establish a second connection; third address information of a third network function, wherein the third address information is used to establish a first connection; a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is for indicating a third network function; a fourth identifier, wherein the fourth identifier is for indicating a third network function; and a sixth identifier, wherein the sixth identifier is for indicating a terminal.

[0059] In the above embodiments, after the first connection is established, the relevant information of the first connection (such as the identifier of the second network function that manages the first connection or anchor point, the indication of the establishment of the first connection, the address information of the anchor point, etc.) can be stored in the fourth network function. This realizes the registration of the first connection in the fourth network function and facilitates the subsequent use of the first connection.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: establishing a second connection based on sixth information; sending the sixth information to a third network function, wherein the sixth information is used by the third network function to establish the second connection; sending eighth information to a first network function, wherein the eighth information is used by the first network function to establish the second connection; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a first indication and ninth information; the ninth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the second address information is used to establish the second connection.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: a network service function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of second network function and a second type of second network function; the first type of second network function is a network function for session management; the second type of second network function is a network function for connection management; the third 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; the fourth network function includes one of the following: a unified data management function, a unified data management function, a policy control function, and a network exposure function; the fifth network function is a network function for access and / or mobility management.

[0062] Thirdly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a terminal, comprising: receiving third information sent by a first network function or second information sent by a second network function; triggering the establishment of a first connection based on the third information or the second information; the first connection being a connection between the terminal and the third network function.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third information is sent when the first network function fails to determine that the third network function has been established; or, the second information is sent when the second network function determines that the first connection has not been established.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, receiving third information sent by a first network function or second information sent by a second network function includes one of the following: receiving third information sent by a first network function through a fifth network function or an access network device; wherein the fifth network function is a network function for access and / or mobility management; and receiving second information sent by a second network function through a fifth network function or an access network device.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, at least one of the second information and the third information includes tenth information; or, receiving tenth information sent by the second network function; wherein the tenth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function; a fifth identifier, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the data network where the first network function is located; a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate to the requesting terminal to establish a connection to the core network.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes at least one of the following: sending uplink information of a service to a third network function via a first connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is used by the third network function to send to a first network function via a second connection; the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function; and receiving downlink information of a service sent by the third network function via the first connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the first network function via the second connection.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: a network service function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of second network function and a second type of second network function; the first type of second network function is a network function for session management; the second type of second network function is a network function for connection management; the third 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; the fourth network function includes one of the following: a unified data management function, a unified data management function, a policy control function, and a network exposure function.

[0068] Fourthly, this disclosure proposes an information processing method executed by a fourth network function, comprising: receiving fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information is used to obtain fifth information; the fifth information is used by the first network function to determine a first operation when it determines that a first connection has not been established or a third network function has not been identified, the first operation comprising one of the following: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0069] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes one of the following: receiving seventh information sent by a first network function and storing the seventh information; receiving seventh information sent by a second network function and storing the seventh information; wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate a first type of second network function in the second network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is used to indicate a second type of second network function in the second network function.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes: receiving twelfth information sent by a fifth network function or access network device, wherein the twelfth information is used to obtain seventh information; sending the seventh information to the fifth network function or access network device; wherein the seventh information is used by the fifth network function or access network device to determine a second network function.

[0071] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving eleventh information sent by a second network function; storing either the eleventh or thirteenth information, the thirteenth information being determined based on the seventh and eleventh information; wherein the eleventh information includes at least one of the following: a first indication, wherein the first indication is used to indicate that a first connection has been established; a third indication, wherein the third indication is used to indicate that a second connection has been established; a second identifier; a third identifier; first address information of the first network function, wherein the first address information is used to establish the second connection; second address information of the third network function, wherein the second address information is used to establish the second connection; third address information of the third network function, wherein the third address information is used to establish the first connection; a first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate the first network function; a fourth identifier, wherein the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function; and a sixth identifier, wherein the sixth identifier is used to indicate the terminal.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: a network service function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of second network function and a second type of second network function; the first type of second network function is a network function for session management; the second type of second network function is a network function for connection management; the third 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; the fourth network function includes one of the following: a unified data management function, a unified data management function, a policy control function, and a network exposure function; the fifth network function is a network function for access and / or mobility management.

[0073] 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 a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: sending first information to the second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of the first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0074] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a first network function, including: a first transceiver module configured to determine a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0075] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a second network function, including: a second transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection; and to send second information to a terminal, wherein the second information is used to request the establishment of a first connection; wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0076] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, comprising: a third transceiver module configured to receive third information sent by a first network function or second information sent by a second network function; and a third processing module configured to trigger the establishment of a first connection based on the third information or the second information; the first connection being a connection between the terminal and the third network function.

[0077] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose an information processing method executed by a fourth network function, comprising: a fourth transceiver module configured to receive fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information is used to acquire fifth information; the fifth information is used by the first network function to determine a first operation when it determines that a first connection has not been established or a third network function has not been identified, the first operation comprising one of the following: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to a terminal; sending third information to the terminal; wherein the second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a first network function, a second network function, a terminal, 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 terminal 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.

[0080] 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 optional implementations of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, or the first, second, third, and fifth aspects.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] It is understood that the aforementioned devices (e.g., the first network function, the second network function, the terminal, the third network function, the fourth network function, 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.

[0085] 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".

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0095] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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”.

[0098] 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.

[0099] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0105] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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. In this embodiment, the access network device 102 may also be directly connected to other network functions in the core network.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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, a fourth network function 1034, or a fifth network function 1035, etc., 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, fourth network function 1034, fifth network function 1035, etc. 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). The connection relationship between the first network function 1031, the second network function 1032, the third network function 1033, the fourth network function 1034 and the fifth network function 1035 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Figure 1 or is only a partial connection relationship shown in Figure 1, and these network functions can be interconnected with each other without conflict.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may include one of the following: Network Service Functionalities (NSF), and network functions in the core network other than the fourth network function, the third network function, and the second network function.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 is used to provide network services, support the execution or operation of network services, and / or provide network service management, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may include at least one of the following: a session management function (SMF), a service management function, a connection management function (CMF), and a service and connection management function, etc. Optionally, the second network function may establish a connection with at least one of the following: a first network function, a fourth network function, and a third network function.

[0117] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 is used for managing sessions, managing services, and / or managing connections, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0118] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may include a combination of one or more network functions to implement service and / or connection management functions; for example, the second network function may include: a first type of second network function, or a second type of second network function, or a first type of second network function and a second type of second network function, etc. Optionally, the first type of second network function is used to manage sessions, etc., for example, the first type of second network function may be SMF, etc. Optionally, the second type of second network function is used to manage services and / or connections, for example, the second type of second network function may be CMF, etc.

[0119] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may include one of the following: User Plane Function (UPF), Network Service Data Processing Function (NSDPF), Network Service Data Proxying (NSDP), and any function that has a network service data processing function or a network service data proxying function.

[0120] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may include anchor points (APs), etc.

[0121] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 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.

[0122] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may include one of the following: Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Policy Control function (PCF), and Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0123] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 is used for storing and / or managing network data, for policy control, and / or for network function opening, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, the fifth network function 1035 may be an Access and Mobility Function (AMF).

[0125] In some embodiments, the fifth network function 1035 is used for access and / or mobility management, etc., and its name is not limited.

[0126] In some embodiments, when the third network function 1033 (e.g., AP) is a network function on a user plane or data plane connection, the corresponding user plane or data plane connection may or may not pass through a user plane function (UPF). For example, the corresponding user plane or data plane connection may be: access network device – user plane function – third network function – first network function, or access network device – third network function – first network function.

[0127] In some embodiments, when the fifth network function 1035 (e.g., AMF) is a network function connected to the control plane, the corresponding control plane connection can be: access network device – fifth network function – other network functions of the core network. For example, other network functions of the core network (e.g., SMF / CMF / UDM / NSF, etc.) can be directly connected to the fifth network function, or other network functions of the core network (e.g., SMF / CMF / UDM / NSF, etc.) can be indirectly connected to the fifth network function. Alternatively, the connection between the access network device and other network functions of the core network may not go through the fifth network function; for example, the corresponding connection relationship can be: access network device – other network functions of the core network (e.g., SMF / CMF / UDM / NSF, etc.). When other network functions of the core network (e.g., SMF / CMF / UDM / NSF, etc.) are directly connected to the fifth network function, the corresponding connection relationship can be: access network device – fifth network function – other network functions of the core network (e.g., SMF / CMF / UDM / NSF, etc.). When other network functions of the core network (such as SMF / CMF / UDM / NSF, etc.) are indirectly connected to the fifth network function, there are also other network functions connected between the fifth network function and the other network functions of the core network (such as SMF / CMF / UDM / NSF, etc.). For example, the corresponding connection relationship can be: access network device – fifth network function – NF of short message service – other network functions of the core network (such as SMF / CMF / UDM / NSF, etc.). Here, other network functions of the core network can be network functions in the core network other than the fifth network function (such as AMF); for example, it can be the first network function, the second network function, or the fourth network function, etc. The connection relationship between other network functions of the core network and the fifth network function, whether directly or indirectly connected, is not limited to the above description. The above description is only an example, as long as it enables other network functions of the core network to be directly or indirectly connected to the fifth network function.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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).

