User plane path establishment method and apparatus, communication device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a user plane path establishment method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: a first network element determines first information, wherein the first information is used for establishing a user plane path, and one end of the user plane path is an access network device; the first network element determines a second network element on the basis of the first information, wherein the second network element is used for establishing a user plane path; and the first network element sends a first message to a third network element, wherein the first message comprises: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, and the indication information is used for indicating establishment of the user plane path. The method of the present disclosure can effectively improve the transmission efficiency of service data from an access network device.

Description

User plane path establishment method and device, communication equipment, communication system, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for establishing a user plane path, communication equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the integrated sensing and communication service, the terminal can be used as a transmitter or receiver, or the access network device can be used as a transmitter or receiver. There are six perception modes. In perception mode 1, one terminal acts as both a transmitter and a receiver. In perception mode 2, one terminal-1 acts as a transmitter and another terminal-2 acts as a receiver. In perception mode 3, one access network device acts as both a transmitter and a receiver. In perception mode 4, one access network device-1 acts as a transmitter and another access network device-2 acts as a receiver. In perception mode 5, one access network device acts as a transmitter and one terminal acts as a receiver. In perception mode 6, one terminal acts as a transmitter and one access network device acts as a receiver.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a user plane path establishment method and apparatus, equipment, chip system, storage medium, computer program, and computer program product, which can be applied in the field of communication technology to solve the technical problem of "low transmission efficiency of service data from access network equipment."

[0005] The present disclosure provides a user plane path establishment method and apparatus, communication equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for establishing a user plane path is proposed, which is executed by a first network element and includes: determining first information, wherein the first information is used to establish a user plane path, and one end of the user plane path is an access network device; determining a second network element based on the first information, wherein the second network element is used to establish the user plane path; and sending a first message to a third network element, wherein the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, and the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of the user plane path.

[0007] According to the second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for establishing a user plane path is proposed, which is executed by a third network element, including: receiving a first message sent by a first network element, wherein the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the second network element is selected based on the first information; sending a fourth message to the access network device, wherein the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information.

[0008] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for establishing a user plane path is proposed, which is executed by an access network device, including: receiving a fourth message sent by a third network element, wherein the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path, and one end of the user plane path is the access network device.

[0009] According to the fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for establishing a user plane path is proposed, including: a first network element determines first information, determines a second network element based on the first information, and sends a first message to a third network element, wherein the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, the second network element is used to establish the user plane path, the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of the user plane path; the third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element, and sends a fourth message to the access network device, wherein the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information; the access network device receives the fourth message sent by the third network element, and sends a fifth message to the third network element, wherein the fifth message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device, and the access network tunnel information is used to establish the user plane path; the third network element receives the fifth message sent by the access network device, and sends a second message to the first network element, wherein the second message includes: access network tunnel information.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for establishing a user plane path is proposed, including: a first network element determines a third network element based on first information, the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and sends a first request message to the third network element, the first request message is used to request to obtain access network tunnel information of the access network device, the third network element sends a second request message to the access network device, the second request message is used to request to obtain access network tunnel information of the access network device, the access network device receives the second request message sent by the third network element, and sends a first response message to the third network element, the first response message is used to indicate the access network tunnel information, the third network element receives the first response message, and sends a second response message to the first network element, the second response message is used to indicate the access network tunnel information, and the first network element receives the second response message sent by the third network element.

[0011] According to the sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user plane path establishment device is proposed, including: a transceiver module, used to determine first information and send a first message to a third network element, wherein the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of the user plane path, and the second network element is used to establish the user plane path; a processing module, used to determine the second network element based on the first information.

[0012] According to the seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user plane path establishment device is proposed, including: a transceiver module, used to receive a first message sent by a first network element, wherein the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, the second network element is selected based on the first information, and sends a fourth message to the access network device, wherein the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information; or receives a fourth message sent by a third network element, wherein the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path, and one end of the user plane path is an access network device.

[0013] According to the eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is proposed, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions so that the communication device executes the user plane path establishment method of any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the fifth aspect.

[0014] According to the ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, characterized in that it includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, and an access network device, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the user plane path establishment method of the first aspect, the third network element is configured to implement the user plane path establishment method of the second aspect, and the access network device is configured to implement the user plane path establishment method of the third aspect.

[0015] According to the ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions, and is characterized in that when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes a user plane path establishment method such as any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, and the fifth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present disclosure or the background technology will be described below.

[0017] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a perception mode in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG3A is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG3B is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG3C is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG3D is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG3E is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG4A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG4B is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG4C is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG5A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG5B is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG5C is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG6 is an interactive schematic diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG7 is an interactive schematic diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG8A is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG8B is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG9A is a schematic structural diagram of a device for establishing a user plane path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG9B is a schematic structural diagram of a device for establishing a user plane path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG10A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG10B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure provides a user plane path establishment method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the user plane path establishment method, information processing method, and communication method are interchangeable; the user plane path establishment apparatus, information processing apparatus, and communication apparatus are interchangeable; and the information processing system and communication system are interchangeable.

[0039] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0040] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0041] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0042] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English are used in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0043] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0044] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "at least one of", "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0045] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, descriptions such as “at least one of A, B, C…”, “A and / or B and / or C…”, etc. include the situation where any one of A, B, C… exists alone, and also include any combination of any multiple of A, B, C…, and each situation can exist alone; for example, “at least one of A, B, C” includes the situation where A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of A, B, and C; for example, A and / or B includes the situation where A exists alone, B exists alone, and the combination of A and B.

[0046] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "in one case A, in another case B," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B," may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: executing A independently of B (in some embodiments, A); executing B independently of A (in some embodiments, B); selectively executing A and B (in some embodiments, selecting between A and B); and executing both A and B (in some embodiments, A and B). The same applies when there are more branches, such as A, B, and C.

[0047] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0048] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0049] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0050] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0051] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0052] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (eg, access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.).

[0053] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0054] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0055] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0056] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0057] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0058] The correspondences shown in the tables of the present disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values, which are not limited by the present disclosure. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, in the tables of the present disclosure, the correspondences shown in certain rows may not be configured. For another example, appropriate deformation adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the titles of the above tables may also adopt other names that can be understood by the communication device, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters may also adopt other values ​​or representations that can be understood by the communication device. When implementing the above tables, other data structures may also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables or hash tables, etc.

[0059] The predefined in the present disclosure may be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0060] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , the communication system 100 may include an access network device 101 , a core network device 102 , and a first service server 103 .

[0061] In some embodiments, the access network device 101 is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0063] In some embodiments, the core network device 102 may be a single device including a first network element 1021, a second network element 1022, a third network element 1023, etc., or may be a plurality of devices or a device group including all or part of the first network element 1021, the second network element 1022, and the third network element 1023. The network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0064] In some embodiments, the first network element 1021 is, for example, a session management function (SMF) network element.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first network element 1021 is used to provide session management functions, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second network element 1022 is, for example, a user plane function (UPF) network element.

[0067] In some embodiments, the second network element 1022 is used to provide user plane functions, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0068] In some embodiments, the third network element 1023 is, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0069] In some embodiments, the third network element 1023 is used to provide access and mobility management functions, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0070] The first service server 103 may be, for example, an application server, a network function (NF) element of a core network, or a third-party server. The first service server 103 may be used to provide a first service, such as a perception service, or other services.

[0071] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0072] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in Figure 1, or may include other entities outside of Figure 1. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0073] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future Generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.17 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.18 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.19 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.21 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.22 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.23 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.24 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.25 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.26 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.27 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.28 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.29 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.30 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.31 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.32 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.33 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other user plane path establishment methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these systems. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0074] To facilitate understanding, the terms involved in this disclosure are first introduced.

[0075] 1. Access and mobility management function (AMF) network element.

[0076] The AMF network element is a logical node function network element on the core network side. It is the access point for the terminal and wireless core network control plane. It receives all connection and session related information from the user equipment and performs registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management. In addition, the AMF network element provides a session management message transmission channel for the terminal equipment and the session management function (SMF) device, providing authentication and authorization functions for user access.

[0077] 2. Location management function (LMF) network element.

[0078] The LMF is located in the local radio access network (RAN) or the core network (CN) side and is used to provide location management function services to the UE.

[0079] 3. User plane function (UPF) network elements, including routing and forwarding of user data packets, data interaction with external data networks, user plane quality of service (QoS) processing, and flow control rule implementation (such as gating, redirection, and traffic steering).

[0080] Optionally, in the integrated sensing and communication service, the terminal can be used as a transmitter or receiver, or the access network device can be used as a transmitter or receiver. There are six perception modes, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the perception mode in an embodiment of the present disclosure, taking the terminal as a UE and the access network device as a gNB as an example. In perception mode 1, one UE acts as both a transmitter and a receiver. In perception mode 2, one UE-1 acts as a transmitter and another UE-2 acts as a receiver. In perception mode 3, one gNB acts as both a transmitter and a receiver. In perception mode 4, one gNB-1 acts as a transmitter and another gNB-2 acts as a receiver. In perception mode 5, one gNB acts as a transmitter and one UE acts as a receiver. In perception mode 6, one UE acts as a transmitter and one gNB acts as a receiver.

[0081] Optionally, in the case shown in Figure 2, the gNB acts as a receiving end and collects 3GPP service data under perception mode 3, perception mode 4, and perception mode 6.

