A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and device, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for solving the problem of dependence of service implementation or expansion on terminal capability, reducing the complexity of terminal processing, improving the flexibility of service implementation, and improving user experience. The method comprises the following steps: a first network element receives first application information, which is used for requesting to provide a service of a first application for a terminal; determining session parameters and a session identifier corresponding to the first application; and sending the session identifier associated with the first application information and / or a terminal address to the terminal, or sending an identifier or an address of a session management network element to the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a wireless communication system, when a terminal initiates a service request, it can determine the corresponding session parameters based on the requested service information, such as the target data network information, slice information, or session type. The terminal then requests the establishment of a session corresponding to the service by carrying these session parameters. This allows the network to create different sessions based on service requirements. During session establishment, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of the core network control plane can select the Session Management Function (SMF) based on service requirements. The SMF establishes the session, thereby enabling data transmission of services between the network and the terminal.

[0003] However, in the above implementation, the terminal side needs to have a mapping relationship between service information and session parameters, and the terminal needs to accurately understand the meaning of service information and various session parameters, making the service implementation logic on the terminal side relatively complex. In addition, when new services or features are introduced into the network, the terminal capabilities need to be expanded or upgraded, resulting in poor service implementation flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to solve the problem of dependence on terminal capabilities for service implementation or expansion, reduce the complexity of terminal-side processing, improve the flexibility of service implementation, and enhance the user experience.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device. For example, the communication device can be a network device such as a first network element, a module (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the network device, or a module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The method includes: the first network element receiving first application information, the first application information being used to request services for a terminal based on the first application; determining session parameters and a session identifier corresponding to the first application; and sending at least one of the following information associated with the first application information to the terminal: the session identifier, a terminal address, and an identifier or address of a session management network element, the session management network element managing the session corresponding to the session identifier.

[0007] In the above implementation, the first network element determines the session parameters. The terminal does not need to understand the logical relationship between the application service and the session parameters. The first network element determines the session parameters and session identifier required to implement the application. Furthermore, the first network element obtains the terminal address corresponding to the application, such as the terminal's network address, where the terminal address refers to the network address of the terminal corresponding to the session of the first application. This reduces the processing complexity on the terminal side, reduces the dependence of service implementation or expansion on terminal capabilities, and helps improve the flexibility of service implementation.

[0008] In one implementation, the first network element receives first application information and terminal information, including: receiving the first application information from the terminal, the first application function, or the first network function. Optionally, it may also receive terminal information.

[0009] In the above embodiments, the triggering of application services is not limited to being initiated by the terminal, but can also be initiated by the network. For example, network functions, application functions or network elements such as AMF in the network can initiate application requests, establish a session related to the application, and realize the data transmission of the application between the terminal and the network. This can reduce the processing complexity on the terminal side, reduce the dependence of service implementation or service expansion on the terminal capabilities, and help improve the flexibility of service implementation.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method further includes: a first network element sending information to a session management network element requesting the establishment of a first session serving the first application, the information including the session identifier, the session parameters, and the terminal information; or, the first network element sending information to the session management network element requesting the modification of the first session to serve the first application, the information including the session identifier and the terminal information; wherein, the session identifier is the identifier of the first session.

[0011] It should be noted that in this application, "requesting the services of the first application" includes: requesting the transmission of data related to the first application; "the first session serving the first application" refers to the first session that transmits data of the first application.

[0012] In one implementation, the method further includes: the first network element receiving a terminal address from the session management network element.

[0013] Optionally, the session management network element may explicitly or implicitly indicate that the terminal address is associated with the session identifier, and / or may explicitly or implicitly indicate that the terminal address is associated with the first application information. That is, the session management network element may directly indicate to the first network element the association between the terminal address and the session identifier, and / or the association between the terminal address and the first application information, or indirectly indicate to the first network element the association between the terminal address and the session identifier and / or the association between the terminal address and the first application information. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0014] In the above embodiments, the first network element can send a request to establish a session or a request to modify a session to the session management network element, so that the network can establish or modify the first session to serve the first application and obtain the terminal address. Thus, the first network element can send the network address to the terminal, so that the terminal can execute the subsequent data transmission process according to the network address, which helps to improve the flexibility of service implementation.

[0015] In one implementation, the first application information includes the name of the first application. Determining the session parameters corresponding to the first application includes: determining the session parameters based on the name of the first application and the correspondence between application names and session parameters. Optionally, the first application information includes a service type. Determining the session parameters corresponding to the first application includes: determining the session parameters based on the service type and the correspondence between service types and session parameters.

[0016] In the above embodiments, the first network element can determine the session parameters required by the first application based on the application name and / or service type carried in the request of the first application, as well as the pre-configured or protocol-agreed correspondence between the application name or service type and the session parameters. This can reduce the processing complexity of the first application and help improve the efficiency and flexibility of service implementation.

[0017] In one implementation, the method further includes: a first network element determining, based on the session parameters, to create a new first session to serve the first application, or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application.

[0018] In the above implementation, the first network element can determine whether a session corresponding to the determined session parameters has already been established based on the determined session parameters. If it is determined that the existing session can meet the session parameters required by the first application, the established session can be reused to transmit the data corresponding to the first application. If not, it can request the session management network element to establish a new session for transmitting the data corresponding to the first application. The service implementation method is more flexible and can save network resources and improve communication efficiency.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method can be applied to a communication system including a first network element and a session management network element. The method further includes: the session management network element sending a terminal address to the first network element. Optionally, the terminal address is associated with the session identifier, and / or the terminal address is associated with the first application information.

[0020] In one implementation, the method can be applied to a communication system including a first network element and a session management network element. The method further includes: the session management network element sending the terminal address, the first application information, and the session identifier to the terminal. Optionally, the network address and the session identifier are associated, and the terminal address and the first application information are associated.

[0021] In the above embodiments, the session management network element executes the session establishment process and can directly send the terminal address, the first application information, and the session identifier of the first session to the terminal. Thus, the terminal can determine that the first application is implemented through the first session based on the above information, and the data transmission of the first session can be realized through the network address. Therefore, the service implementation method is more flexible and the signaling overhead of the first network element sending the above information to the terminal can be saved.

[0022] In one implementation, after receiving the first application information from the first application function or the first network function, the method further includes: the first network element sending at least one of the following information to the first application function or the first network function: the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier of the session management network element.

[0023] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device. For example, the communication device can be a network device such as a first network element, a module (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the network device, or a module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. The method includes: the first network element receiving first application information and terminal information, the first application information and terminal information being used to request the network to provide services for the first application to the terminal; determining session parameters corresponding to the first application; and sending request information to a session management network element to establish or modify a first session, the first session serving the first application, the request information including the terminal information.

[0024] In the above implementation, the first network element determines the session parameters and triggers session establishment or modification to the session management network element. The terminal does not need to understand the logical relationship between the application service and the session parameters, which can reduce the processing complexity on the terminal side, reduce the dependence of service implementation or service expansion on the terminal capabilities, and help improve the flexibility of service implementation.

[0025] In one implementation, the first network element receives first application information and terminal information, including receiving the first application information and terminal information from the terminal, the first application function, or the first network function.

[0026] In the above embodiments, the triggering of application services is not limited to being initiated by the terminal, but can also be initiated by the network. For example, network functions, application functions or network elements such as AMF in the network can initiate application requests, establish a session related to the application, and realize the data transmission of the application between the terminal and the network. This can reduce the processing complexity on the terminal side, reduce the dependence of service implementation or service expansion on the terminal capabilities, and help improve the flexibility of service implementation.

[0027] In one implementation, the request information also includes session parameters.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method further includes: the first network element receiving the terminal address and the session identifier of the first session from the session management network element, wherein the network address is associated with the first application information and the network address is associated with the session identifier.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method further includes: the first network element sending the network address to the terminal, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier, and / or the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0030] In one implementation, the first application information includes the name of the first application, and determining the session parameters includes: determining the session parameters based on the name of the first application and the correspondence between the application name and the session parameters.

[0031] In one implementation, the method further includes: a first network element determining, based on the session parameters, to create a new first session to serve the first application, or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application.