[0131] In some embodiments, support is provided for an increasing number of application services that require data processing within the communication system, 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:

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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).

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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).

[0140] With the emergence of more and more application services 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 would allow 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, would be 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 exchanged between the UE and the NSF. Currently, there is no solution supporting user plane or data plane-based network services with NSF-initiated mobile termination; there are currently no Packet Data Unit (PDU) sessions connecting the data network where the NSF resides, and no connection between the UE and the anchor point.

[0141] In some embodiments, the UE can be a terminal, or the terminal can be a UE.

[0142] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0143] In this embodiment, the third 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 third 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 equipment (e.g., the first network function) terminates at the third network function. For example, after receiving downlink information from the first network function, the third network function processes the downlink information and encapsulates and packages it according to the end-to-end transmission protocol between the terminal and the third network function before sending it to the terminal; thus, from the terminal's perspective, it is unaware of the address information of the first network function (i.e., the address information of the first network function in the core network is not exposed to the terminal). Similarly, uplink information transmission packets from the terminal also terminate at the third network function; for example, the third network function unpacks the end-to-end transmission packets between the terminal and the first network function; the third network function can then send the uplink information back to the first network function based on the processing. The third network function and the first network function can exchange information (e.g., uplink and downlink information of services) 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 this embodiment, the user plane or data plane can process user data for a specified service (e.g., a specified network service), or it can process specific signaling and / or control information. A terminal connecting to the network via the user plane or data plane can individually or simultaneously support one or more services.

[0144] In this embodiment of the disclosure, retrieval can also be acquisition, which may include: querying for information that already exists. Acquisition may also include: generating information that does not exist or acquiring information that does not exist. For example, the first network function retrieving the fifth information may mean: the fifth information already exists, and the first network function queries to obtain the fifth information. For example, the first network function acquiring the fifth information may mean: the fifth information already exists, and the first network function queries to obtain the fifth information; or, the fifth information does not exist, and the first network function generates the fifth information or acquires the fifth information from other network functions.

[0145] Step S2101: The first network function sends the fourth information to the fourth network function.

[0146] In some embodiments, the fourth network function sends fourth information to the first network function.

[0147] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to obtain the fifth information.

[0148] Optionally, the fourth information is used to obtain the fifth information stored in the fourth network function; or, the fourth information is used to obtain the fifth information, which is obtained by the fourth network function from other network functions (such as the second network function).

[0149] Optionally, the fourth information is used to retrieve the fifth information. For example, the fourth information is used to retrieve the fifth information to determine whether the fifth information includes the ninth information. For example, the fourth information is used to retrieve the fifth information to determine whether the first connection has been established or whether a third network function that can serve the requested service has been determined.

[0150] Optionally, the fifth information does not contain information related to the first connection. For example, the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on the absence of information related to the first connection in the fifth information. For example, the first network function cannot determine whether to use the PDU session mechanism based on the fifth information. Thus, the first network function can perform a first operation (i.e., the first network function sends second information to the second network function or third information to the third network function to trigger the establishment of the first connection). Optionally, the absence of information related to the first connection in the fifth information may mean that the fifth information does not contain information about the terminal connecting to the network via the user plane or data plane. Since the first network function cannot see (or perceive) the first connection, the absence of information related to the first connection in the fifth information may mean that the fifth information does not include information related to the terminal connecting to the network via the user plane or data plane (e.g., information about network functions that manage the terminal's connection to the network via the user plane or data plane); this may also include: the third network function used to establish the first connection is not determined, and the third network function is a relay node for interaction between the first network function and the terminal; for the first network function, this means that the third network function required to interact with the terminal is not determined.

[0151] Optionally, the ninth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

[0152] Optionally, the second address information, as well as the first, third, and fourth address information mentioned below, can be any information used to represent an address; for example, the first, second, third, and fourth address information can include, but are not limited to, one of the following: port address information, Internet Protocol (IP) address information, Media Access Control (MAC) address information, and Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN). 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.

[0153] Optionally, the third network function may correspond to one or more second address information; the fourth identifier may correspond to one or more second address information.

[0154] Optionally, the second address information is used to establish a second connection.

[0155] Optionally, the names of the fourth, fifth, and ninth pieces of information are not limited. For example, the fourth piece of information can be request information or retrieval information; the fifth piece of information can be UE connection management information or UE connection information; and the ninth piece of information can be information about a third network function or anchor point information.

[0156] Optionally, the name of the fourth identifier is not limited, and it may be, for example, an anchor point identifier.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first connection may include at least one of the following: a user plane connection between the terminal and a third network function, and a data plane connection between the terminal and the third network function.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second connection may include at least one of the following: a user plane connection between the third network function and the first network function, a data plane connection between the third network function and the first network function, and a control plane connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0159] Optionally, both the first connection and the second connection can be a transmission channel; this transmission channel can refer to a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission channel. For example, either the first connection or the second connection can include 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 can refer to a connection-connected transmission channel; a connectionless transmission channel can refer to a non-connection-oriented transmission channel. The connection establishment process differs for different connection-oriented transmission protocols.

[0160] For example, when the first or second connection is a connectionless transmission channel, 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 or second 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.

[0161] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function sends a fifth message to the first network function.

[0162] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function receives the fifth information sent by the fourth network function.

[0163] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function determines, based on the fifth information, that the first connection has not been established or that the third network function has not been identified.

[0164] Optionally, the third network function can be used to establish the first or second connection.

[0165] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] In step S2102, the first network function determines the second network function. Optionally, the first network function selects the second network function.

[0169] In some embodiments, if a first network function determines that a first connection has not been established or a second network function has not been acquired, it determines a second network function for establishing the first connection. Optionally, the first network function determines a second network function for establishing the second connection.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the second network function based on at least one of the following: first service area information, first load information, location information, first energy information, and first local policy information.

[0171] For example, the first service area information is the service area where the second network function is located. For instance, the first service area information could be a list of cells or a list of regions. For instance, the first service area information could be the range that the second network function can connect to (the range of the third network functions it can connect to, which could be an IP address range, etc.).

[0172] For example, the first load information is the load of the second network function.

[0173] For example, location information is used to indicate the location of the terminal.

[0174] For example, the first energy information is 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. For example, 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 types of energy, the total amount of different energy types, etc. 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, etc. For example, energy consumption information may include energy consumption level or energy consumption per unit time.

[0175] For example, the first local policy information is used to indicate the local policy for the second network function.

[0176] Optionally, if the first network function determines that the terminal has moved from the first area to the second area, then the second network function serving the second area can be selected as the second network function for establishing the first connection, the second connection, and / or for managing the third network function.

[0177] Optionally, the first network function selects a second network function whose load is greater than or equal to a first predetermined load, as the second network function for managing the first connection, the second connection, and / or for managing the third network function. For example, the first predetermined load is 70%, 80%, or 90% of the maximum load of the second network function, etc.

[0178] Optionally, the first second network function uses petroleum energy, and the second second network function uses wind energy; the first network function, based on the principle of prioritizing the use of new energy sources, determines the second second network function as the second network function for managing the first connection, the second connection, and / or managing the third network function.

[0179] Optionally, the first network function supports a second energy consumption level, and the second network function supports a first energy consumption level. The energy consumption of the second energy consumption level per unit time is higher than that of the first energy consumption level per unit time. The first network function determines the second network function as the second network function to manage the first connection or manage the third network function.

[0180] The above-described embodiments for determining the second network function are merely examples. The implementation of determining the second network function by the first network function in this disclosure is not limited to this. It is sufficient to select a second network function for managing the anchor point (i.e., the third network function) or for managing the first connection.

[0181] In some embodiments, a first network function determines a first type of second network function.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first network function determines a second type of second network function.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second network function is a first type of second network function, and the first network function selects the second type of second network function from the first type of second network functions. Optionally, the first type of second network function determines the second type of second network function.

[0184] Step S2103: The fourth network function stores the seventh information.

[0185] In some optional embodiments, before step S2103, the method further includes: the first network function sending seventh information to the fourth network function. Here, the first network function can send the seventh information to the fourth network function for storage.

[0186] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function receives the seventh information sent by the first network function.

