Information transmission methods, information subscription methods and devices

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses an information transmission method, an information subscription method, and an apparatus, in which a first network function transmits first information to a second network function, the first information including an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This disclosure claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 202210956057.3, filed in China on August 10, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to an information transmission method, an information subscription method and an apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In related technologies, a network function (NF), such as a network data analytics function (NWDAF), can directly subscribe to the information publishing service of a user plane function (UPF) and collect data from the UPF. However, there are still unresolved issues in related solutions. For example, in a scenario where an NF requests correlation data for a single user equipment (UE), no appropriate solution has been proposed for how to update the subscribed UPF information when the UPF changes during the lifetime of a protocol data unit (PDU) session. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information transmission method, an information subscription method and an apparatus to solve the problem of service publication and subscription in the related art when the UPF changes during the lifetime of a PDU session. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure is realized as follows.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for transmitting information, comprising: the first network function transmitting the first information to the second network function; An information transmission method is provided in which the first information includes an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

[0006] Optionally, the first network function transmitting the first information to the second network function comprises: The first network function includes transmitting to the second network function an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier during registration with the second network function.

[0007] Selectable, and more the first network function transmitting a first request message to a third network function to request the first information, the first request message being accompanied by an identifier of the first network function; The first network function receives the first information transmitted from the third network function.

[0008] Selectable, and more the first network function sending a subscription request to a third network function to subscribe to updates of the first information; The subscription request is accompanied by an identifier of the first network function.

[0009] Selectable, and more The first network function receives updated first information transmitted from a third network function, and transmits the updated first information to the second network function.

[0010] Optionally, the first network function is a UPF, the second network function is an NRF, and the third network function is an SMF.

[0011] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for transmitting information, comprising: the second network function includes receiving first information transmitted from the at least one first network function; An information transmission method is provided in which the first information includes an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

[0012] Selectable, and more The second network function receives a subscription message for subscribing to first network function information sent from a fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier; The second network function sends a first notification message to the fourth network function, and the first notification message includes identifier information of the target first network function.

[0013] Optionally, the target first network function is a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

[0014] Selectable, and more The second network function maintains an association relationship between each first network function, a PDU session, and a user identifier based on the first information transmitted from each first network function; The second network function includes determining, based on the association relationship, identifier information of the target first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

[0015] Selectable, and more When an update occurs to the target first network function, the second network function sends a second notification message to the fourth network function; The second notification message is accompanied by updated identifier information of the target first network function.

[0016] Optionally, the first network function is a UPF and the second network function is an NRF.

[0017] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for subscribing to information, the method comprising: A fourth network function provides an information subscription method, which includes sending a subscription message to a second network function to subscribe to first network function information, and the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

[0018] Selectable, and more The fourth network function receives a first notification message sent from the second network function, and the first notification message is accompanied by identifier information of a target first network function; The fourth network function includes subscribing to an information publishing service from the target first network function.

[0019] Optionally, the target first network function is a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

[0020] Selectable, and more the fourth network function receiving a second notification message sent from a second network function; The second notification message is accompanied by updated identifier information of the first network function.

[0021] Optionally, the fourth network function is an NF and the second network function is an NRF.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for transmitting information, comprising: the third network function includes transmitting the second information to a fifth network function; An information transmission method is provided, wherein the second information includes at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function, and a user identifier.

[0023] Optionally, the third network function transmitting the second information to a fifth network function comprises: The third network function includes transmitting the second information to the fifth network function via a sixth network function during establishment of the PDU session.

[0024] Optionally, the third network function is an SMF, the fifth network function is a BSF, and the sixth network function is a PCF.

[0025] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for transmitting information, comprising: the fifth network function includes receiving second information transmitted from the at least one third network function; An information transmission method is provided, wherein the second information includes at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function, and a user identifier.

[0026] Selectable, and more The fifth network function receives a subscription message for subscribing to first network function information sent from the fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier; The fifth network function includes sending a third notification message to the fourth network function, wherein the third notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function.

[0027] Optionally, the target first network function is a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

[0028] Selectable, and more The fifth network function maintains an association relationship between each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier based on the second information sent from each third network function; The fifth network function includes determining, based on the association relationship, identifier information of the first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and the target user identifier.

[0029] Selectable, and more When an update occurs to the target first network function, the fifth network function sends a fourth notification message to the fourth network function; The fourth notification message includes updated identifier information of the target first network function.

[0030] Optionally, the fifth network function is a BSF and the third network function is an SMF.

[0031] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information subscription method, comprising: the fourth network function sending a subscription message to the fifth network function to subscribe to the first network function information; An information subscription method is provided in which the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

[0032] Selectable, and more The fourth network function receives a third notification message sent from the fifth network function, and the third notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function; The fourth network function includes subscribing to an information publishing service from the target first network function.

[0033] Optionally, the target first network function is a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

[0034] Selectable, and more the fourth network function receiving a fourth notification message sent from a fifth network function; The fourth notification message includes updated identifier information of the target first network function.

[0035] Optionally, the fourth network function is a NF and the fifth network function is a BSF.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information subscription method, comprising: The fourth network function includes subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session from a source third network function that services the target PDU session; The correlation function of the target PDU session provides an information subscription method, including a first network function and / or a third network function that services the target PDU session.

[0037] Selectable, and more The fourth network function receives a fifth notification message sent from the source third network function, the fifth notification message being used to indicate update information of a correlation function servicing the target PDU session; If the fifth notification message indicates the updated first network function, the fourth network function subscribes to an information disclosure service from the updated first network function.

[0038] Optionally, the fourth network function subscribes to correlation function update information of the target PDU session from a source third network function that services the target PDU session, The fourth network function includes sending a first subscription message to a source third network function serving the target PDU session to subscribe to correlation function update information of the target PDU session, wherein the first subscription message is accompanied by an identifier of the target user.

[0039] Optionally, if the fifth notification message indicates an updated first network capability, the method further comprises: The fourth network function includes sending a first request message to the previous first network function to cancel a subscription to the information publishing service.

[0040] Optionally, if the fifth notification message indicates that an update is to occur to a third network function serving the target PDU session, the method further comprises: The fourth network function determines an updated third network function that services the target PDU session; and The fourth network function sends a second subscription message to the updated third network function to subscribe to correlation function update information of the target PDU session; The second subscription message carries an identifier of the target user.

[0041] Optionally, if the fifth notification message indicates that a change occurs in a third network function serving the target PDU session, the method further comprises: The fourth network function includes sending a second request message to the third network function before the update to cancel the subscription to correlation function update information of the target PDU session.

[0042] Optionally, the fourth network function determines a third network function that will service the updated target PDU session, the fourth network function sends a third request message to a seventh network function to request third network function information, and the seventh network function receives the information of the third network function detected, wherein the third request message is accompanied by at least one of a target user identifier, an S-NSSAI, and a DNN; Or, The fourth network function includes determining a fifth network function based on the IP address and / or the target user identifier to determine a sixth network function, and obtaining information about the third network function from the sixth network function.

[0043] Optionally, the first network function is a UPF, the third network function is an SMF, the fourth network function is an NF, the fifth network function is a BSF, the sixth network function is a PCF, and the seventh network function is a UDM.