[0032] In one implementation, the method further includes: a session management network element sending a session identifier and / or a terminal address to the first network element, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier and the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0033] In the above embodiments, the session management network element executes the process of establishing or modifying a session, and can send the terminal address and / or the session identifier of the first session to the first network element, so that the first network element sends the above information to the terminal, enabling the terminal to determine that the first application is implemented through the first session, and that the data transmission of the first session can be implemented through the network address. The service implementation method is more flexible and can save the signaling overhead of the first network element sending the above information to the terminal.

[0034] In one implementation, the request information also includes first application information.

[0035] In one embodiment, the method further includes: a session management network element sending the terminal address, the session identifier, and the first application information to the terminal, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier and the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the session management network element executes the session establishment process, and then can directly send the terminal's address, the first application information, and the session identifier of the first session to the terminal. Thus, the terminal can determine that the first application transmits data through the first session based on the above information, and the data transmission of the first session can be realized through the terminal's address. Therefore, the service implementation method is more flexible and can save the signaling overhead of the first network element sending the above information to the terminal.

[0037] In one implementation, after receiving the first application information and terminal information from the first application function or the first network function, the method further includes: the first network element sending at least one of the following information to the first application function or the first network function: the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier of the session management network element.

[0038] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a communication device. For example, the communication device can be a network device such as a session management network element, a module within the network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit), or a module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. The method includes: the session management network element receiving information from a first network element requesting the establishment or modification of a session serving a first application, the information including session parameters and terminal information; determining a session identifier for the first session and the terminal address corresponding to the first session; and sending the network address, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier, and / or the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0039] In the above implementation, the session management network element determines the session identifier of the application, further determines the terminal network address corresponding to the session, and indicates the relationship between the application and the session identifier and / or the terminal network address. This can reduce the processing complexity on the terminal side, reduce the dependence of service implementation or service expansion on terminal capabilities, and help improve the flexibility of service implementation.

[0040] In one implementation, sending the network address includes: sending the network address and / or the session identifier to the first network element, wherein the network address and / or the session identifier are associated with the first application information.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the session management network element executes the process of establishing or modifying a session, and can send the terminal address and / or the session identifier of the first session to the first network element, so that the first network element sends the above information to the terminal, enabling the terminal to determine that the first application is implemented through the first session, and that the data transmission of the first session can be implemented through the network address. The service implementation method is more flexible and can save the signaling overhead of the first network element sending the above information to the terminal.

[0042] In one implementation, the method further includes: a first network element sending the network address and the session identifier to the terminal.

[0043] In one implementation, sending the network address includes: sending the first application information, the network address, and the session identifier to the terminal, wherein the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the session management network element executes the session establishment process and can directly send the terminal address, the first application information, and the session identifier of the first session to the terminal. Thus, the terminal can determine that the first application is implemented through the first session based on the above information, and the data transmission of the first session can be realized through the network address. Therefore, the service implementation method is more flexible and the signaling overhead of the first network element sending the above information to the terminal can be saved.

[0045] In one implementation, the method further includes: a session management network element determining, based on the session parameters, to create a new first session to serve the first application, or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application.

[0046] In the above implementation, the first network element can determine whether a session corresponding to the determined session parameters has already been established based on the determined session parameters. If it is determined that the existing session can meet the session parameters required by the first application, the established session can be reused to transmit the data corresponding to the first application. If not, it can request the session management network element to establish a new session for transmitting the data corresponding to the first application. The service implementation method is more flexible and can save network resources and improve communication efficiency.

[0047] In one embodiment, the method can be applied to a communication system, which includes a first network element and a session management network element. The method further includes: a terminal, a first application function, or a first network function sending first application information and terminal information to the first network element to request the provision of services for the first application to the terminal; and the first network element determining session parameters corresponding to the first application.

[0048] In one implementation, the first application information includes the name of the first application, and the first network element determines the session parameters corresponding to the first application by: determining the session parameters based on the name of the first application and the correspondence between the application name and the session parameters.

[0049] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal-side device. For example, it can be a terminal, a module within the terminal (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit), or a module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. The method includes: sending first application information to a first network element to request services for the first application to the terminal; receiving at least one of the following information: a session identifier of a first session, a terminal address, and an identifier or address of a session management network element; wherein the session management network element manages the first session serving the first application; and transmitting data related to the first application based on the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier or address of the session management network element.

[0050] In the above implementation, when a terminal initiates a service request, it does not need to understand the logical relationship between the application service and session parameters. The session parameters and / or session identifier are determined by the first network element or the session management network element. This reduces the processing complexity on the terminal side, reduces the dependence of service implementation or expansion on terminal capabilities, and helps improve the flexibility of service implementation. In addition, the terminal can obtain the terminal network address corresponding to the application from the session management network element or the first network element, and realize the data transmission of the application between the terminal and the network based on the network address, making the service implementation method flexible.

[0051] In one implementation, receiving a session identifier and / or the terminal address and / or the identifier or address of a session management network element includes: receiving the session identifier and / or the terminal address and / or the identifier or address of a session management network element from the first network element; or, receiving the session identifier and / or the terminal address and / or the identifier or address of a session management network element from the session management network element; or, receiving the session identifier from the first network element and receiving the terminal address and the first application information from the session management network element.

[0052] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the above-described method. This communication device may be any of the communication devices described in the preceding aspects, such as a network device or terminal, or a node or device containing the aforementioned communication device, or a module in the aforementioned network device or terminal, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of performing some or all of the functions.

[0053] The communication device includes modules, units, or means that implement the methods described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The processing module may be, for example, a processor. The transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may consist of transceiver circuitry, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are used to implement the sending and receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations.

[0056] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor; the processor being coupled to a memory and, after reading instructions from the memory, executing the method as described in any of the preceding aspects according to the instructions. The communication device may be a communication device as described in any of the preceding aspects, such as a network device or terminal, or a node or device containing the aforementioned communication device, or a module in the aforementioned network device or terminal, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0059] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: at least one processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit being configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit them to the at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute the computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method described in any of the preceding aspects. The communication device may be a communication device as described in any of the preceding aspects, such as a network device or terminal, or a node or device containing the aforementioned communication device, or a module in the aforementioned network device or terminal, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0061] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0062] Ninthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0063] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising a first network element, the first network element receiving first application information and terminal information, the first application information and terminal information being used to request the provision of services for the first application to the terminal; determining session parameters and a session identifier corresponding to the first application; the first network element sending to the terminal at least one of the following information associated with the first application information: the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier or address of a session management network element, the session management network element managing the session corresponding to the session identifier.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the communication system may include a session management network element, wherein a first network element sends information to the session management network element requesting the establishment of a first session serving the first application, the information including the session identifier, the session parameters, and the terminal information; or, the first network element sends information to the session management network element requesting the modification of the first session to serve the first application, the information including the session identifier and the terminal information; wherein the session identifier is the identifier of the first session.

[0065] In one implementation, the session management network element sends a terminal address to the first network element, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier and / or the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0066] In one implementation, the session management network element sends the terminal address, the first application information, and the session identifier to the terminal, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier and the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the communication system may include the first network element and the session management network element described in any of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0068] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, comprising a first network element and a session management network element. The first network element receives first application information and terminal information, the first application information and terminal information being used to request the network to provide services for the first application to the terminal. The first network element determines session parameters corresponding to the first application. The first network element sends a request to the session management network element to establish or modify a first session, the first session serving the first application, the request including terminal information.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the session management network element sends a terminal address and a session identifier of a first session to a first network element. The network address is associated with the first application information, and the network address is associated with the session identifier.

[0070] In one implementation, the first network element sends the network address to the terminal, the network address being associated with the session identifier and / or the network address being associated with the first application information.

[0071] In one implementation, the session management network element sends a session identifier and / or terminal address to the first network element, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier and the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0072] In one embodiment, the method further includes: a session management network element sending the terminal address, the session identifier, and the first application information to the terminal, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier and the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0073] In one implementation, the first network element sends at least one of the following information to the first application function or the first network function: the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier of the session management network element.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the communication system may include a first network element as described in any of the embodiments of the second aspect above, and a session management network element.

[0075] The technical effects of any of the possible implementations in the second to eleventh aspects can be found in the technical effects of the different possible implementations in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] Understandably, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other, the solutions in the above aspects can be combined. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system.