[0082] Optionally, some gNBs equipped with radars or cameras may have non-3GPP sensing capabilities, enabling sensing by sending non-3GPP service data to a sensor server. Non-3GPP sensing capabilities refer to the ability to sense based on non-3GPP wireless signals (e.g., radar, camera, or Wi-Fi signals). Non-3GPP sensing service data refers to service data generated by sensing based on non-3GPP wireless signals.

[0083] Optionally, the user plane path is established between the terminal and the data network DN through a protocol data unit (PDU) session management mechanism. The PDU session management mechanism mainly includes: PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and PDU session release.

[0084] Optionally, the terminal may initiate establishment of a PDU session through a non-access stratum (NAS) message, and the core network device (eg, a session management function SMF network element) may implement the session management function.

[0085] Optionally, the access network device can use the user plane path of an existing PDU session to transmit PDU data packets, for example, forwarding the PDU data packet sent by the terminal to the core network device (for example, the user plane function UPF network element), and the core network device then forwards the PDU data packet to the service server identified by the destination address of the PDU data packet.

[0086] One end of the user plane path described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is an access network device. For example, the user plane path may include two ends, one of which is connected to the access network device, and the access network device is the device to which one end of the user plane path is connected, or, it can also be understood that the user plane path terminates at the access network device, or it can also be understood that the user plane path is a user plane path unrelated to the terminal, and the user plane connection based on the user plane path is different from the user plane connection currently originating from the terminal, and one end of the data of the user plane connection based on the user plane path terminates at the access network device, such as a service data packet packaged and sent by the access network device or the access network receives and parses the relevant service data packet. The user plane path is used to connect the access network and the data network, wherein the data network is the data network to which the first service server belongs, and the data network can be a dedicated data network of the first service server or a data network shared with other service servers.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, considering the large amount of business data, the business data originating from the access network device can be supported to be transmitted through the user plane path. Since the established user plane path can support the establishment of a user plane connection between the access network device and the business server, the user plane connection can be directly used to transmit the business data originating from the access network device to the business server, which greatly shortens the transmission path of the business data, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the business data originating from the access network device.

[0088] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a service data packet may be generated by an access network device and sent to a service server through a user plane for perception.

[0089] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, N1 information may be, for example, control plane information sent to a terminal. N1 information between the core network and the terminal may be forwarded by the (R)AN. N2 information may be, for example, control plane information between the (R)AN and the core network. The control plane interaction interface between the core network and the (R)AN is the N2 interface. N1 information sent from the core network to the terminal is sent to the (R)AN via the N2 interface, and then forwarded by the (R)AN to the terminal, and vice versa. N2 information sent from the core network to the (R)AN is sent to the (R)AN via the N2 interface, and vice versa.

[0090] The N1N2 information in the embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to N1 information and / or N2 information.

[0091] Figure 3A is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a communication system 100. In this embodiment, a user plane path can be established through a PDU session management mechanism. The user plane path can include two ends, one of which is connected to an access network device. The method includes:

[0092] Step S3101: The first service server sends first information to the first network element.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first service server may be, for example, an application server providing a first service, a network function (NF) element of a core network, or a third-party server. The first service server may be configured to provide the first service, such as a perception service, a positioning service, or other services, thereby enabling efficient forwarding of service data originating from an access network device to an NF element of the core network, or efficient forwarding of service data originating from an access network device to a third-party server.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first service server is, for example, a core network function providing a sensing service, such as an SF network element, or a core network function LMF network element providing a positioning service. In some embodiments, the first network element is, for example, an SMF network element.

[0095] In some embodiments, the access network device may be, for example, a Radio Access Network (RAN).

[0096] In some embodiments, the first service data may be, for example, data of a perception service (specifically, sensing data), or data of a positioning service (specifically, location data).

[0097] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of indication information, information of the access network device, the data network name DNN of the user plane path connection, single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI of the user plane path connection, information of the first service server, service area information, and service location information.

[0098] The indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path; or the indication information is used to indicate that the established user plane path is a specified user plane path, where one end of the specified user plane connection is an access network device. The establishment of the user plane path can be implicitly indicated by including information about the access network device in the indication information, or by including separate information in the indication information. The separate information can, for example, specify a specific user plane path type or PDU session type with one end terminating at the access network device, or can be implemented based on additional information that can specify the information (the information refers to the aforementioned specific user plane path type or PDU session type with one end terminating at the access network device). The transmission of the indication information within the core network and between access network devices can be implemented using different forms and parameters. In other words, the first network element can obtain the first information from the first service server and, based on the first information, specify that a user plane path needs to be established and that one end of the user plane path is an access network device.

[0099] Among them, the service area information is used to describe the target area of ​​the first service. Among them, the service location information is used to describe the target location of the first service. The service area information and / or service location information can be used to support the first network element to select a suitable network element that provides user plane functions based on the first information. The target area of ​​the first service may refer to the geographical area where the first service is effective. For example, if the first service is a perception service, the target area describes the location area that the perception service needs to perceive, such as a list of tracking area identifiers (TAI) or cell identifiers (CI) that need to be perceived, or a geographical location range. The target location of the first service may refer to the actual location where the first service is effective. For example, if the first service is a perception service, the target location describes the location information that the perception service needs to perceive. The indication information can be used to instruct the access network devices and each core network network element involved in establishing the user plane path to establish a user plane path with one end being the access network device.

[0100] The information of the first service server may be used to describe the first service server.

[0101] The information of the first business server includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first business server, the service area information of the first business server, the business information supported by the first business server, the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the first business server, the data network access identifier (DNAI) of the first business server, the data network name (DNN) of the first business server, and the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) supported by the first business server. The first business server can indicate the aforementioned information of various possible first business servers to the first network element, so that the first network element can obtain accurate information of the first business server to support the establishment of a user plane connection connecting the first business server and the access network device.

[0102] The information of the access network device can be used to describe the access network device. The information of the access network device includes an identifier of the access network device, an IP address of the access network device, functional information supported by the user plane connection, a list of cell identifiers (CI) supported by the access network device, a list of tracking area identifiers (TAI) supported by the access network device, and S-NSSAI supported by the access network device, so that the first network element can effectively obtain information about the access network device for which a user plane path needs to be established to support the establishment of the user plane path.

[0103] The functional information supported by the user plane connection includes the function of the access network device supporting the establishment of the user plane path and / or the function of the core network supporting the establishment of the user plane path. This information can be obtained based on local configuration information. Optionally, it can also be transmitted within the core network or when the core network element interacts with the access network. The information about the access network's ability to support this function can be included in the information of the access network device, or it can be included in other information, for example, it can be included in the extended radio access network capability parameter, or it can be an independent parameter.

[0104] In some embodiments, the user plane path can be used to establish a user plane connection, wherein the user plane connection is used to connect the access network device and the first service server, and the user plane connection is used to transmit the first service data, thereby achieving efficient transmission of service data originating from the access network device to the first service server.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first service server may send a sixth message to the first network element, where the sixth message may carry the first information. The first network element may then receive the sixth message sent by the first service server and obtain the first information from the sixth message.

[0106] Step S3102: The first network element allocates a session identifier for the established protocol data unit (PDU) session.

[0107] In some embodiments, the session identifier is used to identify a PDU session, and the PDU session is used to establish a user plane path.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first network element may allocate a session identifier for the established PDU session.

[0109] In some embodiments, the session identifier may be used to identify the PDU session.

[0110] The session identifier is used to identify the session terminated to the access network device in the access network device and the core network element, such as the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first network element can receive a session identifier sent by the first service server. That is, the session identifier is assigned by the first service server for the established PDU session, and the first network element can obtain the session identifier assigned for the established PDU session from the first service server. This can effectively improve the flexibility of obtaining session identifiers related to PDU sessions and is effectively applicable to personalized service application scenarios.

[0112] Step S3103: The first network element creates a session management (SM) context for the PDU session.

[0113] In some embodiments, the PDU session may be associated with the DNN of the first service.

[0114] In some embodiments, the PDU session may be associated with the S-NSSAI of the first service.

[0115] In some embodiments, the PDU session may be associated with information of the access network device.

[0116] In some embodiments, the PDU session may be associated with the DNN and S-NSSAI of the first service.

[0117] In some embodiments, the PDU session may be associated with the DNN of the first service and information of the access network device.

[0118] In some embodiments, the PDU session may be associated with the S-NSSAI of the first service and information of the access network device.

[0119] In some embodiments, the PDU session may be associated with the DNN, S-NSSAI, and access network device information of the first service.

[0120] In some embodiments, the PDU session is used to establish a user plane path that terminates to an access network device, and the PDU session is associated with the DNN and / or S-NSSAI of the first service and / or information of the access network device, so that the first network element can manage the PDU session accordingly (for example, modify or release the PDU session).

[0121] In some embodiments, the first network element may further create a session management (SM) context related to the PDU session, so as to establish a user plane path in the PDU session management mechanism based on the created SM context.

[0122] Step S3104: The first network element determines the second network element based on the first information.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second network element is, for example, a UPF network element.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first network element may select the second network element with reference to the first information.

[0125] In some embodiments, there may be multiple candidate second network elements, and the first network element may refer to the first information to select a suitable second network element. The second network element may be, for example, a UPF network element supporting the N3 interface, a protocol data unit session anchor (PDU session anchor, PSA) UPF network element, or an intermediate UPF network element.

[0126] In some embodiments, the second network element is used to establish a user plane path.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first network element can select the second network element by referring to at least one of the indication information, information of the access network device, information of the first service server, the data network name DNN of the user plane path connection, the single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI of the user plane path connection, the service area information and the service location information.

