Information processing method, network element, system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, a network element, a system, and a storage medium. The information processing method comprises: an AF network element sends first information to a policy control function (PCF) network element, wherein the first information comprises quality of service (QoS) demand information and encryption indication information of a service data flow, and is used for a radio access network (RAN) network element to execute encrypted packet data unit set (PDU set)-based processing. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, PDU set-based processing of an encrypted application service data flow can be supported, and the functions of QoS processing, congestion control and the like based on a PDU set level are realized.

Description

Information processing method, network element, system and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to an information processing method, a network element, a system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Extended reality multimedia services and interactive media services require comprehensive consideration of the service quality characteristics of related data streams. For example, whether parameters such as delay-critical guaranteed bit rate data streams, packet delay budget data streams, and default maximum data burst size can be met simultaneously and coordinated.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] Currently, it is not possible to support Packet Data Unit set (PDU set) processing of encrypted application service data flows, and it is not possible to implement QoS processing and congestion control functions based on the PDU set level.

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, a network element, a system, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, which is performed by an application function AF network element. The method includes:

[0007] The AF network element sends first information to the policy control function PCF network element, where the first information includes quality of service (QoS) requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, so that the wireless access RAN network element performs encrypted packet data unit set (PDU set)-based processing.

[0008] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, which is performed by a policy control function (PCF) network element. The method includes:

[0009] The PCF network element receives first information, where the first information includes QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and is used by the wireless access RAN network element to perform PDU set-based processing;

[0010] The PCF network element determines the policy control and charging PCC rules of the service data flow based on the QoS requirement information and the encryption indication information;

[0011] The PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the session management function SMF network element.

[0012] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, which is performed by an SMF network element. The method includes:

[0013] The SMF network element receives the PCC rule and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and determines the QoS rule of the service data flow based on the PCC rule and the encryption indication information, wherein the QoS rule includes the PDU set QoS parameter of the service data flow;

[0014] The SMF network element sends second information to the user plane function UPF network element, wherein the second information includes at least one of the QoS rule and the encryption indication information.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, which is performed by a UPF network element. The method includes:

[0016] The UPF network element receives encryption indication information of the service data flow;

[0017] The UPF network element identifies and determines PDU set information from the extended header of the service data flow according to the encryption indication information;

[0018] The UPF network element sends the PDU set information to the RAN network element.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, which is executed by an NEF network element. The method includes:

[0020] The NEF network element receives first information sent by the AF network element, where the first information includes QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, which is used by the RAN network element to perform encryption-based PDU set processing;

[0021] The NEF network element sends the first information to the PCF network element.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, which is executed by a RAN network element. The method includes:

[0023] The RAN network element receives PDU set information of the service data flow sent by the UPF network element;

[0024] The RAN network element receives the QoS rule of the service data flow, where the QoS rule includes a PDU set QoS parameter of the service data flow;

[0025] The RAN network element performs PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the PDU set information and the QoS rule.

[0026] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an AF network element is provided, where the AF network element includes:

[0027] The transceiver module is used to send first information to the policy control function PCF network element, where the first information includes quality of service (QoS) requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, so that the wireless access RAN network element performs encrypted packet data unit set (PDU set)-based processing.

[0028] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a PCF network element is provided, where the PCF network element includes:

[0029] a transceiver module, configured to receive first information, the first information including QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of a service data flow, for a wireless access RAN network element to perform PDU set-based processing, and to send PCC rules to a session management function SMF network element;

[0030] A processing module is used to determine the policy control and charging PCC rules of the service data flow based on the QoS requirement information and the encryption indication information.

[0031] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an SMF network element is proposed, wherein the SMF network element includes:

[0032] A transceiver module is used to receive PCC rules and encryption indication information of a service data flow, and determine the QoS rules of the service data flow based on the PCC rules and encryption indication information, wherein the QoS rules include PDU set QoS parameters of the service data flow, and send second information to the user plane function UPF network element, wherein the second information includes at least one of the QoS rules and the encryption indication information.

[0033] According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a UPF network element is provided, wherein the UPF network element includes:

[0034] The transceiver module is used to receive encryption indication information of the service data flow and send PDU set information to the RAN network element.

[0035] A processing module is used for the UPF network element to identify and determine PDU set information from the extended header of the service data flow based on the encryption indication information.

[0036] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a NEF network element is provided, the NEF network element including:

[0037] A transceiver module is used to receive the first information sent by the AF network element, where the first information includes QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and is used for the RAN network element to perform encryption-based PDU set processing and send the first information to the PCF network element.

[0038] According to a twelfth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a RAN network element is provided, the RAN network element including:

[0039] A transceiver module, configured to receive PDU set information of a service data flow sent by a UPF network element, and receive QoS rules of the service data flow, wherein the QoS rules include PDU set QoS parameters of the service data flow;

[0040] A processing module is used to perform PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the PDU Set information and the QoS rule.

[0041] According to the thirteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including: an AF network element, a PCF network element, an SMF network element, a UPF network element, a NEF network element, and a RAN network element, wherein the AF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in the first aspect, the PCF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in the second aspect, the SMF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in the third aspect, the UPF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in the fourth aspect, the NEF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in the fifth aspect, and the RAN network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in the sixth aspect.

[0042] According to the fourteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is proposed, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the information processing method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0043] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, PDU set processing of encrypted application service data flows can be supported, and functions such as QoS processing and congestion control based on the PDU set level can be implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following drawings required for describing the embodiments are introduced. The following drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG2A is an exemplary interaction diagram of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG2B is another exemplary interaction diagram of the information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG2C is another exemplary interaction diagram of the information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG2D is another exemplary interaction diagram of the information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG3A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG3B is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG3C is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG4A is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG4B is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG4C is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG5A is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG5B is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG5C is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG6A is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG6B is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG6C is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG6D is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG7A is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG7B is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG8A is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG8B is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG8C is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG9A is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG9B is another exemplary flowchart of an information processing method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] FIG10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element applicable to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] FIG11A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG11B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, a network element, a system, and a storage medium.

[0074] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by an application function AF network element. The method includes:

[0075] The AF network element sends first information to the policy control function PCF network element, where the first information includes quality of service (QoS) requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, for the wireless access RAN network element to perform encryption-based packet data unit set (PDU set) processing.

[0076] In the above embodiment, encryption indication information and service quality requirement information are sent to the PCF network element, providing a reliable basis for the wireless access RAN network element to perform encryption based on the PDU set, thereby solving the problem that the existing PDU set processing cannot support encrypted application service data flows and cannot implement QoS processing and congestion control functions based on the PDU set level.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information:

[0078] First indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted;

[0079] Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing;

[0080] third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of a service data stream, where the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption;

[0081] Fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy;

[0082] Fifth indication information indicating whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted;

[0083] Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow is preferentially subjected to encrypted PDU set-based processing;

[0084] Descriptive information about the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

[0085] In the above embodiment, by configuring the complete encryption indication information of the service data flow, the PCF can perform subsequent analysis based on the complete encryption indication information, providing an accurate and reliable basis for the subsequent analysis.

[0086] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information carries description information of a specific protocol, and the description information of the specific protocol is used to implicitly transmit the encryption indication information.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the first information carries description information of the characteristic protocol, and can transmit encryption indication information through the characteristics or rules of the protocol itself without adding additional headers or fields, so as to reduce transmission overhead and protect the security of the encryption indication information.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0089] The AF network element sends the first information to the PCF network element through an AF QoS request; or,

[0090] The AF network element sends the first information to the PCF network element through an AF QoS update message.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the AF network element can send the first information through multiple methods, which is more flexible. The AF QoS request sends the first information to the PCF network element before the PDU session is established, which can facilitate the PCF network element to make policy decisions in advance. The AF QoS update message sends the first information to the PCF network element after the PDU session is established, which can facilitate the PCF network element to make policy adjustments according to changes in business data flows.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following information:

[0093] Service information of XRM business;

[0094] Terminal address or terminal identification;

[0095] AF application identification information;

[0096] Description information of business data flow;

[0097] QoS parameters of service data flows;

[0098] Data network name DNN and single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the information that may be included in the first information is enumerated: XRM business service information is used to identify which XRM business type the business data flow belongs to; the terminal address or terminal identifier is used to identify the terminal or target terminal to which the business data flow belongs; the AF application identifier information is used to identify the application or target application to which the business data flow belongs; the business data flow description information is used to describe which protocols, ports, addresses and other information are involved in the business data flow; the business data flow QoS parameters are used to describe the QoS requirements or characteristics of the business data flow; DNN and S-NSSAI are used to describe the data network and network slice to which the business data flow belongs or is the target, ensuring that the first information includes richer and more complete business data flow related information, so that the analysis based on the first information is more accurate and reasonable.

[0100] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, which is executed by a policy control function (PCF) network element. The method includes:

[0101] The PCF network element receives first information, where the first information includes QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and is used by the wireless access RAN network element to perform PDU set-based processing;

[0102] The PCF network element determines the policy control and charging PCC rules for service data flows based on QoS requirements and encryption indication information;

[0103] The PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the session management function SMF network element.

[0104] In the above embodiment, after receiving the first information, the PCF determines the PCC rule based on the more complete first information, that is, the quality of service requirement information and the encryption indication information, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the PCC rule.

[0105] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0106] The PCF network element sends encryption indication information to the session management function SMF network element.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the PCF network element sends encryption indication information to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element determines the QoS rules of the service data flow according to the encryption indication information, and facilitates the transmission of the encryption indication information to the UPF network element and the RAN network element.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0109] The PCF network element carries encryption indication information in the PCC rule and sends the encryption indication information to the SMF network element through the PCC rule.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the encryption instruction information is sent according to the PCC rule. The means for sending the encryption instruction information are relatively diverse, and it is determined that the encryption instruction information is sent successfully.

