COMMUNICATION METHOD AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE

Abstract

A communication method and a communication device are provided for implementing joint deployment and selection of multiple network functions in a 5G architecture, which helps reduce deployment costs and complexity. In the present application, a requesting network function sends a first network function type to a network repository function. The network repository function receives the first network function type from the requesting network function. The network repository function sends a first network function profile corresponding to the first network function type to the requesting network function. The requesting network function receives the first network function profile corresponding to the first network function type from the network repository function. The first network function profile includes a first instruction, the first instruction instructs joint deployment of the first network function and a second network function, the first network function and the second network function having a different network function type.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202110363280.2, entitled “COMMUNICATION METHOD AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS,” filed with the China State Intellectual Property Office on April 2, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to communication methods and devices. [Background technology]

[0003] In a 4G-5G convergence scenario, 4G network elements and 5G network functions (NFs) may be integrated. For example, a convergence gateway (PGW) and a session management function (SMF) may be integrated, and a network exposure function (NEF) and a service capability exposure function (SCEF) may be integrated. An example of an integrated deployment of a PGW and an SMF is used. When registering with a network repository function (NRF), the SMF also registers the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the co-located PGW. When discovering the SMF from the NRF, another function may discover the SMF co-located with the PGW by providing the FQDN. The integrated deployment of 4G network elements and 5G network functions avoids service interruption problems that occur when a terminal device is handed over between cells of different standards.

[0004] Existing integrated deployments are only applicable to certain 4G and 5G convergence scenarios, such as the integrated deployment of PGW and SMF, or the integrated deployment of NEF and SCEF. However, in the current 5G architecture, the integrated deployment of multiple 5G network functions is required to reduce deployment costs and complexity.

[0005] Thus, a method needs to be provided for performing joint deployment and selection of multiple 5G network functions in a 5G architecture. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device for implementing integrated deployment and selection of multiple network functions in a 5G architecture, which helps reduce deployment costs and complexity.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a method of communication comprising: a network repository function receiving a first network function type from a requesting network function, the network repository function sending to the requesting network function a profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type, the profile of the first network function including first instructions, the first instructions instructing a combined / co-located deployment of the first network function with a second network function, the first network function and the second network function having different network function types.

[0008] In the above technical solution, a requesting network function requests a profile of a first network function having a first network function type from a network repository function. The profile of the first network function includes a first instruction, and the first instruction instructs an integrated deployment of the first network function with a second network function, so that the requesting network function can determine an integrated deployment of the first network function with another network function. In this way, the requesting network function requests a network function that is co-deployed with another network function from a network repository function. This is helpful to implement an integrated deployment of multiple network functions, reduce deployment costs and complexity, and provide a more flexible network function deployment manner. In addition, the communication delay between the co-deployed first network function and the second network function is short. This is helpful to optimize the service experience of the terminal device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first indication includes an instance identifier of the second network function.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the requesting network function may directly determine that there is a second network function co-deployed with the first network function based on the instance identifier of the second network function in the first instruction, which helps the requesting network function to request a profile of the corresponding network function from the network repository function based on the instance identifier of the second network function when the network function co-deployed with the first network function needs to be discovered, so that the requesting network function can select the first network function and the second network function co-deployed.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method further includes the step of the network repository function receiving an instance identifier of the second network function from the requesting network function, the network repository function transmitting to the requesting network function a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function.

[0012] In the above technical solution, when a second network function needs to be discovered from a network repository function, the requesting network function may request a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function from the network repository function based on an instance identifier of the second network function in the profile of the first network function. Further, the requesting network function may determine a network function type of the second network function co-deployed with the first network function based on the profile of the second network function.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first instructions further include a second network function type of the second network function.The method further includes the network repository function receiving the second network function type from the requesting network function.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the requesting network function may determine that the second network function co-deployed with the first network function corresponds to the second network function type based on the second network function type in the profile of the first network function. When it is necessary to select a network function co-deployed with the first network function and corresponding to the second network function type, the requesting network function may discover the second network function from a network repository function.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first indication includes an integration attribute.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the integration attributes in the profiles of the multiple co-deployed network functions are the same, and the network repository function may determine the profile of another network function that is co-deployed with the first network function based on the integration attributes in the profile of the first network function. Correspondingly, the requesting network function may determine the integration deployment of the first network function and the second network function based on the integration attributes in the profile of the first network function and the integration attributes in the profile of the second network function. Based on the integration attributes, it may be implemented that the requesting network function requests the multiple co-deployed network functions from the network repository function, i.e., the requesting network function may select the first network function and the second network function that are co-deployed. In addition, when another new network function is co-deployed with the first network function, the profile of the new network function may be set to include the same integration attributes, thereby having better forward compatibility and scalability.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises the step of the network repository function sending a profile of the second network function to the requesting network function, the profile of the second network function including the integration attribute.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the network repository function may not only send a profile of a first network function to the requesting network function, but also send a profile of a second network function including the same integration attribute to the requesting network function based on an integration attribute in the profile of the first network function. The profile of the second network function co-located with the first network function does not need to be requested from the network repository function. This helps to reduce interaction signaling between the requesting network function and the network repository function and simplify the processing of the requesting network function.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises the network repository function receiving from the requesting network function the integration attribute and a second network function type of the second network function.

[0020] In the aforementioned technical solution, the requesting network function may request a profile of a second network function from a network repository function based on the integration attribute and the second network function type. In response, the network repository function may send the profile of the second network function corresponding to the integration attribute and the second network function type to the requesting network function. When it is necessary to select a network function that is co-deployed with the first network function and corresponds to the second network function type, the requesting network function may discover the second network function from the network repository function. This helps to reduce unnecessary signaling interactions between the requesting network function and the network repository function.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the method further includes the step of the network repository function receiving a first registration request from the first network function, the first registration request including a profile of the first network function, and the network repository function sending a first registration success response to the first network function.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the method further includes the step of: the network repository function receiving a second registration request from the second network function, the second registration request including a profile of the second network function, the profile of the second network function including second instructions, the second instructions directing an integrated deployment of the second network function with the first network function. The network repository function sends a second registration success response to the second network function.

[0023] In the above technical solution, when a network function registers with a network repository function, a profile of the network function is carried in the registration request, and the profile of the network function includes an integration instruction for instructing the integration deployment of the network function with another network function. Thus, when receiving a discovery request from a requesting network function, the network repository function may feed back the profile of another network function co-deployed with the network function to the requesting network function based on the integration instruction in the profile of the network function. Alternatively, in order to provide an implementation method for a requesting network function to request multiple co-deployed network functions from a network repository function when multiple network functions are co-deployed in a 5G system, the requesting network function may again request the profile of another network function from the network repository function based on the integration instruction in the profile of the network function.

[0024] The above technical solution can provide a general method for discovering co-deployed network functions, and any type of network function that is co-deployed in a 5G network can be discovered by a requesting network function by using the above technical solution.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the method further includes a step in which the network repository function receives an integration network function preference indication from the requesting network function, the integration network function preference indication instructing the requesting network function to send a profile of the network function that includes an integration indication to the requesting network function if the profile of the network function includes an integration indication, or to send a profile of the network function that does not include an integration indication to the requesting network function if the profile of the network function does not include an integration indication.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the requesting network function sends an integration network function priority indication to the network repository function, so as to avoid that when the profile of the network function does not include an integration indication, the network repository function does not feed back the profile of the network function to the requesting network function, which results in the requesting network function being unable to request a network function from the network repository function, thereby interrupting the communication of the terminal device, which helps to improve the success rate of the requesting network function obtaining the profile of the network function through the request, and ensures the service experience of the terminal device.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a method of communication, comprising: a requesting network function sending a first network function type to a network repository function, the requesting network function receiving from the network repository function a first network function profile corresponding to the first network function type, the first network function profile including first instructions, the first instructions directing an integrated deployment of the first network function with a second network function, the first network function having a different network function type than the second network function.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first indication includes an instance identifier of the second network function.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further comprises the step of the requesting network function sending an instance identifier of the second network function to the network repository function, the requesting network function receiving from the network repository function a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function.

[0030] In one possible embodiment, the first instruction further includes a second network function type of the second network function. The method further includes the requesting network function determining an integrated deployment of the first network function and the second network function based on the second network function type and sending the second network function type to the network repository function.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first indication includes an integration attribute.

[0032] In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises the step of the requesting network function receiving a profile of the second network function from the network repository function, the profile of the second network function including the integration attributes.

[0033] In one possible embodiment, the method further comprises the step of the requesting network function sending to the network repository function the integration attribute and a second network function type of the second network function.

[0034] In one possible embodiment, the method further includes a step of the requesting network function determining an integrated deployment of the first network function and the second network function based on integration attributes in the profile of the second network function and integration attributes in the profile of the first network function.

[0035] In one possible embodiment, the method further includes a step of the requesting network function sending an integration network function preference indication to the network repository function, the integration network function preference indication instructing the network repository function to receive a profile of the network function including an integration indication from the network repository function if the profile of the network function includes an integration indication, or to receive a profile of the network function not including an integration indication from the network repository function if the profile of the network function does not include an integration indication.

[0036] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a method of communication comprising the steps of: a first network function sending a first registration request to a network repository function, the first registration request including a profile of the first network function, the profile of the first network function including first instructions, the first instructions indicating an integrated deployment of the first network function and a second network function, the first network function and the second network function having different network function types; and the first network function receiving a first registration success response from the network repository function.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a method of communication, comprising: a requesting network function sending a first network function type to a network repository function. The network repository function receives the first network function type from the requesting network function. The network repository function sends to the requesting network function a first network function profile corresponding to the first network function type. The requesting network function receives from the network repository function the first network function profile corresponding to the first network function type, the first network function profile including first instructions, the first instructions instructing an integrated deployment of the first network function and a second network function, the first network function and the second network function having different network function types.

[0038] For the technical effects that can be achieved in any one of the second to fourth aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects in the first aspect, and the details will not be described again here.

[0039] According to a fifth aspect, the present application provides a method of communication, comprising: a network repository function receiving a first network function type and a second network function type from a requesting network function, the network repository function sending an integrated network function profile to the requesting network function, the integrated network function profile being a profile of an integrated deployment of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type and a second network function corresponding to the second network function type, the first network function type being different from the second network function type.

[0040] In the above technical solution, a requesting network function requests a profile of an integrated network function having a first network function type and a second network function type from a network repository function. The profile is a profile of an integrated deployment of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type and a second network function corresponding to the second network function type. In this way, an integrated deployment of multiple network functions is implemented, and the requesting network function may obtain the profile of the integrated network function through the request. This helps to reduce deployment costs and complexity and provide a more flexible network function deployment manner. In addition, the communication delay between the first network function and the second network function that are co-deployed is short. This helps to optimize the service experience of the terminal device.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the method further includes the step of the network repository function receiving a third registration request from the integration network function, the third registration request including an integration network function profile, the integration network function profile including the first network function type and the second network function type, and the network repository function sending a third registration success response to the integration network function.