[0078] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0086] First, the implementation scenarios of the embodiments of this application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to... Figure 1 The service-oriented architecture shown is as follows. Among them, Figure 1Taking the network service architecture of the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system as an example, this paper illustrates the interaction relationship between network functions (NFs) and entities, as well as their corresponding interfaces. The service-based architecture (SBA) of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) for 5G systems mainly includes the following network functions and entities: User Equipment (UE), Access Network (AN) or Radio Access Network (RAN), User Plane Function (UPF), Data Network (DN), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and Network Repository Function (NRF).

[0088] In this context, UE, (R)AN, UPF, and DN are generally referred to as user plane network functions and entities (or user plane network elements), while the others are generally referred to as control plane network functions and entities (or control plane network elements). Control plane network elements are defined by 3GPP as having processing functions within a network. They possess 3GPP-defined functional behaviors and interfaces. An NF can function as a network element running on proprietary hardware, a software instance running on proprietary hardware, or a virtual function instantiated on a suitable platform, such as being implemented in a cloud infrastructure.

[0089] The main functions of each network element are described in detail below.

[0090] (R)AN: (R)AN can be either AN or RAN. Specifically, (R)AN can be various types of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations, distributed unit-control units (DU-CU), etc. Additionally, these base stations can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or relay stations, access points, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, or network equipment in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs). (R)AN is primarily responsible for air interface-side radio resource management, quality of service management, data compression, and encryption.

[0091] UPF: Primarily responsible for forwarding and receiving user data. The UPF can receive downlink data from the DN and then transmit that downlink data to the UE via (R)AN. The UPF can also receive uplink data from the UE via (R)AN and then forward that uplink data to the DN.

[0092] DN: For example, a DN can be an operator's service network, an internet access network, or a third-party service network. The DN can exchange information with the UE through a PDU session. PDU sessions can be of various types, such as Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) and IPv6.

[0093] AMF (Automatic Management Controller): Primarily responsible for processing control plane messages and managing user mobility, including mobility state management, assigning temporary user identities, and authenticating and authorizing users. This includes tasks such as access control, mobility management, registration and deregistration, and network element selection.

[0094] SMF: Primarily used for session management, session establishment, UE IP address allocation and management, responsible for session establishment, modification and release, and quality of service (QoS) control, etc.

[0095] PCF: Primarily used for managing policy rules and user subscription information.

[0096] UDM (User Authentication and Authorization Manager): Primarily used for authentication and credit processing, it manages subscription data, user identification, access authorization, registration / mobility management, subscription management, and SMS management. For example, when a user's subscription data is modified, the UDM is responsible for notifying the relevant network elements.

[0097] NEF: Primarily used to provide corresponding security guarantees to ensure the security of external applications to the communication network, providing functions such as opening up QoS customization capabilities for external applications, subscription to mobility state events, and distribution of AF requests.

[0098] NRF: Primarily used to provide internal / external addressing functions, etc.

[0099] AF: Primarily used to send data routing information affecting applications to the network side, and to perform policy control through interaction between network open function elements and the policy framework.

[0100] in, Figure 1 The functions of other network elements included can be found in the relevant descriptions in conventional technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] in, Figure 1 The UE and (R)AN shown can communicate with each other using air interface technology. For example... Figure 1 As shown, N1 is the reference point between UE and AMF, N2 is the reference point between (R)AN and AMF, N3 is the reference point between (R)AN and UPF, N4 is the reference point between SMF and UPF, and N6 is the reference point between UPF and DN. Figure 1 The interface shown is Namf, which is the service-based interface provided by AMF; Nsmf, which is the service-based interface provided by SMF; Nnef, which is the service-based interface provided by NEF; Nnrf, which is the service-based interface provided by NRF; Npcf, which is the service-based interface provided by PCF; Nudm, which is the service-based interface provided by UDM; and Naf, which is the service-based interface provided by AF.

[0102] Furthermore, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to... Figure 2 The architecture shown. (As illustrated) Figure 2 As shown, the communication system includes a terminal, a first network element, and a session management network element.

[0103] The terminal can interact with the network to transmit application-related data.

[0104] Request a message to request that a certain application-related service be provided to the terminal.

[0105] Optionally, service requests can also be triggered by the network side. For example, the communication system may include network functions (NFs) or application functions (AFs), which send application request messages to the first network element to request a service related to a specific application for a terminal. Alternatively, the network may have pre-configured default service triggers. For instance, after a terminal registers with the network, the AMF can automatically send an application request message related to a first application to the first network element.

[0106] The first network element is used to determine the session parameters corresponding to the application requested by the terminal.

[0107] For example, the first network element can be a terminal-level user equipment session management function (UE-SMF) network element, or other network elements, used to implement terminal-based session management. For instance, it can determine session parameters based on the requested application and trigger session establishment based on that application. Optionally, the first network element is also used to determine the session identifier corresponding to the requested application and send the session identifier associated with the currently requested application and / or routing information such as the network address allocated to the terminal by the network to the terminal. It is understood that the first network element in this paper is also used to implement session management functions, i.e., determining session parameters based on the requested application. In other words, by introducing the first webpage, the step of determining session parameters, which previously required the terminal to implement, is moved to the first network element on the network side. The first network element and the session management network element interact to implement session management functions. Therefore, the first network element can be regarded as a terminal-level session management function network element.

[0108] The session management network element is used to establish or modify sessions. For example, if the first network element determines to create a new session, it can send a session establishment request to the session management network element. The session management network element then executes the session establishment process, obtains the address information assigned to the terminal by the network, and can send the terminal's network address to the first network element or the terminal. This indicates that the network address is associated with the corresponding session and with the corresponding application. Subsequently, the network and the terminal can use this session to perform application-related communication and data transmission with the terminal through this network address.

[0109] For example, the session management network element can be an SMF. Optionally, the session management network element can be regarded as a session management function network element serving a specific slice or data network, such as a slice-level session management function (S-SMF).

[0110] Optionally, the session management network element can also be used to determine the corresponding session identifier based on the session parameters of the first application.

[0111] Optionally, the communication system may also include unified data management (UDM) functionality, which can be used to manage user identification, subscription data, or authentication data, etc.

[0112] Optionally, the communication system may also include a network repository function (NRF), which is mainly used to provide internal / external addressing functions, etc.

[0113] It should be noted that, Figures 1 to 2 The functions of other network elements included can be found in the relevant descriptions in conventional technologies, and will not be repeated here. Figures 1 to 2 The network architecture shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in specific implementations, other network elements or devices may be included, and the number of access network nodes, terminals, and / or core network equipment may be determined according to specific needs.

[0114] Optional, Figures 1 to 2 Each network element shown can be a device, a functional module within a device, or a logical functional unit. It is understood that the aforementioned functions can be network components in hardware devices, such as communication chips in mobile phones, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0115] Understandably, the above Figures 1 to 2 In a communication system, devices or network elements can communicate directly or through forwarding from other devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0116] Understandably, the above Figures 1 to 2 This is merely an illustrative diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solutions provided in this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that, in specific implementation processes, the communication system may include, for example, […]. Figures 1 to 2 The number of devices or network elements shown may be fewer, or the communication system may include other devices or other network elements, and the number of devices or network elements in the communication system may be determined according to specific needs.

[0117] It should be noted that the message names between network elements or the names of parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of this application are just examples. Other names may be used in the specific implementation. This application does not limit them in this respect.

[0118] In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0119] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0120] In this application, phrases such as "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as indicating that the destination of the information is a terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to a terminal. Similarly, phrases such as "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)," or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as indicating that the source of the information is a terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from a terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly and will not be elaborated further here.

[0121] The communication method and apparatus provided in this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses access network nodes and terminals as examples of the execution subjects in the interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the access network node in this application can also be implemented by modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) in the access network node, or by logic nodes, logic modules, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network node; the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by a communication / processing module in the terminal or by circuits or chips (such as modem chips (also known as baseband chips), or chips containing modem cores, or processors) in the terminal responsible for communication / processing functions.

[0122] This application provides a communication method, such as Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0123] 301: The terminal / AF / NF sends first application information to the first network element to request the provision of first application services to the terminal. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first application information.

[0124] In one implementation, the terminal triggers an application request, as executed by the terminal in step 301. For example, the terminal sends a non-access stratum (NAS) uplink message to the first network element; this uplink message is an application request message carrying first application information.