[0111] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information:

[0112] First indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted;

[0113] Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing;

[0114] third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of a service data stream, where the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption;

[0115] Fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy;

[0116] Fifth indication information indicating whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted;

[0117] Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow is preferentially subjected to encrypted PDU set-based processing;

[0118] Descriptive information about the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

[0119] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0120] The PCF network element receives the first information sent by the AF network element; or,

[0121] The PCF network element receives the first information sent by the network development function NEF network element.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the first information can be determined by multiple methods. The PCF network element receives the first information sent by the AF network element so as to directly obtain the AF network element's description of the service data flow QoS requirements and encryption requirements; the PCF network element receives the first information sent by the NEF network element so as to obtain the NEF network element's processing results on the service data flow QoS requirements and encryption requirements, thereby ensuring stable transmission of the first information.

[0123] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0124] The PCF network element sends encryption indication information to the SMF network element through the session management SM association modification request.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the PCF network element sends encryption indication information to the SMF network element through the session management SM association modification request, so as to update the SMF network element's understanding of the service data flow QoS rules and encryption requirements during the session management process, and timely adjust the SMF network element's processing of the service data flow QoS rules and encryption requirements.

[0126] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information carries description information of a specific protocol, and the description information of the specific protocol is used to implicitly transmit the encryption indication information. The method further includes:

[0127] The PCF network element determines the encryption indication information based on the description information of the specific protocol.

[0128] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, which is executed by an SMF network element. The method includes:

[0129] The SMF network element receives the PCC rule and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and determines the QoS rule of the service data flow based on the PCC rule and encryption indication information;

[0130] The SMF network element sends second information to the user plane function UPF network element, where the second information includes at least one of a QoS rule and encryption indication information, wherein the QoS rule includes a PDU set QoS parameter of the service data flow.

[0131] In the above embodiment, QoS rules and QoS configuration parameters are determined based on PCC rules and encryption indication information, ensuring the accuracy of QoS rules and QoS configuration parameter extraction, and transmitting QoS rules and QoS configuration parameters and encryption indication information to the UPF network element, providing a good basis for subsequent analysis.

[0132] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0133] The SMF network element sends a first response message to the PCF network element.

[0134] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0135] The SMF network element initiates an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element, and sends the second information through the N4 session modification request.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the second information is sent based on the N4 session modification request, and a variety of second information sending methods are provided.

[0137] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0138] The SMF network element receives the second response message sent by the UPF network element.

[0139] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information:

[0140] First indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted;

[0141] Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing;

[0142] third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of a service data stream, where the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption;

[0143] Fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy;

[0144] Fifth indication information indicating whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted;

[0145] Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow is preferentially subjected to encrypted PDU set-based processing;

[0146] Descriptive information about the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

[0147] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the encryption indication information is carried in a PCC rule, or is carried in other third information.

[0148] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the SMF network element sends the second information to the RAN network element through the access and mobility management function AMF network element.

[0149] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an information processing method, which is executed by a UPF network element. The method includes:

[0150] The UPF network element receives encryption indication information of the service data flow;

[0151] The UPF network element identifies and determines the PDU set information from the extended header of the service data flow based on the encryption indication information;

[0152] The UPF network element sends PDU set information to the RAN network element.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the UPF network element determines the PDU set information based on the received information, ensures the accuracy of the PDU set information acquisition, and then sends the PDU set information to the RAN network element for subsequent processing based on the PDU set information.

[0154] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the UPF network element sends the PDU set information to the RAN network element, including:

[0155] The UPF network element carries the PDU set information in an extended packet header of the service data flow and sends it to the RAN network element; or,

[0156] The UPF network element sends fourth information, where the fourth information includes the PDU set information.

[0157] With reference to some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, sending the fourth information to the RAN network element includes:

[0158] The UPF network element sends encryption indication information to the RAN network element.

[0159] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0160] The UPF network element sends encryption indication information to the RAN network element in an extended header.

[0161] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0162] The UPF network element receives a QoS rule of a service data flow, wherein the QoS rule includes a PDU set QoS parameter of the service data flow;

[0163] The UPF network element sends fifth information to the RAN network element, where the fifth information includes QoS rules.

[0164] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0165] The UPF network element receives the encryption indication information sent directly by the application server AS or the NEF network element;

[0166] The UPF network element receives the QoS rules sent by the SMF network element.

[0167] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0168] The UPF network element receives the second information sent by the SMF network element, where the second information includes encryption indication information and QoS rules.

[0169] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information:

[0170] First indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted;

[0171] Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing;

[0172] third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of a service data stream, where the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption;

[0173] Fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy;

[0174] Fifth indication information indicating whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted;

[0175] Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow is preferentially subjected to encrypted PDU set-based processing;

[0176] Descriptive information about the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

[0177] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0178] The UPF network element receives the service data stream sent by the application server;

[0179] The UPF network element sends service data flows to the RAN network element.

[0180] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by an NEF network element. The method includes:

[0181] The NEF network element receives the first information sent by the AF network element, where the first information includes QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, which is used by the RAN network element to perform encryption-based PD U set processing;

[0182] The NEF network element sends the first information to the PCF network element.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the first information can be sent based on the NEF network element, and the first information can be successfully sent to the PCF when the AF is trusted or untrusted, ensuring that the PCF receives the first information stably and accurately.

[0184] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information:

[0185] First indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted;

[0186] Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing;

[0187] third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of a service data stream, where the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption;

[0188] Fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy;

[0189] Fifth indication information indicating whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted;

[0190] Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow is preferentially subjected to encrypted PDU set-based processing;

[0191] Descriptive information about the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

[0192] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0193] The NEF network element sends encryption indication information to the UPF network element.

[0194] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information processing method, which is executed by a RAN network element. The method includes:

[0195] The RAN network element receives the PDU set information of the service data flow sent by the UPF network element;

[0196] The RAN network element receives the QoS rules for the service data flow, which include the PDU set QoS parameters for the service data flow;

[0197] The RAN network element performs PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the PDU set information and QoS rules.

[0198] In the above embodiment, the RAN network element performs PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the fourth information and the fifth information, thereby solving the problem that the existing PDU set processing cannot support encrypted application service data flows.

[0199] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0200] The RAN network element receives the service data flow sent by the UPF network element.

[0201] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the RAN network element receives PDU set information of a service data flow, including:

[0202] The RAN network element determines the PDU set information from the extended packet header of the service data flow; or,

[0203] The RAN network element receives the fourth information sent by the UPF network element, where the fourth information includes PDU set information.

[0204] With reference to some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the RAN network element receives a QoS rule for a service data flow, including:

[0205] The RAN network element receives the fifth information sent by the UPF network element, where the fifth information includes the QoS rule and the encryption indication information; or,

[0206] The RAN network element receives the QoS rules and encryption indication information forwarded by the AMF network element.

[0207] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AF network element, where the AF network element includes:

[0208] The transceiver module is used to send first information to the policy control function PCF network element, where the first information includes quality of service (QoS) requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, so that the wireless access RAN network element performs encrypted packet data unit set (PDU set)-based processing.

[0209] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a PCF network element, the PCF network element including:

[0210] a transceiver module, configured to receive first information, the first information including QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of a service data flow, for a wireless access RAN network element to perform PDU set-based processing, and to send PCC rules to a session management function SMF network element;

[0211] The processing module is used to determine the policy control and charging PCC rules of the service data flow based on the QoS requirement information and the encryption indication information.

[0212] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an SMF network element, the SMF network element including:

[0213] A transceiver module is used to receive PCC rules and encryption indication information of a service data flow, and determine the QoS rules of the service data flow based on the PCC rules and encryption indication information, wherein the QoS rules include PDU set QoS parameters of the service data flow, and send second information to the user plane function UPF network element, wherein the second information includes at least one of the QoS rules and encryption indication information.

[0214] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a UPF network element, the UPF network element including:

[0215] The transceiver module is used to receive encryption indication information of the service data flow and send PDU set information of the service data flow to the RAN network element.

[0216] The processing module is used by the UPF network element to identify and determine the PDU set information from the extended header of the service data flow according to the encryption indication information.

[0217] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a NEF network element, the NEF network element including:

[0218] The transceiver module is used to receive the first information sent by the AF network element, where the first information includes the QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and is used for the RAN network element to perform encryption-based PDU set processing and send the first information to the PCF network element.

[0219] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a RAN network element, the RAN network element including:

[0220] The transceiver module is used to receive the PDU set information of the service data flow sent by the UPF network element, and receive the QoS rules of the service data flow, wherein the QoS rules include the PDU set QoS parameters of the service data flow;

[0221] The processing module is used to perform PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the PDU Set information and the QoS rule.

[0222] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication system, including: an AF network element, a PCF network element, an SMF network element, a UPF network element, a NEF network element, and a RAN network element, wherein the AF network element is configured to implement the information processing method of the first aspect, the PCF network element is configured to implement the information processing method of the second aspect, the SMF network element is configured to implement the information processing method of the third aspect, the UPF network element is configured to implement the information processing method of the fourth aspect, the NEF network element is configured to implement the information processing method of the fifth aspect, and the RAN network element is configured to implement the information processing method of the sixth aspect.

[0223] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a storage medium storing instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes an information processing method as in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0224] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0225] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0226] In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, or the sixth aspect.

[0227] It is understandable that the above-mentioned AF network element, PCF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element, NEF network element, RAN network element, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip or chip system are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0228] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, a network element, a system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms information processing method and communication method can be used interchangeably.

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0233] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0234] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0235] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0236] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0242] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0243] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0244] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "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.

[0245] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0246] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0247] 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.

[0248] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0249] As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a core network device 102 .

[0250] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0251] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0252] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 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 Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0253] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0254] 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.

[0255] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element 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).

[0256] Core network equipment includes the following network elements:

[0257] Policy Control Function (PCF) network element;

[0258] Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element;

[0259] User Plane Function (UPF) network element;

[0260] Session Management Function (SMF) network element;

[0261] Radio Access Network (RAN) network element;

[0262] In some embodiments, the core network device may further include:

[0263] Application Function (AF) network element;

[0264] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element.

[0265] 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.

[0266] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1 or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in FIG1 , or may include other entities outside of FIG1 . The number and form of the entities are arbitrary, and the entities may be physical or virtual. 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.