[0042] In the above technical solution, when an integration network function registers with a network repository function, a profile of the integration network function is carried in the registration request, and the profile of the integration network function includes network function types of multiple network functions deployed in the integration network function. When discovering an integration network function from a network repository function, the requesting network function may discover an integration network function having multiple network function types based on the multiple network function types in the profile of the integration network function, so as to provide an implementation method for a requesting network function to request an integration network function from a network repository function when multiple network functions are co-deployed in a 5G system. The above technical solution may provide a general method for discovering co-deployed network functions, and any type of network function co-deployed in a 5G network may be discovered by a requesting network function by using the above technical solution.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the integrated network function profile further includes an instance identifier corresponding to both the first network function and the second network function.

[0044] According to a sixth aspect, the present application provides a method of communication, comprising: a requesting network function sending a first network function type and a second network function type to a network repository function, the requesting network function receiving an integrated network function profile from the network repository function, the integrated network function profile being a profile of an integrated deployment of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type and a second network function corresponding to the second network function type, the first network function type being different from the second network function type.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the integrated network function profile further includes an instance identifier corresponding to both the first network function and the second network function.

[0046] According to a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication method including the steps of: an integration network function sending a third registration request to a network repository function, the third registration request including an integration network function profile, the integration network function profile being a profile of an integrated deployment of a first network function corresponding to a first network function type and a second network function corresponding to a second network function type, the first network function type being different from the second network function type. The integration network function receives a third registration success response from the network repository function.

[0047] According to an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, comprising: a requesting network function sending a first network function type and a second network function type to a network repository function. The network repository function receives the first network function type and the second network function type from the requesting network function. The network repository function sends an integrated network function profile to the requesting network function. The requesting network function receives the integrated network function profile from the network repository function, the integrated network function profile being a profile of an integrated deployment of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type and a second network function corresponding to the second network function type, the first network function type being different from the second network function type.

[0048] For the technical effects that can be achieved in any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects in the fifth aspect, and the details will not be described again here.

[0049] According to a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the device having functionality of a network repository function in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, functionality of a requesting network function in the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, functionality of a first network function in the third aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the third aspect, functionality of a requesting network function in the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect, functionality of an integration network function in the sixth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the sixth aspect, or functionality of a network repository function in the seventh aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the seventh aspect.

[0050] The functions of the communication device may be implemented by hardware or by executing corresponding software by the hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules, units, or means corresponding to the functions.

[0051] In one possible embodiment, the structure of the device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit is configured to assist the device to perform the function of the network repository function in the first aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the first aspect, the function of the requesting network function in the second aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the second aspect, the function of the first network function in the third aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the third aspect, the function of the requesting network function in the fifth aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the fifth aspect, the function of the integration network function in the sixth aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the sixth aspect, or the function of the network repository function in the seventh aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the seventh aspect. The transceiver unit is configured to assist communication between the device and another communication device. For example, if the device is a function of the network repository function in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, the device may receive a first network function type from the requesting network function and transmit to the requesting network function a profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type. The communication device may further include a storage module. The storage module is coupled to the processing unit and stores program instructions and data required for the device. In one example, the processing unit may be a processor, the communication module may be a transceiver, and the storage module may be a memory. The memory may be integrated with the processor or may be located separately from the processor.

[0052] In another possible embodiment, the structure of the apparatus may include a processor and further include a memory. The processor may be coupled to the memory and configured to execute computer program instructions stored in the memory such that the apparatus performs a method according to the first aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the first aspect, performs a method according to the second aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the second aspect, performs a method according to the third aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the third aspect, performs a method according to the fifth aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the fifth aspect, performs a method according to the sixth aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the sixth aspect, or performs a method according to the seventh aspect or any one of the possible embodiments of the seventh aspect. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface. If the apparatus is a device, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. If the apparatus is a chip included in the device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface of the chip. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit and the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0053] According to a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system including a processor, the processor coupled to a memory, the memory configured to store a program or instructions, which when executed by the processor, enables the chip system to perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, to perform a method according to the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, to perform a method according to the third aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the third aspect, to perform a method according to the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect, to perform a method according to the sixth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the sixth aspect, or to perform a method according to the seventh aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the seventh aspect.

[0054] Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit, the interface circuit configured to exchange code instructions with the processor.

[0055] Optionally, the chip system may have one or more processors, which may be implemented in hardware or software. If the processor is implemented in hardware, the processor may be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. If the processor is implemented in software, the processor may be a general-purpose processor and is implemented by reading software code stored in a memory.

[0056] Optionally, the chip system may also include one or more memories. The memory may be integrated with the processor or may be located separately from the processor. For example, the memory may be a non-transitory processor, such as a read-only memory ROM. The memory and the processor may be integrated on the same chip or may be located separately on different chips.

[0057] According to an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the computer is enabled to perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, a method according to the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, a method according to the third aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the third aspect, a method according to the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect, a method according to the sixth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the sixth aspect, or a method according to the seventh aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the seventh aspect.

[0058] According to a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which when read and executed by a computer enables the computer to perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, to perform a method according to the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, to perform a method according to the third aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the third aspect, to perform a method according to the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect, to perform a method according to the sixth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the sixth aspect, or to perform a method according to the seventh aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the seventh aspect.

[0059] According to a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes a network repository function configured to perform a method according to the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, a requesting network function configured to perform a method according to the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, and a first network function configured to perform a method according to the third aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the third aspect. Alternatively, the communication system includes a requesting network function configured to perform a method according to the fifth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect, an integration network function configured to perform a method according to the sixth aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the sixth aspect, and a network repository function configured to perform a method according to the seventh aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the seventh aspect.

[0060] For the technical effects that can be achieved in any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects in the first or fifth aspects, and the details will not be described again here. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0061] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to the present application; [Diagram 2] 4 is a schematic flow chart of an example of network function registration according to the present application; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic flow chart of an example of network capability discovery according to the present application; [Figure 4] 12 is a schematic flow chart of another example of network capability discovery according to the present application; [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic flow chart of an example of network function registration and discovery according to the present application. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an example of a communication device according to the present application; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of the structure of another communication device according to the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a mobile communication network architecture. The network architecture includes a terminal device, an access network device, an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a user plane function, a policy control function, a network slice selection function, a network slice specific authentication and authorization function, a network repository function, a network data analysis function, a unified data management function, a unified data repository function, an authentication server function, a network capability disclosure function, a UE radio capability management function, a binding support function, an application function, and a data network (DN) connected to a carrier network.

[0064] For example, a terminal device may access a wireless network by using an access node at a current location, and may transmit service data to and receive service data from a data network by using an access network device and a user plane function.

[0065] The access and mobility management function is mainly for terminal device attachment, mobility management, tracking area update procedures, etc. in a mobile network. In a 5G communication system, the access and mobility management function may be an access and mobility management function (AMF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the access and mobility management function may continue to be an AMF or may have another name. This is not limited in this application.

[0066] The session management function is mainly for session management in a mobile network, for example, for establishing, modifying, and releasing a session. Specific functions include, for example, allocation of an Internet Protocol address to a terminal device and selection of a user plane function that provides a packet forwarding function. In a 5G communication system, the session management function may be a session management function (SMF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the session management function may continue to be an SMF or may have a different name. This is not limited in the present application.

[0067] The user plane function is mainly for processing user packets, such as forwarding and charging. In a 5G communication system, the user plane function may be a user plane function (UPF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the user plane function may continue to be a UPF or may have another name. This is not limited in this application.

[0068] The policy control function includes a policy control function, a charging policy control function, a quality of service (QoS) control, etc. In a 5G communication system, the policy control function may be a policy control function (PCF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the policy control function may continue to be a PCF or may have another name, which is not limited in this application.

[0069] The network slice selection function is mainly for selecting a network slice suitable for the service of the terminal device. In a 5G communication system, the network slice selection function may be a network slice selection function (NSSF). In a future communication system (e.g., a 6G communication system), the network slice selection function may continue to be an NSSF or may have another name. This is not limited in the present application.

[0070] The network slice-specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF) is mainly for authentication and authorization for a terminal device to access a specific network slice.

[0071] The network repository function is mainly for providing registration and discovery of network functions or services provided by the network functions. In a 5G communication system, the network repository function may be a network repository function (NRF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the network repository function may continue to be an NRF or may have another name. This is not limited in this application.

[0072] The network data analytics function may collect data from various network functions, such as policy control functions, session management functions, user plane functions, access management functions, and application functions (through network capability disclosure functions), and perform analysis and prediction. In a 5G communication system, the network data analytics function may be a network data analytics function (NWDAF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the network data analytics function may continue to be the NWDAF or may have a different name. This is not limited in this application.

[0073] The unified data management function is mainly for managing subscription information of a terminal device. In a 5G communication system, the unified data management function may be a unified data management (UDM) function. In a future communication system (e.g., a 6G communication system), the unified data management function may continue to be UDM or may have another name. This is not limited in this application.

[0074] The unified data repository function is mainly for storing structured data information, including subscription information, policy information, and network data or service data defined in a standard format. In a 5G communication system, the unified data repository function may be a unified data repository (UDR) function. In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the unified data repository function may continue to be a UDR or may have another name. This is not limited in this application.

[0075] The authentication server function is mainly for performing security authentication for terminal devices. In a 5G communication system, the authentication server function may be an authentication server function (AUSF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the authentication server function may continue to be an AUSF or may have another name. This is not limited in this application.

[0076] The network capability disclosure function can disclose some features of the network to the application in a controlled manner. In a 5G communication system, the network capability disclosure function can be a NEF. In future communication systems (e.g., a 6G communication system), the network capability disclosure function may continue to be a NEF or may have a different name. This is not limited in this application.

[0077] The UE radio capability management function is for storing and managing radio capabilities of terminal devices in a network. In a 5G communication system, the UE radio capability management function may be a UE radio capability management function (UCMF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the UE radio capability management function may continue to be a UCMF or may have another name. This is not limited in this application.

[0078] The binding support function is for maintaining the correspondence between the service function and the Internet Protocol (IP) address between the user networks. In the 5G communication system, the binding support function may be a binding support function (BSF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the binding support function may continue to be a BSF or may have another name. This is not limited in the present application.

[0079] The application function may provide service data of various applications to the control plane function of the carrier's communication network, or obtain data information and control information of the network from the control plane function of the communication network. In the 5G communication system, the application function may be an application function (AF). In future communication systems (e.g., 6G communication systems), the application function may continue to be an AF or may have another name. This is not limited in this application.