[0187] In some optional embodiments, before step S2103, the method further includes: the second network function sending seventh information to the fourth network function. Here, in step S2102, the first network function can identify the second network function. After receiving the first information sent by the first network function in S2104, the second network function can send the second identifier and the third identifier, etc., to the fourth network function for storage.

[0188] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function receives the seventh information sent by the second network function.

[0189] Optionally, the seventh information is used for the storage of the fourth network function.

[0190] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives and stores the seventh information sent by the first network function. Optionally, the seventh information is sent by the first network function after determining the second network function.

[0191] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives and stores the seventh information sent by the second network function. Optionally, the seventh information is sent by the second network function after receiving the first information.

[0192] Optionally, the seventh information may be stored separately in the fourth network function, or the seventh information may be stored in the UE context information (or terminal-related information) of the fourth network function.

[0193] Optionally, the seventh information includes at least one of the following: the second identifier, the third identifier, and the fifth identifier.

[0194] For example, the second identifier is used to indicate a first type of first network function in the first network function.

[0195] For example, the third identifier is used to indicate a second type of first network function in the first network function.

[0196] For example, the fifth identifier is used to indicate the data network in which the first network function resides.

[0197] For example, the fifth identifier is used to indicate a specified data network. For instance, the specified data network can be a predetermined data network or a dedicated data network. For example, the specified data network can be a Data Network Name (DNN) or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI); the fifth identifier can be used to indicate the data network corresponding to the specified DNN or S-NSSAI. For example, the specified data network can be a dedicated data network that the first connection can connect to, etc. In this embodiment of the disclosure, if the fifth information does not include the fifth identifier, it can implicitly indicate that the session for the terminal to access the specified data network of the core network has not been established, that is, the Packet Data Unit (PDU) session connection between the terminal and network functions (e.g., anchor points) in the core network has not been established.

[0198] Optionally, the name of the seventh information is not limited, and it may be, for example, information about the second network function, CMF information, or SMF information.

[0199] Optionally, the second, third, and fifth identifiers, as well as the fourth identifier mentioned above, can all be strings or numbers of one or more bits.

[0200] Optionally, the names of the second, third, and fifth identifiers are not limited. For example, the second identifier can be a CMF identifier (ID), etc.; the third identifier can be a CMF ID, etc.; and the fifth identifier can be a data network name or identifier, etc.

[0201] In some embodiments, step S2103 is performed before the first connection is established.

[0202] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function determines the first operation.

[0203] Optionally, the first network function determines the first operation, including: steps S2104 and S2105, or step S2106.

[0204] In step S2104, the first network function sends first information to the second network function. Optionally, step S2104 can be performed before step S2103.

[0205] In some embodiments, the second network function receives the first information sent by the first network function.

[0206] Optionally, the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection or to obtain a sixth information.

[0207] Optionally, the first information is used by the second network function to send the second information to the terminal.

[0208] Optionally, the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection in order to trigger the establishment of the first connection. Here, the first information is used to both request the establishment of a second connection and trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0209] Optionally, the first information is used to obtain the sixth information in order to trigger the establishment of the first connection. Here, the first information is used to request the sixth information and trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0210] Optionally, the first information includes the sixth information. The sixth information is used to establish the second connection.

[0211] Optionally, the sixth information is used to establish a second connection for the second network function or the third network function.

[0212] Optionally, the sixth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function and a first identifier. For example, the first identifier is used to indicate the first network function.

[0213] Optionally, the first network function may correspond to one or more first address information. The first address information is used to establish a second connection.

[0214] Optionally, the names of the first and sixth information are not limited; for example, the first information may be connection request establishment information; the sixth information may be NSF information or information of the first network function, etc.

[0215] Optionally, the name of the first identifier is not limited, and it may be, for example, NSF ID.

[0216] In some embodiments, if the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established or that a third network function serving the terminal has not been obtained, it sends first information to the second network function.

[0217] Optionally, the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on the fifth information and sends the first information to the first network function; at this time, the first information can be used to request the establishment of the second connection to trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0218] Optionally, the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on the fifth information and sends the first information to the first network function; at this time, the first information can be used to request the establishment of the second connection.

[0219] Optionally, if the second network function serving the terminal based on the fifth information is not determined, the first network function sends the first information to the first network function; at this time, the first information can be used to request the establishment of the second connection to trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0220] Optionally, the first network function obtains information about the second network function based on the fifth information and sends the first information to the second network function; at this time, the first information can be used to request the establishment of a second connection to trigger the establishment of the first connection. The first network function does not need to determine whether the first connection has been established and / or whether the second network function serving the UE has been determined.

[0221] Step S2105: The second network function sends the second information to the terminal.

[0222] In some embodiments, the terminal receives second information sent by a second network function.

[0223] Optionally, the second information is used to trigger or initiate the establishment of the first connection.

[0224] Optionally, the second network function sends second information to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish a first connection. Currently, after receiving the second information, the terminal can also establish a first connection using either the second or third network function.

[0225] Optionally, the name of the second information is not limited; for example, it may be a connection request establishment information or a connection establishment trigger information.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second network function sends second information to the terminal through the fifth network function.

[0227] Optionally, the second network function sends the second information to the fifth network function, and the fifth network function sends the second information to the terminal.

[0228] In some embodiments, the terminal receives second information sent by the second network function through the fifth network function.

[0229] Optionally, the terminal receives second information sent by the fifth network function, the second information being obtained by the fifth network function from the second network function.

[0230] In some embodiments, the second network function sends second information to the terminal through the access network device.

[0231] Optionally, the second network function sends second information to the access network device, and the access network device sends the second information to the terminal.

[0232] In some embodiments, the terminal receives second information sent by a second network function through an access network device.

[0233] Optionally, the terminal receives second information sent by the access network device, the second information being obtained by the access network device from a second network function.

[0234] In some embodiments, the second network function sends a second message to the terminal via a short message mechanism.

[0235] Optionally, the second network function uses the process of sending a short message to the terminal to send a second message to the terminal.

[0236] Optionally, the terminal receives a short message sent by the second network function, the short message including second information.

[0237] For example, the second network function constructs the second information and sends it to the sixth network function; the sixth network function sends the second information to the terminal through the fifth network function; the sixth network function is a network function used to manage short messages.

[0238] In some embodiments, the second network function sends second information via a specific container in a downlink message.

[0239] Optionally, the second network function sends a downlink message to the terminal, wherein a specific container in the downlink message includes the second information.

[0240] Optionally, the terminal receives a downlink message sent by a second network function, wherein a specific container in the downlink message includes second information.

[0241] For example, the second network function sends second information to the fifth network function; the fifth network function sends a downlink message (e.g., a NAS downlink message or any other network-to-UE downlink message) to the terminal; a specific container in the downlink message includes the second information.

[0242] In some embodiments, the second information includes the tenth information. Here, the tenth information may be carried over the second information during transmission.

[0243] In some embodiments, the second network function sends tenth information to the terminal. Here, the tenth information can also be sent separately; for example, after the second network function sends the second information to the terminal, it can also send the tenth information to the terminal.

[0244] In some embodiments, the terminal receives tenth information sent by the second network function.

[0245] Optionally, the tenth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function, fifth identifier, and second indication.

[0246] Optionally, the second instruction is used to instruct the requesting terminal to establish a connection to the core network. Here, the core network may be a specified data network, or it may not be a specified data network. The connection from the terminal to the core network can be a user plane or data plane connection from the terminal to the core network.

[0247] For example, the second network function sends second information to the terminal, which can be used to request the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the terminal and the core network; after receiving the second information, the terminal can trigger the establishment of the first connection to realize the establishment of the connection indicated by the second instruction.

[0248] For example, the first network function sends third information to the terminal, which can be used to request the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the terminal and the core network. After receiving the third information, the terminal can establish the connection indicated by the second instruction by triggering the establishment of the first connection and by triggering the establishment of the second connection by the second network function. Therefore, the third information can be used to trigger the establishment of the first connection, or the first network function can send the third information to the terminal to request the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the terminal and the core network.

[0249] For example, the connection indicated by the second indication is related to the first connection. For instance, the path of the second indicated connection is at least partially the same as that of the first connection.

[0250] Optionally, the second indicator may be a string or number of one or more bits.

[0251] Optionally, the names of the second instruction and the tenth message are not limited.

[0252] Step S2106: The first network function sends third information to the terminal.

[0253] In some embodiments, the terminal receives third information sent by the second network function.

[0254] Optionally, the third information is used to trigger or initiate the establishment of the first connection. For example, the third information is used by the terminal to establish the first connection. For example, the first network function sends the third information to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish the first connection.

[0255] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function, fifth identifier, and second indication.