[0267] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 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 communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0268] Mobile media services, XR services such as cloud AR / VR, cloud gaming, and video-based remote control of machines or drones are expected to contribute increasingly high traffic to 5G networks. XR services involve multimodal data streams. Multimodal data is data describing the same service / application that is input from the same device or different devices (including sensors) and may be output to one or more destination devices. The data streams in multimodal data often have some, or even strong, correlation, such as synchronization between audio and video streams, or between touch and vision. These media services share common characteristics within their data streams, between data streams, and in terms of the network transmission requirements. Effectively identifying and leveraging these characteristics will facilitate network and service transmission and control, as well as service assurance and user experience.

[0269] Extended Reality and Media (XRM) and interactive media services require the 5GS system to comprehensively consider the Quality of Service (QoS) characteristics of the relevant data flows. For example, parameters such as delay-critical Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR) data flows, guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), packet delay budget (PDB), and default maximum data burst volume (MDBV) must be met and coordinated. This also involves ensuring the consistency of QoS authorization and execution for multiple XRM data flows within a single user equipment (UE) and for XRM data flows within multiple UEs.

[0270] The current 5G system supports enhanced processing of each packet data unit set (PDU set) of the XRM service data flow by the application function (AF). This supports AF's enhanced perception and assurance of the quality of service (QoS) of the XRM service data flow, as well as the user's quality of experience (QoE). This includes providing specific QoS features and protocol descriptions of the PDU set by the AF:

[0271] PDU Set specific QoS features:

[0272] PDU Set Delay Budget (PSDB);

[0273] PDU Set Error Rate (PSER);

[0274] PDU Set Integrated Handling Information (PSIHI)

[0275] The SMF and UPF can perform GTP-U header extensions on the corresponding PDUs in the corresponding SDF PDU set in conjunction with the Protocol Description and protocol header extensions provided by the AF, carrying PDU Set information. The PDU Set information is used by the NG-RAN for QoS processing based on the PDU set. The PDU Set information includes:

[0276] PDU Set sequence number;

[0277] At the end PDU of the PDU Set;

[0278] The sequence number of the PDU in the PDU Set;

[0279] PDU Set Size;

[0280] PDUSet Importance, used to identify the relative importance of a PDU Set compared to other PDU Sets in a QoS flow.

[0281] The RAN can perform PDU set-based processing based on the PDU Set-specific QoS characteristics and protocol descriptions provided by the 5GC and AF, as well as the enhanced packet header identified and marked by the UPF.

[0282] However, 5GS currently only supports PDU set-based processing for non-encrypted application data flows. In actual deployments, the vast majority of service data flows are encrypted. Currently, 5GS cannot support PDU set processing for these encrypted service data flows, cannot correctly identify and mark PDU set information for encrypted data flows, and cannot implement PDU set-based QoS processing and congestion control functions.

[0283] How the 5GS system supports QoS control and PDU Set identification of end-to-end encrypted XR data streams is a problem that the present invention needs to solve.

[0284] FIG2A is an interactive diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0285] Step S2101: The AF network element sends first information to the NEF network element.

[0286] In some embodiments, when the AF network element is a non-trusted AF network element, the AF network element may send the first information to the PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0287] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via a new message.

[0288] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element through an existing message.

[0289] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via an AF QoS request. That is, the first information is carried in the AF QoS request, and the AF network element sends the AF QoS request to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0290] In some embodiments, the AF network element sends the first information to the NEF network element via an AF QoS update message. That is, the AF QoS update message may carry the first information, and the AF network element sends an AF QoS request or an AF QoS update message to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0291] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element during the AF session creation process. Optionally, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via a create request with QoS AF session (Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request). In other words, the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request may carry the first information, and the AF network element sends the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0292] In some embodiments, the terms "AFQoS", "Application Function Quality of Service" and "Application Function Quality of Service" can be used interchangeably.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first information may include, but is not limited to, QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, for a radio access network (RAN) network element to perform encrypted PDU set-based processing. Optionally, the NEF network element receives the first information, that is, receives the QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, for the radio access RAN network element to perform encrypted PDU set-based processing.

[0294] In some embodiments, the naming of the first information is not limited. For example, the first information may be "service data flow information", "QoS requirement information of service data flow", or "encryption indication information", etc. Optionally, in some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one of the following information: service information of augmented reality and media service XRM service; terminal address or terminal identification; AF application identification information; description information of service data flow; QoS parameters of service data flow; data network name (DNN) and single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI).

[0295] In some embodiments, the QoS requirement information of the service data flow may include but is not limited to:

[0296] QoS parameters; QoS parameters may include but are not limited to:

[0297] 5G QoS Identifier (5GQI);

[0298] Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP);

[0299] Reflex QoS Attribute (RQA);

[0300] Notification control;

[0301] Stream bitrate;

[0302] Aggregate bitrate;

[0303] default value;

[0304] Maximum packet loss rate.

[0305] QoS PDU set parameters, where QoS PDU set parameters may include but are not limited to:

[0306] PDU Set specific QoS features:

[0307] PDU Set Delay Budget (PSDB);

[0308] PDU Set Error Rate (PSER);

[0309] PDU Set Integrated Handling Information (PSIHI)

[0310] In some embodiments, the encryption indication information may be used to indicate whether the service data flow is encrypted.

[0311] In some embodiments, the encryption indication information may include at least one of the following information:

[0312] First indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted;

[0313] Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing;

[0314] third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of a service data stream, where the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption;

[0315] Fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy;

[0316] Fifth indication information indicating whether the service data flow is end-to-end (End-to-End, E2E) encrypted;

[0317] Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow is preferentially subjected to encrypted PDU set-based processing;

[0318] Descriptive information about the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

[0319] In some embodiments, the AF network element may implicitly indicate the encryption indication information. For example, the AF network element may send protocol description information, which carries the encryption indication information. In other words, the protocol description information may be carried in the first information to implicitly indicate the encryption indication information.

[0320] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the service data stream is encrypted. For example, a value of "1" in the first indication information may indicate that the service data stream is encrypted, while a value of "0" in the first indication information may indicate that the service data stream is not encrypted. The naming of the first indication information is not limited. For example, the first indication information may be "service data stream encryption information," "first encryption indication information," etc.

[0321] Optionally, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the service data flow supports encrypted PDU set-based processing. For example, the second indication information takes a value of "1", which can indicate that the service data flow supports encrypted PDU set-based processing. The first indication information takes a value of "0", which can indicate that the service data flow does not support encrypted PDU set-based processing. The naming of the second indication information is not limited. For example, the second indication information can be "whether to support encrypted PDU set-based processing information", "second encryption indication information", etc.

[0322] Optionally, the third indication information is used to indicate the encryption mode of the header of the service data stream, such as full header encryption or partial header encryption. For example, if the third indication information has a value of "1", it can indicate that the encryption mode of the header of the service data stream is full header encryption, and if the third indication information has a value of "0", it can indicate that the encryption mode of the header of the service data stream is partial encryption. The naming of the third indication information is not limited, for example, the third indication information can be "encryption mode indication information", "third encryption indication information", etc.

[0323] Optionally, the fourth indication information is used to indicate whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy. For example, a value of "1" indicates that the service data flow supports encryption proxy, while a value of "0" indicates that the service data flow does not support encryption proxy. The naming of the fourth indication information is not limited. For example, the fourth indication information can be "whether encryption proxy support indication information" or "fourth encryption indication information".

[0324] Optionally, the fifth indication information is used to indicate whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted. For example, a value of "1" for the fifth indication information indicates that the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted, while a value of "0" for the fifth indication information indicates that the service data flow is not end-to-end E2E encrypted. The naming of the fifth indication information is not limited. For example, the fifth indication information may be "E2E encryption indication information," "end-to-end encryption indication information," or "fifth encryption indication information."

[0325] Optionally, the sixth indication information is used to indicate whether the service data flow shall prioritize the encrypted PDU set-based processing. For example, if the sixth indication information takes a value of "1", it may indicate that the service data flow shall prioritize the encrypted PDU set-based processing. If the sixth indication information takes a value of "0", it may indicate that the service data flow shall not prioritize the encrypted PDU set-based processing. The naming of the sixth indication information is not limited. For example, "sixth indication information" may be "priority execution feedback information", "priority execution indication information" or "sixth encryption indication information", etc.

[0326] In some embodiments, the service data stream may be a multimedia data stream provided by an application server, such as a video data stream, an audio data stream, etc. The service data stream may include but is not limited to a PDU and an SDF.

[0327] In some embodiments, related terms such as "encryption indication information" and "Encryption Indication information" can be replaced.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first information may also include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following information:

[0329] XRM service information;

[0330] Terminal address or terminal identification, where the service information of the XRM service may include but is not limited to identification information of a service data flow or a data flow group, for example, a comprehensive service identification (ID), which can be used to identify all data flows in the XRM service data flow group;

[0331] AF application identification information;

[0332] Description information of business data flow;

[0333] QoS parameters of service data flows;

[0334] Data Network Name (DNN);

[0335] Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) and other information.

[0336] Step S2102: The NEF network element performs authorization authentication.

[0337] In some embodiments, the NEF network element can authorize and authenticate the AF request sent by the AF, and decide whether to call the Time Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization Function (TSCTSF) network element based on the parameters provided by the AF, transmit information with the PCF network element through the TSCTSF network element, or directly interact with the PCF. Optionally, the PCF network element can receive the first information provided by the AF network element from the NEF network element or the TSCTSF network element.

[0338] In some embodiments, the NEF network element may further perform at least one of the following related mapping operations:

[0339] Identify the mapping of XRM service (AF-Service-Identifier) ​​to DNN and S-NSSAI;

[0340] Mapping of external applications to CN application identifiers;

[0341] Mapping of external UE identities to CN internal UE identities (e.g., SUPI) based on Unified Data Management (UDM) contract information;

[0342] Perform mapping of external to internal XRM service group identifiers based on UDM contract information.

[0343] Step S2103: The NEF network element sends first information to the PCF network element.

[0344] In some embodiments, the NEF network element sends the first information to the PCF network element. Optionally, the PCF network element receives the first information, that is, receives the QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, for the wireless access RAN network element to perform PDU set-based processing.