[0080] The data network is mainly for providing data transmission services to terminal devices, which may be a private network, such as a local area network, a public data network (PDN), such as the Internet, or a dedicated network co-deployed by carriers, such as a configured IP multimedia core network subsystem (IMS) service.

[0081] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, a function may also be called a network element, a network function, a functional entity, a device, etc. For example, an access and mobility management function may also be called an access and mobility management network element, an access and mobility management network function, an access and mobility management functional entity, etc. The name of each function is not limited in the present application. Those skilled in the art may change the name of the function to another name that performs the same function. This is within the protection scope of the present application.

[0082] For ease of explanation, the access and mobility management network element, session management function, network slice selection function, network slice specific authentication and authorization function, network repository function, and binding support function may be referred to hereinafter for short as AMF, SMF, NSSF, NSSAAF, NRF, and BSF, respectively.

[0083] With reference to the example of the mobile communication network architecture shown in FIG. 1, the present application provides a combined deployment scenario. In the combined deployment scenario, multiple network functions may be co-deployed (co-deployment may be called combined deployment, and may be expressed as combined / co-located deployment in English). For example, network function 1 and network function 2 are co-deployed. When the co-deployed network function 1 acts as a client and needs to invoke a service provided by the network function 2 acting as a server, the network function 1 may preferentially select the co-deployed network function 2. This helps to reduce communication complexity and communication delay. In the requesting network function, for example, when the network function 3 selects the network function 1 and the network function 2, the co-deployed network function 1 and the network function 2 may be alternatively selected.

[0084] For example, the integrated deployment of network function 1 and network function 2 can be understood as follows.

[0085] a. Network function 1 and network function 2 are deployed in an integrated network function (or referred to as an entity, device, etc.). For example, the integrated network function may perform the functions of both network function 1 and network function 2. For example, network function 1 and network function 2 share one processor. In another example, network function 1 and network function 2 each perform their respective functions by using different processors within one network element.

[0086] b. network function 1 and network function 2 are co-located in one physical location, but network function 1 and network function 2 belong to different network elements. For example, network function 1 and network function 2 may be two different network elements, but the two network elements are located in the same equipment room.

[0087] With reference to a particular application, the following two scenarios are provided as examples.

[0088] For example, in scenario 1, network function 1 is an SMF, network function 2 is a BSF, and network function 3 is an AMF. SMF1 and BSF1 are co-deployed, and BSF2 is independently deployed (i.e., BSF2 is not co-deployed with SMF1). When SMF1 needs to invoke a service of a BSF, BSF1 may be preferentially selected, and BSF2 may not be selected. Since SMF1 and BSF1 are co-deployed, SMF1 invokes BSF1. Compared with invoking BSF2 by SMF1, communication complexity and communication delay can be effectively reduced. When AMF needs to select an SMF, the co-deployed SMF1 may be selected. Then, when AMF needs to select a BSF, BSF1 co-deployed with SMF1 may also be selected.

[0089] As another example, in scenario 2, network function 1 is NSSF, network function 2 is NSSAAF, and network function 3 is AMF. NSSF1 and NSSAAF1 are co-deployed, and NSSAAF2 is independently deployed (i.e., NSSAAF2 is not co-deployed with NSSF1). When NSSF1 needs to invoke a service of NSSAAF, NSSAAF1 may be preferentially selected, and NSSAAF2 may not be selected. Since NSSF1 and NSSAAF1 are co-deployed, NSSF1 invokes NSSAAF1. Compared with invoking NSSAAF2 by NSSF1, communication complexity and communication delay can be effectively reduced. When AMF needs to select NSSF, co-deployed NSSF1 may be selected. Then, when AMF needs to select NSSAAF, NSSAAF1 co-deployed with NSSF1 may also be selected.

[0090] The present application provides a communication method. The communication method is applicable to the above-mentioned integrated deployment scenario. The integrated deployment scenario includes a plurality of co-deployed network functions, and any two of the plurality of co-deployed network functions have different network function types. Furthermore, the plurality of co-deployed network functions may include a first network function and one or more other network functions. In the present application, another network function that is co-deployed with the first network function may be referred to as another network function for short. For example, the one or more other network functions may include a second network function, may include a second network function and a third network function, or may include a second network function, a third network function, ..., and an Nth network function, where N is 4 or more.

[0091] This application may specifically include a registration procedure and a discovery procedure. The following first describes an embodiment in which a co-deployed network function registers a profile of the network function with the NRF, with reference to an example of a registration flow chart shown in Figure 2. For ease of explanation, a first co-deployed network function is used as an illustrative example.

[0092] Step 201: A first network function sends a first registration request to the NRF.

[0093] The first registration request includes a profile of the first network function. The profile of the first network function includes an integration instruction (sometimes referred to as a first instruction), and the first instruction may indicate that there are one or more other network functions co-deployed with the first network function. For example, if the first network function and the second network function are co-deployed, the first instruction may indicate that there is a second network function co-deployed with the first network function. As another example, if the first network function, the second network function, and a third network function are co-deployed, the first instruction may indicate that there are a second network function and a third network function co-deployed with the first network function.

[0094] Based on different contents of the first instruction, there are two possible implementations:

[0095] Embodiment 1: The first instruction may include a network function instance identity (NF Instance ID) of one or more other network functions co-located with the first network function. The one or more instance identifiers indicate that there are one or more other network functions co-located with the first network function.

[0096] In embodiment 1, the first instruction may further include a network function type corresponding to an instance identifier of one or more other network functions co-deployed with the first network function.

[0097] It is described that when the first network function registers with the NRF, the first instruction carries only an instance identifier of another network function co-deployed with the first network function, and the instance identifier of the other network function does not indicate a network function type corresponding to the instance identifier. After requesting the profile of the first network function, the requesting network function can only determine that there is another network function co-deployed with the first network function, but cannot determine the network function type of the other network function. In this way, the network function type corresponding to the instance identifier of the other network function can be further carried in the first instruction.

[0098] For example, if the second network function and the first network function are co-deployed, the first instructions may include an instance identifier of the second network function and a network function type corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function (which may be referred to as a second network function type) to indicate that a network function is present that is co-deployed with the first network function and corresponds to the second network function type and the instance identifier of the second network function. Further, if the third network function and the first network function are co-deployed, the first instructions may include an instance identifier of the third network function and a network function type corresponding to the instance identifier of the third network function (which may be referred to as a third network function type) to indicate that a network function is present that is co-deployed with the first network function and corresponds to the third network function type and the instance identifier of the third network function.

[0099] Embodiment 2: The first indication may include an integration attribute, and the integration attribute may indicate that there are one or more other network functions that are co-deployed with the first network function.

[0100] In the present application, the integration attributes in the profiles of multiple co-deployed network functions are the same. For example, when a first network function and a second network function are co-deployed, the integration attributes in the profile of the first network function are the same as the integration attributes in the profile of the second network function. When a first network function, a second network function, and a third network function are co-deployed, the integration attributes in the profile of the first network function, the integration attributes in the profile of the second network function, and the integration attributes in the profile of the third network function are the same.

[0101] In other words, one integration attribute may identify multiple co-deployed network functions. When the integration attribute in the profiles of two or more network functions is the same, it indicates a co-deployment of the two or more network functions.

[0102] For example, the integration attribute may be a globally unique string, and the string may be used to represent multiple co-deployed network functions. For example, SMF1 and BSF1 are co-deployed and the corresponding integration attribute may be smfbsf123456. SMF2 and BSF2 are co-deployed and the corresponding integration attribute may be smfbsf345678.

[0103] For example, the integration attribute may be multiple strings differentiated by dot format, and the strings may include, but are not limited to, network function names, deployment location information, data center information, etc. For example, SMF1 and BSF1 are co-deployed, and the corresponding integration attribute may be smfbsf32.pudong.shanghai. Alternatively, SMF2 and BSF2 are co-deployed, and the corresponding integration attribute may be dc56.beijing.

[0104] In the above embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, it should be added that the profile of the first network function may not only include the first instruction, but also include network element information and service information of the first network function. The network element information of the first network function includes an instance identifier of the first network function, a network function type (which may be referred to as a first network function type), a slice identifier, a network data name, an IP address, a priority, a capacity, a load, service location information, etc. The service information of the first network function includes a service name, a version information, a service instance identifier, a service priority, a service capacity, a service load, etc. The profile of the first network function is for providing information used when the client selects and accesses the first network function, for example, an IP address when accessing the first network function.

[0105] Step 202: The NRF sends a first registration success response to the first network function.

[0106] For example, after storing the profile of the first network function, the NRF may send a first registration success response to the first network function, where the first registration success response indicates that the profile of the first network function was successfully registered.

[0107] For an embodiment in which, in one or more other network functions co-located with a first network function, any one of the other network functions registers a profile of the network function to the NRF, for example, a second network function registers a profile of the second network function to the NRF, or a third network function registers a profile of the third network function to the NRF, please refer to the embodiment in which the first network function registers a profile of the first network function to the NRF in the above embodiment. Details will not be described again.

[0108] In the aforementioned registration procedure, the network function may include an integration directive in a profile of the network function and register the profile of the network function with the NRF, where the integration directive indicates network functions that are co-deployed with the network function. Further, in a discovery procedure, the requesting network function may discover the first network function and / or the second network function from the NRF based on the integration directive in the profile of the network function.

[0109] Furthermore, the following describes two cases based on different fields included in the first instruction of the registration procedure.

[0110] FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of an example of discovering a first network function and a second network function from an NRF by a requesting network function when a first instruction includes instance identifiers of one or more other network functions co-deployed with the first network function according to the present application.

[0111] The steps in Figure 3 are as follows:

[0112] Step 301: A requesting network function sends a first network function type to the NRF.

[0113] The first network function type is used by the requesting network function to request a profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type from the NRF. In an optional embodiment, the requesting network function may further send a first parameter to the NRF. The first parameter is a parameter for requesting a profile of the first network function other than the first network function type. For example, the first parameter is location information of a terminal device, a slice identifier corresponding to a protocol data unit (PDU) session, a network data name, etc.

[0114] In an optional embodiment, the requesting network function sends a first discovery request to the NRF, the first discovery request including the first network function type and the first parameter, the first discovery request being used by the requesting network function to request a profile of the first network function from the NRF. In addition, the requesting network function may alternatively include the first network function type and the first parameter in multiple different requests, respectively, the multiple different requests being used by the requesting network function to request a profile of the first network function from the NRF.

[0115] Step 302: The NRF sends to the requesting network function a profile of a first network function corresponding to a first network function type, the profile of the first network function including a first instruction, the first instruction including instance identifiers of one or more other network functions co-deployed with the first network function.