[0256] Optionally, the name of the third information is not limited; for example, it may be a connection request establishment information or a connection establishment trigger information.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first network function sends third information to the terminal through the fifth network function.

[0258] Optionally, the first network function sends third information to the fifth network function, and the fifth network function sends third information to the terminal.

[0259] In some embodiments, the terminal receives third information sent by the first network function through the fifth network function.

[0260] Optionally, the terminal receives third information sent by the fifth network function, which is obtained by the fifth network function from the first network function.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first network function sends third information to the terminal through the access network device.

[0262] Optionally, the first network function sends third information to the access network device, and the access network device sends third information to the terminal.

[0263] In some embodiments, the terminal receives third information sent by a first network function through an access network device.

[0264] Optionally, the terminal receives third information sent by the access network device, which is obtained by the access network device from the first network function.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first network function sends third information to the terminal via a short message mechanism.

[0266] Optionally, the first network function uses the process of sending a short message to the terminal to send third information to the terminal.

[0267] Optionally, the process of the terminal receiving a short message sent by the first network function, wherein the short message includes third information.

[0268] For example, the first network function constructs third information and sends it to the sixth network function; the sixth network function sends the third information to the terminal through the fifth network function; the sixth network function is a network function used to manage short messages.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first network function sends third information through a specific container in a downlink message.

[0270] Optionally, the first network function sends a downlink message to the terminal, wherein a specific container in the downlink message includes third information.

[0271] Optionally, the terminal receives a downlink message sent by a first network function, wherein a specific container in the downlink message includes third information.

[0272] For example, a first network function sends third information to a fifth network function; the fifth network function sends a downlink message (e.g., a NAS downlink message or any other downlink message from a network function to the UE) to the terminal; a specific container in the downlink message includes the third information.

[0273] Step S2107: The terminal, the second network function, or the third network function establishes a first connection.

[0274] In some optional embodiments, the access network device or the fifth network function obtains terminal-related information from the fourth network function based on the terminal's connection establishment request. This terminal-related information may or may not include information from the second network function. Here, if the terminal-related information includes information from the second network function, the access network device or the fifth network function obtains this information through the fourth network function; or, if the terminal-related information does not include information from the second network function, the access network device or the fifth network function independently selects and determines the second network function information. This second network function can be used for connection management. Thus, after determining the second network function, the establishment of the first connection can be controlled by the second network function. For example, the access network device or the fifth network function can send a connection establishment request to the second network function, and the second network function, based on this request, initiates the establishment of the first connection. Here, the information of the second network function may include at least one of the following: a second identifier and a third identifier; or, the information of the second network function may be seventh information.

[0275] Optionally, after receiving the second information sent by the second network function or the third information sent by the first network function, the terminal sends a connection establishment request to the access network device or the fifth network function.

[0276] Optionally, the access network device or the fifth network function sends the twelfth information to the fourth network function, the twelfth information being used to obtain terminal-related information; the access network device or the fifth network function receives the terminal-related information sent by the fourth network function.

[0277] Optionally, the fourth network function receives the twelfth information sent by the fifth network function or the access network device, the twelfth information being used to obtain terminal-related information; the fourth network function sends the terminal-related information to the fifth network function or the access network device.

[0278] Optionally, the terminal-related information may include the seventh information, and the access network device or the fifth network function determines the second network function based on the seventh information; or, the terminal-related information may not include the seventh information, and the access network device or the fifth network function determines the second network function itself.

[0279] Optionally, the seventh information is used by the fifth network function or access network device to determine the second network function.

[0280] Optionally, the name of the twelfth information is not limited; it may be, for example, CMF or SMF information.

[0281] Optionally, the access network device may send the twelfth information to the fourth network function via the fifth network function or without going through the fifth network function.

[0282] Optionally, the access network device may receive terminal-related information sent by the fourth network function, either through the fifth network function or without the fifth network function; the terminal-related information may include the seventh information.

[0283] Optionally, when the access network device or the fifth network function obtains the seventh information (e.g., obtained from the fourth network function or determined by itself), the establishment of the first connection is completed under the control of the second network function; the establishment of the first connection can be triggered by the terminal, the second network function, or the third network function.

[0284] In some embodiments, the terminal establishes a first connection.

[0285] In some embodiments, after receiving second information sent by a second network function or third information sent by a first network function, the terminal initiates the establishment of a first connection. Here, the establishment of the first connection initiated by the terminal may be, but is not limited to, sending a connection establishment request to the access network device or the fifth network function as described above.

[0286] Optionally, the terminal obtains the fourteenth piece of information; based on the fourteenth piece of information, a first connection is established.

[0287] For example, the fourteenth information may include at least one of the following: a fourth identifier and third address information.

[0288] For example, the fourth identifier is used to indicate a third network function.

[0289] For example, a third network function may correspond to one or more third address information; a fourth identifier may correspond to one or more third address information.

[0290] For example, third address information is used to establish the first connection.

[0291] For example, the name of the fourteenth piece of information is not limited; it may be, for example, information about the anchor point or information about the third network function.

[0292] Optionally, after receiving the second information sent by the second network function or the third information sent by the first network function, the terminal sends its fifteenth information to the second network function or sends it to the third network function through the second network function, so that the second network function or the third network function establishes a first connection. This may correspond to one or more first address information entries. The first address information is used to establish the second connection.

[0293] For example, the fifteenth information includes at least one of the following: the terminal's fourth address information and the sixth identifier.

[0294] For example, the sixth identifier is used to indicate the terminal.

[0295] For example, a terminal may correspond to one or more fourth address information; a sixth identifier may correspond to one or more fourth address information.

[0296] For example, the fourth address information is used to establish the first connection.

[0297] For example, the names of the sixth identifier and the fifteenth information are not limited. For instance, the sixth identifier could be the terminal identifier or UE ID, etc.; the fifteenth information could be terminal information, etc.

[0298] For example, both the fifth and sixth identifiers can be strings or numbers of one or more bits.

[0299] In some embodiments, the second network function acquires the fourteenth and fifteenth information; and establishes a first connection based on the fourteenth and fifteenth information.

[0300] In some embodiments, the third network function acquires the fifteenth information; based on the fifteenth information, a first connection is established.

[0301] Step S2108: The fourth network function stores the eleventh or thirteenth information.

[0302] In some embodiments, the second network function sends eleventh information to the fourth network function. Optionally, the eleventh information is stored by the fourth network function.

[0303] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives the eleventh message sent by the second network function.

[0304] In some embodiments, the fourth network function stores eleventh information.

[0305] In some embodiments, the fourth network function stores thirteenth information, which is determined based on the seventh and eleventh information.

[0306] Optionally, the eleventh information may be stored separately in the fourth network function, or the eleventh information may be stored in the UE uplink (or terminal-related information) of the fourth network function.

[0307] Optionally, the thirteenth information may be stored separately in the fourth network function, or the thirteenth information may be stored in the UE uplink (or terminal-related information) of the fourth network function.

[0308] Optionally, the thirteenth information may be associated with the seventh and eleventh information. For example, the thirteenth information may include the seventh and eleventh information. For instance, after the first network function determines the second network function, or after the second network function receives the first information, or after the access network function or the fifth network function determines the seventh information, the seventh information may be stored in the fourth network function; after the first connection is established, the eleventh information may be associated with the seventh information and stored in the fourth network function (for example, information other than the seventh information in the eleventh information may be added to the seventh information and stored in the fourth network function as the thirteenth information).

[0309] Optionally, if step S2102 is not executed, i.e., if the first network function does not determine the second network function, then the seventh information is not stored; after the first connection is established, the eleventh information is stored.

[0310] Optionally, the eleventh information may include at least one of the following: a first indication, a second identifier, a third identifier, a sixth identifier, fourth address information of the terminal, third address information of the third network function, and a fourth identifier. Here, the eleventh or thirteenth information is stored after the first connection is established.

[0311] Optionally, the eleventh information may include at least one of the following: a first instruction, a second identifier, a third identifier, a sixth identifier, fourth address information of the terminal, third address information of the third network function, a third instruction, a first identifier, first address information of the first network function, second address information of the third network function, and a fourth identifier. Here, the eleventh and thirteenth information are stored after the second connection is established.

[0312] For example, the second address information is used to establish a second connection.

[0313] For example, the second address information is the same as the third address information, or the second address information is different from the third address information.

[0314] For example, the first indication is used to indicate that the first connection has been established.

[0315] For example, the third indication is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

[0316] For example, both the first and third indicators can be strings or numbers of one or more bits.

[0317] For example, the names of the first and third instructions are not limited.

[0318] Optionally, the name of the eleventh or thirteenth information is not limited; for example, both the eleventh and thirteenth information can be UE connection management data or UE connection management information, etc.