[0345] In some embodiments, the NEF network element may send the first information to the PCF network element by creating a policy authorization request (Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request).

[0346] Step S2104: The PCF network element determines a policy control and charging PCC rule for the service data flow based on the first information.

[0347] In some embodiments, the PCF network element may receive the first information sent by the NEF network element.

[0348] In some embodiments, the PCF network element determines policy control and charging (PCC) rules for the service data flow based on the QoS requirement information and encryption indication information in the first information. In some embodiments, the PCC rules can access the QoS requirement information of the transport network bearer-level service to ensure data transmission, and mainly include service data flow detection, policy enforcement, and flow-based charging functions.

[0349] In some embodiments, the AF network element may implicitly indicate the encryption indication information, for example, relevant information in the encryption indication information may be carried in the description information of the specified protocol. Optionally, the PCF network element may obtain the encryption indication information based on the protocol description information sent by the AF.

[0350] In some embodiments, the terms "PCC rules", "Policy Control and Charging rules", and "Policy Control and Charging" may be used interchangeably.

[0351] Step S2105: The PCF network element sends a third response message to the NEF network element.

[0352] In some embodiments, the PCF network element may send a third response message to the NEF network element via a policy authentication create response (Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Createresponse).

[0353] Step S2106: The NEF network element sends a fourth response message to the AF network element.

[0354] In some embodiments, the NEF network element may send a fourth response message to the AF network element through a creation response of an AF session with quality of service QoS (Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS Create response).

[0355] Step S2107: The PCF network element sends PCC rules and encryption indication information to the SMF network element.

[0356] In some embodiments, the PCF network element may carry encryption indication information in the PCC rule, and the PCF network element sends the encryption indication information to the SMF network element by sending the PCC rule.

[0357] In some embodiments, the PCF network element may directly send encryption indication information to the SMF network element. Optionally, the encryption indication information is sent outside the PCC rule. For example, the encryption indication information may be carried in other third information, and the PCF network element sends the encryption indication information to the SMF network element by sending the third information.

[0358] In some embodiments, the third information may be a session management (SM) association modification request. Optionally, the PCF network element sends encryption indication information to the SMF network element via the SM association modification request.

[0359] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited. For example, the third information may be “SM association modification request”, “session management association modification request” or “Session Management association modification request”.

[0360] Step S2108, the SMF network element sends a first response message to the PCF network element.

[0361] In some embodiments, the SMF network element sends a first response message to the PCF network element, where the first response message is used to indicate that the SMF network element has received the PCC rules sent by the PCF network element and / or has received encryption indication information sent by the PCF network element.

[0362] Optionally, the SMF network element may send a first response message to the PCF network element via a session management policy control update notification response (Npcf_SM PolicyControl_Update Notifyresponse).

[0363] Optionally, the name of the first response message is not limited. For example, the first response message can be "Npcf_SM Policy Control_Update Notify response message", "receiving feedback information" or "receiving result information", etc.

[0364] Step S2109, the SMF network element sends the second information to the UPF network element.

[0365] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may send a second message to the UPF network element by sending an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element. It is understandable that the N4 session modification request carries the second information.

[0366] Optionally, the N4 session modification request is mainly used for the SMF network element to control the UPF network element, and the N4 interface is the bridge between the SMF network element and the UPF network element.

[0367] In some embodiments, related terms such as "N4 Session Modification Request" and "N4Session Modification Request" can be replaced.

[0368] In some embodiments, the second information may include QoS rules and encryption indication information. The QoS rules may include QoS parameters for the service data flow. Optionally, the QoS parameters may include PDU set QoS parameters to perform PDU set-based processing on the service data flow. Optionally, the UPF network element receives the second information sent by the SMF network element, that is, the UPF network element receives the QoS rules, QoS parameters, and encryption indication information.

[0369] Optionally, there is no limitation on the naming of the second information. For example, the second information may be “QoS information and encryption indication information”.

[0370] In some embodiments, the UPF network element may also receive encryption indication information directly sent by an application server (AS).

[0371] Optionally, the UPF network element can receive encryption indication information sent by the SMF network element, or receive encryption indication information sent by the NEF network element, or receive encryption indication information sent directly by the AS.

[0372] In some embodiments, the UPF network element can identify and determine the PDU set information from the extended header of the service data flow based on the encryption indication information.

[0373] In some embodiments, the extended header may be a General Packet Radio Service Tunnelling Protocol for the user plane (GTP-U).

[0374] Step S2110, the UPF network element determines the PDU set information based on the encryption indication information, and sends a second response message to the SMF network element.

[0375] In some embodiments, the UPF network element sends a second response message to the SMF network element, and the second response message is used to indicate that the UPF network element has received the second information sent by the SMF network element.

[0376] In some embodiments, the PDU set information may include but is not limited to:

[0377] PDU Set sequence number;

[0378] At the end PDU of the PDU Set;

[0379] The sequence number of the PDU in the PDU Set;

[0380] PDU Set Size;

[0381] PDUSet Importance, used to identify the relative importance of a PDU Set compared to other PDU Sets in a QoS flow.

[0382] In some embodiments, the second response message may include, but is not limited to: encryption indication information, PDU set information, and QoS rules.

[0383] Optionally, the second response message can be sent to the SMF network element via an N4 session modification response (N4Session Modification Response).

[0384] Optionally, the naming of the second response message is not limited. For example, the second response message can be a "reception success message", a "reception feedback message" or a "second information reception success message".

[0385] Step S2111, the SMF network element sends encryption indication information, PDU set information and QoS rules to the AMF network element.

[0386] In step S2112, the AMF network element sends encryption indication information, PDU set information, and QoS rules to the RAN network element.

[0387] In some embodiments, the (R)AN network element may perform PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the encryption indication information, PDU set information and QoS rules.

[0388] In some embodiments, the QoS rules may be sent to the RAN network element via the control plane path, that is, the SMF network element may forward the QoS rules to the RAN network element via the AMF network element. Optionally, the RAN network element receives the QoS rules forwarded by the AMF network element.

[0389] In some embodiments, the PDU set information can be sent via a user plane path. For example, the PDU set information can be carried in an extended header of a service data flow. That is, the UPF network element sends the PDU set information to the RAN network element via the extended header of the service data flow. Optionally, the RAN network element receives the PDU set information sent by the UPF network element via the extended header.

[0390] It can be understood that the RAN network element receives general information for QoS flow from the AMF network element (i.e. through the control plane path), and receives PDU set information for each service data flow (set data packet) from the UPF network element (i.e. through the user plane path).

[0391] In some embodiments, the UPF network element may send PDU set information to the RAN network element via the fourth message and send QoS rules to the RAN network element via the fifth message. It is understandable that the RAN network element may receive the PDU set information and QoS rules from the two messages respectively. It should be noted that the PDU set information and QoS rules are received at different times. For example, the PDU set information may be delivered along with the service data flow, while the QoS may be obtained from the server of the UPF network element before the service data flow is delivered.

[0392] In some embodiments, the processing based on the PDU set may include discarding some PDUs or processing PDUs with priority, etc.

[0393] In some embodiments, the AMF network element may send an N2 message to the (R)AN, and send encryption indication information, PDU set information, and QoS rules to the RAN network element via the N2 message.

[0394] Optionally, the N2 message may include but is not limited to: N2SM information received from the SMF network element, Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message, and the NAS message may include but is not limited to: PDU session ID, N1SM container (for example, PDU session modification command).

[0395] In the embodiment of the present application, the following steps may also be included:

[0396] Step S2113: The RAN network element establishes session resources with the UE.

[0397] Step S2114: The RAN network element sends an N2PDU session response message to the AMF.

[0398] In some embodiments, the (R)AN may confirm the N2PDU session request by sending an N2PDU session acknowledgement (ACK) message to the AMF.

[0399] In some embodiments, the (R)AN sends N2SM information to the AFM. Optionally, the N2SM information may be carried in an ACK message.

[0400] Step S2115, the AMF network element sends N2SM information to the SMF.

[0401] In some embodiments, the AMF forwards the N2SM information received from the (R)AN network element to the SMF network element through the PDU session update SM context request Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request service operation.

[0402] Step S2116, the SMF network element sends a fifth response message to the AMF network element.

[0403] In some embodiments, the SMF network element uses the PDU session to update the SM context response Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext respond and sends a fifth response message to the AMF network element.

[0404] Step S2117, the SMF network element sends an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element.

[0405] Step S2118, the UPF network element sends a sixth response message to the SMF network element.

[0406] In some embodiments, the N4 session modification request message is used to update the N4 session of the UPF involved in the PDU session modification.

[0407] The information processing method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2118. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2101+S2102+S2103+S2104+S2105+S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2107+S2108+S2109+S2110 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0408] 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.

[0409] FIG2B is an interactive diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0410] Step S2201: The AF network element sends first information to the PCF network element.

[0411] In some embodiments, when the AF network element is a trusted AF network element, the AF network element may directly send the first information to the PCF network element.

[0412] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the PCF network element via a new message.

[0413] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the PCF network element through an existing message.

[0414] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via an AF QoS request. That is, the first information is carried in the AF QoS request, and the AF network element sends the AF QoS request to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0415] In some embodiments, the AF network element sends the first information to the NEF network element via an AF QoS update message. That is, the AF QoS update message may carry the first information, and the AF network element sends an AF QoS request or an AF QoS update message to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0416] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send first information to the NEF network element during the AF session creation process. Optionally, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via an AF session creation request (Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request). In other words, the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request may carry the first information, and the AF network element sends the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0417] For step S2201, reference may be made to step S2101 in FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0418] Step S2202: The PCF network element determines a policy control and charging PCC rule for the service data flow based on the first information.

[0419] Optional implementations of step S2202 may refer to step S2104 in FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0420] Step S2203: The PCF network element sends a seventh response message to the AF.

[0421] In some embodiments, the PCF network element may send the seventh response message to the AF through an existing message.

[0422] In some embodiments, the PCF network element may send a seventh response message to the AF via a newly added message.