[0116] In the present application, a plurality of network function profiles are registered with the NRF. Each network function profile may include an instance identifier of the network function, a network function type, network element information, service information, etc. In addition, if the network function is co-deployed with another network function, the profile of the network function may further include an integration instruction corresponding to the network function. In this scenario, the integration instruction corresponding to the network function may specifically include an instance identifier of another network function co-deployed with the network function, or an instance identifier of another network function co-deployed with the network function and a network function type corresponding to the instance identifier.

[0117] In an optional embodiment, after receiving the first network function type sent by the requesting network function, the NRF may determine a network function profile corresponding to the first network function type, i.e., a first network function profile, from the multiple network function profiles based on the first network function type. Note that there may be multiple network function profiles on the NRF, and the network function type of the network function is the first network function type.

[0118] In an optional embodiment, the NRF may alternatively receive the first parameter sent by the requesting network function and determine, based on the first network function type and the first parameter, from a plurality of network function profiles, a network function profile that corresponds to both the first network function type and the first parameter, i.e., the first network function profile. Similarly, there may be a plurality of network function profiles on the NRF, where the network function type of the network function is the first network function type and the first parameter is supported.

[0119] In an optional embodiment, the NRF may receive a first discovery request from a requesting network function, the first discovery request including a first network function type and a first parameter, whereby the NRF determines a profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type and the first parameter. Alternatively, the NRF may receive multiple requests from the requesting network function and obtain the first network function type and the first parameter from the multiple requests, whereby the NRF determines a profile of the first network function corresponding to the multiple requests.

[0120] In the present application, the NRF may determine profiles of one or more first network functions and send the profiles of the one or more first network functions to the requesting network function. Furthermore, the NRF may include the profiles of the one or more first network functions in corresponding messages, respectively, and send those messages to the requesting network function, or may combine the profiles into one message and send the message to the requesting network function. In an optional embodiment, the NRF may include the profiles of the one or more first network functions in a first discovery response corresponding to the first discovery request and send the first discovery response to the requesting network function.

[0121] Correspondingly, after receiving the one or more first network function profiles from the NRF, the requesting network function may select one first network function profile from the profiles and communicate with the first network function based on the first network function profile. In an optional embodiment, the requesting network function may determine whether to select a profile of a network function that is co-deployed with another network function from the one or more first network function profiles based on the pre-configuration information. For example, if the requesting network function is pre-configured to select a co-deployed first network function, the requesting network function may select a first network function profile that includes an integration instruction (i.e., a first instruction) from the one or more first network function profiles.

[0122] After selecting the first network function, the requesting network function may further need to select a second network function. In an optional embodiment, the requesting network function obtains a profile of a second network function corresponding to a second network function type from the NRF based on the first instruction in the profile of the first network function.

[0123] Based on different information contained in the first instruction in the profile of the first network function, there are two possible cases:

[0124] Case A: A profile of a first network function includes instance identifiers of one or more other network functions that are co-deployed with the first network function, but does not include network function types that correspond to the instance identifiers of the one or more other network functions.

[0125] In case A, the requesting network function may be co-deployed with the first network function and may request, based on instance identifiers of one or more other network functions that are in the profile of the first network function, from the NRF a profile of the network function that corresponds to the instance identifier of the network function. For details, see steps 303A to 305A in FIG. 3.

[0126] Step 303A: The requesting network function sends one or more network function instance identifiers to the NRF.

[0127] It should be noted here that the requesting network function receives a profile of a first network function from the NRF, and the profile of the first network function includes the instance identifiers of one or more other network functions that are co-deployed with the first network function. However, the requesting network function does not determine the network function types that correspond to the instance identifiers of the one or more other network functions, respectively (for details, see the description of step 201). Therefore, the requesting network function transmits the instance identifiers of the one or more network functions (i.e., the instance identifiers of the one or more other network functions in the first indication) to the NRF to request a profile that corresponds to the instance identifiers of the one or more network functions.

[0128] In one example, a requesting network function may send a first data request to the NRF, the first data request including one or more network function instance identifiers, the first data request used by the requesting network function to request from the NRF a network function profile corresponding to each of the one or more network function instance identifiers. In another example, the requesting network function may send multiple first data requests to the NRF. For any first data request, the first data request may include an instance identifier of the network function corresponding to the first data request. The first data request is used by the requesting network function to request from the NRF a network function profile corresponding to the network function instance identifier in the first data request.

[0129] Step 304A: The NRF sends to the requesting network function network function profiles that each correspond to one or more network function instance identifiers.

[0130] The NRF may determine network function profiles that respectively correspond to the one or more network function instance identifiers based on the one or more network function instance identifiers (i.e., the instance identifiers of the one or more other network functions in the first instruction), and then send the one or more network function profiles to the requesting network function. For example, the network function profiles may also include the integration instruction.

[0131] For example, when a first network function and a second network function are co-deployed, the profile of the second network function may also include integration instructions (which may be referred to as second instructions), and the second instructions may specifically include an instance identifier of the first network function, or may include an instance identifier of the first network function and the first network function type.

[0132] For example, if a first network function, a second network function, and a third network function are co-deployed, the second instructions in the profile of the second network function may specifically include an instance identifier of the first network function and an instance identifier of the third network function, or may include an instance identifier of the first network function and a first network function type, an instance identifier of the third network function, and a network function type corresponding to the instance identifier of the third network function (which may be referred to as a third network function type). The profile of the third network function may also include integration instructions (which may be referred to as third instructions), and the third instructions may specifically include an instance identifier of the first network function and an instance identifier of the second network function, or may include an instance identifier of the first network function and a first network function type, an instance identifier of the second network function, and a network function type corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function (which may be referred to as a second network function type).

[0133] In addition, the profile of the second network function may further include network element information, service information, etc. of the second network function. The profile of the third network function may further include network element information, service information, etc. of the third network function.

[0134] In one example, the NRF receives a first data request from a requesting network function, the first data request including an instance identifier of one or more network functions. The NRF sends a first data response corresponding to the first data request to the requesting network function, the first data response including a profile of the network function corresponding to each of the instance identifiers of the one or more network functions. In another example, the NRF receives a plurality of first data requests from the requesting network function, any of the first data requests may include an instance identifier of the network function corresponding to the first data request. The NRF sends a first data response corresponding to the first data request to the requesting network function, the first data response including a profile of the network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the network function in the first data request.

[0135] Step 305A: The requesting network function determines a second network function profile corresponding to a second network function type from the network function profiles corresponding to the one or more network function instance identifiers.

[0136] After receiving one or more network function profiles from the NRF, the requesting network function may determine a network function type of the one or more network functions co-deployed with the first network function, and then the requesting network function may select a network function profile whose network function type is the second network function type (i.e., the profile of the second network function) from the one or more network function profiles based on the second network function type.

[0137] Based on the example of steps 303A to 305A above, the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function are co-deployed, and the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function correspond to Profile 1, Profile 2, and Profile 3, respectively. The requesting network function may obtain Profile 1 of the first network function from the NRF, where Profile 1 includes an instance identifier 2 of the second network function and an instance identifier 3 of the third network function. For example, the requesting network function needs to obtain a profile of the network function corresponding to network function type 2 (i.e., Profile 2 of the second network function). The requesting network function may send the instance identifier 2 and the instance identifier 3 to the NRF, and the NRF sends Profile 2 and Profile 3 corresponding to the instance identifier 2 and the instance identifier 3, respectively, to the requesting network function. Furthermore, Profile 2 includes the instance identifier 2 and the network function type 2 of the second network function, and Profile 3 includes the instance identifier 3 and the network function type 3 of the third network function. After receiving Profile 2 and Profile 3 from the NRF, the requesting network function may determine that the network function type in Profile 2 is network function type 2, i.e., select Profile 2.

[0138] Case B: The profile of a first network function includes instance identifiers of one or more other network functions and a network function type that corresponds to the instance identifiers of the one or more other network functions.

[0139] In case B, the first network function may request, from the NRF, a profile of the second network function corresponding to the second network function type based on the instance identifiers of the one or more other network functions and the network function type corresponding to the instance identifiers of the one or more other network functions. For details, see steps 303B and 304B of FIG. 3.

[0140] Step 303B: The requesting network function sends the second network function instance identifier and the second network function type to the NRF.

[0141] The first network function determines an instance identifier of a second network function corresponding to the second network function type based on the instance identifier of the one or more other network functions and a network function type corresponding to the instance identifier of the one or more other network functions, and transmits the instance identifier of the second network function and the second network function type to the NRF.

[0142] In an optional embodiment, the first network function may send a second discovery request to the NRF, the second discovery request including an instance identifier of the second network function and a second network function type, and the second discovery request is used by the requesting network function to request from the NRF a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function.

[0143] It should be appreciated that in step 303B, if the network function type that needs to be requested by the requesting network function is not included in the network function types of one or more other network functions in the profile of the first network function, the requesting network function may no longer perform an NRF query based on the instance identifier and the network function type in the profile of the first network function, which helps to reduce unnecessary signaling interactions between the requesting network function and the network repository function.

[0144] Step 304B: The NRF sends a profile of the second network function to the first network function.

[0145] For example, the NRF may authenticate to the requesting network function based on the type of the second network function, determine a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function after successful authentication, and send the profile of the second network function to the requesting network function. For example, the NRF may be authorized to allow a requesting network function whose network function type is AMF to discover a second network function whose network function type is SMF, but not to allow a requesting network function of another network function type to discover the SMF. The NRF determines whether to allow the requesting network function to discover the second network function based on the network function type of the requesting network function and the type of the second network function.

[0146] In an optional embodiment, the NRF may send to the first network function a second discovery response corresponding to the second discovery request, the second discovery response including a profile of the second network function corresponding to an instance identifier of the second network function in the second discovery request.

[0147] Based on the examples of steps 303B and 304B above, a first network function, a second network function, and a third network function are co-deployed, and the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function correspond to Profile 1, Profile 2, and Profile 3, respectively. The requesting network function may obtain Profile 1 of the first network function from the NRF, where Profile 1 includes an instance identifier 2 and a network function type 2 of the second network function and an instance identifier 3 and a network function type 3 of the third network function. For example, the requesting network function needs to obtain a profile of the network function corresponding to network function type 2 (i.e., Profile 2 of the second network function). The requesting network function may send the instance identifier 2 and the network function type 2 to the NRF. In response, the NRF sends Profile 2 of the network function type 2 corresponding to the instance identifier 2 to the requesting network function.

[0148] In this way, signaling interactions between the requesting network function and the NRF can be reduced and the speed at which the requesting network function determines the second network function can be increased.

[0149] To better explain this embodiment of the present application, the following uses an example that refers to a specific scenario: a first network function is an SMF, a second network function is a BSF, the SMF is co-located with the BSF, and the requesting network function is an AMF.