[0125] In another implementation, the network side triggers an application request based on the terminal. For example, step 301 can be executed by a network element such as NF or AF to trigger a service request for the first application.

[0126] In another possible implementation, the network can also trigger application services according to default rules, i.e., application requests that do not depend on the aforementioned terminals or network elements such as NF / AF.

[0127] For example, the AMF can trigger default application services. For instance, after a terminal registers with the network, a service request is triggered by default. After the AMF completes the UE registration process, it sends a request message to the first network element to trigger the establishment of a session. This session can provide relevant services for the default first application.

[0128] In one implementation, when a terminal / AF / NF sends a request message to a first network element requesting the provision of services for a first application to the terminal, the request message may also carry terminal information. Optionally, when a terminal triggers an application request and sends a request message requesting the provision of services for the first application to the terminal, the request message may not carry terminal information; the terminal information may be added when the RAN or other intermediate network element forwards it to the first network element.

[0129] For example, the first network element receives first application information from a terminal, an AMF, a first application function, or a first network function.

[0130] In one implementation, the first application information may include a traffic descriptor (TD) or the name of the first application, or a service type (e.g., communication-aware service, location service, control message transmission via user plane service, etc.).

[0131] For example, when it is necessary to transmit data related to a first application based on a certain terminal, the terminal / AF / NF sends an application request message to the first network element, which includes the first application information.

[0132] TD is used to match specific applications or service flows. For example, it includes a combination of the following parameters: application identifier, IP triple (source IP, destination IP and port number), domain name (FQDN) or connection characteristics (such as protocol type).

[0133] For example, the terminal information may include the terminal's identity (ID), such as a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), a generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), a globally unique temporary identity (GUTI), a permanent equipment identifier (PEI), or a routing ID associated with the UE. For example, the terminal information may also include the terminal type or criteria for filtering terminals, such as geographic location information, region information, or vendor ID.

[0134] For example, the request message can be sent to the first network element through an intermediate node.

[0135] For example, when a terminal triggers a service request, the intermediate node can be an access network device such as a RAN node. The terminal sends the request message to the RAN node, and the RAN node sends the request message to the first network element.

[0136] Optionally, the request message may also include routing information, such as routing information indicating that the request message should be routed to the first network element, for example, the ID or address of the first network element, the ID or address associated with the first network element, or the routing identifier associated with the first network element. Intermediate nodes can send request messages to the first network element based on the routing information in the request message. The request message received by the first network element may not carry the aforementioned routing information.

[0137] In one implementation, the RAN node receives a request message, selects a first network element, and sends the request message to the first network element. For example, the RAN node can route the request message to the first network element corresponding to the routing information included in the request message.

[0138] Optionally, intermediate nodes can also be nodes in the core network that have routing capabilities, such as the core network portal function (CPF) element. This CPF element can receive routing information sent by other network elements and perform message routing functions.

[0139] In another example, the RAN node can select the first network element based on preset rules (such as information about the session management network element configured for the terminal by the network). For example, if the first network element is the terminal-level session management function (UE-SMF) network element, the RAN node can determine the UE-SMF corresponding to the terminal based on preset rules and routing information carried in the request message (such as the identifier and / or address of the UE-SMF), or receive the identifier and / or address of the UE-SMF from other network elements and send the request message to that UE-SMF.

[0140] It should be understood that the process by which the intermediate node forwarding the request message determines the first network element (such as UE-SMF) can be determined by the intermediate node based on the routing information carried in the request message, or by the intermediate node through pre-configuration or other methods. This application does not limit this process.

[0141] 302: The first network element determines the session parameters and session identifier corresponding to the first application.

[0142] In one implementation, after receiving the first application information and the terminal information, the first network element can obtain the subscription information corresponding to the terminal based on the terminal information. Optionally, the first network element can obtain the terminal's subscription information from the UDM.

[0143] For example, the terminal's subscription information may include session management-related subscription information such as allowed data network name (allowed DNN) and allowed network slice information.

[0144] Then, the first network element can determine the session parameters corresponding to the first application based on the first policy and the first application information. The first policy includes the correspondence between application information and session parameters, such as the correspondence information between the first application information and session parameters. Optionally, the first policy can be included in the terminal's subscription information. Alternatively, the first policy can be generated based on the terminal's subscription information. Alternatively, the terminal's subscription information can be used to verify whether the session parameters corresponding to the first application are reasonable; for example, the first network element can determine whether the data network name in the session parameters corresponding to the first application is allowed based on the allowed data network names in the subscription information.

[0145] For example, the first strategy can specifically be a route selection policy, which may include one or more rules for matching the required session parameters for different application information. In other words, the first network element can determine the session parameters corresponding to the first application information according to the first strategy, that is, determine that the network provides the terminal with the session-related session parameters required by the first application.

[0146] The first policy can be pre-configured or obtained by the first network element from the policy control function (PCF) or UDM. This application does not limit this.

[0147] Optionally, the first strategy can be based on different terminal configurations, i.e., a terminal-level path selection strategy. For example, one terminal corresponds to a set of path selection strategies, and different terminals may have different path selection strategies. Alternatively, the first strategy can be based on different networks, such as different data networks, different PLMNs, or different network slices, i.e., a network-level path selection strategy, where different data networks or PLMNs may have different path selection strategies. This application does not limit this.

[0148] In one implementation, the first application information may include the name of the first application. The first network element can determine the session parameters corresponding to the first application based on the name of the first application and the correspondence between the application name and the session parameters obtained by the first network element.

[0149] Optionally, the first application information may include the service type of the first application. The first network element can determine the session parameters corresponding to the first application based on the service type and the correspondence between the service type and the session parameters.

[0150] In one implementation, the session parameters may include at least one of the following: DNN information, slice information such as one or more single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), session and service continuity mode (SSC Mode), session type such as PDU session type, etc.

[0151] For example, a path selection strategy may include a TD (Trip Target) and one or more routing components such as a route selection descriptor (RSD). The RSD includes specific session parameters.

[0152] The RSD can include the following information: Route Selection Component (RSC), such as DNN, S-NSSAI, PDU session type (e.g., IPv4 / IPv6 / Ethernet), access type priority (3GPP / non-3GPP access), etc.

[0153] Optionally, the RSD may also include validity conditions (such as a time window and location criteria). For example, validity conditions are used to indicate the time window, location criteria, and other conditions that make the RSD valid. For instance, if the current time is not within the time window, the RSD is considered invalid, and the RSD cannot be applied even if the first application information matches the TD of the RSD.

[0154] For example, when the first application information received in step 301 matches the TD in the first policy, one or more RSDs included in the first policy are further determined. When the first policy includes one RSD, the first network element determines that the parameters in the RSD are the parameters required for the session. When the first policy includes multiple RSDs, the session parameters can be determined according to priority, validity conditions, etc., and this application does not limit this. For example, Table 1 shows the information that the session parameters may include.

[0155] Table 1

[0156]

[0157] In one implementation, after determining the session parameters corresponding to the first application, the first network element can determine whether to create a new first session to serve the first application, or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application. That is, the first network element can determine whether a session corresponding to the session parameters has already been established. If not, it can request the session management network element to establish a new session, such as a PDU session, for transmitting data corresponding to the first application. If the first network element determines that a session corresponding to the session parameters has already been established, it can reuse the established session to transmit data corresponding to the first application.

[0158] For example, if the first network element determines that the established first session matches the session parameters determined in step 302 above, then the first network element determines to reuse the first session and determines the existing session identifier of the first session.

[0159] For example, the first network element stores the session identifier of the established first session. Optionally, the first network element also stores the terminal address corresponding to the established first session, such as the terminal's network address. In this case, step 303 is executed, whereby the first network element sends the session identifier associated with the first application information and / or the terminal's network address to the terminal.

[0160] Optionally, if the first network element does not save the network address of the terminal corresponding to the established first session, the first network element may request the session management network element to obtain the network address of the terminal corresponding to the first session.

[0161] For example, if a first network element determines that it needs to reuse an existing first session to serve a first application, the first network element can send a session modification request message to the session management network element, carrying the session identifier of the first session and the terminal information, to modify the first session so that the first session serves the first application. Correspondingly, the session management network element determines the network address of the terminal corresponding to the first session based on the session identifier and sends the network address to the first network element.