[0423] In some embodiments, the seventh response message is used to indicate that the PCF network element has received the first information sent by the AF network element. Optionally, the naming of the seventh response message is not limited. For example, the seventh response message can also be a "reception success message", "reception feedback message" or "first information reception success message".

[0424] Step S2204: The PCF network element sends PCC rules and encryption indication information to the SMF network element.

[0425] Step S2205, the SMF network element sends a first response message to the PCF network element.

[0426] Optional implementations of steps S2204-S2205 can be found in steps S2107 and S2108 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment of FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0427] Step S2206: The UPF network element receives encryption indication information sent by the AS directly or through the NEF network element.

[0428] Step S2207, the SMF network element sends QoS rules to the UPF network element.

[0429] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may send the QoS rule to the UPF network element by sending a second message to the UPF network element. It is understandable that the second message carries the QoS rule.

[0430] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may send a QoS rule to the UPF network element by sending an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element. It is understandable that the N4 session modification request carries the QoS rule.

[0431] Step S2208, the UPF network element sends a second response message to the SMF network element.

[0432] Step S2209: The UPF network element determines the PDU set information according to the encryption indication information.

[0433] Optional implementations of steps S2208 and S2209 can be found in step S2110 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0434] Step S2210: The UPF network element sends fourth information to the RAN network element.

[0435] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include PDU set information.

[0436] In some embodiments, the fourth information may further include encryption indication information. Optionally, the RAN network element receives the fourth information, that is, the RAN network element receives the PDU set information and the encryption indication information.

[0437] In some embodiments, the UPF network element may send encryption indication information to the RAN network element in an extended header. That is, the extended header carries the encryption indication information, and the UPF network element sends the encryption indication information to the RAN network element by sending the extended header.

[0438] Optionally, there is no limitation on the naming of the fourth information. For example, the fourth information may be “extended header information”, “PDU set information and encryption indication information”, etc.

[0439] Step S2211: The UPF network element sends the fifth information to the RAN network element.

[0440] In some embodiments, the fifth information includes QoS rules, which may include QoS parameters. Optionally, the RAN network element receives the fifth information, that is, the RAN network element determines the QoS rules and QoS parameters according to the fifth information.

[0441] Optionally, there is no limitation on the naming of the fifth information. For example, the fifth information may be “QoS information”, “QoS rule and QoS configuration parameter information” or “quality of service information”.

[0442] In some embodiments, the (R)AN network element may perform PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the encryption indication information, PDU set information and QoS rules.

[0443] The information processing method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2211. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2201+S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2204+S2205+S2206+S2207 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0444] 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.

[0445] FIG2C is an interactive diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0446] Step S2301: The AF network element sends first information to the PCF network element.

[0447] In some embodiments, if the AF network element is a trusted AF network element, the AF network element may directly send the first information to the PCF network element.

[0448] In some embodiments, if the AF network element is an untrusted AF network element, the AF network element may send the first information to the PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0449] Step S2302: The PCF network element determines a PCC rule for the service data flow based on the first information.

[0450] Step S2303: The PCF network element sends PCC rules and encryption indication information to the SMF network element.

[0451] Step S2304, the SMF network element sends the second information to the UPF network element.

[0452] Step S2305: The UPF network element determines the PDU set information based on the encryption indication information.

[0453] Optional implementations of steps S2301 to S2305 can be found in steps S2101 to S2111 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0454] Step S2306: The UPF network element sends PDU set information to the RAN network element.

[0455] Step S2307: The SMF network element sends QoS rules and encryption indication information to the RAN network element through the AMF network element.

[0456] Optional implementations of steps S2306 and S2307 can be found in steps S2210 and S2211 of FIG. 2B and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0457] The information processing method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2307. For example, step S2301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2301+S2302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2301+S2302+S2303+S2304 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0458] 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.

[0459] FIG2D is an interactive diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2D , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0460] Step S2401: The AF network element sends first information to the PCF network element.

[0461] Step S2402: The PCF network element determines a policy control and charging PCC rule for the service data flow based on the first information.

[0462] Step S2403: The PCF network element sends PCC rules and encryption indication information to the SMF network element.

[0463] Step S2404, the SMF network element sends the second information to the UPF network element.

[0464] Step S2405: The UPF network element determines the PDU set information according to the encryption indication information.

[0465] Step S2406: The UPF network element sends PDU set information to the RAN network element.

[0466] Step S2407: The SMF network element sends QoS and encryption indication information to the RAN network element through the AMF network element.

[0467] The optional implementation methods of steps S2401-S2407 can be found in steps S2104, S2107, S2109, S2110 of Figure 2A, step S2201 of Figure 2B, step S2306, S2307 of Figure 2C and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0468] Step S2408: AS sends the service data flow to the UPF network element.

[0469] In some embodiments, the AS sends the service data flow directly to the UPF network element. Optionally, the UPF network element receives the service data flow so that the UPF network element can implement the forwarding function of the service data flow.

[0470] Step S2409: The UPF network element sends the service data flow to the RAN network element.

[0471] In some embodiments, the UPF network element sends the received service data flow to the RAN network element. Optionally, the RAN network element receives the service data flow sent by the UPF network element.

[0472] In step S2410, the RAN network element processes the service data flow based on the PDU set.

[0473] Optionally, the RAN network element receives PDU set information, QoS rules, and QoS parameters based on the service data flow, and performs PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow.

[0474] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2401 to S2410. For example, step S2401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S2401+S2402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S2401+S2402+S2403+S2404 can be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0475] 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.

[0476] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "code element", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0477] In some embodiments, terms such as "synchronization signal (SS)", "synchronization signal block (SSB)", "reference signal (RS)", "pilot", and "pilot signal" can be used interchangeably.

[0478] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0479] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0480] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0481] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0482] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0483] FIG3A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method that can be executed by an application function AF network element. The method includes:

[0484] Step S3101: Send first information to the NEF network element.

[0485] The optional implementation method of step S3101 can be found in step S2101 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0486] 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.

[0487] FIG3B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by an application function AF network element. The method includes:

[0488] Step S3201: Send first information to the PCF network element.

[0489] Step S3202, receiving the seventh response message.

[0490] The optional implementation method of step S3201-step S3202 can be found in step S2201 and step S2203 of Figure 2B and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0491] The information processing method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 and S3202. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0492] 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.

[0493] FIG3C is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3C , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by an application function AF network element. The method includes:

[0494] Step S3301, sending the first information.

[0495] In some embodiments, in some embodiments, when the AF network element is a trusted AF network element, the AF network element may directly send the first information to the PCF network element.

[0496] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the PCF network element via a new message.

[0497] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the PCF network element through an existing message.

[0498] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via an AF QoS request. That is, the first information is carried in the AF QoS request, and the AF network element sends the AF QoS request to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0499] In some embodiments, the AF network element sends the first information to the NEF network element via an AF QoS update message. That is, the AF QoS update message may carry the first information, and the AF network element sends an AF QoS request or an AF QoS update message to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0500] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send first information to the NEF network element during the AF session creation process. Optionally, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via an AF session creation request (Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request). In other words, the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request may carry the first information, and the AF network element sends the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0501] In some embodiments, when the AF network element is a non-trusted AF network element, the AF network element may send the first information to the PCF network element through the NEF network element.

[0502] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via a new message.

[0503] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element through an existing message.

[0504] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via an AF QoS request. That is, the first information is carried in the AF QoS request, and the AF network element sends the AF QoS request to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0505] In some embodiments, the AF network element sends the first information to the NEF network element via an AF QoS update message. That is, the AF QoS update message may carry the first information, and the AF network element sends an AF QoS request or an AF QoS update message to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0506] In some embodiments, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element during the AF session creation process. Optionally, the AF network element may send the first information to the NEF network element via a create request with QoS AF session (Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request). In other words, the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request may carry the first information, and the AF network element sends the Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request to the NEF network element to implement sending the first information to the NEF network element.

[0507] In some embodiments, the terms "AF QoS", "Application Function Quality of Service" and "Application Function Quality of Service" can be used interchangeably.

[0508] The optional implementation method of step S3301 can be found in step S2101 of FIG. 2A , step S2201 of FIG. 2B and other related parts of the embodiments involved in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0509] 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.

[0510] FIG4A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method that can be executed by a PCF network element. The method includes:

[0511] Step S4101: Receive first information sent by the NEF network element.

[0512] Step S4102: Determine a PCC rule for the service data flow based on the first information.

[0513] Step S4103: Send a third response message to the NEF network element.

[0514] Step S4104: Send PCC rules and encryption indication information to the SMF network element to send PCC rules.

[0515] Step S4105, receive the first response message sent by the SMF network element.

[0516] The optional implementation methods of steps S4101 to S4105 can be found in steps S2101, S2104, S2105, S2107, S2108 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be repeated here.

[0517] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4105. For example, step S4101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S4101+S4102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0518] 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.

[0519] FIG4B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by a PCF network element. The method includes:

[0520] Step S4201: Receive the first information sent by AF.

[0521] Step S4202: Determine a PCC rule for the service data flow based on the first information.

[0522] Step S4203: Send a seventh response message to AF.

[0523] Step S4204: Send PCC rules and encryption indication information to the SMF network element.

[0524] Step S4205, receive the first response message sent by the SMF network element.

[0525] The optional implementation method of steps S4201-S4205 can be found in steps S2201-S2205 of FIG. 2B and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2B, which will not be described in detail here.

[0526] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4201 to S4205. For example, step S4201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S4201+S4202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0527] 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.

[0528] FIG4C is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4C , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method that can be executed by a PCF network element. The method includes:

[0529] Step S4301, receiving first information.

[0530] Step S4302: Determine a PCC rule for the service data flow based on the first information.

[0531] Step S4303: Send PCC rules to the SMF network element.

[0532] The optional implementation method of steps S4301 to S4303 can be found in steps S2301 to S2303 of FIG. 2C and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2C , which will not be described in detail here.

[0533] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S4301 to S4303. For example, step S4301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S4301+S4302 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0534] 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.

[0535] FIG5A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by an SMF network element. The method includes:

[0536] Step S5101: Receive PCC rules and encryption indication information.