[0044] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for transmitting information, comprising: An information transmission method is provided in which a source third network function serving a target PDU session receives a subscription message for subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session sent from a fourth network function, the subscription message being accompanied by a target user identifier, and the correlation function of the target PDU session includes a first network function and / or a third network function serving the target PDU session.

[0045] Selectable, and more The source third network function includes sending a fifth notification message to the fourth network function when an update occurs to the correlation function of the target PDU session; The fifth notification message is used to indicate updated information of the correlation function serving the target PDU session.

[0046] Optionally, the source third network function sending a fifth notification message to the fourth network function comprises: If an update occurs to a first network function serving the target PDU session, sending a fifth notification message to the fourth network function indicating the updated first network function; and / or When an update occurs in a third network function servicing the target PDU session, sending a fifth notification message to the fourth network function indicating that an update will occur in the third network function servicing the target PDU session.

[0047] Optionally, if an update occurs to a third network function serving the target PDU session, the method further comprises: The source third network function includes canceling a subscription service provided for the fourth network function by receiving a second request message to cancel a subscription to correlation function update information of the target PDU session sent from the fourth network function.

[0048] Optionally, the first network function is a UPF, the third network function is an SMF, and the fourth network function is an NF.

[0049] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network function including a transceiver and a processor, the processor is configured to transmit first information to a second network function via the transceiver; The first information is provided to the first network function, including an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

[0050] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network function including a transceiver and a processor, the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, first information transmitted from at least one first network function; The first information provides the second network function with an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

[0051] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fourth network function including a transceiver and a processor, The processor provides a fourth network function configured to send a subscription message to a second network function via the transceiver to subscribe to first network function information, the subscription message being accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and a target user identifier.

[0052] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a third network function including a transceiver and a processor, The processor is configured to send second information to a fifth network function via the transceiver, the second information providing the third network function including at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session serviced by the first network function, and a user identifier.

[0053] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fifth network function including a transceiver and a processor, the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, second information transmitted from at least one third network function; The second information provides a fifth network function including at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function, and a user identifier.

[0054] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fourth network function including a transceiver and a processor, the processor is configured to send, via the transceiver, a subscription message to a fifth network function to subscribe to first network function information; A fourth network function is provided in which the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

[0055] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fourth network function including a transceiver and a processor, The processor is configured to subscribe, via the transceiver, to a source third network function serving the target PDU session for correlation function update information of the target PDU session; The correlation function of the target PDU session provides a fourth network function, including a first network function and / or a third network function, that services the target PDU session.

[0056] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a third network function including a transceiver and a processor, The processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a subscription message for subscribing to correlation function update information for the target PDU session sent from a fourth network function when the fourth network function is a source third network function serving the target PDU session; The subscription message is accompanied by an identifier of the target user, and the correlation function of the target PDU session provides a third network function, including a first network function and / or a third network function, that services the target PDU session.

[0057] In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network function including a processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, the program implementing the steps of any one of the methods described above when executed by the processor.

[0058] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium having a program stored thereon, the program implementing the steps of any one of the above methods when executed by a processor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0059] Compared with related technologies, according to the information transmission method, information subscription method and device of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network function (e.g., UPF) sends its own PDU session and its associated user identifier to a second network function (e.g., registering with an NRF), so that the second network function can obtain PDU session-related information of the first network function, and other network functions (e.g., NFs) can directly subscribe to the information of the first network function of the PDU session from the second network function, so that when a change occurs in the first network function of the PDU session, the new first network function of the PDU session can be obtained in a timely manner, and the new first network function can subscribe to the information publication service of the PDU session to collect correlation data of the PDU session.

[0060] Various other benefits and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. The drawings are used only to illustrate the preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations on the disclosure. Furthermore, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0061] [Figure 1]1 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure that is applied to a first network function. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure that is applied to a second network function. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an information subscription method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a fourth network function. [Figure 4] 10 is an exemplary flowchart of a service update flow from a UPF to an NRF in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 is an exemplary flowchart of a service publishing and subscribing flow by the NWDAF according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a third network function. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure applied to a fifth network function. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an information subscription method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a fourth network function. [Figure 9] 10 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an SMF sending the second information to a BSF according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a service publishing and subscribing process performed by an NWDAF through a BSF according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an information subscription method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a fourth network function. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a third network function. [Figure 13] 10 is an exemplary flowchart of an information subscription method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a first network function according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a second network function according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a fourth network function according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is another structural schematic diagram of the first network function of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is another structural schematic diagram of the second network function of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is another structural schematic diagram of the fourth network function of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a third network function according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a fifth network function according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a fourth network function according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is another structural schematic diagram of the third network function of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is another structural schematic diagram of the fifth network function of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is another structural schematic diagram of the fourth network function of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a fourth network function according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a third network function according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is another structural schematic diagram of the fourth network function of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is another structural schematic diagram of the third network function of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062]

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0063] The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this disclosure are intended to distinguish between similar objects without necessarily being used to describe a particular order or priority. It should be understood that such terms, when used interchangeably, may be used to enable the embodiments of the disclosure described herein to be practiced, for example, in an order other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise" and "have" and variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the explicitly listed steps or units, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus. The term "and / or" in the specification and claims refers to at least one of the connected objects.

[0064] The following description provides examples rather than limitations on the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. The function and arrangement of the elements discussed may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Various examples may omit, substitute, or add various provisions or components as appropriate. For example, described methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with reference to some examples may be combined in other examples.

[0065] [Example 1] As shown in FIG. 1, when the information transmission method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the first network function side, it may include the following step S101.

[0066] In S101, a first network function sends first information to a second network function, where the first information includes an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

[0067] Here, the first network function may be a UPF, the second network function may be a Network Repository Function (NRF), and the user identifier may be at least one of a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), a Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), and a UE Identifier (ID). The user identifier included in the first information may be a user identifier associated with a PDU session served by the first network function.

[0068] Through the above steps, the first network function (e.g., UPF) in an embodiment of the present disclosure sends its own PDU session and its associated user identifier to the second network function (e.g., registers with the NRF), so that the second network function can obtain PDU session-related information of the first network function, and other network functions (e.g., NFs) can directly subscribe to the information of the first network function of the PDU session from the second network function, so that when a change occurs in the first network function of the PDU session, they can obtain the new first network function of the PDU session in a timely manner, subscribe to the information publication service of the PDU session from the new first network function, and collect correlation data of the PDU session.

[0069] In this embodiment, in the above S101, the first network function can send an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier to the second network function during registration with the second network function, where the user identifier is a user identifier associated with the PDU session served by the first network function.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first network function may further send a first request message to a third network function to request the first information, the first request message being accompanied by an identifier of the first network function. The third network function may query and obtain the first information (a PDU session identifier and / or a user identifier of the first network function) based on the first request message, and then transmit the queried first information to the first network function, thereby allowing the first network function to receive the first information transmitted from the third network function and obtain the first information. The first network function may then execute the above S101 and transmit the first information to a second network function. Here, the third network function may specifically be a Session Management Function (SMF).

[0071] The first network function can subscribe to the first information by sending a subscription request, which includes an identifier of the first network function, to the third network function for subscribing to updates of the first information. In this way, when an update occurs to the first information, the third network function can timely transmit the updated first information to the first network function. In this case, the first network function receives the updated first information sent from the third network function and further transmits the updated first information to the second network function, thereby updating the first information recorded on the second network function side and realizing timely updating of the first information on the second network function side.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 2, when the information transmission method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the second network function side, it may include the following step S201.