[0128] In some embodiments, step 3104 may be performed before step S3114.

[0129] Step S3105: The first network element selects a third network element according to the first information.

[0130] In some embodiments, the third network element is, for example, an AMF network element.

[0131] In some embodiments, there may be multiple candidate third network elements. The first network element may refer to the first information (e.g., information of the access network device) and / or the function of the access network device / core network supporting user plane path establishment to select a suitable third network element. In some embodiments, because the third network element is used to provide access and mobility management functions, the information of the access network device for which a user plane path needs to be established may be referred to to select a suitable third network element for the access network device.

[0132] In some embodiments, step S3105 may be performed before step S3106.

[0133] In some embodiments, there is no restriction on the execution order between step S3104 and step S3105.

[0134] Step S3106: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element, where the first message is used to transmit N1N2 information.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first network element may send a first message to the third network element, indicating core network tunnel information (Core Network tunnel info) of the second network element based on the first message, where the core network tunnel information is used to establish a user plane path. In some embodiments, the first message may further include instruction information, which may be used to instruct the access network device and each core network element involved in establishing the user plane path to establish a user plane path with one end terminating at the access network device.

[0136] In some embodiments, the core network tunnel information and indication information of the second network element can be carried in the first message, and the core network tunnel information of the second network element and the information indicating establishment of the user plane path can be indicated to the third network element by sending the first message to the third network element. In some embodiments, the indication information can be specifically used to indicate that the PDU session is used to establish the user plane path.

[0137] The disclosed embodiments can establish a user plane path with one end terminating at an access network device based on the PDU session establishment process. The SMF network element can initiate the establishment of a PDU session and indicate that the established PDU session is used to establish the user plane path. Furthermore, each core network function NF network element and (R)AN can maintain non-terminal related PDU sessions.

[0138] In other words, the PDU session is not related to the terminal, or the PDU session type is a dedicated type. The dedicated type may indicate that the PDU session is a type used to establish a user plane path terminated at one end to the access network device.

[0139] That is to say, in the process of establishing a user plane path through the PDU session management mechanism, the first network element can indicate to the third network element that the PDU session is used to establish the user plane path, so as to support the third network element to forward the indication information to the access network device, so that the access network device can accurately know the function of the PDU session.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first message may include: a requested Quality of Service (QoS) flow, user plane information of the first service server, and one or more relevant QoS parameters of the requested QoS flow. Since the first message is used to indicate the core network tunnel information and the PDU session function to the third network element, the indication overhead of the core network tunnel information and the PDU session function can be effectively reduced.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first message may be sent by the first network element by calling the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service. In some embodiments, the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service may support the NF network element of the core network to transmit downlink N2 information to the access network device through the AMF network element; the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service may not be used to transmit downlink N1 information to the terminal through the AMF network element.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first message is, for example, a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0143] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may invoke the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service to send N2 session management (SM) context information (referred to as N2 SM information) to the (R)AN via the AMF network element. The N2 SM information may include: core network tunnel information of the selected N3 UPF and indication information. In some embodiments, the N2 SM information may also include the requested QoS flow and / or user plane information of the SF network element (e.g., the IP address of the SF network element).

[0144] Step S3107: The third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first network element sends a first message to the third network element, where the first message is used to transmit N1N2 information. The third network element can receive the first message sent by the first network element and obtain indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element from the first message.

[0146] Step S3108: The third network element sends a fourth message to the access network device, where the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information.

[0147] In some embodiments, after the third network element learns the indication information and the core network tunnel information of the second network element from the first network element, the third network element may forward the indication information and the core network tunnel information of the second network element to the access network device. In some embodiments, the third network element may carry the indication information and the core network tunnel information of the second network element in a fourth message, and send the indication information and the core network tunnel information of the second network element to the access network device by sending the fourth message to the access network device, so that the access network device clearly understands that a user plane path needs to be established, and can refer to the core network tunnel information of the second network element during the process of establishing the user plane path.

[0148] In some embodiments, during the process of establishing a user plane path through the PDU session management mechanism, the fourth message may be an N2 interface message for requesting the establishment of a PDU session. In some embodiments, the fourth message may be, for example, an N2 PDU Session request message. In some embodiments, the fourth message may also include the aforementioned indication information, which is used to indicate that the PDU session is used to establish the user plane path. For example, the AMF network element may send an N2 PDU Session request message to the (R)AN. The N2 PDU Session request message may carry N2 SM information. The N2 SM information may include the aforementioned indication information and the core network tunnel information of the second network element.

[0149] Step S3109: The access network device receives the fourth message sent by the third network element.

[0150] In some embodiments, the access network device may receive a fourth message sent by the third network element.

[0151] In some embodiments, the (R)AN may learn from the fourth message that the PDU session is used to establish a user plane path terminating to the access network, and the (R)AN may not need to allocate wireless network resources for the PDU session. The (R)AN may create and maintain a context for the PDU session that is not associated with any terminal and establish a corresponding user plane path. In some embodiments, if the N2 SM information includes user plane information of the first service server (user plane information refers to information related to the first service server on the user plane, such as the IP address of the first service server), the (R)AN may be instructed to use the user plane information of the first service server to package the service data.

[0152] Step S3110: The access network device sends a fifth message to the third network element, where the fifth message includes: access network tunnel information.

[0153] In some embodiments, the access network device may further send a fifth message to the third network element to indicate access network tunnel information of the access network device based on the fifth message, where the access network tunnel information is used to establish a user plane path.

[0154] In some embodiments, during the process of establishing a user plane path through the PDU session management mechanism, the fifth message may be used to respond to the N2 interface message of the PDU session establishment request. In some embodiments, the fifth message may carry access network tunnel information of the access network device. In some embodiments, the fifth message may be, for example, an N2 PDU Session Response message.

[0155] Step S3111: The third network element receives the fifth message sent by the access network device.

[0156] In some embodiments, after receiving the fifth message sent by the access network device, the third network element may obtain the access network tunnel information from the fifth message and forward the access network tunnel information to the first network element.

[0157] Step S3112: The third network element sends a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to request updating the PDU session SM context.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device.

[0159] In some embodiments, during the process of establishing a user plane path through the PDU session management mechanism, the second message may be sent by the third network element to the first network element by calling the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service. The second message may specifically be, for example, an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request message.

[0160] Step S3113: The first network element receives the second message sent by the third network element.

[0161] Step S3114: The first network element sends a third message to the second network element, where the third message includes: access network tunnel information and related data packet forwarding rules.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first network element receives the second message sent by the third network element, can obtain access network tunnel information from the second message, and send the access network tunnel information and related data packet forwarding rules to the second network element.

[0163] In some embodiments, the forwarding rules of the user plane path include a first rule, which indicates forwarding a first service data packet associated with the QoS flow identifier QFI. After establishing the user plane path terminating to the access network as above, the first service data packet can be effectively transmitted based on the established user plane path.

[0164] In some embodiments, the forwarding rules may include a second rule that instructs forwarding the first service data packet based on the destination address of the first service data packet. In some embodiments, the forwarding rules may include the aforementioned first rule and / or second rule. This effectively improves the flexibility of forwarding rule configuration, facilitates flexible transmission of the first service data based on the established user plane path, and supports flexible and efficient transmission of the first service data to the first service server.

[0165] In some embodiments, the forwarding rule is a first rule, which indicates forwarding a first business data packet associated with a QoS flow identifier QFI; wherein, the access network device does not know the user plane information of the first business server and / or the data packet generated by the access network device does not include the destination address of the first business data packet encapsulated using the user plane information of the first business server, and can refer to the first rule to effectively implement the transmission of the first business data based on the established user plane path to support the first business data to be efficiently sent to the first business server.

[0166] In some embodiments, the forwarding rule is a second rule, which indicates forwarding the first business data packet according to the destination address of the first business data; wherein, the access network device obtains the user plane information of the first business server and the data packet generated by the access network device includes the destination address of the first business data packet encapsulated using the user plane information of the first business server, and can refer to the second rule to effectively realize the transmission of the first business data based on the established user plane path to support the first business data to be efficiently sent to the first business server.

[0167] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3114. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S3101+S3102 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3101+S3102+S3103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0168] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0169] In this embodiment, a session and its user plane path terminating at the access network are established based on the PDU session management mechanism, the core network tunnel information of the selected second network element and the information indicating the establishment of the user plane path are provided to the access network device, and the access network tunnel information of the access network device is provided to the second network element to support the establishment of the user plane path. When the first service data is transmitted based on the established user plane path, the service data transmission efficiency originating from the access network device can be effectively improved.

[0170] One end of the user plane path described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is an access network device. For example, the user plane path may include two ends, one of which is connected to the access network device, and the access network device is the device to which one end of the user plane path is connected, or, it can also be understood that the user plane path terminates at the access network device, or it can also be understood that the user plane path is a special user plane path that is not related to the terminal, and the user plane connection based on the user plane path is different from the user plane connection currently originating from the terminal, and one end of the data of the user plane connection based on the user plane path terminates at the access network device, such as a service data packet packaged and sent by the access network device or the access network receives and parses the relevant service data packet. The user plane path is used to connect the access network and the data network through the user plane path, wherein the data network is the data network to which the first service server belongs, and the data network can be an exclusive data network of the first service server or a data network shared with other service servers.

[0171] FIG3B is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a communication system 100. In the present disclosure embodiment, a non-UE transmission mechanism between an SMF network element, an AMF network element, and an (R)AN can be used to establish a user plane path, and one end of the user plane path is an access network device. The above method includes:

[0172] Step S3201: The first service server sends first information to the first network element.