[0537] Step S5102: Send a first response message.

[0538] Step S5103, sending the second information.

[0539] Step S5104: Receive a second response message.

[0540] Step S5105: Send encryption indication information, PDU set information and QoS rules.

[0541] Step S5106, receiving N2SM information.

[0542] Step S5107: Send a fifth response message.

[0543] Step S5108: Send an N4 session modification request.

[0544] Step S5109: receive the sixth response message.

[0545] The optional implementation method of steps S5101 to S5109 can be found in steps S2107 to S2111, steps S2115 to S2118 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be repeated here.

[0546] The information processing method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 to S5109. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, steps S5101+S5102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S5101+S5102+S5103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0547] 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.

[0548] FIG5B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by an SMF network element. The method includes:

[0549] Step S5201: Receive PCC rules and encryption indication information.

[0550] Step S5202: Send a first response message.

[0551] Step S5203, sending the second information.

[0552] Step S5204: Receive a second response message.

[0553] Step S5205: Send encryption indication information, PDU set information and QoS rules.

[0554] The optional implementation method of steps S5201 to S5205 can be found in steps S2107 to S2111 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0555] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5201 to S5205. For example, step S5201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5203 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S5201+S5203 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0556] 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.

[0557] FIG5C is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by an SMF network element. The method includes:

[0558] Step S5301: Receive PCC rules and encryption indication information.

[0559] Step S5302, sending the second information.

[0560] The optional implementation methods of steps S5301 and S5302 can be found in steps S2107 and S2109 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be described in detail here.

[0561] The information processing method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S5301 and S5302. For example, step S5301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0562] 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.

[0563] FIG6A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by a UPF network element. The method includes:

[0564] Step S6101, receiving second information.

[0565] Step S6102: Determine PDU set information.

[0566] Step S6103: Send a second response message.

[0567] Step S6104: Receive N4 session modification request.

[0568] Step S6105: Send a sixth response message.

[0569] The optional implementation method of steps S6101 to S6105 can be found in steps S2109 to S2110, steps S2117 to S2118 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be repeated here.

[0570] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S6101 to S6105. For example, step S6101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S6102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S6101+S6102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0571] 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.

[0572] FIG6B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by a UPF network element. The method includes:

[0573] Step S6201, receiving encryption instruction information.

[0574] Step S6202, receiving QoS rules.

[0575] Step S6203: Send a second response message.

[0576] Step S6204: Determine PDU set information.

[0577] Step S6205, sending the fourth message

[0578] Step S6206, sending the fifth information.

[0579] The optional implementation method of steps S6201 to S6206 can be found in steps S2206 to S2211 of FIG. 2B and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2B , which will not be described in detail here.

[0580] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S6201 to S6206. For example, step S6201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S6202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S6201+S6202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0581] 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.

[0582] FIG6C is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6D , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method that can be executed by a UPF network element. The method includes:

[0583] Step S6301, receiving encryption instruction information.

[0584] Step S6302, receiving QoS rules.

[0585] Step S6303: Send a second response message.

[0586] Step S6304: Determine PDU set information.

[0587] Step S6305: Send PDU set information.

[0588] Step S6306: Receive business data flow.

[0589] Step S6307: Send the service data stream.

[0590] The optional implementation method of steps S6301 to S6307 can be found in steps S2404 to S2409 of FIG. 2D and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2D , which will not be described in detail here.

[0591] 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.

[0592] FIG6D is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6D , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which can be executed by a UPF network element. The method includes:

[0593] Step S6401, receiving second information.

[0594] Step S6402: Determine PDU set information.

[0595] Step S6403: Send PDU set information.

[0596] The optional implementation method of steps S6401 to S6403 can be found in steps S2404 to S2407 in FIG2D and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG2D , which will not be repeated here.

[0597] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S6401 to S6403. For example, step S6401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S6402 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S6401+S6402 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0598] 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.

[0599] FIG7A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method that can be executed by an NEF network element. The method includes:

[0600] Step S7101, receiving first information.

[0601] Step S7102: perform authorization authentication.

[0602] Step S7103, sending the first information.

[0603] Step S7104, receiving a third response message.

[0604] Step S7105: Send a fourth response message.

[0605] The optional implementation method of steps S7101 to S7105 can be found in steps S2101 to S2103, steps S2105 to S2106 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be repeated here.

[0606] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S7101 to S7105. For example, step S7101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S7103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S7101+S7103 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0607] 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.

[0608] FIG7B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method that can be executed by an NEF network element. The method includes:

[0609] Step S7201, receiving first information.

[0610] Step S7202, sending the first information.

[0611] The optional implementation method of step S7201-step S7202 can be found in step S2101 and step S2102 of Figure 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0612] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S7201 and S7202. For example, step S7201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S7202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S7201+S7202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0613] 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.

[0614] FIG8A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8A , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method that can be executed by a RAN network element. The method includes:

[0615] Step S8101, receiving encryption indication information, PDU set information and QoS rules.

[0616] Step S8102: Establish session resources with the UE.

[0617] Step S8103: Send an N2PDU session response message.

[0618] The optional implementation method of steps S8101 to S8103 can be found in steps S2112 to S2114 of FIG. 2A and other related parts of the embodiment involved in FIG. 2A , which will not be repeated here.

[0619] The information processing method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S8101 to S8103. For example, step S8101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S8102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0620] 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.

[0621] FIG8B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8B , the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information processing method that can be executed by a RAN network element. The method includes:

[0622] Step S8201, receiving the fourth information.

[0623] Step S8202, receive the fifth information.

[0624] Step S8203: Receive business data stream.

[0625] Step S8204: Process the service data flow based on the PDU set.

[0626] The optional implementation method of steps S8201 to S8204 can be found in steps S2406-S2407, steps S2409-S2410 of Figure 2D and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0627] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S8201 to S8204. For example, step S8201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S8202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and steps S8201+S8202 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0628] 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.

[0629] FIG8C is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8C , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method that can be executed by a RAN network element. The method includes:

[0630] Step S8301: Receive PDU set information of the service data flow.

[0631] Step S8302: Receive QoS rules for service data flows.

[0632] Step S8303: Process the service data flow based on the PDU set.

[0633] The optional implementation methods of steps S8301-S8303 can be found in steps S2406-S2407, step S2410 in Figure 2D and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2D, which will not be repeated here.

[0634] The information processing method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S8301 to S8303. For example, step S8301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S8302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0635] 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.

[0636] FIG9A is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG9A , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0637] Step S9101, sending the first information.

[0638] AF sends an AF session resource request, that is, AF sends the first information, for example, through Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request, to create an AF request. AF carries the QoS requirements of XRM service and interactive media service data flow in the request message. AF sends encryption indication information (encryption indication information includes at least one of the following items: whether to encrypt PDU / SDF, whether to support PDUset processing of encrypted PDU / SDF, whether the header is fully encrypted or partially encrypted, whether encryption proxy is supported, whether E2E encryption is performed, whether to prioritize PDU set processing of encrypted PDU, encryption protocol description) to 5GC (NEF / PCF). AF can provide encryption indication information to NEF / PCF during the AF QoS request / update process.

[0639] Optionally, it carries XRM service information, identifying the XRM service data flow or data flow group (e.g., multimodal transport ID), UE address / UE identifier, AF identifier application ID, process description, DNN, S-NSSAI, QoS parameters, and other corresponding information. Here, the multimodal transport ID can be used to identify all processes in the XRM service group.

[0640] Step S9102, authorization authentication.

[0641] If the NEF authorizes the AF request, the NEF sends the AF request to the PCF through the NEF. (Optionally, the NEF performs relevant mappings, including mapping the XRM service (AF service identifier) ​​to the DNN and S-NSSAI, mapping external applications to CN application identifiers; and mapping external UE identifiers to CN internal UE identifiers (such as SUPI) based on UDM subscription information, as well as mapping external to internal XRM service group identifiers based on UDM subscription information.)

[0642] The NEF authorizes the AF request and decides whether to call the TSCTSF or contact the PCF directly based on the parameters provided by the AF (these signaling steps are the same as setting up an AF session with the required QoS procedures in TS 23.502 clause 4.15.6.6). The PCF receives the attributes provided by the AF from the NEF or TSCTSF.

[0643] Step S9103, receiving the first information.

[0644] The NEF triggers the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create request and sends the AF request to the PCF, carrying the QoS requirements for the PCF to make a policy decision. The message carries the encryption indication information of the corresponding SDF (including at least one of the following: whether the PDU / SDF is encrypted, whether PDUset processing of encrypted PDU / SDF is supported, whether the header is fully encrypted or partially encrypted, whether encryption proxy is supported, whether E2E encryption is enabled, whether PDUset processing of encrypted PDUs is prioritized, and the encryption protocol description).

[0645] Step S9104, make a decision.

[0646] The PCF makes policy decisions. The PCF may determine that updated or new policy information needs to be sent to the SMF. The PCF considers the encryption indication information provided by the AF to determine the PCC rules (including at least one of the following: whether to encrypt the PDU / SDF, whether to support PDUset processing of encrypted PDU / SDF, whether to fully encrypt the header or partially encrypt the header, whether to support encryption proxy, whether to perform end-to-end encryption, whether to prioritize PDUset processing of encrypted PDUs, and the encryption protocol description).

[0647] The PCF sends the encryption indication information received from the AF / NEF to the SMF through the PCC rules, that is, it is sent to the SMF in the PCC rules.

[0648] The PCF responds to the NEF with a Npcf_Policy Authorization_Create response.

[0649] NEF sends a Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create response message to AF, carrying the result and informing whether the request is authorized.

[0650] Step S9105: Send PCC rules.

[0651] The PCF initiates an SM policy association modification request to send the PCC rules to the SMF.

[0652] After receiving the PCC rules, the SMF determines the QoS rules and QoS setting parameters, takes into account the encryption indication information, and configures / activates the rules to the UPF (for example, through the N4 session) (including at least one of the following: whether to encrypt PDU / SDF, whether to support PDUset processing of encrypted PDU / SDF, whether the header is fully encrypted or partially encrypted, whether encryption proxy is supported, whether E2E encryption is performed, whether PDUset processing of encrypted PDU is performed first, and encryption protocol description).