[0162] In another implementation, if the first network element determines to establish a new session, such as to establish a first session to serve a first application, the first network element may allocate or generate a session identifier for the first session and request the session management network element to establish the first session.

[0163] For example, when the first network element determines to establish a new session, it can select a session management network element such as an S-SMF based on the session parameters. Optionally, a suitable S-SMF can be discovered from the NRF.

[0164] For example, the first network element assigns a session identifier to the newly established first session, and this session identifier is not duplicated with the session identifier of the terminal's already established sessions. For instance, the first network element can assign session identifiers based on information about the terminal's already established sessions stored locally. The first network element stores the terminal's session identifier, session parameters, and the association between the session management network element and the session management network element.

[0165] Optionally, the communication method may further include step 302-1: the first network element sends a message to the session management network element requesting the establishment of a first session serving the first application. Correspondingly, the session management network element receives the message requesting the establishment of a first session serving the first application.

[0166] For example, the request message can be a session establishment request message.

[0167] The request message may include the session identifier of the first session, session parameters, and terminal information such as UEID.

[0168] 302-2: The session management network element sends the terminal's network address to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the terminal's network address.

[0169] During the session establishment process, the session management network element, such as the S-SMF, determines the network address of the terminal. For example, the session management network element can assign the network address corresponding to the first session to the terminal, or obtain the network address of the terminal's first session from the user plane network element (such as the User Plane Function, UPF) corresponding to the first session.

[0170] Specifically, the terminal's network address is associated with the session identifier of the first session, and / or the network address is associated with the first application information. Optionally, the session management network element may store the association between the network address and the session identifier of the first session, and / or store the association between the network address and the first application information.

[0171] For example, in response to the aforementioned session establishment request message, the session management network element sends a session establishment response message to the first network element, carrying the network address of the terminal. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the session establishment response message, obtains the network address of the terminal, and stores the association between the network address and the session identifier of the first session.

[0172] 303: The first network element sends a session identifier associated with the first application information and / or the terminal's network address to the terminal, and / or sends the identifier or address of the session management network element to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the session identifier and / or the terminal's network address, and / or receives the identifier or address of the session management network element.

[0173] For example, the first network element sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal, to indicate that there is an association between the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal, and that there is an association between the first application information and the network address of the terminal and / or the first session.

[0174] For example, the first network element sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the session identifier of the first session, which is used to indirectly indicate that there is an association between the first application information and the network address of the terminal, that is, the terminal can determine the network address of the terminal based on the session identifier of the first session.

[0175] For example, the first network element sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the terminal's network address, to indirectly indicate that there is a correlation between the first application information and the terminal's network address.

[0176] For example, the first network element sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the identifier of the session management network element, which is used by the terminal to subsequently send session-related messages to the session management network element, such as session modification requests, session release requests, etc.

[0177] For example, the first network element sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the identifier of the session management network element, the session identifier of the first session, and the network address of the terminal, which is used by the terminal to send messages related to the first session to the session management network element, such as session modification requests, session release requests, etc.

[0178] Optionally, the downlink message may also carry first application information to indicate a correspondence between the first application information and the network address of the terminal.

[0179] Optionally, the first network element may also send a session identifier and / or the identifier or address of the session management network element to the access network device serving the terminal, so that the access network device serving the terminal can transmit messages related to the session to the session management network element, such as path switch request messages and handover required messages.

[0180] For example, in step 301, the NAS uplink message sent by the terminal to the first network element is named or typed as an application request message, carrying first application information to request the provision of the first application service to the terminal. In step 303, the first network element may send a response message corresponding to the application request message to the terminal, such as an application request response message named as an application request response message. The application request response message may not carry the first application information, but implicitly indicates the association between the first application information and the session identifier, and / or the association between the first application information and the terminal's network address.

[0181] In one implementation, if a first network element determines that an established first session is being reused to serve a first application, the first network element may send a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the session identifier of the first session and / or the network address of the terminal. Optionally, the downlink message may also carry first application information to indicate the association between the first application information and the session identifier of the first session and / or the network address of the terminal.

[0182] 304: The terminal interacts with the network to transmit data related to the primary application.

[0183] The terminal transmitting data related to the first application may include the terminal sending data or control information related to the first application to the network (such as DN, NF, AF, UPF or SMF, etc.), or the terminal receiving data or control information related to the first application from the network.

[0184] Optionally, the terminal receives a session identifier associated with the first application information and / or the terminal's network address, and can transmit data related to the first application based on the session identifier and / or the terminal's network address.

[0185] For example, the terminal determines the correspondence between the network address and the first application based on the received information, and can use the network address to transmit data related to the first application.

[0186] Optionally, when the terminal receives the ID or address of the session management network element, the terminal can determine the session management network element corresponding to the first session. Subsequently, the terminal can interact with the session management network element to exchange control information related to the first session. For example, the terminal can transmit session management information related to the first session based on the identifier or address of the session management network element. For example, the terminal can send a session modification request message to the CPF, carrying the identifier or address of the session management network element, where the identifier or address of the session management network element is used by the CPF to route the session modification request message to the session management network element.

[0187] In the implementation of reusing an established first session, the first session has been established, and the terminal stores the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal corresponding to the first session. The terminal can determine the corresponding network address based on the received session identifier, and then execute the subsequent data transmission process based on the network address.

[0188] For example, the terminal can determine the correspondence between the first application and the first session, bind the first application to the first session, and use the first session to transmit the data of the first application. For instance, in an uplink data transmission scenario, the terminal can use the network address to encapsulate the data of the first application and send it.

[0189] In the embodiments described above, the first network element determines the session parameters. The terminal does not need to understand the logical relationship between the application service and the session parameters. The first network element determines the session parameters and session identifier required to implement the application. Furthermore, the first network element obtains the terminal network address corresponding to the application and indicates the relationship between the application and the session identifier or terminal network address to the terminal. This reduces the processing complexity on the terminal side, reduces the dependence of service implementation or service expansion on the terminal's capabilities, and helps improve the flexibility of service implementation. In addition, the triggering of the application service is not limited to being initiated by the terminal; it can also be initiated by the network. For example, network elements such as NF, AF, or AMF in the network can initiate application requests. The network determines the session to be used by the application, including establishing a session related to the application or determining to reuse an existing session to transmit data for the application, and realizes the data transmission of the application between the terminal and the network.

[0190] For example, in a scenario where a first application function or a first network function sends an application request message to a first network element, the request message may carry first application information and terminal information. According to the aforementioned implementation, after the first network element determines the session parameters corresponding to the first application and the session identifier of the first session, and determines the network address of the terminal, optionally, the first network element may also send at least one of the following information to the first application function or the first network function: session identifier, terminal network address, and the identifier of the session management network element, to feedback the session information associated with the first application to the first application function or the first network function, so that the relevant application function or network function can realize application-related communication transmission based on the aforementioned session information, such as sending first application-related data or control information to the terminal.

[0191] In one possible implementation, the session management network element can send the terminal's network address to the terminal instead of the session management network element sending the network address of the terminal associated with the first application to the first network element, and then the first network element sending the terminal's network address to the terminal. That is, step 302-2 in the aforementioned embodiment is no longer executed.

[0192] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, taking the terminal triggering a service request as an example, the implementation process of establishing the first session related to the first application is introduced.

[0193] 401: The terminal sends an application request message, carrying first application information, to request the provision of services for the first application to the terminal.

[0194] Refer to the relevant description of step 301 above.

[0195] 402: The RAN node receives the application request message, identifies the first network element, and sends an application request message to the first network element, carrying the first application information and the terminal information. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the application request message.

[0196] Optional, 403: The first network element obtains the terminal's subscription information from the UDM network element.

[0197] 404: The first network element determines the session parameters.

[0198] For example, as described in step 302 above, the first network element can determine the session parameters corresponding to the first application based on a first strategy (such as a path selection strategy). Then, the first network element can determine whether to create a new session or reuse an existing session based on the session parameters.

[0199] In Scenario 1, if the first network element determines to establish a new session, the first network element allocates a session identifier for the first session and executes steps 405-410 and step 414.

[0200] 405: The first network element sends a network element discovery request message to the NRF. Correspondingly, the NRF network element receives the network element discovery request message.

[0201] 406: The NRF sends session management network element information to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the session management network element information.