[0173] The description of step S3201 can be found in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0174] Step S3202: The first network element allocates identification information for the user plane path.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first network element may allocate identification information to the user plane path, where the identification information is used to identify the user plane path.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first network element can allocate identification information for the user plane path, and the user plane path can be associated with the DNN and / or S-NSSAI and / or access network device information of the first service, so that the first network element can manage the user plane path accordingly (for example, modify or release the user plane path). In other embodiments, the first network element can also receive identification information sent by the first service server, that is, the identification information can be allocated to the user plane path by the first service server, and the first network element can obtain the identification information allocated to the user plane path from the first service server. In this way, the flexibility of obtaining identification information related to the user plane path can be effectively improved, and it can be effectively applied to personalized service application scenarios.

[0177] Step S3203: The first network element creates a context related to the user plane path.

[0178] In some embodiments, the user plane path may be associated with the DNN of the first service.

[0179] In some embodiments, the user plane path may be associated with the S-NSSAI of the first service.

[0180] In some embodiments, the user plane path may be associated with information of the access network device.

[0181] In some embodiments, the user plane path may be associated with the DNN and S-NSSAI of the first service.

[0182] In some embodiments, the user plane path may be associated with the DNN of the first service and information of the access network device.

[0183] In some embodiments, the user plane path may be associated with the S-NSSAI of the first service and information of the access network device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the user plane path may be associated with the DNN, S-NSSAI, and access network device information of the first service.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first network element may further create a context related to the user plane path to establish a non-terminal related user plane path based on the created context, i.e., a user plane path that terminates at the access network device rather than the terminal.

[0186] Step S3204: The first network element determines the second network element based on the first information.

[0187] In some embodiments, step S3204 may be performed before step S3214.

[0188] Step S3205: The first network element selects a third network element according to the first information.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first information may include information of an access network device, and the first network element may select a third network element based on the information of the access network device.

[0190] In some embodiments, step S3205 may be performed before step S3206.

[0191] In some embodiments, there is no restriction on the execution order of S3204 and S3205.

[0192] The description of steps S3204-S3205 can be found in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0193] Step S3206: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element, where the first message is used to transmit non-terminal N2 information.

[0194] In some embodiments, a first network element may send a first message to a third network element, indicating core network tunnel information of the second network element based on the first message, where the core network tunnel information is used to establish a user plane path. In some embodiments, the first message may also include instruction information, which may be used to instruct access network devices and core network elements involved in establishing the user plane path to establish a user plane path with one end being the access network device. In some embodiments, the core network tunnel information of the second network element and the instruction information may be carried in the first message, and the core network tunnel information of the second network element and the information indicating the establishment of the user plane path may be indicated to the third network element by sending the first message to the third network element.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first message may also include: one or more of the requested Quality of Service (QoS) flow, user plane information of the first service server, and relevant QoS parameters of the requested QoS flow. Since the first message is used to indicate the core network tunnel information and indication information to the third network element, the indication overhead of the core network tunnel information and indication information can be effectively reduced.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first message may be sent by the first network element by invoking the Namf_Communication_NonUeN2MessageTransfer service. The first message may specifically be, for example, a Namf_Communication_NonUeN2MessageTransfer message. For example, the SMF network element may invoke the Namf_Communication_NonUeN2MessageTransfer service to transmit non-terminal N2 information to the (R)AN. The non-terminal N2 information may include: core network tunnel information of the selected N3 UPF and information indicating establishment of a user plane path.

[0197] In some embodiments, the non-terminal N2 information may further include a requested QoS flow and / or user plane information of the first service server (eg, the IP address of the first service server).

[0198] In some embodiments, a first network element subscribes to non-terminal N2 information from a third network element, and / or the first network element subscribes to non-terminal N2 information from each candidate third network element connected to the access network device, where the third network element is one of multiple candidate third network elements, so that the first network element can promptly obtain non-terminal N2 information from the selected third network element. This subscription operation can be performed simultaneously with, before, or after sending the first message. Non-terminal N2 information refers to information not related to the terminal and transmitted to the access network via the N2 interface.

[0199] Step S3207: The third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element.

[0200] In some embodiments, the third network element may receive the first message sent by the first network element and obtain the core network tunnel information and indication information of the second network element from the first message. In some embodiments, the third network element may also obtain the requested QoS flow and / or user plane information of the first service server (e.g., the IP address of the first service server) from the first message.

[0201] Step S3208: The third network element sends a fourth message to the access network device, where the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information.

[0202] In some embodiments, after the third network element obtains the core network tunnel information and indication information of the second network element from the first network element, it may forward the core network tunnel information and indication information of the second network element to the access network device. In some embodiments, the third network element may include the core network tunnel information and indication information of the second network element in a fourth message, and transmit the fourth message to the access network device to indicate the core network tunnel information and indication information of the second network element to the access network device. In some embodiments, the fourth message may also include second information, the second information being used to request establishment of a user plane connection between the access network device and the first service server via a user plane path.

[0203] In some embodiments, during the process of establishing a user plane path that terminates on one end to the access network, the fourth message may be used to request the transmission of non-terminal N2 information. In some embodiments, the fourth message may be, for example, an N2 Transport Request message. For example, the AMF network element may send an N2 Transport Request message to the (R)AN, and the N2 Transport Request message may carry core network tunnel information and indication information.

[0204] Step S3209: The access network device receives the fourth message sent by the third network element.

[0205] In some embodiments, the access network device may receive a fourth message sent by the third network element. For example, the (R)AN may obtain core network tunnel information, instruction information, and information requesting the establishment of a user plane path based on the fourth message. In some embodiments, the fourth message may also include user plane information of the first service server (e.g., the IP address of the first service server), and may instruct the (R)AN to use the user plane information of the first service server to package service data.

[0206] Step S3210: The access network device sends a fifth message to the third network element, where the fifth message includes: access network tunnel information.

[0207] In some embodiments, the access network device may further send a fifth message to the third network element to indicate access network tunnel information of the access network device based on the fifth message, where the access network tunnel information is used to establish a user plane path. In some embodiments, the fifth message may further include third information, where the third information is used to respond to the request to establish a user plane connection and support the access network device in promptly indicating the establishment of the user plane connection to the third network element.

[0208] In some embodiments, during the process of establishing a user plane path terminating to an access network through a terminal-independent transport mechanism, the fifth message may be used to respond to a non-terminal N2 information transmission request. The fifth message may specifically be, for example, an N2 Transport Response message.

[0209] Step S3211: The third network element receives the fifth message sent by the access network device.

[0210] In some embodiments, after receiving the fifth message sent by the access network device, the third network element may obtain the access network tunnel information from the fifth message and send the access network tunnel information to the first network element.

[0211] Step S3212: The third network element sends a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to notify the non-terminal N2 information.

[0212] In some embodiments, the second message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device.

[0213] In some embodiments, the second message may further include the third information mentioned above.

[0214] In some embodiments, during the process of establishing a user plane path using a non-UE transmission mechanism, i.e., a mechanism not related to a terminal, the second message may be sent by a third network element by invoking a Namf_Communication_NonUeN2InfoNotify service. The second message may specifically be, for example, a Namf_Communication_NonUeN2InfoNotify message.

[0215] Step S3213: The first network element receives the second message sent by the third network element.

[0216] Step S3214: The first network element sends a third message to the second network element, where the third message includes: access network tunnel information and related forwarding rules.

[0217] The description of steps S3213 to S3214 can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0218] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3214. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S3201+S3202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3201+S3202+S3203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0219] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0220] In this embodiment, a user plane path terminating to the access network is established based on a non-terminal (Non-UE) transmission mechanism (i.e., a mechanism not related to the terminal), the core network tunnel information of the selected second network element and the information indicating the establishment of the user plane path are provided to the access network device, and the access network tunnel information of the access network device is provided to the second network element to support the establishment of the user plane path. When the first service data is transmitted based on the established user plane path, the service data transmission efficiency originating from the access network device can be effectively improved.

[0221] Figure 3C is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a communication system 100. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, a user plane path can be established. The user plane path can include two ends, one of which is connected to an access network device. The above method includes:

[0222] Step S3301: The first service server sends first information to the first network element.

[0223] Step S3302: The first network element receives a session identifier allocated for a PDU session or identifier information allocated for a user plane path, which is sent by the first service server.

[0224] Step S3303: The first network element manages the session management SM context related to the PDU session according to the session identifier, or manages the context related to the user plane path according to the identifier information.

[0225] Step S3304: The first network element determines the second network element based on the first information.

[0226] Step S3305: The first network element selects a third network element based on the first information.

[0227] In some embodiments, step S3305 and step S3301 are implemented independently, and step S3305 can also be included in step S3301 for implementation, without limitation.

[0228] Step S3306: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element.

[0229] Step S3307: The third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element.

[0230] Step S3308: The third network element sends a fourth message to the access network device, where the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information.

[0231] Step S3309: The access network device receives the fourth message sent by the third network element.

[0232] Step S3310: The access network device sends a fifth message to the third network element, where the fifth message includes: access network tunnel information.

[0233] Step S3311: The third network element receives the fifth message sent by the access network device.

[0234] Step S3312: The third network element sends a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to respond to the first message.

[0235] Step S3313: The first network element receives the second message sent by the third network element.

[0236] Step S3314: The first network element sends a third message to the second network element, where the third message includes: indication information and access network tunnel information.