[0653] The SMF responds with an SM policy association modification response to the PCF.

[0654] SMF initiates an N4 session modification request (encrypted indication information) to UPF.

[0655] Step S9106: Send encryption instruction information.

[0656] UPF(s) responds to SMF.

[0657] The UPF identifies and determines the PDU set information to be sent to the NG-RAN (e.g. in the extension header, GTP-U header) based on the encryption indication information, taking into account the encryption indication information (including at least one of the following: whether the PDU / SDF is encrypted, whether PDUset processing of encrypted PDU / SDF is supported, whether the header is fully encrypted or partially encrypted, whether encryption proxy is supported, whether E2E encryption is performed, whether PDUset processing of encrypted PDUs is prioritized, and encryption protocol description).

[0658] In addition, the UPF sends encryption indication information to the NG-RAN (e.g. in the extension header, GTP-U header).

[0659] For the modification requested by SMF, SMF calls Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer([N2SM information](PDU Session ID, QFI, QoS Profile), N1SM container)).

[0660] The MF may send the N2([N2SM information received from the SMF], NAS message(PDU session ID, N1SM container(PDU session modification command))) message to the (R)AN.

[0661] The (R)AN may acknowledge the N2PDU session request by sending an N2PDU Session Ack message to the AMF.

[0662] The AMF forwards the N2SM information received from the AN to the SMF through the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation.

[0663] The SMF responds with a Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response.

[0664] The SMF can update the N4 session of the UPF involved in the PDU session modification by sending an N4 session modification request message to the UPF.

[0665] 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.

[0666] FIG9B is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG9B , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0667] 1a, execute the steps in Figure 9A.

[0668] 1b, AF can send information (QoS parameters and frame identification parameters of each PDU Set in QoS Flow) to PCF through Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Create request. AF can also provide this information to 5GS before the PDU session is established.

[0669] Step S9201, sending encryption instruction information.

[0670] AF sends encryption indication information to 5GC (NEF / PCF) (including at least one of the following items: whether to encrypt PDU / SDF, whether to support PDU set processing of encrypted PDU / SDF, whether the header is fully encrypted or partially encrypted, whether encryption proxy is supported, whether E2E encryption is performed, whether PDU set processing of encrypted PDU is performed first, and encryption protocol description).

[0671] The AF may provide encryption indication information to the NEF / PCF during the AF QoS request / update process.

[0672] The information includes protocol description and PDU set related auxiliary information. The PDU set related auxiliary information may include QoS parameters of each PDU set in the QoS flow.

[0673] PDU Set processing indication (indicates whether PDU Set-based processing should be activated in the process). It can be implicitly indicated by other PDU Set related information provided by the AF.

[0674] Whether all PDUs are required by using PDU Set at the application layer;

[0675] PDU Delay Budget

[0676] PDU setting error rate.

[0677] Step S9202: Determine PCC rules.

[0678] The PCF generates appropriate PCC rules, which may include PDU Set-related QoS parameters (as shown below). The PCF sends the PCC rules to the SMF.

[0679] The PCF determines the PCC rules based on the encryption indication information provided by the AF (the encryption indication information includes at least one of the following: whether to encrypt the PDU / SDF, whether to support PDU set processing of the encrypted PDU / SDF, whether the header is fully encrypted or partially encrypted, whether encryption proxy is supported, whether E2E encryption is performed, whether to prioritize PDU set processing of the encrypted PDU, and encryption protocol description).

[0680] Step S9203: Send PCC rules.

[0681] The PCF sends the encryption indication information received from the AF / NEF to the SMF according to the PCC rules.

[0682] Among them, the PDU setting related QoS parameters are new QoS parameters for QoS processing based on PDU sets in 5GS, and may also include:

[0683] PDU Set Delay Budget (PSDB);

[0684] PDU Set Error Rate (PSER),

[0685] Whether all PDUs are required when using PDU Set according to the application layer;

[0686] Whether to discard PDU Set when PSDB exceeds;

[0687] If this step is triggered by step 1b, the PCF will generate PCC rules based on the information provided by the AF.

[0688] Step S9204: Determine QoS rules and QoS setting parameters.

[0689] The SMF generates the QoS profile and N4 rules based on the PCC rules provided by the PCF. The SMF sends the N4 rules to the UPF and sends the QoS profile to the RAN node via the AMF. After receiving the PCC rules, the SMF determines the QoS rules and QoS setting parameters, taking into account the encryption indication information, and configures / activates the rules to the UPF (e.g. via the N4 session). After receiving the PCC rules, the SMF forwards the PSI indication to the UPF (e.g. via the N4 session). The protocol description and auxiliary information related to the PDU set are sent to the SMF as part of the PCC rules. The SMF sends them to the NG-RAN via the AMF as part of the QoS profile.

[0690] Step S9205: Determine PDU Set information.

[0691] The UPF identifies the relevant information (as shown below) based on the received N4 rules or the local configuration of the UPF, and performs QoS processing based on the PDU Set according to the N4 rule instructions. The UPF identifies the PDUs belonging to a PDU Set. The information of each PDU Set is as follows:

[0692] After receiving the PCC rules, the SMF determines the QoS rules and QoS setting parameters, considers the encryption indication information, and configures / activates the rules to the UPF (for example, through the N4 session) (the encryption indication information includes at least one of the following items: whether to encrypt PDU / SDF, whether to support PDU set processing of encrypted PDU / SDF, whether the header is fully encrypted or partially encrypted, whether encryption proxy is supported, whether E2E encryption is performed, whether PDU set processing of encrypted PDU is performed first, and encryption protocol description).

[0693] In addition, the UPF sends encryption indication information to the NG-RAN (for example, in an extended header, GTP-U header). Alternatively, the (UP) encryption indication information is provided to the UPF from the AS (directly or through the NEF). The UPF identifies and determines the PDU set information to be sent to the NG-RAN in the extended header (for example, the GTP-U header) based on the encryption indication information. The UPF sends the encryption indication information to the NG-RAN in the extended header (for example, the GTP-U header). Alternatively, (UPF configuration). The UPF identifies and determines the PDU set information to be sent to the NG-RAN in the extended header (for example, the GTP-U header) based on the encryption indication information according to the OAM configuration or operator policy. The UPF sends the encryption indication information to the NG-RAN in the extended header (for example, the GTP-U header).

[0694] Included parameters:

[0695] —PDU Set sequence number (QoS Flow is identified by QoS Flow ID, and each PDU Set in the QoS Flow is identified by PDU Set SN). Each QoS Flow can be used to send one or more PDU Sets.

[0696] The start / end PDU of the PDU set;

[0697] The sequence number of the PDU in the PDU Set;

[0698] PDU centralized size;

[0699] The importance of PDU settings;

[0700] PDUSet size;

[0701] The data burst is over.

[0702] Among them, UPF identifies relevant information through the following methods / mechanisms:

[0703] Option 1: By matching the RTP / SRTP header and payload;

[0704] Option 2: New RTP extension header;

[0705] Option 3: Information provided by the autonomous system in the N6 encapsulation header, such as GTP-U;

[0706] Option 4: Detection based on traffic characteristics;

[0707] Option 5: Implement UPF via non-standardized mechanisms.

[0708] Step S9206, send PDU Set information.

[0709] The UPF sends the PDU Set information to the RAN. The UPF sends the above PDU Set related information.

[0710] The RAN performs QoS processing based on the PDU Set according to the PDU Set related information received in Step 6.

[0711] 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.

[0712] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0713] 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.

[0714] 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.

[0715] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element applicable to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10A, AF network element 1010 may include a transceiver module 1011. In some embodiments, transceiver module 1011 receives PCC rules and encryption indication information for a service data flow, and based on the PCC rules and encryption indication information, determines QoS rules for the service data flow, including PDU set QoS parameters for the service data flow, and sends second information to a user plane function (UPF) network element, where the second information includes the QoS rules and encryption indication information.

[0716] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element applicable to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10A, PCF network element 1020 may include a transceiver module 1021 and a processing module 1022. In some embodiments, transceiver module 1021 is configured to receive first information, including QoS requirement information and encryption indication information for a service data flow, for use by a wireless access RAN network element to perform PDU set-based processing and send PCC rules to a session management function (SMF) network element. Processing module 1022 is configured to determine policy control and charging PCC rules for the service data flow based on the QoS requirement information and encryption indication information.

[0717] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element applicable to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10A, SMF network element 1030 may include a transceiver module 1031. In some embodiments, transceiver module 1031 is configured to receive PCC rules and encryption indication information for a service data flow, determine QoS rules for the service data flow based on the PCC rules and encryption indication information, where the QoS rules include PDU setQoS parameters for the service data flow, and send second information to a user plane function (UPF) network element, where the second information includes at least one of the QoS rules and encryption indication information.

[0718] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element applicable to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10A, UPF network element 1040 may include a transceiver module 1041 and a processing module 1042. In some embodiments, transceiver module 1041 is configured to receive encryption indication information for a service data flow and send PDU set information for the service data flow to a RAN network element. Processing module 1042 is configured to identify and determine the PDU set information from an extended header of the service data flow based on the encryption indication information.

[0719] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element applicable to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10A , NEF network element 1050 may include a transceiver template 1051. In some embodiments, transceiver template 1051 is configured to receive first information from an AF network element, the first information including QoS requirement information and encryption indication information for a service data flow, and to enable the RAN network element to perform encrypted PDU set-based processing and to send the first information to the PCF network element.

[0720] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element applicable to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10A, RAN network element 1060 may include a transceiver module 1061 and a processing module 1062. In some embodiments, transceiver module 1061 is configured to receive PDU set information for a service data flow and QoS rules for the service data flow from a UPF network element, the QoS rules including PDU set QoS parameters for the service data flow. Processing module 1062 is configured to perform PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the PDU set information and QoS rules.