[0202] For example, the network element discovery request message may carry network element type information, such as indication information of a session management network element, such as an SMF. Optionally, it may also carry first application information, DNN, or slice information, so that the NFR can filter out information of session management network elements that can provide session management services for the application, DNN, or slice, such as identifying one or more S-SMFs and feeding back the S-SMF information to the first network element.

[0203] 407: The first network element selects S-SMF and assigns a session identifier for the first session.

[0204] 408: The first network element sends a session establishment request message to the S-SMF, carrying the first application information, the session identifier of the first session, session parameters, and terminal information. Correspondingly, the S-SMF receives the session establishment request message.

[0205] 409: S-SMF executes the session establishment process to determine the terminal's network address.

[0206] 410: The S-SMF sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the terminal's network address, first application information, and session identifier of the first session and / or the identifier / address of the S-SMF.

[0207] The network address is associated with the session identifier, and also with the first application information. The S-SMF identifier / address is used by the terminal to subsequently send session-related messages to the session management network element, such as session modification requests and session release requests.

[0208] Optionally, the S-SMF can also send a session identifier and / or the S-SMF identifier / address to the access network device serving the terminal. The access network device serving the terminal can transmit session-related messages to the S-SMF, such as Path Switch Request messages and Handover Required messages.

[0209] In scenario 2, if the first network element determines to reuse the established first session, steps 411-413 and step 414 are executed.

[0210] 411: The first network element determines the session identifier and / or the network address of the terminal for the first session.

[0211] In addition, the first network element also determines the S-SMF serving the first session. For example, the first network element determines the S-SMF serving the first session based on the stored association between the terminal's session and the S-SMF.

[0212] 412: The first network element sends a session modification request message to the S-SMF, carrying the first application information, the session identifier of the first session, and the terminal information. Correspondingly, the S-SMF receives the session modification request message.

[0213] 413: The S-SMF sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the first application information, as well as the terminal's network address and / or the session identifier of the first session and / or the identifier / address of the S-SMF.

[0214] Among them, the network address is associated with the session identifier, and the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0215] 414: The terminal interacts with the network to transmit data related to the first application.

[0216] Refer to the description of step 304 above.

[0217] It should be understood that the first network element can execute step 414, which means that the terminal implements application-related data transmission, such as uplink transmission and / or downlink transmission, by creating a new session or reusing an existing session.

[0218] In the above embodiments, the first network element determines the session parameters. The terminal does not need to understand the logical relationship between the application service and the session parameters. The first network element determines the session parameters and session identifier required to implement the application, thereby reducing the processing complexity on the terminal side, reducing the dependence of service implementation or service expansion on the terminal's capabilities, and helping to improve the flexibility of service implementation. In addition, the session management network element determines the terminal network address corresponding to the application, and the session management network element directly indicates the association relationship between the application and the session identifier to the terminal, and / or indicates the relationship between the application and the terminal's network address. This allows the terminal to implement subsequent application data transmission based on the network address, resulting in high service implementation flexibility, reduced signaling overhead, and improved communication efficiency.

[0219] It should be understood that, as described in the foregoing embodiments, the session information associated with the terminal application determined by the network, such as the terminal's network address and session identifier, can be sent to the terminal by the first network element or by the session management network element. In another implementation, the application-associated session information can be sent to the terminal through both the first network element and the session management network element. For example, after determining the session identifier, the first network element can send the association between the session identifier and the application to the terminal. After determining the terminal network address corresponding to the session, the session management network element sends the network address to the terminal to indicate the association between the network address and the session identifier.

[0220] Optionally, step 410 in the foregoing embodiments may be replaced with the following steps:

[0221] Step 1: The first network element sends the session identifier of the first session to the terminal. This session identifier is associated with the first application information.

[0222] For example, the first network element sends a response message corresponding to step 401 to the terminal. This response message carries the session identifier of the first session, implicitly indicating that the session identifier is associated with the first application information. Alternatively, the response message carries the session identifier of the first session and the first application information, explicitly indicating that the session identifier is associated with the first application information.

[0223] Step 2: The session management network element sends the terminal's network address to the terminal. This network address is associated with the session identifier and / or with the first application information.

[0224] For example, S-SMF sends a session establishment response message to the terminal, which includes the terminal's network address and the session identifier of the first session, indicating that the network address and the session identifier are associated.

[0225] Subsequently, the terminal can indirectly obtain the correspondence between the application information and the terminal's network address based on the correspondence in the two received messages, and thus use the network address to transmit data related to the first application.

[0226] Furthermore, considering the processing complexity of the first network element and the flexibility of service implementation, in one possible implementation, the first network element is used to determine the session parameters required by the requesting application. However, the first network element may not be responsible for determining the session identifier; this could be determined by the session management network element, which would also determine the terminal network address corresponding to the session. After determining the session identifier and the terminal's network address, the session management network element can send application-related session information, such as the session identifier and / or the terminal's network address, to the terminal. Alternatively, the session management network element can send the application-related session information to the first network element, and then the first application can send the application-related session information to the terminal, thereby realizing application-related data transmission.

[0227] like Figure 5 As shown, this application provides a communication method, which includes the following steps.

[0228] 501: The terminal / AF / NF sends first application information to the first network element to request the provision of first application services to the terminal. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first application information.

[0229] Optionally, when the terminal / AF / NF sends the first application information to the first network element, it may also carry the terminal's information.

[0230] Refer to the description of step 301 above.

[0231] 502: The first network element determines the session parameters corresponding to the first application.

[0232] Referring to the description of step 302 above, the first network element can determine, based on the determined session parameters, whether to create a new session to serve the first application or to reuse an existing session to serve the first application.

[0233] In one implementation, the first application information includes the name of the first application. The first network element can determine the session parameters corresponding to the first application based on the name of the first application and the obtained correspondence between the application name and the session parameters.

[0234] 503: The first network element sends a request message to the session management network element to establish or modify a first session serving the first application. Correspondingly, the session management network element receives the request message.

[0235] The request message may include terminal information such as the UE ID.

[0236] For example, if the first network element determines to establish a new session, it sends a session establishment request message to the session management network element. This message may include session parameters and terminal information. Alternatively, if the first network element determines to reuse an already established session, it sends a session modification request message to the session management network element. This message may include terminal information.

[0237] For example, if the first network element determines to establish a new session, the first network element can determine the session management network element according to the implementation method of steps 405-406 in the foregoing embodiments. If the first network element determines to reuse an established session, the first network element can determine the session management network element serving the first session according to the stored association relationship between the terminal's session and the S-SMF.

[0238] 504: The session management network element determines the session identifier corresponding to the first application and the network address of the terminal.

[0239] For example, the session management network element receives a session establishment request message, determines the establishment of a first session for the terminal based on the session parameters included in the session establishment request message and the terminal information, and assigns a session identifier to the first session.

[0240] In another example, the session management network element receives a session modification request message, determines the first session corresponding to the terminal to be reused based on the terminal information included in the session modification request message, and determines the session identifier of the first session.

[0241] In addition, during the session establishment or modification process, the session management network element, such as the S-SMF, determines the network address of the terminal. For example, the session management network element can assign the network address corresponding to the first session to the terminal, or obtain the network address of the terminal's first session from the user plane network element (such as the UPF) corresponding to the first session.

[0242] 505: The network address of the terminal sent by the session management network element, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier and / or the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0243] In one implementation, step 505 can be: the session management network element sends the terminal's network address to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the terminal's network address.

[0244] For example, the session management network element sends a session establishment / modification response message to the first network element, carrying the terminal's network address and the session identifier of the first session, to indicate the association between the terminal's network address and the first session. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the terminal's network address.

[0245] Then, the first network element sends the terminal's network address to the terminal. For example, the first network element sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the terminal's network address and a session identifier of the first session, indicating an association between the terminal's network address and the first session. Optionally, the downlink message may also include first application information, indicating an association between the first application information and the terminal's network address. Alternatively, the downlink message may be an application request response message corresponding to the application request message sent by the terminal to the first network element in step 501, implicitly indicating an association between the first application and the terminal's network address. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the terminal's network address.

[0246] In another implementation, step 505 can be: the session management network element sends the terminal's network address to the terminal. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the terminal's network address.