[0150] The network element registration process is as follows:

[0151] The SMF sends an SMF registration request to the NRF. The SMF registration request includes an SMF profile, and the SMF profile includes a BSF instance identifier (e.g., NF Instance ID1). The NF Instance ID1 may indicate that a network function co-located with the SMF exists. In addition, the SMF profile further includes SMF network element information, such as an SMF instance identifier (e.g., NF Instance ID2), an SMF network function type (e.g., SMF type), service location information, data network name list, and slice list information. The SMF profile further includes SMF service information, such as a service name, version information, a service instance identifier, a service priority, a service capacity, and a service load. In response, the NRF stores the SMF profile and sends a registration success response to the SMF.

[0152] The BSF sends a BSF registration request to the NRF, and the BSF registration request includes a profile of the BSF. The profile of the BSF includes an instance identifier of the SMF (e.g., NF Instance ID2). The NF Instance ID2 may indicate that a network function co-located with the BSF exists, and the identifier of the network function is NF Instance ID2. In addition, the profile of the BSF further includes network element information of the BSF, such as an instance identifier of the BSF (e.g., NF Instance ID1), a network function type of the BSF (e.g., BSF type), a supported IP address list, and a supported slice list. The profile of the SMF further includes service information of the SMF, such as a service name, version information, a service instance identifier, a service priority, a service capacity, and a service load. In response, the NRF stores the profile of the BSF and sends a registration success response to the BSF.

[0153] The network element discovery process is as follows:

[0154] In the PDU session establishment procedure, the AMF sends an SMF type (i.e., a first network function type) to the NRF. The SMF type is used by the AMF to request an SMF profile corresponding to the SMF type (i.e., a first network function profile corresponding to the first network function type) from the NRF. In addition, the AMF may further send a first parameter for selecting an SMF to the NRF. The first parameter is, for example, current location information of the terminal device, a slice instance identifier corresponding to the PDU session, and a network data name. The NRF sends the SMF type and the SMF profile corresponding to the first parameter to the AMF based on the SMF type and the first parameter from the AMF. The AMF may establish a PDU session for the terminal device based on the SMF profile from the NRF.

[0155] Subsequently, if the AMF needs to further select a BSF to maintain the correspondence between the user IP address and the serving network element function, and a pre-configured policy on the AMF requires selecting a BSF integrated with the SMF, the AMF may further send an NF Instance ID1 to the NRF based on the profile of the SMF from the NRF, and the NF Instance ID1 is used by the AMF to request the profile corresponding to the NF Instance ID1 from the NRF. The NRF sends the profile corresponding to the NF Instance ID1 to the AMF. After receiving the profile of the BSF, the AMF determines the integrated deployment of the SMF and the BSF based on the NF Instance ID1 and the network function type BSF in the profile of the BSF. The AMF selects a BSF to maintain the correspondence between the user IP address and the serving network element function.

[0156] Additionally, in another network registration process, the profile of the SMF may further include a network function type (i.e., BSF type) corresponding to the instance identifier of the BSF (i.e., NF Instance ID1). The profile of the BSF may further include a network function type (i.e., SMF type) corresponding to the instance identifier of the SMF (i.e., NF Instance ID2).

[0157] Correspondingly, in another network element discovery process, as follows:

[0158] In the PDU session establishment procedure, the AMF sends an SMF type to the NRF. The SMF type is used by the AMF to request a profile of an SMF corresponding to the SMF type from the NRF. In addition, the AMF may further send a first parameter for selecting an SMF to the NRF. The NRF may send a profile of an SMF corresponding to the SMF type and the first parameter to the AMF based on the SMF type and the first parameter from the AMF. The AMF may establish a PDU session for a terminal device based on the profile of the SMF from the NRF.

[0159] Subsequently, if the AMF needs to further select a BSF to maintain the correspondence between the user IP address and the serving network element function, and a pre-configured policy on the AMF requires selecting a BSF integrated with the SMF, the AMF may further determine the integrated deployment of the SMF and the BSF based on the NF Instance ID1 and the BSF type in the profile of the SMF, and send the NF Instance ID1 and the BSF type to the NRF, so that the AMF requests the profile of the BSF corresponding to the NF Instance ID1 from the NRF. The NRF sends the profile of the BSF corresponding to the NF Instance ID1 to the AMF. The AMF selects a BSF to maintain the correspondence between the user IP address and the serving network element function.

[0160] It will be understood that if the network function type corresponding to the instance identifier (i.e., NF Instance ID1) included in the profile of the SMF does not include a BSF type, the AMF does not trigger an NRF query based on the instance identifier and the network function type. This helps to reduce unnecessary signaling interactions between the AMF and the NRF.

[0161] 4 is a schematic flowchart of an example of discovering a first network function and a second network function from an NRF by a requesting network function when a first instruction includes an integration attribute according to the present application. The procedure of FIG. 4 is as follows.

[0162] Step 401: A requesting network function sends a first network function type to the NRF.

[0163] The first network function type is used by a requesting network function to request a profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type from the NRF. In an optional embodiment, the requesting network function may further send a first parameter to the NRF. The first parameter is a parameter for requesting the first network function other than the first network function type.

[0164] In an optional embodiment, the requesting network function sends a first discovery request to the NRF, the first discovery request including the first network function type and the first parameter, the first discovery request used by the requesting network function to request a profile of the first network function from the NRF. In addition, the requesting network function may alternatively include the first network function type and the first parameter in multiple different requests, the multiple different requests used by the requesting network function to request the profile of the first network function from the NRF.

[0165] For implementations not described in detail in step 401, please refer to the description of step 301.

[0166] A plurality of network function profiles are registered with the NRF. Each network function profile may include the network function's network element information, service information, etc. In addition, if the network function is co-deployed with another network function, the network function profile may further include an integration instruction corresponding to the network function. In this scenario, the integration instruction corresponding to the network function may specifically include an integration attribute corresponding to the network function. Network functions corresponding to profiles including the same integration attribute are co-deployed.

[0167] After the NRF receives the first network function type from the requesting network function, the NRF may, in two embodiments, send a profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type to the requesting network function.

[0168] Case 1: The NRF may send a profile of a first network function corresponding to a first network function type to the requesting network function, but does not send profiles of one or more other network functions to the requesting network function. For details, see steps 402a to 405a in FIG. 4.

[0169] Step 402a: The NRF sends a first network function profile corresponding to a first network function type to a requesting network function, the first network function profile including a first instruction, and the first instruction including an integration attribute.

[0170] The NRF sends the profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type to the requesting network function based on the first network function type, or based on the first network function type and the first parameter. For a specific determination manner, please refer to the description of step 302. Details will not be described again.

[0171] Step 403a: The requesting network function sends the second network function type and the integration attributes in the profile of the first network function to the NRF.

[0172] After receiving a profile of the first network function from the NRF, if it is necessary to select a second network function that is co-deployed with the first network function, the requesting network function may send to the NRF the second network function type and integration attributes in the profile of the first network function, which are used by the requesting network function to request from the NRF a profile of the second network function that also includes the same integration attributes and corresponds to the second network function type.

[0173] In an optional embodiment, the requesting network function may send a third discovery request to the NRF, and the third discovery request includes the second network function type and the integration attribute. In addition, the requesting network function may alternatively send the second network function type and the integration attribute to the NRF by using two requests respectively. This is not limited in this application.

[0174] Step 404a: The NRF sends to the requesting network function a profile of a second network function that includes the same integration attribute and corresponds to a second network function type.

[0175] In an optional embodiment, the NRF may determine that the currently registered profile of the network function includes a profile having the same integration attributes as the profile of the first network function, and then determine from the profiles a profile that includes the second network function type, i.e., the profile of the second network function. The NRF may alternatively determine that the currently registered profile of the network function includes a profile of the second network function type, and then determine from the profiles a profile that includes the same integration attributes as the profile of the first network function.

[0176] In an optional embodiment, the NRF may send to the first network function a third discovery response corresponding to the third discovery request, the third discovery response having the same integration attributes as in the third discovery request and including a profile of the second network function corresponding to the second network function type.

[0177] Step 405a: A requesting network function determines an integration deployment of a first network function and a second network function based on an integration attribute in a profile of the first network function and an integration attribute in a profile of the second network function.

[0178] It should be noted that the NRF may determine a profile of the one or more first network functions based on the first network function type of the requesting network function. The NRF may send the profile of the one or more first network functions to the requesting network function.

[0179] Correspondingly, in one example, the requesting network function may request a profile of a second network function corresponding to each first network function from the NRF based on the integration attribute in the profile of each first network function. The requesting network function further determines that network functions corresponding to profiles including the same integration attribute are co-deployed based on the integration attribute in the profile of each first network function and the integration attribute in the profile of the second network function corresponding to each first network function. The requesting network function determines a first network function profile and a second network function profile that are for network communication from the profiles of the multiple first network functions and the profile of the second network function corresponding to each first network function.

[0180] In another example, the requesting network function may alternatively first determine a first network function profile from a plurality of first network function profiles, and then request a second network function profile corresponding to the first network function from the NRF based on an integration attribute in the first network function profile.

[0181] Based on the example of steps 402a to 405a above, the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function are co-located, and the first network function, the second network function, and the third network function correspond to profile 1, profile 2, and profile 3, respectively. Profile 1, profile 2, and profile 3 include the same integration attribute 1. After obtaining profile 1 from the NRF, the requesting network function may obtain the integration attribute 1 from profile 1. Further, for example, the requesting network function needs to obtain a profile of the network function corresponding to network function type 2 (i.e., profile 2 of the second network function). The requesting network function may send the integration attribute 1 and the network function type 2 to the NRF. In response, the NRF may determine a profile 2 that also includes the integration attribute 1 and corresponds to the network function type 2 from the profile based on the integration attribute 1 and the network function type 2, and send the profile 2 to the requesting network function. The requesting network function receives profile 2 from the NRF and determines an integrated deployment of the second network function and the first network function based on integration attribute 1 in profile 2 of the second network function and integration attribute 1 in profile 1 of the first network function.

[0182] Case 2: The network repository function may send to the requesting network function a profile of a first network function corresponding to a first network function type and may send to the requesting network function profiles of one or more other network functions. For details, see steps 402b to 405b in FIG. 4.

[0183] Step 402b: The NRF sends to the requesting network function a profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type and profiles of one or more other network functions corresponding to the first network function.

[0184] The integration attributes in the profile of the one or more network functions corresponding to the first network function are the same as the integration attributes in the profile of the first network function. In a particular embodiment, the NRF may determine profiles of one or more other network functions that also include the integration attributes based on the integration attributes in the profile of the first network function and send the profile of the first network function and the profiles of the one or more other network functions to the requesting network function.