[0237] The description of steps S3313 to S3314 can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0238] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3314. For example, step S3301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S3301+S3302 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3301+S3302+S3303 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0239] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0240] Figure 3D is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3D, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in communication system 100. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, a user plane path can be established. The user plane path can include two ends, one of which is connected to an access network device. The above method includes:

[0241] Step S3401: The first network element obtains a session identifier allocated for an established PDU session or identifier information allocated for a user plane path according to first information.

[0242] The definition of the first information can be found in the text above and will not be repeated here. It is worth noting that the first information does not necessarily come from the first service server. For example, the first information can be determined by the first network element itself, and after determining the first information, it notifies the first service server to establish a user plane path or PDU session.

[0243] Step S3402: The first network element creates a session management (SM) context for the PDU session or creates a context related to a user plane path, and determines a second network element and a third network element.

[0244] Step S3403: The third network element obtains the core network tunnel information of the second network element.

[0245] Step S3404: Determine access network tunnel information.

[0246] The third network element may independently determine the access network tunnel information, for example, relying on information before executing step S3404; or, as described above, the third network element and the access network device determine the access network tunnel information.

[0247] Step S3405: ​​The first network element obtains access network tunnel information from the third network element.

[0248] It can be understood that after determining the core network tunnel information and / or the access network tunnel information, the user plane connection of the present disclosure can be established.

[0249] Alternatively, the second network element obtains the access network tunnel information from the third network element, which may be obtained from the third network element by using the first network element as a bridge.

[0250] The description of steps S3401 to S3405 can be found in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0251] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3401 to S3405. For example, step S3401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S3401+S3402 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3401+S3402+S3403 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0252] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0253] Figure 3E is an interactive diagram illustrating a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3E, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in communication system 100. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, a user plane path can be established. The user plane path can include two ends, one of which is connected to an access network device. The above method includes:

[0254] Step S3501: The first network element determines that a user plane path needs to be established.

[0255] The first network element may determine whether to establish a user plane path in a variety of ways, which are not limited to the above-mentioned implementation methods. The definition of the user plane path can be found in the above textual records and will not be repeated here.

[0256] Step S3502: The first network element sends a first message to the third network element, where the first message is used to establish a user plane path.

[0257] Step S3503: The third network element sends a second message to the first network element, where the second message includes information for establishing a user plane path.

[0258] Step S3504: The first network element sends a third message to the second network element, where the third message includes information for establishing a user plane path.

[0259] The description of steps S3501 to S3504 can be specifically referred to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here. In addition, in steps S3502 to S3504, although the second message and the third message are both information for establishing a user plane path, it does not mean that the second message and the third message carry the same content.

[0260] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3501 to S3504. For example, step S3501 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3502 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S3501+S3502 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S3501+S3502+S3503 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0261] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0262] FIG4A is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a first network element. The method includes:

[0263] Step S4101: Determine first information, where the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path being an access network device.

[0264] Step S4102: Determine a second network element based on the first information, where the second network element is used to establish a user plane path.

[0265] Step S4103: Send a first message to the third network element, where the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, and the indication information is used to instruct establishment of a user plane path.

[0266] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4103. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S4101+S4102 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S4101+S4102+S4103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0267] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0268] FIG4B is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a first network element. The method includes:

[0269] Step S4201: Determine first information, where the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path being an access network device.

[0270] Step S4202: Allocate a session identifier for the established protocol data unit PDU session, wherein the session identifier is used to identify the PDU session, and the PDU session is used to establish a user plane path.

[0271] Step S4203: Create a session management SM context for the PDU session, where the PDU session is associated with the DNN and / or S-NSSAI and / or access network device information of the first service.

[0272] Step S4204: Determine a second network element based on the first information, where the second network element is used to establish a user plane path.

[0273] Step S4205: Send a first message to the third network element, where the first message is used to transmit N1N2 information, and the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, and the indication information is used to indicate that the PDU session is used to establish a user plane path.

[0274] Step S4206: Receive a second message sent by a third network element, wherein the second message is used to request updating of the PDU session SM context, and the second message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device.

[0275] Step S4207: Send a third message to the second network element, where the third message includes: access network tunnel information and indication information.

[0276] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4207. For example, step S4201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S4201+S4202 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S4201+S4202+S4203 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0277] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0278] FIG4C is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4C , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a first network element. The method includes:

[0279] Step S4301: Determine first information, where the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path being an access network device.

[0280] Step S4302: assign identification information to the user plane path.

[0281] Step S4303: Create a context related to the user plane path, where the user plane path is associated with the DNN and / or S-NSSAI and / or access network device information of the first service.

[0282] Step S4304: Determine a second network element based on the first information, where the second network element is used to establish a user plane path.

[0283] Step S4305: Send a first message to the third network element, wherein the first message is used to transmit non-terminal N2 information, and the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, and the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path.

[0284] Step S4306: Receive a second message sent by the third network element, wherein the second message is used to notify the non-terminal N2 information, and the second message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device.

[0285] Step S4307: Send a third message to the second network element, where the third message includes: access network tunnel information and indication information.

[0286] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4301 to S4307. For example, step S4301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S4301+S4302 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S4301+S4302+S4303 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0287] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0288] FIG5A is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a third network element. The method includes:

[0289] Step S5101: Receive a first message sent by a first network element, wherein the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, the indication information is used to indicate establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the second network element is selected based on the first information.

[0290] Step S5102: Send a fourth message to the access network device, where the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information.

[0291] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 and S5102. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto. Steps S5101+S5102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0292] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0293] FIG5B is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a third network element. The method includes:

[0294] Step S5201: Receive a first message sent by a first network element, wherein the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, the second network element is selected based on the first information, and the indication information is used to indicate that a PDU session is used to establish a user plane path.

[0295] Step S5202: Send a fourth message to the access network device, where the fourth message is an N2 interface message for requesting to establish a PDU session, and the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information.

[0296] Step S5203: Receive a fifth message sent by the access network device, wherein the fifth message is used to respond to the N2 interface message of the PDU session establishment request, and the fifth message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device, and the access network tunnel information is used to establish a user plane path.

[0297] Step S5204: Send a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to request updating the PDU session SM context, and the second message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device.

[0298] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5201 to S5204. For example, step S5201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S5201+S5202 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S5201+S5202+S5203 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0299] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0300] FIG5C is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5C , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a third network element. The method includes:

[0301] Step S5301, receive a first message sent by a first network element, wherein the first message is used to transmit non-terminal N2 information, and the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the second network element is selected based on the first information.

[0302] Step S5302: Send a fourth message to the access network device, wherein the fourth message is used to request transmission of non-terminal N2 information, and the fourth message includes: core network tunnel information and second information, and the second information is used to request establishment of a user plane connection.

[0303] Step S5303, receive the fifth message sent by the access network device, wherein the fifth message is used to respond to the transmission request of the non-terminal N2 information, and the fifth message includes: the access network tunnel information of the access network device and the third information, the access network tunnel information is used to establish a user plane connection, and the third information is used to respond to the request to establish a user plane connection.

[0304] Step S5304: Send a second message to the first network element, wherein the second message is used to notify the non-terminal N2 information, and the second message includes: access network tunnel information.

[0305] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5301 to S5304. For example, step S5301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S5301+S5302 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S5301+S5302+S5303 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0306] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0307] FIG6 is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in an access network device. The method includes:

[0308] Step S6101: Receive a fourth message sent by a third network element, wherein the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, and the indication information is used to indicate that one end of the established user plane path is an access network device.

[0309] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include step S6101. For example, step S6101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0310] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0311] FIG7 is an interactive diagram of a method for establishing a user plane path according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7 , the present disclosure embodiment relates to a method for establishing a user plane path, which can be used in a communication system. The method includes:

[0312] In step S7101, the first network element determines the first information, determines the second network element based on the first information, and sends a first message to the third network element, wherein the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the second network element is used to establish the user plane path. The first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, and the indication information is used to indicate that the established user plane path is a specified user plane path, one end of which is an access network device.

[0313] Step S7102: The third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element, and sends a fourth message to the access network device, where the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information.

[0314] Step S7103: The access network device receives the fourth message sent by the third network element, and sends a fifth message to the third network element, where the fifth message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device, and the access network tunnel information is used to establish a user plane path.

[0315] Step S7104: The third network element receives the fifth message sent by the access network device, and sends a second message to the first network element, where the second message includes: access network tunnel information.

[0316] The user plane path establishment method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S7101 to S7104. For example, step S7101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S7102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and so on, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps S7101+S7102 can be implemented as independent embodiments, and steps S7101+S7102+S7103 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0317] In this embodiment or example, unless there is any contradiction, each step can be independent, arbitrarily combined or exchanged in order, the optional methods or optional examples can be arbitrarily combined, and can be arbitrarily combined with any steps of other embodiments or other examples.

[0318] The following is an exemplary introduction to the above method.

[0319] Optional example: In the following embodiments, the first service is taken as the perception service, the first service data is taken as the perception data, and the first service server is taken as the application server (specifically, for example, the SF network element).

[0320] As shown in Figure 8A, Figure 8A is an interactive diagram of a user plane path establishment method shown in another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8A, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, an AMF network element, a UPF network element, an SMF network element, a SF network element, and a (R)AN are included, and the (R)AN is an example of a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0321] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a user plane path between the (R)AN and the application server may be established through a PDU session management mechanism.

[0322] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the application server is, for example, a SF network element.