[0073] At S201, a second network function receives first information sent from at least one first network function, the first information including an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

[0074] Here, the first network function may be a UPF and the second network function may be an NRF. The user identifier may be at least one of a SUPI, a GPSI, and a UE ID. The user identifier included in the first information may be a user identifier associated with a PDU session served by the first network function.

[0075] Through the above steps, the second network function in this embodiment can obtain information such as the PDU session of the first network function and its associated user identifier, thereby providing related information of the first network function to other network functions in the network.

[0076] In this embodiment, each first network function transmits an identifier of its own PDU session and / or a user identifier associated with the PDU session to a second network function, and thus the second network function can maintain an association relationship between each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier based on the first information transmitted from each first network function.

[0077] The method further comprises: The second network function may include receiving a subscription message for subscribing to first network function information sent from a fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by an identifier of a target PDU session and / or a target user identifier, and the second network function sending a first notification message to the fourth network function, wherein the first notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function.

[0078] Here, the fourth network function is a network function that needs to subscribe to the information publication service of the target PDU session. Specifically, the fourth network function may be an NF such as a consumer NF or NWDAF, an Application Function (AF) such as an AF of a Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), or a Time Sensitive Communication Time Synchronization Function (TSCTSF). When the fourth network function needs to subscribe to the information publication service of the target PDU session, it subscribes to information of the first network function of the target PDU session by sending a subscription message to a second network function. In this way, upon receiving the subscription message, the second network function can determine identifier information of the target first network function based on the association relationship between each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier maintained by the second network function, and send the determined identifier information to the fourth network function. The target first network function is a first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and / or the target user identifier.

[0079] Through the above steps, in this embodiment, the second network function provides the identifier information of the target first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and the target user identifier to the fourth network function, so that the fourth network function can obtain the identifier information of the target first network function, thereby realizing subscription to the information disclosure service to the target first network function.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, when an update occurs to the target first network function, the second network function can further send a second notification message to the fourth network function, and the second notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the updated target first network function, thereby realizing timely updating of the first network function information.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 3, the information subscription method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the fourth network function side and may include the following step S301.

[0082] At S301, the fourth network function sends a subscription message to the second network function to subscribe to the first network function information, and the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

[0083] Here, the fourth network function may be an NF such as a consumer NF or an NWDAF, an AF such as a TSN AF, or a TSCTSF. The second network function may be an NRF. The user identifier may specifically be at least one of a SUPI, a GPSI, and a UE ID. The second network function maintains an association relationship between at least one first network function, a PDU session, and a user identifier, and determines identifier information of a target first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and the target user identifier based on the subscription message sent from the fourth network function, and returns the determined information to the fourth network function.

[0084] Through the above steps, the fourth network function can subscribe to information on the first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and / or the target user identifier from the first network function to obtain information on the first network function.

[0085] The method further comprises: The fourth network function may include receiving a first notification message sent from the second network function, wherein the first notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function, and the fourth network function subscribing to an information disclosure service for the target first network function.

[0086] Here, the target first network function may specifically be a first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and / or the target user identifier.

[0087] Through the above steps, the fourth network function in this embodiment can subscribe to and obtain the identifier information of the target first network function associated with the target PDU session and the target user identifier by sending a subscription request to the second network function, and can further initiate a subscription to the information disclosure service for the target first network function.

[0088] In this embodiment, when an update occurs in the target first network function, the second network function sends a second notification message to the fourth network function. In this case, the fourth network function receives the second notification message sent from the second network function, and the second notification message is accompanied by the identifier of the updated target PDU session and the identifier information of the first network function associated with the target user identifier, thereby enabling the information of the first network function to be updated in a timely manner. In this way, the second network function can subscribe to the target PDU session information disclosure service for the updated first network function.

[0089] In the following, a specific example of the above embodiment 1 is provided, taking as an example that the first network function is UPF, the second network function is NRF, the third network function is SMF, and the fourth network function is NWDAF.

[0090] Figure 4 shows the service update flow from UPF to NRF. In the registration flow from UPF to NRF, PDU session information and SUPI (obtained from SMF) processed by UPF are added. In this way, NWDAF can subscribe UPF information directly to NRF. The flow shown in Figure 4 may include the following steps 41 to 44.

[0091] Step 41) The UPF sends a request message to the SMF via the SMF Event Exposure service or the N4 interface to request the UE ID (SUPI) and PDU session ID list of the PDU sessions processed by the UPF, and subscribes to update notifications. The UPF ID is attached to the request message. The SMF returns the list to the UPF and notifies the UPF when the list is updated.

[0092] Step 42) The UPF sends a Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate_request message to the NRF, with the SUPI and PDU session ID list attached.

[0093] Step 43) NRF updates UPF related information.

[0094] Step 44) The NRF sends a Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate_response message to the UPF to notify the UPF that the information has been successfully updated.

[0095] The above flow transmits the identifier of the UPF PDU session and the user identifier associated with the PDU session to the NRF, and thus the NRF can maintain information such as the identifier of the UPF PDU session and the user identifier associated with the PDU session.

[0096] The NWDAF shown in FIG. 5 performs a service publication / subscription flow via the NRF, which may include the following steps 51 to 55.

[0097] Step 51) The UPF sends a Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate_request message to the NRF, with the SUPI and PDU session ID list attached.

[0098] Step 52) The NWDAF subscribes to the UPF ID accompanied by the SUPI and PDU session ID list from the NRF via the Nnrf_NFStatusSubscribe_Subscribe service.

[0099] Step 53) The NRF notifies the NWDAF of the requested UPF ID list through the Nnrf_NFStatusSubscribe_Notify service, and notifies the NWDAF to update the UPF ID list if the UPF information changes.

[0100] Step 54) The NWDAF subscribes to the information disclosure service of the corresponding UPF based on the UPF ID list fed back from the NRF.

[0101] Step 55) The UPF publishes the requested information to the NWDAF.

[0102] Through the above steps, the UPF requests UPF information related to the PDU session from the NRF, and then subscribes to the information disclosure service of the corresponding UPF.

[0103] [Example 2] As shown in FIG. 6, when the information transmission method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the third network function side, the method may include the following step S601.

[0104] In S601, the third network function sends second information to the fifth network function, and the second information includes at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function, and a user identifier.

[0105] Here, the third network function may be an SMF, and the fifth network function may be a Binding Support Function (BSF). The user identifier may specifically be at least one of SUPI, GPSI, and UE ID. The user identifier included in the second information may specifically be a user identifier associated with a PDU session served by the first network function.

[0106] Through the above steps, in this embodiment, the third network function provides the fifth network function with information such as at least one of the identifier of the first network function, the PDU session, and the user identifier by sending the second information, and in this way, the fifth network function can maintain the association relationship between each first network function, the PDU session, and the user identifier, and provide the above information to related network functions as necessary.

[0107] In this embodiment, the third network function may transmit the second information to the fifth network function via a sixth network function during the establishment of the PDU session, and the sixth network function may specifically be a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0108] As shown in FIG. 7, when the information transmission method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the fifth network function side, the method may include the following step S701.

[0109] At S701, the fifth network function receives second information sent from at least one third network function, the second information including at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session serviced by the first network function, and a user identifier.