[0319] Optionally, step S2108 can be executed after the first connection is established or after the second connection is established.

[0320] For example, after the first connection is established, the fourth network function may store at least one of the following eleventh or thirteenth information: a first instruction, a second identifier, a third identifier, a sixth identifier, the terminal's fourth address information, the third address information of the third network function, and the fourth identifier; after the second connection is established, the third instruction, the first identifier, the first address information of the first network function, and the second address information of the third network function are updated to the previously stored eleventh or thirteenth information, or the third instruction, the second identifier, the third identifier, the first identifier, the first address information of the first network function, the fourth identifier, and the second address information of the third network function are stored separately in the fourth network function.

[0321] Step S2109: The first network function, the second network function, or the third network function establishes a second connection.

[0322] In some embodiments, after the second network function completes the establishment of the first connection, or after the third network function is determined, the establishment process of the second connection can be triggered based on the recorded information related to the second connection establishment request. The specific operation of establishing the second connection can be performed by the first network function, the second network function, or the third network function.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first network function establishes a second connection.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first network function acquires the eighth information; the first network function establishes a second connection based on the eighth information.

[0325] Optionally, the first network function receives the eighth information sent by the second network function or the terminal.

[0326] Optionally, the second network function or terminal sends the eighth information to the first network function.

[0327] Optionally, the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a first indication and a ninth information. For example, the ninth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier. In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the first network function obtains the eighth information, it determines that the first connection has been established and / or obtains connection information established with the first connection (such as the ninth information), thus triggering the establishment of a second connection.

[0328] Optionally, the second network function establishes a second connection based on the ninth information.

[0329] In some embodiments, the second network function establishes a second connection.

[0330] In some embodiments, the second network function establishes a second connection based on the sixth information.

[0331] Optionally, the second network function acquires the sixth and ninth information; the first network function establishes a second connection based on the sixth and ninth information.

[0332] Optionally, the second network function receives the sixth information sent by the first network function. Optionally, the first network function sends the sixth information to the second network function.

[0333] Optionally, the sixth information may be sent separately by the first network function, or the sixth information may be sent by the first network function along with the first information.

[0334] Optionally, the second network function receives the ninth information sent by the third network function, or the second network function determines the ninth information for the third network function.

[0335] In some embodiments, a third network function establishes a second connection.

[0336] In some embodiments, the second network function sends a sixth message to the third network function, the sixth message being used by the third network function to establish a second connection.

[0337] In some embodiments, the third network function receives the sixth information sent by the second network function; and establishes a second connection based on the sixth information.

[0338] In step S2110, the terminal, the first network function, or the third network function exchange service information.

[0339] 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.

[0340] 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.

[0341] Optionally, the service can be a terminal service, or the service can include terminal services or non-terminal services. Here, non-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.

[0342] Optionally, the information of the service may include at least one of the following: upstream information of the service and downstream information of the service.

[0343] Optionally, the uplink information of the service may include at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service and uplink data of the service; the downlink information of the service may include at least one of the following: downlink signaling of the service and downlink data of the service.

[0344] In some embodiments, the first network function sends downlink information of a service to the third network function through the second connection; and / or, the third network function sends downlink information of a service to the terminal through the first connection. Optionally, the terminal receives downlink information of a service sent by the third network function through the first connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the first network function through the second connection.

[0345] In some embodiments, the terminal sends uplink information of a service to a third network function via a first connection; and / or, the third network function sends uplink information of a service to a first network function via a second connection. Optionally, the first network function receives uplink information of a service sent by the third network function via the second connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the terminal via the first connection.

[0346] Optionally, after receiving the downlink information of the service, the third network function also processes the downlink information of the service (e.g., packetization) and sends the processed downlink information of the service to the terminal.

[0347] Optionally, after receiving the uplink information of the service, the third network function further processes the uplink information of the service (such as desealing and resealing), and sends the processed uplink information of the service to the first network function.

[0348] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2110. 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; step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S211... Step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 and S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102 and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101, S2102, and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2104 and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 to S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; steps S2101 and S21... The combination of steps S2101 to S2105, S2107 and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 to S2105, S2107 and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 and S2105, S2107 and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; steps S2101 and The combination of steps S2102, S2103, S2106, S2107, and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2107, S2109, and S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 to S2105 and steps S2107 to S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 to S2103 and steps S2106 to S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0349] In some embodiments, steps S2103 and S2104 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously; steps S2104 and S2106 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously; steps S2105 and S2106 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously; steps S2108 and S2109 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously; steps S2107 and S2109 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0350] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2105 and step S2108 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0351] In some embodiments, steps S2106 and S2108 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0352] 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.

[0353] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0354] Step S2201: The first network function determines the second network function.

[0355] The optional implementation of step S2201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0356] Step S2202: The fourth network function stores the seventh information.

[0357] The optional implementation of step S2202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0358] Step S2203: The first network function sends the first information to the second network function.

[0359] The optional implementation of step S2203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] Step S2204: The second network function sends the second information to the terminal.

[0361] The optional implementation of step S2204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] Step S2205: The terminal, the second network function, or the third network function establishes a first connection.

[0363] The optional implementation of step S2205 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0364] Step S2206: The fourth network function stores the eleventh or thirteenth information.

[0365] The optional implementation of step S2206 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0366] Step S2207: The first network function, the second network function, or the third network function establishes a second connection.

[0367] The optional implementation of step S2207 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0368] In step S2208, the terminal, the first network function, or the third network function exchange service information.

[0369] The optional implementation of step S2208 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0370] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2208. For example, step S2201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2208 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2201 and S2202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2203 and S2204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2 The combination of steps S2203, S2204, and S2205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2201 to S2205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2205 and S2206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2201 to S2206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2205 and S2207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2205, S2207, and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2201 to S2208 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0371] In some embodiments, steps S2202 and S2203 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously; steps S2205 and S2207 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0372] In some embodiments, steps S2201, S2202, and S2207 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0373] 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.

[0374] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2C, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0375] Step S2301: The first network function sends third information to the terminal.

[0376] The optional implementation of step S2301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] Step S2302: The terminal, the second network function, or the third network function establishes a first connection.

[0378] The optional implementation of step S2302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0379] Step S2303: The fourth network function stores the eleventh or thirteenth information.

[0380] The optional implementation of step S2303 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0381] Step S2304: The first network function, the second network function, or the third network function establishes a second connection.

[0382] The optional implementation of step S2304 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0383] In step S2305, the terminal, the first network function, or the third network function exchange service information.

[0384] The optional implementation of step S2305 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0385] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2305. For example, step S2301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2301 and S2302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2302 and S2303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2301, S2302, and S2303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2301 to S2304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2302 and S2304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2302, S2304, and S2305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2301 to S2305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0386] In some embodiments, steps S2302 and S2303 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously; steps S2302 and S2304 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0387] In some embodiments, step S2303 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0388] 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.

[0389] 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, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method for a communication system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0390] Step S3101: The first network function sends first information to the second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection.

[0391] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0392] In step S3102, the second network function sends second information to the terminal, wherein the second information is used to trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0393] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0394] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a first network function sending fourth information to a fourth network function, wherein the fourth information is used to obtain fifth information; and based on the fifth information, determining that the first connection has not been established or that the third network function has not been identified.

[0395] In some embodiments, the first information includes: sixth information; wherein the sixth information is used by the second network function or the third network function to establish a second connection; the sixth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function; first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the first network function.

[0396] In some embodiments, before the first network function sends the first information to the second network function, the method further includes: the first network function determining the second network function; wherein the second network function is a network function used for session management or connection management.

[0397] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a first network function sending seventh information to a fourth network function, wherein the seventh information is stored by the fourth network function; the second network function includes a first type of second network function or a second type of second network function; wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate the first type of second network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is used to indicate the second type of second network function.

[0398] In some embodiments, the second network function sends second information to the terminal, including at least one of the following: the second network function sends second information to the terminal through a fifth network function; wherein the fifth network function is a network function in the core network used for access and / or mobility management; or the second network function sends second information to the terminal through an access network device.

[0399] In some embodiments, the second network function sends second information to the terminal, including one of the following: the second network function sends second information to the terminal via a short message mechanism; the second network function sends second information via a specific container in a downlink message.

[0400] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a first network function receiving eighth information sent by a second network function or a terminal; establishing a second connection based on the eighth information; wherein the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a first indication, wherein the first indication is used for the establishment of the first connection; and a ninth information, wherein the ninth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of a third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function; and the second address information is used to establish the second connection.

[0401] In some embodiments, at least one of the second information and the third information includes tenth information; wherein the tenth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of a first network function; a fifth identifier, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the data network function to which the first network function is located; and a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate that the requesting terminal establishes a connection to the core network.