[0247] For example, the session management network element can send a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the terminal's network address, first application information, and a session identifier of the first session, to indicate that there is an association between the terminal's network address and the first session, and an association between the first application information and the terminal's network address. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the terminal's network address.

[0248] Optionally, to enable the first network element to implement terminal session management, step 506 may be included: the session management network element sends the session identifier of the first session to the first network element. For example, the session management network element may send a session establishment / modification response message to the first network element, carrying the session identifier of the first session, to indicate the association between the first application and the first session, and / or to indicate the session identifier corresponding to the terminal.

[0249] 507: The terminal transmits data related to the first application based on the session identifier and / or network address.

[0250] Refer to the description of step 304 above.

[0251] In the embodiments described above, the session parameters are determined by the first network element. The terminal does not need to understand the logical relationship between the application service and the session parameters, thereby reducing the processing complexity on the terminal side, reducing the dependence of service implementation or service expansion on the terminal's capabilities, and helping to improve the flexibility of service implementation. Furthermore, the session management network element determines the session identifier of the application, further determines the terminal network address corresponding to the session, and indicates the relationship between the application and the session identifier and / or the terminal network address to the terminal. This further reduces the processing complexity on the terminal side, reduces the dependence of service implementation or service expansion on the terminal's capabilities, and helps to improve the flexibility of service implementation. Additionally, the triggering of the application service is not limited to being initiated by the terminal; it can also be initiated by the network, such as network elements like NF, AF, or AMF in the network initiating an application request, establishing a session related to the application, and realizing the data transmission of the application between the terminal and the network.

[0252] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, taking NF-triggered business requests as an example, the implementation process of establishing the first session related to the first application is introduced.

[0253] 601: The NF sends an application request message to the first network element, carrying the first application information and the terminal information, to request that the first application service be provided to the terminal. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the application request message.

[0254] For example, an NF can send an application request message to the first network element through an intermediate node.

[0255] 602: The first network element determines the session parameters.

[0256] Refer to step 302 above.

[0257] 603: Select S-SMF as the first network element.

[0258] Refer to steps 405-406 above.

[0259] In Scenario 1, if the first network element determines to establish a new session, step 604 is executed: the first network element sends a session establishment request message to the S-SMF, carrying session parameters and terminal information. Correspondingly, the S-SMF receives the session establishment request message.

[0260] In Scenario 2, if the first network element determines to reuse the existing first session, step 605 is executed: the first network element sends a session modification request message to the S-SMF, carrying the terminal information. Correspondingly, the S-SMF receives the session modification request message.

[0261] 606: S-SMF determines the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal, and performs the session establishment or modification procedure.

[0262] 607: The S-SMF sends a session establishment / modification response message to the first network element, carrying the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the session establishment / modification response message.

[0263] 608: The first network element sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal, and / or sends the identifier or address of the session management network element to the terminal.

[0264] For example, the first network element sends a downlink message to the terminal, carrying the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal, to indicate that there is an association between the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal.

[0265] Optionally, the downlink message may also carry first application information to indicate a correspondence between the first application information and the network address of the terminal.

[0266] 609: The first network element sends a response message to the NF, carrying the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal. Correspondingly, the NF receives the response message.

[0267] For example, the response message can be a response to the application request message in step 601, indicating a correspondence between the first application information and the terminal's network address. For instance, NF can perform data transmission of the first application or assist in data transmission of the first application based on the terminal's network address; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0268] Optionally, the response message may also include first application information, indicating a correspondence between the first application information and the network address of the terminal.

[0269] 610: The terminal interacts with the network to transmit data related to the primary application.

[0270] Refer to the description of step 304 above.

[0271] If step 609 is executed, the NF receives the network address of the terminal. For example, the NF can send control messages or data to the terminal based on the terminal's network address. For example, the first application is communication sensing service, artificial intelligence service, control signaling transmission service through data plane, etc.

[0272] For example, the NF can request the policy management network element to modify the terminal's session management policy based on the terminal's network address. This policy is used to control the transmission of data for the first application.

[0273] For example, the NF can request terminal data collection services from the data analysis network element based on the terminal's network address. For instance, if the first application is a model training service, the data transmission of the first application includes the transmission of data collected by the terminal.

[0274] For example, NF sends the terminal's network address to other network devices or other application functions for the other network devices or other application functions to transmit the first application.

[0275] Optionally, when the terminal receives the S-SMF ID or address in step 608, the terminal can determine the S-SMF corresponding to the first session. The terminal then transmits session management information related to the first session based on the S-SMF's identifier or address. For example, the terminal sends a session modification request message to the CPF, carrying the S-SMF identifier or address, where the S-SMF identifier or address is used by the CPF to route the session modification request message to the S-SMF.

[0276] In the above implementation, the first network element determines the session parameters, and the session management network element determines the session identifier. The terminal does not need to understand the logical relationship between the application service and the session parameters, which can reduce the processing complexity on the terminal side, reduce the dependence of service implementation or service expansion on the terminal capabilities, and help improve the flexibility of service implementation.

[0277] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without contradiction, and no limitation is imposed.

[0278] The above mainly describes the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. It is understood that each of the aforementioned network elements / communication devices includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to perform the above functions. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the unit and algorithm operations of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0279] This application embodiment can divide network elements into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0280] For example, when the functional modules are divided in an integrated manner, this application provides a communication device for implementing the aforementioned embodiments as described above. Figures 3 to 4 The steps performed by the first network element in the process. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the device 700 includes a communication unit 701 and a processing unit 702. The communication unit 701 can be used to implement transceiver functions, and may specifically be a transceiver circuit, transceiver, transceiver device, or communication interface.

[0281] The communication unit 701 can be used to receive first application information and terminal information, the first application information and terminal information being used to request the provision of the first application service to the terminal.

[0282] Processing unit 702 can be used to determine the session parameters and session identifier corresponding to the first application;

[0283] The communication unit 701 can be used to send at least one of the following information associated with the first application information to the terminal: the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier or address of the session management network element, wherein the session management network element manages the session corresponding to the session identifier.

[0284] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 can be used to receive the first application information and the terminal information from the terminal, the first application function, or the first network function.

[0285] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 can be used to send a message to the session management network element requesting the establishment of a first session serving the first application, the message including the session identifier, the session parameters, and information of the terminal; or, to send a message to the session management network element requesting the modification of the first session to serve the first application, the message including the session identifier and information of the terminal; wherein, the session identifier is the identifier of the first session.

[0286] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 may be used to receive the network address of the terminal from the session management network element, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier and / or the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0287] In one implementation, the first application information includes the name of the first application, and the processing unit 702 can be used to determine the session parameters based on the name of the first application and the correspondence between the application name and the session parameters.

[0288] In one implementation, the processing unit 702 may be used to determine, based on the session parameters, whether to create a new first session to serve the first application or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application.

[0289] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 may be used to send at least one of the following information to the first application function or the first network function: the session identifier, the network address of the terminal, and the identifier of the session management network element.

[0290] Additionally, the communication device 700 can be, for example, Figures 5 to 6 The first network element described in the implementation method.

[0291] The communication unit 701 can be used to receive first application information and terminal information, which are used to request the network to provide the first application service to the terminal.

[0292] The processing unit 702 can be used to determine the session parameters corresponding to the first application.

[0293] The communication unit 701 can be used to send a request message to the session management network element to establish or modify a first session, the first session serving the first application, and the message includes information about the terminal.

[0294] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 can be used to receive the first application information and the terminal information from the terminal, the first application function, or the first network function.

[0295] In one implementation, the message also includes session parameters and / or first application information.

[0296] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 can be used to receive the network address of the terminal and the session identifier of the first session from the session management network element, wherein the network address is associated with the first application information and the network address is associated with the session identifier.

[0297] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 can be used to send the network address to the terminal, wherein the network address is associated with the session identifier and / or the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0298] In one implementation, the first application information includes the name of the first application, and the processing unit 702 can be used to determine the session parameters based on the name of the first application and the correspondence between the application name and the session parameters.

[0299] In one implementation, the processing unit 702 may be used to determine, based on the session parameters, whether to create a new first session to serve the first application, or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application.

[0300] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 may be used to send at least one of the following information to the first application function or the first network function: the session identifier, the network address of the terminal, and the identifier of the session management network element.

[0301] Additionally, the communication device 700 can be, for example, Figures 3 to 6 The session management network element described in the implementation method.