[0185] In one example, the NRF may send a first discovery response to the requesting network function, the first discovery response including a profile of the first network function and a profile of the one or more other network functions. In another example, the profile of the first network function and the profile of the one or more other network functions are each carried in a corresponding message and sent to the requesting network function.

[0186] Step 403b: The requesting network function determines an integrated deployment of the first network function with one or more other network functions.

[0187] In one particular embodiment, after receiving a profile of a first network function and receiving the profiles of the one or more other network functions, the requesting network function determines that integration attributes in the profile of the first network function are the same as integration attributes in the profile of the one or more other network functions, and then determines an integrated deployment of the first network function with the one or more other network functions.

[0188] Step 404b: The requesting network function determines a second network function profile corresponding to the second network function type from the profiles of the one or more other network functions.

[0189] It should be noted that in the above step, the NRF may determine a plurality of first network function profiles based on the first network function type in the requesting network function. In this case, the NRF may send the first network function profile and one or more other network function profiles corresponding to the first network function to the requesting network function for any first network function in the plurality of first network functions. The requesting network function may determine that the network functions corresponding to the profile including the same integration attribute are co-deployed based on the integration attribute in the received network function profile. Then, the requesting network function determines a first network function profile and a second network function profile that are for network communication from the plurality of first network function profiles and one or more other network function profiles corresponding to each first network function.

[0190] Based on the example of steps 402b to 404b above, in one network function integration deployment, a first network function is co-deployed with a second network function. The first network function is represented as network function 0, and network function 0 corresponds to profile 0. The second network function is represented as network function 1, and corresponds to profile 1. Profile 0 and profile 1 include the same integration attribute 1. In another network function integration deployment, a first network function is co-deployed with a second network function. The first network function is represented as network function 2, and network function 2 corresponds to profile 2. The second network function is represented as network function 3, and corresponds to profile 3. Profile 2 and profile 3 include the same integration attribute 2. The network function type of network function 0 is the same as the network function type of network function 2, which is, for example, network function type 0. The requesting network function sends network function type 0 to the NRF, and the NRF sends profile 0, profile 1, profile 2, and profile 3 to the requesting network function based on network function type 0. Correspondingly, the requesting network function may determine an integrated deployment of network function 0 corresponding to profile 0 and network function 1 corresponding to profile 1 based on integration attribute 1 in profile 0 and integration attribute 1 in profile 1. The requesting network function may determine an integrated deployment of network function 2 corresponding to profile 2 and network function 3 corresponding to profile 3 based on integration attribute 2 in profile 2 and integration attribute 2 in profile 3. The requesting network function may select network function 0 corresponding to profile 0 and network function 1 corresponding to profile 1, or may select network function 2 corresponding to profile 2 and network function 3 corresponding to profile 3.

[0191] In order to better explain this embodiment of the present application, the following uses an example that refers to a specific scenario: a first network function is an SMF, a second network function is a BSF, the SMF is co-located with the BSF, and the requesting network function is an AMF. In the network element registration process, as follows:

[0192] The SMF sends an SMF registration request to the NRF, and the SMF registration request includes an SMF profile. The SMF profile includes an integration attribute a, and the integration attribute a indicates that a network function co-located with the SMF exists. In addition, the SMF profile further includes SMF network element information, such as an SMF instance identifier (e.g., NF Instance ID2), an SMF network function type (e.g., SMF type), service location information, data network name list, and slice list information. The SMF profile further includes SMF service information, such as a service name, version information, a service instance identifier, a service priority, a service capacity, and a service load. In response, the NRF stores the SMF profile and sends a registration success response to the SMF.

[0193] The BSF sends a BSF registration request to the NRF, and the BSF registration request includes a profile of the BSF. The profile of the BSF includes an integration attribute a, and the integration attribute a indicates that there is a network function co-located with the BSF. In addition, the profile of the BSF further includes network element information of the BSF, such as an instance identifier of the BSF (e.g., NF Instance ID1), a network function type of the BSF (e.g., BSF type), service location information, data network name list, and slice list information. The profile of the BSF further includes service information of the BSF, such as a service name, version information, a service instance identifier, a service priority, a service capacity, and a service load. In response, the NRF stores the profile of the BSF and sends a registration success response to the BSF.

[0194] In the above solution, when the SMF and BSF are subsequently co-deployed with a new NF, only the new NF needs to register the same integration attribute, i.e., integration attribute a, in the NRF by using the above method, and the profiles registered in the NRF by the SMF and BSF do not need to be changed, thereby having better forward compatibility and scalability.

[0195] Correspondingly, the network element discovery process is as follows:

[0196] In the PDU session establishment procedure, the AMF may send an SMF type (i.e., a first network function type) to the NRF. The SMF type is used by the AMF to request an SMF profile corresponding to the SMF type (i.e., a first network function profile corresponding to the first network function type) from the NRF. In addition, the AMF may further send a first parameter for selecting an SMF to the NRF. The first parameter is, for example, current location information of the terminal device, a slice instance identifier corresponding to the PDU session, and a network data name. The NRF sends the SMF profile corresponding to the SMF type to the AMF based on the SMF type and the first parameter from the AMF. The AMF may establish a PDU session for the terminal device based on the SMF profile from the NRF.

[0197] Subsequently, if the AMF needs to further select a BSF to maintain the correspondence between the user IP address and the serving network element function, and the pre-configured policy requires selecting a BSF co-located with the SMF, the AMF may send an integration attribute a and a BSF type to the NRF based on the profile of the SMF from the NRF, and the integration attribute a and the BSF type are used by the AMF to request a profile including the integration attribute a and corresponding to the BSF type to the NRF. In response, the NRF sends a profile including the integration attribute a and corresponding to the BSF type, i.e., the profile of the BSF, to the AMF. The AMF determines the integration of the SMF and the BSF based on the integration attribute a in the profile of the SMF and the integration attribute a in the profile of the BSF. The AMF selects a BSF to maintain the correspondence between the user IP address and the serving network element function.

[0198] In addition, the NRF may not only send the profile of the SMF to the AMF, but also send the profile of the BSF with the same integration attribute a as the profile of the SMF to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF may determine the integration of the SMF and the BSF based on the integration attribute a in the profile of the SMF and the integration attribute a in the profile of the BSF. The AMF and the BSF in the integrated deployment function are selected.

[0199] It should be noted that the requesting network function may further send an integration network function preference indication to the NRF, which instructs the NRF to preferentially select a network function profile including an integration indication for the requesting network function. Specifically, the network function preference indication may instruct the requesting network function to receive a network function profile including an integration indication from the NRF if the network function profile includes an integration indication, or to receive a network function profile not including an integration indication from the NRF if the network function profile does not include an integration indication. Correspondingly, the NRF may further receive an integration network function preference indication sent by the requesting network function, which instructs the NRF to preferentially select a network function profile including an integration indication for the requesting network function. Specifically, the network function priority instruction may instruct the requesting network function to send a profile of a network function that includes an integration instruction to the requesting network function if the profile of the network function includes an integration instruction, or to send a profile of a network function that does not include an integration instruction to the requesting network function if the profile of the network function does not include an integration instruction.

[0200] This is explained as follows: A requesting network function sends a first network function type and an integration network function preference indication to the NRF. The NRF first determines whether a network function profile corresponding to the first network function type and including an integration indication (i.e., a first indication) exists in the current profile of the network function. If a network function profile corresponding to the first network function type and including an integration indication exists, the NRF may feed back to the requesting network function the network function profile corresponding to the first network function type and including an integration indication. In this example, if the NRF determines that only network function profiles corresponding to the first network function type but not including an integration indication exist, the NRF may feed back to the requesting network function the network function profile corresponding to the first network function type but not including an integration indication.

[0201] In addition, the requesting network function sends the second network function type, the integration indication, and the integration network function preference indication to the NRF. The NRF first determines whether a profile of a network function including the second network function type and the integration indication exists in the current profile of the network function. If a profile of a network function including the second network function type and the integration indication exists, the NRF may feed back to the requesting network function the profile of the network function corresponding to the second network function type and the integration indication. In this example, if the NRF determines that only a profile of a network function corresponding to the second network function type but not including an integration indication exists, the NRF may feed back to the requesting network function the profile of a network function corresponding to the second network function type but not including an integration indication.

[0202] In this application, the requesting network function sends an integration network function priority indication to the NRF to instruct the NRF to preferentially select a profile of a network function that includes an integration indication, which helps to avoid the problem that when the profile of the network function does not include an integration indication, the NRF does not feed back the profile of the network function to the requesting network function, thereby interrupting the communication of the terminal device, and helps to improve the success rate of the requesting network function to obtain the profile of the network function through a request.

[0203] In the above technical solution, the requesting network function requests a profile of a first network function having a first network function type from the network repository function. The profile of the first network function includes a first instruction, and the first instruction instructs the joint deployment of the first network function and the second network function, so that the requesting network function can determine the joint deployment of the first network function with another network function. In this way, the requesting network function requests a network function that is co-deployed with another network function from the network repository function. This helps to implement the joint deployment of multiple network functions, reduce deployment costs and complexity, and provide a more flexible network function deployment manner. In addition, the communication delay between the co-deployed first network function and the second network function is short. This helps to optimize the service experience of the terminal device. The above technical solution can provide a general method for discovering co-deployed network functions, and any type of network function that is co-deployed in a 5G network can be discovered by the requesting network function by using the above technical solution.

[0204] The present application further provides another registration procedure. Different from the first network function registering the profile of the first network function to the NRF by the first network function in Fig. 2, in the present application, the integrated network function may register the profile of the integrated network function to the NRF. For details, please refer to the registration flow chart shown in Fig. 5.

[0205] Step 501: The integration network function sends a third registration request to the NRF.

[0206] The third registration request includes a profile of the integration network function, and the profile of the integration network function may include network function types of the plurality of network functions in the integration network function. The network function types of the plurality of network functions indicate that the plurality of network functions are co-deployed in the integration network function. For example, when the profile of the integration network function includes a first network function type and one or more other network function types, it indicates that the network functions respectively corresponding to the first network function type and the one or more other network function types are co-deployed in the integration network function.

[0207] Step 502: The NRF sends a third registration success response to the integration network function. For example, after storing the profile of the integration network function, the NRF may send a third registration success response to the integration network function, where the third registration success response indicates that the profile of the integration network function has been successfully registered.

[0208] In the present application, the network function types of the plurality of network functions in the profile of the integration network function may alternatively be understood as an integration indication, where the integration indication indicates that the plurality of network functions are deployed in the integration network function.

[0209] In the discovery procedure, the requesting network function may discover the first network function and the second network function from the NRF based on the network function types of the multiple network functions in the profile of the integrated network function.

[0210] Step 503: The requesting network function sends the first network function type and the second network function type to the NRF.