[0402] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: a first network function sends downlink information of a service to a third network function via a second connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is used by the third network function to send it to a terminal via the first connection; the first network function receives uplink information of a service sent by the third network function via the second connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the terminal via the first connection.

[0403] In some embodiments, the second network function includes a first type of second network function or a second type of second network function; the method further includes: the second network function sending seventh information to a fourth network function, wherein the seventh information is stored by the fourth network function; wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate a first type of second network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is used to indicate a second type of second network function.

[0404] In some embodiments, the second information includes tenth information; or, the method further includes: a second network function sending tenth information to a terminal; wherein the tenth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of a first network function; a fifth identifier, the fifth identifier being used to indicate the data network where the first network function is located; and a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate that the requesting terminal establishes a connection to the core network.

[0405] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a second network function sending eleventh information to a fourth network function, wherein the eleventh information is stored by the fourth network function; wherein the eleventh information includes at least one of the following: a first indication for a first connection to be established; a second indication for indicating a second connection to be established; a second identifier for indicating a first type of second network function in the second network function; a third identifier for indicating a second type of second network function in the second network function; first address information of the first network function for establishing a second connection; second address information of the third network function for establishing a second connection; third address information of the third network function for establishing a first connection; a first identifier for indicating a first network function; a fourth identifier for indicating a third network function; and a sixth identifier for indicating a terminal.

[0406] In some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: a second network function establishes a second connection based on sixth information; the second network function sends the sixth information to a third network function, wherein the sixth information is used by the third network function to establish the second connection; the second network function sends an eighth information to a first network function, wherein the eighth information is used by the first network function to establish the second connection; the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a first indication and ninth information; the ninth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the second address information is used to establish the second connection.

[0407] In some embodiments, the method includes one of the following: a fourth network function receives seventh information sent by a first network function and stores the seventh information; the fourth network function receives seventh information sent by a second network function and stores the seventh information; the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate a first type of second network function in the second network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is used to indicate a second type of second network function in the second network function.

[0408] In some embodiments, the method includes: a fourth network function receiving twelfth information sent by a fifth network function or an access network device, wherein the twelfth information is used to obtain seventh information; the fourth network function sending the seventh information to the fifth network function or the access network device; wherein the seventh information is used by the fifth network function or the access network device to determine a second network function.

[0409] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a fourth network function receiving eleventh information sent by a second network function; storing either the eleventh or thirteenth information, wherein the thirteenth information is determined based on the seventh and eleventh information; wherein the eleventh information includes at least one of the following: a first indication for a first connection to be established; a third indication for indicating a second connection to be established; a second identifier; a third identifier; first address information of the first network function for establishing the second connection; second address information of the third network function for establishing the second connection; third address information of the third network function for establishing the first connection; a first identifier for indicating the first network function; a fourth identifier for indicating the third network function; and a sixth identifier for indicating the terminal.

[0410] 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.

[0411] 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:

[0412] In step S3201, the first network function sends third information to the terminal, wherein the third information is used to trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0413] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0414] 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.

[0415] This disclosure relates to an information processing method that can support network services based on user plane or data plane with network-triggered connection addition based on mobile termination.

[0416] The method for network services based on the UE user plane or data plane triggered by the NSF according to the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of the following:

[0417] NSF selects NF information, which is used to manage UE connections (SMF / CMF) based on user plane or data plane network services;

[0418] NSF / SMF / CMF will register the information of the service SMF / CMF to UDM / UDR / PCF;

[0419] The NSF / SMF / CMF sends a UE connection establishment trigger to the UE via the control plane, user plane, or data plane.

[0420] The UE initiates UE connection establishment using the serving SMF / CMF selected by the NSF;

[0421] Establish the connection between NSF and the anchor point;

[0422] Information about UE connections used for user plane or data plane network services is updated in UDM / UDR / PCF;

[0423] NSF interacts with the UE via the connection between NSF and the anchor point, and the connection between the anchor point and the UE.

[0424] In some embodiments, SMF / CMF refers to at least one of SMF and CMF; NSF / SMF / CMF refers to at least one of NSF, SMF, and CMF; UDM / UDR / PCF refers to at least one of UDM, UDR, and PCF. NF information can be the fifth information in the previous embodiments; UE connection can be the first connection in the previous embodiments.

[0425] 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:

[0426] In this embodiment of the disclosure, it is assumed that network services based on the user plane or data plane are supported. A CMF (Network Function for Connection Management) or SMF (Network Function for Session Management) is a core network element used for at least one of the following: managing the connection between the UE and the anchor point, and managing the connection between the anchor point and the NSF (Network Function for Providing Network Service Functions). Signaling and / or data packets from the UE are terminated at the anchor point, and the anchor point packages the data sent from the core network to the UE. The core network element used to manage the connection between the UE and the anchor point, and the core network element used to manage the connection between the anchor point and the NSF, may be the same or different. No connection is established between the UE and the anchor point, and in the case of establishing a connection between the UE and the anchor point based on a PDU session mechanism, a PDU session for the UE to access network functions within the core network is also not established.

[0427] The address information of the NSF is not visible to the UE; instead, the anchor point transmits the signaling and / or data exchanged between the UE and the NSF. There can be one or more NSFs to 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 it can be a network service data proxy used for exchanging signaling and / or data between the UE and any NSF.

[0428] Step S4101: The consumer sends a Network Service Request to the NSF.

[0429] Optionally, the consumer can be a data service task consumer; for example, the consumer may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: application server, UE, access network equipment (e.g., RAN node), and core network equipment (e.g., NF). The consumer triggers network services on the NSF to invoke specific network services or any network service.

[0430] In step S4102, the NSF obtains the association information of the user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point.

[0431] Optionally, the NSF obtains association information about UE connections (e.g., user plane or data plane connections between the UE and an anchor point) from an NF (such as a UDM / UDR / PCF or any NF used for UE data management) that stores UE connection management information. For example, if the UDM / UDR / PCF stores UE connection management information, the NSF uses the UDM / UDR / PCF to obtain UE connection information, such as by calling a service (e.g., Nudm_UECM_Get service to obtain UE connection information from the UDM) and discovering that the UE connection between the UE and the anchor point has not been established or that an anchor point that can connect the NSF to provide services to the UE has not been determined. The NSF can also obtain UE connection information from an NF that stores UE connection management information through the NEF. UDM / UDR / PCF refers to UDM, UDR, or PCF.

[0432] Step S4103, NSF selects CMF / SMF.

[0433] In step S4104, the NSF sends a connection establishment request to the CMF / SMF. This connection establishment request is used to request anchor point information that can connect to the NSF and / or provide services to the UE.

[0434] Optionally, the NSF sends a connection establishment request (e.g., Ncmf_CNConnection_Create Request) to the CMF / SMF; this connection establishment request is used to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF, or the connection establishment request sends an anchor point information request to request information about the anchor point that can connect to the NSF to provide services to the UE. The corresponding request can trigger UE connection establishment. This request may include NSF information. The NSF information may include address information that can be used to establish a connection between the NSF and the anchor point, such as, but not limited to, one of the following: port address information, IP address information, and MAC address information. For example, the port address information may be a port number. The NSF information may also include the protocol type used to establish the connection between the NSF and the anchor point for data transmission.

[0435] Optionally, if the UE connection establishment between the anchor point and the UE is performed by the SMF, the SMF performs further steps for UE connection establishment; or, if the UE connection between the anchor point and the UE is performed by the CMF, the SMF selects the CMF and requests the CMF to perform further steps for connection establishment.

[0436] Optionally, for a Service B-based Interface (SBI) architecture, the connection establishment request can be implemented by calling a connection establishment service (e.g., Ncmf_CNConnection_Create service). For example, by calling and executing the connection establishment service, a connection between the anchor and NSF can be established.

[0437] Optionally, the UE connection establishment can be triggered and implemented through steps S4107 to S4108.

[0438] In step S4105, the NSF stores the CMF ID or SMF ID in the UDM / UDR / PCF.

[0439] Optionally, the NSF stores the CMF ID or SMF ID in the UE context in the UDM / UDR / PCF or any NF for use in the NSF's UE data management.

[0440] Optionally, after selecting the CMF / SMF, the NSF stores the CMF ID / SMF ID in the UE context of the UDM / UDR / PCF or any NF.

[0441] Step S4106: CMF / SMF stores the CMF ID or SMF ID into UDM / UDR / PCF.

[0442] Optionally, the CMF / SMF stores the CMF ID or SMF ID in the UE context within the UDM / UDR / PCF or any NF for use in UE data management by the NSF. This step S4106 can be used as an alternative to step S4105.