[0323] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to establish a user plane path between the (R)AN and the SF network element, the PDU session management mechanism implemented on the (R)AN, SMF network element and UPF network element can be reused, and the description is modified as follows: In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the PDU session can be of a dedicated type, not associated with any UE, and does not involve the UE. The PDU session is used to establish a user plane path. An identification ID (an optional example of a session identifier) ​​can be assigned to the PDU session on the SMF network element, or the SMF network element can also obtain an identification ID assigned to the PDU session from the SF network element. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the user plane path between the (R)AN and the SF network element can be established along the path of (R)AN-UPF network element-SF network element.

[0324] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a sensing service can be, for example, an optional example of transmitting its service data using a user plane path between the (R)AN and the application server. It can also support the transmission of service data for any other service. For example, service data can be transmitted from the (R)AN to the first service server via the user plane. For example, the data can be transmitted to a corresponding network function NF element of the CN, such as the LMF for the positioning service.

[0325] 1a. The SMF network element obtains information for establishing a user plane connection between the (R)AN and the application server from the SF network element through the AMF network element.

[0326] 1b. The SMF network element obtains information from the SF network element for establishing a user plane connection between the (R)AN and the application server.

[0327] In some embodiments, the SF network element may receive a perception service request from a UE, an AF network element, or a 5GC NF, and the SF network element may also determine or receive information related to the (R)AN collecting or generating 3GPP perception data and / or non-3GPP perception data.

[0328] In some embodiments, the SF network element may decide to establish a user plane connection with the (R)AN.

[0329] In some embodiments, the SF network element may also send a user plane connection establishment request to the SMF network element.

[0330] In some embodiments, the SF network element can determine the mode of the perception service and send a perception service request to the SMF network element based on the determined mode. The SMF network element can determine the information for establishing the user plane connection between the (R)AN and the application server.

[0331] In some embodiments, if the SMF network element does not receive the (R)AN information, it can determine the information for establishing a user plane connection between the (R)AN and the application server based on the area or location where the perception data is collected.

[0332] 2. Select the UPF network element based on the (R)AN information and / or the SF network element information.

[0333] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may select the UPF network element by referring to the information of the (R)AN and / or the information of the SF network element.

[0334] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can select the UPF network element with reference to the information of the (R)AN.

[0335] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can select the UPF network element by referring to the information of the SF network element.

[0336] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can select the UPF network element by referring to the information of the (R)AN and the information of the SF network element.

[0337] In some embodiments, the N3 UPF may be selected based on information of the (R)AN to be connected.

[0338] In some embodiments, the UPF network element may be selected with reference to the TAI list or CI list supported by the (R)AN.

[0339] In some embodiments, the N3 UPF may be selected based on the information of the (R)AN received in step 1a or 1b.

[0340] In some embodiments, if (R)AN information is not received, but the area or location for collecting sensory data is clear, N3 UPF can be selected based on the available area or location for collecting sensory data, and (R)AN information can be determined.

[0341] In some embodiments, a protocol data unit session anchor (PSA) UPF network element (PSA UPF network element) may be selected based on information of the (R)AN and information of the SF network element.

[0342] In some embodiments, the N3 UPF network element and the PSA UPF network element may be deployed together, or an intermediate UPF network element may be included between the N3 UPF network element and the PSA UPF network element.

[0343] In some embodiments, in order to maintain and manage the user plane connection based on step 1, the SMF network element can also assign an identifier (PDU session ID) to the PDU session and create a related context, which can be associated with the DNN and / or S-NSSAI of the perceived service and / or the (R)AN to be connected.

[0344] In some embodiments, the PDU session ID may also be allocated by the SF network element, and the PDU session ID may be sent to the SMF network element based on the above steps 1a or 1b.

[0345] For the description of the following steps, the UPF may be, for example, the N3 UPF, PSA UPF, and intermediate UPF selected above to support establishment of a user plane connection.

[0346] 3. Establish or modify an N4 session.

[0347] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may establish an N4 session using the UPF network element selected in step 2.

[0348] 4. The SMF network element sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF network element.

[0349] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can call the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service to send the N2 interface session management (Session Management, SM) context information (which can be referred to as N2 SM information) to the (R)AN via the AMF network element. The N2 SM information may include: the core network tunnel information of the selected N3 UPF, and another information, which can be used to indicate that the PDU session is of a dedicated type, is not associated with any UE, and the relevant user plane path terminates at the access network.

[0350] In some embodiments, the N2 SM information may also include the requested QoS flow and / or user plane information of the SF network element (eg, the IP address of the SF network element).

[0351] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may create a context for a dedicated type of PDU session that is not associated with any UE and record relevant information, such as the PDU session ID, the identification ID of the SMF network element, and (R)AN information.

[0352] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can also select an AMF network element based on the information of the (R)AN to be connected.

[0353] In some embodiments, an AMF network element may be selected with reference to the TAI list or CI list supported by the (R)AN, and / or the functions supported by the non-terminal user plane connection, i.e., the ability of the terminal to terminate the user plane path to the access network independently.

[0354] 5. The AMF network element sends an N2 PDU Session request message to the (R)AN.

[0355] In some embodiments, the N2 PDU Session request message may be, for example, an N2 PDU Session Request.

[0356] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may send an N2 PDU Session request message to the (R)AN, and the N2 PDU Session request message may carry the N2 SM information in step 4.

[0357] In some embodiments, the (R)AN may learn that the PDU session is of a dedicated type, which is not associated with any UE, and that the relevant user plane path terminates at the access network. The (R)AN does not need to allocate wireless network resources for the PDU session, and the (R)AN creates and maintains the context of the PDU session that is not associated with any UE.

[0358] In some embodiments, if the N2 SM information includes user plane information of the SF network element (for example, the IP address of the SF network element), the (R)AN is instructed to use the user plane information of the SF network element to package the generated perception data. For example, the (R)AN uses the IP address of the SF network element to set the destination address of the data packet packaged by the (R)AN.

[0359] 6.(R)AN sends an N2 PDU Session response message to the AMF network element.

[0360] In some embodiments, the N2 PDU Session response message may be, for example, an N2 PDU Session Response.

[0361] In some embodiments, the N2 PDU Session response message may include access network (AN) tunnel information required to establish a user plane connection.

[0362] In some embodiments, the N2 PDU Session response message may include the (R)AN's ability to generate perception data packets according to step 5, that is, whether it supports packaging using the user plane information of the SF network element, for example, the (R)AN uses the IP address of the SF network element to set the destination address of the data packet packaged by the (R)AN.

[0363] 7. The AMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request message to the SMF network element.

[0364] In some embodiments, the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request message may be, for example, Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request.

[0365] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may forward the N2 SM information received from the (R)AN to the SMF network element.

[0366] In some embodiments, the N2 SM information may include the access network tunnel information described in step 6 and / or the ability of the (R)AN to generate perception data packets, that is, whether the (R)AN supports packaging using the user plane information of the SF network element, for example, the (R)AN uses the IP address of the SF network element to set the destination address of the data packet packaged by the (R)AN.

[0367] 8. The SMF network element sends an N4 Session Modification request message to the UPF network element.

[0368] In some embodiments, the N4 Session Modification request message may be, for example, an N4 Session Modification Request.

[0369] 9. The UPF network element sends an N4 Session Modification response message to the SMF network element.

[0370] In some embodiments, the N4 Session Modification response message may be, for example, an N4 Session Modification Response.

[0371] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may interact with the UPF network element to modify the N4 session.

[0372] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can provide access network tunnel information and corresponding forwarding rules to the UPF network element.

[0373] In some embodiments, if the user plane information of the SF network element (e.g., the IP address of the SF network element) is not sent to the (R)AN and / or the (R)AN does not support the use of the user plane information of the SF network element for packaging to generate perception data packets, a forwarding rule corresponding to each QoS flow identifier (QFI) may be configured.

[0374] In some embodiments, all sensing data packets associated with the identified QFI may be forwarded to the SF network element, wherein the QFI may be specifically used to transmit sensing data to the SF network element for required sensing services.

[0375] In some embodiments, if the user plane information of the SF network element (e.g., the IP address of the SF network element) is sent to the (R)AN and the (R)AN supports using the user plane information of the SF network element to package and generate perception data packets, the forwarding rules can be configured according to the destination address of the perception data packet sent to the SF network element.

[0376] 10. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response message to the AMF network element.

[0377] In some embodiments, the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response message may be, for example, Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response.

[0378] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned PDU session not related to the terminal may be modified or released.

[0379] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the service request information with parameters may be sent to the (R)AN in a separate message, and the separate message may be independent of the message used to transmit the management information of the user plane connection.

[0380] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, service request information with parameters and management information of the user plane connection may also be sent in one message.

[0381] It should be noted that in a service-based architecture, sending messages between core network elements can be achieved, for example, by calling corresponding services, and the response to the message can be, for example, the output after the corresponding service call is executed. The message can be, for example, the message in steps 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10 above.

[0382] As shown in Figure 8B, Figure 8B is an interactive diagram of a user plane path establishment method shown in another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8B, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, an AMF network element, a UPF network element, an SMF network element, a SF network element, and a (R)AN are included, and the (R)AN is an example of a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0383] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-terminal (Non-UE) transmission mechanism can be adopted between the SMF network element, the AMF network element and the (R)AN, that is, terminal-independent operations are adopted to establish a user plane path, and one end of the user plane path is the (R)AN.

[0384] In the disclosed embodiment, the N2 information of the non-UE can be used to transmit relevant information from the SMF network element to the (R)AN via the AMF network element to establish a user plane path. In the disclosed embodiment, the connection can be maintained on the SMF network element side.