[0211] The first network function type and the second network function type are used by a requesting network function to request, from the NRF, a profile of an integrated network function corresponding to the first network function type and the second network function type. The multiple network function types in the profile include the first network function type and the second network function type.

[0212] In the present application, the requesting network function may further send a second parameter to the NRF, where the second parameter is a parameter for determining a profile of the integrated network function other than the first network function type and the second network function type. For example, the second parameter is location information of the terminal device, a service network identifier, a slice identifier corresponding to the PDU session, a network data name, etc.

[0213] In an optional embodiment, the requesting network function sends a fourth discovery request to the NRF, the fourth discovery request including the first network function type, the second network function type, and the second parameter, and the fourth discovery request is used by the requesting network function to request an integrated network function profile corresponding to the first network function type and the second network function type from the NRF. In addition, the requesting network function may alternatively first send the first network function type and the second network function type to the NRF and then send the second parameter to the NRF, or in another manner.

[0214] Step 504: The NRF sends to the requesting network function an integrated network function profile corresponding to the first network function type and the second network function type.

[0215] In the present application, not only a profile of a single network function may be registered, but also profiles of multiple integrated network functions may be registered in the NRF. Each profile of the integrated network function may include network function types of multiple network functions deployed in the integrated network function, network element information of the integrated network function, service information corresponding to each of the multiple network functions, etc.

[0216] In an optional embodiment, the NRF may determine an integrated network function profile including both the first network function type and the second network function type based on the first network function type and the second network function type requested by the requesting network function, and send the integrated network function profile including both the first network function type and the second network function type to the requesting network function. In an optional embodiment, the NRF may further receive a second parameter sent by the requesting network function, and determine an integrated network function profile corresponding to the first network function type and the second network function type based on the first network function type, the second network function type, and the second parameter.

[0217] In an optional embodiment, the NRF may receive a fourth discovery request from the requesting network function and determine a profile of the corresponding integrated network function based on the first network function type, the second network function type, and the second parameter in the fourth discovery request. Alternatively, the NRF may receive multiple requests from the requesting network function and determine a profile of the corresponding integrated network function based on the first network function type, the second network function type, and the second parameter obtained from the multiple requests.

[0218] In an optional embodiment, the NRF may include the determined integrated network function profile in a fourth discovery response corresponding to the fourth discovery request and send the fourth discovery response to the requesting network function.

[0219] In the present application, if the NRF is unable to determine a profile of an integrated network function that includes both a first network function type and a second network function type, the NRF may further send a profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type to the requesting network function and send a profile of the second network function corresponding to the second network function type to the requesting network function.

[0220] In the above example, only the example is used in which the requesting network function sends two function types (i.e., a first network function type and a second network function type) to the NRF. The present application is also applicable to a scenario in which the requesting network function sends multiple network function types to the NRF. For example, multiple integration network functions are deployed in the NRF, including integration network function 1 and integration network function 2. The profile of the integration network function 1 includes network function type a, network function type b, and network function type c corresponding to network function 11, network function 12, and network function 13, respectively. The profile of the integration network function 2 includes network function type a and network function type b corresponding to network function 21 and network function 22, respectively. For example, when the AMF sends network function type a, network function type b, and network function type c to the NRF, the NRF may send the profile of the integration network function 1 to the AMF. In another example, when the AMF sends network function type a and network function type b to the NRF, the NRF may send profiles of integrated network function 1 and / or integrated network function 2 to the AMF.

[0221] To better describe this embodiment of the present application, the following describes the method in the present application with reference to a specific scenario: a first network function is an NSSF, a second network function is an NSSAAF, the NSSF and the NSSAAF are co-located in an integrated network function B, and a requesting network function is an AMF.

[0222] The network element registration process is as follows:

[0223] The integration network function B sends a registration request for the integration network function B to the NRF, where the registration request for the integration network function B includes a profile for the integration network function B, where the profile for the integration network function B includes an NSSF type and an NSSAAF type, where the NSSF type and the NSSAAF type indicate that the NSSF and the NSSAAF are co-deployed in the integration network function B. Furthermore, the profile for the integration network function B further includes network element information for the integration network function B, service information for the NSSF, and service information for the NSSAAF. For example, the network element information for the integration network function B includes an instance identifier (e.g., NF Instance ID3) corresponding to both the first network function and the second network function, service location information, a supported slice list, a service network identifier, etc. The service information for the NSSF includes a service name, a service version, a service IP address, a service instance identifier, etc. supported by the NSSAAF. The service information for the NSSAAF includes a service name, a service version, a service IP address, a service instance identifier, etc. supported by the NSSAAF. In response, the NRF stores the profile of integrated network function B and sends a registration success response to integrated network function B.

[0224] The network element discovery process is as follows:

[0225] The AMF sends the NSSF type and the NSSAAF type to the NRF, which causes the AMF to request a profile of the integrated network function B corresponding to the NSSF type and the NSSAAF type from the NRF. In addition, the AMF may further send a second parameter for selecting the integrated network function to the NRF, where the second parameter may be location information of the terminal device, a slice identifier, a network identifier, etc. The NRF sends the profile of the integrated network function B to the AMF based on the NSSF type, the NSSAAF type, and the second parameter from the AMF. The AMF may select the NSSF and the NSSAAF based on the profile of the integrated network function B from the NRF.

[0226] In the above technical solution, the requesting network function requests a profile of an integrated network function having a first network function type and a second network function type from the network repository function. The profile is a profile of an integrated deployment of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type and a second network function corresponding to the second network function type. In this way, an integrated deployment of multiple network functions is implemented, and the requesting network function may obtain the profile of the integrated network function through the request. This helps to reduce deployment costs and complexity and provide a more flexible network function deployment manner. In addition, the communication delay between the first network function and the second network function that are co-deployed is short. This helps to optimize the service experience of the terminal device. The above technical solution can provide a general method for discovering co-deployed network functions, and any type of network function that is co-deployed in a 5G network may be discovered by the requesting network function by using the above technical solution.

[0227] Based on the above and the same concept, Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of possible communication device structures according to the present application. The communication device may be configured to implement the functions of the network repository function, the requesting network function, the first network function, or the integration network function in the above method embodiments, and thus can also implement the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 6, the communication device 600 includes a processing unit 601 and a transceiver unit 602 .

[0229] When the communication device 600 is configured to perform the functionality of the network repository functionality in the method embodiments associated with FIGS. 2 to 4: The processing unit 601 is configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to receive a first network function type from a requesting network function.

[0230] The processing unit 601 is configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to send a profile of a first network function corresponding to a first network function type to a requesting network function, the profile of the first network function including a first instruction, the first instruction instructing an integrated deployment of the first network function and a second network function, the first network function and the second network function having different network function types.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the first indication includes an instance identifier of the second network function.

[0232] In one possible embodiment, the processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to receive an instance identifier of the second network function from the requesting network function and to transmit a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function to the requesting network function.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the first instruction further comprises a second network function type of the second network function. The processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to receive the second network function type from the requesting network function.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the first indication includes an integration attribute.

[0235] In one possible embodiment, the processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to transmit a profile of the second network function to the requesting network function, the profile of the second network function including the integration attribute.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to receive from the requesting network function the integration attribute and a second network function type of the second network function.

[0237] In one possible embodiment, the processing unit 601 is further configured to receive a first registration request from the first network function, the first registration request including a profile of the first network function, and to control the transceiver unit 602 to send a first registration success response to the first network function.

[0238] In one possible embodiment, the processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to receive an integration network function preference indication from the requesting network function, the integration network function preference indication instructing the transceiver unit 602 to send a profile of the network function including an integration indication to the requesting network function if the profile of the network function includes an integration indication, or to send a profile of the network function not including an integration indication to the requesting network function if the profile of the network function does not include an integration indication.

[0239] When the communication device 600 is configured to perform the functionality of the requesting network function in the method embodiments related to Figures 2 to 4, The processing unit 601 is configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to transmit the first network capability type to a network repository capability.

[0240] The processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to receive a first network function profile corresponding to the first network function type from the network repository function, the first network function profile including first instructions, the first instructions instructing an integrated deployment of the first network function and a second network function, the first network function and the second network function having different network function types.

[0241] In one possible implementation, the first indication includes an instance identifier of the second network function.

[0242] In one possible embodiment, the processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to send an instance identifier of the second network function to a network repository function and to receive from the network repository function a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the first instruction further includes a second network function type of the second network function. The processing unit 601 is further configured to determine an integrated deployment of the first network function and the second network function based on the second network function type and to control the transceiver unit 602 to send the second network function type to the network repository function.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the first indication includes an integration attribute.

[0245] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to receive a profile of the second network capability from the network repository capability, the profile of the second network capability including the integration attributes.

[0246] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to transmit the integration attribute and the second network function type of the second network function to the network repository function.

[0247] In one possible embodiment, the processing unit 601 is further configured to determine an integrated deployment of the first network function and the second network function based on integration attributes in the profile of the second network function and integration attributes in the profile of the first network function.

[0248] In one possible embodiment, the processing unit 601 is further configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to send an integration network function preference indication to the network repository function, the integration network function preference indication instructing the transceiver unit 602 to receive a profile of the network function including an integration indication from the network repository function if the profile of the network function includes an integration indication, or to receive a profile of the network function not including an integration indication from the network repository function if the profile of the network function does not include an integration indication.

[0249] When the communication device 600 is configured to perform the functionality of the first network function in the method embodiment related to Figures 2 to 4, The processing unit 601 is configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to send a first registration request to a network repository function, the first registration request including a profile of the first network function, the profile of the first network function including first instructions, the first instructions instructing an integrated deployment of the first network function and a second network function, the first network function and the second network function having different network function types, and to receive a first registration success response from the network repository function.

[0250] When the communication device 600 is configured to perform the functionality of the network repository functionality in the method embodiment associated with FIG. The processing unit 601 is configured to receive a first network function type and a second network function type from a requesting network function and control the transceiver unit 602 to send an integrated network function profile to the requesting network function, where the integrated network function profile is a profile of an integrated deployment of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type and a second network function corresponding to the second network function type, where the first network function type is different from the second network function type.

[0251] In one possible embodiment, the processing unit 601 is further configured to receive a third registration request from the integration network function, the third registration request including an integration network function profile, the integration network function profile including the first network function type and the second network function type, and control the transceiver unit 602 to send a second registration success response to the integration network function.

[0252] In one possible implementation, the integrated network function profile further includes an instance identifier corresponding to both the first network function and the second network function.

[0253] When the communication device 600 is configured to perform the functionality of the requesting network function in the method embodiment associated with FIG. The processing unit 601 is configured to control the transceiver unit 602 to send a first network function type and a second network function type to a network repository function and to receive an integrated network function profile from the network repository function, the integrated network function profile being a profile of an integrated deployment of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type and a second network function corresponding to the second network function type, wherein the first network function type is different from the second network function type.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the integrated network function profile further includes an instance identifier corresponding to both the first network function and the second network function.