[0721] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 1100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 1100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0722] As shown in Figure 11A, the communication device 1100 includes one or more processors 1101. Processor 1101 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, baseband chip, terminal device, terminal device chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 1100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0723] In some embodiments, the communication device 1100 further includes one or more memories 1102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 1102 may be located outside the communication device 1100.

[0724] In some embodiments, the communication device 1100 further includes one or more transceivers 1103. When the communication device 1100 includes one or more transceivers 1103, the transceiver 1103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 1101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0725] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0726] In some embodiments, the communication device 1100 may include one or more interface circuits 1104. Optionally, the interface circuit 1104 is connected to the memory 1102. The interface circuit 1104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 1102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 1102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 1104 may read instructions stored in the memory 1102 and send the instructions to the processor 1101.

[0727] The communication device 1100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 1100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 1100 may not be limited by FIG. 11A . 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.

[0728] FIG11B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 1200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 1100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 1200 shown in FIG11B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0729] The chip 1200 includes one or more processors 1201 , and the chip 1200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0730] In some embodiments, chip 1200 further includes one or more interface circuits 1202. Optionally, interface circuit 1202 is connected to memory 1203. Interface circuit 1202 can be used to receive signals from memory 1203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to memory 1203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 1202 can read instructions stored in memory 1203 and send the instructions to processor 1201.

[0731] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, and the processor 1201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0732] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0733] In some embodiments, the chip 1200 further includes one or more memories 1203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 1203 may be located outside the chip 1200.

[0734] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 1100, the communication device 1100 is caused to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but 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.

[0735] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 1100, enables the communication device 1100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0736] 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.

Claims

1. An information processing method, characterized in that: Executed by an application function AF network element, the method includes: The AF network element sends first information to the policy control function PCF network element, where the first information includes quality of service QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, which is used for the wireless access RAN network element to perform encrypted packet data unit set (PDU set)-based processing.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information: first indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted; Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing; third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of the service data stream, wherein the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption; fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy; fifth indication information of whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted; Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow shall preferentially perform encrypted PDU set-based processing; Descriptive information of the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: The AF network element sends the first information to the PCF network element through an AF QoS request; or, The AF network element sends the first information to the PCF network element through an AF QoS update message.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first information also includes at least one of the following information: Service information of XRM business of extended reality and media business; Terminal address or terminal identification; AF application identification information; Description information of the service data flow; QoS parameters of the service data flow; The data network name is DNN and the single network slice selection auxiliary information is S-NSSAI.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information carries description information of a specific protocol, and the description information of the specific protocol is used to implicitly transmit the encryption indication information.

6. An information processing method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a policy control function PCF network element, and includes: The PCF network element receives first information, where the first information includes QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and is used for the wireless access RAN network element to perform PDU set-based processing; The PCF network element determines the policy control and charging PCC rules of the service data flow based on the QoS requirement information and the encryption indication information; The PCF network element sends the PCC rules to the session management function SMF network element.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: The PCF network element sends the encryption indication information to the session management function SMF network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: The PCF network element carries the encryption indication information in the PCC rule, and sends the encryption indication information to the SMF network element through the PCC rule.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information: first indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted; Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing; third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of the service data stream, wherein the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption; fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy; fifth indication information of whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted; Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow shall preferentially perform encrypted PDU set-based processing; Descriptive information of the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The PCF network element receives the first information sent by the AF network element; or, The PCF network element receives the first information sent by the network development function NEF network element.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: The PCF network element sends the encryption indication information to the SMF network element through a session management SM association modification request.

12. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The first information carries description information of a specific protocol, and the description information of the specific protocol is used to implicitly transmit the encryption indication information. The method further includes: The PCF network element determines the encryption indication information based on the description information of the specific protocol.

13. An information processing method, characterized in that: Executed by an SMF network element, the method includes: The SMF network element receives the PCC rule and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and determines the QoS rule of the service data flow based on the PCC rule and the encryption indication information, wherein the QoS rule includes the PDU set QoS parameter of the service data flow; The SMF network element sends second information to the user plane function UPF network element, wherein the second information includes at least one of the QoS rule and the encryption indication information.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: The SMF network element sends a first response message to the PCF network element.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: The SMF network element initiates an N4 session modification request to the UPF network element, and sends the second information through the N4 session modification request.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: The SMF network element receives a second response message sent by the UPF network element.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that The encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information: first indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted; Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing; third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of the service data stream, wherein the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption; fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy; fifth indication information of whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted; Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow shall preferentially perform encrypted PDU set-based processing; Descriptive information of the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

18. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The encryption indication information is carried in the PCC rule, or carried in other third information.

19. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: The SMF network element sends the second information to the RAN network element through the access and mobility management function AMF network element.

20. An information processing method, characterized in that: Executed by a UPF network element, the method includes: The UPF network element receives encryption indication information of the service data flow; The UPF network element identifies and determines PDU set information from an extended header of the service data flow according to the encryption indication information; The UPF network element sends the PDU set information to the RAN network element.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The UPF network element sends the PDU set information to the RAN network element, including: The UPF network element carries the PDU set information in an extended packet header of the service data flow and sends the information to the RAN network element; or, The UPF network element sends fourth information, and the fourth information includes the PDU set information.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: The UPF network element sends the encryption indication information to the RAN network element.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: The UPF network element sends the encryption indication information to the RAN network element in the extended header.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: The UPF network element receives the QoS rule of the service data flow, where the QoS rule includes a PDU set QoS parameter of the service data flow; The UPF network element sends fifth information to the RAN network element, where the fifth information includes the QoS rule.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The method further comprises: The UPF network element receives the encryption indication information sent directly by the application server AS or the NEF network element; The UPF network element receives the QoS rules sent by the SMF network element.

26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The method further comprises: The UPF network element receives the second information sent by the SMF network element, and the second information includes the encryption indication information and the QoS rules.

27. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that The encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information: first indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted; Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing; third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of the service data stream, wherein the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption; fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy; fifth indication information of whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted; Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow shall preferentially perform encrypted PDU set-based processing; Descriptive information of the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

28. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: The UPF network element receives the service data stream sent by the application server; The UPF network element sends the service data flow to the RAN network element.

29. An information processing method, characterized in that: Executed by a NEF network element, the method includes: The NEF network element receives the first information sent by the AF network element, where the first information includes QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, which is used for the RAN network element to perform encrypted PD U set-based processing; The NEF network element sends the first information to the PCF network element.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that The encryption indication information includes at least one of the following information: first indication information of whether the service data flow is encrypted; Second indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption based on PDU set processing; third indication information of an encryption mode of a header of the service data stream, wherein the encryption mode includes full header encryption and partial header encryption; fourth indication information of whether the service data flow supports encryption proxy; fifth indication information of whether the service data flow is end-to-end E2E encrypted; Sixth indication information of whether the service data flow shall preferentially perform encrypted PDU set-based processing; Descriptive information of the service data flow related to the encryption protocol.

31. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that The method further comprises: The NEF network element sends the encryption indication information to the UPF network element.

32. An information processing method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a RAN network element and includes: The RAN network element receives PDU set information of the service data flow sent by the UPF network element; The RAN network element receives the QoS rule of the service data flow, where the QoS rule includes a PDU set QoS parameter of the service data flow; The RAN network element performs PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the PDU Set information and the QoS rule.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The method further comprises: The RAN network element receives the service data flow sent by the UPF network element.

34. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The RAN network element receives PDU set information of the service data flow, including: The RAN network element determines the PDU set information from an extended packet header of the service data flow; or, The RAN network element receives fourth information sent by the UPF network element, where the fourth information includes the PDU set information.

35. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The RAN network element receives the QoS rule of the service data flow, including: The RAN network element receives fifth information sent by the UPF network element, where the fifth information includes the QoS rule and encryption indication information; or, The RAN network element receives the QoS rules and the encryption indication information forwarded by the AMF network element.

36. An AF network element, characterized in that: The AF network element includes: The transceiver module is used to send first information to the policy control function PCF network element, where the first information includes the service quality QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and is used for the wireless access RAN network element to perform encrypted packet data unit set PDU set-based processing.

37. A PCF network element, characterized in that: The PCF network element includes: A transceiver module, configured to receive first information, wherein the first information includes QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of a service data flow, and is used for a wireless access RAN network element to perform PDU set-based processing, and to send a PCC rule to a session management function SMF network element; A processing module is used to determine the policy control and charging PCC rules of the service data flow based on the QoS requirement information and the encryption indication information.

38. A SMF network element, characterized in that: The SMF network element includes: A transceiver module is used to receive PCC rules and encryption indication information of a service data flow, and determine the QoS rules of the service data flow based on the PCC rules and encryption indication information, wherein the QoS rules include PDU set QoS parameters of the service data flow, and send second information to a UPF network element, wherein the second information includes at least one of the QoS rules and the encryption indication information.

39. A UPF network element, characterized in that: The UPF network element includes: The transceiver module is used to receive encryption indication information of the service data flow and send PDU set information of the service data flow to the RAN network element. A processing module is used to identify and determine PDU set information from an extended header of the service data flow according to the encryption indication information.

40. A NEF network element, characterized in that: The NEF network element includes: The transceiver module is used to receive the first information sent by the AF network element, where the first information includes the QoS requirement information and encryption indication information of the service data flow, and is used for the RAN network element to perform encryption-based PDU set processing, and send the first information to the PCF network element.

41. A RAN network element, characterized in that: The RAN network element includes: A transceiver module, used to receive PDU set information of a service data flow sent by a UPF network element, and receive QoS rules of the service data flow, wherein the QoS rules include PDU set QoS parameters of the service data flow; A processing module is used to perform PDU set-based processing on the received service data flow based on the PDU Set information and the QoS rule.

42. A communication system, characterized in that: include: AF network element, PCF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element, NEF network element, RAN network element, wherein the AF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 1-5, the PCF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 6-12, the SMF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 13-19, the UPF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 20-28, the NEF network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 29-31, and the RAN network element is configured to implement the information processing method described in any one of claims 32-35.

43. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device executes the information processing method as described in any one of claims 1-5, 6-12, 13-19, 20-28, 29-31, or 32-35.

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