[0385] In the disclosed embodiments, the user plane path between the (R)AN and the SF network element can be established along the (R)AN-UPF network element-SF network element path. In the disclosed embodiments, a perception service can be, for example, an optional example of transmitting its service data using the user plane path between the (R)AN and the application server. The transmission of service data for any other service can also be supported. For example, service data can be transmitted from the (R)AN to the first service server via the user plane. For example, the data can be transmitted to the corresponding network function NF network element of the CN, such as the LMF network element for positioning services and the perception function network element, such as the SF, for perception services.

[0386] 1. The SMF network element obtains information for establishing a user plane connection between the (R)AN and the application server.

[0387] 2. Select the UPF network element based on the (R)AN information and / or the SF network element information.

[0388] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can perform the selection of the UPF network element based on the information of the (R)AN and / or the information of the SF network element.

[0389] In some embodiments, in order to maintain and manage the user plane connection as required by step 1, the SMF network element may assign an identifier (an optional example of identification information) to the user plane path. The identifier may be associated with the DNN and / or S-NSSAI of the perceived service and / or the (R)AN that needs to be connected. The relevant information may be stored in the SMF network element using the identifier as an index.

[0390] 3. Establish an N4 session.

[0391] 4. The SMF network element sends a Namf_Communication_NonUeN2MessageTransfer message to the AMF network element.

[0392] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may invoke the Namf_Communication_NonUeN2MessageTransfer service to transmit the N2 message to the (R)AN. The N2 message may include: the core network tunnel information and indication information of the selected N3 UPF.

[0393] In some embodiments, the indication information is used to indicate that the user plane path is a designated user plane path, is irrelevant to the terminal, and terminates at one end at the access network.

[0394] In some embodiments, the N2 information may also include the requested QoS flow and / or user plane information of the SF network element (eg, the IP address of the SF network element).

[0395] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can also select an AMF network element based on the information of the (R)AN to be connected.

[0396] In some embodiments, an AMF network element may be selected with reference to the TAI list or CI list supported by the (R)AN, and / or the capabilities supported by the non-terminal user plane connection, i.e., the capability of the user plane path of the terminal not being terminated to the access network.

[0397] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can subscribe to the non-terminal N2 information of the user plane connection of the non-terminal being managed (established, modified or released) from the same AMF network element.

[0398] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can subscribe to the non-terminal N2 information of all possible AMF network elements connected to the (R)AN.

[0399] 5. The AMF network element sends an N2 Transport request message to the (R)AN (including information requesting to establish a user plane connection and core network tunnel information).

[0400] In some embodiments, the N2 Transport request message may be, for example, an N2 Transport Request message, which may include information requesting establishment of a user plane connection and core network tunnel information.

[0401] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may transmit the N2 information of the non-terminal to the (R)AN based on the downlink N2 Transport request message.

[0402] In some embodiments, the (R)AN receives non-terminal N2 information for managing a user plane connection (eg, establishing a user plane connection), obtains core network tunnel information, and establishes a user plane connection according to the core network tunnel information.

[0403] In some embodiments, if the N2 information includes user plane information of the SF network element (eg, the IP address of the SF network element), the (R)AN may use the IP address of the SF network element to set the destination address of the packaged perception service data packet.

[0404] In some embodiments, a new non-terminal or terminal-independent N2 request message may be defined, for example, a UP path request message, through which the (R)AN is requested to establish a user plane path between the (R)AN and the SF network element.

[0405] 6.(R)AN sends an N2 Transport response message (including a response to the request to establish a user plane connection and access network tunnel information) to the AMF network element.

[0406] In some embodiments, the N2 Transport response message may be, for example, an N2 Transport Response.

[0407] In some embodiments, the (R)AN may send an uplink N2 Transport response message to the AMF network element, which may include access network tunnel information and a response to the request to establish a user plane connection, and may also include information related to the (R)AN's ability to generate perception data packets, for example, whether the (R)AN supports packaging using the user plane information of the SF network element, that is, the (R)AN uses the IP address of the SF network element to set the destination address of the data packet packaged by the (R)AN.

[0408] In some embodiments, if a new N2 request message (e.g., a UP connection request message) is defined in step 5, the (R)AN may send a corresponding N2 response message to the AMF network element, which contains the access network tunnel information used for the requested user plane connection.

[0409] 7. The AMF network element sends a Namf_Communication_NonUeN2InfoNotify message to the SMF network element (including a response to the request to establish a user plane connection and access network tunnel information).

[0410] In some embodiments, the Namf_Communication_NonUeN2InfoNotify message may include a response to a request to establish a user plane connection and access network tunnel information.

[0411] In some embodiments, the AMF network element notifies the SMF network element that has subscribed to the N2 information of the non-terminal received from the (R)AN.

[0412] In some embodiments, the Namf_Communication_NonUeN2InfoNotify message may be sent by calling the Namf_Communication_NonUeN2InfoNotify service.

[0413] In some embodiments, the identifier allocated to the user plane connection in step 2 can be used to distinguish different non-terminal N2 information to facilitate user plane connection management.

[0414] 8. The SMF network element sends an N4 Session Modification request message to the UPF network element.

[0415] In some embodiments, the N4 Session Modification request message may be, for example, an N4 Session Modification Request.

[0416] 9. The UPF network element sends an N4 Session Modification response message to the SMF network element.

[0417] In some embodiments, the N4 Session Modification response message may be, for example, an N4 Session Modification Response.

[0418] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may interact with the UPF network element to modify the N4 session.

[0419] In some embodiments, the SMF network element can provide access network tunnel information and corresponding forwarding rules to the UPF network element.

[0420] In some embodiments, if the user plane information of the SF network element (e.g., the IP address of the SF network element) is not sent to the (R)AN and / or the (R)AN does not support the use of the user plane information of the SF network element for packaging to generate perception data packets, a forwarding rule corresponding to each QoS flow identifier (QFI) may be configured.

[0421] In some embodiments, all sensing data packets associated with the identified QFI may be forwarded to the SF network element, wherein the QFI may be specifically used to transmit sensing data to the SF network element for required sensing services.

[0422] In some embodiments, if the user plane information of the SF network element (e.g., the IP address of the SF network element) is sent to the (R)AN and the (R)AN supports using the user plane information of the SF network element to package and generate perception data packets, the forwarding rules can be configured according to the destination address of the perception data packet sent to the SF network element.

[0423] In some embodiments, the user plane connection of the non-terminal may also be modified or released.

[0424] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the service request information with parameters may be sent to the (R)AN in a separate message, and the separate message may be independent of the message used to transmit the management information of the user plane connection.

[0425] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, service request information with parameters and management information of the user plane connection may also be sent in one message.

[0426] In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, a first (R)AN may determine a second (R)AN that needs to establish a user plane connection with an application server. The first (R)AN may be the same as or different from the second (R)AN.

[0427] In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the AMF network element may perform initial N2 interaction with a configured default (R)AN or a selected (R)AN, and the relevant information is forwarded to the (R)AN that needs to establish a user plane connection with the application server.

[0428] It should be noted that in a service-based architecture, sending messages between core network elements can be achieved, for example, by calling corresponding services, and the response to the message can be, for example, the output after the corresponding service call is executed. The message can be, for example, the message in steps 4, 7, 8, and 9 above.

[0429] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user plane path establishment device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9A, the user plane path establishment device includes: a transceiver module for determining first information and sending a first message to a third network element, wherein the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, the indication information is used to instruct the establishment of the user plane path, and the second network element is used to establish the user plane path; and a processing module for determining the second network element based on the first information.

[0430] Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to execute the relevant steps performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0431] Optionally, the user plane path establishment device also includes at least one of a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to execute the steps related to sending performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, and the receiving module is used to execute the steps related to receiving performed by the first network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0432] Figure 9B is a structural diagram of a user plane path establishment device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9B, the user plane path establishment device includes: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first message sent by a first network element, wherein the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, the second network element is selected based on the first information, and sends a fourth message to the access network device, wherein the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information; or receives a fourth message sent by a third network element, wherein the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the user plane path is used to transmit first service data.

[0433] Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to execute the relevant steps performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] Optionally, the user plane path establishment device also includes at least one of a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to execute the steps related to sending performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, and the receiving module is used to execute the steps related to receiving performed by the second network element in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0435] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0436] As shown in Figure 10A, Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 10100 includes one or more processors 10101. The processor 10101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The processor 10101 is used to call instructions to enable the communication device 10100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0437] In some embodiments, the communication device 10100 further includes one or more memories 10102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 10102 may be located outside the communication device 10100.

[0438] In some embodiments, the communication device 10100 further includes one or more transceivers 10103. When the communication device 10100 includes one or more transceivers 10103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 10103, and the other steps are performed by the processor 10101. In some embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit are interchangeable, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit are interchangeable, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit are interchangeable.

[0439] Optionally, the communication device 10100 further includes one or more interface circuits 10104, which are connected to the memory 10102. The interface circuits 10104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 10102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 10102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 10104 may read instructions stored in the memory 10102 and send the instructions to the processor 10101.

[0440] The communication device 10100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 10100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 10100 may not be limited by FIG. 10A . The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0441] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. For communication device 10100, which may be a chip or a chip system, see the schematic diagram of the structure of chip 10200 shown in Figure 10B, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Chip 10200 includes one or more processors 10201, which are configured to invoke instructions to cause chip 10200 to execute any of the above methods.