[0110] Wherein, the fifth network function may be a BSF, and the third network function may be an SMF. The user identifier included in the second information may specifically be a user identifier associated with a PDU session served by the first network function.

[0111] Through the above steps, in this embodiment, the fifth network function can obtain the related information of the first network function, and thereby provide the related information of the first network function to other network functions.

[0112] The method further comprises: The fifth network function receives a subscription message for subscribing to first network function information sent from the fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier; The fifth network function may include sending a third notification message to the fourth network function, wherein the third notification message is accompanied by an identifier of the target PDU session and / or identifier information of the target first network function.

[0113] Here, the fourth network function may be an NF such as a consumer NF or an NWDAF, or an AF such as a TSN AF, or a TSCTSF, etc. The target first network function may specifically be a first network function associated with a target user identifier.

[0114] Through the above steps, in this embodiment, the fifth network function is responsible for obtaining information on each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier, and providing at least one of the identifier of the target PDU session and the identifier information of the target first network function to the fourth network function, so that the fourth network function can subscribe to the information disclosure service to the target first network function.

[0115] In this embodiment, the fifth network function can maintain an association relationship between each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier based on the second information sent from each third network function. Thus, in the above step, the fifth network function can determine a target first network function based on the association relationship, such as identifier information of the first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and the target user identifier.

[0116] Considering that an update may occur in the first network function of the target PDU session, in order to timely notify the fourth network function of the update status, in this embodiment, when an update occurs in the target first network function, the fifth network function sends a fourth notification message to the fourth network function, and the fourth notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the updated target first network function. The updated target first network function is the first network function associated with the updated identifier of the target PDU session and / or the target user identifier.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 8, when the information subscription method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the fourth network function side, the method may include the following step S801.

[0118] At S801, the fourth network function sends a subscription message to the fifth network function to subscribe to the first network function information, and the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

[0119] Here, the fourth network function may be an NF such as a consumer NF or an NWDAF, an AF such as a TSN AF, or a TSCTSF. The fifth network function may be a Binding Support Function (BSF). The user identifier may specifically be at least one of a SUPI, a GPSI, and a UE ID.

[0120] Through the above steps, the fourth network function can subscribe to the related information of the desired first network function from the fifth network function, and can further subscribe to the information disclosure service from the first network function.

[0121] The method further comprises: The fourth network function may include receiving a third notification message sent from the fifth network function, wherein the third notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function, and the fourth network function subscribing to an information disclosure service for the target first network function.

[0122] Here, the target first network function may specifically be a first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and / or the target user identifier.

[0123] Through the above steps, the fourth network function can obtain identifier information of the target first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and the target user identifier from the fifth network function, and can further subscribe to an information disclosure service to the target first network function.

[0124] In this embodiment, the fourth network function can further receive a fourth notification message sent from a fifth network function, and the fourth notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the updated target first network function, where the updated target first network function is a first network function associated with the updated identifier of the target PDU session and / or the target user identifier.

[0125] Hereinafter, a specific example of the above embodiment 2 will be provided, taking as an example the third network function is SMF, the fourth network function is NWDAF, the fifth network function is BSF, and the sixth network function is PCF.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 9, the flow of the SMF sending the second information to the BSF includes the following steps 91 to 93.

[0127] In step 91, the SMF establishes a PDU session for the associated user.

[0128] In steps 92-93, the SMF transmits the second information to the BSF via the PCF during the establishment of the PDU session.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 10, the NWDAF performs a service publication / subscription flow through the BSF, which may include the following steps 101-104.

[0130] Step 101) The NWDAF subscribes to the UPF ID accompanied by the SUPI and PDU session ID list to the BSF via the Nbrf_EventExposure_Subscribe_Request service.

[0131] Step 102) The BSF notifies the NWDAF of the requested UPF ID list through the Nbrf_EventExposure_Subscribe_Response service, and notifies the NWDAF to update the UPF ID list if the UPF information changes.

[0132] Step 103) The NWDAF subscribes to the information publishing service of the corresponding UPF based on the UPF ID list fed back from the BSF.

[0133] Step 104) The UPF publishes the requested information to the NWDAF.

[0134] Through the above steps, the NWDAF can request UPF information related to the PDU session from the BSF and then subscribe to the information disclosure service of the corresponding UPF.

[0135] [Example 3] As shown in FIG. 11, when the information subscription method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the fourth network function side, it may include the following step S111.

[0136] S111) The fourth network function subscribes to correlation function update information of the target PDU session from the source third network function serving the target PDU session, and the correlation function of the target PDU session includes the first network function and / or the third network function serving the target PDU session.

[0137] Here, the fourth network function may be an NF such as a consumer NF or an NWDAF, an AF such as a TSN AF, or a TSCTSF. The third network function may specifically be an SMF. The first network function may be a UPF. The fourth network function may send a first subscription message for subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session to a source third network function serving the target PDU session, and since the first subscription message carries a target user identifier, the fourth network function can subscribe to the correlation function update information.

[0138] Through the above steps, the fourth network function can subscribe to a specific first network function and / or related information of the third network function from the third network function, and can further subscribe to an information disclosure service from the specific first network function.

[0139] The method of this embodiment further comprises: The fourth network function may include receiving a fifth notification message sent from the source third network function, wherein the fifth notification message is used to indicate updated information of a correlation function servicing the target PDU session, and if the fifth notification message indicates an updated first network function, the fourth network function subscribes to an information disclosure service to the updated first network function.

[0140] Through the above steps, the fourth network function in this embodiment can subscribe to the first network function serving the target PDU session or related information of the third network function from the third network function. In this way, when an update occurs in the first network function serving the target PDU session, the fourth network function can know the update status in a timely manner and can further subscribe to the information disclosure service from the first network function after the update.

[0141] In this embodiment, if the fifth notification message indicates the updated first network function, the fourth network function can further send a first request message to the pre-update first network function to cancel the subscription to the information disclosure service, that is, the subscription to the information disclosure service can be canceled.

[0142] In this embodiment, if the fifth notification message indicates that an update will occur to a third network function serving the target PDU session, the fourth network function can determine the third network function serving the target PDU session after the update, and then send a second subscription message to the updated third network function to subscribe to the correlation function update information of the target PDU session, where the second subscription message includes the target user identifier. The fourth network function can also send a second request message to the previous third network function to cancel the subscription to the correlation function update information of the target PDU session, i.e., cancel the subscription to the update information.

[0143] In this embodiment, the fourth network function can determine the third network function that will service the updated target PDU session according to any of the following methods 1) to 2).

[0144] 1) The fourth network function sends a third request message to a seventh network function to request third network function information. The third request message is accompanied by at least one of a target user identifier, a Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), and a Data Network Name (DNN). The fourth network function receives the third network function information detected by the seventh network function. Here, the seventh network function may be a Unified Data Management (UDM) entity. The third network function information detected by the seventh network function is a third network function that matches the target user identifier, S-NSSAI, and DNN.

[0145] 2) The fourth network function determines a fifth network function based on the IP address and / or the target user identifier, further determines a sixth network function based on the fifth network function, and obtains information of the third network function from the sixth network function, where the fifth network function may be a BSF.

[0146] Here, the fourth network function determines a fifth network function associated with the target user identifier based on the IP address and / or the target user identifier, then determines a sixth network function associated with the fifth network function, and further obtains information of a third network function that matches the target user identifier, S-NSSAI, and DNN from the sixth network function.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 12, when the information transmission method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to the third network function side, it may include the following step S121.