[0255] When the communication device 600 is configured to perform the functionality of the integrated network function in the method embodiment related to FIG. The processing unit 601 is configured to send a third registration request to the network repository function, the third registration request including an integrated network function profile, the integrated network function profile being a profile of an integrated deployment of a first network function corresponding to a first network function type and a second network function corresponding to a second network function type, the first network function type being different from the second network function type, and control the transceiver unit 602 to receive a third registration success response from the network repository function.

[0256] Figure 7 illustrates an apparatus 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus illustrated in Figure 7 may be an implementation of the hardware circuit of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 6. The apparatus is applicable to the above-mentioned flow charts and performs the functions in the above-mentioned method embodiments. For ease of explanation, Figure 7 illustrates only the main components of the apparatus.

[0257] The apparatus 700 shown in FIG. 7 includes a communication interface 710, a processor 720, and a memory 730. The memory 730 is configured to store program instructions and / or data. The processor 720 may operate in cooperation with the memory 730. The processor 720 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 730. When the instructions or programs stored in the memory 730 are executed, the processor 720 is configured to perform the operations performed by the processing unit 601 in the above-mentioned embodiments, and the communication interface 710 is configured to perform the operations performed by the transceiver unit 602 in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0258] The memories 730 are coupled to the processor 720. A coupling in this embodiment of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, in electrical, mechanical, or other form, for the exchange of information between the devices, units, or modules. At least one of the memories 730 may be included in the processor 720.

[0259] In this embodiment of the present application, the communication interface may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, a pin, or any type of communication interface. In this embodiment of the present application, if the communication interface is a transceiver, the transceiver may include a separate receiver and a separate transmitter, or may be a transceiver or a communication interface integrated with a transceiver function.

[0260] The device 700 may further include a communication line 740. The communication interface 710, the processor 720, and the memory 730 may be connected to each other via the communication line 740. The communication line 740 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The communication line 740 may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one thick line is used in the representation of FIG. 7, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0261] Based on the above and the same concept, the present application provides a communication device, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to receive a signal from a communication device other than the communication device and transmit the signal to the processor, or transmit a signal from the processor to a communication device other than the communication device. The processor is configured to perform the functions of the network repository function, the requesting network function, or the first network function in the method embodiment related to Figures 2 to 4 by using logic circuits or by executing code instructions, or to perform the functions of the network repository function, the requesting network function, or the integrated network function in the method embodiment related to Figure 5.

[0262] Based on the above and the same concept, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a communication device, the function of the network repository function, the requesting network function, or the first network function in the method embodiment related to Figure 2 to Figure 4 is performed, or the function of the network repository function, the requesting network function, or the integrated network function in the method embodiment related to Figure 5 is performed.

[0263] Based on the above and the same concept, the present application provides a communication system including a network repository function, a requesting network function, and a first network function in the method embodiments related to Figures 2 to 4, or including the functions of a network repository function, a requesting network function, or an integrated network function in the method embodiments related to Figure 5.

[0264] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following items (moieties)" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item (moiety) or multiple items (moieties). For example, at least one of a, b, or c may refer to a, b, c, "a and b," "a and c," "b and c," or "a, b and c," where a, b, and c may be singular or plural. "And / or" describes an association relationship between associated objects, and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the cases where only A is present, where both A and B are present, and where only B is present, where A and B may be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between associated objects. In the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division by" relationship between associated objects.

[0265] It should be understood that the various numbers in the embodiments of the present application are only used for distinction to facilitate description, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The sequential numbers of the above processes do not imply the execution order. The execution order of the processes should be determined according to the functions and internal logic of the processes.

[0266] It is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of protection of this application. This application is intended to include those modifications and variations of this application as long as they are within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalent technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0267] 0 Profile, network function, network function type 1. Integrated Attributes, Profiles, and Integrated Network Functions 2 Profile, instance identifier, integrated network function, network function type 3 Profile, instance identifier, network function, and network function type 11 Network Functions 12 Network Functions 13 Network Functions 21 Network Functions 22 Network Functions 600 Communication Equipment 601 Processing Unit 602 Transceiver Unit 700 equipment 710 Communication Interface 720 Processor 730 Memory 740 Communication Lines

Claims

1. receiving, by a network repository function, a first network function type from a requesting network function; sending, by the network repository function, to the requesting network function a profile of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type, the profile of the first network function including first instructions, the first instructions instructing an integrated deployment of the first network function and a second network function, the first instructions including an instance identifier of the second network function, and the first network function and the second network function having different network function types; receiving, by the network repository function, the instance identifier of the second network function from the requesting network function; sending, by the network repository function, to the requesting network function, a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function; A communication method comprising:

2. The first instruction further includes a second network function type of the second network function, the method further comprising: The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving, by the network repository function, the second network function type from the requesting network function.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first indication includes an integration attribute.

4. The method of claim 1 or 3, wherein the profile of the second network function includes integration attributes.

5. receiving, by the network repository function, from the requesting network function, the integration attribute and a second network function type of the second network function.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

6. receiving, by the network repository function, a first registration request from the first network function, the first registration request including the profile of the first network function; sending, by the network repository function, a first registration success response to the first network function; 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

7. receiving, by the network repository function, an integration network function preference indication from the requesting network function, the integration network function preference indication instructing the network repository function to preferentially select a profile of a network function that includes an integration indication; 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

8. sending, by a requesting network function, a first network function type to a network repository function; receiving, by the requesting network function, from the network repository function, a profile of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type, the profile of the first network function including first instructions, the first instructions indicating an integrated deployment of the first network function with a second network function, the first instructions including an instance identifier of the second network function, and the first network function and the second network function having different network function types; sending, by the requesting network function, the instance identifier of the second network function to the network repository function; receiving, by the requesting network function, from the network repository function, a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function; A communication method comprising:

9. The first instruction further includes a second network function type of the second network function, the method further comprising: The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of sending, by the requesting network function, the second network function type to the network repository function.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first indication includes an integration attribute.

11. A method as described in claim 8 or 10, wherein the profile of the second network function includes integration attributes.

12. sending, by the requesting network function, the integration attribute and a second network function type of the second network function to the network repository function.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

13. determining, by the requesting network function, the integration placement of the first network function and the second network function based on the integration attributes in the profile of the second network function and the integration attributes in the profile of the first network function.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising:

14. sending, by the requesting network function, an integration network function preference indication to the network repository function, the integration network function preference indication instructing the network repository function to preferentially select a profile of a network function that includes an integration indication; 14. The method of any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising:

15. sending, by a requesting network function, a first network function type to a network repository function; receiving, by the network repository function, the first network function type from the requesting network function; sending, by the network repository function, to the requesting network function, a first network function profile corresponding to the first network function type; receiving, by the requesting network function, from the network repository function, the profile of the first network function corresponding to the first network function type; sending, by the requesting network function, an instance identifier of a second network function to the network repository function; receiving, by the network repository function, the instance identifier of the second network function from the requesting network function; sending, by the network repository function, to the requesting network function, a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function; receiving, by the requesting network function, from the network repository function, the profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function; Including, 11. A method of communication, wherein the profile of the first network function includes first instructions, the first instructions instructing an integrated deployment of the first network function with the second network function, the first instructions including the instance identifier of the second network function, and the first network function and the second network function having different network function types.

16. a processing unit configured to control the transceiver unit to receive a first network function type from a requesting network function; Equipped with the processing unit is configured to control the transceiver unit to send to the requesting network function a profile of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type, the profile of the first network function including first instructions, the first instructions instructing an integrated deployment of the first network function and a second network function, the first instructions including an instance identifier of the second network function, and the first network function and the second network function having different network function types; 2. A communications device comprising: a first network function that is connected to a first network function and a second network function that is connected to a second network function;

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first instruction further includes a second network function type of the second network function, and the processing unit is further configured to control the transceiver unit to receive the second network function type from the requesting network function.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the first indication includes an integration attribute.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 or 18, wherein the profile of the second network function includes integration attributes.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processing unit is further configured to control the transceiver unit to receive the integration attribute and a second network function type of the second network function from the requesting network function.

21. 21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the processing unit is further configured to: receive a first registration request from the first network function, the first registration request including the profile of the first network function, and control the transceiver unit to send a first registration success response to the first network function.

22. 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the processing unit is further configured to control the transceiver unit to receive an integration network function preference indication from the requesting network function, the integration network function preference indication instructing the apparatus to preferentially select a profile of a network function that includes an integration indication.

23. a processing unit configured to control the transceiver unit to transmit the first network function type to a network repository function; Equipped with the processing unit is further configured to control the transceiver unit to receive from the network repository function a profile of a first network function corresponding to the first network function type, the profile of the first network function including first instructions, the first instructions instructing an integrated deployment of the first network function and a second network function, the first instructions including an instance identifier of the second network function, and the first network function and the second network function having different network function types; The communications device, wherein the processing unit is further configured to control the transceiver unit to send the instance identifier of the second network function to the network repository function and to receive from the network repository function a profile of the second network function corresponding to the instance identifier of the second network function.

24. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the first instructions further include a second network function type of the second network function, and the processing unit is further configured to control the transceiver unit to transmit the second network function type to the network repository function.

25. The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the first indication includes an integration attribute.

26. An apparatus as described in claim 23 or 25, wherein the profile of the second network function includes integration attributes.

27. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the processing unit is further configured to control the transceiver unit to transmit the integration attribute and a second network function type of the second network function to the network repository function.

28. 28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine the integration deployment of the first network function and the second network function based on the integration attributes in the profile of the second network function and integration attributes in the profile of the first network function.

29. 29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the processing unit is further configured to control the transceiver unit to send an integration network function preference indication to the network repository function, the integration network function preference indication instructing the network repository function to preferentially select a profile of a network function that includes the integration indication.

30. A communication device comprising a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface configured to receive a signal from a communication device other than the communication device and to transmit the signal to the processor or to transmit a signal from the processor to a communication device other than the communication device, the processor configured to implement a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 by using logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

31. A communication device comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a signal from a communication device other than the communication device and transmit the signal to the processor or transmit a signal from the processor to a communication device other than the communication device, and wherein the processor is configured to implement a method according to any one of claims 8 to 14 by using logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

32. 8. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program or instructions which, when executed by a communication device, performs a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

33. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, the computer-readable storage medium causing a method according to any one of claims 8 to 14 to be performed when the computer program or instructions are executed by a communication device.

34. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a communications device, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 7 to be performed.

35. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a communications device, cause a method according to any one of claims 8 to 14 to be performed.

36. A communication system comprising a communication device according to any one of claims 16 to 22 and a communication device according to any one of claims 23 to 29.

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