[0442] In some embodiments, chip 10200 further includes one or more interface circuits 10202, which are connected to memory 10203. Interface circuit 10202 can be used to receive signals from memory 10203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 10203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 10202 can read instructions stored in memory 10203 and send the instructions to processor 10201. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver are interchangeable.

[0443] In some embodiments, the chip 10200 further includes one or more memories 10203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 10203 may be outside the chip 10200.

[0444] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 10100, the communication device 10100 is caused to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a transient storage medium.

[0445] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0446] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 10100, enables the communication device 10100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0447] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

[0448] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0449] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0450] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0451] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a user plane path, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first network element and includes: Determine first information, wherein the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device; Determine a second network element according to the first information, wherein the second network element is used to establish the user plane path; A first message is sent to a third network element, wherein the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, and the indication information is used to indicate establishment of the user plane path.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: A user plane connection is established through the user plane path, wherein the user plane connection is used to connect the access network device and the first service server, and the user plane connection is used to transmit first service data.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The first information includes at least one of the following: the instruction information; Information of the access network device; Information of the first service server; The data network name DNN connected by the user plane path; Single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI of the user plane path connection; Service area information, wherein the service area information is used to describe a target area of ​​the first service; Service location information, wherein the service location information is used to describe a target location of the first service.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The information of the first service server includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the first service server; service area information of the first service server; Service information supported by the first service server; The DNN of the first service server; The Internet Protocol IP address of the first service server; A data network access identifier DNAI of the first service server; The S-NSSAI of the first service server.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The information of the access network device includes at least one of the following: The identification of the access network device; The IP address of the access network device; Function information supported by the user plane path; The S-NSSAI supported by the access network device; A list of cell identifiers CI supported by the access network device; A list of tracking area identifiers (TAIs) supported by the access network device.

6. The method according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that The information of the access network device is used to select the third network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first message is used to transmit N1N2 information, or the first message is used to transmit non-terminal N2 information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Allocating a session identifier for the established protocol data unit PDU session, wherein the session identifier is used to identify the PDU session, and the PDU session is used to establish the user plane path; or, Receive the session identifier sent by the first service server.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Create a session management SM context for the PDU session, wherein the PDU session is associated with the DNN and / or S-NSSAI of the first service and / or information of the access network device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The indication information is used to indicate that the PDU session is used to establish the user plane path.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: assigning identification information to the user plane path; or, The identification information sent by the first service server is received.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: A context related to the user plane path is created, wherein the user plane path is associated with the DNN and / or S-NSSAI of the first service and / or information of the access network device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 11 to 12, characterized in that: The first network element has subscribed to non-terminal N2 information from the third network element, and / or the first network element has subscribed to non-terminal N2 information from each candidate third network element connected to the access network device, and the third network element belongs to multiple candidate third network elements.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The first message also includes at least one of the following: Requested quality of service QoS flow; User plane information of the first service server; The relevant QoS parameters of the requested QoS flow.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving a second message sent by the third network element, wherein the second message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device, the access network tunnel information being used to establish the user plane path; A third message is sent to the second network element, wherein the third message includes: the access network tunnel information and the indication information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The second message is used to request updating of the PDU session SM context, or the second message is used to notify the non-terminal N2 information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 16, characterized in that: The third message also includes: a forwarding rule, where the forwarding rule is used by the second network element to forward the first service data.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The forwarding rule includes at least one of the following: A first rule, wherein the first rule indicates forwarding a first service data packet associated with a QoS flow identifier QFI; A second rule, wherein the second rule indicates forwarding the first service data packet according to a destination address of the first service data packet.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The forwarding rule is a first rule, which indicates forwarding a first service data packet associated with a QoS flow identifier QFI; wherein, the access network device does not know the user plane information of the first service server and / or the data packet generated by the access network device does not include the destination address of the first service data packet encapsulated using the user plane information of the first service server.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein: The forwarding rule is a second rule, which indicates that the first business data packet is forwarded according to the destination address of the first business data; wherein the access network device obtains user plane information of the first business server, and the data packet generated by the access network device includes the destination address of the first business data packet encapsulated using the user plane information of the first business server.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that The first service server is an application server for the first service, and the application server is a network function NF network element of the core network or a server of a third party.

22. A method for establishing a user plane path, characterized in that: Executed by a third network element, the method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first network element, wherein the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the second network element is based on the first network element.

1. Information selection; A fourth message is sent to the access network device, wherein the fourth message includes: the indication information and the core network tunnel information.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: The user plane path is used to establish a user plane connection, wherein the user plane connection is used to connect the access network device and the first service server, and the user plane connection is used to transmit first service data.

24. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 23, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following: the instruction information; Information of the access network device; Information of the first service server; The data network name DNN connected by the user plane path; Single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI of the user plane path connection; Service area information, wherein the service area information is used to describe a target area of ​​the first service; Service location information, wherein the service location information is used to describe a target location of the first service.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein: The information of the first service server includes at least one of the following: an identifier of the first service server; service area information of the first service server; Service information supported by the first service server; The DNN of the first service server; The Internet Protocol IP address of the first service server; A data network access identifier DNAI of the first service server; The S-NSSAI of the first service server.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein: The information of the access network device includes at least one of the following: The identification of the access network device; The IP address of the access network device; Function information supported by the user plane path; The S-NSSAI supported by the access network device; A list of cell identifiers CI supported by the access network device; A list of tracking area identifiers (TAIs) supported by the access network device.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that The method further comprises: A fifth message sent by the access network device is received, wherein the fifth message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device, and the access network tunnel information is used to establish the user plane path.

28. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that The first message is used to transmit N1N2 information, or the first message is used to transmit non-terminal N2 information.

29. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 28, characterized in that The indication information is used to indicate that the PDU session is used to establish the user plane path.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein: in, The fourth message is an N2 interface message for requesting to establish a PDU session, and the fifth message is an N2 interface message for responding to the PDU session establishment request, and the fourth message also includes the indication information.

31. The method according to claims 22-28, characterized in that in, The fourth message is used to request the transmission of non-terminal N2 information, and the fifth message is used to respond to the transmission request of non-terminal N2 information. The fourth message also includes second information, and the second information is used to request the establishment of a user plane connection. The fifth message also includes third information, and the third information is used to respond to the request to establish the user plane connection.

32. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that The first message also includes at least one of the following: Requested quality of service QoS flow; User plane information of the first service server; The relevant QoS parameters of the requested QoS flow.

33. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 32, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second message is sent to the first network element, wherein the second message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: The second message is used to request updating of the PDU session SM context, or the second message is used to notify the non-terminal N2 information.

35. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 34, characterized in that The first service server is an application server for the first service, and the application server is a network function NF network element of the core network or a server of a third party.

36. A method for establishing a user plane path, characterized in that: The method is performed by an access network device and includes: A fourth message sent by a third network element is received, wherein the fourth message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, the indication information is used to indicate establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein: The user plane path is used to establish a user plane connection, wherein the user plane connection is used to connect the access network device and the first service server, and the user plane connection is used to transmit first service data.

38. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 37, characterized in that The method further comprises: A fifth message is sent to the third network element, wherein the fifth message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device, and the access network tunnel information is used to establish the user plane path.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein: in, The fourth message is an N2 interface message for requesting to establish a PDU session, and the fifth message is an N2 interface message for responding to the PDU session establishment request. The indication information is also used to indicate that the PDU session is used to establish the user plane path.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein: in, The fourth message is used to request the transmission of non-terminal N2 information, and the fifth message is used to respond to the transmission request of non-terminal N2 information. The fourth message also includes second information, and the second information is used to request the establishment of a user plane connection. The fifth message also includes third information, and the third information is used to respond to the request to establish the user plane connection.

41. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, characterized in that The first service server is an application server for the first service, and the application server is a network function NF network element of the core network or a server of a third party.

42. A method for establishing a user plane path, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first network element determines first information, determines a second network element according to the first information, and sends a first message to a third network element, wherein the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, the second network element is used to establish the user plane path, and the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of the second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of the user plane path; The third network element receives the first message sent by the first network element, and sends a fourth message to the access network device, wherein the fourth message includes: the indication information and the core network tunnel information; The access network device receives a fourth message sent by the third network element, and sends a fifth message to the third network element, wherein the fifth message includes: access network tunnel information of the access network device, and the access network tunnel information is used to establish the user plane path; The third network element receives the fifth message sent by the access network device, and sends a second message to the first network element, wherein the second message includes: the access network tunnel information.

43. A user plane path establishment device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A transceiver module, configured to determine first information and send a first message to a third network element, wherein the first information is used to establish a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of the user plane path, and the second network element is used to establish the user plane path; A processing module is used to determine the second network element according to the first information.

44. A user plane path establishment device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A transceiver module, configured to receive a first message sent by a first network element, wherein the first message includes: indication information and core network tunnel information of a second network element, the indication information is used to indicate establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device, and the second network element is selected based on the first information, and sends a fourth message to the access network device, wherein the fourth message includes: the indication information and the core network tunnel information; or A fourth message sent by a third network element is received, wherein the fourth message includes: the indication information and the core network tunnel information, the indication information is used to indicate the establishment of a user plane path, one end of the user plane path is an access network device.

45. A communication device, characterized in that: include: One or more processors; wherein the processor is used to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-42.

46. ​​A communication system, characterized in that: It includes a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, and an access network device, wherein the first network element is configured to implement the method described in any one of claims 1-21, the third network element is configured to implement the method described in any one of claims 22-35, and the access network device is configured to implement the method described in any one of claims 36-41.

47. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 42.

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