[0148] S121) A source third network function serving a target PDU session receives a subscription message for subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session sent from a fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target user identifier, and the correlation function of the target PDU session includes a first network function and / or a third network function serving the target PDU session.

[0149] Here, the fourth network function may be an NF such as a consumer NF or an NWDAF, an AF such as a TSN AF, or a TSCTSF, etc. The third network function may specifically be an SMF, and the first network function may be a UPF.

[0150] Through the above steps, the third network function can provide related information of a specific first network function and / or the third network function to the fourth network function, and the fourth network function can further subscribe to an information disclosure service from the specific first network function.

[0151] The method of this embodiment further comprises: The source third network function may include sending a fifth notification message to the fourth network function when an update occurs to the correlation function of the target PDU session, the fifth notification message being used to indicate update information of the correlation function serving the target PDU session.

[0152] Through the above steps, the third network function can provide the fourth network function with updated information of the first network function and / or the third network function servicing the target PDU session, so that the fourth network function can be aware of the update status in a timely manner and can further subscribe to the information disclosure service of the first network function after the update.

[0153] In the above step, the source third network function sending the fifth notification message to the fourth network function may specifically be at least one of the following 1) to 2).

[0154] 1) If an update occurs to the first network function servicing the target PDU session, send a fifth notification message to the fourth network function indicating the updated first network function.

[0155] 2) If an update occurs in a third network function servicing the target PDU session, send a fifth notification message to the fourth network function indicating that an update will occur in the third network function servicing the target PDU session.

[0156] Also, in this embodiment, when an update occurs in a third network function servicing the target PDU session, the source third network function cancels the subscription service provided for the fourth network function by receiving a second request message to cancel the subscription to correlation function update information of the target PDU session sent from the fourth network function.

[0157] Hereinafter, a specific example of the above third embodiment will be provided, taking as an example the third network function is SMF, the fourth network function is NWDAF, and the first network function is UPF.

[0158] In this example, the NWDAF first subscribes to the SMF and UPF information, and when the SMF or UPF changes during the session, the SMF notifies the NWDAF to subscribe to the new SMF / UPF. As shown in Figure 13, this example may specifically include the following steps 131 to 1311.

[0159] Step 131) The NWDAF subscribes to the information disclosure service of the source UPF.

[0160] Step 132) The NWDAF obtains the SMF ID from the UDM via a Nudm_UECM_Get request, along with the UE ID (SUPI), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), and DNN.

[0161] Step 133) The NWDAF subscribes to the SMF and UPF information change notification of the UE session from the source SMF through the SMF Event Exposure service, and the SUPI is attached.

[0162] Step 134) The SMF obtains update information for the UPF serving the UE session via the N4 interface. Normally, all UPF changes are actively initiated by the SMF. When the UPF detects a necessary change, it reports it to the SMF via an N4 Session Report, and the SMF applies the corresponding session. Therefore, the SMF can obtain the real-time association between a PDU session and the UPF.

[0163] Step 135) The SMF notifies the NWDAF of the UPF update information via the SMF Event Exposure service, with the new UPF ID attached. If the SMF serving the session also changes, the SMF notifies the NWDAF to unsubscribe from the SMF.

[0164] Step 136) When the SMF changes, the NWDAF cancels the subscription at the source SMF to cancel the original subscription.

[0165] Step 137) The NWDAF finds a new SMF for the new service session by UE ID. (1) It can get the SMF ID from the UDM via Nudm_UECM_Get request, which includes the UE ID (SUPI), S-NSSAI, and DNN. It can then address the SMF using the above parameters. (2) It can address the BSF via the UE ID (SUPI) and IP address, get all relevant PCFs on the BSF from the BSF via Nbsf_EventExposure_Subscribe, and get the SMF IDs from all PCFs.

[0166] Step 138) The NWDAF subscribes to the new SMF for SMF and UPF information change notifications for the UE session, and the SUPI is attached.

[0167] Step 139) When the UPF changes, the NWDAF cancels the subscription with the source UPF to cancel the original subscription.

[0168] Step 1310) The NWDAF subscribes to the new UPF.

[0169] Step 1311) The new UPF publishes the requested information to the NWDAF.

[0170] The above describes various methods according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, an apparatus for implementing the above methods will be provided.

[0171] [Example 4] As shown in FIG. 14, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a first network function 1400 including a transceiver 1401 and a processor 1402.

[0172] The processor 1402 is configured to transmit first information to a second network function via the transceiver 1401, the first information including an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

[0173] Here, the first network function may be a UPF, the second network function may be an NRF, and the user identifier may be specifically at least one of a SUPI, a GPSI, and a UE ID. The user identifier included in the first information may be specifically a user identifier associated with a PDU session served by the first network function.

[0174] The above-mentioned first network function sends its own PDU session and its associated user identifier to the second network function (e.g., registers with the NRF), so that the second network function can obtain PDU session-related information of the first network function, and other network functions (e.g., NFs) can directly subscribe to the information of the first network function of the PDU session from the second network function, so that when a change occurs in the first network function of the PDU session, they can obtain the new first network function of the PDU session in a timely manner, subscribe to the information publication service of the PDU session from the new first network function, and collect correlation data of the PDU session.

[0175] Optionally, the processor is further configured to send an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier to the second network function during registration with the second network function, the user identifier being a user identifier associated with a PDU session served by the first network function.

[0176] Optionally, the processor is further configured to send a first request message to a third network function to request the first information, the first request message being accompanied by an identifier of the first network function; and receive the first information sent from the third network function.

[0177] Optionally, the processor is further configured to send a subscription request to a third network function to subscribe to updates of the first information, the subscription request being accompanied by an identifier of the first network function.

[0178] Optionally, the processor is further configured to receive updated first information transmitted from a third network function and transmit the updated first information to the second network function.

[0179] Optionally, the first network function is a UPF, the second network function is an NRF, and the third network function is an SMF.

[0180] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to the first network function in the first embodiment, and the implementation methods in each of the above embodiments can be applied to the device embodiment to achieve the same technical effects. The device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment to achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions of the same parts and beneficial effects as those of the method embodiment in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 15, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a second network function 1500 including a transceiver 1501 and a processor 1502 .

[0182] The processor 1502 is configured to receive first information transmitted from at least one first network function via the transceiver 1501, the first information including an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

[0183] Here, the user identifier included in the first information may specifically be a user identifier associated with a PDU session serviced by the first network function.

[0184] Optionally, the processor is further configured to receive a subscription message for subscribing to first network function information sent from a fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by an identifier of a target PDU session and / or a target user identifier, and to send a first notification message to the fourth network function, wherein the first notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function.

[0185] Here, the target first network function may be a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

[0186] Optionally, the processor is further configured to maintain an association relationship between each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier based on the first information transmitted from each first network function, and determine identifier information of the target first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and / or the target user identifier based on the association relationship.

[0187] Optionally, the processor is further configured to send a second notification message to the fourth network function when an update occurs to the target first network function, the second notification message being accompanied by identifier information of the updated target first network function.

[0188] Optionally, the first network function is a UPF and the second network function is an NRF.