[0443] Optionally, after receiving a connection establishment request from the NSF, the CMF / SMF stores the CMF ID / SMF ID in the UE context in the UDM / UDR / PCF or any NF.

[0444] Step S4107 includes steps S4107a, S4107c, and S4107d, or steps S4107b, S4107c, and S4107d.

[0445] In step S4107a, the CMF / SMF sends triggering information for the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point to the AMF. Here, the triggering information may correspond to the second information.

[0446] In step S4107b, the NSF sends triggering information for the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point to the AMF. Here, this triggering information may correspond to third information.

[0447] In step S4107c, the AMF and UE execute a network-triggered service request.

[0448] Optionally, if the UE is in idle mode, a network-triggered service request is executed in step S4107c to establish a control plane connection between the AMF and the UE.

[0449] In step S4107d, the AMF sends triggering information to the UE to indicate the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point.

[0450] Optionally, the trigger for establishing a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point can be sent to the UE by the CMF / SMF or NSF via the AMF. For example, the trigger information for establishing a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point can be sent to the UE through the process of receiving a Mobile Terminated (MT) Short Messaging Service (SMS). For instance, the CMF / SMF or NSF sends the corresponding information to the network function responsible for managing SMS messages, and then the network function, in cooperation with the AMF, uses the SMS sending process to send the corresponding information to the terminal. For example, the transmission of the trigger information for establishing a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point can be implemented through a specific container of the downlink message sent by the AMF to the UE.

[0451] Optionally, step S4107 can be replaced by: the CMF / SMF or NSF sending trigger information for the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point to the UE without going through the AMF. For example, the CMF / SMF sends trigger information for the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point to the UE, or the NSF sends trigger information for the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point to the UE.

[0452] Optionally, the CMF / SMF / NSF may interact with the UE via the AMF or not, and the interaction must be executed through the access network equipment. For example, the CMF / SMF / NSF sends trigger information for the establishment of a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point to the AMF, the AMF sends this trigger information to the access network equipment, and the access network equipment sends this trigger information to the UE.

[0453] In step S4108, the UE initiates the process of establishing a user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point. Optionally, step S4108 may also include at least one of steps S4108a and S4108b.

[0454] Step S4108a: Select CMF / SMF for AMF or access network equipment.

[0455] Optionally, the AMF or access network device obtains the CMF / SMF information (e.g., CMF ID or SMF ID) stored in step S4105 or step S4106 from the NF (e.g., UDM / UDR / PCF) storing UE connection management information, in order to perform CMF / SMF selection.

[0456] Optionally, after obtaining the CMF / SMF from the UDM / UDR / PCF, etc. through the AMF or access network equipment in step S4108a, the establishment of the first connection can be completed under the control of the CMF / SMF; the establishment process of the first connection can be: determining the anchor point, and establishing the first connection by the UE or the anchor point or the CMF / SMF.

[0457] Step S4108b: CMF / SMF performs registration update for UE connection management.

[0458] Optionally, the CMF / SMF stores information indicating UE connection establishment in the UE context of the UDM / UDR / PCF or in any NF used for UE data management. This information indicating UE connection establishment may include at least one of the following: SMF ID, anchor address information (e.g., third address information for establishing a first connection, second address information for establishing a second connection), a first indication indicating the establishment of the first connection, a third indication indicating the establishment of the second connection, and an indication of the connection to the core network via the established user plane. Optionally, if the DNN / S-NSSAI can indicate support for a connection to the core network via the user plane, the information indicating UE connection establishment may also include an indication of the DNN / S-NSSAI (e.g., a fifth identifier).

[0459] Step S4109: Anchor point or CMF / SMF or NSF establishes a connection between NSF and anchor point.

[0460] Optionally, after the CMF / SM completes the first connection establishment, or after the third network function is determined, the connection establishment process between the NSF and the anchor can be triggered based on the recorded information related to the connection establishment request between the NSF and the anchor. The specific operation of establishing the second connection can be performed by the anchor, CMF / SMF, or NSF.

[0461] Optionally, the connection between the NSF and the anchor can be one of the following: user plane connection, data plane connection, and control plane connection.

[0462] Optionally, if the connection establishment between the NSF and the anchor is performed by the anchor, the address information of the NSF can be received in step S4104, and the address information of the NSF can be sent to the anchor during the establishment of the user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor in step S4108.

[0463] Optionally, if the connection establishment between the NSF and the anchor point is performed by the CMF / SMF, it can be performed after obtaining the anchor point information in step S4108. In this case, the address information of the NSF should be received in step S4104.

[0464] Optionally, if the connection establishment between the NSF and the anchor point is performed by the NSF, then after obtaining the anchor point information in step S4108 or after the user plane or data plane connection establishment between the UE and the anchor point is completed, the anchor point address information used to establish the connection between the NSF and the anchor point should be sent to the NSF according to the anchor point information obtained in step S4108.

[0465] Step S4110: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the UE and the anchor point.

[0466] 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.

[0467] Step S4111: The anchor point processes UL / DL signaling and / or data for network services.

[0468] Optionally, for UL signaling and / or data, it is sent to the NSF supporting network services and / or the UE, and the DL signaling and / or data from the NSF supporting network services and / or the UE is repackaged and sent to the UE.

[0469] Step S4112: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the anchor point and the NSF.

[0470] Optionally, the anchor sends at least one of the following to the NSF: UL signaling and UL data of the network service; the NSF sends at least one of the following to the anchor: DL signaling and DL data of the network service.

[0471] In some embodiments, the network service can be the service in the previous embodiments; the UE can be the terminal in the previous embodiments; the NSF can be the first network function in the previous embodiments; the anchor point can be the third network function in the previous embodiments; the UDM / UDR / PCF can be the fourth network function in the previous embodiments; the SMF / CMF can be the second network function in the previous embodiments; the UE connection or the connection between the terminal and the anchor point can be the first connection in the previous embodiments; the connection between the NSF and the anchor point can be the second connection in the previous embodiments; the UE connection management information can be the fifth, seventh, eleventh, or thirteenth information in the previous embodiments.

[0472] The information processing method disclosed in this embodiment may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4112. For example, step S4103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4109 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4110 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4104 and S4107a and S4107c and S4107d may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4107b and S4107c and S4107d may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4101 to S4112 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0473] In some embodiments, steps S4107 and S4109 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously; steps S4105 and S4106 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0474] In some embodiments, steps S4101 to S4106 and step S4107a may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0475] In some embodiments, step S4107b may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0476] 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.

[0477] 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, fifth network function, terminal, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0478] 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.

[0479] 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).

[0480] 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 transceiver module 5101 and a first processing module 5102. In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to transmit first information. Optionally, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2104, S2106, and / or S2110, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the first network function 5100 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the first processing module 5102 is used to determine a second network function. Optionally, the first processing module 5102 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., steps S2102 and / or S2109, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the first network function 5100 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0481] 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 transceiver module 5201 and a second processing module 5202. In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to acquire first information. Optionally, the second transceiver module 5201 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., steps S2104 and / or S2105 and / or S2109, etc., but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the second processing module 5202 is used to trigger the establishment of a first connection. Optionally, the second processing module 5202 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 S2107 and / or S2109, etc., but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0482] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 5300 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, the terminal 5300 includes at least one of a third transceiver module 5301 and a third processing module 5302. In some embodiments, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to acquire second information. Optionally, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., steps S2105, S2106, and / or S2110, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal 5300 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the third processing module 5302 is used to establish a first connection. Optionally, the third processing module 5302 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2107, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal 5300 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0483] 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 transceiver module 5401 and a fourth processing module 5402. In some embodiments, the fourth transceiver module 5301 is used to acquire fourth information. Optionally, the fourth transceiver module 5401 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2101, but not limited thereto) performed by the fourth network function 5400 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the fourth processing module 5402 is used to store seventh information. Optionally, the fourth processing module 5402 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2103 and / or step S2108, but not limited thereto) performed by the fourth network function 5400 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0484] 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.

[0485] 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.

[0486] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver.

[0487] 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.

[0488] 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.

[0489] 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 transceivers 6102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101, S2104, S2105, S2106, and / or step S2110, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2107, S2108, and / or step S2109, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceivers may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitter unit, transmitter, and transmitter circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiver unit, receiver, and receiver circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0490] 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 6103 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6103 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6103 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0491] 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.

[0492] 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.

[0493] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0494] 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.

[0495] 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 S2101, S2104, S2105, S2106, and / or step S2110, 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 S2102, S2107, S2108, and / or step S2109, but not limited thereto).

[0496] 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.

[0497] 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.

[0498] 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.