[0302] The communication unit 701 can be used to receive a message from the first network element requesting the establishment or modification of a session serving the first application. The message includes session parameters and terminal information.

[0303] The processing unit 702 can be used to determine the session identifier of the first session and the network address of the terminal corresponding to the first session.

[0304] The communication unit 701 can be used to send the network address, which is associated with the session identifier and / or the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0305] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 can be used to send the network address and / or the session identifier to the first network element, wherein the network address and / or the session identifier are associated with the first application information.

[0306] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 can be used to send the first application information, the network address, and the session identifier to the terminal, wherein the network address is associated with the first application information.

[0307] In one implementation, the processing unit 702 may be used to determine, based on the session parameters, whether to create a new first session to serve the first application, or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application.

[0308] Additionally, the communication device 700 can be, for example, Figures 3 to 6 The terminal-side device described in the implementation method.

[0309] The communication unit 701 can be used to send first application information to the first network element to request the terminal to provide the first application service.

[0310] The communication unit 701 can be used to receive at least one of the following information: a session identifier of a first session, a terminal address, and an identifier or address of a session management network element; wherein the session management network element manages the first session serving the first application.

[0311] The processing unit 702 can be used to transmit data related to the first application based on the session identifier and / or network address and / or the identifier or address of the session management network element.

[0312] In one embodiment, the communication unit 701 may be used to receive the session identifier and / or the network address of the terminal and / or the identifier or address of the session management network element from the first network element, or to receive the session identifier and / or the network address of the terminal and / or the identifier or address of the session management network element from the session management network element, or to receive the session identifier from the first network element and the network address of the terminal and the first application information from the session management network element.

[0313] It is understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC (System-on-a-Chip) or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0314] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0315] For example, in the embodiments of this application, each network element can be accessed through... Figure 8 This is achieved through the communication device 800. Figure 8The diagram shows a hardware structure of a communication device applicable to embodiments of this application. The communication device 800 includes at least one processor 801, a communication line 802, a memory 803, and at least one communication interface 804.

[0316] The processor 801 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits used to control the execution of the program of the present application.

[0317] Communication line 802 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components, such as a bus.

[0318] The communication interface 804 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet interfaces, RAN interfaces, wireless local area network (WLAN) interfaces, etc.

[0319] The memory 803 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or it may be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor via communication line 802. The memory may also be integrated with the processor. The memory provided in this application embodiment is generally non-volatile. The memory 803 is used to store computer execution instructions involved in the scheme of this application and is controlled by the processor 801 for execution. The processor 801 is used to execute computer execution instructions stored in the memory 803, thereby implementing the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0320] Optionally, the computer execution instructions in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as application code, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0321] In a specific implementation, as one example, the processor 801 may include one or more CPUs, for example... Figure 8 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0322] In a specific implementation, as one example, the communication device 800 may include multiple processors, such as... Figure 8 Processors 801 and 807 are mentioned. Each of these processors can be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. Here, "processor" can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (such as computer program instructions).

[0323] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 800 may further include an output device 805 and an input device 806. The output device 805 communicates with the processor 801 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 805 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 806 communicates with the processor 801 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 806 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0324] The communication device 800 described above can be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device 800 can be the first network element, session management network element or terminal in any of the foregoing embodiments, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the type of communication device 800.

[0325] For example, when the communication device 800 is used to implement the functions performed by the terminal, the first network element, or the session management network element in the above embodiments, other functions that the communication device 800 can implement can be referred to the relevant descriptions of any of the embodiments shown above, and will not be elaborated further.

[0326] In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the communication device 700 can employ... Figure 8 The form shown. For example, Figure 8 The processor 801 can call computer execution instructions stored in the memory 803 to cause the communication device 800 to execute the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0327] For example, Figure 7 The function / implementation process of the processing unit 702 can be achieved through... Figure 8 It is implemented using the 801 processor.

[0328] For example, Figure 7 The function / implementation process of the communication unit 701 can be achieved through... Figure 8 It is implemented using the 804 communication interface.

[0329] In one possible implementation, this application also provides a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0330] Optionally, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the communication device. Further, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the aforementioned computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0331] In one possible implementation, this application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, it can include the processes of the above method embodiments.

[0332] In one possible implementation, this application also provides computer instructions. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be executed by computer instructions instructing related hardware (such as a computer, processor, network device, or terminal device). The program can be stored in the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium or the aforementioned computer program product.

[0333] In one possible implementation, this application also provides a communication system that may include network devices such as the first network element and the session management network element described in the above embodiments.

[0334] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0335] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0336] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0337] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0338] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first network element receives first application information, which is used to request the terminal to provide the service of the first application. Determine the session parameters and session identifier corresponding to the first application; Send at least one of the following information associated with the first application information to the terminal: the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier or address of the session management network element, wherein the session management network element manages the session corresponding to the session identifier.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first network element receives the first application information, including: Receive the first application information from the terminal, the first application function, or the first network function.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network element sends a request to the session management network element to establish or modify information of a first session serving the first application, the information including the session identifier and the terminal information; The session identifier is the identifier of the first session.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network element receives the terminal address from the session management network element.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first application information includes the name of the first application, and determining the session parameters corresponding to the first application includes: The session parameters are determined based on the name of the first application and the correspondence between the application name and the session parameters.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network element determines, based on the session parameters, whether to create a new first session to serve the first application or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session management network element sends the terminal address and / or the session identifier to the first network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session management network element sends the terminal address, the first application information, and the session identifier to the terminal.

9. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, After receiving the first application information from the first application function or the first network function, the method further includes: The first network element sends at least one of the following information to the first application function or the first network function: the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier of the session management network element.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first network element receives first application information, which is used to request the network to provide the terminal with the service of the first application. Determine the session parameters corresponding to the first application; Send a request to the session management network element to establish or modify information of the first session, the first session serving the first application, the information including information of the terminal.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first network element receives the first application information, including: Receive the first application information and the terminal information from the terminal, the first application function, or the first network function.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The information also includes the session parameters and / or the first application information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network element receives the terminal address and / or the session identifier of the first session from the session management network element.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network element sends the terminal address to the terminal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-14, characterized in that, The first application information includes the name of the first application, and the determination of session parameters includes: The session parameters are determined based on the name of the first application and the correspondence between the application name and the session parameters.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10-15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network element determines, based on the session parameters, whether to create a new first session to serve the first application or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session management network element sends the session identifier and / or terminal address to the first network element.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10-17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session management network element sends the terminal address, the session identifier, and the first application information to the terminal.

19. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, After receiving the first application information from the first application function or the first network function, the method further includes: The first network element sends at least one of the following information to the first application function or the first network function: the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier of the session management network element.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The session management network element receives information from the first network element requesting the establishment or modification of a session serving the first application, the information including session parameters and terminal information; Determine the session identifier of the first session and the terminal address corresponding to the first session; Send the terminal address, which is used to transmit data related to the first application.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Sending the terminal address includes: Send the terminal address and / or the session identifier to the first network element.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Sending the terminal address includes: The first application information, the terminal address, and the session identifier are sent to the terminal.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session management network element determines, based on the session parameters, whether to create a new first session to serve the first application, or to reuse an existing first session to serve the first application.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20-23, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal, the first application function, or the first network function sends the first application information to the first network element to request the terminal to provide the service of the first application. The first network element determines the session parameters corresponding to the first application.

25. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal-side device, the method includes: Send first application information to the first network element to request the provision of the first application service to the terminal; Receive at least one of the following information: session identifier of the first session, terminal address, and identifier or address of the session management network element; wherein the session management network element manages the first session of the first application; Data related to the first application is transmitted based on the session identifier, the terminal address, and the identifier or address of the session management network element.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The receiving session identifier and / or terminal address and / or the identifier or address of the session management network element includes: The system may receive the session identifier and / or the terminal address and / or the identifier or address of the session management network element from the first network element, or receive the session identifier and / or the terminal address and / or the identifier or address of the session management network element from the session management network element, or receive the session identifier from the first network element and the terminal address and the first application information from the session management network element.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, Used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-26 to be performed.

29. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the method as described in any one of claims 1-26 is performed.

30. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising computer program code, characterized in that, When the computer program code is run on a computer, the method as described in any one of claims 1-26 is performed.

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