[0189] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to the second network function in the first embodiment, and the implementation methods in each of the above embodiments can be applied to the device embodiment to achieve the same technical effects. The device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments to achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions of the same parts and beneficial effects as those of the method embodiments in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 16, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a fourth network function 1600 including a transceiver 1601 and a processor 1602.

[0191] The processor 1602 is configured to send a subscription message to a second network function via the transceiver 1601 to subscribe to first network function information, the subscription message being accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

[0192] Optionally, the processor is further configured to receive a first notification message sent from the second network function, the first notification message being accompanied by identifier information of a target first network function, and to subscribe the target first network function to an information publishing service.

[0193] Here, the target first network function may be a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

[0194] Optionally, the processor is further configured to receive a second notification message sent from a second network function, the second notification message being accompanied by identifier information of the first network function associated with the updated identifier of the target PDU session and the target user identifier.

[0195] Optionally, the fourth network function is an NF and the second network function is an NRF.

[0196] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to the fourth network function in the first embodiment, and the implementation methods in the above embodiments can be applied to the device embodiment to achieve the same technical effects. The device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments to achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions of the same parts and beneficial effects as those of the method embodiments in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0197] As shown in FIG. 17, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a first network function 1700 including a processor 1701, a memory 1702, and a computer program stored in the memory 1702 and executable by the processor 1701. When the computer program is executed by the processor 1701, it can realize each step of the method embodiment performed by the first network function in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 to achieve the same technical effect. In order to avoid redundant description, the description will be omitted here.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 18, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a second network function 1800 including a processor 1801, a memory 1802, and a computer program stored in the memory 1802 and executable by the processor 1801, and when the computer program is executed by the processor 1801, it can realize each step of the method embodiment performed by the second network function in the above embodiment 1 to achieve the same technical effect, and in order to avoid redundant description, the description will be omitted here.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 19, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a fourth network function 1900 including a processor 1901, a memory 1902, and a computer program stored in the memory 1902 and executable by the processor 1901. When the computer program is executed by the processor 1901, it can realize each step of the method embodiment performed by the fourth network function in the first embodiment above and achieve the same technical effect. In order to avoid redundant description, the description will be omitted here.

[0200] [Example 5] As shown in FIG. 20 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a third network function 2000, including a transceiver 2001 and a processor 2002; The processor 2002 is configured to send second information to a fifth network function via the transceiver 2001, the second information including at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function, and a user identifier.

[0201] The user identifier may specifically be a user identifier associated with the PDU session.

[0202] In this embodiment, the third network function provides information such as the identifier of the first network function, PDU session, and user identifier to the fifth network function by sending the second information. In this way, the fifth network function can maintain the association relationship between each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier, and provide the above information to related network functions as necessary.

[0203] Optionally, the processor is further configured to transmit the second information to the fifth network function via a sixth network function during establishment of the PDU session.

[0204] Optionally, the third network function is an SMF, the fifth network function is a BSF, and the sixth network function is a PCF.

[0205] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to the third network function in the second embodiment, and the implementation methods in each of the above embodiments can be applied to the device embodiment to achieve the same technical effects. The device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve all the method steps implemented in the method embodiments to achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions of the same parts and beneficial effects as those of the method embodiments in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 21 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a fifth network function 2100, including a transceiver 2101 and a processor 2102; The processor 2102 is configured to receive second information transmitted from at least one third network function via the transceiver 2101, the second information including at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session serviced by the first network function, and a user identifier.

[0207] The user identifier may specifically be a user identifier associated with the PDU session.

[0208] Optionally, the processor is further configured to receive a subscription message for subscribing to first network function information sent from a fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by an identifier of a target PDU session and a target user identifier, and to send a third notification message to the fourth network function, wherein the third notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function.

[0209] Optionally, the target first network function is specifically a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

[0210] Optionally, the processor further maintains an association relationship between each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier based on the second information transmitted from each third network function; and The fifth network function is configured to determine, based on the association relationship, identifier information of the first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and the target user identifier.

[0211] Optionally, the processor is further configured to send a fourth notification message to the fourth network function when an update occurs to the target first network function, the fourth notification message being accompanied by identifier information of the updated target first network function.

[0212] Optionally, the fifth network function is a BSF and the third network function is an SMF.

[0213] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to the fifth network function in the second embodiment, and the implementation methods in the above embodiments can be applied to the device embodiment to achieve the same technical effects. The device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments to achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions of the same parts and beneficial effects as those of the method embodiments in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 22 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a fourth network function 2200, including a transceiver 2201 and a processor 2202; The processor 2202 is configured to send a subscription message to a fifth network function via the transceiver 2201 to subscribe to first network function information, the subscription message being accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

[0215] Optionally, the processor is further configured to receive a third notification message sent from the fifth network function, the third notification message being accompanied by identifier information of a target first network function, and to subscribe the target first network function to an information publishing service.

[0216] Optionally, the target first network function is specifically a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

[0217] Optionally, the processor is further configured to receive a fourth notification message sent from a fifth network function, the fourth notification message being accompanied by updated target first network function identifier information.

[0218] Optionally, the fourth network function is a NF and the fifth network function is a BSF.

[0219] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to the fourth network function in the second embodiment, and the implementation methods in the above embodiments can be applied to the device embodiment to achieve the same technical effects. The device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments to achieve the same technical effects, and the specific description of the same parts and beneficial effects as those of the method embodiments in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 23, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a third network function 2300 including a processor 2301, a memory 2302, and a computer program stored in the memory 2302 and executable by the processor 2301, and when the computer program is executed by the processor 2301, it can realize each step of the method embodiment performed by the first network function in the above embodiment 2 to achieve the same technical effect, and in order to avoid redundant description, the description will be omitted here.

[0221] As shown in FIG. 24, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a fifth network function 2400 including a processor 2401, a memory 2402, and a computer program stored in the memory 2402 and executable by the processor 2401, and when the computer program is executed by the processor 2401, it can realize each step of the method embodiment performed by the second network function in the above embodiment 2 to achieve the same technical effect, and in order to avoid redundant description, the description will be omitted here.

[0222] As shown in FIG. 25, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a fourth network function 2500 including a processor 2501, a memory 2502, and a computer program stored in the memory 2502 and executable by the processor 2501, and when the computer program is executed by the processor 2501, it can realize each step of the method embodiment performed by the fourth network function in the above-mentioned embodiment 2 and achieve the same technical effect, and in order to avoid redundant description, the description will be omitted here.

[0223] [Example 6] As shown in FIG. 26 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a fourth network function 2600, including a transceiver 2601 and a processor 2602; The processor 2602 is configured to subscribe, via the transceiver 2601, to correlation function update information of the target PDU session from a source third network function serving the target PDU session, wherein the correlation function of the target PDU session includes a first network function and / or a third network function serving the target PDU session.

[0224] Optionally, the processor is further configured to receive a fifth notification message sent from the source third network function, the fifth notification message being used to indicate updated information of a correlation function servicing the target PDU session, and, if the fifth notification message indicates an updated first network function, to subscribe to an information disclosure service to the updated first network function.

[0225] The fourth network function can subscribe to related information of the first network function or the third network function serving the target PDU session from the third network function. In this way, when an update occurs in the first network function serving the target PDU session, the fourth network function can be notified of the update status in a timely manner and can further subscribe to the information disclosure service of the first network function after the update.