[0499] 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: A first operation is determined, the first operation including one of the following: Sending first information to the second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to the terminal; Send third information to the terminal; The second or third information is used to trigger the establishment of the first connection; The first connection is the connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is the connection between the third network function and the first network function.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send fourth information to the fourth network function, wherein the fourth information is used to obtain fifth information; Based on the fifth piece of information, it is determined that the first connection has not been established or the third network function has not been determined.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information includes: sixth information; wherein the sixth information is used by the second network function or the third network function to establish the second connection; the sixth information includes at least one of the following: First address information of the first network function; A first identifier is used to indicate the first network function.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before sending the first information to the second network function, the method further includes: The second network function is determined; wherein the second network function is a network function used for session management or connection management.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending seventh information to a fourth network function, wherein the seventh information is stored by the fourth network function; wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: The second identifier is used to indicate a first type of second network function; The third identifier is used to indicate a second type of second network function.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sending of the second information to the terminal includes at least one of the following: The second information is sent to the terminal via a fifth network function; wherein, the fifth network function is a network function in the core network used for access and / or mobility management; The second information is sent to the terminal via the access network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The sending of the second information to the terminal includes one of the following: The second information is sent to the terminal via a short message mechanism; The second information is sent via a specific container in the downlink message.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the eighth message sent by the second network function or the terminal; Based on the eighth piece of information, the second connection is established; The eighth piece of information includes at least one of the following: A first indication, wherein the first indication is for the purpose of establishing the first connection; The ninth information includes at least one of the following: a second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function; and the second address information is used to establish the second connection.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, At least one of the second information and the third information includes tenth information; wherein the tenth information includes at least one of the following: First address information of the first network function; The fifth identifier is used to indicate the data network function in which the first network function is located; The second instruction is used to instruct the requesting terminal to establish a connection to the core network.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: Downlink information of a service is sent to the third network function through the second connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is sent by the third network function to the terminal through the first connection; Through the second connection, the uplink information of the service sent by the third network function is received, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the terminal through the first connection.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: network service function; The second network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of second network function and a second type of second network function; the first type of second network function is a network function for session management; the second type of second network function is a network function for connection management. The third 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. The fourth network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data management function, policy control function, and network exposure function; The fifth network function is a network function used for access and / or mobility management.

12. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the second network function, including: Receive first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection; Send a second message to the terminal, wherein the second message is used to request the establishment of a first connection; Wherein, the first connection is the connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is the connection between the third network function and the first network function.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first information includes: the sixth information; the sixth information includes at least one of the following: First address information of the first network function; A first identifier is used to indicate the first network function.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The second network function includes either a first type of second network function or a second type of second network function; the method further includes: Send a seventh message to the fourth network function, wherein the seventh message is stored by the fourth network function; The seventh piece of information includes at least one of the following: The second identifier is used to indicate the first type of second network function; The third identifier is used to indicate the second type of second network function.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The sending of the second information to the terminal includes at least one of the following: The second information is sent to the terminal via a fifth network function; wherein, the fifth network function is a network function in the core network used for access and / or mobility management; The second information is sent to the terminal via the access network device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The second information includes the tenth information; or, The method further includes: sending the tenth information to the terminal; The tenth piece of information includes at least one of the following: First address information of the first network function; The fifth identifier is used to indicate the data network in which the first network function is located; The second instruction is used to instruct the requesting terminal to establish a connection to the core network.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send an eleventh message to the fourth network function, wherein the eleventh message is stored by the fourth network function; The eleventh piece of information includes at least one of the following: A first indication, wherein the first indication is used to indicate that the first connection has been established; A third indication, wherein the third indication is used to indicate that the second connection has been established; The second identifier is used to indicate a first type of second network function in the second network function; The third identifier is used to indicate the second type of second network function in the second network function; The first address information of the first network function, wherein the first address information is used to establish the second connection; The second address information of the third network function, wherein the second address information is used to establish the second connection; The third address information of the third network function, wherein the third address information is used to establish the first connection; A first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate the first network function; A fourth identifier, wherein the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function; The sixth identifier, wherein the sixth identifier is used to indicate the terminal.

18. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method also includes one of the following: Based on the sixth piece of information, a second connection is established; The sixth information is sent to the third network function, wherein the sixth information is used by the third network function to establish the second connection; Send an eighth message to the first network function, wherein the eighth message is used by the first network function to establish the second connection; the eighth message includes at least one of the following: a first indication and a ninth message; the ninth message includes at least one of the following: a second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function; the second address information is used to establish the second connection.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: network service function; The second network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of second network function and a second type of second network function; the first type of second network function is a network function for session management; the second type of second network function is a network function for connection management. The third 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. The fourth network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data management function, policy control function, and network exposure function; The fifth network function is a network function used for access and / or mobility management.

20. An information processing method, characterized in that, Executed by the terminal, including: Receive third information sent by the first network function or second information sent by the second network function; A first connection is established based on the third information or the second information; the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the third network function.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The third piece of information is that the first network function has not determined that the third network function sent it; or, The second information is sent when the second network function determines that the first connection has not been established.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The receipt of the third information sent by the first network function or the second information sent by the second network function includes one of the following: The third information sent by the first network function is received through a fifth network function or an access network device; wherein the fifth network function is a network function used for access and / or mobility management. The second information is received by the fifth network function or the access network device from the second network function.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, At least one of the second information and the third information, including the tenth information; or, Receive the tenth information sent by the second network function; The tenth piece of information includes at least one of the following: First address information of the first network function; The fifth identifier is used to indicate the data network in which the first network function is located; The second instruction is used to instruct the requesting terminal to establish a connection to the core network.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that, The method includes at least one of the following: Through the first connection, uplink information of a service is sent to the third network function, wherein the uplink information of the service is used by the third network function to send it to the first network function through a second connection; the second connection is a connection between the third network function and the first network function. Through the first connection, the downlink information of the service sent by the third network function is received, wherein the downlink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the first network function through the second connection.

25. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: network service function; The second network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of second network function and a second type of second network function; the first type of second network function is a network function for session management; the second type of second network function is a network function for connection management. The third 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. The fourth network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data management function, policy control function, and network exposure function.

26. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the fourth network function, including: Receive fourth information sent by the first network function, wherein the fourth information is used to obtain fifth information; The fifth piece of information is used to determine a first operation when the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established or the third network function has not been determined. The first operation includes one of the following: Sending first information to the second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to the terminal; Send third information to the terminal; The second information or the third information is used to trigger the establishment of the first connection; The first connection is the connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is the connection between the third network function and the first network function.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The method includes one of the following: Receive the seventh information sent by the first network function and store the seventh information; Receive the seventh information sent by the second network function and store the seventh information; The seventh piece of information includes at least one of the following: The second identifier is used to indicate a first type of second network function in the second network function; The third identifier is used to indicate the second type of second network function in the second network function.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive the twelfth information sent by the fifth network function or access network device, wherein the twelfth information is used to obtain the seventh information; Send seventh information to the fifth network function or access network device; wherein the seventh information is used by the fifth network function or access network device to determine the second network function.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the eleventh message sent by the second network function; Store the eleventh or thirteenth information, wherein the thirteenth information is determined based on the seventh and eleventh information; The eleventh piece of information includes at least one of the following: A first indication, wherein the first indication is used to indicate that the first connection has been established; A third indication, wherein the third indication is used to indicate that the second connection has been established; Second identifier; Third identifier; The first address information of the first network function, wherein the first address information is used to establish the second connection; The second address information of the third network function, wherein the second address information is used to establish the second connection; The third address information of the third network function, wherein the third address information is used to establish the first connection; A first identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to indicate the first network function; A fourth identifier, wherein the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function; The sixth identifier, wherein the sixth identifier is used to indicate the terminal.

30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: network service function; The second network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of second network function and a second type of second network function; the first type of second network function is a network function for session management; the second type of second network function is a network function for connection management. The third 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. The fourth network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data management function, policy control function, and network exposure function; The fifth network function is a network function used for access and / or mobility management.

31. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by a communication system, which includes a first network function, a second network function, and a third network function, the method includes: A first network function determines a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: Sending first information to the second network function, wherein the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first information is also used by the second network function to send second information to the terminal; Send third information to the terminal; The second or third information is used to trigger the establishment of the first connection; The first connection is the connection between the terminal and the third network function, and the second connection is the connection between the third network function and the first network function.

32. 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 11, or claims 12 to 19, or claims 20 to 25, or claims 26 to 30.

33. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a first network function, a second network function, a terminal, and a fourth network function; wherein the first network function is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the second network function is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, the terminal is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, and the fourth network function is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 26 to 30.

34. 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 11, or claims 12 to 19, or claims 20 to 25, or claims 26 to 30.

35. 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 11, or claims 12 to 19, or claims 20 to 25, or claims 26 to 30.

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