[0226] Optionally, the processor is further configured to send a first subscription message to a source third network function serving the target PDU session for subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session, the first subscription message being accompanied by an identifier of the target user.

[0227] Optionally, the processor is further configured to send a first request message to the first network function before the update to cancel the subscription to the information disclosure service if the fifth notification message indicates the first network function after the update.

[0228] Optionally, the processor is further configured to, when the fifth notification message indicates that an update will occur to a third network function serving the target PDU session, determine an updated third network function serving the target PDU session, and send a second subscription message to the updated third network function for subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session, wherein the second subscription message is accompanied by an identifier of the target user.

[0229] Optionally, the processor is further configured to send a second request message to the previous third network function to cancel the subscription to correlation function update information for the target PDU session if the fifth notification message indicates that a change will occur in a third network function servicing the target PDU session.

[0230] Optionally, the processor further: The seventh network function sends a third request message, which is accompanied by at least one of a target user identifier, an S-NSSAI, and a DNN, to request third network function information; and the fourth network function receives the information of the third network function detected by the seventh network function; Or, The method is configured to determine a fifth network function based on the IP address and the target user identifier, and further determine a sixth network function, and obtain information about the third network function from the sixth network function.

[0231] Optionally, the first network function is a UPF, the third network function is an SMF, the fourth network function is an NF, the fifth network function is a BSF, the sixth network function is a PCF, and the seventh network function is a UDM.

[0232] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to the fourth network function in the third embodiment, and the implementation methods in each of the above embodiments can be applied to the device embodiment to achieve the same technical effects. The device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve all the method steps achieved in the method embodiments to achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions of the same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0233] As shown in FIG. 27 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a third network function 2700, including a transceiver 2701 and a processor 2702; The processor 2702, when acting as a source third network function serving a target PDU session, is configured to receive a subscription message for subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session transmitted from a fourth network function via the transceiver 2701; The subscription message is accompanied by an identifier of a target user, and the correlation function of the target PDU session includes a first network function and / or a third network function that services the target PDU session.

[0234] Optionally, the processor is further configured to send a fifth notification message to the fourth network function when an update occurs to the correlation function of the target PDU session, the fifth notification message being used to indicate updated information of the correlation function servicing the target PDU session.

[0235] Optionally, if an update occurs in a first network function servicing the target PDU session, the processor is further configured to send a fifth notification message to the fourth network function indicating the updated first network function, and / or if an update occurs in a third network function servicing the target PDU session, to send a fifth notification message to the fourth network function indicating that an update will occur in the third network function servicing the target PDU session.

[0236] Optionally, if an update occurs in a third network function servicing the target PDU session, the processor is further configured to cancel the subscription service provided for the fourth network function by receiving a second request message to cancel the subscription to correlation function update information for the target PDU session sent from the fourth network function.

[0237] Optionally, the first network function is a UPF, the third network function is an SMF, and the fourth network function is an NF.

[0238] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to the third network function in the third embodiment, and the implementation methods in each of the above embodiments can be applied to the device embodiment to achieve the same technical effects. The device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments to achieve the same technical effects, and detailed descriptions of the same parts and beneficial effects as those of the method embodiments in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0239] As shown in FIG. 28, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a fourth network function 2800 including a processor 2801, a memory 2802, and a computer program stored in the memory 2802 and executable by the processor 2801, and when the computer program is executed by the processor 2801, it can realize each step of the method embodiment performed by the fourth network function in the above-mentioned embodiment 3 and achieve the same technical effect, and in order to avoid redundant description, the description will be omitted here.

[0240] As shown in FIG. 29, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a third network function 2900 including a processor 2901, a memory 2902, and a computer program stored in the memory 2902 and executable by the processor 2901, and when the computer program is executed by the processor 2901, it can realize each step of the method embodiment performed by the third network function in the above-mentioned embodiment 3 and achieve the same technical effect, and in order to avoid redundant description, the description will be omitted here.

[0241] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the embodiments of the information transmission method and the information subscription method can be realized to achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, the description will be omitted here. Here, the computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0242] As used herein, terms such as "comprise" or "included in," or any variation thereof, are intended to be non-exclusively inclusive, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a set of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or is intended to include elements inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. Absent further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises one of" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0243] From the description of the above embodiments, it may be clear to those skilled in the art that the methods of the above embodiments can be realized by adding the necessary general-purpose hardware platform to software, and of course, it can also be realized by hardware, but in many cases, the former is a better embodiment. Based on this understanding, the essential or related technical contributions of the technical solutions of the present disclosure may be embodied in the form of a software product stored in a storage medium such as a ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, or optical disk, which includes several instructions for a terminal (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0244] Although examples of the present disclosure have been described based on the above-mentioned drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art can take many forms that fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure under the guidance of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure and the scope protected by the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for transmitting information, comprising: the first network function transmitting the first information to the second network function; The information transmission method, wherein the first information includes an identifier of a protocol data unit (PDU) session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

2. The first network function transmitting the first information to the second network function includes:

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first network function transmits to the second network function an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier during registration with the second network function.

3. The method further comprises: the first network function sending a first request message to a third network function to request the first information, the first request message being accompanied by an identifier of the first network function; The method of claim 2 , further comprising: the first network function receiving the first information transmitted from the third network function.

4. The method further comprises: the first network function sending a subscription request to a third network function to subscribe to updates of the first information; The method of claim 3 , wherein the subscription request is accompanied by an identifier of the first network function.

5. The method further comprises: The method of claim 4 , comprising the first network function receiving updated first information transmitted from a third network function and transmitting the updated first information to the second network function.

6. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the first network function is a UPF, the second network function is an NRF, and the third network function is an SMF.

7. 1. A method for transmitting information, comprising: the second network function receiving first information transmitted from the at least one first network function; An information transmission method, wherein the first information includes an identifier of a PDU session served by a first network function and / or a user identifier.

8. The method further comprises: The second network function receives a subscription message for subscribing to first network function information transmitted from a fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier; 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: the second network function sending a first notification message to the fourth network function, the first notification message being accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the target first network function is a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

10. The method further comprises: The second network function maintains an association relationship between each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier based on the first information transmitted from each first network function; The method of claim 9, further comprising: the second network function determining, based on the association relationship, identifier information of the target first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and / or the target user identifier.

11. The method further comprises: When an update occurs to the target first network function, the second network function sends a second notification message to the fourth network function; The method according to claim 8 , wherein the second notification message is accompanied by updated target first network function identifier information.

12. 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the first network function is a Unified Presence Facility (UPF) and the second network function is an NRF.

13. An information subscription method, comprising: the fourth network function sending a subscription message to the second network function to subscribe to the first network function information; An information subscription method, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

14. The method further comprises: The fourth network function receives a first notification message transmitted from the second network function, and the first notification message is accompanied by identifier information of a target first network function; The method of claim 13 , further comprising: the fourth network function subscribing to an information publishing service from the target first network function.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the target first network function is a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

16. The method further comprises: the fourth network function receiving a second notification message sent from a second network function; The method according to claim 13 , wherein the second notification message is accompanied by updated identifier information of the first network function.

17. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the fourth network function is a Network Function (NF) and the second network function is an Network Relay Function (NRF).

18. 1. A method for transmitting information, comprising: the third network function includes transmitting the second information to a fifth network function; An information transmission method, wherein the second information includes at least one of an identifier of a first network function, an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function, and a user identifier.

19. the third network function transmitting the second information to the fifth network function; 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the third network function transmits the second information to the fifth network function via a sixth network function during establishment of the PDU session.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the third network function is an SMF, the fifth network function is a BSF, and the sixth network function is a PCF.

21. 1. A method for transmitting information, comprising: the fifth network function receiving second information transmitted from the at least one third network function; An information transmission method, wherein the second information includes at least one of an identifier of a first network function, an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function, and a user identifier.

22. The method further comprises: The fifth network function receives a subscription message for subscribing to first network function information transmitted from the fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier; 22. The method of claim 21, comprising: the fifth network function sending a third notification message to the fourth network function, the third notification message being accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the target first network function is a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

24. The method further comprises: The fifth network function maintains an association relationship between each first network function, PDU session, and user identifier based on the second information transmitted from each third network function; The method of claim 23, further comprising: the fifth network function determining, based on the association relationship, identifier information of the first network function associated with the identifier of the target PDU session and the target user identifier.

25. The method further comprises: When an update occurs to the target first network function, the fifth network function sends a fourth notification message to the fourth network function; The method of claim 22, wherein the fourth notification message is accompanied by updated target first network function identifier information.

26. 26. The method of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the fifth network function is a BSF and the third network function is an SMF.

27. An information subscription method, comprising: the fourth network function sending a subscription message to the fifth network function to subscribe to the first network function information; An information subscription method, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

28. The method further comprises: the fourth network function receives a third notification message sent from the fifth network function, and the third notification message is accompanied by identifier information of the target first network function; The method of claim 27, further comprising: the fourth network function subscribing to an information publishing service for the target first network function.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the target first network function is a first network function associated with an identifier of the target PDU session and / or a target user identifier.

30. The method further comprises: the fourth network function receiving a fourth notification message sent from a fifth network function; The method of claim 28, wherein the fourth notification message is accompanied by updated target first network function identifier information.

31. 31. The method of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the fourth network function is a NF and the fifth network function is a BSF.

32. An information subscription method, comprising: The fourth network function includes subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session from a source third network function serving the target PDU session; An information subscription method, wherein the correlation function of the target PDU session includes a first network function and / or a third network function serving the target PDU session.

33. The method further comprises: The fourth network function receives a fifth notification message sent from the source third network function, the fifth notification message being used to indicate update information of a correlation function servicing the target PDU session; 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: if the fifth notification message indicates the updated first network function, the fourth network function subscribing to an information publishing service from the updated first network function.

34. The fourth network function subscribes to correlation function update information of the target PDU session from the source third network function serving the target PDU session, The fourth network function includes sending a first subscription message to a source third network function serving the target PDU session to subscribe to correlation function update information of the target PDU session; 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first subscription message is accompanied by an identifier of the target user.

35. If the fifth notification message indicates an updated first network capability, the method further comprises:

34. The method of claim 33, comprising the fourth network function sending a first request message to the previous first network function to cancel a subscription to an information publishing service.

36. If the fifth notification message indicates that an update occurs to a third network function serving the target PDU session, the method further comprises: The fourth network function determines an updated third network function that services the target PDU session; and The fourth network function sends a second subscription message to the updated third network function to subscribe to correlation function update information of the target PDU session; 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the second subscription message is accompanied by an identifier of the target user.

37. If the fifth notification message indicates that a change occurs in a third network function serving the target PDU session, the method further comprises:

34. The method of claim 33, comprising the fourth network function sending a second request message to a previous third network function to cancel a subscription to correlation capability update information for the target PDU session.

38. The fourth network function determines the third network function serving the target PDU session after the update, the fourth network function sends a third request message to a seventh network function to request third network function information, and the seventh network function receives the information of the third network function detected, wherein the third request message is accompanied by at least one of a target user identifier, an S-NSSAI, and a DNN; Or, 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the fourth network function determines a fifth network function based on the IP address and / or the target user identifier to determine a sixth network function, and obtains information about the third network function from the sixth network function.

39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the first network function is a UPF, the third network function is a SMF, the fourth network function is a NF, the fifth network function is a BSF, the sixth network function is a PCF, and the seventh network function is a UDM.

40. 1. A method for transmitting information, comprising: A source third network function serving the target PDU session includes receiving a subscription message for subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session sent from the fourth network function; The subscription message is accompanied by a target user identifier, and the correlation function of the target PDU session includes a first network function and / or a third network function serving the target PDU session.

41. The method further comprises: The source third network function includes sending a fifth notification message to the fourth network function when an update occurs to the correlation function of the target PDU session; 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the fifth notification message is used to indicate updated information of a correlation function servicing the target PDU session.

42. the source third network function sending a fifth notification message to the fourth network function; If an update occurs in a first network function serving the target PDU session, sending a fifth notification message to the fourth network function indicating the updated first network function; and / or 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: when an update occurs in a third network function servicing the target PDU session, sending a fifth notification message to the fourth network function indicating that an update occurs in the third network function servicing the target PDU session.

43. If an update occurs to a third network function serving the target PDU session, the method further comprises:

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the source third network function cancels a subscription service provided for the fourth network function by receiving a second request message to cancel a subscription to correlation function update information for a target PDU session sent from the fourth network function.

44. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the first network function is a UPF, the third network function is a SMF, and the fourth network function is a NF.

45. a first network function including a transceiver and a processor, the processor is configured to transmit first information to a second network function via the transceiver; A first network function, wherein the first information includes an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

46. a second network function including a transceiver and a processor, the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, first information transmitted from at least one first network function; A second network function, wherein the first information includes an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function and / or a user identifier.

47. a fourth network function including a transceiver and a processor, A fourth network function, wherein the processor is configured to send a subscription message to a second network function via the transceiver to subscribe to first network function information, the subscription message being accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and a target user identifier.

48. a third network function including a transceiver and a processor, A third network function, wherein the processor is configured to send second information to a fifth network function via the transceiver, the second information including at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session serviced by the first network function, and a user identifier.

49. a fifth network function including a transceiver and a processor, the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, second information transmitted from at least one third network function; A fifth network function, wherein the second information includes at least one of an identifier of the first network function, an identifier of a PDU session served by the first network function, and a user identifier.

50. a fourth network function including a transceiver and a processor, the processor is configured to send, via the transceiver, a subscription message to a fifth network function to subscribe to first network function information; A fourth network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target PDU session identifier and / or a target user identifier.

51. a fourth network function including a transceiver and a processor, The processor is configured to subscribe to correlation function update information of the target PDU session from a source third network function serving the target PDU session via the transceiver; A fourth network function, wherein the correlation function of the target PDU session includes a first network function and / or a third network function that services the target PDU session.

52. a third network function including a transceiver and a processor, The processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a subscription message for subscribing to correlation function update information of the target PDU session sent from a fourth network function when the fourth network function is a source third network function serving the target PDU session; A third network function, wherein the subscription message is accompanied by a target user identifier, and the correlation function of the target PDU session includes a first network function and / or a third network function that services the target PDU session.

53. A network function, a processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable by the processor; 45. A network facility, wherein the program implements the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 44 when executed by the processor.

54. A computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, 45. A computer-readable storage medium, the computer program implementing the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 44 when executed by a processor.

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